BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the need to empower citizens by reducing excessive state power, warning that concentrated authority could lead to fascism and create challenges for the people.

He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at founding anniversary of Chattogram Dharma Ujjal Parishad, held at the National Maritime Academy.

The function also featured speeches by Captain Ataur Rahman and Israfil Khasru, member of BNP’s International Affairs Sub-Committee, as special guests.

BNP leaders and community representatives, including Sarfaraj Kader Russel, Roknuddin Mahmud, Rubel Barua, Pritom Barua Dhalim and several members of the Chakma community, addressed the gathering.

Khasru stated that BNP envisions empowering every citizen in accordance with their constitutional rights and is planning reforms to ensure broader public participation in governance.

“People were kept hostage and frustration prevailed when more power was concentrated in the hands of the state,” Khasru said. “It is time to reduce state power while enhancing the power of the people.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining inter-religious harmony and social unity, ensuring that citizens can participate freely in all affairs and take leadership according to their abilities.

Highlighting gender equality, Khasru added that women’s greater participation in social and state affairs is essential for sustainable development and meaningful societal change.

“We are all equal, and the rights of every citizen, irrespective of caste, creed or religion, are equal. There is no reason for anyone to feel inferior,” he concluded.