BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed declared on Tuesday that his party does not support banning any political party through executive order — even as rival factions, including Jamaat-e-Islami, intensify calls to outlaw the 14-party alliance.

Speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence, Salahuddin emphasised that only the judiciary, not the government or Election Commission, should have the authority to dissolve political entities, particularly on charges as grave as “genocide and crimes against humanity.”

“We do not support any process outside the judicial framework,” Salahuddin stated. “The law has now been amended to empower the courts to take action against parties accused of such crimes. If the court delivers a verdict, the Election Commission must abide by it, not the other way around.”

Salahuddin’s remarks come amid rising political tensions, with multiple parties jockeying for position ahead of potential elections. He issued a sharp warning against those exploiting national sentiment for narrow electoral gain.

“If anyone places personal or party greed, like grabbing a few parliamentary seats, above national interest, it will bring terrible consequences,” he said.

He also dismissed calls for a Proportional Representation (PR) system, a proposal floated by some opposition groups, reaffirming BNP’s categorical rejection of PR “in all places, high or low.”

Salahuddin painted a dire picture of what could unfold if elections are delayed or obstructed: constitutional vacuum, fractured national unity, and potential foreign interference.

“If elections are not held timely and democratically, the country may fall into a constitutional void. Fallen fascist forces may resurge. Regional powers could meddle. Global actors may exploit the chaos. This isn’t just a threat to national security, it’s a threat to regional stability.”

He reminded the public that 28 parties contested the 2024 elections and questioned the logic of banning “allies” while leaving others untouched.

“If you want to ban the 14-party alliance, then logically, you must also ban the 28 parties that participated in the last election. Then who will be left to run the elections?” he asked pointedly.

While opposing executive bans, Salahuddin made a notable exception: he called for the Awami League to be prosecuted in court for “genocide and crimes against humanity” — and for dismantling Bangladesh’s democratic institutions.

“As a political party, we were the first to demand that the Awami League be tried for these crimes. And if any other party faces similar allegations, they too must face the judiciary — not political vendettas.”

He stressed that the legal pathway now exists — thanks to recent amendments — making judicial accountability not just possible, but imperative.

Salahuddin closed with a powerful appeal to public conscience, invoking the sacrifices made over the past 16–17 years — lives lost, blood shed — in the struggle for democracy and voting rights.

“The people of this country will reject anyone who tries to delay or derail elections. They are the ultimate judge. They have fought too long and too hard to let anyone steal their right to choose their government.”