Senior leaders of the ruling Awami League have unequivocally stated that protests will not secure the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

This assertion was made during an anniversary discussion meeting organised by Dhaka South Unit Awami League on Saturday afternoon.

"Protesting for Khaleda Zia's release is futile," remarked Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

Addressing the current movements against the government, he added, "If the protests involve elements of violence, they [BNP leaders] will have to face the consequences."

"Once again, we will fight – against corruption, money laundering, plundering, militancy, and communalism."

Quamrul Islam, a member of the Awami League Presidium, echoed these sentiments, noting, "Khaleda Zia, convicted of corruption, has not sought her release through the courts but repeatedly asks the government for freedom through street protests."

"Their intentions are malicious; they want to keep Begum Zia in prison to establish the terrorist Tarique Rahman in politics. They do not truly seek her release, as evidenced by their avoidance of legal avenues."

Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif, Joint General Secretary of Awami League, also weighed in, stating, "BNP’s intentions are ulterior. If they genuinely sought Khaleda Zia’s release, they would go to court instead of protesting."

Hanif said, BNP is merely following Tarique Rahman's directives while Khaleda Zia remains in jail. Legal processes, not protests, are the only way to secure her release."

Obaidul Quader further claimed that the programs initiated by Tarique Rahman from London hold no interest for the people.

"BNP makes grand statements, but their leaders lack the resolve for real protests. Their rhetoric is poisonous and aggressive, but their movements are fake."

Quader said, the name causing terror within BNP now is Tarique Rahman, who issues orders from the banks of the Thames River at midnight.

"Their leaders, such as Fakhrul Islam and Goyeshwar Babu, follow these commands, but no one knows their whereabouts."

Quader criticised the London-based programs, saying, "Orders come from London, making new leaders and setting programs. Do the people of Bangladesh accept this Made-in-London agenda? No, they do not. The game is on, and we will not back down."

He emphasised that the Awami League stands for ensuring the rights of Bangladesh’s people to vote and food. "This institution, now 75 years old, has a legacy of struggle and resilience against tyranny and adversity. We stand amidst the march of death, singing the victory of life. Our roots run deep in the soil of Bangladesh, born among its people."

Addressing journalists, Quader highlighted, "We promised to celebrate our anniversary throughout the year. Yesterday, we organized a cycle rally, did BNP do anything similar? So why defame Awami League?" He announced that celebrations would continue at all levels, culminating in district-level gatherings where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would deliver speeches after August.