UK BNP President M A Malek Returns to Bangladesh After 19 Years

Saifur Rahman, Dhaka, 13October 2024: After 19 long years, UK BNP President and BNP Chairperson’s Advisor, M A Malek, has returned to Bangladesh. He landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday, October 13, in the afternoon. A large number of BNP leaders and activists enthusiastically welcomed him. From the airport, he went straight to the mausoleum of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, where he paid his respects and offered special prayers.

Long Exile
In 2005, M A Malek was forced to leave the country due to the wrath of the Awami League government. Despite being unable to return for 19 years, he continued to support BNP from abroad. He played a crucial role in garnering international support for the party, especially in the UK. Throughout difficult times, he remained a steadfast force for BNP’s leaders and activists, even from overseas.

Conflict with the Awami League Government
In 2023, M A Malek led a BNP protest in Washington during Sheikh Hasina’s visit to the United Nations. At that time, Sheikh Hasina had proposed a discussion with him, but Malek rejected the offer and vowed to continue the movement for the restoration of democracy. He stated, “Our fight for democracy will go on.”

Praise for Ruhul Kabir Rizvi
While paying respects at Shaheed Zia’s mausoleum, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was also present. He said, “One day, the Hasina government will be defeated by a mass uprising. Despite repeated warnings, they have failed to understand the people’s voice.” M A Malek also praised Rizvi’s struggle, stating, “Since 1/11, Rizvi Bhai has fought consistently against fascism. He is one of the heroes of our independence.”

The Disappeared Leaders
M A Malek also spoke about BNP’s missing leaders. He mentioned, “I have raised the issue of over 700 missing leaders and activists, including Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, in different parts of the world. Our struggle to bring them back will continue.”

Allegations of Corruption Against the Hasina Family
M A Malek accused the Hasina family of large-scale corruption, stating, “The Hasina family has laundered billions of dollars abroad. This is the wealth of our country, and it must be brought back.”

Excitement Among Party Activists
The news of M A Malek’s return has caused great excitement among BNP activists. Former Central Jubo Dal Joint General Secretary N M Abdullah Uzzal said, “We are thrilled by the arrival of M A Malek Bhai, our leader in tough times. His leadership will make us even stronger.” Expressing hope about Tarique Rahman’s return, Uzzal added, “When Tarique Rahman returns to the country, hundreds of thousands of people will come to the airport with flowers to welcome him.”

Leadership in International Movements
Former Central Jubo Dal Joint Organizational Secretary Mirza Aslam Ali said, “When it was impossible to speak freely in the country, Malek Bhai informed the international community about the injustices and disappearances. He played a successful role in leading the remittance blockade by expatriates to make the 2024 revolution successful.”

M A Malek’s return has sparked new enthusiasm among BNP leaders and activists, and they are preparing for future movements under his leadership.