BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed Chowdhury on Monday said that although “evil forces” have been ousted after a prolonged struggle, they have not yet been eradicated from society.

Speaking briefly during a visit to the Dhakeshwari temple in the capital, he said, “We have fought for 16 long years to drive out the evil forces. But though they have departed, they have not yet been destroyed.”

The BNP leader said that his party does not believe in using religion as a political tool. “BNP conducts politics with the participation of all citizens, and this is our guiding principle in running the state. We do not want politics based on religious divisions,” he said.

Salahuddin demanded the full enforcement of the constitutional rights of citizens, accusing a rival political force of attempting to divide the state on the basis of religion and create discord.

He also underlined the need for holding elections on time. 

Everyone now wants an election. Those who attempt to obstruct it will be identified and resisted politically by the people. Some quarters are trying to create issues in order to delay the polls, but the people will reject them,” he said.