(BSS)- BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today warned that fascism could return if democracy is not restored following the July Uprising.

"Fascism could return if democracy is not restored. Those who are trying to individually commercialize the spirit of July Uprising must learn a lesson from the Awami League," he said while speaking as the chief guest in a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, organized by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal.

Salahuddin Ahmed asserted that the Awami League was never a political party. "The Awami League was never a political party; it was a mafia organization. The politics of the League must be buried," he said.

The senior BNP leader added, "The activities of any other party in democratic practice cannot be obstructed. We must pursue a political practice that realizes the aspirations of the martyrs of July."

Regarding the recent death sentence of Sheikh Hasina, he said, "Fascist Sheikh Hasina`s verdict was delivered keeping in mind the expectations of the people of the country and international humanitarian considerations. This verdict will also be implemented."

The Standing Committee Member warned that anyone who becomes a fascist will meet the same fate. He questioned how unity could be achieved with other parties when one of the eight parties participated in the `dummy` election. He urged Jamaat-e-Islami not to mislead the public with confusing statistics and called upon them to express solidarity with the people`s demands.

He also questioned how those who opposed the aspirations of 1947 and 1971 could now fulfill the people`s aspirations.