BNP on Thursday strongly condemned the remarks made by National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman involving its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and demanded his immediate removal from office.
“The people of the country are shocked, surprised, worried and angry at the statement he (Khalilur) made about Tarique Rahman,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also said the security adviser’s comments appear to echo the manner in which Hasina, the icon of fascism, used to defame the Zia family, aiming to create an illusion of so-called development by effectively burying democracy.
“Our statement is clear that there is no scope for experimentation with the state. Dr Khalil must be immediately removed from the post of National Security Adviser and complete information about his status at home and abroad must be disclosed to the people of the country,” Rizvi said.
Instead of addressing the questions raised about his status, the BNP leader said Khalilur sought to divert public attention by resorting to propaganda against Tarique Rahman, akin to fugitive dictator Hasina. “The people of this country will not accept such nefarious efforts.”
Describing Dr Khalilur as a controversial figure who appears to serve foreign interests, Rizvi said the public deserves answers to pressing questions: Where was he during a decade and a half of fascism? What was his status? In which country did he reside? What was his position abroad? What role did he play against fascism?
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He also asserted that Dr Khalil’s statement regarding Tarique Rahman is detrimental to the permanent security of democracy.
“It seems there is an attempt to exact revenge by tarnishing the image of Tarique Rahman, whose public standing shines even brighter,” Rizvi said.
Earlier on Wednesday, speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Dr Khalilur Rahman had said, “If I’m being labelled a foreign citizen simply for residing in the US, then by the same logic, BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman – who has lived in the UK for years – could be similarly labelled.”
“If you throw a stone at me, it might end up hitting someone else,” he said, urging those who raised questions about his citizenship to make comments judiciously.
He alleged that Khalilur made the remarks with the intention of ‘destroying’ Tarique Rahman’s political credibility, misleading the public and tarnishing his reputation. “Such a statement by Dr Khalilur Rahman, holding a key state position, is undoubtedly a display of arrogance and malicious intent.”
“He must remember that Bangladesh is not a fertile ground for unelected authoritarianism. In recent days, his words and behaviour suggest he has begun to act with a sense of unchecked authority. It appears he may be involved in a mission to serve the interests of certain domestic or foreign quarters,” Rizvi added.
Stating that public doubts are mounting, he questioned how someone as controversial as Khalilur Rahman—widely known as an architect of the conspiracy to hand over corridors, channels, and ports to foreign interests—could be appointed as the National Security Adviser.
Rizvi said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has reiterated support for the interim government to ensure the formation of a people’s government through fair elections. “But it seems the government is failing to grasp the significance of this support. Some individuals in power appear intent on provoking confrontation with the BNP.”
Criticising the appointment of Dr Khalilur Rahman as National Security Adviser, he questioned his sudden emergence despite having had no role in the anti-fascist movement.
The BNP leader alleged that Khalilur is serving foreign interests and plotting to destabilise Bangladesh under the guise of establishing humanitarian corridors. “People have a right to know whether the country’s security is safe in his hands.”
He said public concern is growing over the interim government’s handling of the so-called humanitarian corridor issue, particularly with regard to Dr Khalil’s role.
The BNP leader said such decisions do not fall within the remit of an interim government, but rather should be taken by an elected and accountable administration. “The neutrality and competence of the current setup are now under question.”
Earlier on Wednesday, speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Dr Khalilur Rahman had said, “If I’m being labelled a foreign citizen simply for residing in the US, then by the same logic, BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman – who has lived in the UK for years – could be similarly labelled.”
“If you throw a stone at me, it might end up hitting someone else,” he said, urging those who raised questions about his citizenship to make comments judiciously.