BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said that leaders and activists of the Awami League’s associate bodies, Jubo League and Chhatra League, are trying to destabilise the country by joining the ongoing garment workers’ movement.
He said conspiracies are underway to destabilise the country while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is taking initiatives to make Bangladesh self-reliant.
“Amid various conspiracies and plots, the government is carrying out its responsibilities. Tarique Rahman has taken initiatives to make the country stand on its own feet. But, disregarding these efforts, Jubo League and Chhatra League are trying to destabilise the country in the name of the garment workers’ movement,” Rizvi said.
He alleged that those involved in setting vehicles and police boxes on fire and attacking police were being caught at the scene and identified as activists of Jubo League and Chhatra League.
“So, it does not take us long to understand the conspiracy. Nobody needs to read big books or obtain degrees to understand it. The people can now clearly see who is behind these conspiracies and who is instigating acts of sabotage,” he said.
Rizvi was speaking at a programme organised by the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum marking its 35th founding anniversary at the Dhaka Bar Association in the evening.
He said the government would have to move forward by breaking through the web of conspiracies being woven against it, adding that lawyers, people from all walks of life and the general public were its strength.
Referring to the recent protests by garment workers, Rizvi said unrest is being created at a time when the Prime Minister is visiting different countries to bring investment commitments to Bangladesh.
He mentioned the discussions and initiatives taken during Tarique Rahman's recent visit to Japan to increase bilateral cooperation, develop infrastructure, expand trade and attract investment.
Rizvi also referred to the government's social protection initiatives, including allowances for imams, muezzins and priests of temples and churches, saying these are part of the Prime Minister's efforts to provide social security.
He alleged that 11 Jubo League and Chhatra League activists had been detained from the workers' movement on Sunday, including an organising secretary of Jagannath University Chhatra League.
Rizvi alleged that a defeated force and another political force are maintaining a secret relationship and working together.
He said those who supported nationalist politics would stand for the country, its soil, sovereignty and independence.
“We will continue our journey and invite others to join us. If they do not come and choose a different path, we will move forward with the people of this country. We have no intention of fleeing. We will ensure that the people stand on firm ground,” he said.
Rizvi said the BNP government would ensure citizens' freedom and establish a prosperous, democratic, independent and sovereign Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.
Rizvi criticised Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer's remark that “another revolution is knocking at the door”, saying the party's political history was one of surrender and submission to authoritarian forces.
“Are you talking about revolution? Your political history is one of surrender and bowing down before authoritarian forces,” he said.