United News of Bangladesh

Accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to fish in troubled waters, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday alleged that a party which had taken part in the 1986 election under an autocratic regime is now questioning the electoral atmosphere under the interim government. “Some people are now trying to fish in troubled waters and saying there is no proper environment for the election,” he said while inaugurating a football tournament at the Dhanmondi Sports Club ground. BNP’s Dhaka North City unit organised the event as part of the party’s month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. Throughout world history, Rizvi said people have gained their rights through movements and struggles. The BNP leader said an elected parliament with public representatives, who are accountable to people, is essential to speed up political progress. BNP sees February polls as chance to restore democracy “But instead of supporting such elections, you're trying to delay them under the pretext of political rhetoric. You're questioning the election atmosphere, but we know your history. You had no hesitation in joining an election under an autocrat, following Sheikh Hasina’s footsteps,” he said. Earlier on Friday, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said a neutral election is not possible in Bangladesh under the current circumstances. “Under the current circumstances, a neutral election is impossible. We must first create an environment for credible elections, and that requires fundamental reforms,” said Shafiqur while addressing a rally in Rangpur. Rizvi said the Jamaat Ameer sounded like a green activist, raising concern about the election environment. “Suddenly, you have become an 'environmentalist'! If you are so concerned about the environment, then work on the global environmental decline we are all witnessing.” He said the country now needs an elected government to restore people’s rightful political, democratic and human rights. “That is why we are calling upon the interim government to arrange a free and fair election by completing the necessary reforms within a very reasonable timeframe,” Rizvi said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London has caused ‘heartburn’ among various political parties. “Many parties couldn’t accept it. Some even expressed resentment. This meeting caused heartburn among many political parties. Brother, why are you so upset? What is your purpose?" Rizvi said while addressing a rally in the Bhawanipur area of Gazipur. Gazipur district unit BNP organised the programme on the premises of local Muktijoddha College to launch the party’s new membership form distribution and membership renewal campaign. In an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rizvi said some political parties are upset over the revised election timeline. The BNP leader said some political parties claimed the interim government's neutrality had been compromised by the London meeting. Rizvi questioned when those parties had ever conducted themselves with genuine impartiality and suggested they should first reflect on their own history. Prof Yunus-Tarique London meeting raises hope, shows democratic direction: Dudu “They (Jamaat) stood against people in 1971, joined hands with Hasina in the 1986 election… After August 5 (2024), they talked about forgiving the Awami League and deepening ties with India. What kind of politics is this?” he questioned. The BNP leader said Jamaat’s politics is full of contradictions, while BNP’s politics is positive and constructive. He observed that there is no more suitable time than the first or second week of February next year for the national election. “There is a tradition of holding national elections during this period,” he said. On the contrary, Rizvi said, April is not favourable for voting due to extreme heat, storms and the season of Hajj and Qurbani preparations. “Can election campaigns even be conducted during Ramadan?” He said the first or second week of February will offer a window with good weather, no Ramadan, and no academic exams – making it the ideal time for elections. Slamming Sheikh Hasina, Rizvi said the deposed former Prime Minister had carried out many propaganda campaigns against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, but she never fled the country nor bowed down to Hasina’s injustice. He accused Hasina of destroying the Election Commission and stifling people’s democratic rights. The BNP leader also criticised India for continuing to push its citizens into Bangladesh through various borders. “India is trying to provoke conflict through the incidents of push-in. If this continues, they must face the consequences.” Meanwhile, traffic movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway was disrupted in the afternoon near the Bhawanipur area due to the BNP rally, causing immense suffering to Eid holidaymakers returning to Dhaka.

BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said that if his party comes to power, the state will take full responsibility for the families of those who were killed or injured during the July-August movement. “Those who are now reaping the benefits of the July movement, holding key positions including advisory roles or even forming political parties, should be more attentive to the families of the martyrs,” Rizvi noted while speaking to reporters after visiting the family of Arman Molla, who was killed during mass uprising by students and locals in the Chouya area of Meherpara union under Sadar upazila. Zubaida pledges support for budding scientists The BNP leader questioned why they [interim government] don't have the list of the martyrs “whose blood laid the foundation for this current [interim] government?” He said that the freedom people enjoy today is owed to the sacrifices of individuals like the late Arman Molla. “It is heartbreaking that the children of someone who gave his life for the country’s freedom have to live in an orphanage instead of their home,” Rizvi said. “We came here to stand by Arman’s family. After the incident was reported in the media, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, a true leader of the masses, took notice and took responsibility for the family. He sent us here on behalf of the ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ initiative,” he added. On July 21 last year, Arman Molla was shot dead on the spot while participating in a protest in front of the Shilmandi Union Parishad in Narsingdi. Arman’s wife, Salma Begum, has since been struggling to support their three minor children. She has placed her elder daughter Mahi (10) and son Rafi (7) in an orphanage, while she continues to live in extreme hardship with her youngest daughter Afra (3).

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? Read public pulse, accelerate democratic transition: Moyeen Khan to govt 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.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday alleged that the fallen fascist force, with the help of their cohorts, is trying to fish in troubled waters by carrying out untoward incidents in the country using their illicit wealth as a weapon. “The money of the country’s people laundered by the fallen dictator is acting as a 'tonic' for Sheikh Hasina. She is relying heavily on laundered money to fish in troubled waters by orchestrating various incidents in the country,” he told a press briefing at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi alleged that this is why criminal activities such as robbery, theft and mugging are on the rise across neighbourhoods and streets throughout the country. The BNP leader said the voices of fugitive authoritarian fascists are being heard once again in various parts of the country, including Dhaka. “There is a proverb—‘money talks’. Sheikh Hasina is trying to make full use of this adage. She wants to destabilise Bangladesh with the profits of the wealth she has siphoned off from the country using the power of the mafia economy,” he observed. The BNP leader said many of the major accomplices of the deposed fascist regime were in custody after Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year. He questioned how these top allies of the fallen regime managed to escape despite being in state custody, implying a significant breach or collusion within the administration. “Surely many fascist collaborators are still embedded within the administration, working behind the scenes to protect and support the fascists and killers,” Rizvi said. BNP holds talks with Gono Forum, NDM to intensify pressure on govt over election-time He said Sheikh Hasina, who escaped to India in the face of a mass uprising, has continued to issue provocative threats from there. Hasina’s close allies who were arrested after the mass uprising, including former minister Shahjahan Khan, are openly threatening to retaliate against the current administration while appearing before court, he said. “These people are mocking the judiciary and displaying blatant disregard for the police. Their defiant behaviour in court, despite being accused in various cases, is part of a calculated plot to prove the interim government ineffective,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that the fascist elements are daring to assert themselves only because of the silent role of the Home Ministry and the police administration. Rizvi recalled that many BNP leaders and religious scholars over the past 15 years were produced in court shackled in handcuffs in fabricated cases. He said the Awami League leaders who are accused of serious crimes are being presented before courts with honour and comfort. “It’s happening as Hasina’s oligarchs remain deeply entrenched within the Home Ministry and police—like ghosts within the grain.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that if the Election Commission performs its duties properly, the general elections could take place between June and July, rather than in December. He further added, “If there is a delay in the election process, the people will begin to doubt the credibility of this interim government.” He made this statement during a meeting with the families of those injured and martyred in the July-August uprising in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, followed by a donation distribution ceremony on Friday. ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ organised this event at the city's Bhuban Mohan Park. Take stern action against abusers of women: BNP to govt Questioning the delay in holding the elections, Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina has deprived the people of their voting rights and delayed the election for 15 years. Voters were unable to go to polling stations and cast their votes for 15 years. Their votes were cast even before they could reach the polls. So, now people don’t want to see any delay in the election. Our electoral system and democratic institutions have been completely destroyed. “These institutions need to be revived, and we need innovation,” Rizvi added. He stated, "We believe that the interim government is essentially a caretaker government. Therefore, this government should be able to conduct a fair election. Any delay in the election process is unacceptable." Rizvi also highlighted the need for reforms to ensure that law enforcement agencies cannot oppress the people by acting as the government's enforcers. Moyeen Khan-led delegation returns home from China "An elected government is required to establish such laws. How can this be possible without an elected government? Therefore, the national parliamentary election must take place first," he added. Amra BNP Poribar convener Atiqur Rahman Rumman, BNP Executive Committee Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam, and other leaders also spoke at the event.

BNP will hold prayers on Tuesday across the country, including in Dhaka, on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day to remember those killed in the BDR carnage.   BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced this one-day programme during a press conference at the party's central office in Nayapaltan on Monday afternoon. He said, “Every year, on February 25, BNP remembers the martyrs with great respect. This year, the government has announced the observance of National Martyred Army Day. BNP supports the government's declaration to observe this day nationally.” The programme will include paying respect and offering prayers at the Banani Army Graveyard in the morning, followed by a discussion session at 3:30 pm at the Engineers Institution auditorium, Ramna. Rizvi also mentioned that similar prayer events will be organised in districts and metropolitan areas across the country. Remain vigilant against return of fascism: Tarique Rahman The BNP leader said, “The army investigation report on the BDR rebellion has not been released, but the report from that time clearly indicates that those in power and their international masters might have been involved in this brutal massacre. Many pieces of evidence were destroyed in the process.” “Various conspiracies were carried out to cripple Bangladesh and destroy the strong defense system that had been built in the country. On February 25, 2009, this massacre took place as part of those plots,” he added. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, central leaders Shirin Sultana, Helen Zerin Khan, Munir Hossain, Amirul Islam Khan Alim and others were present at the press conference. On Sunday, a circular was issued by the Cabinet Division stating this declaration. It mentioned that February 25 will be observed as National Martyred Army Day every year, but it will not be a public holiday. The day will be classified as a "Category C" holiday. The circular urges relevant ministries, departments, and organizations to implement this decision appropriately. The February 25-26, 2009, BDR rebellion at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka led to the murder of 57 army officers and a total of 74 deaths. The incident caused an international uproar.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused India of directly interfering in Bangladesh's sovereignty by allowing Sheikh Hasina a 'freehand' to speak. "India may have provided her shelter, but from there, she is inciting unrest, trying to create anarchy, and Indian policymakers are supporting her. This is really strange," he said while speaking at a book launch event on Saturday. He said such a position by another state on an independent democratic nation is a gross violation of all international norms and principles. Rizvi went on to say, “I am surprised that in a democratic country like India, some journalists and the media are making such shameless statements, just like Sheikh Hasina did, siding with those fascists. It seems that the hidden treasure they have accumulated for a long time has been lost.” “Not only Sheikh Hasina but also the policymakers in India cannot tolerate the practice of democracy in Bangladesh, the possibility of development in a democratic state! Why is this? We cannot expect this from a democratic country,” the BNP leader lamented. Rizvi questioned, “Some Indians are saying that Bangladesh will no longer exist. How can Indian policymakers tolerate the idea that a neighboring independent country will cease to exist?” BNP announces nationwide rallies over high prices, slide in law and order The BNP senior leader also urged people to stay vigilant against the threat of counter-revolution.  “We, all of us who support democratic forces, must take cautious steps so that no one can take advantage of any anarchy. We must also remember that the counter-revolution always lurks, and we must not allow it to take hold.” He emphasized that the mistakes made after the revolutions in various countries should not be repeated. He believed that if these lessons were learned, there would never be a counter-revolution again. Support for govt to continue despite its “weak nature”: Hafizuddin Rizvi said that the country would progress along the path of democracy and would not accept anything that was anti-national, anti-democratic, or detrimental to sovereignty. “We will never accept anything that goes against what Bengalis' history and culture represents, and we will never tolerate interference from others in advancing it. This is the way we must move forward. We must preserve the changes we have made through our efforts,” he added.