BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday slammed the interim government for its failure to take adequate measures to reduce the prices of essential commodities and curb extortion. “It’s fact that the government is unable to lower the prices of daily necessities, particularly food items. People will be disappointed if they do not experience relief compared to previous periods,” he said while distributing warm clothes in Mohammadpur area of the capital. Timor-Leste President seeks to boost trade ties with Bangladesh The Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal’s Dhaka North City unit organised the programme in front of the Suchona Community Centre. Rizvi said their party has consistently urged the government to intervene in the market and take action against syndicates and middlemen manipulating prices to ease the burden on people. He alleged that the government has failed to stop the extortion of goods-carrying trucks by criminals and the members of law enforcement. “The government may have good intentions, but its initiatives and administrative efforts to reduce commodity prices and curb extortion are inadequate. Proper administrative measures could have stopped extortion on the roads,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi said the government must play a responsible role in combating extortion and ensuring law and order. Khaleda to join political event after 6 years “Political parties cannot stop extortion but can control their own party members, which is what the BNP is doing. But the government must take responsibility to put an end to extortion. It must ensure that every individual can move freely without fear and any threat,” he observed.  The BNP leader said as the interim government was formed through a revolution, it must fulfill the expectations of the people. “If these expectations are not fulfilled, political parties will raise the concerns of the public.” Rizvi said BNP leaders occasionally criticise the government for its shortcomings and failure to meet public expectations. “But that does not mean that we’re against them.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday described Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s comments on reforms involving political parties as “incorrect and confusing”. Speaking to reporters after paying homage at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur, he also said such remarks have reflected efforts to depoliticise the country. “I would like to say the statement made by an advisor yesterday (Friday) about reforms is false. The advisor's statement is incorrect and misleading,” the BNP leader said. He said all the reforms across the world have been implemented by politicians. “All reforms have been carried out in parliament. Reforms worldwide, including in Britain and America, have been done by politicians.” BNP hopes election to be arranged soon He observed that doing excesses regarding reforms and blaming politicians is a sign of ignorance of history. Mentioning that reform is an ongoing process, Rizvi said reforms are undertaken in response to the changing needs of society in every country and era. He said irregularities in society cannot be eliminated in a day. “This requires cooperation from all levels.”  The BNP leader reaffirmed that their party has been cooperating with the interim government to ensure the national election is held within a reasonable timeframe after completing necessary reforms. In response to a question, he said the current government is now in a position between politics and depoliticisation.  Rizvi urged all to remain cautious against the spread of propaganda and misinformation targeting Bangladesh. BNP pays homage to martyred intellectuals “We are a free nation, our country is an independent, sovereign nation. This country gained its independence through the Liberation War. So, this nation will not bow to anyone’s threats,” he said. Earlier on Friday, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan had questioned the lack of progress in political reforms over the past decades. "If political reforms cannot be achieved without the involvement of political parties, why haven't they been implemented in the last 53 years?" she asked, speaking at an awareness and driver retraining programme on noise pollution control in the capital.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed hope that the new Election Commission would ensure a fair and transparent environment for voters. Speaking at a press briefing at the Natore district BNP office on Sunday, Rizvi said that his party expects a marked difference from the previous commission. Dr Moyeen hails interim govt for forming new Election Commission “There should be no repetition of past instances where elections were held with low voter turnout and under questionable circumstances,” he said. The BNP leader criticised the previous Election Commission alleging that it operated under the influence of the ruling party. Pointing to the role of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in selecting commissioners who he claimed acted as her "slaves." Gayeshwar calls for restoration of voting rights, demands immediate elections Rizvi said the Election Commission is an independent constitutional body and it has the power to act without interference from the executive body. He expected from the new commission that it must ensure that voters can freely access polling stations and cast their votes without any obstacles. Among others, BNP central economic affairs deputy secretary Mahmudul Islam, national executive committee member Mahbubul Islam, and other district-level BNP leaders were also present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that jailed Awami League leader and businessman Salman F Rahman is making nefarious efforts from jail to destabilise the country amid the government's inaction. Speaking to reporters at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he also expressed concern, stating that some advisers to the interim government, including Ali Imam Majumder and the Chief Adviser’s special assistant Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, are playing a mysterious role taking a position against the democratic forces. “We have heard that Mr Khoda Baksh is taking a stand against those who were deprived and sympathetic to the movement. They are being targeted and removed. It is a very mysterious matter,” the BNP leader said. He said it seems that Khoda Baksh and some advisers are taking such steps to implement a sinister plan. “Salman F Rahman, sitting in jail, is devising various evil plans and schemes. However, we have not seen any action taken in this regard. We’re receiving evidence that Salman F Rahman is living like a king inside the prison and is orchestrating all the plans from there,” the BNP leader said. He also alleged that Salman, the former private industry affairs adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has played a role in destabilising the garment sector, as most of the garment owners are in favour of Awami fascism. “We have not seen any action concerning these matters. How are they carrying out activities from inside the jail?” Rizvi questioned. He said BNP is getting worried over the actions of some advisers, as they go against the original spirit of the mass movement. “It has caused anxiety across the entire nation.” That is why individuals like Salman F Rahman are attempting to destabilise the country from inside the jail, while those who have not been arrested are spreading vast amounts of money to cause further instability.” The BNP leader said the current interim government is a reflection of the student-led mass revolution. “Many of those in the government were repressed by the fascist Awami League for freely expressing their opinions, despite having no political affiliation.” Even Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is respected by all, was subjected to harassment, he said. Tarique pledges modernisation of Armed Forces if BNP returns to power He mentioned that Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and two students who became advisers have also faced various forms of harassment. “However, some advisers who have always been opportunists… some advisory council members and certain officials in the Chief Adviser’s office seem to be targeting those who were in favour of the movement.” He said Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, was a former Inspector General of Police (IGP). “But what role did he play in the last 15 years? Does Khoda Baksh hold the spirit of the democratic movement? He doesn’t. He is trying to appear impartial. You were the IGP during BNP’s tenure—what did you do then? It was because people like you the 1/11 political changeover occurred, and undemocratic power took over.” Rizvi claimed that Ali Imam Majumder, upon becoming an adviser, appointed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) who were supportive of Awami fascism. He questioned Ali Imam Majumder's role over the past 15 years, stating that he never spoke in favour of democracy or the July-August movement. Stating that the interim government is the outcome of the student-led mass movement, the BNP leader said it should have fostered relations with pro-democratic forces and parties. “If somehow Sheikh Hasina reemerges, no one, except a few individuals within the interim government who maintain relations with her, will be spared. No one of us will be spared,” Rizvi warned. He said that there should be strong unity among democratic forces to protect the country's independence and sovereignty and to resist the rise of Awami fascism.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday expressed concern that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is once again trying to incite violence and bloodshed in Bangladesh from India. "An audio of Sheikh Hasina’s conversation was leaked on Sunday, in which she instructs the Jubo League and Chhatra League to prepare for armed resistance. It means she’s issuing threats of bloodshed,” he said. Speaking at a programme in Azimpur area of the capital, the BNP leader also said it is very clear that Sheikh Hasina is making awful comments to trigger violence from a neighbouring country. “I would say that after the birth of Sheikh Hasina, she’s given bitter gourd juice, whereas in our country, it is customary to feed newborns honey," Rizvi said. He urged all to stay alert to ensure that the student-led mass movement does not fail due to excesses by any quarter. "All of us involved in the movement must remain vigilant as Sheikh Hasina is not sitting idle, and neither are those who gave her shelter.” Rizvi, along with leaders and activists of the Dhaka South City unit, distributed leaflets in the Azimpur area to raise awareness among the people about dengue disease. Rizvi slammed the interim government for its failure to control the market and keep the commodity prices within the buying capacity of the lower-income people. Rizvi accuses govt of 'hide and seek' over arrest of Hasina's ministers He pointed out that while rice prices are decreasing in various countries, they are rising in Bangladesh. The BNP leader urged the government to take effective measures to lower the increasing prices of essential commodities, as people are facing serious problems. "Why is there so much uproar over the removal of the President? Why are we complicating matters and creating a crisis in the country? This is not the main issue facing us," he questioned. After ousting Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said, it is now the responsibility of the nation to hold her associates accountable and prosecute them. “The contributions of those who carried out the ant-discrimination movement, paving the path for the restoration of democracy will be recorded in history by the people of the country. However, we must avoid actions driven by emotion that could risk violating the constitution and invite danger,” he warned. Rizvi said there are associates of Sheikh Hasina's even within the interim government. "You (govt) appointed Ali Imam Majumder as an adviser, who played a significant role during the 1/11 period and held important positions during Sheikh Hasina's tenure." He said many others are there like Ali Imam who helped prolong the bloody misrule of Sheikh Hasina and those who collaborated with her are still moving freely all around.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday accused the interim government of playing "hide and seek" over the arrest of cabinet members from Sheikh Hasina’s government, who have committed crimes. “Why are you playing such hide and seek over the arrest and detention of the ministers of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, who committed crimes and injustices?” he said. The BNP leader said they first heard that the former foreign minister was arrested and later heard that he was roaming at Jackson Heights in the USA. He was addressing a programme arranged in front of Bahadur Shah Park in the old city by Dhaka south city unit BNP to distribute leaflets for raising public awareness to prevent dengue. BNP warns of conspiracies, urges vigilance Rizvi also said they first heard that former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat was arrested but two-three days later heard that he was not arrested. “Why are you deceiving the people? Why are you playing this hide and seek? That is what the people want to know,” he said. The BNP leader also criticised the delay in withdrawal of false cases filed against BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman saying that this delay is a part of the blue print of allies of Awami League. He said even Moinuddin-Fakhruddin (during the 2007-08 caretaker govt) could not implicate Tarique Rahman’s name in the August 21 grenade attack case. “This case was out of Sheikh Hasina's political vendetta. Why is the case against him still not being withdrawn? The people of the country want to know its reasons,” Rizvi questioned. About the dismissing of trainee sub-inspectors (SIs) of the 40th outside cadet batch at Sarda Police Academy in Rajshahi, the BNP leader said some 252 police officers, who were appointed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, have been dropped, though it was supposed to drop 803 officers there. Dhaka south city BNP convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary Tanvir Ahmed, among others, were present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that India is supporting crimes and pampering killers by providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina. “Our neighbouring country yesterday (Thursday) clearly said Sheikh Hasina is there. Their statement seems like they behaved like a Big Brother,” he said. Talking to reporters at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Rizvi described Sheikh Hasina as the greatest terrorist and murderer. “Who could be a greater terrorist than one who can drink children’s blood? Sheltering her (Hasina) means supporting crime, injustice, and pampering murderers,” he said. Stating Bangladesh has signed the extradition treaty with India, the BNP leader said the interim government can take steps to bring Hasina back home through diplomatic efforts since a warrant for her arrest has been issued by a court. Read: Hasina continues to be in India for safety reasons: MEA Spokesperson “Such a matter can be resolved through diplomatic discussions for her extradition. If not, the top terrorists in Bangladesh will find opportunities to take shelter in India and other countries,” he said. On the occasion of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation's silver jubilee, Rizvi, together with members of the organisation, paid homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave. India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal at a press briefing on Thursday said they have seen reports about the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issuing a warrant for the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising but declined to offer any comment. Read more: Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser “She (Hasina) had come here on a short notice. No change in her status. She continues to stay here,” he said.

Expressing serious concern over the loss of more than 200 lives to dengue, the BNP urged the government on Monday to take urgent measures to contain the outbreak of this Aedes mosquito-borne disease and protect people’s lives. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned that public disappointment could escalate and confidence in the government may diminish if it fails to effectively address the worsening dengue situation. “The advisers are discussing various measures to prevent dengue. But there are no visible efforts in place to protect lives from this disease, which is truly unfortunate,” he said. According to official statistics, the BNP leader stated that more than 200 people have already lost their lives to dengue, which is deeply disappointing. “We strongly urge the government to take immediate steps to contain the dengue prevalence and save people’s lives.” . BNP slams govt for failure to arrest AL cadres involved in student shootings Rizvi stated that the government needs to intensify efforts to eliminate mosquitoes, target dengue hotspots, and eradicate the larvae of Aedes mosquitoes. He also said the government needs to increase the availability of essential medicines and the number of hospital beds, especially in Dhaka’s hospitals, to prevent the loss of lives. The BNP leader said that the interim government should have taken proactive measures in advance to check dengue. He said dengue, a tropical disease, is preventable and it tends to outbreak during the rainy season. “So, the government should have implemented necessary preventive measures earlier to save lives. This is not the government of Sheikh Hasina. It’s a government supported by the people.” Rizvi emphasised that dengue could continue to spread until November, urging the government to prioritise this issue and take every possible step to halt the outbreak of the deadly disease. He said the BNP has undertaken coordinated efforts to raise awareness among the public as part of a strategy to address the dengue situation, following a directive from party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The BNP leader said their party leaders and workers will continue their efforts to save lives as long as dengue cases persist. He mentioned that they have established a hotline and a website to facilitate communication between those in need of blood and those willing to donate. 'As a political party, we are striving to support the people, but the government must implement effective measures at the macro level.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed grave concerns over the government's failure to arrest the ‘cadres’ of the Awami League and its associate bodies, who were involved in shooting students during protests against Sheikh Hasina’s regime. "Why have the Chhatra League and Jubo League cadres and activists, who shot at students, still not been arrested?" he questioned the interim government on Sunday. Talking to reporters at the BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, the BNP leader said it is incomprehensible why the government is unable to track down those responsible for the deaths of Abu Sayed, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho and many other innocent students. The BNP leader warned that if the culprits involved in the mass killings during the student-led uprising are not brought to justice, they may resort to even more destructive acts of sabotage. Rizvi, accompanied by MA Malek, the President of the UK chapter of the BNP, who returned home after a long time, visited Zia’s grave and placed a wreath there, paying homage to the BNP founder. They also offered Fathea and a munajat seeking the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. Rizvi noted that many influential Awami League leaders crossed into India after the mass uprising without facing any challenges or barriers at the border. Rizvi questions speed of Saber Hossain’s bail “India did not check their passports. They didn't even need visas. But the ordinary people of Bangladesh need passports and visas when they go to India,” he observed. The BNP leader recalled that BNP leader Salauddin Ahmed was illegally dropped by the RAB and Police on India territory after making him disappear for nearly two months. “He (Salahuddin) had to face the case there and had to go to jail.” He questioned whether India, as a close neighbour and a democratic nation, sees Bangladesh through a biased lens. “They ignore the people of Bangladesh and its independence and sovereignty, choosing instead to accept the world’s most repressive and murderous politician, Sheikh Hasina, as a guest.” Rizvi said the celebration of the Hindu Community’s largest religious festival Durga Puja ended smoothly in such a beautiful calm manner as the government was sincere and democratic parties, especially BNP, guarded the puja mandaps day and night. “But the Indian media was spreading false propaganda in various forms, though to no avail. Bangladesh has been an exceptionally peaceful country with a long history of communal harmony. It’s only Sheikh Hasina who has tarnished the nation’s image by repeatedly attacking temples through her agents,” he alleged. The BNP leader said Indian policymakers often echo the rhetoric of the Awami League, giving an impression that they do not need the friendship of the people of Bangladesh. “They rely on the friendship of Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader to maintain their dominance over Bangladesh. Now let the people of India see how the people of Bangladesh peace-loving democracy are. MA Malek, the President of the UK BNP and advisor to the party chairperson, returned home on Sunday after long 19 years.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said if the fallen dictator is rehabilitated, the people will not be able to live in the country. “If those who created the culture of enforced disappearances and killings and Ayna Ghar (secret prison) are rehabilitated, then people will not be able to live in this country," he said. Rizvi made the remarks while talking to reporters during the distribution of BNP’s leaflets among people to raise awareness for preventing dengue in the city’s Elephant Road area. He said if the fallen dictator is rehabilitated, this country will be the sanctuary of killers. “It would be a graveyard of democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of expression forever here,” he claimed, asking all to be alert against the dictator. The BNP leader questioned the appointment of a new foreign secretary saying that when the person was the Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar used to harass BNP supporters and didn’t renew their visas considering their political affiliation. “If those who have played an active role in suppressing the opposition by supporting fascists like Sheikh Hasina are placed in important positions today, if they are appointed as secretaries of important ministries like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then this government will face questions," he said. He said they respect Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, but he needs to look into this matter and uphold the trust of people in him. “Who is making the ambassador in Qatar as the foreign secretary?” said Rizvi. BNP's volunteer affairs secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sapu and its health affairs secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, were, among others, present. On Sunday last, BNP started a leaflet distribution campaign to raise public awareness for preventing dengue in different places of the capital.