United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday questioned why reforms are being considered instead of elections, expressing concern that the interim government might be working with a ‘hidden agenda’. “Is this government working with any agenda and planned design? This is now a big question in people's minds. That is why a smokescreen has been created,” he said while addressing a doa mahfil. The M Ilias Ali Ghum Protirodh Committee organised the event on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the anniversary of his enforced disappearance and seeking any trace of the BNP leader. Restoring voting rights is the nation’s aspiration this New Year: Rizvi Rizvi warned the government that the consequences would not be good if it played tricks with people. He also expressed regret that, even after nine months since the formation of the current government, no steps have been taken to relieve BNP leaders and activists from the 60 lakh cases filed against them during the Awami League regime. “I won’t say the government is doing nothing—maybe they are doing something—but why is the voting right, for which we struggled immensely for 15–16 years, being delayed? Why is reform being positioned as an alternative to elections and voting rights?” the BNP leader questioned. He said reforms or anything else cannot be an alternative to democracy, elections, and voting rights. Defeated force provides false info to NY Times: Rizvi “When we talk about the need for elections and voting rights, the government keeps presenting more alternatives. Democracy means elections. Democracy means justice,” Rizvi said. He said political parties are in talks with the Consensus Commission on reforms as the process nears its end. “But why is Bangladesh’s election still hanging between the December and June swings? The government must clearly answer this,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that many cohorts of the previous regime still hold positions within the administration and no action is being taken against them. On the contrary, Rizvi claimed, no one having any links with the BNP is being placed in key positions within the administration.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused the interim government of creating confusion about the national election by making contradictory statements, similar to those of the ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. "We see attempts to create confusion about the election. December, June or March – they are making different statements at different times. This is similar to some of Sheikh Hasina's statements," he said. Rizvi made the comments while distributing Eid gifts among rickshaw-van pullers and auto-rickshaw drivers on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Tarique sends Eid card to Chief Adviser  He called upon the government to assure the nation about the election by announcing a clear and specific deadline for the polls, rather than making such contradictory statements. The BNP leader criticised those who claimed the movement was not for only to hold the national election. "The movement was carried out because Sheikh Hasina did not ensure free and fair elections. She turned the country into a battlefield to cling to power," he said. Rizvi said the current interim government was formed after a massive movement, with many sacrifices and much bloodshed. Although the interim government was not directly elected by people, Rizvi said it enjoys the support of the public and all the parties involved in the anti-fascist movement. Ishraque Hossain leaves mayor oath decision to party He urged the interim government to take steps to eliminate the confusion surrounding the election in order to maintain public confidence. Rizvi also lamented that workers from 122 garment factories have still not received their wages, and workers from 150 garment factories have not received their festival bonuses. He said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the payment of workers’ salaries and bonuses, demanding that these be arranged without delay. “The government should act as an intermediary between employers and workers. The responsibility for these matters lies with the government. If a worker goes hungry or does not receive their salary before Eid, their family will not be able to enjoy the festive spirit. This is a philanthropic duty the government should have addressed,” the BNP leader said. There’s nothing like ‘2nd independence’ in sovereign Bangladesh: Mirza Abbas Rizvi mentioned that 17 rickshaw-pullers lost their lives during the July-August movement, and their families are enduring extreme hardship. He said the families of those who died in the anti-fascism movement should not be left to suffer from hunger. "The government must take responsibility for these families, ensuring that their children receive proper education. Those family members who are eligible for employment should be provided with jobs."  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday alleged that the incidents of rape and violence against women have increased in the country due to the administration’s inaction. “Why is this situation arising under the current interim government? If the administration had functioned properly, the incidents of rape, murder, injuries and corruption would not have escalated,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. The rally was held to protest the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura and demand the harshest punishment for the rapists. Rizvi said Achia, hailing from Magura, was violated at her sister’s house. “If a sister's in-laws' house is not a safe place for a child, then where will it be?” he questioned. JCD to form human chains Monday to protest violence against women He demanded that the government ensure the quick and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators of the crime against Achia, so that the hearts of other rapists and offenders are filled with fear and trembling. “If this can be done, it will be the rule of law for which we have fought for 15 years and made countless sacrifices. A terrible ruler like Sheikh Hasina was ousted from this country for the very cause of this rule of law,” Rizvi said. He called upon all political parties and the students who were involved in the July-August mass uprising to unite and work together to prevent crimes and bring criminals to justice. The BNP leader emphasised that the administration must function properly to prevent crimes and check the prevailing anarchy in the country. He said many in the administration had been subjected to deprivation during the previous regime. Tarique talks to Magura rape victim’s mother, assures justice “But, many of you have obtained promotions, even double promotions. The grievance you once had should no longer be there. So, why is not the administrative authority being exercised at the grassroots level, including in unions, wards and thanas? This is a big question now,” Rizvi said. He reminded that it is the responsibility of the interim government to ensure the proper exercise of the authority by the administration. Rizvi lamented that the interim government takes any complaints from their party personally. “In some cases, the government tries to take revenge on us very subtly.” He said the reality now is that the number of rape incidents has increased, and women are not safe anywhere in the country. “If you send your daughter to school, there is no guarantee that she will return home safely,” he said. Rizvi observed that the police used to assure the public that offenders would not be spared after incidents occurred. “But if the law had been properly enforced before crimes were committed, ensuring the rule of law, such a situation would not have arisen,” he said. He mentioned that students involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement have been visiting the offices of DCs, SPs and various ministries. “We are grateful to the students and will not forget their contributions… but if they are giving instructions to the DCs, if they are giving instructions to the SPs, if they are sitting in the rooms of DCs and SPs, how will the law be enforced?” BNP’s Salahuddin seeks stricter measures against violence on women, children Rizvi said that if the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) engage in any wrongdoing, students can protest against it on the campus. “You are supposed to be there on the campus. I urge students to stand against injustice and discrimination here. Your duty is not to supervise the DC’s office, the SP’s room, or various ministries,” he emphasised.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused Tulip Siddiq, former British Treasury Minister, of engaging in corruption despite her upbringing and education in the UK, attributing it to her familial ties with Bangladesh’s Sheikh Family. “Tulip Siddiq grew up in London and studied there. It's unimaginable that an MP from England would engage in corruption, but her genes belong to Bangladesh's Sheikh family,” he told a discussion. Even after studying the UK and becoming an MP, the BNP leader said Tulip could not cross the genetic line of her family. “That’s why the evidence of corruption against her is now coming to light,” Rizvi said. Announce election date to uphold dignity of 2nd independence: BNP leader to CA The Agriculturists' Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of ATM Khaled, the founding convener of the Bangladesh Agricultural University unit of Chhatra Dal. Earlier, on January 14, Tulip Siddiq resigned from her post as British Treasury Minister following public scrutiny, after UK media revealed that she and her sister had received a free flat from associates of her aunt, the deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. There were also allegations that Tulip helped her family misappropriated up to £3.9 billion from the Russia-backed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project. Rizvi further alleged that Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece Tulip embezzled a large sum of money by securing a deal with Russia for the Rooppur nuclear project. He said many media outlets clearly reported that the money embezzled by members of the Sheikh family, including Tulip, as bribes, was withdrawn from a Malaysian bank. Stay alert against rift over ‘July Declaration’: Salahuddin to govt The BNP leader alleged that Awami League leaders and workers plundered large sums of money in the name of development during Sheikh Hasina’s despotic rule. He criticised India for providing shelter to such a deeply corrupt individual like Sheikh Hasina, who was responsible for the killing of many students and ordinary people in Bangladesh. Rizvi also questioned Sheikh Hasina’s status in India, pointing out that both her passports, including the diplomatic one, had been cancelled.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has termed Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statement on patriotism "ridiculous." “It will not be enough to judge only the July-August killings; all the crimes of the Hasina government should be judged,” he told a programme at Humayun Rashid Square in the district town on Thursday. He said that there are only two established patriotic forces in Bangladesh: the army and the BNP. BNP urges govt to disclose all contracts signed in power sector over 15 years Amra BNP Paribar' hosted the event to present gifts to the family of Iqbal Hossain Emon, the winner of the Youth Asia Cup. Rizvi said that besides the army and one political party, no other political party in Bangladesh can be considered truly patriotic. "Such a statement from Jamaat is laughable." Rizvi said that while recent reforms in textbooks were commendable, they should also include a chapter on the contribution of Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP National Standing Committee, was the chief guest at the event. He also dismissed Jamaat’s claims about patriotism, saying, "The true patriot is the one who declared independence in 1971, without fear. History has shown who passed the test of patriotism." Dr Zahid highlighted the role of Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, noting that he not only declared the country's independence but also led the battle for liberation. "Zia is synonymous with patriotism." Those who fear people’s verdict spreading confusion: Tarique The BNP leader said that the party has always stood by the people, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the statement during a roadshow in Rangpur on December 23, 2024. , "There are two tested patriotic forces in the country: the army and Jamaat-e-Islami," he said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday questioned the intentions of those who prioritise reforms over elections and democracy. "You’re separating politics, elections, and democracy while prioritising reforms. That’s why it seems to us there’s some evil intention behind it. It can’t happen,” he told a reunion event of the 88th batch of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations,  at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. The BNP leader said there is nothing wrong in saying that elections and reforms can go together. "If we talk about elections, the interim government gets angry and upset. They say they will arrange the election after the reforms." He said when the government only talks about reforms, it reminds the nation of the rule of Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin(2007-8). It’s not true BNP prioritising election over reforms: Fakhrul “They also talked about reforms. As a result, we got a dangerous monster who destroyed Bangladesh and all its democratic institutions over the last 15 years.” Rizvi said an attempt is underway to divide those who have been continuously struggling for democracy and to turn them against each other. “The interim government, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is going to become an opponent.” He said the interim government and those who advocate for reforms before elections are creating narratives in which major political parties, who have carried out the struggle for democracy over years, are termed as their opponents. “Someone is telling us whether the movement occurred and whether so many sacrifices were made only for the sake of an election. But elections are an integral part of democracy. So why are you excluding it? Reforms and elections should go together,” he said. Rizvi said the interim government should present reform proposals, and those who form the government through a free and fair election shoild implement them. “Instead of doing that, you’re creating opponents. You’re making elections the opponent of reforms.” State agency trying to form a ‘King's Party’: Rizvi The BNP leader said it seems the interim government wants to hold back the election, and by extension democracy,  under the pretext of reform. “Even the Chief Adviser is talking like this. The other advisers are saying, 'We’ll reform because you (politicians) couldn’t do anything over the last 53 years. Who are you (to do that)?” He was referring to a recent statement by Environmental Affairs dviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. Rizvi criticised those advocating for proportional representation, stating the people will not accept it. “Those who fear direct popular vote and direct competition, and those who want to fish in troubled waters, are bringing up this issue,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of the country are worried as fallen anti-democratic forces and their allies are conspiring in various ways, causing one untoward incident after another. Rizvi also spoke about the deadly fire that broke out at the Secretariat, destroying numerous files and documents. ‘Advisers not fit to be our opponents’: BNP’s Nazrul “Among them, the files of the most controversial, corrupt former cabinet secretary, who is under investigation, were also burned. It's mysterious. People all over the country are doubting this.” He said the fire incident occurred after the government sought some files related to people close to Sheikh Hasina. “So, this is not an isolated incident. People’s doubts are natural.” Rizvi accused the government of failing to overhaul the administration by upholding the spirit of the mass revolution. He said the DCs, SPs, OCs, and others who joined their offices wearing Mujib coats still remain in their positions.  “Why should they help you? They’ll try to undermine the interim government through various ploys,” he said.

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.