Staff Reporter :
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday claimed that India does not support democracy in its neighbouring countries due to its hegemonic tendencies.
“India is a democratic country, yet it opposes governance by the will of the people in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Why should these nations adhere to Delhi’s dictates?” he questioned during the inauguration of a march by three BNP associate bodies from Nayapaltan to Agartala.
He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh fought for independence from Pakistan through great sacrifice, not to submit to Delhi. Rizvi further stated that if India were to claim Chattogram, Bangladesh would in return claim Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. “We will not yield if they (India) attempt to occupy Chattogram,” he asserted.
Rizvi accused India of supporting what he termed the “bloodthirsty Lady Pharaoh, Sheikh Hasina,” for the past 16 years. He argued that India’s ruling party had faced global criticism for its communal stance and lacked an understanding of the courage, self-reliance, and resolve of the Bangladeshi people.
Later, BNP associate bodies – Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal – initiated their long march from Dhaka to Agartala, travelling in a large convoy of cars, microbuses, and motorcycles.
The march, which began at 9 am, was a protest against what they perceived as Indian aggression, including the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the national flag, and the spread of misinformation and terrorism targeting Bangladesh.
Thousands of leaders and activists from these groups formally commenced the long march from the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Before departing, key leaders delivered speeches condemning Indian politicians and media for their alleged hegemonic attitude and attempts to disrupt religious harmony in Bangladesh through false narratives.
The leaders announced that the peaceful long march would conclude near the Akhaura Indian border. In Akhaura, Jatiyatabadi Jubodal Central Committee President Abdul Monayem Munna addressed a rally, affirming that the people of Bangladesh are prepared to take any measures to defend the country’s independence and sovereignty.
“We will not compromise on our principles. Bangladesh is integral to our existence, and we fear no external threats,” Munna said. He criticized India for failing to ensure the security of the Bangladesh High Commission, asserting, “India must treat Bangladesh as a neighbour and equal. Bangladesh has no external masters.”
Munna also added, “We view our neighbours as friendly nations,” and called on the interim government to immediately bring Sheikh Hasina back from India.
