NN Online:
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that Indian policymakers are conspiring to ‘rehabilitate’ the Awami League, describing the ruling party as a “fascist force.”
“They cannot accept Sheikh Hasina’s downfall. After the recent meeting between Dr Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London, the neighbouring country began orchestrating targeted conspiracies,” Rizvi told reporters during a visit to Chatmohar upazila in Pabna.
He made the remarks while visiting ailing BNP veteran Abu Taher Pramanik, also known as Taher Thakur, who has been struggling with illness and financial hardship. On behalf of acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and the BNP family, Rizvi also extended financial assistance for Taher’s treatment.
Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh have started walking the path of democracy but warned that the journey remains unfinished amid ongoing threats and repression. “Many grassroots and senior BNP leaders are still missing, while false cases and arrests continue,” he said.
Reflecting on the political climate, Rizvi added, “The fascist era was horrifying. Today we can speak freely, but the conspiracies have returned—especially since the Yunus-Tarique meeting. Our neighbour has resumed its interference.”
He further alleged that the Awami League government has plundered public funds over the past 16 years, siphoning money abroad to countries like Canada and Malaysia.
“Sheikh Hasina tried to suppress dissent through media manipulation, but 180 million people cannot be silenced. The right to govern lies solely with the people,” he said.
Commenting on the upcoming general election, Rizvi stressed that it will be held at a proper time and in a manner that reflects the people’s will. “The election will be free, fair, and based on the collective demand of various political parties,” he added.
Several BNP leaders, including Pabna district BNP Member Secretary Advocate Masud Khandakar, Joint Convener Anisul Haque Babu, and student representatives from Chatmohar and Edward College, were present during the visit.
