People started countdown of govt.’s downfall: Rizvi

Staff Reporter :
BNP Senior Joint-Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the people have started the countdown for the downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.

“The pro-democracy political parties of the country have joined hands to make the ongoing one-point movement successful. It is certain that she [Sheikh Hasina] can no longer remain in power in the country,” Rizvi said while speaking as the chief guest at a scholarship awarding ceremony organised by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation in Khulna on Friday.

The BNP leader accused the Prime Minister of misleading foreign nations by claiming to have conducted free and fair elections in the country for the past 14 years.

“Sheikh Hasina misguided the foreign countries saying the last polls were hold in acceptable manners. She had resorted to deceitful tactics, depriving the people of their rights by manipulating the voting process both during the day and at night,” Rizvi said.

He alleged that the government, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was forced to reveal the forex reserves at $23.7 billion which had subsequently been depleted through corrupt practices.

The BNP leader claimed that the administration’s actions had destroyed the economy and effectively brought an end to democracy. He also mentioned that banks had stopped opening Letters of Credit (LCs) that further worsen the economic crisis.

Rizvi criticised ruling Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, for organising a peace rally similar to what he said the Peace Committee of ’71.

Rizvi also highlighted the BNP’s rally in Naya Paltan, which saw a significant turnout within a short span of two to three days.

“During the rally, Sheikh Hasina’s cousin, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Tapash, had assertively proclaimed their intention to seize control of Dhaka during the upcoming January elections, revealing their true intentions,” Rizvi said.

The BNP leader said, “Sheikh Hasina’s government will fall only within few days if we stay in streets. Everyone should join the street movement for the sake of restoring democracy.”