Giving Hasina a platform snubs BD’s sovereignty: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday said allowing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to deliver political speeches from India was an insult to Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
He said providing her with such a platform could also be viewed as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Rizvi made the remarks after paying tribute and offering prayers at the mausoleums of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, marking the 37th founding anniversary of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh.
DAB leaders and activists, led by its central President Prof Harun Ar Rashid and Secretary General Prof Zahirul Islam Shakil, attended the programme.
Rizvi said Hasina was facing trials in Bangladesh in several murder and corruption cases and that the government had formally requested her extradition under the bilateral extradition treaty with India. However, India had yet to respond to the request, he said.
“Allowing an accused person who is wanted in Bangladesh to deliver political speeches is inconsistent with mutual trust and respect between the two countries,” Rizvi said.
He claimed the current government was working to rebuild democratic institutions through initiatives such as forming a parliamentary committee on constitutional amendments, inviting opposition parties to dialogue and implementing the aspirations of the July Charter.
“At such a time, giving Sheikh Hasina a political platform is disrespectful to Bangladesh’s sovereignty,” he added.
Rizvi also praised the Doctors Association of Bangladesh for continuing public-service activities during Hasina’s rule.
He alleged that doctors associated with the organisation had faced dismissal, denial of promotions, transfers to remote areas and other forms of persecution but had remained committed to their professional and political principles.
