Fascist Hasina rule ran ‘blood fest’: Rizvi
Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed on Sunday accused the former Awami League government of waging a “blood fest” against opposition voices for 17 years, as he spoke at a ceremony handing over a house to the family of a Jubo Dal leader killed in police firing over a decade ago.
Rizvi made the remarks at a programme held at the Omria Farukia Dakhil Madrasa ground in Bhorbazar, Farhadnagar, in Feni Sadar Upazila. The event, organised by Amra BNP Paribar, marked the handover of house keys to the family of Jubo Dal leader Harunur Rashid, who was shot dead by police in Jagat Jibanpur village of Farhadnagar Union. The house was built as a gift from Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
“For 17 years, the fascist Awami League government played blood fest with people of opposing views,” Rizvi said. “Once millions of BNP leaders and activists had to live an uncertain future. The families of thousands of BNP leaders and activists who were victims of abductions and murders during the fascist Hasina regime are still waiting.”
He said BNP’s politics had always been rooted in democracy and support for the helpless. “Every time BNP has come to power, it has worked to establish a multi-party democracy by protecting democracy and independence,” he said.
Drawing a contrast between the party’s fallen activists and allegations of graft under the previous government, Rizvi, who also serves as chief adviser of BNP Paribar, said: “People were subjected to abductions and torture when they protested against misrule. People like Harun who were killed in police firing did not embezzle money in the name of building the Metrorail and Padma Bridge. Their dream was to establish a better future.”
Harunur Rashid was shot dead by police on December 4, 2013, during a procession in Feni held in support of an anti-government strike. Since then, Tarique Rahman has continued to stand by Harun’s family. Construction of the new house began on April 12 under the party’s supervision, sponsored by Tarique Rahman as the main patron of BNP Paribar.
Harun’s widow, Zohra Begum, thanked the Prime Minister and BNP at the ceremony, saying her family’s suffering had come to an end under his care.
The family’s support has extended well beyond the house. Harun left behind two daughters and a son. In 2017, Tarique Rahman personally covered the wedding expenses of Harun’s eldest daughter. BNP leaders said the Prime Minister would also assist with the wedding of Harun’s second daughter, who is now of marriageable age. Meanwhile, BNP Paribar is covering the educational expenses of Harun’s son, who is currently studying in the ninth grade.
Special guests at the house key handover and memorial meeting included Amra BNP Paribar member secretary Krishibid Mokchedul Momin Mithun; Feni-2 MP and professor Zainal Abedin; Amra BNP Paribar adviser and Narsingdi-5 MP, engineer Ashraf Uddin Bakul; Feni-1 MP Munshi Rafiqul Alam Majnu; reserved seat MP Rehana Akhter Ranu; and BNP national executive committee member Mashiur Rahman Biplob.
