Rizvi calls for united efforts to protect democracy

BNP Acting Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said despite political differences, a minimum level of unity and understanding among political parties is necessary to protect democracy, independence and sovereignty and prevent the resurgence of fascism.

“We believe in democracy. The opposition party will carry out its programmes and speak-let them do so, there is no problem. But if fascism is repeated, democracy will be gone, and the state will not survive either,” he said.

Rizvi was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and doa mahfil, organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium on Thursday, marking the second death anniversary of journalist leader Ruhul Amin Gazi, reports BSS.

Rizvi said that regardless of differences over the programmes and statements of political parties, they must maintain a point of connection and work together to preserve the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Otherwise, if fascism resurges, no one will be spared, he said.

He said whoever comes to power after five years must work with a commitment to strengthening democracy and protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The BNP acting secretary general said the right of opposition parties to carry out political programmes is being respected under the present government.

He said no obstruction was created during two recent long marches.

“Such a situation was unbelievable” during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, he said.

He claimed that road marches and long marches by opposition parties were obstructed in various ways at that time and that ordinary people were also subjected to attacks.

He said opposition parties have the right to carry out their programmes and criticise the government.

“However, democracy does not mean saying whatever one wants. Political statements may contain rhetoric, but personal attacks or indecent language should not be used,” he added.

Noting that “even in strong criticism, refined words can be used,” Rizvi said the BNP does not want to repeat the kind of language with which it had been attacked in the past.

He said the party is trying to use refined but firm language in its own statements.

Recalling journalist leader Ruhul Amin Gazi, Rizvi said that although many journalists and intellectuals had supported those in power in the past, people like Ruhul Amin Gazi could not be made to issue statements in favour of fascism.

He said many journalists and intellectuals had also supported the regimes of Hitler and Mussolini, but such regimes ultimately did not last.

Referring to Ruhul Amin Gazi as a freedom fighter, he said Gazi believed in democracy and Islam and opposed anti-state activities of Awami League.

For this reason, he said, Gazi was subjected to persecution during the rule of “fascist Sheikh Hasina”. Ruhul Amin Gazi was “an unparalleled representative of speaking the truth”, he said.

He said the deprivation faced by Begum Khaleda Zia and Ruhul Amin Gazi in medical treatment and other areas had pushed them towards a lingering death.

“However, I think it was a consolation for them that they had the opportunity to witness the fall of Sheikh Hasina during their lifetime,” he said.

DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam presided over the programme, moderated by its General Secretary Khurshid Alam.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer addressed the programme as a special guest.

BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, former DUJ President Elahi Nawaz Khan Saju, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, Daily Jugantor Editor Abdul Hai Shikder and Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust Managing Director (MD) Mohammad Abdul Basir (Basir Jamal) also addressed the meeting.