Rizvi blames fascist regime for preventing celebration of 7 Nov for 17 yrs

BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the fascist regime did not allow the celebration of National Revolution and Solidarity Day for 17 years during Sheikh Hasina’s rule, but the spirit of 7 November remained alive through various political and social organisations.

“The spirit of 7 November provides guidance for building a democratic Bangladesh free from hegemony. It opened the way for multi-party democracy, people's political rights and an independent foreign and domestic policy,” he said.

Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the central committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University on Sunday, marking the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The DU unit of Chhatra Dal also organised a day-long photography exhibition on the TSC premises to mark the occasion.

Rizvi said 7 November had been observed at the government level since 1976. However, the day was not allowed to be celebrated during Sheikh Hasina's 17-year rule due to what he described as fascist attacks. Despite the restrictions, various organisations continued to observe the day through political and social programmes, keeping its spirit alive among the people.

He said 7 November was significant not only for the restoration of multi-party democracy and democratic rights but also for establishing an independent foreign and domestic policy.

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Bangladesh's decisions on friendship, alliances and international agreements should be made by its own government and people, rather than under the direction of any foreign power, he added.

Referring to the political situation after independence, the BNP leader alleged that attempts had been made to establish an individual-centred system of governance, restricting the formation of political parties, freedom of expression and criticism of the government.

He claimed that people who criticised the government faced enforced disappearances and killings, alleging that the Rakshi Bahini had been used for such purposes.

“Thousands of leaders and activists of opposition political parties were killed at that time. Some say 25,000, some say 30,000, while others put the figure at 40,000,” he said.

Rizvi alleged that people had been deprived of the freedom to speak, write in newspapers and express their political opinions. He said 7 November had opened a way out of that situation and expressed hope that people would once again enjoy the freedom to express their views and move around without fear.

Discussing the political developments following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15 August 1975, Rizvi said most members of the cabinet led by Khandaker Mushtaq Ahmed had previously served in Mujib's cabinet.

He said subsequent internal conflicts and military coups created further uncertainty. Following Brigadier Khaled Musharraf's coup on 3 November 1975, Ziaur Rahman was placed under house arrest, creating fears among the people that one-party rule and foreign influence might return.

According to Rizvi, anti-India sentiment and public anger had grown during that period. Many people viewed Khaled Musharraf's coup as an Indian-backed attempt to restore Baksal.

He also said the subsequent involvement of Colonel Abu Taher and Jasad further complicated the political situation before Ziaur Rahman emerged as a central figure in the events of 7 November.

Explaining the differences between Ziaur Rahman and Colonel Abu Taher, Rizvi said Zia wanted to build an efficient, modern and professional army, while Taher wanted to use the military for political purposes and establish a political structure within it.

He referred to the JSD's People's Army slogan, “Sepoy-sepoy bhai bhai, officerder kalla chai”, saying it was contrary to the discipline and professionalism required in the armed forces.

Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman opposed the politicisation of the army and wanted it to function with discipline and professionalism. He also wanted to establish democracy, press freedom, freedom of movement and a constitutional system of governance.

“Under Ziaur Rahman's leadership, Bangladesh developed a modern, strong and professional army,” he said.

On foreign policy, Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman had managed Bangladesh's international relations efficiently by strengthening ties with both the United States and China. He noted that China had not recognised Bangladesh until 15 August 1975, making the development of bilateral relations during Ziaur Rahman's tenure particularly significant.

Referring to the 1990 mass uprising, Rizvi said democracy had once again been undermined during HM Ershad's rule through martial law and restrictions on people's rights. However, he said the anti-dictatorship movement led by students and the public, under the leadership of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, succeeded in restoring democracy.

He also alleged that Sheikh Hasina's government had created a situation resembling one-party rule. Despite repression and various obstacles, opposition political organisations, including Chhatra Dal, continued their movements.

Rizvi said Chhatra Dal leaders and activists had repeatedly attempted to enter Dhaka University and faced attacks but returned to the movement each time. Their sacrifices and bloodshed were not in vain, as their struggles contributed to the broader mass resistance that followed.

Drawing parallels between the July 2024 mass uprising and the events of 7 November, Rizvi said both movements reflected people's resistance against hegemony and authoritarian rule.

“This country of 180 million people cannot be controlled by any foreign power or its domestic allies,” he said.

Referring to the sacrifices of young people, including martyrs Abu Sayeed, Mughd, Ahab and Wasim Akram, during the July uprising, he said their sacrifices could not be allowed to go in vain.

He said no one could return to power by disregarding the mass uprising in which people had faced bullets and sacrificed their lives. Referring to the possibility of Sheikh Hasina's return, Rizvi said making statements from abroad would not help anyone regain public support.

Describing Bangladesh's history as one of struggle and resistance, he referred to the Language Movement of 1952, the mass uprising of 1969, the Liberation War of 1971 and the anti-dictatorship movement of 1990.

He said student leaders had remained committed to the movement against Ershad despite various temptations. Leadership like that of Begum Khaleda Zia had helped advance the struggle for democracy and people's voting rights, he added.

Rizvi also praised BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying that just as martyred President Ziaur Rahman had played a courageous role during the country's crisis by declaring independence, Tarique Rahman was leading the party through various adversities.

“Despite hundreds of attacks and obstacles, he is taking the party forward on the right path. The nationalist force cannot be suppressed through intimidation,” he said.

He called for continuing the struggle to establish a democratic, independent and hegemony-free Bangladesh by upholding the spirit of the day.

Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, DU Chhatra Dal unit President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon were present at the discussion and photography exhibition.