Rizvi warns fascism may reemerge in new forms

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday voiced concern that fascism could re-emerge in the country in a new form and through different tactics.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a views-exchange meeting with members of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy at a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area, Rizvi said vigilance was essential to prevent the return of autocracy. 

“Fascism must not be allowed to rise again. We all need to remain alert so that no one can establish authoritarian rule in a new way, with new tactics or a different appearance,” he said.

He urged all sections of society to stay vigilant in order to protect democracy and ensure that no authoritarian force can return under a new guise.

Rizvi said people had been unable to exercise their voting rights freely over the past 16 to 17 years, adding that the festive atmosphere traditionally associated with elections had been destroyed.

“Elections are meant to be a celebration of public participation, but in recent years that environment has been ruined through the occupation of polling centres and intimidation,” he said.

Praising the role of journalists, Rizvi said reporters had courageously exposed many incidents during periods of political repression, helping to save the lives of numerous leaders and activists.

He noted that party activists were often picked up late at night and, even when police denied such incidents, journalists brought the truth to light, leading to the rescue of many individuals.

He also warned that recent incidents point to a rise in rude and aggressive behaviour in politics, which he said reflected a fascist mentality.

Rizvi cautioned that any attempt to establish authoritarian rule by exploiting religion would be even more dangerous.

He said that if voting rights were ensured, people would make the right choices and democratic forces would prevail.

Expressing optimism, Rizvi said he hoped the next election would be held in a free, fair and inclusive environment.

Among those present at the meeting were BNP Standing Committee member and chief of the party’s central election steering committee Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ismail Zabiullah, and adviser to the BNP Acting Chairman and election steering committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin.