Rizvi accuses AL, ‘secret party’ of plotting against BNP

BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused the banned Awami League and an unnamed “secret party” of conspiring against the BNP and spreading propaganda against it.

He said the two groups shared similar behaviour and rhetoric, alleging that they had continued their campaign against the BNP as they had done in the past.

Rizvi made the remarks at a rally in Dhaka’s Shantinagar after distributing dengue-awareness leaflets as part of a public awareness campaign.

“The Awami League was a party that spread propaganda. Now another secret party has joined it. There is evidence of a relationship between them. They themselves had said they would forgive the Awami League,” he said, adding that their behaviour resembled that of defeated political forces.

Recalling past allegations against the BNP, Rizvi said its opponents had portrayed it as a militant political party and claimed that people of other religions would be unsafe if it came to power.

He said the government led by Tarique Rahman had demonstrated that conspirators could not succeed if the government remained vigilant.

Rizvi also claimed that BNP leaders and activists had worked around the clock to ensure security at Hindu temples during Durga Puja. He described this year's celebrations as the most peaceful and festive in 17 to 18 years, adding that visitors from neighbouring countries had praised the arrangements.

Coordinated dengue prevention efforts

Speaking about the dengue situation, Rizvi said the government and the BNP had taken coordinated initiatives to raise public awareness.

Leaflets prepared with advice from renowned physicians were being distributed, providing guidance on dengue prevention and steps to take if someone became infected. He said the leaflets would serve as a practical guide for the public.

He added that, on the prime minister's instructions, free dengue testing had been arranged at government hospitals to ensure access to treatment. Adequate supplies of saline had also been ensured, while cleanliness drives were underway across the country.

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Rizvi also praised the government's economic initiatives, claiming that it was committed to implementing its promises.

Citing economists, he said the distribution of Family Cards and Farmers' Cards introduced by the government could reduce the country's poverty rate by a further five percentage points this year.

“This is a major achievement of Tarique Rahman's government,” he said.

BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, MP, Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, Organising Secretary Saidul Haque Babul, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr Zahidur Rahman and Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Touhidur Rahman Auwal, among others, attended the leaflet distribution programme.