Rizvi accuses rivals of plotting to destabilise Bangladesh

BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused political opponents of trying to destabilise the country through street agitation at a time when Bangladesh was seeking investment and economic stability.

“While the prime minister is visiting different countries to attract foreign investment, strengthen bilateral ties and advance infrastructure development, attempts are being made to create unrest on the streets, including in the garment sector,” he said.

Rizvi was speaking at a discussion marking the 35th founding anniversary of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum’s Dhaka Bar unit at the Dhaka Bar Association building in Old Dhaka.

He alleged that most of those arrested over recent incidents of vehicle arson and attacks on law enforcement personnel were associates of the defeated authoritarian forces.

Criticising opposition programmes and ultimatums, Rizvi said the BNP had endured 17 years of struggle, repression and sacrifices by its leaders and activists.

“No one has been given hereditary ownership of the streets or the field of political movements,” he said, warning that the party would not remain silent in the face of repeated provocations.

On the July National Charter and constitutional reform, Rizvi said the BNP did not oppose their fundamental objectives but insisted that decisions of national importance must be taken through democratic processes.

Describing the Constitution as a nation's autobiography, he said differences among political parties over implementing the July Charter should be settled through dialogue and a two-thirds majority in parliament, not through long marches or road blockades.

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Recalling the previous government's rule, Rizvi said court premises had been the last refuge for opposition leaders and activists. Referring to his 35 consecutive days in remand, he credited lawyers' protests and legal battles with helping prevent further abuses.

He also criticised the alleged politicisation of the judiciary over the imprisonment and treatment of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi pledged that the BNP would remain in Bangladesh and work to protect people's rights and build a democratic and sovereign country under Tarique Rahman's leadership, without bowing to foreign powers.

The meeting was chaired by Dhaka Bar unit convener Advocate Khorshed Alam and moderated by its member secretary Advocate Nihar Hossain Faruk.

BNP chairperson's advisory council member Advocate Borhanuddin, former Dhaka Bar Association presidents Mohsin Mia and Golam Mostafa, BNP volunteer affairs secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu and other party leaders and lawyers attended.