Spirit of 7 Nov paved way for democracy: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday said the spirit of 7 November had paved the way for the establishment of multiparty democracy, freedom of expression and political rights in the country.

He noted that between 1972 and 1975, democracy, press freedom and people's political rights were severely curtailed in the country. Through the introduction of one-party rule, freedom of expression and the right to engage in political activities were stripped away.

Subsequently, the historic events surrounding 7 November marked the beginning of a new democratic journey for the nation.

Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a rally organised by the Chattogram city unit BNP and its front organisations to commemorate the historic "National Revolution and Solidarity Day".

A colourful procession following the rally began from in front of the city's Almas Cinema and ended at the Chattogram Press Club premises in the Jamal Khan Road area after parading through city streets.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the mass uprising on the streets on 7 November 1975, driven by the collective participation of ordinary citizens and members of the armed forces, represented a significant chapter in the nation's political history.

Read More

Ismail Zabiullah elected ICAPP vice-chairperson

He said it was during that period that the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, emerged at the centre of state power.

He added that whenever democracy faced obstacles in the country, students and the general people united, inspired by the spirit of 7 November, to resist autocracy and authoritarian rule.

"This same spirit served as a driving force behind the mass uprising of 1990 and the student-led mass movement of 2024," Rizvi said.

He further stated that BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is leading the country forward in accordance with the promises made to the public. Initiatives have been taken to introduce 'Family Cards' and 'Farmer Cards' for the poor, ultra-poor and marginalised communities. He noted that work on implementing these programmes began immediately after assuming office.

Regarding the current situation in the country, he remarked that while the government is striving to advance production and development, there are deliberate attempts to incite unrest within the garment industry.

He said the government had engaged in discussions and provided assurances concerning the legitimate demands of the workers; consequently, many genuine workers had withdrawn from the protests.

"However, certain elements are fueling the unrest, leading to acts of arson, vandalism and violence within industrial facilities," he said, adding that followers of Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country, are actively instigating instability within the country.

Referring to the political affiliations of several individuals recently arrested, he noted that some are members of the Jubo League and Chhatra League.

The rally was presided over by Ershad Ullah, Convener of the Chattogram city BNP, and moderated by Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman.

Mahbuber Rahman Shamim, Central BNP Organising Secretary for the Chattogram Division; Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs; Habibur Rashid Habib, State Minister for Railways; Sayed Al Noman, MP; Dr Rafiqul Islam, Central BNP Health Affairs Secretary; Dr Shahadat Hossain, Administrator of the Chattogram City Corporation; Abul Hashem Bakkar, former General Secretary of the city unit BNP; and Shamsul Alam, a member of the BNP Central Executive Committee, among others, addressed the meeting.