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BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. File Photo
BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that 7 November has inspired democracy-loving people, students, and the general public to fight against oppressors throughout the political history of Bangladesh.
"This is a day to protect independence and sovereignty," he said while addressing a discussion as the chief guest at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of the Jatiya Press Club here on Friday (13 November).
Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal organised the programme marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Rizvi said although the people of the country achieved geographical independence through a nine-month Liberation War in 1971, people's freedom and civil liberties were not ensured at that time. That independence was protected under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman, he added.
He said the spirit of 7 November was that Bangladesh's state and foreign policies would not be dictated by anyone, rather the state would be run according to the decisions of its people.
Rizvi alleged that Ziaur Rahman was assassinated through a national and international conspiracy, after which democracy was killed by imposing martial law. Later, Begum Khaleda Zia led the movement to restore democracy, with the spirit of reclaiming the country's independence and dignity and refusing to accept any foreign dominance, he noted.
Criticizing the subsequent regime of Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said enforced disappearances, killings, and secret murders had become the character of the entire state, against which Begum Khaleda Zia waged a relentless struggle.
Highlighting the role of Tarique Rahman during that period, Rizvi said Tarique Rahman united the entire nation from London using technology and organised the movement against Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina's rule came to an end through a mass uprising led by the youth, and 7 November was the underlying inspiration behind the July uprising, he observed.
Regarding the issue of Sheikh Hasina's return to the country, Rizvi said 'return' and 'extradition' are two different matters. "Return means someone coming back to their own country from abroad, whereas extradition means sending back a person facing criminal charges, cases, or convictions through a bilateral legal process," he explained.
He said Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India, and the matter of bringing Sheikh Hasina back must be settled by following the due legal process under that treaty.
Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina killed 1,400 people, including school and college students, adding that cases are underway against her over these incidents and she has already been convicted in several cases. Instead of bringing her back with a reception, she must be brought to justice, face the ongoing judicial proceedings and serve the sentences handed down to her, he said.
Addressing the leaders and activists of Mohila Dal, Rizvi said women played a crucial role in the pro-democracy movement by defying police barricades, risking arrest, and enduring repression on the streets to demand the release of Begum Khaleda Zia and the return of Tarique Rahman.
"Their contributions must be properly evaluated. They must be recognized for their own political struggle and contributions, not merely as someone's wife, sister, or sister-in-law," he added.
Pointing out that district administrations recently prevented 132 child marriages across seven districts, Rizvi called for building a social movement against child marriage, which is still taking place secretly through various tactics.
After 17 years of political movement, he said, efforts must now focus on educating girls, creating opportunities for them to become self-reliant, generating employment, and enhancing their role in the family and society.
Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas presided over the event while its General Secretary Sultana Ahmed moderated it.