BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused Jamaat-e-Islami of being a political ally of the Awami League, alleging that the party uses religion for political gain.
“Jamaat’s politics is barbaric and cruel and aligned with those who seek to destroy democracy,” Rizvi said.
He made the remarks at a programme in Maskara village of Chauddagram upazila in Cumilla, where new homes and goats were distributed among five BNP families whose houses were damaged in fires during election-related violence.
Rizvi questioned how a political party could invoke religion while allegedly exploiting people’s faith for political purposes.
“Islam’s true message is to serve humanity and stand beside the helpless and distressed. But they do not follow that ideal. They are focused on gaining political advantage,” he said.
Referring to the burning of homes belonging to working-class and low-income people, Rizvi said such incidents contradicted the religious values the party claims to uphold.
He also accused Jamaat of repeatedly deceiving people throughout the country’s political history.
“BNP’s political history is about standing for justice, keeping its commitments and opposing all forms of hypocrisy,” Rizvi said.
Later, Rizvi distributed new homes and goats among five BNP families affected by violence and arson during the election period. He said the assistance was provided on behalf of BNP families as gifts from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Chauddagram upazila BNP President Kamrul Huda also spoke at the programme.
Cumilla Metropolitan BNP President and Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Udbatul Bari Abu, Cumilla South District BNP General Secretary and Cumilla WASA Managing Director Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, and other BNP leaders were present.
