BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Saturday that the 7 November 1975 Revolution and Solidarity Movement gave Bangladesh a new direction and renewed hope for independence, sovereignty and multiparty democracy.
He said the 7 November movement carried three key commitments: protecting the country’s independence, safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring the continuation of multiparty democracy. People took to the streets in July 2024 with these ideals to defeat what he described as anti-democratic forces, he added.
The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Earlier, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid tribute to former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia at their graves around 8:30am on behalf of the BNP.
Rizvi said the spirit of 7 November had repeatedly inspired the people of Bangladesh to stand up for freedom, democracy and national sovereignty.
Referring to the political developments of 1975, he said the country fell into anarchy following the events of 25 January, when the one-party Baksal system was introduced, restricting people’s civil rights.
He said the country was subsequently pushed into a period of uncertainty and bloodshed, while Ziaur Rahman and his family were detained at their Cantonment residence ahead of 7 November.
At the time, Rizvi said, people were deeply concerned about the possible restoration of Baksal, the loss of civil liberties and restrictions on press freedom.
Rizvi also alleged that some groups were now trying to disrupt Bangladesh’s democratic journey by creating instability.
“Sometimes crude bombs and cocktails are exploded inside alleys. Instructions are reportedly coming from a neighbouring country, while people acting as hired killers and receiving money are trying in different ways to disrupt Bangladesh’s democratic journey,” he said.
He said the people would resist such attempts appropriately.
Rizvi also warned that the public was closely observing the activities of different political parties and those seeking to take advantage of the situation by creating confusion.
He said people would not forgive anyone who tried to mislead them or obstruct the democratic process.
Rizvi said the BNP and its supporters remained committed to resisting all undemocratic and anti-national forces, inspired by the spirit of National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
He added that the party would work alongside the people to protect their civil liberties and ensure the continuity of the country’s development and production.
