BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that the party does not believe in “disorderly mobocracy.”
He further said, “We do not support any form of chaos or mob rule. Who should or should not engage in politics is a matter for the law and government decisions. BNP has never fostered a ‘mob culture,’ nor do we believe in disorderly mobocracies.
“BNP has never supported illegal oppression, torture, or victimisation.”
He made these remarks on Tuesday at a discussion organised by the Uttoranchal Chhatra Forum at the National Press Club in Dhaka, marking the 18th anniversary of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s release from prison.
Tarique Rahman was arrested during the 1/11 political crisis and was imprisoned for 18 months. He was released on bail by the High Court on September 3, 2008.
At the event, Rizvi questioned the role of political parties, saying, “What role did the Jatiya Party play? What role did other political parties take? Who protected the terrifying Awami fascism of Sheikh Hasina?
“Who facilitated the plundering of billions from the people? Who is giving the stamp of approval for the establishment of an Awami dictatorship in the country? Among them was the Jatiya Party.”
He added, “After coming to power in 2008-09, Sheikh Hasina began her torture campaign two years later. BNP never supports torture.”
Rizvi also mentioned, “When there were no voters at polling stations in the 2014 and 2024 elections and stray dogs, cats, cows, and goats roamed around, the people of the country know what role the Jatiya Party played.”
Questions about certain media outlets
During the discussion, Rizvi criticized certain media outlets, stating, “On September 1, on the founding anniversary of BNP, some newspapers referred to Ziaur Rahman as deceased.
“While we criticise this, it has caused deep sorrow among millions of nationalists. The person who declared independence, the person who liberated democracy after Sheikh Mujib’s assassination, has been called deceased.”
He added, “These media outlets, using his name in such a manner, do not understand the implications. On August 15, big headlines are used to honor the Father of the Nation, but Ziaur Rahman’s name is never preceded by shaheed (martyr) or liberator of independence.”
Tarique Rahman: A person of integrity
Rizvi praised BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, saying, “The purpose of imprisoning Tarique Rahman was to defeat the nation. Neighboring countries wanted to establish dominance over our economy, culture, and all spheres of life.
“This is why Tarique Rahman was tortured.”
He further remarked, “Whenever BNP held discussions, brochures with his name were published, but he instructed them not to do so. He said, ‘No, don’t do this. I am alive, my success lies in my work.’ He is a person of pure integrity.”
New committee announced
At the end of the discussion, Rizvi announced the new five-member committee of the Uttoranchal Chhatra Forum. The new members are President Imtiaz Raja Saurav, Dhaka University (Kurigram), Senior Vice President Farzana Akter Remi, Jagannath University (Bogura), General Secretary: Mujahidul Haque, Jagannath University (Bogura), Senior Joint Secretary: Mohammad Abir Kazi, Dhaka University (Bogura), Organising Secretary: Naeem Islam, South Asian University (Rangpur).