BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday said the court verdict restoring the caretaker government system would serve as a safeguard against the return of authoritarian governance in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a medical assistance distribution programme at the KIB auditorium in Dhaka, organised under the patronage of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ platform, Rizvi said the ruling marked a “positive and historic step” for democracy.
“The reinstatement of the caretaker system will prevent anyone from emerging as a fascist again. Sheikh Hasina abolished it solely to remain in power,” he alleged.
He further claimed that democratic values had deteriorated under what he described as the former prime minister’s “harsh and authoritarian” rule. “Sheikh Hasina failed to demonstrate humanity. The cruelty she showed is unprecedented. This verdict signals a major step forward for justice and democracy,” he said.
Rizvi also said Tarique Rahman instructed party members not to celebrate his birthday this year, as he did last year. “People are suffering, some starving, some unable to pay hospital bills, even selling their children out of desperation. Under such circumstances, he felt it improper to celebrate,” Rizvi said.
He described Tarique Rahman as a leader who “deeply understands people’s hardships” and continues to support vulnerable families through BNP’s humanitarian initiatives. If BNP returns to power, he added, these initiatives would be further expanded.
BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ convener and senior journalist Atikur Rahman Ruman also addressed the programme.
Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bokul, BNP leader FM Momtaz Uddin Renu, Dr Monowarul Kadir Bitu, and Swechchhasebak Dal organisational secretary Nazmul Hasan were among those present.
More than 50 underprivileged families received financial assistance on behalf of Tarique Rahman.
The event was jointly moderated by ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ Member Secretary Mokhshedul Momin Mithun and National Press Club managing committee member Zahidul Islam Rony.
DAB central leader Dr Monowarul Kadir Bitu, Nazmul Hasan, Masud Rana Liton, Mustakim Billah, Shakil Ahmed, Farhad Ali Sajib, Rubel Amin, and former BUET Chhatra Dal general secretary Engineer Abu Hanif, were also attended.
