BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that conspiracies are underway to transform Bangladesh back into an authoritarian state.
He stated, “Attempts are being made to institutionalise partisan appointments in universities and administration. The fundamental struggle of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman aims to establish a truly democratic Bangladesh – one governed by rule of law where people can express opinions freely without fear.”
Rizvi made these remarks on Saturday at a discussion and prayer session organised by Dhaka College Ex-Students Association at the National Press Club auditorium, commemorating martyrs and victims of the July-August mass uprising against fascism.
The BNP leader emphasised, “We must honor the sacrifices of the new generation who shed their blood. Countless students, including five-year-old children, sacrificed their lives during the July-August uprising. When they should have been in their parents’ arms with books and lunchboxes, they stood on streets demanding democracy.”
Expressing frustration, Rizvi highlighted ongoing false cases against activists, extortion allegations, suppression policies, politicization of government offices and educational institutions, and political loyalty becoming prerequisite for employment.
He condemned Bangladesh’s deteriorating law and order situation and denial of justice to common citizens, stating that street muggings and terror have become daily occurrences. Rizvi criticised the voterless 2014 election, midnight voting in 2018, and the recent “dummy election” of 2024 as stains on democracy.
“Year after year, Sheikh Hasina has used media, intellectuals and law enforcement to suppress democratic movements while branding protesters as militants and arsonists,” he added, noting Khaleda Zia’s prolonged imprisonment and house arrest through “fabricated cases”.
The event was attended by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan as chief guest, along with Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali, Dhaka College Student Union AGS Syed Mazharul Haque Sohag, and family members of uprising martyrs.
