Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary-general of BNP and former VP of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU), has characterised the “Guptos” as a backward and regressive political force.
He said this assessment is not only his personal evaluation but is also a belief held by many within the party.
He made these remarks on Sunday during a discussion titled “Bloody July Remembrance and Resolve,” organised by Rajshahi University (RU) branch of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium.
Reflecting on recent events, Rizvi described July uprising as a historic mass uprising aimed at re-establishing democracy, civil liberties, and human rights.
He said although a significant number of students and youths lost their lives, their courage ultimately defeated autocratic forces. Students from schools, colleges, and universities risked their lives, refusing to retreat despite facing suppression, gunfire, and violence.
Rizvi further said that the July uprising has created a new political reality, following 17 years of continuous struggle. He claimed that BNP had long been at the forefront to restore democracy and that the party’s top leaders were arrested during the uprising.
BNP leader urged the new generation of political forces to embrace progressive, forward-looking, and democratic politics. He criticised the formation of alliances with regressive political elements and emphasised the importance of maintaining decency in political discourse.
According to Rizvi, a culture of hatred, malice, and personal attacks is fundamentally opposed to a healthy democratic environment.
