BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of working with “deposed fascists.”
Responding to questions from journalists at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Thursday, he added, “An Islamist political party has always worked to satisfy the Awami League. Although Jamaat-e-Islami was banned, Shaheed Zia allowed them to participate in politics.
“However, they did not support Ziaur Rahman, instead they strongly criticised him. Still, it is evident that in every instance, this Islamic party has aligned with the decisions of the Awami League.”
Rizvi also questioned, “Have those who are considering an alliance with fascists learned nothing from history?”
Citing examples, the BNP leader mentioned, “In 1986, Awami League participated in an election with a dictator. Similarly, jamaat joined forces with Awami League during the movement for caretaker government and participated in a destructive movement that resulted in widespread violence.
“During that time, they even killed people. In Rajshahi University, Shibir shot and killed student Tito. In 2008, Madam Khaleda Zia did not want to participate in the elections. It was the leaders of this party who forced her to. Now, they have emerged again, seeking the rehabilitation of Awami League and better relations with India.”
Rizvi added, “We must remember that this country has given room to a bloodthirsty monster like Sheikh Hasina. However, fascism will never rise again or get resurrected in Bangladesh under her leadership.”
Rizvi also commented on Sheikh Hasina’s alleged role in violence, stating, “The deposed prime minister, who directly ordered shootings, and the evidence presented in the International Crimes Tribunal – documents and phone conversations with transcripts – will send chills down anyone’s spine when heard.
“We, who have fought for democracy, faced death, and suffered under her regime, saw her brutality firsthand. We were victims of oppression, spent days on remand, and months in jail.”
Rizvi expressed concern over the actions of certain advisers to the interim government, questioning the neutrality of the government.
He stated, “It has been reported in the media that Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has secured the largest allocations in his own area – around Tk 2,500 crore. This is a form of inequality and deliberate favoritism.
“Asif Mahmud is using his position in the interim government to prepare for future elections by developing his own constituency.”
He further questioned, “Can an adviser or a high-ranking government official allocate thousands of crores of public funds for development in their own constituency while the rest of the country is deprived?
“This is completely unethical and against principles. We have heard that the cabinet secretary is loyal to a specific political party and may contest elections after retirement. This is regrettable and goes against government discipline and transparency.”
