Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, expressed deep concern over the series of fires occurring across the country. Speaking to reporters on Sunday (October 19) at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, he questioned the circumstances surrounding these incidents.“How is it possible for such large-scale fires to break out? Reports say the airport authorities obstructed fire service vehicles — is this merely bureaucratic delay, or is there a deliberate conspiracy behind it?” Rizvi asked.He added, “There was reportedly a fire on a launch in Chittagong today as well. These consecutive fire incidents are not mere coincidences — they are worrying the nation. Could these be part of a sabotage?”

Rizvi accused certain quarters of trying to destabilize the country, with India allegedly providing both direct and indirect support to such efforts at different times. “India does not want a stable situation or government in Bangladesh. They have never openly admitted it, but they have consistently supported illegitimate governments like Sheikh Hasina’s,” he claimed.

The BNP leader further referred to the 2014 election, stating, “No major political party participated then. Yet Indian diplomats tried to persuade Ershad to participate in that election — a clear interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”

Rizvi expressed concern that efforts are underway to create instability around the government’s plan to hold elections by February next year. “There are attempts to nullify the government’s decision to conduct the election within the stipulated timeframe. Whether these consecutive fires are accidents or planned conspiracies must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.

Regarding the security of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Rizvi stated, “A bulletproof vehicle is being purchased to ensure Begum Zia’s safety. If she remains healthy, she will participate in election campaigns.”

Calling for the July Charter to be established as the country’s ‘Magna Carta,’ Rizvi urged all anti-fascist political forces to unite for the restoration of democracy. “If mob rule replaces democracy, establishing true democracy will be impossible,” he warned.

Also present during the press briefing were BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, and others.