BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed has said that the fallen fascist Awami League is being encouraged by the activities, statements, and irrational demands of certain political parties. He alleged that these parties are attempting to destabilize the country under the guise of a so-called “lockdown” program by resorting to arson, violence, and killings—acts that are completely unacceptable. He made these remarks on Thursday (November 13) at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka while inaugurating a month-long video content competition marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day, centered on the life and ideology of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Rizvi said, “The country is passing through a deep crisis. The only way out of this crisis is to hold a free and fair election that will return the ownership of the state to its rightful owners—the people. Yet some political parties have taken to the streets demanding the implementation of the ‘July Charter’ and a ‘referendum,’ creating instability in the country. The fallen autocrat is taking advantage of this situation.”
The BNP spokesperson further stated, “For the past fifteen and a half years, the Awami League has established a dictatorship in the country. Opposition leaders and activists have faced unprecedented repression, false cases, arrests, and torture. Thousands of BNP activists have been victims of enforced disappearance, murder, and extrajudicial killing. During the July–August uprising, hundreds of students and citizens were shot dead on direct orders from Sheikh Hasina herself. She must be brought to justice. The people’s verdict against her cannot be stopped by announcing lockdowns.”
Rizvi accused the Awami League of massive corruption, saying, “Sheikh Hasina and her family members have looted and laundered billions of taka abroad. Many Awami League ministers and MPs own hundreds of houses in London, apartments in Manhattan, and luxurious homes in Canada’s so-called ‘Begum Para’—all built with the hard-earned money of the people.”
He went on to say, “The people of Bangladesh have already imposed their own ‘lockdown’ against the Awami League. No matter how much the fallen autocrat shouts from abroad, it will not make any difference. In the past three days, the fascist collaborators have set fire to buses and trains across the country, killing even drivers. This is the true character of the Awami League. While in power, they used to do the same—setting fires themselves and blaming the BNP.”
Speaking about the upcoming election, Rizvi said, “In many constituencies, there were multiple qualified aspirants. The party has nominated one after careful consideration. It is everyone’s duty to ensure the victory of the official BNP candidate. Those who were not nominated must put aside their differences. Disunity goes against the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.”
Accusing the Awami League of violence under the guise of lockdowns, he said, “To regain illegal power and obstruct justice, the Awami League is burning people alive in the name of lockdowns. The culture of killing people with fire belongs to the Awami League, and this has been proven once again.”
He added, “BNP never harms ordinary people. Those who risk their lives for democracy are not enemies of the people. The real enemy is the autocratic force that suppresses the people’s voice to cling to power.”
Praising the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Rizvi said, “Zia was the architect of a self-reliant economy. He sought to advance the nation through democracy, development, education, and healthcare. He was never autocratic; rather, he governed through democratic practices.”
Regarding Tarique Rahman’s leadership, he said, “Tarique Rahman always responds to political opponents with civility. His commitment to national development, democracy, and restoring the people’s power is clear and unwavering.”
Addressing party leaders and activists, Rizvi said, “Internal discussions over nominations may occur, but division must never be visible publicly. Our goal is not individual success, but the victory of the paddy sheaf symbol. That victory is tied to the nation’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy.”
BNP Organizing Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiyan and Assistant Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shahin, among others, were also present at the event.