BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday questioned a recent comment made by the Chief Adviser during his participation at the United Nations, saying it has raised concerns among the public. Speaking to journalists after releasing fish fry into the lake at the mausoleum complex of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Rizvi said:“In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Chief Adviser said some people suggested he should remain in power for five years. What exactly is he trying to convey with such remarks? Earlier, at a time of political instability surrounding the election, he gave assurances about holding polls in February. Now, suddenly, he says people are advising him to stay for five years. This has created new uncertainty among the people.”The BNP leader also alleged that the country’s banking sector has collapsed. “The banks are empty. Many assumed that, given the Chief Adviser’s international connections, Bangladesh would receive substantial foreign loans. But in reality, not a single major support package has come in over the past year. The banking sector is practically bankrupt,” Rizvi said.
On extortion, he claimed: “If any BNP member is found involved in such unethical acts, he or she is expelled from the party under Tarique Rahman’s directive. Taking legal action, however, is the government’s responsibility—which it has failed to do.”
Rizvi further accused “anti-Bangladesh forces and fascist groups” of conspiring in the hill tracts. “Otherwise, why would uncertainty persist there?” he asked.
On Jamaat-e-Islami, Rizvi said: “Some call Jamaat a shadow government. But BNP is focused on ensuring free and fair elections. We want qualified individuals to work in every sector—education, health, and beyond. Shadow groups must not dominate these spaces.”
He also criticized certain Islamic parties for declaring movements to distract the people. “The people now demand results, not publicity. They will cast their votes for their preferred candidates—that is the natural and established norm, and it will continue,” he added.
Highlighting BNP’s social and environmental initiatives, Rizvi said the party is not only active in electoral politics but also engaged in community work. “Under Tarique Rahman’s direction, organizations such as the Fishermen’s Front and the Weavers’ Front are implementing environmentally friendly programs. Today’s fish release in this lake is part of that initiative.”
“Our politics is centered on democracy, but we are equally committed to building a sustainable state by engaging citizens in environmental activities,” he said, stressing that free and fair elections remain indispensable for democratic practice in Bangladesh.
The event was attended by BNP Treasurer and adviser of “Amra BNP Poribar” (We Are BNP Family) M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, the platform’s convener Atikur Rahman Rumman, adviser Md. Abul Kashem, member secretary agriculturist Mokshedul Momin Mithun, National Press Club managing committee member Zahidul Islam Roni, and other members including Masud Rana Liton, Shakil Ahmed, Forhad Ali Sojib and Shahadat Hossain.
Also present were former Member Secretary of BNP’s Fishermen’s Front Abdur Rahim, BNP Volunteer Front Vice President Dr. Zahidul Kabir Zahid, Dhaka North Fishermen’s Front Convener Amir Hossain and Member Secretary Baki Billah, along with several current and former leaders of the BNP’s student and youth wings.
Notably, the “Amra BNP Poribar” group has long been involved in the maintenance and beautification of the Zia Udyan and Lake at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar mausoleum complex.