BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called on the opposition parties to come up with alternative plans and recommendations to help resolve the country’s ongoing gas and electricity crisis, instead of limiting themselves to political programmes and criticism of the government.

“In a democratic system, opposition parties will have their programmes and will criticise the government—that is not a problem. But they should not only announce programmes; they should also offer alternative plans and suggestions to address the country’s crises,” Rizvi said.

“You may organise long marches or other programmes over gas and electricity shortages—that is fine. But tell us what the alternative is. How will we supply gas and electricity? Where will we get them from and how will we procure them? Give us a plan outlining what steps can be taken to overcome the crisis,” he added.

Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the induction ceremony of the newly elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Dance Artists Association at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday (September 4).

He said opposition lawmakers have the opportunity to speak in Parliament and criticise the government, while opposition parties can also organise various programmes outside Parliament. Such activities, he said, are part of the normal practice of democracy.

“However, alongside criticism, there should also be suggestions on how the government can address the crisis,” Rizvi said.

“We are hearing only about programmes by the opposition. Opposition programmes are part of democracy. But if we simply repeat the practices of the past, we will once again return to the culture of the past. That will only deepen the darkness,” he said.

Global factors behind energy crisis
Speaking about the gas and electricity crisis, Rizvi said the current situation is also linked to the global war and disruptions in the energy supply system.

He particularly pointed to difficulties in importing the necessary fuel due to disruptions to energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.

“This has not happened because of any action by the government itself. There is a global war going on. The United States and Iran are at war—is the Bangladeshi government responsible for that? No, it is not,” he said.

Rizvi said the fuel crisis is creating difficulties in operating power plants, maintaining production in factories and ensuring the supply of fuel needed for cooking in households.

“In this situation, we need a realistic alternative plan to deal with the crisis,” he said.

“I do not think it is right to create a planned paralysis. Rather, we need to provide plans on how this crisis can be overcome,” Rizvi added.

Rizvi highlights role of dance and culture
Speaking about dance, Rizvi said he does not consider himself an expert on the subject. However, he said dance performed alongside music and musical instruments creates an enjoyable experience and helps purify the human mind.

He described dance as a fine art in which emotions, feelings and imagery are expressed through bodily movements in rhythm with music and instruments.

“Dance has evolved in different forms in various countries around the world over the centuries. Bangladesh, too, has a rich folk and cultural heritage,” he said.

Rizvi said that, alongside classical, folk and modern dance, traditional forms such as leto performances, kabigan, ghumura and Baul culture also combine music, acting and bodily expression.

“We have to preserve these traditions and allow our culture to develop with time,” he said.

He described dance as a powerful medium of culture, saying music and dance can generate enthusiasm among people and, at times, strengthen major movements.

Referring to various cultural performances during the July Movement, Rizvi said songs and dances helped create enthusiasm among the people and strengthened the momentum of the movement.

“When ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat’ is performed with dance, it creates a sense of inspiration among people. It gives them the courage to overcome any obstacles or barricades in front of them,” he said.

Call to preserve positive traditions
Rizvi called for preserving the positive aspects of Bangladesh’s folk traditions while rejecting inhumane and discriminatory practices that may exist in the name of tradition.

Referring to the practice of sati, he said many inhumane customs existed in the past and were sometimes promoted through songs and other cultural forms.

“We have to move away from such inhuman practices and use culture to spread messages of women’s education and empowerment,” he said.

“Good elements of our traditions should not be discarded. We only need to remove the darker aspects,” Rizvi added.

He further said regular practice of art, music, dance and other forms of culture helps establish truth and beauty in society.

“Cultural practices can play a positive role in combating violence, intolerance and dark mindsets,” he said.

The programme was chaired by Bangladesh