September 24: BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a “deep conspiracy” is underway to destabilise Bangladesh with the aim of rehabilitating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and paving the way for the return of her ousted political power. Rizvi made the remarks on Thursday at a pre-rally gathering organised by the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in the Gulshan-2 area of the capital. The rally was held to protest what the organisers described as attempts to destabilise the country through planned acts of terrorism.

According to Rizvi, forces that have been defeated politically are attempting to create instability through illegal and violent means. He alleged that incidents involving arson attacks on buses, explosions and plans for bomb attacks were part of an effort to undermine Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and democracy.

“The Awami League was ousted in the face of the student-people’s movement. Now, they want to regain their lost power and rule through illegal and terrorist means,” Rizvi said.

He claimed that buses had been set on fire in different parts of Dhaka in recent days, putting children, drivers, transport workers, day labourers and rickshaw pullers at risk. He also alleged that explosions had taken place on buses.

Referring to information reportedly published in newspapers, Rizvi said that calls were allegedly being made from a foreign telephone number to people in Bangladesh, asking them to send photographs of explosive devices. He claimed that those who sent such photographs were promised financial payments.

“If this is happening, then it is a major plan and an ominous conspiracy,” Rizvi said. He alleged that the objective was to create instability in Bangladesh and undermine its independence, sovereignty and democracy.

Rizvi further alleged that individuals based in a neighbouring country were attempting to recruit people in Bangladesh to carry out bomb attacks or set buses on fire, with payments allegedly being made through bank accounts. He said the matter required serious consideration regarding the direction in which the country was heading.

Criticising Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure, Rizvi alleged that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty had been under pressure during that period and that the country had not progressed towards democracy. He also accused the previous government of acting in accordance with the interests of another country.

Rizvi further alleged that attempts were now being made to rehabilitate Sheikh Hasina by taking advantage of the current regional situation and subsequently restore what he described as the previous regime.

However, he said such efforts would not be easy, arguing that the fall of the previous government had resulted from a broad-based movement involving people across political lines.

“The rule that caused a stream of blood to flow in Bangladesh through oppression and persecution will not be allowed to return,” Rizvi said.

He referred to the deaths and injuries of thousands of people during the country’s recent political upheavals and said that the previous political order would not be allowed to return.

The allegations made by Rizvi at the rally could not independently be verified from the information provided.