BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that the current opposition parties have started a new drama in the name of street protests to conceal their internal conflicts and failures. He made the remarks on Saturday (October 17) at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club in the capital. The Nationalist Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh (JTEB) organized the rally to protest what it described as planned anarchy and conspiracies by the Awami League across the country.
Addressing the rally, Rizvi said that newspapers were filled with complaints from opposition parties, which, he claimed, constantly repeated their grievances without paying attention to national development or public welfare.
He alleged that the opposition parties were looking for excuses to take to the streets to cover up their internal disputes, factional conflicts and failures. According to him, they were staging political dramas under the guise of various programmes.
The BNP leader further said that while the country was going through various crises, the opposition parties were attempting to mislead the public instead of playing a constructive role. He accused them of prioritizing their political positioning over the interests of the country and the welfare of its people.
Rizvi on the Consequences of Authoritarian Rule
Referring to the consequences of authoritarian rule, Rizvi said that no ruler could ultimately escape the consequences of injustice and misrule.
“History bears witness that when people rise up on the streets, rulers responsible for wrongdoing are forced to flee,” he said, adding that authoritarian forces that had attempted to cling to power by force in Bangladesh had also been compelled to leave.
He further stated that no one could remain in power indefinitely through injustice and repression. According to Rizvi, no political force could maintain its hold on power permanently by disregarding people's rights.
He emphasized the need to prioritize public interests and democratic values in political activities.
Call to Ensure Security During Durga Puja
Rizvi also stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for members of the Hindu community to celebrate Sharadiya Durga Puja.
He said Durga Puja, the principal religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, had begun. He added that BNP leaders and activists at all levels had been instructed to remain alert and vigilant to ensure the festival was celebrated with maximum security, religious solemnity and peace.
According to Rizvi, party leaders and activists across the country were maintaining constant communication to help ensure that members of the Hindu community could celebrate the festival without hindrance.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of everyone during the religious celebrations.
Emphasis on Establishing the Rule of Law
Highlighting the importance of establishing the rule of law, Rizvi said that no wrongdoer would be allowed to escape justice.
“There must be no return to a reign of betrayal and killings in this country,” he said, adding that justice for all crimes would be ensured through the law and the courts.
He stressed that ensuring accountability for crimes and establishing the rule of law were essential to maintaining peace and stability in the country. He also called for a firm stand against wrongdoing to ensure justice.
Leaders from Various Organizations Attend Rally
The rally was chaired by JTEB President Engineer Md. Fakhrul Alam.
Other speakers included BNP Central Committee member Riaz Uddin Mishu; Bangladesh Nurses Association Secretary General Jahanara Siddiqua; Nationalist Cultural Alliance leader Rakibul Islam; Diploma Engineers Association Secretary General Kazi Sakhawat; Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr. Zahidur Rahman; and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr. Tawhidur Rahman Awal.
Leaders and activists from various professional organizations also attended the rally. The speakers discussed the country's political situation, public interests and the importance of establishing the rule of law.