The 2024 mass uprising brought down the fascist government, forcing the then prime minister to flee the country, BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said.He questioned how individuals who committed crimes before the eyes of the public and subsequently fled the country could apply for passports and National Identity Cards (NIDs).
Rizvi made the remarks on Tuesday (November 10) while addressing a programme as a special guest at the auditorium of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College in Bogura. The event featured the exhibition and evaluation ceremony of the Rajshahi divisional round of the ‘In Search of Future Scientists-2026’ competition, organised by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF).
Rizvi said the bloodstains of nearly 1,400 students and members of the public, including Abu Sayed, Mugdha and Wasim, who were killed during the uprising, had yet to fade.
"Those who fled the country after being involved in serious crimes and crimes against humanity must face trial in the courts of this country in accordance with the Constitution," he said.
He added that the BNP believed in the rule of law and justice.
Referring to a past statement by former Law Minister Advocate Anisul Huq, Rizvi said the minister had once stated that the statements of fugitives could not be broadcast.
"Yet, during Sheikh Hasina's rule, Tarique Rahman was not a fugitive. He was physically tortured. After going abroad for medical treatment, a series of cases were filed against him," Rizvi said.
Praising the students participating in the science fair, Rizvi described them as the future Einsteins and Newtons, saying their innovative talents would play an important role in the country's development.
Speaking as the chief guest, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said Bangladesh would not need to depend on other countries if adequate opportunities and proper support were provided to its young people.
He said Bangladesh could become self-reliant through its own talent and innovative capabilities.
Referring to the philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Tuku quoted him as saying, "Homegrown product is the best product."
He stressed the need to encourage the younger generation to pursue research in various sectors, including agriculture, by following Ziaur Rahman's ideals.
He also underscored the importance of ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for research and development at educational institutions. In addition, he emphasised the proper use of artificial intelligence (AI) to increase the country's productivity.
The programme was chaired by Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Executive Director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and a member of the BNP National Standing Committee.
Other speakers included Bogura District BNP President and Member of Parliament Rezaul Karim Badsha; BNP Chairperson's Adviser Advocate A.K.M. Mahbubur Rahman; Gaibandha District BNP President Dr Moinul Hossain Sadiq; Science Fair Organising Committee Convener Engineer Professor Dr Mohammad Iqbal; and Member Secretary Dr Mostafa Aziz Sumon.
At the beginning of the event, Dr Shah Mohammad Shahjahan Ali, convener of the Rajshahi divisional science fair, delivered the welcome address.
Before the discussion session, the guests visited various stalls at the science fair and viewed science-based projects and innovations developed by participating students.
The competition was organised with the aim of promoting scientific thinking, innovation and research among the younger generation and helping build a technology-driven, self-reliant Bangladesh.