BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged the interim government to ensure “completely foolproof” security for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, warning that there must be no lapse whatsoever in his protection.Speaking to journalists on Sunday (19 January) in Lalmatia, beside the Women’s College, Rizvi said Tarique Rahman’s security should be “airtight, with no gaps at all,” comparing it metaphorically to the legendary “Behula’s bridal chamber,” where even the smallest hole could be fatal. He made the remarks after meeting Firoza Akhter, the wife of slain protest martyr Firoz Ahmed, as part of an initiative by Amra BNP Paribar, following directives from Tarique Rahman and advice from Dr Zubaida Rahman.
Rizvi said media reports regarding Tarique Rahman’s security had caused concern within the party. “We have repeatedly said that the government must give the highest priority to the chairman’s security. At present, we do not see the level of initiative that is required,” he said.
Referring to a meeting held the previous day between Tarique Rahman and families of those seriously injured during the mass uprising, Rizvi said the BNP leader was deeply moved by the emotional appeal and grief of one mother. “He was visibly shaken,” Rizvi said, adding that Tarique Rahman immediately instructed him and party leader Atikur Rahman Rumon from the stage to visit the family in Dhaka the same day to understand their problems in detail.
Rizvi noted that Firoz Ahmed left behind two children and that their grandmother is deeply anxious about their future and education. “We have taken note of these concerns and are considering them with utmost seriousness,” he said.
He added that the purpose of Sunday’s visit was to gather all relevant information about the family, maintain constant communication, and ensure that no martyr’s family is neglected. “We will make every effort to ensure that the education of the children left behind by martyr Firoz is not disrupted,” Rizvi said.
The BNP spokesperson reiterated Tarique Rahman’s commitments regarding families of martyrs and the injured. “If BNP is elected to power with public support in the upcoming election, the pledges made by our chairman will be implemented,” he said. “He has always said that every martyr’s family and every injured family will be rehabilitated and provided with necessary state facilities.”
Rizvi described the sacrifices made during the movement as unprecedented. “They laid down their lives for a greater goal and ideal. There is no scope to belittle this noble sacrifice,” he said, adding that BNP, as in the past, would stand by these families and would undertake comprehensive rehabilitation measures if it assumes state power.
He also warned that any failure to ensure proper security could undermine confidence in the neutrality of the interim government. “If anything untoward happens, it will erode trust in the interim government among pro-democracy political parties and the public,” Rizvi said.
Calling for a neutral electoral environment, he said the Election Commission must act impartially so that voters can cast their ballots freely, fearlessly and without hesitation. “Ensuring that there is no room for even subtle manipulation is the primary responsibility of both the Election Commission and the government,” he added.
The programme was attended by Amra BNP Paribar Convener Atikur Rahman Rumon; advisers Abul Kashem and Engineer Mostafa-e-Zaman Selim; Member Secretary Agriculturist Mokhcedul Momin Mithun; members Masud Rana Liton, Mustakim Billah, Shakil Ahmed, Farhad Ali Sajib and Shahadat Hossain; BNP Central Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam; Rangpur Divisional Assistant Organising Secretary Principal Aminul Islam; National Executive Committee member Mahbubul Islam Mahbub; Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr Zahidul Kabir Zahid; volunteer leader Tushar Ahmed; Chhatra Dal leaders Misbaul Alam, Mashiur Rahman Mahan and Abdullah Al Misbah, along with local party leaders.