BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed concern that fascism could re-emerge in the country through new and different strategies.He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the inaugural session of a views-exchange meeting with members of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy at a hotel in Gulshan, the capital.Rizvi said all sections of society must remain vigilant to ensure that no form of fascism rises again. “We must be alert so that no one can establish autocracy in new ways, new tactics or new appearances,” he said. Claiming that people have been deprived of their voting rights for the last 16 to 17 years, Rizvi said citizens were unable to cast their votes freely during this period. “Elections are supposed to be festive occasions where people exercise their democratic rights. But in the past, the environment was destroyed through the occupation of polling centres and intimidation,” he alleged.

Praising the role of journalists during periods of political repression, Rizvi said members of the media courageously reported incidents despite pressure. “There were instances where party activists were picked up late at night. Even when the police denied such incidents, journalists exposed the truth, which helped save many lives,” he said.

He further warned that recent incidents indicate a rise in uncivil and aggressive behaviour in politics, which could be manifestations of a fascist mindset. Rizvi cautioned that if any force attempts to establish authoritarian rule by using religion, the consequences would be even more dangerous.

Emphasising the importance of voting rights, he said that when people are allowed to vote freely, they will make the right decisions, reflecting the will of pro-democracy forces. He expressed hope that the upcoming election would be held in a free, fair and inclusive environment.

The meeting was also attended by BNP Standing Committee member and head of the party’s Central Election Management Committee Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zabihullah, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and spokesperson of the Central Election Management Committee Mahdi Amin, among others.