United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday expressed concern that fascism could reemerge in the country in a new form and through different tactics. “Fascism must not rise again. We all need to be careful so that no one can establish autocracy in a new way, with new tactics or a new appearance,” he said 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 the capital’s Gulshan area. He urged all to remain alert to protect democracy so that no authoritarian force can return under a new guise. The BNP leader said people were not able to cast their votes freely over the last 16 to 17 years and the festive atmosphere normally associated with polling was destroyed. “Elections are meant to be a festival of people’s participation. But in the past, that environment was ruined through the capture of polling centres and intimidation,” he observed. Praising the role of journalists, Rizvi said reporters bravely highlighted many incidents during periods of political repression, which helped save the lives of many leaders and activists. He said there were times when party activists were picked up late at night. “Even when police denied it, journalists exposed the incidents. As a result, many people were rescued.” BNP to make women self-reliant if voted to power: Tarique Rizvi also warned that recent incidents suggest a rise in rude and aggressive behaviour in politics, which reflect a fascist mindset. He cautioned that any attempt to establish authoritarian rule by using religion will be even more dangerous. The BNP leader said if voting rights are ensured, people will make the right decisions and democratic forces will be reflected. Rizvi expressed hope that the next election will be held in a free and inclusive environment. BNP Standing Committee member and chief of the party’s central election steering committee Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ismail Zabiullah, and adviser to the BNP Acting Chairman and spokesperson of the election steering committee Mahdi Amin, among others, were present at the meeting.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday strongly criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, saying that if the party continues to distort history, it may one day claim that Ghulam Azam proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence. “When the Pakistani forces carried out atrocities against our mothers and sisters, you (Jamaat) did not call those acts oppression. You did not even acknowledge those brutalities as crimes. Instead, you supported them and provided patronage,” he said. Speaking at a milad and doa mahfil organised by BNP at its Nayapaltan central office on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, Rizvi questioned Jamaat’s motive behind speaking about the declaration of independence. Referring to remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman on the 1971 declaration of independence in Chattogram, he said, “In a few days, you may even say that Ghulam Azam himself was the proclaimer of independence. You can say that too, because you never step back from telling lies.” The BNP leader alleged that the Jamaat chief raised the debate on the declaration of independence to divert attention from his controversial and derogatory remarks about women, which have angered women across the country. Earlier on Monday night (February 2), while addressing an election rally at Bandar School Ground in Chattogram, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the declaration of independence in 1971 was made from Chattogram. “Chattogram is not only a port city or a commercial capital; it is a city with a long history of struggle and resistance. The declaration of independence in 1971 took place here. One of your proud sons first shouted ‘We revolt’—he is Dr Colonel Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, the respected president of the LDP. He held Ziaur Rahman’s hand and led him forward. Chattogram residents salute you. You were the ones who initiated this proud history,” he added. Reacting to the Jamaat chief’s remarks, Rizvi said the party cannot hide the truth by creating controversy over an established historical fact. The BNP leader also recalled Jamaat’s political role during the 1986 election under military ruler HM Ershad, accusing the party of breaking its promise not to take part in the polls. “Begum Khaleda Zia did not join that election. She endured years of repression, arrests and house arrest, but never broke her word,” he said, adding that Jamaat’s “true character” is now being exposed through its statements about women. Rizvi asserted that former president Ziaur Rahman was the real proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence. “As a major, Ziaur Rahman declared independence and gave direction to the nation, calling people to join the Liberation War. Even those who worked alongside Zia acknowledged his role in their own writings,” he said. The BNP leader questioned whether people would accept such sudden political claims made for vested interests. He said Oli Ahmed never described himself as the proclaimer of independence at any point in his military or professional life. Rizvi said that even when Ziaur Rahman formed his party, Oli worked only as his assistant, and that these facts are clearly mentioned in his published books. Highlighting the significance of Shab-e-Barat, he said the holy night inspires self-purification and closeness to Allah, warning that social decay increases when people drift away from moral and spiritual values. Tarique to lead nation forward following Khaleda Zia’s path: Rizvi The BNP leader also accused some quarters of exploiting religion for political and commercial gains, saying Islam is not a commodity but a way of life for the country’s Muslims. Speaking on women’s dignity, Rizvi said Islam grants women the highest respect, but recent vulgar and offensive remarks on social media have caused nationwide outrage. “This anger cannot be suppressed by raising false debates over the declaration of independence,” he said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would lead the country forward and uphold democracy by following the path shown by his mother Begum Khaleda Zia. “Khaleda Zia left behind ideals, moral values and commitments to the people that represent the highest standard of political ethics. We will move ahead by following the very path she showed us,” he said. Talking to reporters after offering fateha at Khaleda Zia’s grave, Rizvi said the BNP, all its affiliated organisations, including Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal, and the country’s nationalist forces will continue to follow the direction set by their late chairperson. “BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has taken up the flag she handed to him and will lead the country towards new possibilities and a new horizon by walking in the footsteps of his mother,” he said. The BNP leader said Khaleda Zia endured severe suffering and repression but never allowed the flag of democracy to fall. “That example will guide us as we move forward. She remains our source of inspiration. Only by following the path she showed can we uphold democracy, protect the national flag, safeguard our independence and preserve our sovereignty,” he said. Rizvi said the BNP will continue its journey towards the goal for which Khaleda Zia fought tirelessly for nearly 45 to 46 years. Earlier, at around 11:30am, Rizvi, along with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal led by its President Afroza Abbas, General Secretary Sultana Ahmed and Senior General Secretary Helen Zerin Khan, visited Khaleda Zia’s grave at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. They placed a wreath at the grave and offered a munajat, praying for the eternal peace of the departed leader’s soul. Referring to Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment, Rizvi alleged that the Awami League government subjected her to oppression through false and vindictive cases, denied her proper medical care and even provided wrong treatment. “There was a deliberate plot to remove her from this world. But her unwavering courage, patience and determination proved that no threat could separate her from her people and her soil,” he said. Rizvi said the nation lost a leader who stood firmly for the people and democracy. “The entire nation is in mourning. Tears are flowing across the country. The massive public turnout at her janaza in Dhaka was unprecedented,” he said. The BNP leader said Allah honoured Khaleda Zia by granting her the status of a leader of the people, a champion of democracy and a symbol of human welfare. He also despite facing vulgar and offensive attacks, Khaleda Zia always showed restraint, dignity and decency in both her words and actions. “Those who resort to foul language are rejected by the people, while those who value courtesy, who face countless attacks and hear countless vile remarks yet never utter a single bad or offensive word are honoured by Allah,” Rizvi said. He observed that since Thursday, people from all parts of the country have been visiting Khaleda’s grave to offer prayers and pay their respects. Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 30 while undergoing treatment. She was buried the following day beside her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan with full state honours.  

Prayers and special munajat seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be held in every mosque across the country on Friday (December 05, 2025), said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. “Arrangements have been made at all mosques nationwide to pray for her swift recovery. The people of other faiths will also offer prayers for her healing at their respective places of worship,” he told a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Thursday morning (December 04, 2025). Read more: Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s health Rizvi said Khaleda Zia has been enduring illness amid various forms of repression, and he urged people across the country to pray for her wellbeing. He also announced that the BNP’s “Desh Garar Karmasuchi” (Nation-Building Programme) will begin on December 7, with the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joining virtually. Speaking about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Rizvi said, “He is deeply concerned about Khaleda Zia’s treatment. As the eldest son of the family and a national leader eagerly awaited by the people, he will make a well-considered decision to return at the right time.” Updating on Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her condition remains unchanged and she is still in a critical state, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital under a medical board. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 with multiple health complications. Read more: Govt urges nationwide special prayers for Khaleda Zia on Friday Her condition deteriorated on November 27, prompting doctors to transfer her to the CCU, where she continues to receive intensive treatment.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said their party would abolish the indemnity provision in the power sector if it returns to power. Speaking at the ‘CAB Youth Parliament 2025’ organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at Dhaka University, Rizvi said the indemnity law had legalised massive corruption in the power sector. “During the fascist regime, hundreds of thousands of crores of taka were looted from the energy sector. Using the indemnity law as a tool, money was siphoned off abroad,” Rizvi alleged. He said through rental and quick rental power projects, the previous government unleashed a wave of plunder in the energy sector, and the indemnity provision had paved the way for further large-scale corruption. “BNP stands firmly against such looting. Once in power, BNP will definitely repeal the indemnity,” he affirmed. Read more: Salahuddin slams ‘mismatch’ between July Charter and Commission report Rizvi said investment in the energy sector had declined and stressed that Bangladesh must start focusing on renewable energy now. “The previous government never thought about energy for people. Although the current interim government’s intentions regarding renewable energy seem right, their actions are not yet visible,” he observed. The BNP leader said that the party’s 31-point reform agenda places special emphasis on renewable energy, adding that acting chairman Tarique Rahman has repeatedly highlighted the issue in his speeches. “BNP has also pledged to plant 250 million trees across the country,” Rizvi said, adding that the party has always been serious about environmental issues. Apart from tree planting, our acting chairman has repeatedly talked about restoring the navigability of 20,000 km of canals, wetlands, and dead rivers,” he added. On the country’s renewable energy potential, Rizvi said Bangladesh needs to explore more alternative sources beyond solar and wind power. “Currently, only 4.71 percent of the national grid’s electricity comes from renewable sources. If Bangladesh can produce biofuel like Brazil—from sugarcane husks and other byproducts—it can make significant progress in this sector,” he said. Rizvi identified investment as the major challenge in renewable energy, saying that foreign investments are often delayed or blocked due to bureaucratic hurdles. “Overcoming these challenges is crucial to take the renewable energy sector forward,” he added. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday voiced suspicion of a ‘master plan’ behind Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s call for a November referendum on the July Charter, suggesting it might be an attempt to delay the upcoming national election. “As for the referendum on the July Charter, now you (Jamaat) are demanding that it be held in November. But most political parties have already agreed that the referendum will take place on the same day as the parliamentary election. It won’t take extra time and will also save costs,” he said. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader said if Jamaat insists on holding the referendum in November, it will hamper the preparation for the national election. “It will only create chaos. Which one will you finish first, and when? There is simply no time. If the referendum is held in November, the national election will have to be held right after Eid-ul-Azha. So, do you have some other master plan behind your call for the referendum in November?” he said. After long discussions, debates and arguments, Rizvi said all parties reached a consensus on the July Charter. “Now, by setting a new condition, why are you again trying to create disorder and confusion in the public mind? This question is now swirling in people’s minds.” He said people are also asking why Jamaat and some other parties are trying to complicate something that could be done easily and efficiently. Jamaat asks EC to be ready for separate referendum, polls days The BNP leader said the plan to hold both the referendum and the national election on the same day would save time and ensure a smooth process, while it is not possible to hold the referendum in November by making preparations in just one month. “But you (Jamaat) are trying to drag it out unnecessarily, raising suspicion that you want to delay or derail the national election. It seems that this political party, along with a few others, does not really want the election to take place. Their past record shows that they have never had any real commitment to democracy or the electoral process,” he pointed out. Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal arranged the programme protesting the desecration of the Quran and derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Islamic party leaders. The BNP leader also launched a strong attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of misleading people in the name of religion. “Jamaat is behaving like the medieval priests who used to sell tickets to heaven. Saying that voting for them will lead to heaven is a form of deception.” Rizvi claimed Jamaat has formed online groups to spread false messages and religious propaganda through digital platforms. “They are using technology to confuse people and exploit their religious beliefs. Islam never allows this kind of manipulation. Religion is a matter of faith, not a political tool,” he said. He said such activities are damaging to both democracy and the country’s religious values. “Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country where people deeply respect Islam. But using faith to gain votes or to divide people is unacceptable.” Some Advisers backing one party in secret, alleges Jamaat leader Rizvi also alleged that Jamaat has a long history of siding with the ruling Awami League when it suits their interests. “They always find a way to stay close to the Awami League. Even now, they are trying to benefit from the Awami League’s vote base through tricks and tactics. Their record shows no real commitment to democracy,” he said. The BNP senior joint secretary general urged all pro-democracy political parties to remain vigilant and united to ensure a free, fair and credible election under the interim government.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday warned of possible subversive acts during Durga Puja and urged national unity to resist ‘evil forces’. “There are plots and conspiracies, but together, beyond religion and community, we will resist them. The people of this country have always broken the webs of conspiracies, and this time too, the evil forces will not succeed,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the Puja mandap at the Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University. He said a defeated force had planned various subversive activities centring on Durga Puja this year as well. “But, as in the past, these attempts have failed.” Rizvi said conspiracies and plots still exist, both inside and outside the country, and efforts are being made to spread misinformation and false propaganda. “Butt, it is the sense of solidarity and the bonds of harmony among the people that have successfully resisted these conspiracies.” Salahuddin warns of plots against Bangladesh’s democratic transition He said despite all conspiracies, this year’s Puja is being celebrated in a joyful and festive atmosphere across the country. “Puja is not only a religious festival, it is also a symbol of Bangladesh’s centuries-old communal harmony. This festival has created a spirit of celebration among all people.” Rizvi called on the government to ensure the rights and safety of all communities to maintain peace and harmony. “State security must be foolproof so that no provocation or evil attempt can succeed,” he said. Later, at another event, Rizvi said both domestic and foreign conspiracies are actively underway, with the main target being the Zia family and nationalist forces. Speaking to a delegation of the Association of Engineers Bangladesh (AEB) who visited BNP’s Nayapaltan office in the afternoon, he warned that attempts are being made to disturb communal peace and create unrest in various parts of the country and called on all pro-democracy political parties and citizens to remain alert. Rizvi alleges ‘deep conspiracies’ surrounding Puja celebrations Rizvi said those who do not trust democracy are deliberately playing games with the election process and attempting to disrupt it through various methods. He also said the country’s young people have been denied their voting rights for over 10 years and they will not forgive any attempt to disrupt the national election.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of ‘working with fallen fascist forces’ and criticised its opportunistic political role over the years. “Some parties are thinking of working with fascists or befriending them. Have they learnt nothing from history? In our country, I believe an Islamist political party has continuously worked to satisfy the Awami League,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He reminded that it was BNP founder Ziaur Rahman who allowed the previously banned Jamaat to participate in Bangladesh politics. “But there have never been any of their meetings or programmes where they did not criticise Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, in strong language instead of supporting him… We have seen them stand with the Awami League and act in line with its decisions in every instance,” the BNP leader said. Citing examples, he said Jamaat joined the 1986 polls alongside the Awami League and also took part in violent street movements with them during the agitation for a caretaker government. “They were also involved in killings at that time in different places. At Rajshahi University, they (Chhatra Shibir) killed Chhatra Dal leader Tito during the 1995–96 movement,” Rizvi said. He also claimed that Jamaat forced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to participate in the 2008 election against her will, threatening to leave the alliance and join the polls independently. “Now again they have shown their true face, seeking to rehabilitate the Awami League and improve ties with India. We must also remember that this party has pampered a bloodthirsty monster like Sheikh Hasina, who killed her own people,” he the BNP leader said. No compromise with Awami League, reaffirms Rizvi The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina established fascism in her style by destroying democracy and repressing and killing people to cling to power permanently. “There is no scope for a return or revival of that fascism in Bangladesh.” He said the people of Bangladesh are democratic, moderate and religious-minded, but they want to speak without fear. “Even if they eat less, they want their voices to be heard. If anyone thinks of forcing a new stream of fascism on the people of this country, the people will not allow it.” Referring to reported audio documents submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal, Rizvi said it is now clear that Sheikh Hasina directly gave orders for shootings and arson while protesters were falsely blamed. “The leaked phone conversations are shocking. Anyone who hears them will be shaken. We who fought for democracy and endured jail, remand and torture saw the brutality of Sheikh Hasina. Now we are seeing even deeper horrors — how she pushed movements towards disastrous consequences. Helicopter firing, arson attacks on government buildings, even the fire at the metro rail station — all these, we now see from those calls, happened under her direct orders,” he alleged. Smear campaigns being carried out to eliminate BNP: Rizvi The BNP leader warned that if fascist forces rise again, pro-democracy activists will face severe consequences. Rizvi also raised questions about the activities of some advisers of the interim government. “Today’s media reports say adviser Sajib Bhuiyan allocated the highest amount — nearly Tk 2,500 crore — for his own area. This is discriminatory and politically motivated. People fear he is using his position to prepare for becoming an MP in the future.” He also criticised reports that some top civil servants are showing loyalty to a particular political party and using their positions for political ambitions. “It is sad, against transparency, and immoral if senior officials or advisers use their posts for political gain,” he added.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that smear campaigns with new narratives are being carried out targeting BNP to eliminate it. “We are still the opposition. We are constantly being subjected to different kinds of propaganda and misinformation,” he said while speaking at a programme at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Rizvi said after August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled, but new narratives are being created to malign BNP. He recalled the events of the 1/11 period in 2007, saying BNP and Awami League and their leaders had been targeted under the ‘minus-two formula’. “One party later returned to power and unleashed repression, attempting to wipe out the last trace of democracy. Students and people rose up against it, and BNP with its allies fought relentlessly, sacrificing many leaders and activists in that bloody struggle. We achieved victory in this struggle,” the BNP leader said. He claimed the new narrative is aimed at covering up the failure to establish the “minus-two” theory after August 5. “There is now an attempt to erase BNP. But BNP cannot be minus-ed, as this party is deeply rooted in the soil and people of this country.” Rizvi also warned that those engaging in anti-BNP propaganda and creating new narratives against the party will not be spared from Sheikh Hasina’s wrath if she ever returns. “Just look at the mayhem in New York yesterday (Monday) — that is proof.” Fakhrul shrugs off Kolkata media interview as fake He alleged that some political actors are trying to make secret deals with fascist forces to cross the election hurdle. “You will not be spared either if Sheikh Hasina returns. Everyone must remain alert so fascism does not return through internal weaknesses of democratic forces. Those flirting with fascists to gain power through the back door will only bring misfortune upon themselves,” Rizvi said. The BNP leader also called for vigilance during Durga Puja, urging party men to guard temples and remain alert so that no untoward incidents can take place. The programme was organised under the initiative of “Amra BNP Paribar” at the directive of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to provide medical assistance to 22 families of those killed, injured or disappeared during democratic movements, as well as those suffering from cancer and other health complications.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to create a ‘state within the state’ through its activities in the political landscape and universities. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, he warned that the country’s independence and sovereignty could face a major conspiracy due to rising threats from across the border and the emergence of new forces. “Has the DUCSU VP been given magistracy power to decide which shop on the campus is legal or illegal? He fined a shop Tk 3,000 and then deposited the money into Baitul Mal (the party’s fund). What is the legal basis for this?” the BNP leader asked. ‘7th November Projonma’ organised the programme on journalist Dr Maruf Mallick’s book ‘Theoretical Analysis of Bangladeshi Nationalism: Crisis of Civic and Ethnic Nationalism’. In any university, Rizvi said, it is the administration that should monitor who runs shops or markets on campus. Student leaders can raise concerns if the peaceful and orderly environment of the campus is being disturbed, he said. Read: Awami League could return if PR system is used in polls: Manna “Instead, you are imposing fines, and that money is going into Jamaat’s party fund. This is a very serious matter. We have always seen that their activities are creating a ‘state within the state,’ and we are now observing such an environment,” the BNP leader said. He also criticised the supply of iron beds to university halls by Jamaat’s student wing, questioning whether it is the responsibility of any political party or the student union to do so. “If students have demands, they should bargain or negotiate with the vice-chancellor. If there is a shortage of accommodation, beds or other facilities, it is the administration’s duty to address it,” Rizvi said. But, he said, the student organisation or party is providing iron beds to the administration. “This is very strange. It undermines the legal foundation of the state and goes against the proper functioning of the university. Are you running an orphanage that you provide iron beds? Will you also provide dining tables for food? These kinds of actions are a very bad sign, in our view.” Rizvi said in the current reality, especially after 5 August, when the nation is facing constant threats, many divisive voices are being heard, saying that one side is bad and the other is good. “In this changed situation, with continuous threats coming from neighbouring countries, the way the political situation is moving and the rise of certain forces, I believe this is creating an opportunity for a major conspiracy that could endanger our sovereignty and independence,” the BNP leader said. He also said a planned campaign is underway to blame BNP for crimes such as extortion, sand lifting and stone theft, while similar allegations against Jamaat leaders are being downplayed. When Jamaat attempts to show itself as good, it often appears that if BNP men are involved in sand lifting, Jamaat men are also connected, Rizvi said. He, however, lamented that media outlets do not highlight the misdeeds of Jamaat leaders and activists, while allegations against BNP receive wide coverage. Read more:  ‘If confident of victory, why want to delay election,’ Salahuddin asks Jamaat “If BNP members are involved in irregularities, we expel or suspend them and take disciplinary action. But this is not highlighted. Instead, a narrative is carefully created to use against BNP and malign the party,” Rizvi said. He also said the media and social media often blame BNP for extortion, sand lifting or stone theft, but do not report that Jamaat leaders’ names also appear in such incidents, including cases of sexual harassment or abuse of women. “Every family may have a black sheep. But if the parents punish the black sheep, that is a responsible family. The same goes for political parties,” the BNP leader said. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Organising Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiyan and senior journalist Amirul Islam Kagoji, among others, also spoke at the event.