United News of Bangladesh

BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision not to attend the BRICS Summit in India demonstrated Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and created a sense of pride among its people. He said Tarique Rahman was invited to the BRICS Summit in his capacity as the current chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), rather than as Bangladesh’s prime minister. “Tarique Rahman is the prime minister of an independent and sovereign country. You will not invite him as prime minister and expect him to sit on the sidelines. That cannot happen,” Rizvi said. He said political analysts have also described the prime minister’s decision not to attend the summit as a demonstration of the strength of Bangladesh’s flag, independence and sovereignty. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest a human chain and protest rally organised by Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddher Projonmo in front of the Jatiya Press Club. The programme was organised to protest what the organisers described as “a conspiracy against Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty by fallen autocratic killer Hasina at India’s instigation”. Rizvi criticised those questioning why Tarique Rahman did not attend the BRICS Summit, saying they have not spoken about what he described as conspiracies against the country. Referring to the Adani Power Plant in Jharkhand, India, he said the plant supplies 1,300 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh. The BNP leader said the plant had announced that one of its units had broken down shortly after Tarique decided not to attend the BRICS summit, questioning the timing of the disruption. He also criticised India for not extraditing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina despite repeated requests from the Bangladesh government. Rizvi alleged that numerous people accused of killing democracy activists have also taken shelter in India. Referring to a former major accused in the assassination case of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said the person had fled to India for a long period and was later arrested there and handed over to Sheikh Hasina’s government for trial in Bangladesh. “If you could hand over that major, why are you not handing over those accused of killing around 1,400 people? Why are those facing trial under Bangladeshi law not being handed over?” the acting secretary general said. He also alleged that India is plotting against Bangladesh’s political leadership while publicly talking about friendly relations. “Face to face, you speak very sweetly. But the web of conspiracy you are creating behind the scenes centring on Sheikh Hasina is very clear,” Rizvi said. He also said several economic indicators are showing positive trends despite the crisis, particularly remittance inflows and foreign exchange reserves. The BNP leader said the economy is being managed in a planned manner despite the global gas and fuel crisis. He alleged that some quarters are trying to take the country back to the period before 1971. Referring to recent developments at Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and elsewhere, Rizvi warned against what he described as attempts to undermine the achievements of the War of Liberation and democracy. He said BNP, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and nationalist forces will not allow the achievements of the War of Liberation and democracy to be undermined. The BNP acting secretary general people who support the War of Liberation will not allow any attempt to reverse the country’s historical course.

BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday said normal gas supply across the country is expected to be restored by the first or second week of September. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage and offering prayers at the graves of BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital in the morning. Rizvi said Bangladesh has also been affected by the ongoing global energy crisis particularly due to the US-Iran war and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. “This is a global crisis. Ships cannot come through the Strait of Hormuz because of the US-Iran war and fuel supplies are being disrupted. When one or two ships tried to come bombs were dropped there,” he said. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is taking measures to address the energy crisis  allocating Tk 40,000 crore from the budget for the energy and power sector to resolve the gas shortage. Referring to the technical problems at the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) in Maheshkhali, Rizvi said repairs have already been completed and regasification has begun. “Regasification has now started. Normal gas supply will be ensured by the first or second week of September, and electricity will also be available. We are already seeing some indications of that,” he said. Speaking about BNP’s founding anniversary, Rizvi said the party believes in politics based on fulfilling its commitments to people. He said BNP has come to power through a free and fair election and PM Tarique Rahman has been working tirelessly, day and night, to fulfil the pledges made to the people after taking office. On the challenges facing the party and government, Rizvi said there are various challenges, conspiracies and plots, but Tarique Rahman is leading the government while confronting them. “If there were no challenges, there would be no credit in overcoming them and achieving something good,” he said. Rizvi said the government is also working to implement BNP’s commitments including the Farmers Card, Family Card and allowances for imams and muezzins. Asked about the apparent overlap between the party and the government, as BNP is a political party while the government is a separate entity, Rizvi termed the question an “ambiguous term.” “The people voted for the party, and the party formed the government. The ministers in the government are BNP leaders. Most of them are BNP leaders. So when the people voted for and elected the party, its members will naturally run the government,” he said. He said BNP had repeatedly made it clear that its leaders and activists, from grassroots members to the national level, were part of the government’s broader effort. “Our leaders and activists will properly inform the people about all government programmes being implemented for public welfare and in the public interest. There is no contradiction in this,” Rizvi said. He stressed that the party and government remain separate entities, but the responsibility of running the government lies with BNP and its leaders.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said the late Begum Khaleda Zia, thrice-former prime minister and matriarch of the BNP, was killed through a conspiracy and described her as a martyr. “Since the Ershad regime and throughout Hasina’s 17 years of unbearable fascist rule, various conspiracies were hatched to remove her from the world. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia were also killed through conspiracies. She too is a martyr,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while briefing journalists after a joint meeting at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan in the afternoon, ahead of the party’s 48th founding anniversary. He said the two of them had relentlessly struggled for the nation, its people, democracy, the right to speak and freedom of expression, and that every effort had been made to remove both of them from the world. Recalling the history of BNP, Rizvi said the party was founded by “a rare man” who inspired a misguided nation by declaring independence for the liberation of the motherland. Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman’s assassination also dealt a blow to democracy, as within a few months Hussain Muhammad Ershad came to power and democracy was subsequently killed. Against this backdrop, he said, Ziaur Rahman’s wife, the “extraordinarily courageous” Begum Khaleda Zia, took charge of BNP to restore democracy. “She led BNP through movements and struggles. Begum Khaleda Zia turned BNP into pure gold by putting it through fire. She herself was tortured and persecuted, and numerous false cases were filed against her,” Rizvi said. Rizvi said BNP had developed into a broad-based political organisation under the influence of the two leaders. “From one end of the country to the other, BNP has a strong base in different localities. Across Bangladesh, BNP has become a strong organisation,” he said. According to Rizvi, this was BNP’s greatest achievement and the reason why the party could not be defeated or forced to surrender despite severe repression, torture and fascist oppression. He said BNP had consequently become a popular political party and had played an “extraordinarily nationalist and patriotic” role in every sphere, including domestic and foreign policy. “We believe in strengthening our own sovereignty and protecting our own independence. We do not want any other country to be subjugated, and we respect the independence of other countries. Similarly, we want other countries to respect our independence and sovereignty,” Rizvi said. He said BNP is now widely respected because of this ideology. Among those present at the joint meeting were BNP Chairman’s Adviser and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam; Joint Secretary Generals Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel and Abdus Salam Azad; Water Resources Minister Mohammad Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee; and leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated and associate organisations.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to take the country forward, drawing inspiration from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to move the country toward development. Nazrul is the inspiration behind his work,” Rizvi said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the poet’s grave at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of Nazrul’s 127th birth anniversary. He also said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a major source of inspiration in the struggle against fascism. “When we were tortured in remand, Nazrul’s songs, poems and literary works inspired us to survive and resist,” he said. He said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains relevant in both national and social life. The BNP leader said the poet carried the banner of rebellion, equality and humanity, and people drew inspiration from his songs and poems during every national movement. “Kazi Nazrul Islam was the principal inspiration in the struggle against fascism.” Rizvi said Nazrul continues to inspire the implementation of the government’s electoral pledges and national vision. He further said Nazrul would be remembered throughout the year during the Nazrul anniversary celebrations.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said political opponents are trying to distort and divert public attention regarding the implementation of BNP’s electoral pledges including the ‘Family Card’ and ‘Farmers Card’ programmes but are failing to shake people’s confidence. “An atmosphere of hope and trust has emerged among people today. They are unable to destabilise that confidence. That is why they are resorting to sarcasm and making various adverse comments,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while briefing reporters after a joint meeting organised by BNP at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital. He presided over the meeting. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel was present at the briefing. Rizvi said that before the opponents’ criticisms can even gain traction, BNP Chairman PM Tarique Rahman is already moving ahead rapidly in fulfilling the promises made to the people. “When they see that Tarique Rahman is moving much faster in implementing promises than their comments can spread, they become frustrated. His works are already being accomplished,” he said. He said Tarique Rahman had clearly outlined before the people what BNP would do if it came to power and what role it would play for public welfare. “Since the day he formed the government after winning a landslide mandate, he has been playing an extraordinary role in fulfilling those commitments,” Rizvi said. The PM's Political Adviser also criticised a previous government for failing to fulfil their promises to people. “They could not provide rice at Tk 10 per kg, could not ensure jobs in every household and could not provide fertiliser free of cost, despite making those pledges,” he said. “But BNP Chairman  Tarique Rahman has only promised what is realistically possible in our socio-economic condition and he is doing exactly what he said,” he added. Rizvi described former President Ziaur Rahman as a ‘rare statesman’ who established multi-party democracy in Bangladesh and guided the country towards development. The meeting was organised marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. He said Bangladesh had plunged into famine, violence and political chaos after independence and at that critical moment people and members of the armed forces jointly accepted Ziaur Rahman as their leader to restore peace and stability. “His success remains a bright chapter in history,” Rizvi said. He said Ziaur Rahman took groundbreaking initiatives to increase production, create employment opportunities, send manpower abroad and reform the agricultural sector. He also excavated 1,600 kilometres of canals as part of his efforts to tackle the impacts of reduced water flow caused by the Farakka Barrage, he added. Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman also internationalised the issue of Bangladesh’s fair share of water from transboundary rivers and worked to protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests. “He not only focused on development and production, but also strengthened the country’s independence and sovereignty through various initiatives,” he added. He said Ziaur Rahman revived multi-party democracy after what he termed the killing of democracy through the formation of the one-party BAKSAL system on January 25, 1975. “Many political parties resumed their activities and everyone began speaking freely again,” Rizvi said. He also praised Former Prime Minister and Former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for continuing the struggle for democracy following Ziaur Rahman’s path and enduring repeated repression and imprisonment.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said Bangladesh can advance by embracing the vision and principles of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. “Khaleda Zia stood by the people of the country, facing crises with immense patience and strong determination. Following the path she showed is the way for the country to move forward,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a condolence meeting and doa mahfil organised by Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) and Dhaka Journalists Union (DUJ) in memory of BNP Chairperson and former three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul visits ailing Mostafa Jamal Haider at LabAid Describing the media as the fourth pillar of the state, Rizvi said no leader had a deeper ideological and personal relationship with the media than Khaleda Zia. He recalled that under the leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the foundations of multi-party democracy, freedom of expression and press freedom were firmly established in the country. The BNP leader said the press had faced varying degrees of control since the Pakistan era, but the suppression of newspapers during the BAKSAL period was unprecedented. Many families who depended on journalism or writing for their livelihood lost everything when all but four newspapers were shut down by the then Awami League regime. “Ziaur Rahman restored press freedom, and Khaleda later strengthened and expanded it further, building a deep and inseparable relationship with journalists and the newspaper industry,” he added. Recalling a personal memory, Rizvi said Khaleda attended a programme at the Jatiya Press Club soon after her release from prison in 2008, responding to journalists’ request without hesitation. Tarique to lead nation forward following Khaleda Zia’s path: Rizvi “We have seen her up close. Her personality was immense. The outpouring of grief, emotion and love following her passing shows how deeply she touched people’s lives. The massive crowd at her janaza was spontaneous. People from all walks of life came on their own out of love and respect,” he said. As soon as news of her death spread, Rizvi said ordinary people came out onto the streets of their own accord. “Government officials, clerks, street vendors, and people from all walks of life attended, drawn by their heartfelt respect.” He observed that many observers remarked no janaza since Imam Khomeini’s had seen such a huge turnout. “It felt as if the entire city of Dhaka was flowing with people. This was not mere formality—it was a true expression of love and respect from the people.” The BNP leader described Khaleda as a towering leader whose presence gave people a sense of protection and confidence. “With her passing, we have lost that sense of guardianship.” He said Khaleda always showed restraint and balance, even during difficult times such as the 1/11 political crisis. “She never responded to insults with insults, choosing dignity and silence instead.” Rizvi alleged that the Awami League government deliberately pushed Khaleda Zia towards death by denying her adequate medical treatment in prison. “The DGFI and NSI monitored her personal doctors and even issued threats,” he said. BNP leaders, activists offer prayers at Khaleda Zia’s grave after Jum'a prayers He also said it was precisely because of Khaleda Zia’s leadership that the Awami League was unable to destroy the BNP despite all their efforts. “Despite all adversities, she remained steadfast for the people of the country. The example she left behind is the path for Bangladesh’s progress.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday (November 17) alleged that the fascist Awami League is using ‘money looted from various banks and mega projects’ to buy cocktails and carry out acts of sabotage. “Those who committed crimes during the fascist era are now the ones shamelessly setting buses on fire. Cocktails are being bought with money looted from different banks. Funds misappropriated from projects like the Padma Bridge and Metro Rail are being used to finance acts of sabotage,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. During the fascist rule, he said the Awami League controlled the media and carried out vicious propaganda against BNP leaders and activists who were fighting for democracy, falsely linking them to arson attacks. “Even then, we repeatedly said that pro-democracy people had no connection with these arson incidents, and BNP leaders and activists had no involvement. We also presented clear evidence at the time that pro-democracy activists and the BNP had absolutely no link to arson violence,” he said. The BNP leader said the true perpetrators of arson violence are now visible to everyone. Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He said their party wants a peaceful Bangladesh where people of all opinions can speak freely, and where elections take place smoothly, fairly, and in an inclusive environment. Rizvi said the crimes committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure must face due punishment. “If Sheikh Hasina is properly punished for her crimes, it will stand as a powerful example. The previous fascist government controlled the media to spread propaganda. People believe there will be no more dictated courts like in Sheikh Hasina’s era. The country’s people want fair justice, and they are now witnessing it and will continue to witness it,” he said. He recalled the brutal mass killings during the July–August uprising carried out by the Hasina regime using law enforcement agencies. “We still remember how Abu Sayed, Mugdho, and Waseem Akram were brutally murdered, and how many children were mercilessly killed. Those horrific memories remain with us.” The BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been making unfair statements from India to create chaos in Bangladesh. “Why is India allowing this? By sheltering a criminal and giving her the scope to incite violence and carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh, India is violating the law. The people of Bangladesh do not view this positively. Such behaviour is unacceptable.” Replying to a question, Rizvi said, as in the previous year, instructions have been given not to hold any programmes, including cutting any cake, on Tuesday (20 November) to mark BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s birthday. Read more: Fakhrul calls for resistance against ‘vested quarter’ ahead of Hasina verdict

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said once this interim government takes the form of a caretaker administration, no person with political party links should remain in it to ensure neutrality. “When the current government starts functioning as a caretaker administration, no one with links to any political party can be kept in it, because the very concept of a caretaker government is based on neutrality,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, the BNP leader said there is no scope for any partisan individual or anyone with party identity to be included in a non-party, neutral polls-time government. Take ‘caretaker mood’, drop controversial advisers: Khosru to govt Rizvi said that the polls-time caretaker must demonstrate neutrality and non-partisanship to regain people’s confidence. “If those who lost faith in the voting system over the past 16 years see that the government is acting properly, they will begin to trust again.” He also said a free and fair election will not be possible if officials involved in the “wrongdoings and unlawful acts” of the past 15–16 years of autocratic rule remain in the administration. “Those who worked to protect the fascists and committed illegal acts must be identified and brought under the law. Many of them acted openly. Unless they are removed, a fair election cannot be held,” Rizvi said. Asked about the sending of 15 serving military officers to jail in connection with two enforced disappearance cases and a July uprising killing case filed under the International Crimes Tribunal, Rizvi said these matters are part of the legal process and the law will take its own course. Will do whatever necessary to hold peaceful, impartial polls: Prof Yunus tells BNP “Those who have committed crimes will be tried, and of course this must happen through the legal process. There will be no interference,” he said. The BNP leader said those accused will have the opportunity to prove their innocence in court. “If the court finds them guilty, they must face punishment accordingly. Everyone is equal before the law. People will accept whatever the law decides; that is only natural,” he added. Referring to the July Charter, Rizvi said almost all parties have accepted it and called for the implementation of its pledges. After August 5, he said, many people’s attitudes have changed, although the law and order situation has yet to show much improvement. Fakhrul urges interim govt to act like caretaker for fair polls in Feb Rizvi also mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced a plan to plant 25 crore trees if the party returns to power, as part of efforts to protect the environment and restore ecological balance.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Jamaat-e-Islami’s threat to launch a strong movement if their demand for proportional representation is not met is part of a plan to harm the nation by creating a disastrous situation. “An Islamic party (Jamaat) has said in a press conference that it will launch a vigorous movement if their demand for proportional representation (PR) is not met. This, we believe, is a well-planned master plan that will benefit no one,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks after meeting cancer-affected Hifazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Enamul Hasan Faruqi and providing him with financial assistance at Jamia Madania Madrasa in Baridhara, Dhaka. BNP believes in building inclusive Bangladesh: Khosru  Over the past 16–17 years, he said BNP and many other political parties, including all Islamic political parties, have fought for democracy, but they did not raise the issue of the PR system at that time. The BNP leader questioned the motive behind Jamaat and other Islamist parties’ sudden insistence on holding elections under the PR system, warning that it could mislead people. He said if local people are unfamiliar with their representatives in advance, confusion will arise, and voters may not be able to decide who to support. Rizvi argued that bringing this issue so prominently into the spotlight appears to be part of an evil plan. “This will bring no benefit to anyone.” Salahuddin sees security risks if polls miss February deadline The BNP leader also accused Jamaat of forming an entente with the defeated force Awami League for political gain, warning that it could create a disastrous situation in the country. He said in the elections to DUCSU and JUCSU, they observed in some cases that supporters of defeated forces voted for certain student organisations that were elected. “Why this is happening is a concern, and the signs are not positive. If these defeated forces manage to return in any way, it would be regrettable for everyone.” Rizvi said those who are secretly colluding with defeated forces for short-term political gain will bring no benefit to anyone. “Behind these defeated forces, there is a big power that does not tolerate Islam or want Bangladesh to exist as an independent Muslim country.” He also warned that if the Awami League returns, it will bring no benefit and could instead create a risky situation. The BNP leader said that local people in Sitakunda, Chattogram, captured a cohort of the defeated force Awami League, but Jamaat leaders reportedly tried to secure his release. “This is not a good sign.” Rizvi warns of rising ‘dangerous forces’ endangering democracy Rizvi voiced concern that such incidents will erode people’s trust in political parties. “When people’s trust and sentiment are manipulated in this way, serious negative consequences can follow.” He said everyone has the right to express their political opinion as part of democratic practice. “All parties fight together for it. But if someone tries to trap others politically, they must remember that they may fall into the same trap themselves.” On behalf of ‘Amar BNP Poribar’, a BNP delegation led by Rizvi visited Faruqi as per the instruction of party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. During the visit, they provided financial assistance to support his treatment. Rizvi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to stand by religious scholars, as it has in the past. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced a three-day programme to press home their five-point demand including implementation of the July Charter and holding the national election under the proportional representation (PR) system. Gayeshwar warns of rising communal forces after fall of ‘fascism’ As part of the programme, Jamaat will hold protest rallies in Dhaka on September 18, rallies in all divisional cities on September 19 and marches in all districts and upazilas on September 26. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer ex-MP Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher announced the programme at a press conference at Al Falah auditorium at Moghbazar in the capital.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said their party maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against unethical and criminal activities, warning that no one will be spared if anyone of its member is found involved in wrongdoings. “Anyone who engages in any kind of illegal, immoral, or violent activity will not be spared. We do not hesitate to immediately investigate and take organisational action after any incident occurs, and action is being taken without delay,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan Central office, he also gave a warning so that no one else dares to behave violently within the party, with neighbours, or with any other person. “They will not be spared. We have taken immediate action in all such incidents whenever we have received complaints since August 5, 2024.” BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is constantly monitoring what is happening in the name of the party and what is being done, he said.  “We have taken action against four to five thousand leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations for violating party discipline and indulging in wrongdoings," Rizvi said.  Judiciary must be freed from fascists: Salahuddin He said they are still taking immediate action whenever any allegation is made against any leaders and workers of the party and its associate bodies. “In this case, BNP and its leadership are uncompromising. Tarique Rahman is doing this with zero tolerance.” Rizvi said whoever commits a crime—whether a party leader or member—will face consequences. “This step is being taken to ensure that no one within the party becomes involved in any terrorist or unlawful activities.” Reaffirming the party’s longstanding commitment to democratic principles, Rizvi said BNP has been continuously struggled for democracy over the past 16 years. “BNP has kept up its movement against Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule, which buried democracy. Despite intense repression, our party has never backed off from it.” He reiterated the party’s demand for an immediate, free and fair national election, saying, “Only a truly free and fair election will reveal BNP’s popularity.”