United News of Bangladesh

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.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday urged the interim government to take effective steps to improve healthcare services, aiming to reduce the need for people to travel abroad, particularly to India, for treatment and thus save foreign currency. “Why should we spend dollars going to India for treatment? Why should we give money to those who constantly create various narratives and spread propaganda against us?” he said at a discussion meeting. He suggested that the foreign currency spent by Bangladeshis in India could be invested in the country’s doctors and nurses to enhance the quality of healthcare services and strengthen the sector with necessary resources. Nurses Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club on the occasion of International Nurses Day. BNP’s Rizvi slams govt for silence over push-ins by India “If we receive good service from our own doctors and nurses, there would be no reason for us to go to India. This quality of service depends on how well-positioned and equipped our doctors and nurses are, and the level of support they receive from the state,” the BNP leader said. He said the interim government should have taken such measures by this time since it discusses various reforms. “You (govt) should take well-thought-out decisions, instead of being driven by emotions. Otherwise, it could lead to negative consequences. Decisions should be made with foresight, so that our education, healthcare and social welfare services can develop effectively,” Rizvi said. He also said the current government can set an example for future administrations by taking steps to modernise the health sector. “You talk about reforms, but why don’t you implement some while you are in power? You could take steps to ensure accommodation for at least two-thirds of nurses beside every health complex so that the people of the country can receive better services,” the BNP leader said. Stating that there is still a shortage of about 2.25 lakh nurses in the country, he urged the government to address the shortage of both nurses and doctors to improve the quality of healthcare services. Rizvi accused the previous Awami League government of destroying the health sector through fraud, corruption, money laundering and various forms of malpractice.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday slammed India for pushing its citizens into Bangladesh and criticised the interim government for remaining silent, accusing it of following Sheikh Hasina's policy. “India is pushing its people through borders, including today’s Satkhira, Kurigram, Khagrachari and Moulvibazar. This is a great injustice being done by the neighbouring country,” he said while addressing a rally. The Bangladesh Nationalist Buddhist Forum organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, marking Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community. Rizvi, the BNP Senior Joint Secretary General, voiced concern that the government is not lodging a strong protest against the unfair move by India. “The interim government has not said a single word about this. Where is Khoda Bakhsh, where is the Home Affairs Adviser’s Office and where is the government? Why is the government not taking any action in this regard?” he said. The BNP leader questioned whether the interim government is making Bangladesh a weak nation, a country that was liberated through the sacrifice of 30 lakh lives and where 1,500 youth and children laid down their lives for the cause of democracy. “In that country, a neighbour is pushing its people through various borders as they wish, and you are silent and not making a sound. You are doing what Sheikh Hasina has done,” he said. During her rule, Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina would not have said a word if people were killed along the border. “But this interim government, which has been supported by all democratic political parties in the country, remains silent. How dare they push their people into our country through the border? I strongly condemn and protest it,” he said. Rizvi also criticised the interim government for its silence over holding a free and fair election as per the desire of people. He said the interim government was formed with high expectations from the people following the fall and fleeing of Sheikh Hasina in the face of a mass upsurge. “They (the government) have talked about reforms, and the people have accepted those reforms, urging the government to hold a free and fair election by carrying out reforms within a specific timeframe. BNP has said so, many others have said so, and even various cultural organisations have said this. But the government is silent and unresponsive on this issue. But why? What is their purpose? Now people are gradually suspecting various things.” Rizvi raised questions over the recent departure of a former president who is facing murder charges. “How did he manage to leave the country? Could he have done so without clearance from intelligence agencies like DGFI and NSI? He is someone who should be prosecuted for harming the environment of Bangladesh, as he built a massive road through a haor in Kishoreganj just to reach his home, destroying the ecosystem,” he said. He said the former president was a representative of fascism and operated under the same mindset as Sheikh Hasina. “Both shared the same authoritarian mentality—there’s no difference between them. So how did this person leave the country? He held a red (diplomatic) passport—was the government unaware of that? Why wasn’t the passport revoked? Didn’t NSI and DGFI know about it? Then how did he manage to leave?”  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday questioned why reforms are being considered instead of elections, expressing concern that the interim government might be working with a ‘hidden agenda’. “Is this government working with any agenda and planned design? This is now a big question in people's minds. That is why a smokescreen has been created,” he said while addressing a doa mahfil. The M Ilias Ali Ghum Protirodh Committee organised the event on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the anniversary of his enforced disappearance and seeking any trace of the BNP leader. Restoring voting rights is the nation’s aspiration this New Year: Rizvi Rizvi warned the government that the consequences would not be good if it played tricks with people. He also expressed regret that, even after nine months since the formation of the current government, no steps have been taken to relieve BNP leaders and activists from the 60 lakh cases filed against them during the Awami League regime. “I won’t say the government is doing nothing—maybe they are doing something—but why is the voting right, for which we struggled immensely for 15–16 years, being delayed? Why is reform being positioned as an alternative to elections and voting rights?” the BNP leader questioned. He said reforms or anything else cannot be an alternative to democracy, elections, and voting rights. Defeated force provides false info to NY Times: Rizvi “When we talk about the need for elections and voting rights, the government keeps presenting more alternatives. Democracy means elections. Democracy means justice,” Rizvi said. He said political parties are in talks with the Consensus Commission on reforms as the process nears its end. “But why is Bangladesh’s election still hanging between the December and June swings? The government must clearly answer this,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that many cohorts of the previous regime still hold positions within the administration and no action is being taken against them. On the contrary, Rizvi claimed, no one having any links with the BNP is being placed in key positions within the administration.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused the interim government of creating confusion about the national election by making contradictory statements, similar to those of the ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. "We see attempts to create confusion about the election. December, June or March – they are making different statements at different times. This is similar to some of Sheikh Hasina's statements," he said. Rizvi made the comments while distributing Eid gifts among rickshaw-van pullers and auto-rickshaw drivers on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Tarique sends Eid card to Chief Adviser  He called upon the government to assure the nation about the election by announcing a clear and specific deadline for the polls, rather than making such contradictory statements. The BNP leader criticised those who claimed the movement was not for only to hold the national election. "The movement was carried out because Sheikh Hasina did not ensure free and fair elections. She turned the country into a battlefield to cling to power," he said. Rizvi said the current interim government was formed after a massive movement, with many sacrifices and much bloodshed. Although the interim government was not directly elected by people, Rizvi said it enjoys the support of the public and all the parties involved in the anti-fascist movement. Ishraque Hossain leaves mayor oath decision to party He urged the interim government to take steps to eliminate the confusion surrounding the election in order to maintain public confidence. Rizvi also lamented that workers from 122 garment factories have still not received their wages, and workers from 150 garment factories have not received their festival bonuses. He said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the payment of workers’ salaries and bonuses, demanding that these be arranged without delay. “The government should act as an intermediary between employers and workers. The responsibility for these matters lies with the government. If a worker goes hungry or does not receive their salary before Eid, their family will not be able to enjoy the festive spirit. This is a philanthropic duty the government should have addressed,” the BNP leader said. There’s nothing like ‘2nd independence’ in sovereign Bangladesh: Mirza Abbas Rizvi mentioned that 17 rickshaw-pullers lost their lives during the July-August movement, and their families are enduring extreme hardship. He said the families of those who died in the anti-fascism movement should not be left to suffer from hunger. "The government must take responsibility for these families, ensuring that their children receive proper education. Those family members who are eligible for employment should be provided with jobs."  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday alleged that the incidents of rape and violence against women have increased in the country due to the administration’s inaction. “Why is this situation arising under the current interim government? If the administration had functioned properly, the incidents of rape, murder, injuries and corruption would not have escalated,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. The rally was held to protest the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura and demand the harshest punishment for the rapists. Rizvi said Achia, hailing from Magura, was violated at her sister’s house. “If a sister's in-laws' house is not a safe place for a child, then where will it be?” he questioned. JCD to form human chains Monday to protest violence against women He demanded that the government ensure the quick and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators of the crime against Achia, so that the hearts of other rapists and offenders are filled with fear and trembling. “If this can be done, it will be the rule of law for which we have fought for 15 years and made countless sacrifices. A terrible ruler like Sheikh Hasina was ousted from this country for the very cause of this rule of law,” Rizvi said. He called upon all political parties and the students who were involved in the July-August mass uprising to unite and work together to prevent crimes and bring criminals to justice. The BNP leader emphasised that the administration must function properly to prevent crimes and check the prevailing anarchy in the country. He said many in the administration had been subjected to deprivation during the previous regime. Tarique talks to Magura rape victim’s mother, assures justice “But, many of you have obtained promotions, even double promotions. The grievance you once had should no longer be there. So, why is not the administrative authority being exercised at the grassroots level, including in unions, wards and thanas? This is a big question now,” Rizvi said. He reminded that it is the responsibility of the interim government to ensure the proper exercise of the authority by the administration. Rizvi lamented that the interim government takes any complaints from their party personally. “In some cases, the government tries to take revenge on us very subtly.” He said the reality now is that the number of rape incidents has increased, and women are not safe anywhere in the country. “If you send your daughter to school, there is no guarantee that she will return home safely,” he said. Rizvi observed that the police used to assure the public that offenders would not be spared after incidents occurred. “But if the law had been properly enforced before crimes were committed, ensuring the rule of law, such a situation would not have arisen,” he said. He mentioned that students involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement have been visiting the offices of DCs, SPs and various ministries. “We are grateful to the students and will not forget their contributions… but if they are giving instructions to the DCs, if they are giving instructions to the SPs, if they are sitting in the rooms of DCs and SPs, how will the law be enforced?” BNP’s Salahuddin seeks stricter measures against violence on women, children Rizvi said that if the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) engage in any wrongdoing, students can protest against it on the campus. “You are supposed to be there on the campus. I urge students to stand against injustice and discrimination here. Your duty is not to supervise the DC’s office, the SP’s room, or various ministries,” he emphasised.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused Tulip Siddiq, former British Treasury Minister, of engaging in corruption despite her upbringing and education in the UK, attributing it to her familial ties with Bangladesh’s Sheikh Family. “Tulip Siddiq grew up in London and studied there. It's unimaginable that an MP from England would engage in corruption, but her genes belong to Bangladesh's Sheikh family,” he told a discussion. Even after studying the UK and becoming an MP, the BNP leader said Tulip could not cross the genetic line of her family. “That’s why the evidence of corruption against her is now coming to light,” Rizvi said. Announce election date to uphold dignity of 2nd independence: BNP leader to CA The Agriculturists' Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of ATM Khaled, the founding convener of the Bangladesh Agricultural University unit of Chhatra Dal. Earlier, on January 14, Tulip Siddiq resigned from her post as British Treasury Minister following public scrutiny, after UK media revealed that she and her sister had received a free flat from associates of her aunt, the deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. There were also allegations that Tulip helped her family misappropriated up to £3.9 billion from the Russia-backed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project. Rizvi further alleged that Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece Tulip embezzled a large sum of money by securing a deal with Russia for the Rooppur nuclear project. He said many media outlets clearly reported that the money embezzled by members of the Sheikh family, including Tulip, as bribes, was withdrawn from a Malaysian bank. Stay alert against rift over ‘July Declaration’: Salahuddin to govt The BNP leader alleged that Awami League leaders and workers plundered large sums of money in the name of development during Sheikh Hasina’s despotic rule. He criticised India for providing shelter to such a deeply corrupt individual like Sheikh Hasina, who was responsible for the killing of many students and ordinary people in Bangladesh. Rizvi also questioned Sheikh Hasina’s status in India, pointing out that both her passports, including the diplomatic one, had been cancelled.