Dhaka: BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said a deep conspiracy is underway centered on the Durga Puja festival. He stated, "Durga Puja is being celebrated with immense joy, enthusiasm and inspiration across the country. Just as there are various nefarious activities surrounding this festival, we want the celebration to be completed peacefully without any security disruptions. For this, we are all vigilant."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists at the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan. He mentioned that the BNP leaders and activists are monitoring and serving as security guards at nearly 35,000 puja mandaps. "Party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman is urging the activists regularly to maintain harmony and repeatedly instructing them to ensure the smooth celebration of the Puja."
Rizvi expressed concerns about conspirators active both domestically and internationally who aim to tarnish Bangladesh's image by disrupting communal harmony and creating dissatisfaction among the Hindu community. He emphasized the need for vigilance to counter these conspiracies.
He called upon all pro-democracy political parties to ensure security during the Puja, stating, "You must fulfill the responsibility of security with vigilance during this Hindu community festival. Everyone must ensure that no one is able to carry out any provocative acts."
Referring to recent issues in the Chittagong hill tracts, Rizvi noted, "Signs of unrest are suddenly appearing in the hills. These issues are making people contemplate in various ways and are giving rise to anxiety and worry. At this time, clear signs of unrest are also visible in the garment sector."
Rizvi believes these incidents are interconnected, suggesting that a particular group or circle is involved with each of these events. He urged everyone to stand united against any anti-state conspiracy or sinister scheme that may exist, vowing to thwart the plot of the conspirators.
BNP Organizing Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiyan and Executive Committee Member Abdus Sattar Patwari, among others, were present during the discussion.