Dhaka: BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today announced that both Hindu and Muslim communities collaboratively safeguarded the Puja Mandaps during this year’s Durga Puja. “Every people of this country irrespective of Hindu, Muslim, Alem-Olama (Islamic scholars), Moazzens (those who call for prayer) and Imams of mosques or madrasah students protected the Puja Mandaps. This is our tradition, the tradition of harmony,” Rizvi stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi made these remarks while speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the mausoleum of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Members of the newly formed convening committee of the Association of Engineers of Bangladesh (AEB) were also present.
In response to a question regarding the Election Commission’s preparedness for the upcoming elections, Rizvi expressed confidence in their ability to complete preparations within the allotted time. He noted the eagerness of the country’s people to cast their votes and warned against any attempts to distract or confuse them.
Rizvi also addressed the issue of voting rights, highlighting that citizens have been deprived of voting opportunities for the past 16 years. He criticized Sheikh Hasina for allegedly undermining the electoral process and accused the Awami League of manipulating the system to their advantage.
He concluded by urging political parties to avoid spreading false information, emphasizing that the public would eventually deliver their verdict through their votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, which has long been their preferred choice.