Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today asserted that appropriate punishment for Sheikh Hasina’s alleged crimes would serve as a precedent. He made these remarks during a press conference at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi criticized the previous government, accusing it of spreading propaganda and controlling media narratives. He expressed the belief that the kind of biased court orders witnessed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure would not be tolerated anymore by the people. “The people want a fair trial. They are witnessing and will continue to witness that fair trial,” he stated.
Rizvi emphasized the desire for a peaceful Bangladesh, advocating for an environment where freedom of expression is upheld, and electoral processes are conducted smoothly and inclusively. He recalled the brutality of law enforcement agencies in past incidents involving the deaths of individuals like Abu Sayeed, Mughda, and Wasim Akram, as well as the indiscriminate killing of children.
He accused those responsible for crimes during the fascist era of shamelessly setting buses on fire and using embezzled funds for sabotage. “Cocktails are being bought with looted money from various banks,” he alleged, claiming that funds for sabotage were sourced from embezzlements related to the Padma Bridge and Metrorail projects.
Rizvi reiterated that propaganda was used against those advocating for democracy, asserting that fire incidents were not linked to democracy-loving individuals or BNP members. He claimed the pattern of arson terrorism and its accountability is now apparent.
Commenting on Sheikh Hasina’s alleged interference from abroad, Rizvi criticized her directives given from India, questioning India’s role in such activities. He claimed that India was violating the law by allegedly sheltering criminals and facilitating sabotage in Bangladesh, a move he stated was viewed negatively by the Bangladeshi populace.
Rizvi mentioned that orders were issued to refrain from celebratory events, like cake-cutting, on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s birthday, slated for November 20. He noted that any contemplated events should instead see their funds donated.
BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un-Nabi-Khan Sohel, Abdus Salam Azad, Organizing Secretary Syedul Alam Babul, and others attended the press conference.