Dhaka:BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today asserted that the spirit of November 7 was pivotal in inspiring the July Mass Uprising of 2024. Rizvi highlighted that the people took to the streets with a determination to safeguard independence and sovereignty, as well as to ensure the continuation of multiparty democracy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi stated that a government led by Tarique Rahman was established through a free and fair election. This government is committed to fulfilling its electoral promises, which include initiatives like the Family Card, canal excavation, and tree plantation.
Rizvi made these comments after paying homage at the mausoleums of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day. He criticized the government that came to power in 2009 for depriving people of their rights and steering the country towards severe fascism, characterized by a culture of enforced disappearances, killings, and secret assassinations.
He remarked that students, the public, and workers mobilized in July 2024, leading to a mass uprising that resulted in Sheikh Hasina stepping down on August 5. Rizvi emphasized that the spirit of November 7 symbolizes the protection of independence, sovereignty, and the continuation of multiparty democracy, which helped defeat anti-democratic forces in the country.
He credited Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for reinstating multiparty democracy in Bangladesh. Programs initiated by him, such as canal excavation, self-reliance initiatives, food self-sufficiency, and literacy campaigns, were pivotal in elevating the nation to a distinguished position in the international arena.
Rizvi further asserted that Bangladesh would resist hegemonic forces, reaffirming the commitment to democracy and independence inspired by the November 7 revolution. He recounted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and his family were detained on November 3, but his subsequent release provided the nation with renewed direction.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including BNP National Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, among others. Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam were also present.