Dhaka:BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today stated that the mass uprisings of 1990 and July 2024 in Bangladesh are a continuation of the spirit of November 7, 1975. Rizvi emphasized the significance of November 7 in teaching people to rise against injustice and misrule, marking it as a day of awakening and protection of freedom and cultural existence.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi, who is also a Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and cultural program organized by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) at the Central Shaheed Minar. The event was held to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Rizvi referred to August 15, 1975, as a result of the Awami League's internal conflicts, criticizing the governance from 1972 to 1975 for not meeting people's expectations. He accused the Mujib government of suppressing democratic rights and political freedom, claiming that 25,000 to 30,000 revolutionaries were killed, and political opponents were tortured by the Rakshi Bahini.
Highlighting the impact of November 7, Rizvi stated that people regained their freedom to speak and civil liberties on that day. He credited Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with ensuring the freedom to form political parties and express opinions without fear.
Rizvi further mentioned that after Ziaur Rahman's death, Begum Khaleda Zia led a movement to restore democracy, which culminated in the fall of autocratic rule in 1990 through elections. He also commented on Sheikh Hasina's return, metaphorically comparing the people's potential for powerful protest to natural forces like storms and waves.
The event was chaired by JASAS Central Committee President and film actor Helal Khan, with BNP Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal and former Director General of Shilpakala Rezauddin Stalin among the attendees.