Dhaka:Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the acting Secretary General of the BNP and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, has accused "evil forces" of attempting to destabilize Bangladesh's democratic environment. He made these allegations during a discussion at North South University (NSU) on National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rizvi claimed that there are planned attempts to incite anarchy across the country. He emphasized that initiatives lacking public support are unsustainable, and expressed confidence that the public would resist these attempts. He further alleged that anti-state activities are being financed from across the border, mentioning attacks on the homes of female student leaders involved in recent movements.
Rizvi expressed confidence that efforts to create artificial instability would be short-lived. He advocated for the establishment of a sustainable and fear-free democratic environment to prevent the return of a culture of fear.
The BNP leader criticized the education system and intellectual community's role during the previous regime, citing a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report. He alleged that financial transactions influenced recruitment at educational institutions and claimed that history had been distorted in textbooks, harming the education system.
Rizvi drew parallels with historical events in Germany, criticizing intellectuals who supported authoritarian regimes, and highlighted the case of Badruddin Umar, an intellectual barred from university teaching post-independence. He asserted that true education is rooted in conscience, humanity, and truth.
The discussion was chaired by NSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, with Dr Mahbub Ullah as the keynote discussant. Special guests included NSU Board of Trustees members MA Kashem and Benajir Ahmed, while NSU Pro-VC Prof Nasar U Ahmed delivered the welcome address.