Dhaka:BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized the significant role of the youth in defending Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and democracy during the movement against the former rule of Sheikh Hasina. He praised their bravery and commitment to the country's democratic ideals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event titled "Second Anniversary of the Long Anti-Autocracy Movement and the July Mass Uprising The Role of Politicians and Professionals." The event was organized by the Bangladesh Janatar Odhikar Party at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in the capital.
Rizvi recalled the student-led uprising that led to a free and fair election after a prolonged period of misrule. He noted that the new government, which took power about a year and a half later, inherited significant challenges, including loan defaults, money laundering, and irregularities in the financial sector.
He criticized the previous administration under Sheikh Hasina for deteriorating conditions in the banking and insurance sectors, as well as the law and order situation. Rizvi accused influential individuals of seizing government plots and other resources, contributing to widespread financial misconduct.
The current government, he stated, was burdened with nearly Tk 6.07 lakh crore in defaulted loans, attributing the blame to the Awami League and associates of Sheikh Hasina for exploiting public funds. Rizvi advocated for investigations to trace the money misappropriated from institutions such as Sonali Bank, BASIC Bank, and Janata Bank.