BNP Will Not Sit Idle: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Mr. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has issued a strong warning against opposition forces conspiring to destabilize the nation, declaring that the BNP will not remain idle if a single-point demand is announced. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Naya Paltan central office, Mr. Rizvi alleged that a specific quarter is deliberately engaging in terrorist activities to divert focus away from social development programs and public welfare initiatives. While emphasizing that it is not difficult for a democratic government to contain terrorism, he clarified that the BNP will not resort to resistance in the manner of the Awami League, urging opposition parties to instead offer constructive solutions to resolve the ongoing energy crisis.

Addressing the global energy strain exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, Mr. Rizvi highlighted the government’s efforts to keep domestic fuel prices stable despite incurring heavy losses. He noted that diesel is being purchased at Tk 250 per liter, resulting in a loss of Tk 70 per liter even after price adjustments, yet prices in Bangladesh remain lower than global rates. Criticizing a recent long march to Rangpur involving 450 vehicles, Mr. Rizvi cited toll plaza reports from the Jamuna Bridge and questioned the necessity of wasting fuel during a national shortage, suggesting that conserving it for power generation would have better served the public. He accused certain elements of creating artificial chaos and hinted at potential collusion with the fallen autocratic regime.

Speaking later as the chief guest at a rally organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP, Mr. Rizvi asserted that a peaceful environment currently prevails in the country and noted there is no objection to democratic programs. However, he stressed that threats, lies, propaganda, and personal attacks against the PM and her family members are entirely unacceptable. Referring to recent incidents of instability, including arson attacks on buses in Middle Badda, Kafrul, and Mirpur, a bomb attack in front of the High Court, and a train arson attack reportedly linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, Mr. Rizvi demanded accountability from those involved and challenged the Jamaat Amir to organize a long march protesting the vandalism at Rajshahi Railway Station.

Asserting the party’s resilience regarding the opposition’s single-point movement, Mr. Rizvi declared that the BNP, a party deeply rooted in long-standing street movements, would not flee in fear. He maintained that the BNP fought continuously for 17 years for free and fair elections, describing the July movement and the fall of Ms. Sheikh Hasina’s government in August as the ultimate culmination of that sustained struggle. Assuring that citizens and BNP supporters are fully aware of ongoing plots, he reaffirmed that the BNP will continue to move forward through public-oriented programs, calling on all political actors to take responsibility for any public suffering caused by attempting to fish in troubled waters.

The event, chaired by BNP Dhaka Metropolitan South Convener Mr. Rafiqul Alam Majnu and conducted by Member Secretary Mr. Tanvir Ahmed Robin, concluded with a large protest procession that marched toward the Bijoynagar Nightingale intersection before returning to the central office. The rally featured speeches from prominent leaders, including DSCC Administrator Freedom Fighter Mr. Abdus Salam, Joint Secretary General Mr. Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, State Minister for Railways Mr. Habibur Rashid Habib, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Mr. Ishraak Hossain, Jubo Dal President Mr. Monayem Munna, and Members of Parliament Mr. Hamidur Rahman and Mr. Kamruzzaman Ratan, all reiterating the party’s commitment to democratic stability.