Defeated Forces Fled to a Neighbouring Country, Engaging in Various Activities and Incitement from There: Rizvi

Mr. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the prime minister’s adviser on political and industry ministries with the rank of minister, said defeated forces are going to a neighboring country and inciting trouble. He is also the acting secretary general of the BNP. He said it would not be good for anyone who carries out political activity at their urging. He said planned provocation and false propaganda are going on from inside and outside the country. He said defeated forces abroad try to destabilize the situation through various acts.

He said some political forces inside the country also try to destabilize the new government and damage its image. He said the government has taken a zero tolerance policy against unrest, extortion, thuggery and land grabbing. He said proper action is being taken against those involved in these wrongs. He spoke as chief guest at a meeting with journalists at a hotel in Sylhet city yesterday afternoon.

He said the government took charge during a hard crisis. He said the Iran and United States war has also caused a fuel supply crisis. He said the supply of fuel that depends on the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, which affects factories and ordinary life. He said under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman, who is also acting chairman of the BNP, the government has moved to import fuel from other sources.

He said efforts are on to bring the supply of electricity, fertilizer and gas largely back to normal. He said the government has tried to keep the country stable since taking charge. He said the BNP fought for democracy for 17 years, and the government follows a policy of democratic tolerance from that spirit. He said the government runs the country on the principle of punishing the wicked and protecting the good.

He said the government works to fulfill the BNP’s election promises. He said the aim is to ensure peace, stability and the growth of democracy, and the government moves along this path. Mr. Rizvi said BNP leaders at district and upazila levels will choose suitable candidates through discussion for the coming local elections. He said the party will field the candidate with the best chance of winning, based on popularity and acceptability. He said nomination work will gain pace after the election schedule is announced, and party activity will follow the dates of voting and nomination filing.

Answering a journalist’s question, he said efforts are being made to bring workers to the streets through various provocations. He said they believe fallen forces and opposition political forces are behind it. He also claimed police arrested 11 Chhatra League and Jubo League activists at the scene yesterday. He said their posts and statements on social media have come to light. He said it is now clear to the public that they are trying to destabilize the country through such acts.

He said political issues can be solved in parliament or through talks. Instead, provocative speeches are made through programs like long marches, which raise many questions among the public. He was asked about the Jamaat chief’s remark that “another revolution is knocking at the door.” He replied that the government is only eight months old, yet it is working for economic growth, trade expansion and more investment. He said it is signing deals and memoranda with other countries and seeking investment abroad.

He said these efforts are ignored and propaganda statements are made. He said those who talk of “revolution” also face questions about their past role. He said the BNP openly struggled for 17 years for democracy and an ideal. He said many leaders and activists gave their lives and shed blood in that movement. He said there is no chance to grab state power through the back door by putting the BNP in political trouble.

He said the people of Bangladesh love democracy and want to see a party in power through a free and fair election. He said the BNP and its alliance came to power by the people’s votes. He said if anyone tries to take power through a back door, the people will not accept it. Mr. Abdul Qayum Chowdhury, president of Sylhet district BNP and administrator of Sylhet City Corporation, presided over the meeting. Advocate Mr. Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, general secretary of Sylhet district BNP, moderated it.

Prof. Dr. Farhad Halim Donor, a member of the BNP national standing committee, also spoke. MP Mr. MA Malek, assistant organizing secretary of the BNP central committee Mr. Miftah Siddiqui, and leaders and activists of the district BNP and its associate bodies attended.