Sabotage Attempts Disguised as Protests Aim to Destabilise the Country: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Mr. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said some groups are trying to destabilize the country in the name of movement. He said this comes just as the country moves toward investment and economic stability. He accused them of creating clashes on purpose.

He spoke on Sunday (1 November) as chief guest at a discussion meeting at the Bar Association Building in Old Dhaka. The Jatiyatabadi Ayinjibi Forum Dhaka Bar Unit organized the meeting for its 35th founding anniversary. Mr. Rizvi said the Prime Minister is visiting different countries to increase foreign investment, strengthen bilateral ties and plan infrastructure growth. At this very moment, some people are suddenly creating unrest on the streets and in the garment sector.

He said most of the people arrested for recent vehicle arson and attacks on law enforcement are allies of the defeated autocratic force. Mr. Rizvi sharply criticized the opposition’s programs and ultimatums. He asked whom they are trying to scare. He said BNP reached its present position through 17 years of nonstop struggle, torture and the sacrifice of countless leaders and workers.

Mr. Rizvi said nobody holds a permanent lease on the streets or the field of movement. He said others cannot keep provoking BNP while BNP sits silent. He added that those who once bowed before the autocrat and sold themselves out should not speak of revolution now. He said the people know everyone’s history well.

On the July Charter and constitutional reform, Mr. Rizvi said BNP does not oppose the core idea. He said every major national decision must be settled in a democratic way. He called the constitution the autobiography of a nation, which changes through amendments as time demands. He said BNP or other parties may have some notes of dissent on the July Charter.

Mr. Rizvi said such issues cannot be solved by long marches or road blockades. He said they must be solved at the discussion table and in the Parliament with a two thirds majority. At the start of his speech, he recalled the forum’s 35 year legacy. He said that during the fascist rule, the court premises were the last shelter for opposition leaders and workers.

He recalled his own 35 days of continuous remand. He said the oppression would have been much worse without the joint protest and legal fight of the lawyers. He sharply criticized the partisan use of the judiciary at that time. He said it led to the imprisonment of Begum Khaleda Zia and the malicious treatment against her.

Mr. Rizvi stressed that BNP will stay on this soil and work to establish the rights of the people. He pledged to build a democratic and sovereign Bangladesh under the leadership of Mr. Tarique Rahman. He said BNP will not bow to any foreign power.

Advocate Khorshed Alam, convener of the Dhaka Bar Unit, presided over the meeting. Advocate Nihar Hossain Faruk, member secretary, moderated it.