BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said the government had curbed all forms of extortion with a “strong hand” during the Eid period, while urging critics not to engage in conspiracies against the state.
He made these remarks at a press conference held at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan around 11:30 AM, arranged to announce programmes marking the martyrdom anniversary of late president Ziaur Rahman and other party activities.
“We support criticism if the government makes mistakes, but no conspiracy or larger blueprint of sabotage against the nation will be accepted,” Rizvi said.
Referring to recent incidents, he said not everyone in the state apparatus was “angelic” and crimes could occur, but the government was taking action whenever allegations surfaced.
“After the Ramisa incident came to light, the government took immediate measures,” he added.
Rizvi said the government was working to address national disasters, poverty and other major challenges and was trying to implement all commitments made to the people.
“Opposition parties and other evil forces are issuing threats and engaging in conspiracies, but people will resist them,” he said.
Recalling the contributions of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman ahead of his death anniversary on May 30, Rizvi claimed Zia played a leading role in the country’s independence and later worked to rebuild the economy and create employment opportunities.
He alleged that “aggressive forces” assassinated Ziaur Rahman because they realised Bangladesh could not be easily dominated while he remained in power.
“After his killing, attempts were made again to place the country under domination. But his wife Khaleda Zia fought to protect the country. Those conspiracies still continue,” Rizvi said.
Speaking about the country’s law and order situation, the BNP leader said the situation was “not entirely satisfactory” but also “not bad.”
“No government can change everything overnight,” he said, adding that sacrificial waste was removed quickly after Eid-ul-Azha, which showed that the government was functioning effectively.
At the press conference, BNP leaders announced nationwide programmes marking Ziaur Rahman’s martyrdom anniversary on Saturday.
Party flags will be kept at half-mast at all BNP offices across the country, while associate bodies will carry out various programmes.
According to the announcement, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will place wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at 11 AM and later distribute dry food items in different areas of Dhaka north and south.
Food distribution programmes by five BNP associate bodies will also be held in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office between 4 PM and 5 PM, where Tarique Rahman is also expected to participate.
