Opposition staging fresh drama to hide internal rifts: Rizvi

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused opposition parties of staging fresh political dramas on the streets to conceal their internal conflicts and failures, alleging that they are trying to mislead the public instead of playing a constructive role amid the country’s ongoing challenges.

Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a protest rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday (October 17). The Nationalist Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh (JTEB) organised the programme to protest what it described as planned anarchy and conspiracies by the Awami League across the country.

Rizvi said opposition parties were preoccupied with complaints and demands, while paying little attention to national development or public welfare. He alleged that they were looking for excuses to take to the streets and organising various programmes to cover up their internal disputes and political failures.

Referring to the consequences of authoritarian rule, the BNP leader said no ruler could ultimately escape accountability for injustice and misgovernance. History had shown that when people rose against oppression, those responsible were forced to flee, he added.

Speaking about the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, Rizvi said BNP leaders and activists at all levels had been instructed to remain alert and vigilant to ensure the festival was celebrated peacefully, with due religious solemnity and adequate security.

He added that party activists across the country were maintaining regular communication to help ensure that members of the Hindu community could celebrate the festival without hindrance.

Emphasising the need to establish the rule of law, Rizvi said no wrongdoer would be spared and that justice for all crimes would be ensured through the legal system and the courts.

JTEB President Engineer Md Fakhrul Alam chaired the rally. Among others, BNP central committee member Riaz Uddin Mishu, Bangladesh Nurses Association Secretary General Jahanara Siddika, Nationalist Cultural Alliance leader Rakibul Islam, Diploma Engineers Association Secretary General Kazi Shakhawat, Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr Jahidur Rahman and Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Tawhidur Rahman Awal addressed the programme, along with leaders of various professional organisations.

-MT