Imperialists try to change our cultural identity: Rizvi

BNP’s acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar of spreading falsehoods and propaganda to embarrass the government.

He also alleged that imperialist forces were carrying out a planned cultural aggression in Bangladesh to change the country's language and cultural identity.

Rizvi made the remarks while attending two separate events in Dhaka on Saturday.

In the morning, speaking at a dengue awareness leaflet distribution programme in Fakirapul under Dhaka South City Corporation, Rizvi alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had colluded with the ousted Awami League, which is currently banned.

He said the BNP had already presented documents and evidence to support the allegation.

Rizvi warned that people would not accept any attempt to create fresh chaos or anarchy in the country. He said the government was working for public welfare instead of responding to the propaganda and provocations of its political opponents.

He also claimed that Bangladesh was in a better position than India and Pakistan on the Global Hunger Index, attributing the position to the government's policies.

In the afternoon, Rizvi spoke as the chief guest at a seminar titled “The Crisis of Culture in Bangladesh: Seeking the True Nature” at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

He alleged that a subtle and calculated cultural aggression was taking place in the country, with efforts to change the basic character of the Bengali language.

He said there were attempts to replace long-established words and expressions with unfamiliar terms. He cited changes in the use of words relating to murder, blood and corpses as examples of what he described as part of a broader agenda.

Rizvi said the Bengali nation had a long history of resistance, shaped by sacrifices for its language and struggles at different stages of history. He expressed confidence that the people would resist any attempt to undermine their language and culture.

Speaking about the 19th-century Bengal Renaissance, Rizvi said it was not a complete renaissance but was largely limited to a Hindu revivalist movement, in his view. He said the education and social reform needs of the majority Muslim peasantry had been neglected during that period.

He said Bangladesh's geographical and political identity, as well as Bangladeshi nationalism, had developed through major historical events, including the struggles of 1947 and 1971.

Rizvi also criticised some intellectuals for supporting those in power during past political crises. He alleged that many had remained silent under fascist rule over issues such as enforced disappearances and the denial of voting rights.