Rizvi calls for dialogue, rejects street agitation

As political tensions mount over the recent labour unrest, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday urged political parties to resolve their differences through parliamentary discussions rather than street protests and agitation.

He said the party would consult grassroots leaders to select candidates for the upcoming local government elections. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking to journalists at a hotel in Sylhet city.

District and upazila-level leaders would take part in the candidate selection process, he added. He said the process would gain momentum after the Election Commission announces the election schedule.

On the recent labour unrest, he alleged that domestic and foreign forces were trying to destabilise the country. He claimed that defeated political forces were receiving support from a neighbouring country, while some groups at home were spreading propaganda to weaken the government and mislead workers.

He also alleged that Awami League activists were involved in the recent incidents. In this connection, he referred to the arrest of 11 Chhatra League and Jubo League members at the scene on Sunday. He further claimed that an organising secretary of the Jagannath University Chhatra League unit had acknowledged their involvement in a social media post.

Rizvi questioned Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer's recent remark that “another revolution is knocking at the door”. He said political differences should be settled through parliamentary discussions instead of marches or attempts to create unrest.

The BNP leader said the government was working to strengthen the economy and attract foreign investment. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had visited several countries and signed agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to bring investment into Bangladesh.

Rizvi also alleged that Jamaat members had worked covertly in the past by joining the ranks of the Chhatra League and Jubo League, while BNP had openly campaigned for democracy.

Referring to the conflict between Iran and the United States, he said concerns had arisen over fuel supplies, as disruptions to transportation through the Strait of Hormuz could affect industries and households.

However, he said the prime minister had taken steps to import fuel from alternative sources, while efforts were also underway to improve electricity and gas supplies.

Rizvi alleged that some groups were conspiring to create social unrest. He said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against extortion, violence, land grabbing and other forms of disorder.

He said people wanted democracy and the right to elect their government through free and fair elections. He added that BNP and its alliance had come to power following the February 12 election under Tarique Rahman's leadership.

People would not accept any attempt to seize power through illegal means or backdoor arrangements, the BNP leader maintained.