Opposition undermines democracy through long march: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the opposition of attempting to undermine democracy by resorting to a long march on the streets just six months after the formation of parliament.

He made the allegation at a press conference held at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on Sunday.

Rizvi said the opposition was using abusive and offensive language against key figures of the government during its street programme, while the party was allegedly encouraging such activities.

“Words that cannot be uttered before the public are being used openly. These are clearly criminal acts,” he said.

He alleged that when legal action was taken against such propaganda, the opposition described it as repression and attempted to portray the government as undermining democracy.

Questioning the opposition’s role over the fuel crisis and economic issues, Rizvi said, “They are only criticising the fuel situation but have offered no constructive proposal to resolve the crisis. Instead of giving suggestions in parliament, they have chosen the path of conspiracy outside it.”

He also accused the opposition of trying to hide positive developments, including the country’s increase in foreign exchange reserves, instead of presenting them before the public.

Rizvi said although the opposition was taking to the streets claiming that the government had failed, ordinary people were not viewing its activities positively.

“As a responsible opposition, they should have raised their demands and proposals in parliament instead of taking to the streets. This is essentially an attempt to conceal the government’s overall development,” he said.

The BNP acting secretary general also said the party’s five-day programme marking its founding anniversary had been completed successfully.

“Respecting the prime minister’s directive to keep the environment clean, all billboards and banners put up for the founding anniversary must be removed immediately,” he said.

BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad and Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, among others, were present at the press conference.