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Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday urged democratic forces to remain vigilant against what he described as “defeated forces,” saying the current government came to power through a long struggle marked by bloodshed, mass movements and sacrifice.
Speaking to reporters at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Rizvi said various groups were conspiring to undermine the government and damage its image.
“The current government is the guardian of the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy. That is why many conspiracies and plots are being hatched against it,” he said.
He said the party had already instructed its leaders and activists, on behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, to remain alert and act as vigilant guardians against any attempts to destabilise the situation.
On the occasion of the Rath Yatra festival, Rizvi also directed BNP leaders and activists to cooperate with members of the Hindu community and help ensure the peaceful observance of the festival.
He said BNP leaders and activists would work alongside their Hindu brothers and sisters, noting that the party had assigned similar responsibilities during Durga Puja over the past two years and at other religious events.
Rizvi said the BNP had always stood by the Hindu community as fellow citizens and had taken measures to help ensure their security during religious festivals.
“We will remain beside them during Rath Yatra as well so that no one can create provocation,” he said.
He said people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and members of other communities, are now united and have understood who had attempted to create divisions in the past.
According to Rizvi, the participation of people from different communities in the last election and at various religious festivals demonstrates that no divisive force can break the country’s unity.
He also praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s initiatives, saying the government had introduced programmes aimed at easing the hardships of ordinary people.
Rizvi said family cards, farmer cards and health cards had been distributed shortly after the formation of the government, while canal excavation projects were helping improve water management, irrigation and fish farming.
He also highlighted the government’s school feeding programme, saying meals are being provided to around three million primary school students in about 150 upazilas to improve nutrition and health.
Among those present were BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Joint Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shaheen, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Zahidul Islam, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Touhidur Rahman Awal.
