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Ahmadul Kobir, Dhaka: BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for national unity to resist what he described as conspiracies against Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
He made the call at a human chain and protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday.
The programme, organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijoddha Projonmo, was held to protest what the organisers described as a conspiracy against Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty involving ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Rizvi said a new political environment had emerged following the July 2024 uprising and the 2026 national election, claiming that the BNP and its alliance were now running the state under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership and that parliamentary democracy was taking shape.
He said the government was committed to keeping democracy functional, ensuring freedom of expression and protecting civil liberties and judicial independence.
Rizvi also claimed that opposition leaders had so far been allowed to criticise the government freely both inside and outside parliament.
Describing the BNP’s current political position as a continuation of its longstanding struggle for democracy under former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he said the party remained committed to multiparty democracy.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision not to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi despite an invitation, Rizvi said the move demonstrated that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty were being placed above other considerations.
Bangladesh ultimately did not attend the BRICS summit held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Earlier reports said the nature of India’s invitation to Tarique Rahman had been a subject of discussion between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Rizvi also spoke about the country’s ongoing gas and fuel supply difficulties, attributing the disruption to challenges in importing LNG, fuel and diesel amid the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
He said the government was seeking alternative supplies from Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar to maintain gas pressure and keep industries and households running.
Rizvi also referred to recent developments and activities at Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and elsewhere, urging greater vigilance against what he described as attempts to undermine the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.
He called on political and social groups to uphold the spirit and achievements of the Liberation War.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal President Bir Muktijoddha Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat presided over the programme.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo Convener and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain attended the programme as the special guest.
Leaders and activists of the two organisations took part in the human chain and protest rally.
