Rizvi Slams New Party Leaders for Echoing Hasina’s Views

Bangla Press Desk:   BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday alleged that leaders of a newly formed political party have adopted the same abusive and offensive political rhetoric that, he said, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina introduced into Bangladesh's political culture.

"Sheikh Hasina always used offensive language and dragged politics to a disgraceful level," Rizvi said. "Despite enduring years of repression and injustice, we criticised her strongly but never resorted to abusive or indecent remarks. Today, leaders of a new party are following the same political culture she created."

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion and documentary screening titled "Nurses' contribution during the blood-soaked July", organised by the Nurses Association of Bangladesh (NAB) at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) on Monday afternoon.

Referring to the July movement, Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina had insulted students by calling them "children of Razakars", prompting a united response from the country's youth.

"Why are some people now repeating the same language and behaviour?" he asked. "If this continues, Sheikh Hasina will only feel encouraged, seize the opportunity and dream of returning to the country."

Rizvi said the July movement prevented what he described as far more severe consequences for opposition leaders and students.

"If Sheikh Hasina had not fallen during the July movement, not only politicians but also countless students would have faced horrific consequences. Many of us could have been executed," he said.

He also criticised attempts to claim sole credit for the movement, noting that Sheikh Hasina herself had said at a press conference on 22 July that the protests were instigated by the BNP. He added that then Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader had also alleged that the movement was being directed from London.

"Some people now claim credit for the movement while using language against the BNP that does not reflect healthy political culture," Rizvi said. "If the BNP had not joined the anti-discrimination movement, how did more than 650 of our leaders and activists sacrifice their lives?"

He said BNP Chairperson and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had provided him with daily instructions throughout the movement, which he conveyed to journalists through virtual briefings.

Describing the July movement as the culmination of 17 years of repression, Rizvi said it represented a broader struggle to restore civil liberties and shared similarities with the ideals of the French Revolution.

Prime Minister's Political Assistant Rashed Khan spoke as the chief discussant at the programme. BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Md Rafiqul Islam and Joint Health Affairs Secretary (Nurses and Health Assistants) Sujon Mia attended as special guests. NAB's BMU unit President Sharmin Akter chaired the event.