Sheikh Hasina is a criminal under the very law enacted by her father: Rizvi

BanglaPress Desk: BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that, under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973—enacted by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina—Sheikh Hasina is classified as a "fugitive perpetrator of crimes against humanity." Consequently, he argued, there is no possibility for her to return to the country or obtain a passport.

He asserted that she must face the consequences for every conviction handed down under the law, as well as for all charges currently pending against her.

He made these remarks on Saturday (November 14) during a brief rally following a protest march organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan South unit of the Juba Dal against the terrorism and anarchy perpetrated by the Awami League—a party whose activities have since been banned. The march began at the National Press Club and concluded at Shahbagh.

At the rally, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the protest, organized under the leadership of Dhaka Metropolitan South Juba Dal Member Secretary Rabiul Islam Nayan, stands against injustice, oppression, and fascism. It also serves as a protest against Sheikh Hasina’s desire to return to the country.

Referring to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the BNP Acting Secretary General alleged that he, too, had established a fascist regime through the creation of BAKSAL.

Regarding the prospect of Sheikh Hasina facing trial, Rizvi reiterated that, under the 1973 Act, she is a fugitive perpetrator of crimes against humanity and cannot return to the country. He emphasized that she must be held accountable and serve sentences for all crimes against humanity—including the killing of civilians, students, and workers—for which she has been convicted or is currently facing trial.

Criticizing the leaders of the Awami League, Rizvi noted that many have purchased flats in Kolkata, where they reside with their second or third wives. Others, he added, are living in Bangkok (Thailand) or Singapore. Meanwhile, back in Bangladesh, they are arming grassroots party workers with bombs to create chaos and terror.

Addressing the leaders and activists of the Juba Dal and the BNP, Rizvi declared that such tactics would not succeed in intimidating the members of the Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal or other affiliated wings of the BNP. He highlighted that they have continued to fight with courage and resolve, even in the face of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and various forms of persecution. Rabiul Islam Nayan has also been subjected to severe oppression and physical torture; yet, they could not be forced to bow down.

Declaring a stand against fascism, the Acting Secretary General of the BNP stated that the nationalist forces cannot be made to bow down. To thwart the fascist agenda, nationalist and democratic forces across the country will set up barricades at every turn.

Others present at the event included Rabiul Islam Nayan, Member Secretary of the Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal; Dr. Towhidur Rahman Awal, Vice-President of the Chhatra Dal; and various other leaders and activists of the Jubo Dal.