BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has responded to an Indian minister's remark that a conspiracy similar to the one that toppled the government in Bangladesh is under way in India, saying that when a country is run unjustly and illegitimately, movements, popular awakenings and uprisings follow.
"There is no need to comment on what is happening in a neighbouring country," Rizvi said. "But when Bangladesh is hinted at, then we do have something to say."
He made the remarks at a protest rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh on Saturday in front of the National Press Club in the capital to protest "Awami League's planned anarchy and conspiracies across the country".
Rizvi, however, did not mention the name of the Indian minister or the date on which the remark was made.
Earlier on Friday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to destabilise India through protests, alleging that their objective was to bring about a "Bangladesh-style regime change" by creating political unrest.
Speaking at a press conference, he had said: "Some seek a regime change—modelled after the events in Bangladesh—openly admitting that they drew inspiration from the situation in Bangladesh..."
At Saturday's rally, Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, had destroyed the electoral system, depriving the public of its right to vote, while entrenching misrule by placing loyalists in the judiciary and administration.
"If a country is run unjustly and illegitimately, movements, popular awakenings and uprisings arise. The rulers who commit crimes have to flee. This is the truth."
Rizvi said Hasina had gained power illegitimately and had to flee the country following the student-people mass uprising.
No ruler who practises injustice and misrule is ultimately spared, he said, adding that history shows criminal rulers must flee when people rise up on the streets.
Turning to accountability, he said: "No wrongdoing will go unpunished. Unlawful killing will never be possible in this country of mine. Justice will be done, and it will be ensured through the law and the courts."
Opposition staging new drama to cover up internal feuds, failures
At the rally, Rizvi also criticised the opposition parties for failing to play a constructive role amid the multiple crises the country has faced in recent times.
He alleged that some parties were staging a "new drama" in the name of street movements to cover up their own internal feuds and failures.
"Open any newspaper and all you see is their chant of 'nai, nai' [there is nothing, there is nothing]," he said, claiming they paid no attention to development or public welfare.
He did not name any party.
Responding to criticism of the government's Family Card, Farmer Card, Expatriate Card and Health Card programmes, he said everyone had the right to criticise the government in a democratic environment, but people should speak truthfully and fairly rather than seek to mislead others.
On Durga Puja, fuel and fertiliser
Rizvi said the Prime Minister had instructed government officials and BNP leaders and activists at all levels to remain alert to ensure that Durga Puja, the Hindu community's biggest festival, was celebrated peacefully, with maximum security and religious solemnity.
BNP leaders were in constant contact with the Hindu community across the country to ensure that devotees could celebrate without hindrance, he said.
On fuel imports, he said the war in the Middle East had disrupted supplies, but the government was trying to source fuel and fertiliser from alternative suppliers.