Rizvi accuses 'fascist forces' of destabilising the country

BNP Acting Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Wednesday that the government was working to safeguard the economy and expand the country’s resources by harnessing domestic capabilities.

He said the government was seeking to strengthen the economy by making better use of resources and opportunities available within Bangladesh.

Rizvi also accused what he called “fugitive fascist” elements of attempting to destabilise the country from abroad.

He was speaking as chief guest at a protest procession and rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan as part of a programme announced by the party’s central leadership.

He said the government was sincerely working to address the country's ongoing fuel and gas crisis and was striving to ensure maximum supply for the public.

Referring to BNP's tradition of taking to the streets against injustice and oppression, Rizvi said the streets belonged to the people and to BNP as "the people's party," asserting that no other party had bought or claimed ownership over them.

Addressing those protesting rising fuel and gas prices, Rizvi urged them to consider the global energy crisis, noting that electricity supply had been disrupted in many countries worldwide.

He pointed to developments around the Strait of Hormuz — through which he said one-fifth of the world's fuel-carrying vessels pass — as a factor bearing on the crisis.

Criticising opposition leaders, Rizvi accused them of spreading propaganda and making false allegations against BNP and government leaders. He said that despite multiple crises, the government was managing supply through domestic production and imports from eastern countries.

He also cited an Asian Development Bank assessment suggesting the economy under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was showing signs of improvement.

Turning to government spending, Rizvi contrasted the travel practices of the current administration with those of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who he said used to travel abroad with 150 to 200 people.

By comparison, he said, the current Prime Minister attended the UN General Assembly with only 35 people and would return after five to six days, calling this a demonstration of fiscal restraint and patriotism.

Rizvi said the government, BNP and its allies were focused on increasing the country's resources while prioritising the interests of the poor and marginalised, noting that the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes were designed to benefit poor and marginal farmers.

He described the day's rally as being in support of truth and justice, and urged the public to remain alert against those deliberately setting fire to vehicles in Moghbazar, Kafrul, Uttara, Mirpur and Shahbagh.

He alleged that a "fugitive fascist" was attempting to destabilise the country from India, with covert elements and terrorists inside Bangladesh "fanning" the effort.

He said the people of Bangladesh had always resisted conspiracies and exposed attempts to spread falsehood, describing the country as one of "truth, bravery and heritage" that could not be misled.

Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani, General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, and other central leaders also spoke at the event, highlighting the organisation's role in past movements and calling for continued unity among leaders and activists.

The programme concluded with a large procession from Nayapaltan to the National Press Club, attended by central and Mohanagar leaders and activists from various thanas and wards across Dhaka.

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