Rizvi blames ‘defeated forces’ for garment unrest, alleges Awami League role

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday accused “defeated forces” at home and abroad of fuelling unrest over garment workers’ wages to destabilise the government.

Speaking to journalists at a hotel in Sylhet, Rizvi alleged that groups operating from a neighbouring country were provoking workers, while political actors at home were spreading propaganda against the government.

He did not identify the neighbouring country or offer evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Rizvi claimed activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations were involved in the unrest.

He cited Sunday's arrest of 11 Chhatra League and Jubo League activists from a protest site as evidence of attempts to infiltrate the workers’ movement.

Police have said some of those detained in Mirpur were activists of banned Awami League affiliates who had mingled with protesting workers.

Labour leaders, however, have maintained that workers’ wage demands are legitimate and urged authorities to distinguish peaceful protesters from those responsible for vandalism.

Rizvi said the government was working to counter attempts at destabilisation and consolidate democracy.

Turning to Jamaat-e-Islami, he accused the party of operating covertly during the previous government's rule.

He claimed Jamaat activists had blended into the Chhatra League and Jubo League while BNP leaders and activists openly fought for democracy over 17 years, facing persecution and sacrificing lives.

On the upcoming local government elections, Rizvi said the BNP would nominate candidates based on popularity and their prospects of winning.

District and upazila leaders would discuss potential candidates before making recommendations, he said.

The selection process would accelerate once the election schedule was announced, with party activities aligned with voting dates and nomination deadlines.

BNP Standing Committee member Prof Farhad Halim Dolar, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayum Chowdhury, BNP central leader Mifta Siddiqui and MPs Emran Ahmed Chowdhury and Abdul Malik Chowdhury attended the event.

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