Awami League trying to create instability, carry out criminal acts using looted funds: Rizvi
He accused the Awami League of depriving people of their rights and freedoms during its tenure.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (23 June) said the banned Awami League is attempting to create instability and engage in criminal activities by using vast sums of money allegedly stolen and laundered during its time in power.
Speaking after a procession organised in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan in protest against what the party described as criminal activities by the banned organisation, he said, "The fascist Awami League is trying to re-emerge through various means."
Rizvi said the party is seeking to destabilise society and the country by using funds it siphoned abroad.
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He accused the Awami League of depriving people of their rights and freedoms during its tenure, claiming that it undermined normal civic life and democratic practices.
Referring to the country's recent political transition, Rizvi said a free and fair election took place after many years, resulting in the formation of a government through what he described as a popular mandate under the leadership of BNP chief Tarique Rahman.
He alleged that opponents of the government are now engaged in conspiracies to undermine the administration.
Rizvi also accused the previous Awami League regime of carrying out repression against BNP leaders and activists, including enforced disappearances and killings.
"You killed countless soldiers of nationalism, like Jony. You enforced the enforced disappearances of numerous leaders, including Chowdhury Alam and Saiful Islam Hiru. Can the era of disappearances return? Can crossfire return? The people will not support such practices," he said.
The BNP leader claimed that no incidents of enforced disappearance, crossfire killings or politically motivated imprisonment have occurred under the current administration, except in cases involving criminals and offenders.
He further alleged that certain groups are attempting to obstruct the country's progress, prosperity, democratic development and freedom of expression.
Calling on party activists to remain vigilant, Rizvi said efforts to provoke unrest could continue and urged supporters to stay alert against what he described as anti-state and anti-sovereignty activities.
Questioning the resurgence of the Awami League, he said, "How did they gather such courage? A nation that sacrificed 30 lakh lives and saw the violation of two lakh mothers and sisters in the Liberation War, will you [Awami League] turn them into slaves? Slaves of Delhi? That will never happen; the people will not let it happen."
Rizvi urged all nationalist and pro-sovereignty forces to unite in resisting any signs of fascism and activities that could threaten the country's independence and democratic values.
