BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi delivering his speech.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a deep conspiracy is underway regarding the upcoming elections. He said, “The polling stations will once again echo with the footsteps of voters. That’s what we want. That’s why we’ve been striving for this. So why is there talk of delaying the elections? Why is this issue being raised on social media? This is a question for the entire nation. There must be a deep conspiracy at play; this cannot be otherwise.”

He made these remarks on Thursday (July 17) at a protest rally held in front of BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, to condemn attempts to destabilize the country. The rally, organized by BNP’s affiliate Krishak Dal, was presided over by its president Hasan Jafir Tuhin and conducted by General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul. Other leaders also spoke at the event.

Rizvi said, “We have called for reforms. Hold elections within a reasonable timeframe, set a specific date, and don’t prolong the process excessively. The meeting between the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and BNP Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman in London resulted in a joint statement. The people of the country felt some relief, but it seems some do not want this relief to last. Immediately after, conflicts and bloodshed began across the country! Why?” he questioned.

Regarding the Mitford murder incident, Rizvi said, “BNP immediately condemned the killing. Those involved have been permanently expelled from the party. Statements from the Chairman and Secretary General were issued, demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits, regardless of their position or status.”

Rizvi further stated, “In Narayanganj, the mafia godfather, and in Cox’s Bazar, another godfather, were defended by Sheikh Hasina in parliament. If anyone in the party’s name engages in extortion or wrongdoing, organizational punishment is enforced. Some are expelled, some have their positions suspended, and we ourselves urge the police to file cases against them or file cases ourselves—that’s Tariq Rahman. So why are distasteful slogans being raised against him in the Mitford incident?”

Rizvi continued, “Tariq Rahman was thrown off a roof, his spine broken. He is a symbol of oppression and persecution. Yet, processions and social media content are being created against him with baseless accusations. Meanwhile, why is no one talking about the BNP youth leader shot in Khulna, whose leg veins were severed, or the murder of BNP activist Abdur Rahim in Cox’s Bazar by Jamaat?”

He added, “Begum Khaleda Zia endured six to seven years of brutal oppression, confined in a suffocating, dark room by Sheikh Hasina. The entire nation sympathizes with her, yet distasteful remarks are being made against her!”

Commenting on incidents of violence, Rizvi said, “Whenever there is a murder or bloodshed, the government is blamed. The responsibility for law and order lies with the government, yet nothing is said against them or the administration. Instead, processions are held against Tariq Rahman, who has been in London for 17-18 years and is himself a victim of Sheikh Hasina’s oppression.”

Praising Tariq Rahman’s leadership, Rizvi said, “Through six to seven years of leadership, Tariq Rahman ensured the victory of democracy. He is a symbol of courage and confidence.”

The program was organized by Krishak Dal to protest against derogatory remarks and slogans targeting BNP Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman.