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Rizvi urges unity to protect BD's independence, sovereignty
BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today called for national unity to resist alleged conspiracies against Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.
Speaking at a human chain and protest rally in front of the National Press Club, Rizvi said a new political environment had emerged following 2024 July Uprising and 2025 national election.
He said the BNP and its alliance are running the state under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, while parliamentary democracy is taking shape.
The rally, organised by Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijoddha Projonmo, protested an alleged conspiracy against Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty involving ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Rizvi said the government was committed to keeping democracy functional, ensuring freedom of expression and protecting civil liberties and judicial independence. He also said the government had so far allowed opposition leaders to criticise it freely in and outside parliament.
Describing the BNP's current position as a continuation of its long struggle for democracy under Khaleda Zia, Rizvi said the party remained committed to multiparty democracy.
On Tarique Rahman's decision not to attend BRICS despite receiving an invitation, Rizvi said the decision demonstrated that Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty were being placed above all other considerations.
Addressing the gas and fuel crisis, Rizvi attributed the disruption to difficulties in importing LNG, fuel and diesel amid the US-Iran war. He said the government was seeking alternative supplies from Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar to maintain gas pressure and keep industries and households running.
Referring to recent signs and activities at Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and elsewhere, Rizvi called for greater vigilance, saying any attempt to undermine the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War would be an insult to the country's martyrs.
He urged all political and social groups to uphold the spirit and achievements of the Liberation War.
Muktijoddha Dal President Bir Muktijoddha Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat presided over the programme, while Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo Convener and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain attended as the special guest.
Leaders and activists of the two organisations took part in the human chain and protest rally, reports BSS.