Rizvi accuses opposition of echoing Sheikh Hasina’s politics

“The echo and voice that we are hearing in the opposition’s statements are Sheikh Hasina’s voice. It is the voice of fascism. It is the voice of the Awami League. There is no tune of democracy, peace or coexistence in that voice,” he said, referring to a leader’s remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Rizvi was speaking as the chief guest at a protest rally and procession organised by Dhaka North City BNP against what it described as planned acts of violence aimed at destabilising the country.

The rally was held in front of Polwell Market adjacent to Uttara Abdullahpur, followed by a procession that ended at Jashimuddin intersection in Uttara.

“For some reason, it seems to me that the germ of fascism, the Awami fascism that had entered their blood, is now present in some opposition parties in our country,” he said reffering to opposition.

Rizvi alleged that some opposition forces now wanted to come to power immediately.

“What has happened that you have to come to power right now?” he asked.

Referring to the 11-party alliance, he said one of its young leaders, who is now involved in opposition politics in parliament, had said that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman would have to decide how to leave power.

“Is Tarique Rahman clinging to power like Sheikh Hasina? Did Tarique Rahman come to power by force through a rigged police force and other law enforcement agencies in the Feb 12 election?” Rizvi asked.

He said the leader concerned had been a young student leader and had participated in the movement, but added that his present rhetoric sounded like Sheikh Hasina’s.

He questioned the opposition’s demands over fuel prices, extortion and rising commodity prices.

“You are talking about the increase in fuel prices. Then give an alternative proposal. You are saying there is extortion and prices of essential commodities are rising. Then give a proposal on how these should be controlled,” he said.

Rizvi said that while different programmes and long marches are being organised, cocktail explosions and arson attacks are taking place in different parts of Dhaka.

“Whom are you inviting?” he asked.

Rizvi warned that if what he called Sheikh Hasina’s “Pharaoh-like rule” returned, those currently carrying out such activities would not be spared either.

“If Sheikh Hasina’s Pharaoh-like rule returns again, will you be spared? None of you will be spared. Through the activities you are carrying out, you are again seeking the resurgence of Lady Pharaoh Sheikh Hasina,” he said.

He accused the opposition of spreading falsehood and propaganda against the prime minister and government in the name of political programmes.

“You are saying false things, using dirty language and spreading propaganda against the prime minister and the government. You are telling such lies that it is not the language of democracy. It is never the language of a civilised society,” he said.

Rizvi said democracy is the rule and politics of civilised people.

“If that politics becomes ugly, filled with lies, propaganda and defamatory statements, it can never be a fitting condition for democracy,” he said.

At the programme, Dhaka North City BNP Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman was present as the chief speaker.

The programme was presided over by SM Jahangir Hossain, MP for Dhaka-18 constituency and joint convener of Dhaka North City BNP, reports UNB.