CA-Tarique meeting causes heartburn, says Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the recent meeting in London between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sparked discomfort among several political parties.

“Many couldn’t accept the meeting. Some even showed open resentment. It’s caused heartburn among a number of parties. But why? What’s upsetting you?” Rizvi said while addressing a rally in the Bhawanipur area of Gazipur on Saturday.

The event, organized by Gazipur district unit BNP at the premises of Muktijoddha College, marked the launch of the party’s new membership form distribution and renewal campaign.

In a veiled reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rizvi claimed some parties have expressed unease not only over the meeting but also the revised election timeline.

He said certain groups are accusing the interim government of losing neutrality after the London meeting. Dismissing such claims, Rizvi said, “When have they ever been truly neutral themselves? They should examine their own political track record first.”

He went on to criticize Jamaat-e-Islami directly, saying, “They opposed the people in 1971, joined hands with Hasina in the 1986 election, and after August 5, 2024, they spoke of forgiving the Awami League and strengthening ties with India. What kind of politics is this?”

Rizvi contrasted this with BNP’s political stance, calling it “positive and constructive.”

Regarding the timing of the national election, Rizvi said the first or second week of February next year would be most suitable. “That period offers good weather, no Ramadan, no academic exams, and aligns with historical election traditions,” he said.

In contrast, he noted that April would be an unfavorable time due to high temperatures, storms, and the overlap with Hajj preparations and Ramadan. “How will campaigns run in such conditions?” he asked.

Rizvi also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of smearing BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, claiming she never fled the country nor bowed to government repression.

He alleged that Hasina’s regime has dismantled democratic institutions, including the Election Commission, and has violated the people’s right to vote.

On foreign relations, Rizvi criticized India for alleged “push-in” incidents at the border. “India is trying to create conflict by forcing its citizens into Bangladesh. If this continues, there will be consequences,” he warned.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic congestion occurred on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway in the afternoon due to the BNP rally, causing suffering for Eid holidaymakers returning to the capital.