India should remember that Bangladesh is not Sikkim or Bhutan: Rizvi

Indian policymakers must remember that Bangladesh is not Sikkim or Bhutan, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said today (29 September), taking a jibe against Indian lawmakers over their recent remarks on Bangladesh.

"You [India] have provided refuge to Sheikh Hasina, and that's fine. But if you try to destabilise Bangladesh on her directives, it will not go well for you in the long run.

"Bangladesh is not Sikkim or Bhutan; it is a country of 18 crore people, and your policymakers must remember this," he said at a gathering in Rajshahi's Bhuban Mohan Park, organised by the We Are BNP Family platform in memory of the martyrs from Rajshahi who were killed during the recent uprising.

Several Indian lawmakers have recently made various controversial remarks regarding Bangladesh, sparking anger from both Bangladeshis.

A few days ago Tripura's Manik Saha said Bangladesh would not remain stable without India. 

Referring to Saha's comment, Rizvi said, "What kind of message are you sending? Bangladeshis are a brave and resilient people. They know how to run their country and whom to elect. No foreign prescriptions will dictate this."

Speaking on the occasion, Rizvi also said no puppet of Delhi would be allowed to serve in Bangladesh.

The BNP leader went on to criticise India for supporting Sheikh Hasina's government. 

"You are a democratic nation, yet you support someone like Sheikh Hasina who steals votes and prevents people from voting. The world is asking why a democratic country like India is aiding the destruction of democracy in Bangladesh. No one will accept this," Rizvi said. 

"Is Sheikh Hasina realising from India that oppression and suppression of the people cannot sustain power?" he added.

On the occasion, Rizvi further commented on the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, saying, "All democratic political parties have endorsed Prof Yunus's interim government. Everyone wants to support him."

However, he said if individuals who facilitated Sheikh Hasina's 16-17 year reign and her fascist rule remain in administrative positions, such as secretaries or cabinet members, the democratic revolution's reforms will fail.

He expressed concern over Prof Yunus's adviser, Ali Imam Majumder, alleging that Imam had also served the agenda of the 1/11 caretaker government and Sheikh Hasina. 

"If such individuals hold key administrative positions, the Prof Yunus-led government's reform agenda will not succeed."

Rizvi also called out the administration, questioning why confiscated firearms had not been recovered despite their licences being revoked. 

"If these weapons are not recovered, the country will remain unstable and prone to conflict," he said.

At the end of the event, Rizvi offered financial assistance to the families of 3 victims who were killed during the recent uprising in Rajshahi.