Anti-liberation forces will get no more opportunity: Rizvi
The BNP leader accuses Sheikh Hasina of targeting the Zia family and says the people will no longer give opportunity to forces opposed to the Liberation War.
Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the people will no longer give any opportunity to forces opposed to the Liberation War.
He made the remarks today (12 August) after paying tribute at the grave of late Arafat Rahman Koko in Dhaka's Banani, marking his 57th birth anniversary.
"During the Liberation War, Sheikh Hasina was sheltered and supported by the Pakistanis. That is why she conspired in various ways against the family of Ziaur Rahman, the declarer of independence," Rizvi said.
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He alleged that Arafat Rahman Koko died as a result of the "ultimate manifestation of fascism" and accused former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of taking various measures to destroy the Zia family.
"Fugitive convict Sheikh Hasina left nothing undone to destroy a family in various ways," Rizvi said.
He said the then government had deliberately targeted the successors of Ziaur Rahman because they belonged to a family of freedom fighters.
"Hasina could never tolerate the patriotism of the Zia family. Now she has fled after being chased by the people," he added.
Referring to Ziaur Rahman's role in the Liberation War, Rizvi said, "Ziaur Rahman declared independence. Ziaur Rahman was a distinguished freedom fighter of this country."
He also referred to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's imprisonment with her children, describing her as a great freedom fighter.
"This family of freedom fighters was targeted for destruction by Sheikh Hasina. There is nothing she did not do for that," he said.
Rizvi also highlighted various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government, saying welfare-oriented measures had been implemented or initiated within days of the government taking office.
Rizvi highlighted Arafat Rahman Koko's role as a sports organiser and said the state should create opportunities for athletes to pursue sports as a profession and livelihood.
He said State Minister for Sports was present at the event and expressed confidence that the minister, as a close colleague of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, would successfully complete the responsibilities assigned to him.
"If these tasks are completed, the soul of Arafat Rahman Koko will find peace," Rizvi said.
