BNP slams Jamaat for trying to 'fish in troubled waters'

Indicating Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (5 July) alleged that a certain party is trying to fish in troubled waters.

"You had no hesitation in participating in the 1986 election under an autocratic regime, yet now you claim the current environment is not suitable for holding elections," Rizvi said while inaugurating a football tournament at the Dhanmondi Sports Club ground.

BNP's Dhaka North City unit organised the event as part of the party's month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 July mass uprising.

Throughout history, Rizvi said people's rights have been achieved through political struggles and popular movements across the globe. 

He added, "To strengthen such struggles, an elected parliament is essential along with representatives who are accountable to the people. But instead, you want to delay elections by crafting narratives and finding faults. Why? What is the intention behind this?"

Yesterday (4 July), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said a neutral election is not possible in Bangladesh under the current circumstances.

"Under the current circumstances, a neutral election is impossible. We must first create an environment for credible elections, and that requires fundamental reforms," said Shafiqur while addressing a rally in Rangpur.

Rizvi said the Jamaat ameer sounded like a green activist, raising concern about the election environment. "Suddenly, you have become an 'environmentalist'! If you are so concerned about the environment, then work on the global environmental decline we are all witnessing."

He said the country now needs an elected government to restore people's rightful political, democratic and human rights.

"That is why we are calling upon the interim government to arrange a free and fair election by completing the necessary reforms within a very reasonable timeframe," Rizvi said.

The BNP leader hailed those killed during the 2024 mass uprising and the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown as "the best children of the nation," adding that such sacrifices by youth are rare even in global struggles.

"Sheikh Hasina's reign has been marked by unspeakable horror. May such fascism never return," he said.

Rizvi further alleged that several BNP leaders and activists, including Chowdhury Alam, Sajedul Haque Sumon, and Ilias Ali, were forcibly disappeared under the past regime. 

"They were taken by Sheikh Hasina's law enforcement agencies. So, she should know their whereabouts," he said.

Rizvi also condemned the existence of "Aynaghar" where detainees were allegedly tortured. 

Referring to the recently submitted second report of the Disappearance Commission, he said, "The details are chilling enough to make one's blood run cold."

'Sheikh Hasina tainted sports section too'

Speaking at the event, BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had tarnished the country's sports sector, just as she did other sectors.

"If entrusted with power, the BNP would ensure that the aspirations of the people are reflected in the field of sports," he said. 

BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, July-August Mass Uprising and Mourning Anniversary Committee Member Secretary Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP Convener Aminul Haque, and other party leaders were also present at the event.