BNP plans to show 'strength and public support' thru Victory Day programme
More than 80 BNP-men arrested in 24 hours till Friday afternoon, said Rizvi
The BNP is set to stage a major demonstration today with a "colourful" Victory Day procession before its Nayapaltan central office in the capital to showcase the party's "strength and public support".
Party leaders and activists, particularly those from Dhaka and its surrounding districts, have been instructed to participate in the programme.
According to BNP sources, the party aims to invigorate its leaders and activists through this rally.
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At a virtual press conference on Friday (15 December), BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, "The victory rally will commence in front of the BNP's central office at Nayapaltan at 1 pm, concluding at Moghbazar. It will be organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North-South BNP."
Rizvi also urged all BNP leaders and activists as well as affiliated organisations to ensure the success of the programme.
On Wednesday, the party applied to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for permission to hold the rally.
Simultaneously, the Jamaat-e-Islami's student wing Islami Chhatrashibir has also planned nationwide demonstrations, including in Dhaka, on 16 December.
The BNP and the Jamaat are expected to announce the formation of a new platform, "All-party Unity against Fascism." Other allied opposition parties are expected to join forces with the BNP on this platform, pressing the demand for the upcoming national election to be held under a neutral caretaker government.
The official announcement of the platform is expected around 17-18 December, as confirmed by sources within the BNP and the Jamaat.
More than 80 BNP-men arrested in 24 hours: Rizvi
At Friday's virtual press briefing in the afternoon, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi reported that the police had apprehended over 80 BNP leaders and activists nationwide in the past 24 hours. Additionally, during this period, four cases have been filed, implicating over 436 individuals. More than 10 people have suffered injuries, and one person has lost his life.
Rizvi claimed that "Bangladesh's law and order forces are orchestrating a staged militant scenario on behalf of a neighbouring country to secure Sheikh Hasina's continued leadership through a fraudulent election."
He alleged that these actions aim to deceive the democratic world and highlight a pattern of similar militant incidents being staged in alignment with the neighbouring country's agenda, a tactic "observed in the two preceding elections."
AL should resign to restore democracy: Moin Khan
Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moin Khan said that there is currently no genuine politics in the country—only foul play. He highlighted concerns about occupation, extortion, and money laundering being conducted in the guise of political power.
At a discussion organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh to observe Victory Day at the National Press Club auditorium on Friday afternoon, he called on the Awami League to demonstrate its love for the country by voluntarily resigning and restoring democracy.
Regarding the forthcoming election, Moin Khan said, "Can anyone predict if the government will survive five days after the election? Therefore, 2014 and 2024 are not the same. No cannon or bullet can withstand the power of the people."
