A certain Islamic party’s members in admin may obstruct fair polls: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that members of a "specific Islamic political party" are being strategically placed in various parts of the administration, which he claimed could hinder a free and fair election.

Rizvi made the remarks to journalists today (4 October) after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

"The interim government is a neutral government. They will not lean toward any side, nor will they go toward any side," he said.

"However, members of a specific Islamic political party are being placed very strategically in different parts of the administration. A free and fair election will not happen because of this. The public is witnessing it, and we are also witnessing it."

According to Rizvi, individuals aligned with a certain political ideology are being assigned to important positions, which he said poses a risk to electoral neutrality.

Expressing the public's expectation for a fair election in February, the BNP spokesperson said, "I hope the Election Commission has completed those preparations, and the public is ready [to vote]. Those who are trying to confuse the public mind by creating a new issue will also be exposed."

Rizvi reaffirmed his party's confidence in Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, saying, "Our party has confidence in Muhammad Yunus, and keeping that confidence, I will say, you appoint individuals who will conduct a neutral election. They will not be subservient to any party."

He also alleged that "international imperialists" were continuing their efforts to weaken nationalist forces in Bangladesh.

"The conspiracy by international imperialists and dominators to destroy the nationalist forces is still not over. They are conspiring in various ways and making master plans to implement their agenda," he said.

Rizvi credited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman for inspiring the July movement.

"Tarique Rahman created the backdrop for the July movement and the movement that led to the fall of fascism on 5 August. Even from afar, he led and inspired the entire nation. We are continuing that political course today," he said.

Referring to recent controversies, Rizvi criticised the depiction of Muhammad Yunus in a Durga Puja idol in India.

"After the movement in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus was supported by everyone as the chief adviser. We saw that the idol of the demon (Asura) was made in India with the appearance of Yunus, with his face. These are signs of extremely low taste and a bad culture," he said.
The event was organised by the Nationalist Engineers' Organisation, Engineers Association of Bangladesh (EAB). Leaders of the organisation's new committee were present at the time.