Fire broke out at secretariat after govt requested crucial documents related to Hasina, cohorts: Rizvi

Highlights

• Rizvi alleges the secretariat fire followed a government request for key documents on Sheikh Hasina

• He alleges the state's intelligence agencies are trying to form a political party

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• He urges a high-level probe, citing similar incidents of file disappearances and fires

• Rizvi accuses India of using Hasina to enforce its policies in Bangladesh and spreading misinformation

BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (26 December) claimed that the last night's massive fire at the Bangladesh Secretariat occurred shortly after the government requested for crucial documents related to ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and her associates.

"The timing of the fire coincided with the government's request for documents related to Sheikh Hasina and her associates. This is concerning and has led to widespread speculation," he said while addressing a discussion meeting at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU).

"Yesterday, we read in the newspapers that the government requested several important files. And then, late at night, the fire broke out. This has raised questions among the public.

"Many crucial documents were burned in the fire. Such incidents raise serious concern," he added.

The BNP leader called on authorities concerned to conduct a high-level investigation into the matter.

Rizvi said, "This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. Whenever protests arise against ministers or secretaries, files mysteriously disappear, or fire breaks out."

Speaking on the occasion, the BNP leader also alleged that the state's intelligence agencies are trying to form a political party.

"If the intelligence agencies determine who will win the election, then what is the point of all the sacrifices of the people," he said.

Rizvi also criticised India for letting Hasina stay there.

He claimed that India is attempting to implement its policies in Bangladesh through her and accused India of propagating misinformation about Bangladesh.

The Rajshahi University Nationalist Ex-Student Association (RUNESA) organised the programme, commemorating the bloody incident that took place on the Rajshahi University campus on 22 December 1984.

Expresses concerns over cyber protection ordinance

Regarding recent government reforms, Rizvi expressed skepticism, particularly about cyber-related reforms, saying, "The way reforms are being implemented raises doubts about whether they will bring any good. It appears to be heading in the wrong direction."

Describing the new Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024 as an extension of the Digital Security Act (DSA), he expressed concern over its potential abuse, as the law enforcement agencies have been given immense powers, reports UNB.

"A new law, styled The Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024, has been passed. I am astonished at how this law has been passed by those advisers who worked for human rights and involved in the July-August movement," he said.

The BNP leader said law enforcement agencies have been granted ambiguous and extensive authority through the Cyber Protection Ordinance.

According to the act, he said, the law enforcers have the power to remove or repeal any information deemed to be a threat to national solidarity, security, defence, religious values, and public safety. "It seems to me that this act is an extension of the Digital Security Act."

The BNP leader questioned how the government would define solidarity, security, and religious values. "If law enforcement agencies are given such immense power, there is a significant risk of extensive abuse.

He also said it was not expected from the current government, which came to power through a revolution, to pass law aimed at suppressing the people's voice like autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina.

Rizvi also described the Cyber Protection Ordinance as a dangerous law that can help create another awful situation in the country.

"There's no difference between this law and the one introduced by the Awami League. In fact, due to the vagueness in the definition of various issues, we fear that an attempt could be made to curtail freedom of speech through this Act," he said.

The BNP leader expressed concern that the new law could be used to suppress the voice of the people, and questioned whether the interim government had any malicious intentions behind it.

Rizvi recalled that the Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin regime had tried to divide the BNP and weaken democratic forces adding that there is growing doubt among the public about whether the current government had similar intentions.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the Council of Advisers, in its meeting on Tuesday, in principle approved the draft 'Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024' placed by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division.

On 17 December, Transparency International Bangladesh's Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the decision to repeal the Cyber Security Act, which was used as a tool to suppress dissent and silence the media, has brought relief to all citizens, which is one of the public welfare-oriented steps of the interim government.