No more enforced disappearances for expressing opinions: Rizvi

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the ruling BNP and political adviser to the prime minister, has said a safe environment has been established where people enjoy freedom of speech and that no one will face enforced disappearance for expressing their opinions under the current system.

Speaking during a press conference at the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan this afternoon (22 March), Rizvi also alleged that a certain group of people is spreading baseless rumours and lies against the BNP.

He emphasised that everyone must work together to establish democracy, adding that those spreading falsehoods about the BNP government are exhibiting "signs of fascism."

Rizvi announced the BNP's programmes over two days to observe Independence Day on 26 March 26.

Programmes

A discussion will be held at 2:30pm on Wednesday (25 March) at the IEB Auditorium in Ramna. National leaders and eminent citizens are expected to address the gathering.

Following tributes by the president and prime minister at 5am on 26 March, the BNP will place wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar.

At 6am on Thursday (26 March), the national and party flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and all party offices across the country.

After the ceremony at the National Memorial, central leaders and activists will return to Dhaka to place wreaths and offer prayers at the graves of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

A prayer session organised by the Jatiotabadi Ulama Dal will follow on the mausoleum premises.