State reforms not possible when AL allies still in administration: Rizvi

State reform would not be possible as long as those associated with the Awami League remained in government administration, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said today (28 September). 

"In the July-August movement, the fascist Hasina government took the lives of nearly 2,000 people across the country. Many of the AL allies are still in the administration; those who fired on the common people while protecting Hasina are the ones who remain in positions of power," he said.

Speaking at a meeting organised in the memory of Shahid Jahiduzzaman Tanvir, who was shot by the police during the anti-discrimination student movement in the capital, he demanded  such supporters be removed from various positions in the government.

He said the AL wanted to stay in power by taking away the people's right to vote, ultimately taking the lives of the students.

"Those who have the blood of ordinary people on their hands should be judged first. Otherwise the martyr's soul will not find peace," Rizvi said.

Regarding Bangladesh's relationship with neighbouring India, he said everyone should respect Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty as friends, leaving aside the "nature of lordship". 

Pointing out that the whole world boycotted Hasina's vote and only India supported it, he said, "The border between Bangladesh and India is the bloodiest. If India kills the people of Bangladesh, we also have the right to talk about Delhi." 

Emphasising that the days of bowing down to India are coming to an end, Rizvi said, "The people of Bangladesh will never be on their knees again."

Rizvi also urged the interim government to hold free, fair and impartial elections in the country after necessary reforms.