Jamaat gaining control over ministries, public institutions: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a particular party, namely Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has gained control over several ministries and public institutions, raising the question of whether the interim government should be considered as supported by them.

"In many places and ministries, the influence of a particular political party has spread. Why is this happening? We heard that the Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin government was army-backed, so should we say this (interim administration) is Jamaat-supported?" Rizvi made the remarks while inaugurating the distribution of membership renewal forms to district and city units of the BNP at the party's Nayapaltan central office.

He alleged that officials affiliated with Jamaat are receiving promotions and benefits in various government offices and ministries, including the Education Ministry.

"It seems a particular party has taken control of the Education and Health Ministries," the BNP leader observed.

He also claimed that pro-Jamaat teachers have been appointed as Vice Chancellors (VCs) of major public universities.

Rizvi said the entire educational system has been "Jamaatised," which he described as a matter of concern. "The VCs, who are showing loyalty to a particular party, will not be able to work neutrally as the heads of any institution."

He said the current government should have carried out its duties impartially, with public confidence, as it was formed through a mass revolution.

"The criticism of the interim government will intensify if it plays any partisan role, tilts towards any party, or helps increase anyone's influence," the BNP leader warned.

He said the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education has recently issued a directive prohibiting any educational institution or students from speaking out against the current government or the state.

"These are the echoes of Sheikh Hasina's words. During her time in power, Hasina stated that saying anything against the government meant going against the state. This government is the result of a democratic movement, and democracy means there will be discussion, criticism, and strong opposition. Criticising the government does not equate to treason," the BNP leader said.

He emphasised that BNP and the people of the country do not want the interim government to fail, but that the cohorts of the fascist regime are trying to mislead it.

Rizvi also claimed that Sheikh Hasina's allies remain in the administration and are working to sabotage efforts in various ways.

He criticised the government for suddenly increasing VAT and supplementary duties on over 100 products and services, alleging that these moves were influenced by bureaucrats loyal to the fascist regime.

He pointed out that the government had failed to identify and take action against associates of the Awami fascist regime in the administration and police.

Regarding the party's membership renewal drive, Rizvi said those who have been expelled or exempted from the BNP for various reasons would not be allowed to renew their membership.