Rizvi demands action against ex-officials for aiding fascism, praises CEC's election stance

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (25 April) questioned why the interim government has not acted against those, including Justice ABM Khairul Haque, ex-chief election commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and KM Nurul Huda, who aided Sheikh Hasina in establishing fascism.

"Why are those responsible for establishing fascism still at large? Why haven't those who destroyed institutions and used their entrusted positions to serve Sheikh Hasina and entrench fascism been arrested yet?" he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at an event organised by "Amra BNP Poribar" to provide financial assistance to the mother of Abdullah Bin Jahid, who was martyred during the July mass uprising, at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office.

Rizvi alleged that ABM Khairul Haque obstructed the continuity of democracy, paved the way for the rise of a tyrant like Sheikh Hasina and assisted in establishing a brutal fascist regime.

"Why is Justice Khairul Haque still at large? Why is he still beyond reach?" he asked.

The BNP leader alleged that Justice Khairul Haque, in collusion with both domestic and foreign anti-democratic conspirators, abolished the non-partisan caretaker government and enabled Sheikh Hasina to retain power without elections.

He also said Khairul Haque is primarily responsible for the deaths of numerous young people and adolescents, including Abu Sayed, Mir Mugdho, and Jahid, who were gunned down by the law enforcement agencies of Hasina's fascist regime, as he paved the way for the rise of such fascism.

Rizvi said Khairul Haque revoked the caretaker government system for his own benefit, as he later became the chairman of the Law Commission and took Tk10 lakh from the Prime Minister's fund for his treatment.

He also questioned why former chief election commissioners Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and KM Nurul Huda have not been arrested, despite having aided a bloodthirsty leader like Sheikh Hasina, who did not hesitate to shoot and kill children to stay in power

"They [Rakib-Huda] destroyed the electoral system and democracy. Why can they still remain out of touch. This is big question of people," the BNP leader said.

He also expressed disappointment that no action has been taken against the judges who wrongfully sentenced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in false cases.

"It is a pity that no action has been taken against those who killed democracy and strengthened Sheikh Hasina's hand in establishing fascism. If the government has even the slightest respect for the blood of the martyrs, there is no reason for these individuals to remain untouched," the BNP leader said.

He said it is the responsibility of the interim government to arrest the killers of democracy, regardless of where they are now, stressing that the people expect to see such an initiative from the government.

Rizvi also expressed frustration that the government has not yet taken steps to withdraw the false cases against 60 lakh BNP leaders and activists, despite some cases against advisers being dropped.

He praised Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin for his commitment that the Election Commission will not wait for reform suggestions from the National Consensus Commission, but will proceed with election preparations using the powers currently available to it.

The BNP leader said elections should not be delayed for the completion of reforms, as state overhauling is a contentious process.

"So, the CEC's remarks are positive… we are reassured about the election from his statement," he said.