Rizvi alleges 'silent conspiracy' over polls, demands reforms, fixed election date

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a "deep and silent conspiracy" is unfolding around the forthcoming national elections, urging immediate electoral reforms and the announcement of a fixed and credible polling date. 

"Polling centres must once again echo with the footsteps of voters — that is our hope, the purpose behind all our efforts. Then why this talk of delaying the election? Why are such discussions emerging on social media? This is a question the entire nation is now asking," he said, while speaking at a protest rally in front of the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan today (17 July), Rizvi raised concerns over growing speculation about a possible postponement of the polls.

The rally was organised by the BNP-affiliated Krishak Dal to protest what the party described as offensive remarks and slogans made against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

He also referenced a recent meeting in London between Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman, which resulted in a joint statement. "The nation felt a sense of relief. But it appears some quarters were displeased with this. Almost immediately, violence and bloodshed erupted across the country," he said.

Addressing the recent incident at Mitford, Rizvi said the BNP had taken swift action, permanently expelling those involved. "Both the Chairman and Secretary General issued condemnations. We've demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, regardless of their position or location."

He criticised the government's alleged double standards, pointing out that while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina once defended "mafia godfathers" in Narayanganj and Cox's Bazar, the BNP, by contrast, has taken disciplinary action against any wrongdoing within its ranks. "We have suspended or expelled offenders, and even urged the police to take legal action," Rizvi added.

Questioning the campaign against Tarique Rahman, Rizvi said, "Why are vulgar slogans being raised against him over the Mitford incident?"

Turning to Khaleda Zia, Rizvi said she had endured years of harsh confinement under government orders. "The entire nation is sympathetic towards her, yet she continues to be the target of offensive rhetoric."

Rizvi described Tarique Rahman as "a symbol of repression and resistance," recalling how he was seriously injured during the 1/11 regime. "Despite years of persecution and exile in London, he is now being vilified on social media, while actual acts of violence — like the maiming of a BNP youth leader in Khulna and the alleged killing of Abdur Rahim in Cox's Bazar by Jamaat — are met with silence."

He concluded, "Whenever bloodshed occurs, the government is held responsible. But today, there is no criticism of the authorities — only rallies against Tarique Rahman, who has spent nearly two decades in exile and remains a symbol of courage and democratic struggle."