Govt trying to protect country's economy, increase its resources: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (24 September) said the government is trying to protect the country's economy and increase its resources by utilizing the resources and capabilities available in the country.

He said the government is working sincerely to address the country's current fuel and gas crisis and is trying to ensure maximum supply for the people.

Rizvi made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest a protest procession and rally, organized by the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal in front of the BNP central Nayapaltan office today, as part of the BNP's centrally announced programme.

Referring to the BNP's ability to take to the streets against injustice, oppression, irregularities, terrorism and attempts to destabilize the country, Rizvi said, "People are the strength of BNP. Streets and roads have not been sold to any other party or anyone else. They have not bought these streets. These streets belong to the people of this country and to the BNP, the people's party."

Addressing those protesting against the increase of fuel oil and gas prices, he said they should take into consideration the global fuel crisis. Electricity supply has been suspended in many countries around the world due to the global energy crisis, he said. 

He said one-fifth of the world's total fuel-carrying vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and what is currently happening there should also be taken into consideration.

Criticizing opposition leaders, Rizvi said, they are spreading propaganda and making false allegations against BNP and the government leaders.

"Despite dealing with so many crises, the government is trying to ensure maximum supply to the people. If fuel and gas are unavailable, the government is managing the situation with domestic production and whatever can be obtained from eastern countries," said the acting secretary general. 

Rizvi also informed that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said there are indications that the economy under the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is moving towards improvement.

He also spoke about government expenditure on foreign trips. He said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used to travel abroad with 150 to 200 people. In contrast, the incumbent Prime Minister has gone to the United Nations General Assembly with only 35 people and will return home after staying there for five to six days.

He said through this, the government has demonstrated its love for the country and its concern for saving public money.

The veteran BNP leader further said the party, its alliance and the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman want to increase the country's resources and capabilities. To this end, priority is being given to the interests of the poor, extremely poor and marginalized people, he added.  

He also said that extremely poor people, marginalized farmers and poor people would benefit from the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes.

Rizvi said today's rally and procession organized by the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal is in favour of truth and justice. 

He urged the people to remain alert and vigilant against those who are deliberately setting fire to vehicles in the capital's Moghbazar, Kafrul, Uttara, Mirpur and Shahbagh.

"The fugitive fascist is trying to destabilize the country from India. And the covert elements and terrorists inside the country are fanning them with palm-leaf fans," he added.

Rizvi said the people of this country have always trampled down conspiracies and helped tear apart the web of conspiracies to spread the light of truth.

"This Bangladesh is a Bangladesh of truth, a Bangladesh of bravery, a Bangladesh of heritage. People cannot be misled by weaving a web of lies in this Bangladesh," he said.

Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani and General Secretary Rajib Ahsan along with central leaders spoke in the event. 

Leaders of Swechchhasebak Dal highlighted the organization's role in the long-standing movements and struggles and called upon the leaders and activists to remain united.

Later, the leaders and activists brought out a huge procession from Nayapaltan, which ended at the National Press Club after parading different city streets.

Central and Mohanagar leaders of Swechchhasebak Dal as well as leaders and activists from different thanas and wards including Dhaka Mohanagar South and North attended the rally.