BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused advisers of the interim government of trying to create divisions within the ongoing pro-democracy movement.
Speaking at a human-chain protest in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi claimed that the recent July-August uprising was the culmination of a 15-year struggle led by the BNP and other opposition parties against authoritarian rule.
Rizvi alleged that BNP leaders and activists, including missing leader Ilias Ali, had faced enforced disappearances and persecution over the years for demanding free and fair elections.
"Finally, children, youths, and teenagers sacrificed their lives in July-August and removed Sheikh Hasina from power. So why are the advisers trying to separate this 15-year movement from the July-August uprising?" he questioned.
The BNP leader also criticized an interim government adviser who reportedly suggested that prolonged interim rule would improve the country’s condition.
"An adviser told students that if they continue running the country like this for five years, things will improve. Does this mean elections are unnecessary?" Rizvi asked, calling elections vital for democracy, the rule of law, and press freedom.
Rizvi urged Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to ensure a credible election, warning that delaying the process could escalate tensions further.
"People have faith in you to restore democracy, but if free and fair elections are delayed, the situation may take a different turn," he cautioned.
He blamed the country’s current instability on the misrule of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, stating that Bangladesh must “uproot the remnants of corruption and establish a just society.”
