BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday claimed that the recent meeting in London between Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has caused unease and “heartburn” among several political parties.
Speaking at a rally in Gazipur’s Bhawanipur area, Rizvi said, “The meeting has clearly upset many parties. Some couldn’t accept it and even expressed their resentment. But why this outrage? What’s the real reason behind their frustration?”
The event was organised by the Gazipur district unit BNP at the premises of Muktijoddha College to kick off the party’s new membership form distribution and renewal campaign.
Taking an indirect swipe at Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rizvi criticized those questioning the neutrality of the interim government following the Yunus-Tarique meeting. “Some parties are talking about neutrality being compromised. But let’s ask—when have they ever truly acted impartially?” he said.
Highlighting what he termed as Jamaat’s inconsistent political history, Rizvi said, “They opposed the people in 1971, joined hands with Hasina in the 1986 election, and just last year talked about forgiving the Awami League and deepening relations with India. What kind of politics is this?”
Defending BNP’s political approach, Rizvi said his party practices constructive and positive politics, unlike others who frequently change positions.
On the upcoming national election, the BNP leader reiterated the party’s support for holding the vote in February 2026. “The first or second week of February is the most practical time. It’s a period free from Ramadan, storms, academic exams, and seasonal challenges,” he said.
In contrast, he argued, holding elections in April would be problematic due to extreme heat, storm risks, and the lead-up to Hajj and Eid-ul-Azha. “How can you even run campaigns properly during Ramadan?” he asked.
Rizvi also criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of launching smear campaigns against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “Despite everything, Khaleda Zia never fled the country or bowed to injustice,” he said.
He further accused Hasina of destroying the Election Commission and suppressing democratic rights, while also expressing concern over alleged "push-in" incidents at the border involving Indian nationals. “India must stop trying to provoke tension through these incidents—or be ready for consequences,” he warned.
