A senior BNP leader on Saturday alleged that attempts are underway to create instability and provoke controversy ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official foreign tour since taking office, warning of what he described as a coordinated effort to undermine the government’s diplomatic outreach.
Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claimed that a “vested quarter” was trying to create a negative atmosphere ahead of the prime minister’s visit to Malaysia and China beginning on June 21.
Describing the developments as “highly indicative,” Rizvi suggested that the timing of recent events pointed to a broader attempt to distract from the government’s foreign policy initiatives.
“The government came to power through a long democratic struggle and public expectations are high. We hope no step will be taken that compromises Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty or national interests,” he said.
His remarks come as the government prepares for what is being viewed as a significant diplomatic mission, with Prime Minister Tarique expected to hold high-level meetings in Malaysia and China aimed at strengthening trade, investment and strategic cooperation.
Rizvi said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is based on maintaining friendly relations with all countries while safeguarding national interests.
“Bangladesh has no enmity with any nation and regards no country as its master. We consider all countries our friends,” he said.
The BNP leader also stressed the importance of a strong and balanced foreign policy to sustain economic growth, expand international engagement and attract investment.
Speaking at the discussion titled “Bangladesh ICT Industry 2030: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Reforms,” Rizvi highlighted the government’s broader vision of building a technology-driven state.
He referred to initiatives announced in the national budget, including “One Citizen, One ID” and “One Digital, One Wallet,” saying the government aims to modernize public administration through an integrated digital framework rather than replicating models from other countries.
The event was organized by the Nationalist ICT Forum at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka.