Rizvi: March 7 sexual assaults portray AL’s development work

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday criticized the ruling government for the harassment of women allegedly carried out by Awami League men on March 7. He said: “On International Women's Day, the prime minister talked about the financial independence of women but on March 7, the country witnessed the poor state of women's development through the incidents of harassment carried out by Awami League men. “The March 7 assaults on women are an example of Awami League's development.” Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the comments during a press briefing at BNP central office in Nayapaltan. Alleging that BNP leaders and activists are being arrested from their peaceful programs, Rizvi said: “Police are raiding the houses of BNP leaders and in their absence they are arresting the family members of the leaders and torturing them in police stations.” The BNP senior joint secretary general further said the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail is the first condition to create a level-playing field for the next polls, and then issues including the upcoming election, caretaker government and dialogue can be considered. “First Khaleda Zia has to be released. Then an election under a caretaker government can only ensure a level-playing field in the next polls.” Criticizing the chief election commissioner’s comment that no new initiative will be taken to bring all political parties to the election, he asked: “Is the CEC heading towards one sided election? If so, why the fuss about election?” “He [the CEC] should then announce the ruling party as the winners without announcing the election schedule,” he added. He further said: “It is the Election Commission's responsibility to give all political parties equal opportunity and create a level-playing field. “Hearing his [the CEC] comments, it seems like he is not interested in a fair and credible election. If saving his job is so much more important than performing his duties, then he can't do anything. “The country will head towards anarchy if a one-sided election is carried out to extend Sheikh Hasina's rule and only he will be responsible.” BNP Chairperson's Advisor Ataur Rahman Dhali, Assistant Organizing Secretary Abdus Salam Azad and Assistant Office Secretary Belal Ahmed were also present in the briefing.  This article was first published on banglatribune.com