Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed on Saturday said that meaningful state reforms cannot occur while members of the Awami League remain in key administrative positions.
Speaking at a memorial meeting for Shaheed Jahiduzzaman Tanvir, who was killed by police during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Dakshinkhan, Rizvi highlighted the casualties during the July-August uprising, claiming that around 2,000 people lost their lives in the 36 days leading to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's regime.
Rizvi emphasized that those responsible for firing on civilians to protect Hasina's government continue to hold significant roles within the administration. He demanded their removal, asserting that state reforms are impossible without holding the perpetrators accountable.
He accused the Awami League of enforcing an authoritarian regime, seizing the people's voting rights, and resorting to violence against students and the general populace to retain power.
"Those who committed these atrocities must face justice; otherwise, the souls of the martyrs will find no peace," he said.
Addressing Bangladesh-India relations, Rizvi urged India to respect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, criticizing India's past support of Hasina's one-party elections.
He said: “The border between Bangladesh and India has become the bloodiest. The days of bowing to India are over; the people of Bangladesh will no longer be subservient.”
He called on the interim government to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election following necessary reforms.
Local BNP leaders, including Kafil Uddin, Mostafizur Rahman Segun, and Professor Saiful Islam, also addressed the gathering.