Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the nation’s rich cultural traditions will remain strong and unbroken, as fascism will not be allowed to destroy its cultural heritage, pride, and achievements.
"We must not let fascism erase our cultural heritage, pride, and achievements. Like the Padma and Meghna rivers, our rich traditions will continue to flow—strong and unbroken,” he said on Sunday while visiting the remnants of the burnt fascist effigy at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University.
He said that although the teachers and students who have fought for democracy may have differing opinions, fascism must never again take root in their actions or attitudes.
“There may be differences of opinion among us, but we are ready to make any sacrifice to protect others’ freedom of speech,” he added.
Rizvi noted that state reform is not a permanent settlement, but an ongoing process.
He said that while some necessary steps should be taken now, the rest should be carried out by an elected government.
He called on the interim government to implement essential reforms and hold the national election promptly to fulfill the people's aspirations, achieved on August 5, 2024.
“Our long-standing hope is to establish the people’s voting rights. We want to see democracy truly take root in this country,” he said.
To achieve this democracy, he said, many BNP leaders and activists—including Ilias Ali and Sumon—have lost their lives or were forcibly disappeared.
Rizvi said that over the past 15 years, humanity and justice have been absent in the country, as Sheikh Hasina has devastated the entire nation and turned the judiciary into a branch of the Awami League.
He emphasized that collective efforts are now essential to rebuild the country from this critical state.
Underscoring the urgency of restoring democracy, the BNP leader said: “Democracy is the foundation upon which art, literature, culture, and civil discourse can flourish. Where democracy exists, no one dares to commit acts of arson or destruction.”
He condemned the fascist attack on the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, calling it an ugly manifestation of fascist aggression.
At the same time, he praised the students and teachers for their dedication and commendable work in constructing the fascist effigy.