BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the entire nation is now looking towards London as a meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will usher in a fresh breeze in the country’s politics.
"I believe the meeting between Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will be a historic moment," Rizvi told reporters at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan on Wednesday.
He said the BNP has already laid out the rationale for holding the national election in December.
"The nation expects a free and fair election within a reasonable time. All political crises, including the election, can be resolved through dialogue," he added.
Rizvi came down hard on neighbouring India, accusing it of harbouring dangerous hostility towards Bangladesh.
He said: "India has become increasingly aggressive, especially over the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Bangladesh is being pushed with so-called 'foreigners' every day. There has been a surge in push-ins along the border. I ask, is Bangladesh a dumping ground?"
Issuing a stern warning, he said: "We will not just protest but also resist if necessary against attempts to push in foreigners and strip our people of their nationality. India must remember—Sheikh Hasina could not ultimately survive through repression and tyranny either."
On the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in both India and Bangladesh, Rizvi voiced deep concern.
"Over 7,000 people in India have already been infected. Bangladesh has also reported new infections and one death. Yet the role and preparedness of the Health Ministry are virtually non-existent."
He urged the government to swiftly determine its course of action and implement effective measures.
Expressing deep concern over the dengue situation, he said that the outbreak is taking a severe turn and putting public health at serious risk. "Alongside the government, citizens must also remain vigilant," he added.
Commenting on road fatalities during the Eid holidays, Rizvi said reckless driving claimed nearly 57 lives.
"Had the administration been more active, the number of accidents could have been reduced," he said.
He also mentioned that anti-social elements were active during Eid.
"True joy could have been found in celebrating Eid in a fascism-free atmosphere without fear. But the deteriorating law and order situation deprived the people of that," he added.
