Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said a minimum level of unity between the government and opposition is necessary in the national interest, speaking at a memorial meeting at the National Press Club on Thursday.
He said: “There may be criticism or sarcasm over various issues, but without mutual communication and unity, no one will be safe.”
Rizvi said: “It is not only executioners; Mir Jafars are positioned all around.”
He alleged that instructions were being given by phone from a neighboring country to plant bombs, take photographs and send them, after which payments would be made.
Regarding opposition programs, he said holding such programs was a right and that there should be freedom of expression and opportunities to hold peaceful programs.
He said the party had instructed its members not to create any problems with opposition programs anywhere.
“But whatever you say, tell the truth,” he said. “There is discussion about why prices have been increased, and the government is giving explanations.”
Calling for political decency, Rizvi said: “Addressing the head of the ruling party in an informal and disrespectful manner is the culture of the Awami League. Sajeeb Wazed used to do this. Why should it become a fully accepted practice? That is why the ruling party gave a counter-response, but it did so decently.”
Rizvi also said there must be room for communication between the government and opposition despite sharp criticism and differences of opinion.
He said: “If unity is destroyed, the state will suffer.”
