Rizvi explains cloak burning as solidarity with India out campaign

In a move of protest, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and 62 other entities have opted to boycott Indian products. The party‍‍`s senior joint secretary-general, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, stirred discussion by discarding an Indian cloak he had been wearing on Wednesday, demonstrating solidarity with the boycott.

Amid a gathering of workers outside the party‍‍`s Nayapaltan office, the discarded cloak was set on fire, igniting fervor among BNP leaders and activists.

Since the national elections on January 7th, numerous BNP figures have made anti-India remarks, raising concerns over India‍‍`s alleged interference in national politics, particularly during movements aimed at toppling the government.

The abrupt act of a senior BNP leader casting away an Indian garment has left party members bewildered. A BNP official, preferring anonymity, remarked, "It is yet unclear whether this reflects the official stance of the BNP."

In response, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi clarified, stating, "In solidarity with the India Out campaign, I have discarded my used Indian cloak based on my personal convictions."

Explaining his stance further, Rizvi emphasized, "As a politician and citizen of Bangladesh, we view the movement to boycott Indian products as reasonable. Hence, I stand in solidarity with this movement."

Accusing the Awami League of electoral manipulation with India‍‍`s support, Rizvi asserted, "In light of this, the people of Bangladesh are expressing their dissent by boycotting Indian goods. We consider this boycott justified."

In a prepared statement delivered during a press conference, Rizvi asserted that 63 parties, including the BNP, are aligned with the movement to boycott Indian products.