BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of working alongside “degenerate fascists” and aligning with forces that aim to revive authoritarianism in the country.
Speaking to reporters at BNP’s central office in New Paltan on Thursday, Rizvi said, “Those who are thinking of restoring fascists and befriending them have clearly learned nothing from history.”
He alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has consistently acted to please the ruling Awami League, citing historical instances where the party supported government-backed actions.
Rizvi recalled that Jamaat, which was once banned, was allowed political space by the late President Ziaur Rahman and has since aligned itself with the Awami League on key political events.
He cited the 1986 elections, the caretaker government protests, and violent incidents in Rajshahi University as examples of Jamaat’s collaboration with the ruling party. He also criticized Jamaat’s leaders for allegedly pressuring former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in the 2008 elections.
On the potential resurgence of fascism under the current government, Rizvi warned, “There is no room for Sheikh Hasina or any revival of fascist forces in Bangladesh. The people here are moderate, democratic, and religious; they will not allow a return of authoritarianism.”
Rizvi also commented on recently revealed telephone conversations and documents at the International Crimes Tribunal, describing them as “shocking” evidence of the former Prime Minister giving direct orders for violent acts during political unrest, including shootings and arson. He claimed that opposition activists had been wrongly charged for these incidents at the time.
Additionally, Rizvi raised concerns over the impartiality of certain interim government advisers, highlighting allegations that Sajeeb Bhuiyan had disproportionately allocated nearly BDT 2,500 crore to his own constituency, potentially for future electoral gains.
He criticized such actions as unethical and contrary to principles of transparency and good governance.
