Rizvi: Anti-1971 Jamaat exploiting the situation for their gain

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the Awami League of looting and taking control of a bank before 5 August, while alleging that an Islamic party took over another bank after that date.

Speaking after paying homage at the grave of martyred president Ziaur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday, Rizvi claimed that not only is a neighboring country spreading propaganda, but one or two political parties are also trying to exploit the situation for their gain. He specifically accused Jamaat-e-Islami, a party that opposed the 1971 liberation war, of attempting to "fish in troubled waters."

Rizvi described the July revolution as the culmination of a relentless 16-year movement, during which 97 people were martyred. He credited their sacrifices with igniting a national awakening. He further alleged that certain individuals, following the lead of S. Alam—whom he accused of financial misconduct during the Sheikh Hasina regime—have taken control of banks. Rizvi also criticized those who blame the BNP, while pointing out that a particular party has seized tenders, terminals, and other assets across the country. "People know who severed tendons," he added, reiterating his accusation against Jamaat for exploiting the current turmoil.

The BNP leader criticized Jamaat for conducting politics under the guise of Islam, stating that true Islamic values do not permit repeated betrayals. He asserted that the BNP has consistently upheld its commitment to the people and never wavered in its stance on democracy, from 1971 to 5 August. Rizvi alleged that Jamaat is seeking to mend ties with Sheikh Hasina and improve relations with India by attempting to forgive her government.