Rizvi Accuses AL, ‘Secret Party’ of Conspiring Against BNP

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused the banned Awami League (AL) and an unnamed “secret party” of conspiring against the BNP and conducting a propaganda campaign against it.

He alleged that the two groups shared similar behaviour and rhetoric, claiming they had continued targeting the BNP in much the same way as in the past. Rizvi made the remarks at a rally in Dhaka’s Shantinagar after distributing dengue-awareness leaflets as part of a public awareness campaign.

“The Awami League was a party that spread propaganda. Now another secret party has joined it. There is evidence of a relationship between them. They themselves had said they would forgive the Awami League,” he said, alleging that their conduct resembled that of defeated political forces.

Recalling previous allegations against the BNP, Rizvi said its political opponents had portrayed the party as a militant organisation and claimed that people of other religions would be unsafe if it came to power.

He said the government led by Tarique Rahman had demonstrated that conspiracies could not succeed if the government remained vigilant.

Rizvi also claimed that BNP leaders and activists had worked around the clock to ensure the security of Hindu temples during Durga Puja. He described this year's celebrations as the most peaceful and festive in 17 to 18 years, adding that visitors from neighbouring countries had praised the arrangements.

Coordinated efforts to prevent dengue

Addressing the dengue situation, Rizvi said the government and the BNP had undertaken coordinated initiatives to raise public awareness and prevent the spread of the disease.

He said leaflets prepared with advice from renowned physicians were being distributed to inform people about dengue prevention and the steps to take if they became infected. According to Rizvi, the materials would serve as a practical guide for the public.

He added that, following the prime minister's instructions, free dengue testing had been arranged at government hospitals to ensure people could access necessary medical services. Adequate supplies of saline had also been ensured, while cleanliness campaigns were underway across the country.

Family, Farmers' Cards could cut poverty by 5 percentage points: Rizvi

Rizvi also praised the government's economic initiatives, saying it was committed to fulfilling its promises.

Citing economists, he claimed that the distribution of Family Cards and Farmers' Cards introduced by the government could reduce the country's poverty rate by a further five percentage points this year.

“This is a major achievement of Tarique Rahman's government,” he said.

BNP Joint Secretary General and MP Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, Organising Secretary Saidul Haque Babul, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr Zahidur Rahman and Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Touhidur Rahman Auwal, among others, attended the leaflet distribution programme.