Dhaka, Feb 14 (V7N) – BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has questioned the necessity of holding local government elections before the national elections, expressing concerns that such a move could endanger centrist politics in the future.

Speaking as the chief guest at a Doa Mahfil organized by BNP in observance of Shab-e-Barat at the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters on Friday, Rizvi stated, "Whether local elections or parliamentary elections come first, and whoever is making this argument, we sense a deeper fear—that the central role of politics is under threat."

Criticism of Government Actions

Rizvi also condemned the persecution of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, claiming that the interim government would take corrective measures to ensure democratic governance. "Dr. Yunus is a globally recognized figure, yet Sheikh Hasina is relentlessly harassing him. The interim government must take the right steps to foster democratic political power," he said.

The BNP leader argued that political parties must come to power through democratic means, after which local elections and other governance reforms can take place. "Who will do politics, and who will come to power? The people will decide. Our 17-year-long movement has been about restoring that power to the people," he added.

Concerns Over Depoliticization

Rizvi warned against distrusting politicians, stating that such an approach leads to depoliticization, which in turn weakens democracy. "This is why fascism has emerged today. Reducing political power creates space for extremism—whether from the left or the right. This must be kept in mind," he cautioned.

Event Attendees

The event was attended by several BNP leaders, including BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Rangpur Division Associate Organizing Secretary Professor Aminul Islam, and Associate Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shaheen. Md. Abdus Sattar Patwari, a member of BNP’s National Executive Committee, hosted the program.

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