Dhaka, Dec 11 (V7N) – BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday accused India of discouraging democracy in neighboring countries, citing a hegemonic attitude.

"India is a democratic nation, yet it resists democratic governance in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Why should these nations conform to Delhi's directives?" Rizvi remarked during the inauguration of a march by three BNP associate bodies from Naya Paltan towards Agartala.

He emphasized that Bangladesh's liberation struggle was not fought to trade one dominance for another, declaring, "We did not free ourselves from Pakistan to surrender to Delhi."

The BNP leader further warned, "If India lays claim to Chittagong, then Bangladesh will assert its claim over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. We won't bow down to their aggression."

Rizvi criticized India's support for what he described as the "bloodthirsty lady Pharaoh Sheikh Hasina" over the past 16 years, alleging that India's ruling party has faced global scrutiny for its communal policies.

He asserted that India underestimates the resilience and bravery of the Bangladeshi people.

The event marked the launch of a long march by BNP associate organizations—Jubo Dal, Swechhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—protesting Indian "aggression," including a recent attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, desecration of the national flag, and the spread of misinformation about Bangladesh.

Starting at 9 a.m., several thousand leaders and activists embarked on the journey with a motorcade comprising cars, microbuses, and motorcycles from the BNP's central office at Naya Paltan.

The organizations’ top leaders delivered speeches condemning Indian politicians and media for their alleged hegemonic attitudes and attempts to disrupt religious harmony in Bangladesh through false narratives.

The march is set to conclude peacefully at the Akhaura border, according to organizers.

END/MSS/AJ