Sylhet, Nov 03 (V7N) – BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that forces he described as defeated political elements are instigating garment workers’ protests demanding a minimum wage, with the aim of creating instability in the country.
He claimed that workers were being misled and encouraged to take to the streets as part of an attempt to disrupt the situation.
Rizvi made the remarks during an exchange of views with journalists at a hotel in the Dargah Gate area of Sylhet city on Monday afternoon, November 2.
“They are intervening and provoking the workers. They are trying in various ways to incite them to take to the streets. There are examples and evidence of this. Police arrested 11 activists of the Chhatra League and Jubo League from the scene yesterday. One of their leaders was involved in the incitement. They were carrying out these activities from behind the scenes and even posted about them on Facebook. An organisational secretary of the Chhatra League at Jagannath University also acknowledged their activities in a Facebook post,” Rizvi said.
He further alleged that the defeated forces were trying to destabilise the country by misleading workers and encouraging them to demonstrate. He said their attempt to exploit the situation for political gain had become clear to the public.
Criticising the Jamaat-e-Islami amir’s remark that “another revolution is knocking at the door”, Rizvi questioned what kind of revolution was being referred to.
“Only eight months have passed since the government took office. The government is working on various issues, including national development, economic progress and business expansion. The Prime Minister is visiting foreign countries, signing agreements and memorandums of understanding, and bringing investment opportunities to the country,” he said.
The BNP leader said his party had fought publicly for democracy for 17 years, making sacrifices and losing lives in the struggle. He added that the people would not accept attempts to gain power through clandestine politics.
“Who is involved in such statements and activities is becoming clear to the people,” he said.
Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh were strongly committed to democracy and wanted political parties to come to power through free and fair elections.
He claimed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and its alliance had assumed power on February 12. He warned that the public would not accept any attempt by others to enter power through secret or backdoor means.
Speaking about the country's political and economic situation, Rizvi said the government had taken office amid serious challenges. He cited disruptions to fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran–United States conflict, which he said had affected industries and the supply of electricity and gas.
He said the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, had taken initiatives to import fuel from alternative sources and was working to restore normal electricity and gas supplies.
Rizvi also said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards social unrest, extortion, muscle-flexing and illegal occupation of people's land. He said the government was working to implement the BNP's election pledges while maintaining stability in the country.
Asked about the upcoming local government elections, Rizvi said local leaders would assess the suitability, popularity and electoral prospects of potential candidates in their respective areas. District and upazila-level leaders would discuss and select candidates, he said, adding that the process would gain momentum after the election schedule was announced.
Among those present at the meeting were Sylhet City Corporation Administrator and District BNP President Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, General Secretary and MP Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Sylhet-3 MP MA Malik, BNP Central Assistant Organising Secretary Miftah Siddiqui and other local party leaders.
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