Dhaka, Sep 07 (V7N)— BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has sharply criticized India's role in Bangladesh's political landscape, accusing the neighbouring country of focusing more on restoring Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s power rather than supporting democracy in Bangladesh. Rizvi made these comments on Saturday during an event marking the 21st founding anniversary of the Nurses Association of Bangladesh (NAB), held at Chandrima Udyan in Dhaka.

Rizvi referred to recent statements by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as "worrying for Bangladesh" and questioned whether India was attempting to restore what he called Sheikh Hasina's "zamindari" (feudal control). He further alleged that India has been prioritizing its relationship with Sheikh Hasina over the welfare of the Bangladeshi people. "The contact they want to maintain with that particular individual [Sheikh Hasina] will impact the relationship between the two nations," Rizvi said.

Additionally, Rizvi questioned the role India played in providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina during her time in exile, asserting that other democracies had not offered her shelter, but India had, which he claimed as concerning.

On another sensitive issue, Rizvi called for a fresh investigation into the 2009 BDR rebellion in Pilkhana, Dhaka, where 57 army officers were killed. He referred to the recent remarks made by former Army Chief General Moin U Ahmed, who shared previously undisclosed details about the event on his YouTube channel. Rizvi claimed that the full story of the incident has not yet been revealed and urged the current government to initiate a fair re-investigation to uncover the facts.

"The Pilkhana incident remains a Pandora’s box. Our government should revisit and investigate all aspects of this tragic event. If there is a fair investigation, the truth will come to light," he added.

Lastly, Rizvi reiterated the BNP's demand for an independent election commission that can be trusted by all parties, accusing the last three election commissions of siding with Sheikh Hasina's administration.

The event, which included paying respects at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, comes amid heightened political tensions as Bangladesh prepares for the next general election.