Amid rising tension over Sheikh Hasina’s planned December return, BNP acting secretary-general warns of ongoing sabotage
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, acting secretary-general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said on Sunday that the “fascist” Awami League continues to plot sabotage and anarchy both inside and outside the country even after its fall from power.
Speaking to journalists after the newly formed Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP committee paid respects at the graves of party founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Rizvi declared that BNP leaders and activists would remain on the streets alongside the administration to stop any attempt to create chaos.
His remarks come as tensions mount over deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s repeated vow to return from exile in India in December. Hasina, who fled after the August 2024 uprising and was later sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal for the crackdown that killed hundreds, has sought a new passport and said she is ready to face arrest or worse. The current government has rejected the request, labelled her a fugitive and terrorist, and is pressing India for her extradition.
Rizvi specifically accused “fascists” of trying to destabilise the ready-made garment industry — the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy — by sacrificing the national interest for their own gain. “The people will not tolerate any of their evil designs,” he said.
Also present were Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP convener Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, member secretary Jahangir Alam, and other party leaders.
The statement reflects the broader BNP strategy of maintaining a visible street presence throughout December — the “Victory Month” — to counter what the party describes as coordinated efforts by the banned Awami League and its exiled leaders to generate unrest around Hasina’s homecoming plan.