BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for the swift restoration of voting rights in Bangladesh, asserting that the nation’s primary aspiration this New Year is to reclaim its democratic power.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion program organized by Sathi Swajan at the Sangskriti Bikash Kendra in Paribagh on Tuesday, Rizvi said, “On this Pahela Baishakh, the people’s desire is clear—restore voting rights without delay. Fascist Hasina has seized all democratic rights and established an authoritarian rule.”
Recalling the July student movement, Rizvi added, “While in prison, I heard the roars of youth-led protests. Police said, ‘If one is shot, another takes their place.’ This spirit comes from the writings of our national poet Nazrul and other literary figures.”
He criticized past efforts to distort cultural values, stating, “For 15 years, attempts were made to impose a foreign culture. Even on Pahela Baishakh, misinformation was spread against our leader under the guise of masks. Wearing a beard and cap was portrayed negatively—does that make someone bad? Of course not.”
Rizvi reaffirmed the BNP’s unwavering commitment to democracy: “Our 16-year struggle has one goal—ensuring democracy. That cannot be compromised. Democracy is a flowing river; there is no room for authoritarianism in it.”
Commenting on reform discourse, he said, “Why is voting right being equated with reform? Democracy is reform. Reform is not a replacement for democracy—it’s part of its continuous flow.”
He also criticized certain advisers who, he claimed, now view BNP as the enemy. “They are discussing reform while ignoring democracy and voting rights—that is unacceptable.”
Student leader Dr. Touhidur Rahman Auwal echoed similar sentiments, saying, “A country free from fascist Hasina would be a festival for the student movement. Let this New Year be one of mutual respect.”
Liberty News’ political correspondent states that, among others, National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Nurul Islam, renowned poet Reza Stalin, BNP executive member Mahbub Islam, and Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal’s Dr. Zahidul Kabir also spoke at the event, which was conducted by BNP Assistant Secretary for Publicity Asadul Karim Shahin.
LND/BG
