Alliance with regressive party politically incorrect: Rizvi

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, has said the National Citizen Party's (NCP) alliance with a regressive political party is not the right decision from the perspective of political philosophy. He also called on young politicians to practice progressive and positive politics.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting titled 'July Raktakta: Smaran O Protyoy' (July Bloodshed: Remembrance and Resolve), organised by Rajshahi University's Chhatra Dal unit on Sunday (August 2).

Rizvi said that those who are in youth politics should aim to offer something new to the country and practice progressive politics. He said forming an alliance with a regressive political force is not consistent with political philosophy.

Referring to the July movement, the BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina believed she could stay in power through repression and firing on protesters. But he said she failed to assess the courage of the people and their aspiration for democracy. He said the July movement was an important chapter in the long struggle for restoring democracy, and it reflects the longstanding political stance of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi also spoke about political appointments in administration. He said after a change of government, it is common practice in many countries to appoint people aligned with the new government's policies to key administrative posts, citing the US 'spoils system' as an example. He also claimed that if Jamaat-e-Islami ever comes to power, the country would witness the largest-scale politicisation of the administration.

On political language and culture, Rizvi said despite political differences, civil language should be used. He said criticising political opponents does not justify using indecent language, which is not consistent with democratic culture. He also said politics of hatred and hostility cannot be sustainable.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, central president of Chhatra Dal, also spoke at the event. He criticised Chhatra Shibir, saying questions have been raised against the organisation over allegations of harassment of women and cyberbullying at various educational institutions. He also criticised the introduction of a separate 'female corner' for women students at Dhaka University.

Nasir also criticised recent remarks by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, saying civil language and mutual respect must be maintained in the political arena.

Addressing Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Raksu) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar, Nasir said responsible behaviour is expected from student representatives. He alleged that threatening statements against students are unacceptable and called on him to refrain from such conduct.

The discussion meeting was attended by various university vice-chancellors, Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, leaders of Rajshahi University Chhatra Dal, metropolitan BNP and leaders of BNP's front and associate organisations.