Opposition conspiring in the name of long march: Rizvi

BNP acting secretary general and Prime Minister's Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the opposition has chosen the path of conspiracy under the guise of a long march. He alleged that instead of presenting their demands and proposals in parliament, the opposition is trying to obscure the government's development activities through street protests.

He made these remarks at a press conference at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan on Sunday afternoon.

Rizvi said although the opposition is protesting on the streets with allegations of government failure, the general public does not view their role favourably. Instead of playing the role of a responsible opposition by presenting demands and proposals in parliament, they have chosen the streets to try to overshadow the government's overall development.

The opposition is attempting to undermine democracy in the name of the long march, Rizvi alleged. He accused them of using abusive and objectionable language against key government figures and providing patronage to such remarks.

Rizvi said various statements that cannot be made publicly are being circulated. When legal action is taken against such propaganda, the opposition portrays it as repression and tries to undermine democracy.

The BNP leader also criticised the opposition's stance on the energy crisis and the economic situation. He claimed the opposition is only criticising without offering any constructive proposals to resolve the energy crisis. They have chosen the path of conspiracy rather than providing advice in parliament on this issue.

He also alleged that the opposition is not presenting the country's positive achievements, such as the increase in foreign currency reserves, before the public.

Rizvi also said the BNP's five-day founding anniversary programmes had been successfully completed. He instructed party leaders and activists to remove all billboards and banners put up for the anniversary as a mark of respect for the Prime Minister's directive on keeping the environment clean.

The press conference was attended by BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sapu, Mahmudur Rahman Sumon, Asadul Karim Shahin, Tarikul Islam Tenzing, Zahidul Kabir and other party leaders.