Rizvi accuses advisers of misleading public on BNP’s election demand

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused certain advisers to the interim government of misleading the public by portraying the BNP’s demand for a timely national election as a "grave sin."

“Why is there such unnecessary delay in holding the election? Is it a crime to call for polls within a specified timeframe? Some advisers are inciting public sentiment by suggesting so,” Rizvi told reporters.

He made the remarks after placing a wreath at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus to mark his 126th birth anniversary.

Rizvi reiterated that the BNP, along with other democratic parties, has consistently demanded that the interim government implement necessary reforms and ensure a free and fair election — a process he claims has been stalled by Sheikh Hasina, depriving voters of their democratic rights.

“All our protests and movements are aimed at restoring genuine democracy and a fair electoral environment. But now we see various ploys surrounding the election,” he said.

The BNP leader alleged that some government advisers are overstepping their jurisdiction and worsening the current political crisis. “If any adviser is advancing a hidden agenda beyond their official responsibilities, the public will not tolerate it,” he warned.

Rizvi criticized Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan for commenting on electoral issues instead of focusing on her designated role. “What has she done to save the Buriganga and Shitalakhya rivers? Why are we still breathing toxic air? Since assuming office, we have seen no real initiative from her to address environmental pollution,” he said.

Defending his party’s demand for the resignation of two advisers who were formerly student leaders, Rizvi argued that the interim government must remain neutral. “It is not their job to bolster any particular political party,” he said.

He claimed that an adviser had contacted the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Cumilla and directed him to detain BNP activists and obstruct their activities. “If that’s the case, why shouldn’t we demand his resignation?” Rizvi asked.

He added that the BNP initially supported the interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus after the “fascist” Awami League regime stepped down. “But if anyone in this government acts in a partisan manner, we will oppose them,” he said.

Rizvi specifically alleged that Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan had phoned the SP in Muradnagar, Cumilla — his home constituency — to block BNP activities.

“This is a continuation of the Sheikh Hasina era. Though the current setup was meant to ensure a free political environment, we are still witnessing partisan interference by those running the government,” Rizvi said.