Upcoming election will be free, fair and timely: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the upcoming national election will be held in a free, fair, and timely manner, reflecting the aspirations of the people.

“The election will be held at an appropriate time, based on the collective demands of various political parties,” Rizvi told reporters on Friday afternoon while visiting ailing labor leader Abu Taher (popularly known as Taher Thakur) in Chatmohar, Pabna. The visit was made under the directive of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. During the visit, Rizvi also handed over financial assistance for Taher’s medical treatment on behalf of the BNP family.

Addressing the political situation, Rizvi alleged that Indian policymakers are conspiring to rehabilitate what he described as the “fascist and fugitive” Awami League. “They cannot accept Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power. Following the recent meeting in London between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman, conspiracies have intensified from neighboring countries,” he claimed.

He further added, “We are on the path to democracy, but the journey is far from over. Many grassroots leaders and activists remain missing even after 16 years. Cases and arrests continue. The fascist era was terrifying, but today we speak without fear.”

Rizvi also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of media control and misinformation campaigns. “They looted the country and now live in luxury in Dubai, Canada, Malaysia and other places. Despite relentless persecution, we never surrendered to Sheikh Hasina,” he said.

Praising Taher Thakur’s lifelong dedication to the party, Rizvi said, “He supported his family through hard labor, yet made great sacrifices for the party. I have urged the district BNP to stay updated on his condition. Everyone will stand by him. I bring a token of support from Tarique Rahman.”

Several BNP leaders accompanied Rizvi during the visit, including Pabna District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Masud Khondkar, Joint Convener Anisul Haque Babu, former Office Secretary Zahurul Islam—also the General Secretary of Pabna Press Club as well as Taher Thakur’s son Bariul Karim Golam, former President of the Chhatra Dal unit at Chatmohar Degree College, and Edward College Chhatra Dal leader Ashraful Islam.

Taher Thakur, a veteran politician with a career spanning over three decades, is the former president of Chatmohar Upazila’s BNP labor wing. Recently, reports on his severe illness and dire financial state were published in the media. After learning of his situation, Tarique Rahman instructed party leaders to provide necessary financial and moral support.