Indian govt can’t accept Hasina’s fall: Rizvi

The Indian government cannot accept the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (1 December).

"India's ruling BJP and its allies are engaged in spreading propaganda. India's behaviour constitutes interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs and poses a threat to our independence and sovereignty," he said during a press conference at the BNP's Naya Paltan central office.

Rizvi said peace and comfort returned to the country after Hasina fled to India. "The burden of a decade and a half has been lifted from the shoulders of the people," he remarked.

"While everyone, regardless of race, religion, or caste, is breathing a sigh of relief, the unease and discomfort of the Indian government – long accustomed to benefiting from the bloody violence of the Mafia League in Bangladesh – have become evident." 

He accused India of now devising a blueprint to regain control over Bangladesh. "The Indian government believes that if Bangladesh becomes the 'eighth sister,' their Seven Sisters will remain safe," he said, referring to India's northeastern states.

The BNP leader further alleged that, since the fall of what he called the "fascist Hasina" and her escape to India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "his puppet media" have been orchestrating conspiracies and spreading propaganda.

"Some Indian media outlets are disseminating fabricated stories about the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh and are inciting communal tensions." 

Banning Awami League

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said it is incorrect to claim that their party is a barrier to banning the Awami League, which was ousted from state power following a mass uprising in early August.

"Some members of the interim government have suggested through their remarks and statements that the BNP is an obstacle to banning the Awami League. This is not true," he said.

The BNP leader emphasised that the decision to ban the Awami League rests solely with the government. "It is regrettable to blame the BNP for this," Rizvi lamented.

He pointed out that the BNP had also protested when the Awami League government banned Jamaat. "We hope that the interim government, including the chief adviser and other advisers, will refrain from making statements that weaken democratic forces or create divisions in our unity," Rizvi said.