An Islamic party has been taking over banks after 5 August: Rizvi
He slammed Jamaat over a slew of allegations
An Islamic party has been taking over banks since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on 5 August, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged today (29 December).
"Before 5 August, the Awami League looted and seized banks, while after 5 August, an Islamic party has been taking over banks," he said after paying respects at the mausoleum of former president and BNP's founder Ziaur Rahman in the capital on behalf of the Jatiyatabadi Rickshaw Van Auto Sramik Dal.
Rizvi said many had taken over banks as successors of the S Alam Group, which plundered during Sheikh Hasina's regime.
"After 5 August, the public witnessed the appropriation by a political party. The people recognise those who resort to cutting tendons. Jamaat, which opposed the Liberation War of 1971, is trying to fish in troubled waters.
"They engage in politics using Islam. But practising Islam does not mean repeatedly acting hypocritically."
He also said the party was tarnishing BNP's name with baseless accusations, while a certain group had seized control of terminals, tenders, and various other sectors.
Rizvi alleged that Jamaat wanted to forgive Sheikh Hasina in order to improve relations with India.
The senior BNP leader said not only is a neighbouring country spreading propaganda, but one or two political parties within the country are also doing the same.
Rizvi said the July Revolution is the result of 16 years of uninterrupted struggle.
Mentioning that 97 working-class people were martyred during the movement, he said their contribution ignited the entire nation.
Rizvi said the BNP has never stepped back from its commitment to the people. "From 1971 to 5 August, the BNP has never bowed its head on the question of democracy."