Rizvi accuses advisers of misleading people on BNP's election demand

FE Team | Published: May 26, 2025 00:25:54

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that certain advisers to the interim government are attempting to incite public sentiment by portraying BNP's demand for a national election within a specific timeframe as a 'grave sin', reports UNB.
"Why is there so much unnecessary delay over the election? Is it a great sin to call for elections within a clear timeframe? From the remarks of some advisers, it appears they are provoking this notion among different people in various ways," he said.
The BNP leader said this while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam by placing a wreath at his grave on the Dhaka University campus in the capital on Sunday, marking his 126th birth anniversary.
He said BNP and other democratic parties have wanted the interim government to carry out necessary reforms and hold a free and fair election, which Sheikh Hasina had delayed, depriving voters of their right to vote.
"All our protests and movements have been aimed at getting out of such a situation, restoring true democracy and ensuring a free environment. But now, there are so many ploys surrounding the election," the BNP leader said.
He also accused some advisers of exacerbating the ongoing political crisis and speaking about the election beyond their jurisdiction. "If the advisers are pursuing any hidden agenda outside their responsibilities, the people will not accept it."
Rizvi said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan's role is to protect and improve the environment, but she speaks about the election instead.
He questioned what she has done to save the Buriganga and Shitalakhya rivers. "Why are we still breathing toxic air? Since taking office, we have seen no drive or initiative from her to make the environment pollution-free."
Justifying his party's call for the resignation of two student leaders-turned-advisers, Rizvi said the role of the interim government is to remain neutral.
He said it is not the interim government's responsibility to help form a particular political party or aid its growth.