BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has urged people to remain vigilant against those attempting to create political confusion by misusing religion, particularly Islam, report agencies.
"When elections approach in our country, we often see attempts to use religion in politics," he said while addressing the Azmate Sahaba Conference at the central Eidgah Maidan in Narayanganj city on Saturday.
Salahuddin said, "Ninety-two percent people of Bangladesh are Muslims. We believe in the Islam of Madinah, the Islam of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We do not believe in Maududi's version of Islam."
He called on people to remain wary of those seeking to create division and unrest in society.
"I was not supposed to speak here; I came to listen to the respected scholars who do not use Islam for political gain. Those who value faith above worldly matters are present here - that is why I have come. We welcome anyone who speaks for political reasons, but no one should harm our religion," Salahuddin added.
Criticising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, he termed it "anti-Islam and anti-Muslim," alleging that Islamic scholars have been oppressed under her rule.
"We have witnessed how their politics has come to an end by the will of Allah," he said.
Salahuddin also urged the BNP to uphold 'ideological politics' in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has alleged that the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and two to three other parties are trying to impose their opinions on his party.
Speaking at a business conference in Rajshahi on Saturday, the BNP Standing Committee member said the "conspiracy" must be avoided and elections must be held by February next year, allowing the people to make their own decisions.
He added, "Parties seeking to fulfill their demands should go to the people, take public opinion, and obtain a mandate. No one should impose their views on the people. Those trying to hinder, delay, or question the election must be opposed by all business communities.
"BNP stands firmly against such plunder. Once in power, BNP will definitely repeal the indemnity," he affirmed.
Rizvi said investment in the energy sector had declined and stressed that Bangladesh must start focusing on renewable energy now.
"The previous government never thought about energy for people. Although the current interim government's intentions regarding renewable energy seem right, their actions are not yet visible," he observed.
The BNP leader said the party's 31-point reform agenda places special emphasis on renewable energy, adding that acting chairman Tarique Rahman has repeatedly highlighted the issue in his speeches.
"BNP has also pledged to plant 250 million trees across the country," Rizvi said, adding that the party has always been serious about environmental issues. Apart from tree planting, our acting chairman has repeatedly talked about restoring the navigability of 20,000 km of canals, wetlands, and dead rivers," he added.
On the country's renewable energy potential, Rizvi said Bangladesh needs to explore more alternative sources beyond solar and wind power.
"Currently, only 4.71 per cent of the national grid's electricity comes from renewable sources. If Bangladesh can produce biofuel like Brazil, from sugarcane husks and other byproducts, it can make significant progress in this sector," he said.
Rizvi identified investment as the major challenge in renewable energy, saying that foreign investments are often delayed or blocked due to bureaucratic hurdles. "Overcoming these challenges is crucial to take the renewable energy sector forward," he added.
He warned that no one would be no shown leniency for committing crimes in the party's name.
He said, "No BNP activist or leader is involved in anti-social or anti-state activities. Anyone committing such crimes in the BNP's name will not be shown leniency."
Rizvi made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office in the city.
