BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that forces ousted from power were using illicit money, accumulated and laundered during the Awami League’s rule, to fuel unrest, bombings and sabotage across the country.
He claimed that the “defeated fascist forces” were attempting to destabilise Bangladesh and obstruct its progress, urging democratic political parties and the public to remain vigilant.
Rizvi made the remarks while addressing a discussion and reception ceremony as chief guest at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital.
The programme was organised by Bangladesh Janadhikar Party to recognise the contributions of politicians and professionals to the prolonged anti-autocracy movement and the July uprising.
Rizvi alleged that individuals associated with the former Awami League government had accumulated enormous amounts of illegal wealth, much of which had been smuggled abroad.
However, he claimed that substantial sums remained inside the country and were now being used to finance attempts to create instability.
“Defeated fascist forces are trying to create anarchy, bombings and sabotage using black money. Democratic political parties and the people must remain alert day and night,” he said.
The BNP leader claimed that the government and law enforcement agencies were closely monitoring the situation and thwarting alleged conspiracies one after another.
He did not present evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Criticising the economic management of the previous government, Rizvi alleged that almost every sector, including banking and insurance, had been severely damaged during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
He said defaulted loans had reached Tk 6.07 lakh crore, accusing individuals close to the former government of misappropriating public funds through bank loans.
Rizvi alleged that politically influential individuals had looted substantial amounts of money under the guise of borrowing, leaving the banking sector in a precarious position.
Despite the mounting debt burden and economic challenges, he said the current government was making efforts to restore financial stability and rebuild the country.
Referring to the July uprising, Rizvi praised the courage and sacrifices of students, young people and political activists who participated in the movement against the previous government.
He said their contributions had paved the way for the restoration of democracy and would be remembered with respect by the nation.
Turning to the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, Rizvi warned against possible attempts to disrupt religious harmony and urged people from all communities to remain united.
He described Bangladesh as a country with a longstanding tradition of religious and communal coexistence.
“Durga Puja is the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community. All political parties, civil society and the people must remain united to ensure that the celebrations take place peacefully and safely,” he said.
Rizvi stressed that no disruptive force should be allowed to undermine communal harmony or create tensions during the festival.
Bangladesh Janadhikar Party Chairman Mohammad Ismail Samrat presided over the programme.
BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, MP; BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Moazzem Hossain Alal; Gonoforum Acting President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury; Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque; and Janatar Dal Member Secretary Tarek Rahman attended as special guests.
BNP National Executive Committee members Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Mir Nawaz Ali and A K M Mozammel Haque, along with Chhatra Dal Vice President Dr. Tawhidur Rahman Awal and leaders of other political parties, were also present.