BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday warned that banned political groups operating at home and abroad were allegedly plotting to destabilise the country and could target the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations.
He urged party leaders, activists and people from all walks of life to remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt communal harmony and public order.
Rizvi made the remarks while addressing the annual prize-giving ceremony of Harishkul Begum Hasiba High School in Nawabganj upazila of Dhaka as chief guest around 11am.
“Everyone must remain alert so that no malign force can destroy communal harmony and the peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that banned political groups were engaged in conspiracies both inside and outside the country, warning that Durga Puja could become a target of their activities.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was personally monitoring preparations to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country.
“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we are all determined to work together to move the country forward in implementing the ideals of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman,” Rizvi said.
Earlier, upon arriving at the school, Rizvi planted several fruit saplings on the campus.
The programme was presided over by Abu Hasan Khandakar, president of the school’s managing committee.
Dhaka District BNP President and Dhaka-1 lawmaker Khandaker Abu Ashfaq attended as the main speaker.
Speaking at the event, Ashfaq recalled the contributions of his late cousin, freedom fighter Pokhraj, who founded the educational institution.
He said Pokhraj had established the school at a time when the union lacked educational facilities, with the aim of expanding access to education, particularly among the Hindu community.
Ashfaq also pledged to accelerate development activities in the neglected area, including road construction and improvements to local infrastructure.
Addressing the ceremony, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin directed leaders and activists of the student organisation to serve as volunteers at temples across the country during Durga Puja.
He said Chhatra Dal members must remain vigilant, including at night, to help ensure the safety and security of worshippers and religious establishments.
“They must stay up at night to guard the temples,” he said, warning that failure to carry out the responsibility would result in organisational accountability.
Among others, Nawabganj Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Masud Rana, former principal Manabendra Dutta, school headmaster Asaduzzaman, and Tahmina Adnan, daughter-in-law of the school’s founder, attended the programme.
Nawabganj Upazila BNP General Secretary Khandaker Abul Kalam, KP High School managing committee President Abu Shafiq Khandaker Masud, headmaster Md Shah Alam, former upazila parishad vice-chairman Mohsin Rahman Akbar, and Dhaka District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Shafiqul Islam Nirob were also present.
Later, Rizvi attended a freshers’ reception for Class XI students organised by the Chhatra Dal unit of Joypara College in Dohar upazila.
Addressing the programme as chief guest, he urged Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to distance themselves from factionalism, extortion, terrorism and land grabbing.
He stressed that the student organisation should not confine its activities to educational institutions but should also build stronger connections with ordinary people.
“Chhatra Dal must stand beside people in their joys and sorrows,” he said, calling on its members to uphold discipline and serve the public.
Rizvi emphasised that political activism should be guided by public welfare rather than personal interests or unlawful activities.