BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir on Saturday said that the fascist regime led by ousted Sheikh Hasina that forcibly held on to state power acted as a local agent of cultural aggression in Bangladesh over the past 16–17 years.
“Attempts have been made to make Bangladesh one-dimensional over the past 16-17 years. Cultural aggression was carried out quietly and gradually. In this process, the fascist regime that forcibly held on to state power played the role of a local agent,” he said.
Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme featuring a paper presentation, discussion and a gathering of Lalon songs organised on Saturday night to mark the 136th death anniversary of mystic bard Fakir Lalon Shah.
Culture for Unity Bangladesh organised the event at Payra Chattar on the Dhaka University campus, near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).
Rizvi said attempts at cultural aggression would continue in various forms, but Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence could be safeguarded by exploring, uncovering, practising and nurturing the cultural depth of its own people.
He also alleged that the Awami League had practised “servitude to Delhi” in the name of upholding the spirit of independence over the past 17 years.
Addressing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rizvi questioned what she had given another country that the people of Bangladesh had no right to know about.
“You say you are the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, an independent and sovereign country, and that what you have given will never be forgotten. But what have you given that the people of this country have no right to know about?” he said.
He alleged that the previous government had sacrificed the country's interests to remain in power while repeatedly invoking the spirit of independence.
Questioning the nature of those alleged concessions, he said, “What did you give? Was it gold, diamonds or jewels? Did you give the country's resources, soil or land? What was it that the people of the country had no right to know about?”
He questioned why newspapers, intellectuals and cultural figures in Bangladesh had not raised their voices in protest at the time.
Prominent contemporary performers, including Shafi Mondal, Dolly Mondal, Akash Gayan, Shanta Islam and Abu Rashed, were scheduled to perform at the event.
Among those present were Bangladesh Television Director General Kazi Jesin, Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Abdus Salam, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and Culture for Unity Bangladesh Convener Rashed Khan. -UNB