Hasina a curse for nation and party: Rizvi

Observing that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a curse both for the nation as well as Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said it is only Sheikh Hasina's resignation that can help restore a healthy atmosphere in the country for holding a fair election.

“Sheikh Hasina has become a curse not only for Bangladesh but also for an old political party like Awami League. The country is reeling under killings, enforced disappearances, violence and bloodletting only because of her (Hasina),” Rizvi came up with the remarks at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.

He alleged that all the democratic institutions are being destroyed due to the prime minister’s spiteful politics. 

“It’s possible to restore peace in the country and thus hold a fair election right now if she (Hasina) quits. You won’t be bale to face the mass upsurge when the people’s pent-up anger will explode if you don’t step aside now,” the BNP leader said.

He alleged the ruling party ‘cadres’ attacked a milad mahfil arranged on Friday at Shaheed Naziruddin Jehad’s Ullapara village home in Sirajganj, marking his 24th death anniversary.

“This government not only snatched the opposition’s democratic rights but is also attacking the religious programmes,” Rizvi said. 

Jehad, an activist of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was shot dead in the capital during the movement against autocratic Ershad on October 10, 1990. 

JCD, the student associate body of BNP, and Shaheed Jehad Smriti Parishad observe October 10 as ‘Shaheed Jehad Day’.

The BNP leader alleged that the government has resorted to repressive acts like killing, enforced disappearance and filing of ‘false’ cases only to hang onto power.

Rizvi condemned the killing of Mirsarai upazila Chhatra Dal leader Adil Mahmud Chowdhury.

Miscreants hacked to death Mahmud on Thursday night at Bhorerbazar under Mirsarai upazila in Chittagong.