Says Ruhul Kabir Rizvi
Citizens want strong laws against enforced disappearances
BNP Senior JS General and PM's Advisor Ruhul Kabir Rizvi speaking at the party's central office at Nayapaltan. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
A discussion and prayer session was held at the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan to demand information regarding the whereabouts of former BNP Organizing Secretary Ilias Ali and his car driver.
Speaking at the event, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, said the people of the country want a powerful law that addresses the loopholes and deficiencies within current regulations regarding enforced disappearances.
Rizvi said after passing a period of hardship, the country is now moving toward better times. However, he emphasized that these "good times" must be ensured for the entire nation, not just for individuals or specific groups. According to him, "National and international conspiracies still exist. Nevertheless, the fear of arrest, disappearance, or crossfire has at least diminished, which is a sign of better times."
The Prime Minister's advisor observed that true prosperity would only be established when the rule of law could be guaranteed—when an ordinary person could receive justice in court after being a victim of injustice. The senior BNP leader also cited the end of the abuse of power as a primary condition for these better times.
Regarding the repeal of the ordinance on enforced disappearances, he said, "The government has taken this initiative, but it contains many deficiencies and loopholes. The people of the country want a strong law to be enacted by filling those gaps."
"An effective law must be passed in Parliament so that in the future, no one gets any opportunity to make political opponents disappear. The people want a clear stance from the government on this matter," he added.
Highlighting various government steps, the advisor further mentioned that the government is taking swift action to fulfill its election pledges after coming to power. Initiatives such as waiving interest on agricultural loans and distributing Family Cards and Farmers' Cards are some evidences. However, he warned that these must be proven through practical works, not just announcements. Strict monitoring is especially needed regarding market syndicates, gas and LPG shortages, and the supply of fuel oil.
Rizvi alleged that in the past, markets were controlled and power was abused through syndicates. He stressed that this government must ensure that no group can control the market or national resources. Regarding the disappeared people, the BNP leader observed that many political activists are still missing. They must be found, and those involved in these incidents must be brought to justice.
"The officials who were involved in these disappearances are still in our society. They must be identified and interrogated to reveal the truth. The people want to know how, where, and why these disappearances happened," Rizvi said. He called upon the government to take prompt and effective action.
The meeting was chaired by BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu and was attended by BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad MP, Assistant Organizing Secretary Aminul Islam, and Volunteer Wing Vice-President Dr. Zahedur Rahman Zahid, among others.
