People will support tough action against corruption, says BNP leader Rizvi

Although authoritarian rule has ended, its collaborators remain in various parts of the administration and society, said BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
“Unethical activities by these individuals must be stopped, and effective measures must be taken against corruption. If the government takes tough action against corruption and irregularities, the people will support it,” he said.
Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a memorial meeting organized by the Shaheed Jehad Smriti Parishad at the National Press Club on Saturday afternoon. The event marked the 36th death anniversary of Naziruddin Jehad, who was killed during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s.
Referring to past corruption and irregularities, the BNP acting secretary general said, “Those associated with the authoritarian regime were involved in corruption, embezzlement, money laundering, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Money was also stolen from Bangladesh Bank’s foreign exchange reserves. Collaborators of authoritarianism and fascism were involved in these irregularities and money laundering.”
Rizvi said the mass uprising of 2024 had not emerged suddenly or overnight.
“The uncompromising stance taken by Khaleda Zia, who endured false cases, physical torture and imprisonment over a long period, helped create the conditions for democracy. Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman, despite being abroad, provided courageous leadership and helped build a far-sighted movement. The July Revolution of 2024 was the culmination of these efforts,” he said.
Rizvi pointed out that democracy had repeatedly faced obstacles even after the victory of the anti-autocracy movement. At various times, efforts had been made to weaken democratic institutions and the democratic system. However, the sacrifices of those who lost their lives had inspired subsequent generations to continue their struggles to restore democracy.
“The history of sacrifice in various democratic movements, beginning with the Language Movement, also inspired the student-led and mass uprising of July 2024,” he said.
Referring to the government’s public welfare programs, the prime minister’s adviser said attempts to obstruct initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, expatriate cards and health cards, as well as efforts to reopen closed factories, must be resisted.
“Effective measures are needed against such activities to sustain the government’s progress in development, production and economic advancement,” he said.
Rizvi added that preventing the resurgence of fascism was essential to protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and stability. He urged everyone to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine these objectives.
The memorial meeting was chaired by Shaheed Jehad Smriti Parishad President Aman Ullah Aman. Others who spoke included Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan and former student leaders Mostafizur Rahman Babul, Nazim Uddin Alam, Habibur Rahman Habib and Khandaker Lutfor Rahman.