Jamaat loves to walk on Hasina’s path: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami love to walk on the path shown by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He added that although for the sake of power Jamaat sometimes tried to form an alliance with the BNP, their mindset is just like Hasina’s.

Rizvi made these remarks on Sunday afternoon at a meeting and prayer service organized on the occasion of the 25th death anniversary of former BNP vice chairman Afsar Ahmad Siddiqui at the National Press Club. The event was organized by the Afsar Ahmad Siddiqui Memorial Foundation.

Criticizing the statement of the Jamaat Ameer, Rizvi said, “Jamaat Ameer probably said something today that BNP is moving along the path of fascists. I want to ask him, what is the path of fascists? Which path? Show one example.

“No BNP leader has spoken about forgiving everything of the Awami League (banned from activities) after 5 August 2024 or about improving relations with India. BNP’s top leader Tarique Rahman has not spoken like that either. Yet now, allegations are being raised against BNP of walking on the path of fascists.”

He added, “The people know BNP. BNP does not deviate from the promises it makes. But the promises you (Jamaat) have made - you made those promises in the name of Islam, in the name of Allah. You said many things to win people’s hearts. But immediately after, you did the opposite. All the past deeds, those deeds you have done - following the very path of Hasina.”

Mentioning the third national parliamentary election of 1986, Rizvi noted, “Terming the Ershad government illegal, Khaleda Zia had declared not to participate in the election under him. Awami League and Jamaat had also spoken of not going to the election under Ershad. But later Awami League retreated from that position and Jamaat also retreated from their position. You (Jamaat) have indeed left proof in history.”

Rizvi alleged that in the 1994-95 movement demanding a caretaker government system, Jamaat walked the same path alongside Awami League. He said, “BNP was built through the sacrifices of countless leaders and activists. Democracy is the party’s ultimate goal and ideological spirit.”

Addressing Jamaat, Rizvi noted that the public has doubts about the party’s ideological stance regarding democracy and the country’s independence. He also raised questions about Jamaat’s stance in democratic movements.

Regarding Afsar, he said, “Although I called him elder brother, the relationship was like that between father and son.” He shared that by being close to him, besides understanding politics, he also learned many things in personal life.

Presided over by BNP Co-Assistant Secretary for Nurses and Health Assistants Jahanara Siddiqui, the event was also addressed by the party’s Secretary for Volunteer Affairs Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Health Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam, Co-Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs Mahmudur Rahman Sumon, Volunteer Wing Vice President Jahedur Rahman Zahid, among others.