If Hasina hadn't ousted, many would have been hanged: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said if Sheikh Hasina had not fallen during the July movement, many people would have been hanged. He stated, "Not just politicians, countless students would have also faced dire consequences. Many of us could have been hanged."

He made these remarks on Monday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and documentary screening event titled "The Contribution of Nurses in the Bloody July," organized by the Nurses Association of Bangladesh (NAB) at the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) premises in Shahbag, Dhaka.

In his speech, Rizvi alluded to the National Citizen Party (NCP), saying that the culture of indecent and tasteless language that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina introduced into politics is now being repeated by leaders of a new party.

He claimed, "Sheikh Hasina always made nonsensical remarks. She dragged politics to a despicable level. For this, we strongly criticized her, but we never made obscene or tasteless comments. The vile political culture that Sheikh Hasina created is now being followed by the leaders of a new party."

He said, "When Sheikh Hasina insulted students by calling them 'children of Razakars,' the young society collectively protested. Now, why is the same language and behavior being repeated? If this continues, Sheikh Hasina will be happy, she will seize the opportunity, and she will dream of returning to the country."

He further said that many are now making various claims about the taking credit for the July movement. Yet, on July 22, Sheikh Hasina herself said in a press conference that the ongoing movement was instigated by the BNP. Similarly, erstwhile Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader also claimed that the movement's blueprint was being created from London.

Rizvi described the July movement as an outburst against the oppression and torture of the past 17 years. He said, "This was not a one-day movement. This movement, waged to establish civic freedom, shares a spirit with the French Revolution."

Presided over by Sharmin Akhter, President of NAB's BMU branch, the event was also addressed by the Prime Minister's Political Assistant Rashed Khan, and BNP's Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, among others.