The BNP leader says people expected a break from past “atrocities”, urges accountability
Published : 01 Feb 2025, 06:10 PM
BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has raised concerns over reports of extrajudicial killings under the interim government, comparing it to the rule of what he called the “fascist government.”
Speaking at an event at the Bhashani Auditorium in Naya Paltan on Saturday, Rizvi said: “Why should extrajudicial killings happen even during the tenure of the interim government?”
“The fear is growing day by day. A youth leader from Cumilla’s Jubo Dal was taken away, and when a law enforcer returned him… they returned him dead,” he said.
He pointed fingers at Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, saying: “Why would such incidents occur under Dr Yunus’s leadership?
“He is widely respected by international human rights groups and democratic nations.” he said.
“People of this country admire him as a distinguished figure who has earned international recognition. But if Sheikh Hasina’s past crimes and oppression are repeated during his tenure, the public will be shocked,” Rizvi added.
“If that young man was guilty, he should have been arrested and brought under the law. But why was he detained, brutally tortured, and then handed back to his parents as a corpse? Why should this happen under this government?” he asked.
He reiterated BNP’s commitment to democracy and free elections, saying: “We criticise this government on many grounds, but we have come to a stage where democracy is progressing. The people forced a bloodthirsty monster to leave the country. So why should we now see a repeat of Sheikh Hasina’s era of extrajudicial killings? This cannot happen.”
Rizvi added, “Let’s assume the young man was bad, let’s assume he was a criminal. But isn’t it the court’s responsibility to try him? A government backed by the people must ensure that the judiciary functions properly and delivers justice without fear. The people who support Yunus’s government did so with the hope of democracy.”
On Thursday, family members of Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam alleged that he was detained by members of the joint security forces.
The following day, he was declared dead at Cumilla Medical College Hospital, according to Kotwali Model Police Station chief Mahinul Islam.
Touhidul, son of Mokhlesur Rahman from Italla village in Cumilla Sadar Upazila, was the convener of Jubo Dal’s Panchthubi Union unit.
The BNP leader made his remarks at a central committee introduction event for “Thikana Bangladesh” in Naya Paltan on Saturday afternoon.