BNP Says It Is Not Anti-Reform, Has Long Been Fighting for Greater Ideals

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the party has never expressed any anti-reform stance. Rather, many aspects of the reforms the current government talks about are already reflected in BNP’s 31-point demand. He said, “BNP has accepted many points of the July Charter, but why should that be made a rigid principle?” He made these remarks on Friday while distributing prayer mats among the needy at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, during an event organized by the Zia Parishad for the recovery of BNP Chairperson’s advisor Abdul Quddus.

Rizvi further said, “Reform is not a fixed concept; it is a dynamic process. When society and the state require it, reforms will be made through legislation in the interest of democracy and the people. This is the principle of a democratic constitution.” He strongly opposed making reform subject to rigid preconditions, saying it creates confusion among the public.

Stating that BNP has long been fighting for humanitarian equality, justice, and the rule of law, Rizvi said, “Our goal is to establish true democracy, where the people regain ownership of their government and country. If that ownership is withheld, it promotes fascism.”

He added, “When a government belongs to the people, accountability is ensured at every level, but that accountability is currently absent. We also consider the interim government to have public support because everyone except the Awami League and a few of its allies has supported this government.”

Rizvi expressed concern over the current economic situation in the country. He said, “Many garments factories are closing down, people are becoming unemployed. If people cannot afford food, that is a sign of impending famine. And no one will be spared during such famine; the fallen fascists will only applaud.”

Other BNP leaders present at the event included Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu, Zia Parishad Senior Vice President Dr. Shafiqul Islam, and Secretary General Dr. Emtiaz Hossain.