Rizvi Responds to Jatiya Party’s ‘Cooling Time’ Demand

In a recent talk show on a private television channel, Jatiya Party General Secretary Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary stated that it is now BNP’s responsibility to protect the Jatiya Party in the interest of democracy. He emphasized the need for a “cooling period” in politics, citing the example of Ziaur Rahman, where a two-year “cooling period” was observed after the August 21 incident. He claimed that the Awami League did not immediately “torture” BNP after the 2008 election, and the persecution began later, highlighting the importance of such a cooling period in Bangladesh.

Responding to these remarks, BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, speaking at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club on Tuesday, said, “Who protected the bloodthirsty Awami fascism of Sheikh Hasina? Who facilitated the plundering of billions of taka from the people over 16 years? Who helped establish the terrifying autocracy of the Awami League? One of them is the Jatiya Party. You are now asking for a cooling time. After coming to power in 2008-2009, Sheikh Hasina gave a two-year cooling period before starting the torture. BNP never believes in torture. What is this cooling time for? And what torture are you talking about? BNP is not in power. No election has taken place yet. BNP, under no circumstances, believes in illegal oppression or torture.”

Rizvi further stated, “The Jatiya Party General Secretary said that BNP must now take responsibility for the Jatiya Party. BNP is not in state power, and no free or fair election has been held yet. So, what ‘responsibility’ are you talking about? Nurul Haque Nur, former DUCSU VP, was attacked inside an office. Initially, we heard it was a clash with the Jatiya Party. But who was the person in the red shirt attacking him? Anyone can speak against anyone; that’s an accepted part of democracy.”

He added, “We are all victims. Each of us has faced at least 500 cases. We, the victims, do not want others to be humiliated in our presence. However, those who supported fascism and echoed its narrative should be brought under the law. The people want to see them face justice.” Rizvi continued, “Those talking about politics can criticize BNP. If there’s something to criticize about BNP, we will address it. Why are you (Jatiya Party General Secretary) talking about BNP taking responsibility for your party? Who are you? Where were you when Elias Ali was abducted? Where was the Jatiya Party when Chowdhury Alam and Saiful Islam Hiru were abducted? Where were you when student and youth leaders were abducted?”

He further remarked, “In the 2014 election, when there were no voters at the polling stations and dogs, cats, cows, and goats were roaming around, you (Jatiya Party) said you wouldn’t participate but eventually did. In 2018, after BNP announced its participation, around 45 of its candidates were arrested. Sheikh Hasina didn’t want BNP in the election. What role did the Jatiya Party play then?