Rizvi accuses AL, ‘secret party’ of plotting against BNP

BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused the banned Awami League and an unnamed “secret party” of conspiring against the BNP and spreading propaganda, saying the two groups shared similar behaviour and rhetoric and had continued their campaign against the party.
Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Shantinagar after distributing dengue-awareness leaflets, Rizvi said, “The Awami League was a party that spread propaganda. Now another secret party has joined it. There is evidence of a relationship between them. They themselves had said they would forgive the Awami League,” adding that their behaviour resembled that of defeated political forces.
Recalling past allegations against the BNP, he said its opponents had portrayed it as a militant political party and claimed people of other religions would be unsafe if it came to power. The government led by Tarique Rahman had shown, he said, that conspirators could not succeed if the government remained vigilant.
Rizvi claimed BNP leaders and activists had worked around the clock to ensure security at Hindu temples during Durga Puja. He described this year's celebrations as the most peaceful and festive in 17 to 18 years, saying visitors from neighbouring countries had praised the arrangements.
Coordinated dengue prevention efforts
Rizvi said the government and the BNP had coordinated public awareness initiatives on dengue. Leaflets prepared with advice from renowned physicians were being distributed, outlining prevention measures and steps to take if infected. He said they would serve as a practical guide.
On the prime minister's instructions, free dengue testing had been arranged at government hospitals to ensure access to treatment, he said. Adequate saline supplies had also been ensured, while cleanliness drives were underway nationwide.