In a letter addressed to the United Nations, the BNP highlighted concerns regarding the January 7 elections and the prevailing political situation within the country. The BNP has confirmed that the UN Secretary-General’s office has acknowledged receipt of this letter. Additionally, copies of the letter have been provided to the United Nations office in Dhaka and diplomats representing various Dhaka countries.
During a press conference held on Sunday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi publicly read out the contents of the letter sent to the United Nations.
Rizvi stated that, against the backdrop of tainted elections in 2014 and 2018 under the Sheikh Hasina regime, the country is heading to another manipulated election on January 7, 2024. Much like its predecessors, the lead-up to this “so-called dummy election” is marred by state-sponsored violence against pro-democracy activists, as well as targeted assaults on public and private establishments, causing the loss of lives and damage to assets.
Rizvi highlighted a disturbing trend evident in recent arson attacks, indicating a troubling pattern. He pointed out that the Awami League (AL) appears to benefit while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) faces sustained aggression. Rizvi expressed concern that certain AL leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, alongside senior police officials, consistently align themselves without proper investigation or evidence, blaming the BNP for these incidents. He raised the alarm over inflammatory rhetoric, such as Hasina’s violent references to harming individuals affiliated with the BNP, which outlines an alarming agenda within law enforcement agencies.
Regarding the tragic incident on December 19, where a moving train’s compartments were set ablaze in Dhaka, resulting in fatalities, Rizvi noted the apparent collusion between the police and the AL. He highlighted the immediate claim by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Habibur Rahman, accusing the BNP of orchestrating the attack allegedly under instructions from their leaders abroad. Rizvi criticised this statement as unsubstantiated and part of the narrative propagated by the AL. He further cited instructions from the DMP to the Directorate General of Health Services, issued two days before the fire incident, suggesting a deliberate preparedness, indicating potential involvement of the DMP.
Rizvi emphasised that these incidents represent a disturbing trend in the AL’s politics of blaming the BNP, supported by elements within the state apparatus, and are not isolated occurrences but rather a continuation of a concerning pattern.
Rizvi highlighted a disturbing trend over the past year, noting that whenever the BNP organised a peaceful programme to mobilise people, the AL simultaneously announced a programme on the same day, leading to confrontations often orchestrated to sabotage the BNP’s efforts. Despite this, Rizvi emphasised the BNP’s commitment to a nonviolent movement, aiming to avoid provocations. He recounted the incident on October 28, ‘we arranged a grand rally in Dhaka, where over one million pro-democracy people joined from across the country. Sensing massive public support in our favour, potentially leading to inevitable defeat if a genuine election takes place, the Hasina regime decided to foil our grand rally and tarnish the movement by orchestrating pre-planned violence. The AL activists, with the help of the police, attacked the Chief Justice’s residence and deliberately set fire to their own requisitioned buses and parked cars in front of the Police Hospital. Masked individuals, apparently the regime’s hired goons, killed a member of the police in broad daylight, while surprisingly, nobody came forward to rescue him. Following that event, as the opposition parties led by the BNP geared up our collective movement against the fascist regime, the AL and state institutions resorted to a vicious strategy of torching vehicles throughout Bangladesh. In each of these incidents, the role of law enforcement agencies as silent spectators has raised concerns, as most criminals flee the scenes without trouble. Their deliberate inaction to stop arson incidents or arrest actual perpetrators prove the prevalent claim that these attacks are carried out by the ruling AL, with police complicity. Several video footage circulated on social media depict drivers or their assistants stressing how police or ruling activists are responsible for igniting their vehicles.’
He also outlined ten representative examples among numerous incidents of the regime’s direct involvement in arson attacks and related violence since October 28 from media reports.
Rizvi highlighted the long-standing history of arson attacks associated with the AL. He stated that the AL has an appalling history of arson attacks dating back decades, evident in their activists being caught red-handed. Despite media censorship, including stringent digital security acts, numerous incidents of the AL’s involvement in arson sabotages have surfaced over the years. He then highlighted 10 representative examples where the AL used violence to foster discord and manipulate circumstances as a malicious political strategy.
Rizvi highlighted the prevalence of election-related violence and tactics of voter intimidation, attributing this behaviour to the AL. He emphasised the party’s involvement in intra-party conflicts and coercive methods employed to enforce voter participation. He stated that, even when this election is a mere formality to select among AL candidates of different types, such as official candidates, “dummy candidates”, independent candidates, and “Kings Party” candidates, without any worthwhile opposition, the AL could not refrain from indulging into violent clashes. He also presents 10 representative examples of how the AL has created a climate of fear through brutal actions and voter intimidation.
Highlighting the BNP’s contrasting approach, Rizvi emphasised their political strength stemming from widespread public support for their cause. He underscored the BNP’s commitment to a peaceful and nonviolent movement, prioritising the sanctity of every individual’s life while striving to safeguard public safety.
He stated that, ‘during the so-called campaign for the upcoming farcical election, the AL leaders are openly admitting that they were involved in vote rigging in 2014 and 2018. In contrast, the BNP’s political strength lies in deep-rooted public approval favouring our struggle. Our peaceful and nonviolent movement thrives with the belief that every life is precious, and we are committed to safeguarding people’s safety.’ He strongly condemned the loss of innocent lives in the AL’s recurring arson attacks, demanding an impartial and meticulous investigation. He said that, ‘the ongoing anarchy, jointly implemented by the AL and the police in a series of sabotage acts, should never serve as a strategy to undermine democracy and reinforce fascism.’