Those who abuse women physically, mentally are complete cowards: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said those who physically and mentally abuse women are “complete cowards”, condemning the alleged attack on Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan by Awami League leaders and activists in Italy.

He made the remarks after paying tribute to the graves of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka this morning (9 September), marking the 48th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal.

“Those who physically and mentally abuse women are complete cowards. The attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhan by Awami League leaders and activists in Italy is a heinous crime,” Rizvi said.

Regarding the country’s fuel situation, Rizvi said the global energy crisis has put some pressure on the country’s supply system, but the government is taking various alternative measures to address it.

He said the BNP government was working relentlessly to alleviate people’s suffering and keep the market situation under control.

Rizvi also said women leaders and activists from political families who were active during the Awami League government’s rule had faced various forms of persecution.

“Despite various adversities and crises, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has demonstrated courage and patriotism, kept the party organised and is providing proper leadership,” he said.

Speaking about the country’s economic and energy situation, Rizvi said temporary disruptions in oil and gas supplies were part of a global crisis.

“Various strategies, including importing gas, are being adopted to overcome the crisis,” he said.

At the same time, the government is taking effective measures to restore normalcy in public transport and keep inflation under control to make people’s lives more affordable, he said.

On women’s empowerment and education, Rizvi said the BNP had always believed in empowering women.

“During Khaleda Zia’s government, education for girls was made free up to higher secondary level. The current government is considering making education free up to marriage or graduation,” he said.

He also said steps were being taken through the ‘Family Card’ initiative to place greater financial and social power in the hands of women.

Women leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal and various BNP-affiliated organisations attended the programme and paid tribute at the graves of the Zia couple.