Rizvi links opposition to arson, Jamaat rejects allegation

BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused opposition groups of involvement in violence, arson and other destructive activities, while Jamaat-e-Islami has rejected his remarks linking the party to a recent train arson incident, calling the allegation baseless and politically motivated.

He also said everyone has the right to criticize the government in a democratic environment. However, instead of making sweeping allegations against the government and launching personal attacks, the real causes of the ongoing crisis in the country should be taken into consideration, he added.

Rizvi accuses opposition of destructive activities

Referring to recent incidents, Rizvi said houses and trains were being set on fire, and crude bombs were exploding in different places, including near the High Court and university gates.

He questioned whether all such incidents could be attributed to the ousted Awami League government and alleged that opposition groups were making threats and admitting involvement in destructive activities.

Referring to the Rajshahi Railway Station incident, he alleged that the student wing of a banned organisation was involved in vandalism and destructive activities.

Rizvi said opposition parties had the right to strongly criticise the government inside and outside parliament and organise programmes, including long marches, but should not resort to violence, arson or destructive activities.

Jamaat rejects train arson allegation

In a statement today, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Department Secretary Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair said blaming Jamaat for the train arson without any investigation or reliable evidence was unethical, irresponsible and politically motivated.

He said Rizvi should demand a proper investigation to identify those responsible instead of assigning blame without evidence.

Zubair said Jamaat did not believe in terrorism, arson, bomb attacks, anarchy or destruction of public property. He called for anyone involved in such crimes, regardless of political identity, to be brought under the law through a neutral investigation.

Referring to the Rajshahi Railway Station vandalism, he said identifying those responsible through a neutral investigation was necessary and that political identity should not determine legal action.

Rizvi defends government measures

Rizvi also criticised Jamaat, alleging that the party had opposed the Language Movement and other movements for self-rule and independence.

On economic and energy pressures, he said the government was working to reorganise the banking and financial sectors, address gas and fuel shortages and seek alternative energy sources.

Defending the recent diesel price increase from Tk115 to Tk135 per litre, Rizvi said Bangladesh was still selling fuel at prices lower than some other countries and that the adjustment followed a rise in international oil prices.

He also alleged that misinformation was being used to obstruct legitimate government activities.