Recent Arson and Bomb Attacks Part of a Deep Conspiracy: Ruhul Kabir Rizvi

Recent incidents of arson and bomb attacks targeting buses and CNG-run auto-rickshaws are part of a deep conspiracy, BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Rizvi is currently serving as the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and Adviser to the Ministry of Industries.

He made the remarks on Thursday at a protest rally in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised a procession from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh and a rally to protest what it described as attempts to destabilise the country through planned acts of terrorism.

Rizvi said those involved in setting fires and throwing bombs are enemies of Bangladesh’s independence and democracy. Calling on people to remain alert and prepared, he said the streets do not belong exclusively to anyone.

Referring to the participation of young people in the Chhatra Dal rally, Rizvi said their spontaneous participation demonstrated that a significant section of the younger generation supports nationalist forces.

He also referred to media reports regarding the recent arson attacks on buses and CNG auto-rickshaws. According to the claims cited in his speech, some arrested individuals allegedly admitted receiving instructions and money through phone calls from a neighbouring country to carry out bomb explosions, take photographs of the incidents and send the images back as evidence.

Rizvi claimed that the alleged activities were being coordinated through a phone number from a neighbouring country, which, according to him, indicates the depth of the alleged conspiracy.

He further said the government led by Tarique Rahman is prioritising national interests and public welfare.

Speaking at the rally, Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said people had witnessed corruption and misrule during the previous 17 years. He said the government under Tarique Rahman was working to advance the country’s development while also confronting what he described as conspirators on the streets.

BNP’s Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul alleged that while the government is working to rebuild the economy and create a new Bangladesh, an interest group associated with the ousted government is attempting to obstruct national development through arson and intimidation.

The rally was chaired by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, with leaders and activists from various units of the student organisation taking part.