BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi gave an interview to BSS at the party's central office in Nayapaltan. Photo: BSS

By Esme Azom 

DHAKA, Aug 31, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said BNP will survive as the largest political party of the country for its public oriented stratum and deep root in people.

“BNP has been fighting with a firm stance on issues of democracy, independence and sovereignty since its inception. At various times, plots were hatched to destroy it. But due to its connection with the people, the party has survived and has been established as the country's largest political party," he said.
Rizvi made the remarks in an interview with BSS today at the party's central office in Nayapaltan of in the city marking the party’s 48th founding anniversary tomorrow.

He said, those who tried to destroy BNP were all associated with undemocratic and authoritarian force. Although various methods were adopted to wipe out BNP, they were not successful."

BNP has survived because it has nurtured its declared policies and internal political philosophy, he said adding, “BNP's stance on national independence and sovereignty is extremely firm.

“There is no compromise or concession on this issue. If anyone makes derogatory remarks or tries to endanger or weaken Bangladesh's democracy, independence and sovereignty, BNP will stand firm against them.”

Rizvi said, “BNP believes in democracy. Whenever democracy in the country has been threatened or attempts were made to weaken it, BNP devoted all its strength for its sustenance.”

The veteran BNP leader further said BNP has enjoyed mass popularity since its inception. The personal achievements and role of the party's founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played a significant role to make party popular among people.

“Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971, emerged as a hero in the Sepoy-People's movement in 1975 and finally became nationalistic leader by introducing multi-party democratic system in the country,” he said.

Ziaur Rahman also paved the way of press freedom reopening publication of the newspapers which were declared closed. Opportunities were created for writing and expressing opinions freely. Because of the steps BNP gradually gained popularity, the BNP leader said.

Rizvi said after assassination of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, many thought that BNP would perish. But his ideology made him immortal and transformed into strength.

As Ershad usurped to power and suspended all democratic rights under the umbrella of martial law BNP stood firm against it under the leadership of Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia.

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's early demise brought his wife Begum Khaleda Zia at the helm of the party, which she led steadfastly.

“Like a fearless commander on the battlefield, Begum Khaleda Zia dealt with all repression and misrule of Ershad for nine years. She was repeatedly arrested and subjected to various forms of torture. But she did not compromise on as far as democracy is concerned. Under her leadership, the victory of democracy came in 1990,” he said. 

Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman's contributions and Begum Khaleda Zia's uncompromising leadership are part of BNP's glorious history. It was because of their leadership BNP has gained popularity among common masses. 

Highlighting the political situation after 2018, Rizvi said, under the fascist regime, Begum Khaleda Zia fell sick and she was land in jail. At that time Tarique Rahman hold the leadership of the party and reorganized the entire party from London.

“Thanks to digital technology, Tarique Rahman virtually reached the doorsteps of the people, especially grassroots communities. People heard his voice. He made the utmost efforts to maintain contact with those injured in the movement, families of the deceased, and those who became disabled while fighting against the autocracy. He inspired and encouraged leaders and activists and kept them organized,” added Rizvi. 

BNP’s acting secretary general Rizvi Ahmed said the ultimate outcome BNP’s organized movement under the stewardship of Tarique Rahman was reflected during the July 2024 uprising. 

“Nearly 400 BNP members were killed. Yet BNP didn’t retreat. As a major force in the movement, BNP had demonstrated its strength taking people on board,” he said.
 
“People have seen this and the glorious role has given the BNP a widespread popularity in the grassroots to national level,” he said hoping that “People's trust in BNP will continue.”

Focusing on the party’s role in the state governance, Rizvi said, BNP is now running the state under the leadership of Chairman Tarique Rahman. 

“He is working to materialize all the promises he has made from the very day after taking office. He already initiated many daunting tasks including excavation of all canals across the country, massive tree plantation, distributing millions of family cards, and farmer cards as well as bringing the Imams and Muazzins and religious priests of other religions under a payroll,” he said. 

Regarding the country's current fuel crisis, Rizvi said, this crisis was not created by BNP. Because of wars globally fuels are not coming. Fuel carrying ships were intercepted while passing through the Hormuz Strait. However, the government is making all efforts for safe passage of the vessels, he said.

Rizvi said the government has allocated additional Taka 40,000 crore beyond the budget for the power and energy sector. The government has been working to normalize gas flow. 

Saying that the government's main focus is on the accountability to the people, Razvi said, the government is carrying out that accountability.

Rizvi observed that due to consistency between government commitments and their implementation, BNP's popularity among the people is increasing further.

Emphasizing the importance of BNP's political philosophy for the next generation, he said, BNP's political consciousness, spirit, philosophy and ideology are devoted for protecting national independence and strengthening sovereignty.

“If national independence is not protected and the country's foundation become weaken, people cannot live well. Therefore, strengthening national sovereignty and safeguarding independence are the core tenets of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's Bangladeshi nationalistic philosophy,” Rizvi said.

Rizvi said based on this philosophy, leaders and activists are inspired to join BNP, and the next generation will also be inspired by these principles, ideals and philosophy. 

“This philosophy never fades with time or evolution. Across ages, nationalist spirit has kept entire nations awakened in various countries,” he added. 

About his role as the party’s acting secretary general Rizvi said he would not say that he has done something very great for the party. But ordinary people can remember that he has done and it’s the best reward.

“The trust that the party leader and chairman has placed in me is also a great reward. I have been given the responsibility of acting secretary general of such a large party. This responsibility must be carried out properly and smoothly by working together with everyone. It will be the best way to show respect to the trust of the party leader in me,” he added. 

Regarding the party's organizational activities, Rizvi said, it is a collective and joint efforts. The Standing Committee, highest forum of the party, will discuss and chalk out future organizational programs. Organizational activities are going on everyday in various forms.

Rizvi ruled out the notion that BNP's organizational activities have come to a halt or slowed down now. The party will observe its 48th founding anniversary with elaborate programs and much enthusiasm across the country, he said.

On August 15 last the party has celebrated birthday of former chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia nationally, he said adding all national program one after another are being observed. 

“So, it’s no true that party's organizational activities have bogged down. Rather, all leaders and workers of the party as well as aspirants of coming local body elections are actively participating in all party programs,” he noted.