News Flash
DHAKA, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said all must remain united to resist the resurgence of fascist forces in the country.
“Everyone will have to remain vigilant to protect democracy so that no autocratic force can return in a new form or guise,” he made these remarks during a view-exchange meeting with the members of the ‘Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy’ at a hotel in the city.
Rizvi emphasized that public awareness is essential to ensure that no one can establish autocracy using new methods or appearances.
He noted that for the last 16-17 years, the people of the country were unable to exercise their right to vote freely.
He said, “Election means festivity in the political culture of Bangladesh . . . but festive atmospheres were destroyed in the past 16/17 years as the people could not exercise their basis rights.
Commending the role of journalists in the struggle for democracy, Rizvi stated that courageous reporting on political oppression has saved the lives of many party leaders and activists.
He recalled instances where activists were picked up by law enforcement late at night; although the police denied the incidents, journalists published the news, which ultimately protected those individuals.
The senior BNP leader also warned against a rise in uncivil and extremist behavior in the political arena, which he described as a manifestation of a fascist mindset.
Rizvi expressed his hope that the upcoming election will be held in a free and inclusive environment, asserting that if voting rights are guaranteed, the public will make the correct decision and reflect the will of democratic forces.
The meeting was also attended by BNP Standing Committee member and head of the Central Election Management Committee Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Ismail Zabiullah, and Spokesperson for the Central Election Management Committee and Adviser to the BNP Chairman Mahdi Amin, among others.
