Rizvi: PM Tarique skipped BRICS, next day Adani unit shut down

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today alleged that India was creating a “web of conspiracy” against Bangladesh centred on ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying the matter had become “very clear”.

Speaking at an event in front of the Jatiya Press Club, Rizvi also questioned the circumstances surrounding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s invitation to the recent BRICS event and the timing of the shutdown of a unit at Adani Power’s Godda plant in Jharkhand, India.

Rizvi claimed Tarique was not invited to the event in his capacity as Bangladesh’s prime minister, but in another role. He said the decision not to attend had upheld Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

“Tarique Rahman is the prime minister of an independent and sovereign country. So, will you not invite him as prime minister? Will he sit on the sidelines? That cannot happen. He did not go. By not going, the prime minister of Bangladesh upheld the country’s dignity, independence and sovereignty,” Rizvi said.

The BNP leader said Bangladesh and India describe each other as friendly countries, but questioned why an Adani unit went offline soon after Tarique decided not to attend BRICS.

“He [Tarique] decided not to go, and the next day it was shut down. What was the reason behind that? Do you need to pass the bar exam to understand it? Do you need a PhD from a university? We understand what happened,” he said.

Rizvi also criticised the opposition in parliament, saying its members criticise the government “from morning to evening”, use abusive language and make false statements outside parliament.

He asked whether any opposition leader had disappeared or been subjected to extrajudicial killing under the present government.

“No one has. This is the commitment of the present government and the purpose of the 17-year political struggle,” he added.

He alleged that while opposition parties criticise the government, they do not speak about conspiracies against Bangladesh.

Turning to Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, Rizvi alleged that New Delhi had given shelter to the ousted prime minister, whom he held responsible for the deaths of around 1,400 people including children, young people and students.

He also alleged that others involved in shooting and killing pro-democracy protesters had fled to India.

“They are being tried under the law in Bangladesh’s courts. Why are they not being handed over? This is a big question among the people. Instead, what do you want to do with her? What is your purpose? Surely there is some deep purpose,” he said.

Rizvi further accused India of sheltering top criminals and “killers” and said Bangladesh’s independence and the sacrifices of the 1971 Liberation War must be respected.

He alleged that people were being sent from India to plot attacks on Bangladeshi politicians.

Rizvi also spoke about the ongoing gas and fuel crisis, saying it was not created by the present government.

He said the government was making efforts to import gas and fuel and was not holding back in taking measures to deal with the shortage.