Hindus, Muslims jointly guarded puja mandaps: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that people from all religious communities, including Hindus and Muslims, jointly ensured the security of Puja Mandaps during this year’s Durga Puja, reflecting Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony.

“This is our heritage; one of unity and peace,” Rizvi told reporters on Saturday morning after paying tribute at mausoleum of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Leaders of the newly formed convening committee of Association of Engineers of Bangladesh (AEB) were also present during the event.

Highlighting the spirit of cooperation during the religious festival, he said, “People of all faiths; Hindus, Muslims, Islamic scholars, Imams, Moazzens and even madrasa students, stood together to protect the Puja Mandaps.”

When asked about the Election Commission’s (EC) preparations ahead of the upcoming national election, Rizvi expressed scepticism but said it should not be a difficult task for the EC to complete its responsibilities within the time available.

“I hope the Election Commission has finalized its preparations,” he added.

The veteran BNP leader reiterated his party’s long-standing allegation that citizens have been deprived of their right to vote for the past 16 years under Awami League government.

“Sheikh Hasina has snatched away the people’s voting rights. The elections under this regime have become a mockery,” Rizvi claimed.

He further accused the ruling party of election rigging, saying, “Awami League allowed cows and calves to enter polling centers, but not the voters. They used RAB, Chhatra League and Jubo League to stuff ballot boxes the night before election day.”

Rizvi voiced hope that the formation of an interim government would finally give the people an opportunity to freely exercise their right to vote; a right they have been denied for over a decade.

Cautioning political opponents against spreading misinformation, he said, “You cannot confuse the people with manipulated data or false claims. They will deliver the correct verdict through the ballot and they will vote for BNP.”