Acting Secretary General of BNP and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said the historic November 7, National Revolution and Solidarity Day, was a significant milestone in the country’s national life.

He said, "Although Bangladesh achieved independence through the Liberation War in 1971, but those who came to power subsequently compromised the country’s independence in favour of another country." 

Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at an educational materials distribution programme among madrasa students marking the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day. 

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal organised the event at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan this afternoon.

“True independence did not come after that,” Rizvi said, alleging that those who protested against the situation, were killed by a force formed under the name of Rakkhi Bahini.

He said that during 1972-75, business and trade required licences and permits were largely controlled by Awami League leaders.

“People were starving, industrial production had stopped, and factories were nationalised in the name of nationalisation but effectively brought under Awami League control,” he added.

The BNP Acting Secretary General further said, “People were worried  in 2024 whether the country would return to the terrible situation of 1972-75."

He added that people took to the streets to prevent the recurrence of such a situation, while soldiers also came out of the cantonment.

The veteran BNP leader described November 7 as an unprecedented revolution jointly carried out by soldiers and the people, saying the mass uprising swept away the attempt to re-establish BAKSAL.

“November 7 was the Sipahi-Janata Revolution, a day of people’s awakening and a powerful expression of public unity,” he said.

Rizvi said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman subsequently assumed leadership with the support of the people and opened the way for political pluralism and democratic participation.

Rizvi said agricultural production increased, the country became economically more prosperous and industrial activities resumed under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership.

Ziaur Rahman undertook canal excavation programmes and other initiatives that helped increase agricultural production several times, he added. 

Referring to law and order, Rizvi said the situation improved significantly during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure.

Referring to the 2024 July uprising, Rizvi alleged that the country experienced 17 years of fascist rule, characterised by enforced disappearances, killings and secret murders.

He said, the state was transformed into an instrument of oppression, where opposition activists were subjected to enforced disappearance, killing and crossfire.

Students, workers, rickshaw-pullers and ordinary people again rose against the government in 2024 and sacrificed their lives to bring about its fall on August 5, he added. 

He said November 7 represented the day when people awakened and united against injustice.

Referring to remarks allegedly made from a neighbouring country about Hasina’s returning to Bangladesh in December, Rizvi questioned how those responsible for the killings during the 2024 uprising could avoid justice.

He mentioned the killing of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, and other victims of the uprising.

Rizvi alleged that security forces used helicopters to fire on protesters and asked whether those responsible for the killings would face trial.

“Will there be no justice for these crimes, sins and killings?” he asked.
He said the government, judiciary and law enforcement agencies must ensure the rule of law, as promised during the democratic movements.

“We must not allow this country to become a servant of anyone,” he said adding Sheikh Hasina compromised the spirit of independence by placing herself under the influence of Delhi.

While the people were repeatedly told about the spirit of independence, the former prime minister remained silent when dealing with Delhi, he added. 

Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia had never violated their commitments, while Tarique Rahman had also remained committed to his promises.

BNP and Ulama Dal leaders and madrasa students attended the programme.