Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday burned an Indian sari belonging to his wife, calling for a boycott of all Indian products.
Speaking at an event organized to urge the boycott in front of the National Press Club, Rizvi said while Indians may have disrespected Bangladesh's flag, “we will respond by boycotting Indian products.”
“Our unity is as strong as steel. This unity cannot be broken. We will respect India’s independence and flag, even though they have disrespected ours. We will boycott their products.”
Rizvi referred to a recent incident in India’s Agartala where “extremists” attacked the main gate of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission and broke the flagpole, tearing down the Bangladesh flag.
“Why should we buy your products when you do not respect us? Bangladeshis are not a submissive people. We would rather have one fewer meal but never bow our heads,” he added.
“You say we will not survive without your onions and ginger. We produce plenty of ginger in Bandarban and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as well as in Nilphamari. We will increase our cultivation and not depend on you anymore.”
Rizvi also criticized claims by Indian leaders and journalists that Bangladeshis depend on Indian doctors. “Do you treat us for free? Our people spend dollars when they visit your hospitals… Now Kolkata’s New Market is deserted.”
Referring to recent national unity discussions led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, the BNP leader said in these critical times, “we must remain united to resist all forms of aggression.”
He said India supports a tyrant like Hasina, who oppressed the people and stained the streets with students’ blood. “But they do not want Bangladesh to thrive. Their provocations will fail because our nation has seen through them.”
Notably, the veteran politician threw away his Indian shawl in March, calling for a similar boycott.
