Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has condemned the interim government for its silence on recent killings by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
Speaking at a gathering in Khagtika Bazaar in Moulvibazar on Sunday after meeting with the family of Swarna Das, a teenager shot dead by the BSF, Rizvi said: “Under the Awami League government, innocent people have been killed at the border without any protest or statement from the government. Sheikh Hasina kept her head bowed to India and did not defend our sovereignty.
"Now that she is gone, a government of the people is in power. Why has the interim government not protested the brutal killing of Swarna Das? That is the question of the people,” he added.
Rizvi said: “When conflicts arise between different religious groups, if a Hindu is injured or killed, the Awami League and India immediately portray it as an attack on Hindus. However, the BSF does not discriminate; they kill anyone they target at the border, regardless of their religion. Just as they hung Felani, they killed Swarna as well."
"Another Hindu has also been killed. Despite calls for a peaceful border, India has not listened. Since Hasina’s departure, India has become increasingly aggressive, turning the border into a violent zone,” he added.
He further questioned the government’s indifference to the issue, saying: “Since August 5, Dr Yunus's government has taken charge, and the people have faith and trust in them. But why are they indifferent to the killings at the border? Why is there no discussion regarding the murder of this young girl?”
Rizvi demanded swift reforms and elections, adding: “Those connected to the looting government are being established in various ways. They will not let you succeed and are conspiring in different ways. If the government fails, the souls of the martyrs will suffer.”
He also addressed the repeated attempts to exile former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying: “Efforts have been made to drive her out of the country, but they have failed. She has been imprisoned for years on false charges, yet she has not bowed her head.”
At the meeting ended, Rizvi extended his condolences to the family of Swarna Das, offering support in their time of grief.
