Saturday, 12 July, 2025
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday dismissed the proposal to incorporate the July Charter into the fundamental principles of the Constitution, calling the move “misleading” and politically motivated.
“BNP has already adopted many elements from the July Charter,” Rizvi said. “But why must it be imposed as a constitutional principle? Reform is not something fixed like the Thai mountain range—it evolves with time, necessity, and context.”
He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a prayer mat distribution programme organised by Zia Parishad in front of the BNP’s central office at Nayapaltan. The event was held to pray for the recovery of Zia Parishad president and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Abdul Kuddus.
Rizvi emphasised that constitutional reform should be guided by national interest and democratic values—not political opportunism. “Reforms should be undertaken when necessary for democracy, the state, and the people. But making the July Charter a mandatory principle of the Constitution is an attempt to mislead and confuse the public.”
He urged political parties to focus on restoring power to the people rather than pushing divisive agendas. “The real task is to return power to the people. That’s what matters most.”
Rizvi accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of shutting the door to democracy over the past 16 years. “She has usurped people’s power. We must now reopen that door and restore people’s right to choose their representatives.”
He reiterated that BNP has never opposed reform—in fact, it embraces it. “The very reforms others now demand are already reflected in BNP’s 31-point outline. Our struggle has always been for justice, equality, rule of law, and genuine democracy.”
According to Rizvi, denying people ownership of the state paves the way for fascism. “A true people’s government must be accountable at every step. Right now, that accountability is missing.”
He expressed support for the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, saying it has public backing and the consensus of all major political parties except the Awami League and its few allies. However, he cautioned that the interim government would also be held accountable if economic conditions worsen.
“If famine-like signs begin to emerge, the people will not spare anyone,” he warned. “Already, many garment factories are shutting down, pushing thousands into joblessness. If people can’t afford to eat, that’s not just a sign—it’s famine. And only the fallen fascists will rejoice in such a tragedy.”
Rizvi called on the interim authorities to act decisively. “Those aligned with the Awami League who have fled the country after looting billions should have their institutions brought under state control. Appoint administrators if needed, but don’t let the factories close—especially now, when the economy is under such severe pressure.”
He concluded with a stark warning: “This is no longer political rhetoric—people are genuinely fearful that famine could strike by September or October.”
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BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday dismissed the proposal to incorporate the July Charter into the fundamental principles of the Constitution, calling the move “misleading” and politically motivated.
“BNP has already adopted many elements from the July Charter,” Rizvi said. “But why must it be imposed as a constitutional principle? Reform is not something fixed like the Thai mountain range—it evolves with time, necessity, and context.”
He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a prayer mat distribution programme organised by Zia Parishad in front of the BNP’s central office at Nayapaltan. The event was held to pray for the recovery of Zia Parishad president and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Abdul Kuddus.
Rizvi emphasised that constitutional reform should be guided by national interest and democratic values—not political opportunism. “Reforms should be undertaken when necessary for democracy, the state, and the people. But making the July Charter a mandatory principle of the Constitution is an attempt to mislead and confuse the public.”
He urged political parties to focus on restoring power to the people rather than pushing divisive agendas. “The real task is to return power to the people. That’s what matters most.”
Rizvi accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of shutting the door to democracy over the past 16 years. “She has usurped people’s power. We must now reopen that door and restore people’s right to choose their representatives.”
He reiterated that BNP has never opposed reform—in fact, it embraces it. “The very reforms others now demand are already reflected in BNP’s 31-point outline. Our struggle has always been for justice, equality, rule of law, and genuine democracy.”
According to Rizvi, denying people ownership of the state paves the way for fascism. “A true people’s government must be accountable at every step. Right now, that accountability is missing.”
He expressed support for the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, saying it has public backing and the consensus of all major political parties except the Awami League and its few allies. However, he cautioned that the interim government would also be held accountable if economic conditions worsen.
“If famine-like signs begin to emerge, the people will not spare anyone,” he warned. “Already, many garment factories are shutting down, pushing thousands into joblessness. If people can’t afford to eat, that’s not just a sign—it’s famine. And only the fallen fascists will rejoice in such a tragedy.”
Rizvi called on the interim authorities to act decisively. “Those aligned with the Awami League who have fled the country after looting billions should have their institutions brought under state control. Appoint administrators if needed, but don’t let the factories close—especially now, when the economy is under such severe pressure.”
He concluded with a stark warning: “This is no longer political rhetoric—people are genuinely fearful that famine could strike by September or October.”
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