Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly condemned recent incidents of mob violence and attacks on public and private institutions across Bangladesh, describing them as fundamentally anti-democratic and deeply harmful to the country’s political future. He warned that the growing culture of disorder and intimidation threatens to undermine public confidence at a time when citizens are eager for a genuine restoration of democratic practice.
Rizvi, who serves as the Senior Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made the remarks on Monday morning while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the mausoleum of the late President Ziaur Rahman. The occasion marked the announcement of the central committee of the Nationalist Pro-Liberation War Generation, an affiliated organisation of the party.
He said that unruly crowds had recently formed mobs in various parts of the country, launching attacks on institutions under the cover of different issues and grievances. “Such acts of mob violence and vandalism are clearly anti-democratic,” Rizvi stated. “If this continues unchecked, democracy cannot be strengthened, nor can political stability be ensured.”
Highlighting the broader political context, Rizvi argued that the public has been deprived of meaningful participation in elections for nearly 17 years. According to him, people across the country are now eager to exercise their right to vote in a credible and competitive election. However, he alleged that a vested quarter is deliberately creating instability in order to sabotage that possibility.
“There is a section that does not want people to vote freely,” he said. “They are trying to destroy the prospects of democracy by creating chaos and fear. We must not allow them to succeed.” Rizvi urged citizens, political activists and civil society to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to derail democratic processes through violence or provocation.
The BNP leader also reiterated his party’s long-standing demand for an environment conducive to a free, fair and inclusive national election, calling on the authorities to take concrete steps to restore public trust. He emphasised that only a credible election could bring back a sense of relief and confidence among the people.
Rizvi specifically called for preparations to ensure that an election scheduled for February is conducted transparently, with equal opportunities for all political parties to campaign and participate. He maintained that democracy cannot function without public consent, and that consent can only be established through an election that is widely accepted at home and abroad.
Political analysts note that Rizvi’s comments reflect growing concern within opposition circles over recent unrest and its potential impact on the electoral roadmap. With tensions running high, many observers argue that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bangladesh can move towards a more inclusive and peaceful democratic transition.
Rizvi concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise democracy over division, warning that continued instability would only deepen public frustration and erode the foundations of representative governance.