BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said giving the fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, an opportunity to deliver political speeches is an insult to Bangladesh's national sovereignty and tantamount to interference in the country’s internal affairs.
He made the remarks after paying tribute and offering Fatiha at the mausoleums of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, on the occasion of the 37th founding anniversary of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB).
At that time, under the leadership of Central DAB Committee President Professor Dr. Harun Ar Rashid and Secretary-General Professor Dr. Zahirul Islam Shakil, leaders and activists of the organization paid tributes and recited Fatiha at the mausoleums of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Rizvi said that even during the era of the fascist Sheikh Hasina, DAB never refrained from public service activities. “As a result, doctors of the organization had to face job dismissals, denial of promotions, transfers to remote areas, and various forms of persecution. Nevertheless, they did not deviate from their professional and political ideals,” he added.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina is currently a fugitive accused from Bangladesh. Trials are ongoing against her in various murder and corruption cases, including charges punishable by death and life imprisonment, he said, adding although the Bangladesh government has sent a letter seeking her extradition under the bilateral extradition treaty, India has yet to respond on the matter.
He said that allowing such a fugitive accused to deliver political speeches is contrary to mutual trust and respect between the two countries.
He further said that the current government is working to rebuild a democratic state and society. “Initiatives are ongoing, including forming a parliamentary committee for necessary constitutional amendments, inviting opposition parties for dialogue, and implementing the aspirations of the July Charter. At such a time, giving the fugitive Sheikh Hasina a platform is disrespectful to the country's sovereignty,” he said.
