BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that several talk show participants were attempting to defend what he termed as the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking ‘Jatrabari Resistance Day’ in Dhaka on Friday, Rizvi said those who had gone into hiding after August 5 had now become active again. He questioned why Sheikh Hasina fled if she was so courageous, contrasting her with Khaleda Zia, who he said did not leave the country during political pressure.

Rizvi recalled that during the 1/11 government, Khaleda Zia stayed in Bangladesh despite threats, while Sheikh Hasina went to the United States. He accused Hasina of cruelty and claimed her leadership caused bloodshed. Referring to historical figures, he compared her rule to that of Yahya and Tikka Khan, asserting that fascist politics should not return. He also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for allegedly aligning with Hasina’s tone after August 5 and urged all to strengthen democratic practices.

Rizvi praised the resistance in Jatrabari and Rayerbagh during the July uprising, calling it a glorious chapter in history.