BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today alleged that followers of a political party seized control of Islami Bank immediately after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5.

Addressing reporters at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave in Dhaka, Rizvi said, "After Sheikh Hasina's rule, didn't we witness bank embezzlement by the successors of the bank looters like S Alam?"

Rizvi accused "a political party" of spreading false propaganda against the BNP to deflect attention from its own misdeeds.

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"Who are they addressing when they claim one extortionist has left and they don't want to see another? Do they think we don't understand?" he said.

He further alleged that the same political party is engaged in widespread corruption at local levels.

"In every district and village, your people are involved in occupying CNG stands, controlling ghats, and sharing tenders. After Sheikh Hasina's bank embezzlement, the incidents after August 5 have also been noticed by the people," he said.

Referring to violence during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Rizvi said, "We witnessed groups like 'Chhapatileague,' 'Helmet League,' and 'Gun League.' Now, people also know about 'Khur League' and the 'Payer Rog Kata Party.' Do you think people don't recognise who these individuals are?"

The BNP leader accused the party of distorting history and undermining BNP's contributions to the country's independence and democracy.

"What is your achievement from 1971? You opposed 1971. Ziaur Rahman declared independence; that is BNP's pride. The glory of 1971 and 1990 belongs to the BNP," he said.

He also criticised that party's decision to participate in the 1986 election under the Ershad regime, contrasting it with BNP's refusal to participate in elections under autocratic rule.

Rizvi accused the party of misusing religion for political purposes.

"You do politics in the name of Islam... but the core value of Islam is to keep one's commitments," he said.

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The BNP leader further alleged that not only India, but also one or two political parties within the country are spreading propaganda for their benefit.

"All democratic power should have been united today. Instead, a few political parties are creating divisions to exploit the situation for their gain," Rizvi said.

"The people of this country know who are patriots, who believe in independence, sovereignty, and multiparty democracy," he added.