Freedom of expression now treated as ‘treason’: BNP

BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today alleged that freedom of expression is now treated as ‘illegal and treason’ in Bangladesh.

"Under the current political situation in Bangladesh, freedom of speech means sedition and free-thinking is illegal as those who are in the office [govt] consider their opponents as accused,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan office, Rizvi also alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina often ridicules the country’s virtuous and revered persons.

Coming down hard on the Prime Minister for calling their chairperson and senior vice chairman accused, he said she has revealed her vengeance towards them through her comments.

The BNP leader claimed that judges in the country cannot write their verdicts with a judicious mind as they are bound to write as per the will of the government and not on the basis of evidence and law.

“Ministers have said they want to have the verdicts delivered as per their desire. Even, they don’t spare the Chief Justice to slate by committing contempt of court if their desire is not fulfilled. It seems they’re more powerful than the country’s all major organs,” he observed.

About the upcoming Union Parishad polls, Rizvi alleged the ruling party cadres have intensified their terrorists and brutal activities as the election is drawing closer. “The entire election system has been grasped by terrorists with the government’s patronage.”

The BNP joint general secretary said the ruling party cadres attacked local BNP men while carrying out electioneering in favour of Pirojpur’s Sheikhmatia union parishad party candidate Towhidul Islam on Tuesday night, killing a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Shamsul Haq and injuring local party leader Jahangir Hossain.

He alleged that their party candidates and their supporters are being attacked, threatened and repressed across the country. “The Election Commission is abetting the government in carrying out misdeeds over the polls.”