Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general and adviser to the prime minister, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, on Tuesday alleged that signs of a return of fascism were emerging in the country and accused the activists of banned Awami League of attempting to create instability through the use of illicitly acquired funds.

Speaking at a rally in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Rizvi said that the fallen fascist force was trying to re-emerge and undermine the country’s democratic progress.

‘Fascism is peeping through. They are trying to peep through rotten drains. Those who snatched away the beautiful dawn from people’s lives, deprived them of sunlight, normal and healthy living, and all rights necessary for survival are now trying to create instability and carry out criminal activities in society and across the country by using stolen and laundered money,’ Rizvi said.

He said that people of the country were united and that Bangladesh could not be turned into a slave of Delhi again.

He said that all forms of criminal and subversive activities would be resisted with the support of people.

The rally was organised by the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal following a protest procession against anarchic activities by the banned Awami League.

The procession started from the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, passed through Nightingale intersection and Fakirapul intersection, and ended at the party headquarters.

Rizvi claimed that a democratic government had been formed through a free and fair election after a long period and alleged that conspiracies were now being hatched against the administration.

‘They could not silence us during the past 17 years, and they will not succeed now,’ he said.

The BNP leader asserted that the return of ‘fallen fascism’ would not be allowed in Bangladesh.

Rizvi said that the people were united in defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He also referred to allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League’s tenure, saying that the public would never allow such practices to return.

Rizvi further claimed that no incidents of enforced disappearance or crossfire killings had occurred during the four months since the BNP-led government assumed office.

He said that only legal action had been taken against criminals and that no one had been imprisoned in politically motivated false cases.

According to Rizvi, Bangladesh was now moving towards progress, prosperity, peace, democracy, a multiparty political system and freedom of expression.

He alleged that certain groups were attempting to undermine these achievements but would fail because of public unity and the strength of democratic forces.

Addressing party activists, Rizvi urged them to remain vigilant, alleging that the banned Awami League and its supporters would continue efforts to provoke unrest and engage in activities detrimental to the country’s interests and sovereignty.

Referring to the spirit of the War of Liberation, Rizvi said that the people of Bangladesh would never accept subjugation after achieving independence through the sacrifices of three million martyrs and the suffering of hundreds of thousands of women during the 1971 war.