BNP leaders and activists are ready to thwart any sabotage or conspiracy surrounding the upcoming Durga Puja, BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed said on Monday.

He accused defeated forces and their supporters of plotting to undermine national stability and social harmony.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club in Dhaka on 12 October, marking the 10th death anniversary of Brigadier General (retd) ASM Hannan Shah, a former BNP standing committee member and minister.

Rizvi said conspiracies to undermine the country’s independence and sovereignty remained active, as in the past, while attempts were being made to create disorder at various institutions.

He also referred to the reported arrest of two retired military officers on Sunday over alleged plans for sabotage.

Regarding Durga Puja, Rizvi said defeated forces and their associates might try to create instability during the festival. To prevent such activities, BNP leaders and activists would voluntarily monitor every Puja mandap and assist law enforcement agencies, he said.

Criticising the previous government, Rizvi said the BNP did not believe in the politics that had led to widespread looting, extortion and the grabbing of people’s land and property during what he described as a fascist regime.

“The BNP’s politics is about establishing peace, stability and the rule of law,” he said.

Addressing party leaders and activists, Rizvi said every grassroots-level activist was part of the government and must ensure that their conduct did not reflect any traces of fascism.

He urged them to avoid the pursuit of posts and positions after 17 years of struggle and sacrifice, warning against abandoning the party’s ideals for the prospect of becoming wealthy overnight or securing lucrative contracting businesses.

Referring to the country’s electricity and energy crisis, Rizvi said the war in the Middle East and the global situation had created difficulties in importing diesel. However, he said the interim government was working tirelessly to normalise the situation and keep the national economy functioning.

Recalling Hannan Shah’s role in the party, Rizvi described him as a symbol of courage against injustice, oppression and fascism.

He said Hannan Shah had taken charge of the party at great personal risk during the difficult period surrounding the 1/11 political changeover and amid alleged conspiracies by a group at Army Headquarters.

Even while in prison, Hannan Shah had sent messages using secret codes to instruct party leaders to keep the movement going, Rizvi said. His courage and sacrifices would remain an example for the younger generation, he added.

The meeting was chaired by Gazipur District BNP Convener and Member of Parliament Fazlul Haque Milon and moderated by freedom fighter Khandaker Azizul Rahman Pera.

BNP Organising Secretary Saiyedul Alam Babul was the principal speaker.

Former Gazipur District BNP General Secretary Shah Riazul Hannan and the current district committee’s Member Secretary and Gazipur District Council Administrator Dr Chowdhury Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, also known as Barrister Ishraq, were among those who addressed the meeting.