Md. Shahjahan Bashar, Dhaka Correspondent:
BNP Chairman’s Advisor Fazlur Rahman responded to the show cause notice (show cause) issued by BNP on Tuesday (August 26). BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed the matter. In his response, he denied the allegations of continuously making ‘ugly and misleading’ statements about the July-August mass uprising.
Regarding the allegations of hurting religious sentiments, Fazlur Rahman said, “A charge has been made against me that I have spoken in a way that hurt the religious sentiments of the people. I firmly say that this is not true. I am a person who believes in Islam and Allah and His Messenger. However, I have spoken against the political traders of religion (such as Jamaat-e-Islami) in the past and will continue to do so in the future.”
In his response to the show cause notice, Fazlur Rahman mentioned a total of 11 points. A brief summary of Fazlur Rahman’s 11 points:
The beginning of the anti-quota movement: Although the anti-quota movement started under student leadership, it was non-partisan and without political demands. Fazlur Rahman was the first to give encouragement, calling for a movement for democracy.
Staying connected despite the threat to his life: During the July movement, he tried to keep the party and the people of the country by his side despite the threat to his life.
BNP’s mass rally and online efforts: When the BNP’s rally of millions of people was broken up on October 28, 2023, he encouraged the leaders and activists online and on talk shows.
August 5 movement and joy: The people of the country won the victory of the August 5 movement, which was a matter of joy for him.
Opposition to Jamaat-Shibir’s claims: Denying Sarjis Alam’s claim that the main leadership of the July movement was Jamaat-Shibir, Fazlur Rahman said that the foundation of the movement was laid and led by BNP.
Protest against unfair claims: He said that attempts were made to take over the success of the movement, which is unfair. He identified Jamaat-Shibir as ‘black power’ and NCP as collaborators.
Defense of the Liberation War and Truth: He continues to speak the truth of the Liberation War against the controversial statements of Jamaat-Shibir and NCP.
Two forms of the July Movement: The first is the mass movement led by nationalist forces, whose goal was to establish a democratic government; the second is the conspiratorial activities of Jamaat-Shibir.
Respect for the founder and party history of BNP: Paying respect to the memory of Major Zia and martyred President Ziaur Rahman, he considers it his responsibility to speak against evil forces.
Possibility of erroneous statements and apology: He admitted that there may be errors in some statements, but if it is proven, he will express regret.
Promise not to harm the party and loyalty: He said that BNP has no intention of harming it and will always be loyal to the party’s decisions.
Fazlur Rahman’s reply has been sent in writing to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. He hopes that justice will be done through the party’s deliberations.