Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the recent fire at the Secretariat of being a deliberate act of sabotage. He claimed the fire was set to destroy files related to money laundering and corruption involving the former cabinet secretary of Sheikh Hasina's government.
Rizvi made these allegations during a brief gathering at Atpunia village in Mithapukur, Rangpur, on Saturday morning. He had earlier visited the family of Sohanur Zaman Nayan, a firefighter who tragically died while attempting to extinguish the blaze at the Secretariat. Rizvi extended condolences to Nayan's family on behalf of the BNP.
"The fire at the Secretariat was not an accident," Rizvi asserted. "It was part of a deep conspiracy. The former cabinet secretary of Sheikh Hasina's fascist government was involved in large-scale money laundering, and many of his files were among those destroyed in the fire. Important documents have been lost."
Rizvi further raised concerns about the reported money laundering cases, noting that only one such case had been made public, prompting questions about how many others might be involved. "The fire on the ninth floor, where crucial files from five key ministries were stored, was deliberately set to cover up these activities," he claimed.
The BNP leader also expressed alarm over the influence of individuals loyal to the "defeated dictatorship" still holding important positions in the country. He accused these individuals of engaging in sabotage attempts, which, he said, were being thwarted by patriots like Nayan, who gave his life to protect the nation and restore stability.
Rizvi also talked about the international community for its support, stating, "Leaders around the world have expressed sympathy for the martyrs and those injured in the fight against Sheikh Hasina's regime and in the pursuit of a new democracy. The only country not offering support is India, which is actively plotting to bring back Sheikh Hasina and prolong her rule."
Among those present at the gathering were 'We Are BNP Family' convener Atiqur Rahman Rumman, member secretary Maksidul Momenin Mithun, Rangpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu, district BNP convener Saiful Islam, and other local BNP leaders.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
