Condemning a reported plot by a Chhatra League leader to assassinate Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said thugs and hooligans have emerged in society as there has been no opportunity to pursue knowledge and science over the past 15–16 years.
“I read in the newspaper that a Chhatra League leader planned to kill the country’s Chief Adviser. If our education system had truly been built on science, technology, and proper organisation, no young person brought up by a student organisation would ever think of such a plot,” he said.
Speaking at a programme at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Rizvi blamed the Awami League government for destroying the education sector to maintain its hold on power.
“For the past 15–16 years, students have had no chance to pursue knowledge or scientific practice, and as a result, thugs and hooligans are being created. Students are being trained not in learning, but in how to obstruct marches and foil meetings,” he said.
On Behalf of BNP Acting Chairman, ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ organised the event to encourage talented youth, including the researchers at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) who are building a racing car.
Rizvi highlighted that these initiatives reflect the vision of Tarique Rahman, who has always supported the encouragement of young talent.
Rizvi slammed the previous government for focusing on flashy development projects such as metro rail, flyovers, and overpasses while neglecting the education system.
“While they showed us mega projects, they destroyed the backbone of the nation – proper education. Without a strong educational foundation, students could not develop scientific thinking, and student politics became a tool for creating thugs and hooligans,” he said.
The BNP leader said research shows that the quality of education in Bangladesh is still poor, the curriculum is outdated, and infrastructure lags far behind other countries.
“Nearly 40 per cent of both public and private schools lack any modern, technology-based education, and the situation is even worse in rural areas,” he said.
Rizvi urged the media to highlight the achievements of talented youth in science, technology, and innovation.
He praised young researchers building drones and racing cars, saying their work should inspire the entire nation. “If these dreams and talents are nurtured, Bangladesh can become a prosperous and modern country. Difficult tasks can be achieved if we take some risks.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
