BNP says Russian foreign ministry comments hurt sentiments of democracy-seeking people

BNP has criticised the statement made by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, regarding Bangladesh, stating that such remarks have hurt the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people who aspire for democracy.

In a statement released to the media on Saturday (25 November), BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed the party's reaction.

On 22 November, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, made a remark via Russian MFA's X (Twitter) handle with an allegation that says, "At the end of October, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas met with a member of the local opposition to discuss plans for organising anti-government rallies."

Zakharova also accused the US Ambassador of "interfering in Bangladesh's internal politics". Her message was also shared on the verified Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in Dhaka.

Criticising Zakharova's statement, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, "The spokesperson's remarks are in conflict with the aspirations and position of the Bangladeshi people for a transparent and participatory election."

In the statement, Rizvi also said the recent observation made by Russia regarding Bangladesh's politics and upcoming national elections is contradictory to the ambition of the general populace, while expecting a positive role from the country in "restoring democracy in Bangladesh".

"Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maria Zakharova's remarks on 22 November 2023, via Russian MFA's Twitter handle, have captured the attention of the people of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

"Zakharova's comments are in stark contradiction to the desires and aspirations of the citizens of Bangladesh for a transparent and inclusive election. The BNP strongly refutes the spread of disinformation," the statement says. 

It further notes, "Given the Awami League's tainted track record in the 2014 and 2018 'farcical elections,' as well as ongoing human rights violations using the state apparatus, the pro-democracy people and major political parties in Bangladesh believe that a transparent and inclusive election under the current regime, led by Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, is a far cry."

It emphasised that the people of Bangladesh and the democratic opposition forces, led by the BNP, have been struggling for over a decade for the restoration of their "stolen voting rights". 

"Presently, our nation's citizens are actively engaged in a peaceful and nonviolent movement for holding a free, fair, participatory, and peaceful election of international standard, under the supervision of an election-time non-partisan government and administration, braving atrocious police persecution and joint operation of the police and the ruling party goons," the statement said. 

Over the last few months, Rizvi said the opposition political parties have organised numerous massive rallies, spontaneously attended by millions, both in the capital Dhaka and divisional headquarters across Bangladesh. 

"The question of aiding such rallies by any foreign diplomat is not only far from true, but a clear fabricated blame on the people's just struggles for democracy, a complaint never raised earlier by any," he observed.

The BNP leader also said Zakharova's statement aligning with "the corrupt autocratic regime" and against the will of the people, itself amounts to "interference in the internal affairs" of Bangladesh, which is unexpected and unfortunate. 

He also said Zakharova's statement has hurt the feelings of the teeming millions, whose close relatives, numbering in thousands, have sacrificed their lives since the onset of this "autocratic regime" in 2009. 

Currently, Rizvi said democratic individuals are on the streets, shedding blood for the values of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom of speech.

"The people of Bangladesh gratefully acknowledge the positive role of the democracy-loving countries and international institutions of the world. The inspirational diplomatic initiatives transcend political affiliations and ideologies, and unite Bangladeshis with the shared objective of reclaiming power for the people," he said. 

However, Rizvi said the pro-democracy citizens do not relish seeing any other country to side with the current "autocratic regime" in Bangladesh.

He said Russia is a long-standing friend of Bangladesh with mutual trade, commerce, and other bilateral interests, and the BNP recognises and acknowledges historical Russian contributions and values the cordial relationship between the citizens of the two nations.

"We hold the expectation that Russia will not go against the will of Bangladeshis. As our nation strives for the restoration of voting rights and fundamental liberties, the support of Russia will be appropriated," Rizvi said.