BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has labeled the ongoing reform discussions as a political agenda. Speaking at a seminar titled “Independence, Sovereignty, Multi-Party Democracy, and Ziaur Rahman,” organized by the Zia Parishad’s Natore district chapter on Saturday (April 19), Rizvi questioned the government’s intent behind the reform narrative.

He argued that reforms do not happen overnight and typically emerge from parliamentary discussions. Referring to the government’s current eight-month tenure, he suggested that if elections are held this December, only eight months remain, raising the question of how much time is really needed for reform. He stressed that any current reform proposals would need to be passed by the next parliament.

Rizvi further warned that the rhetoric of reform might create confusion among pro-democracy forces, students, and the public, potentially opening the door for authoritarianism. He accused the government of destroying the electoral process, stating that a fair election had been “sent to the museum” by Sheikh Hasina. According to him, if the current administration fails to ensure a transparent electoral process, public trust will further erode.

Also speaking at the seminar was BNP Executive Committee member and former minister Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu, alongside several leaders of the local Zia Parishad.

Rizvi also took aim at India, accusing the neighboring country of beginning a campaign of misinformation and conspiracy against Bangladesh after what he called the “escape” of Hasina. He claimed India once kept Bangladesh under control by backing Sheikh Hasina and is now plotting to reassert that influence.