Restoring Voting Rights Is the Nation’s Aspiration: Rizvi

“This is the right we’ve been fighting to reclaim for the last 15–16 years,” he said, speaking at a discussion and cultural event organised by Sathi Swajan at the Sanskriti Bikash Kendra in Dhaka to mark Pahela Baishakh. “We are advancing toward that goal, but further delay is unacceptable.”

Rizvi accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of dismantling democratic institutions and establishing one-party authoritarian rule by denying the people their right to vote.

He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have long resisted these authoritarian moves with pride rooted in their cultural and historical identity. “Our resistance has led to victory, and now that victory must be cemented through democratic means,” he said. “That’s why, on this New Year, the people’s demand is clear: restore voting rights without delay.”

Criticizing efforts to link voting rights with reform, Rizvi said, “Democracy is reform—it is a continuous, flowing process, not something to be held hostage by so-called structural changes.”

He also accused the government of allowing foreign cultural influences to distort national traditions, citing examples from the Mongol Shobhajatra and alleged misrepresentation of BNP leaders and religious communities.

Referring to the August 5 mass protest, Rizvi said it was not only a political victory but also a stand against broader cultural and economic domination. “We didn’t just challenge an autocrat; we challenged an entire oppressive system—and we prevailed,” he asserted.

Among others present at the event were National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Nurul Islam, poet Rezabuddaula Starlin, BNP Executive Committee Member Mahbubur Rahman, and leaders from Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal.