BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has questioned how former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country and faces allegations of crimes against humanity, could obtain a passport and National Identity Card (NID).

“How can someone who has fled the country and faces allegations of crimes against humanity obtain a passport and NID?” he asked.

He made the remarks as a special guest at the exhibition and evaluation programme of the Rajshahi divisional round of the national science and technology competition titled ‘In Search of Future Scientists 2026’, organised by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), at the auditorium of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura at around 3:30 pm on Tuesday (November 10).

Rizvi said the fall of a fascist prime minister took place in 2024, after which she fled the country. Yet, discussions are now taking place about her applying for a passport and NID. The authorities must explain how a fugitive can receive such facilities, he said.

Referring to remarks by former Law Minister Anisul Huq, Rizvi said that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, restrictions were imposed on broadcasting speeches by Tarique Rahman, the current Prime Minister and BNP leader. Even his speeches delivered in London were not allowed to be broadcast.

At the time, the then Law Minister had said that the speeches of a fugitive could not be broadcast. Rizvi questioned how the issue of providing passport and NID facilities to another fugitive was now being considered.

Referring to Tarique Rahman, Rizvi said he was not a fugitive. He had been physically tortured and was left almost disabled. He left the country for medical treatment. Subsequently, a series of cases were filed against him, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina fled the country in full view of the people, he added.

Rizvi further said the memories of the sacrifices of Abu Sayed, Ahnaf, Mugdha and 1,400 children, adolescents and young people had not yet faded. Justice for crimes against humanity must be ensured in accordance with the country’s laws and Constitution.

He said ensuring that the truth is brought before the people and upholding the rule of law are among the government’s key responsibilities.

The BNP government, led by Tarique Rahman, came to power through a free and fair election, Rizvi said, adding that the election was not like the previous ‘dummy’ or ‘midnight’ elections. It was an inclusive election in which all sides participated, he claimed.

He said the present government would ensure the proper and impartial application of the law. Establishing the law and the courts as the ultimate refuge for the people is one of the government’s objectives. The government would work to uphold democracy and the rule of law, he added.

Praising the students participating in the science competition, Rizvi said the younger generation had tremendous potential in innovation and creativity. Many of them possessed the talent to become future Einsteins and Newtons. One day, these young people would become scientists and bring international recognition to Bangladesh, he said.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku attended the programme as the chief guest, while BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was present as a special guest. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Donar, member of the BNP National Standing Committee and Executive Director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation.

Bogura-6 MP Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogura City Corporation Administrator M. R. Islam Swadhin, and officials and employees of the medical college and hospital were also present.

Students from various educational institutions across the Rajshahi division showcased their science and technology-based projects at the event. Later, prizes were distributed among the winners and certificates were presented to the participants.