The BNP-led government is working to rebuild Bangladesh while standing on the “ruins” left behind by disappearances, killings, anarchy and massive corruption, said BNP Standing Committee Member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed.

He made the remarks at a press conference held on Monday (August 17) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon to mark 180 days since the current government assumed office.

Rizvi said, “A government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party or its alliance has been established, standing on the ruins, and is working to build the country.”

Highlighting the situation inherited from the previous government, Rizvi said its legacy could not be rebuilt overnight. Referring to the disappearance of Tk 850 crore from Bangladesh Bank and its transfer to casinos in the Philippines, he said one bank after another was looted. He alleged that mega projects had been used for “mega looting and mega corruption.”

“We heard stories of fairy tales, but during the previous regime, those stories became extremely real and true,” he said.

Rizvi further said the country was surrounded by a grim atmosphere of anarchy and disorder. There was no certainty about who might be picked up or disappear at any moment. He alleged that politically motivated extrajudicial killings had also become a regular occurrence.

According to Rizvi, bodies could be found every day beside canals, rivers or ponds if anyone expressed an opinion contrary to the government. He also alleged that a former lawmaker was beaten to death inside a boat.

“We achieved the change of August 5 through a massive movement amid the deep darkness of this anarchy,” he said.

Speaking about the current government’s development initiatives, Rizvi said the government assumed power through a free and fair election and is now running the state. He said Tarique Rahman began implementing his election pledges from the second day after assuming office.

He said initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, canal excavation and tree plantation are being implemented as part of those commitments. Although disasters and various international developments have created some obstacles to the pace of development, the government continues to work for the people’s comfort and welfare, he said.

Rizvi added that efforts are underway to fulfill the government’s commitments in every sector, including social protection, infrastructure development, agriculture, education and healthcare.