DHAKA : BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami themselves reflect a fascist mindset.

“They are accusing others of creating a new fascism, but their own conduct demonstrates fascist tendencies,” Rizvi said while briefing reporters on contemporary political issues at the BNP’s central office in capital's Nayapaltan.

Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said some groups have recently been spreading misinformation and making “bizarre statements” that damage the country’s image.

“They are raising allegations of new fascism. Yet people know that they repeatedly compromised with the old fascist forces and even carried out movements alongside them. BNP has always been at the forefront of democratic struggles, whether during the Ershad era or later periods,” he said.

Rizvi alleged that the opposition also nurtures fascist ideas and that their political behaviour reflects extreme partisanship.

“Fascism is born out of such partisan domination. We have witnessed the consequences of that mentality through their political conduct. Even yesterday we saw attacks on journalists. Such scenes are nothing but another form of fascism,” he said, referring to the reported assault on media personnel.

He said the public would not be misled by what he described as “absurd narratives.”

Speaking about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ongoing visit to China, Rizvi expressed optimism that the trip would help reduce the trade imbalance between Bangladesh and China and open new avenues for investment, infrastructure development and economic cooperation.

“This visit will contribute to narrowing the existing trade deficit. The Prime Minister will take timely and effective initiatives to increase investment and expand economic cooperation,” he said.

He said the government believes the visit will strengthen economic ties and attract greater foreign investment.

“Bangladesh will no longer remain dependent on others. The government’s goal is to build a self-reliant and capable state by strengthening democratic institutions,” he added.

Rizvi also alleged that a particular group is trying to destabilise the country and warned that anti-state activities would not be tolerated under the current government.

Addressing issues related to the rule of law and human rights, he said that incidents of enforced disappearance, crossfire killings and politically motivated cases no longer exist in the country.

“The government is working to protect citizens’ rights and ensure justice. At the same time, judicial proceedings against those responsible for the July massacres are progressing in due course,” he said.

Rizvi said BNP and its leadership have historically played a leading role whenever democracy came under threat.

He said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia dedicated her life to the cause of democracy and alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had continuously spread propaganda against Tarique Rahman.

“Neither Sheikh Hasina nor those who spread such allegations were able to prove the accusations they made against Tarique Rahman. This shows that they repeatedly resorted to falsehoods and propaganda,” he said.

Rizvi argued that spreading misinformation to influence public opinion is a characteristic of fascism, adding that Sheikh Hasina ultimately failed in that effort.

Among others present at the briefing were Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr Zahidul Kabir, former Jubo Dal Assistant Organising Secretary Sohel Rana, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal and Joint Secretary Raju Ahmed.