BNP expels thousands of partymen over unlawful activities: Rizvi

BNP on Friday reassured its position against any form of 'mischief' and 'unlawful' activities saying that the party had already punished four to five thousand partymen.

"Some individuals, who are making mischiefs, creating panic among people using our party name, we are taking action against them. The acting chairman is closely monitoring and taking swift action if anyone found involved in any form of wrongdoing," said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

The BNP leader said that four to five thousand leaders and activists have been expelled recently for their involvement in wrongdoings and activities that tarnished the party's image.

He highlighted some recent incidents and announced party action against unruly party activists.

Rizvi was speaking at an emergency news conference held at the party's headquarter in Dhaka in the backdrop of growing allegations of mischief and internal clashes in different stages across the country. These decisions have been taken in light of the 'zero tolerance' policy. In particular, in the case of an attack on women by a Jubo Dal leader in Banani, the person involved was expelled immediately after the incident.

Stating that BNP has never condoned mafia rule or terrorism, Rizvi said that strict steps are being taken to maintain the party's structural reforms and discipline, there is no compromise on this.

Meanwhile, in response to journalists, he said that talking about throwing away the constitution does not make it null and void.

Earlier on Thursday, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam in a Nilphamari meeting demanded the 'throwing away of the current constitution.' The BNP leader said that amending the constitution by adding and subtracting is a democratic continuity. "It is not possible if someone talks about throwing away the constitution," he added.

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