Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday described former prime minister Sheikh Hasina as ‘the most despicable and hateful fascist in history,’ adding that her rule was marked by repression, corruption, and widespread killings. He made the remarks after visiting a photo exhibition on the July mass uprising and the BNP’s movement over the past 17 years at Gulshan in the capital.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Rizvi stated that while fascists and Nazis around the world had maintained power through brutality, there were key differences between them and Sheikh Hasina. He alleged that Hasina was a bloodthirsty fascist, contrasting her actions with those of historical figures like Hitler and Mussolini, who, despite their atrocities, aimed to strengthen their nations. In contrast, Rizvi accused Hasina of siphoning money abroad, looting banks, and plundering the stock market.

Rizvi emphasized the difference by stating that while Hitler and Mussolini were dreadful killers who loved their countries, Hasina lacked love for Bangladesh, focusing instead on plundering the nation. He claimed her main agenda was to establish her relatives abroad and referred to her as the most despicable and hateful fascist in history. Rizvi further alleged that fascism often emerged through covert political processes and claimed Bangladesh had experienced ‘Awami fascism.’

According to Rizvi, those in power used deception and populist promises to gain office before resorting to violence to maintain their rule. He criticized Hasina for staging dummy elections and claimed that, apart from a few countries, the international community did not support her government, which continued in office by force.

Rizvi also criticized the Indian government for allegedly allowing Hasina to address an event organized by the South Asian Journalists in New Delhi despite being a convicted fugitive. He accused India of a double standard, suggesting that it forgave crimes of those who were ‘India-friendly.’

The BNP leader expressed strong condemnation and protest over India’s conduct and stated that people from different professions who had fought for democracy, freedom of expression, and an independent judiciary would not hesitate to join such movements again to achieve those democratic goals.