BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that recent unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Durga Puja festival is part of a wider “national and international conspiracy.”

Speaking to reporters in Dhaka’s Paltan area on Wednesday after visiting several Puja pavilions, Rizvi accused political rivals of deliberately fuelling tensions.

“Those who cannot accept the fall of Sheikh Hasina are deliberately creating instability in the hills during Durga Puja,” he said.

He further claimed that efforts were being made to divide the country’s communal harmony for political gain, and alleged that conspiracies were also being orchestrated from neighbouring countries to disrupt the Hindu festival.

However, Rizvi added that both Hindus and Muslims were working together to ensure the celebrations proceeded peacefully. “They have pledged unity to safeguard the festival,” he said.

The BNP leader urged people of all political affiliations to step forward to preserve Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony.

SMS/