Rizvi burns wife’s Indian saree, urges boycott of Indian products
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for a nationwide boycott of Indian products, condemning the desecration of the Bangladeshi national flag and the attack on the Assistant High Commission in Agartala.
As a symbolic gesture, Rizvi publicly discarded and burned an Indian saree given to him by his wife, urging citizens to reject Indian goods.
The event, held Thursday morning in front of the National Press Club under the banner “Buy Domestic Products and Be Blessed,” aimed to encourage the use of local products over imports from India.
Rizvi criticised India for alleged acts of disrespect toward Bangladesh, saying: "Those who tear down the flag of our country… we will boycott their products. Our mothers, sisters, and wives will no longer buy Indian sarees, soap, or toothpaste. We will plant our own chillies and papayas—we don’t need their goods."
He claimed that India had tried to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty and urged the public to stand firm against any dependence on Indian products.
During his speech, Rizvi symbolically discarded an Indian saree belonging to his wife, Arjuman Ara Begum, stating: "This saree, given by my wife, represents what we will reject. Today, I throw it away in front of you."
The saree was subsequently burned by BNP leaders and activists, accompanied by anti-India slogans and chants of “Boycott Indian Products.”
Rizvi encouraged the public to embrace Bangladeshi goods such as Tangail sarees, Rajshahi silk, and Cumilla khadi.
"Our country is self-reliant. We can produce what we need. Let us invest in our own economy instead of supporting those who disrespect us," he said.
Rizvi accused Indian media and politicians of spreading misinformation about Bangladesh, adding that their actions were damaging bilateral relations. He emphasised that Bangladesh respects the sovereignty of other nations but expects the same in return.
"We will not insult the Indian flag or undermine their independence. However, we will not tolerate disrespect toward our nation either. Boycotting their products is a peaceful yet powerful response."
Reaction to Visa Suspension in Agartala
Rizvi expressed support for the Bangladesh government’s decision to halt visa services at the Agartala Assistant High Commission following the attack on its premises.
"This decision was absolutely correct. Such provocations should not go unanswered," he stated.
Rizvi highlighted Bangladesh’s resilience, referencing its victory in the Liberation War against Pakistan.
"We are a nation of rivers and resilience. We have defeated oppressors before, and we will not bow down to any force. Even if we must eat once a day, we will stand proud and self-sufficient," he declared.
Other BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad and Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, also spoke in support of the boycott campaign.
