BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the detention of prominent photographer and writer Shahidul Alam by Israeli forces at sea.

Speaking at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan during a meeting with leaders of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Rizvi praised Alam’s bravery, saying, “Shahidul Alam was delivering relief goods to Gaza for helpless Palestinians, risking his own life. Even at the moment of detention, he demanded the independence of Palestine. Bangladeshis are heroes. Shahidul Alam is a brave hero.”

Rizvi also commented on BNP Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman’s recent BBC interview, noting that it offered significant insights. “He made no indecent remarks against any political leader. Yet it is shocking how Sheikh Hasina has degraded political culture,” he added.

Highlighting past challenges under the Awami League’s administration, Rizvi said leaders and activists associated with DAB or BNP were denied promotions, overseas travel, and professional opportunities. Doctors aligned with nationalist ideologies faced dismissals.

He cited private statistics showing that around four million patients receive treatment annually in hospitals, while 70 percent of the general public lack access to oxygen services. Rizvi emphasized that, if BNP comes to power, the party will work with DAB to improve healthcare and deliver medical services to people’s doorsteps.

The meeting was chaired by newly elected DAB President Harun-ur-Rashid and moderated by Secretary General Zahirul Islam Shakil. Several DAB and BNP leaders, including Dr. Farhad Halim Donar, Professor Abul Kenal, Dr. Parvez Reza Kakon, Dr. Mehedi Hasan, Dr. Jahidul Kabir, Dr. Mostaq Rahim Swapan, Dr. Masudul Islam Jitu, Dr. Syed Akram Hossain, Dr. Rustom Ali Madhu, and Dr. Nilufar Yasmin, also spoke.

Meanwhile, BNP organizing secretaries held a separate meeting at the Nayapaltan office under Rizvi’s leadership to discuss media strategies and organizational matters. BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Dr. Ziauddin Haider, Special Assistant Dr. Saimum Parvez, and senior party officials attended. Special instructions were issued to enhance the party’s visibility in media and social media platforms.