Politics
AL wants to ban opposition parties: Dr Moyeen
BNP senior Leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday alleged that the ruling Awami League wants to ban the opposition parties in the country to further consolidate its power.
"The Awami League has exerted control over both the judiciary and parliament in its quest to perpetuate power. They now want to obliterate opposition parties. This is the mentality of Awami League,” he said.
Talking to reporters on the grave site of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Moyeen also said, “The bottom line is that this regime wants to ban the opposition parties in the country since it does not believe in democracy.”
Unlike the Awami League, he claimed that the BNP does politics for the people of the country instead of only going to power. “The movement we have been carrying out for the past one and a half years is only for establishing a government of people in the country. “We’re not greedy for power."
He said their party’s objective is to bring a change in power so that the people of Bangladesh can regain real ownership of the country in their own hands.
Moyeen, a former minister and a BNP standing committee member, said the people of Bangladesh have not given the right to any political party to loot public money, amass wealth and resources and build posh areas and second homes abroad. “Bangladesh has not become independent for that reason."
Earlier, the leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal, led by Moyeen Khan, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave, marking the 44th founding anniversary of the associate body of BNP.
They also offered a mujajat there praying for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul.
About the 12th parliament election, Moyeen asserted that the results were predetermined, with the government preselecting winners for each seat before the January 7 election day. “That's why the people of the country boycotted the election."
He said there is no democracy in this country as the government has usurped power snatching the voting rights of people. “Even, the major international media outlets and magazines are saying that Bakshal-2 has been established in Bangladesh.”
The BNP leader also said the attack on the BNP's 'peaceful' rally on October 28 by the members of the law enforcement agencies was a crackdown on opposition parties by the government.
“This is what the international world media said. Through the crackdown, the government has once again snatched the voting rights of the people of this country. So, the parliament and the government formed (through the January 7 polls) do not represent the people," he observed.
In this transitional period of the country, Dr Moyeen said their party has been carrying out the movement for the restoration of democracy.
The BNP leader said the people liberated the country through a bloody war to establish democracy and the economic emancipation of the poor and to get rid of autocracy and exploitation by the Pakistanis.
“The Awami League government has undermined the main spirit of the country's Liberation War as it erased democracy and snatched the right to vote," he said.
In diminished health, Fakhrul advised to rest at Gulshan residence by BSH specialist
With a fragile health condition and various symptoms of illness, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday visited a doctor at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital (BSH) in Shyamoli.
Professor Shamsul Arefin, a specialist in the gastroenterology department of the hospital, prescribed him the necessary medicines and asked him to receive the treatment staying in his Gulshan residence, said BNP Vice-Chairman Dr AZM Zhaid Hossain.
“The BNP Secretary General was sick while in prison. He has lost nearly 6 kilograms of weight and developed various symptoms,” Zahid said.
He said Fakhrul went to the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital where Professor Shamsul Arefin examined his health condition and provided him with the necessary medication.
“His physical condition is now stable and he is being treated at home. He will have to visit the hospital again next Thursday for follow-up treatment.
Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury were freed from jail on bail after nearly three and a half months of their arrest before the 12th parliamentary election.
Earlier on Wednesday, a Dhaka court granted bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the chief justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year.
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru.
In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to the violence during the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.
AL-govt set a new precedent in usurpation: BNP
BNP senior leader Selima Rahman on Saturday alleged that the government did not stop at humiliating Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, and it has now occupied his business institutions.
“People see their (govt’s) tyranny and how Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus' institutions are being encroached upon. They have humiliated him... Now, his telecom and other institutions have been completely usurped,” she said.
Speaking at a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader also said the tyranny of the current Awami League government is all-pervasive since it has set a new precedent in usurpation.
Selima, a BNP standing committee member, also said the ruling party men are indulging in rape and crimes against humanity.
“You have heard about the (rape) incident at Jahangirnagar University. Newspapers are reporting how women are being oppressed and harassed every day,” she said.
Stating that the women sacrificed a lot during the country’s Liberation War, the BNP leader bemoaned that mothers are now being raped and harassed there in this country. “There is no remedy while irregularities are everywhere.”
Selima said the repressed women and oppressed people don’t get cooperation from people and justice from the judiciary due to the politicization of the state apparatus.
Bangladesh Nagorik Odhikar Andolon organised the rally demanding the unconditional release of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, standing committee member Mirza Abbas and other jailed opposition leaders, and protesting the growing price hikes in daily essential commodities.
Selima said the country’s people are going through a tough time to cope with the skyrocketing prices of all commodities.
She also slammed the government for its inaction to lower the soaring prices of the commodities by controlling the business syndicate.
The BNP leader called upon the people from all walks of life to take to the streets to establish a pro-people government by ousting the current “fascist’ regime.
BNP Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu said Bangladesh's only Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus's building is being occupied by the pro-government people. “He (Muhammad Yunus) himself said he was not getting any cooperation from the police.
He also said the prices of essential items will not go down until the current government remains in power. “I can guarantee that the people of this country will be in danger because of the current fragile economic condition.
The BNP leader said the government is going to destroy the country's economy after ruining the country’s politics, election system and state machinery.
Obaidul Quader labels BNP ‘primary source of extremism’
Awami League General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the primary source of extremism in Bangladesh.
During a press conference held at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Quader today accused the BNP of fostering extremism and engaging in reckless political tactics.
Quader asserted, "Extremism in Bangladesh originated with the BNP. Unlike the BNP, the Awami League engages in responsible discourse, not baseless rhetoric." He likened BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to a "reckless driver," accusing the BNP of aiming to disrupt political stability, a pattern they have historically followed.
Read: Quader suggests BNP make preparations for next election instead of next movement
Highlighting the tragic assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975, Quader blamed General Ziaur Rahman and Khandaker Mostak for initiating the politics of murder and conspiracy in Bangladesh. He criticized the BNP's attempts to shift the blame for such historical atrocities onto the Awami League.
Quader also commented on the BNP's current political strategy, suggesting that their repeated criticisms of the government stem from a lack of substantive issues and are an attempt to rally their base out of frustration and defeatism.
On the issue of the recent tensions along the Myanmar border, Quader emphasized the need for "intelligent diplomacy," noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively pursuing a peaceful resolution under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's guidance. He stressed the importance of monitoring all parties' movements and avoiding conflict.
Read: Awami League names reserved seat MPs
The press conference was attended by Awami League organizing secretaries Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan and Sujit Roy Nandi, office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, and other leaders from both the central and metropolitan units of the Awami League.
BNP activist allegedly beaten to death by AL men in Raozan
An activist of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was allegedly beaten to death by Awami League counterparts in Chattogram's Raozan upazila on Friday.
This incident took place in the Hajipara area of Raozan municipality on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Md Musa, 45, a resident of the area.
Eyewitness said when Musa went to a local mosque to offer Jumma prayers, 10 to 12 youths led by local AL leader Iqbal, attacked him and beat him mercilessly, leaving him unconscious.
Later, he was rescued by the locals and taken to the Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared him dead.
Wishing anonymity to avoid the wrath of the ruling party, an upazila BNP leader said Musa was an active worker of BNP. For the past 15 years, he was out of the area due to threats from Awami League cadres.
“We have come to know that the ruling party is trying to cover up the incident by managing the doctors and the administration to pass off a heart attack as the cause of his death,” he added.
Quoting doctors, Raozan Police Station OC Abdullah Al Haroon said Musa suffered a heart attack during an altercation with his opposition group.
“As we received a complaint from the victim's family, we will look into the matter,” he added.
Quader suggests BNP make preparations for next election instead of next movement
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday advised BNP to prepare for the next general election instead of thinking about the next movement.
He made the suggestion at a joint meeting of the party held at the Awami League central office in the capital this morning.
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Regarding BNP's movement until victory, Quader said Mirza Fakhrul has become overwhelmed with daydreams after getting out of jail.
At the time, the AL leader stated that, “BNP should recognise that the issue of issue-based movement in the country cannot be found while the people's administration is in power.”
Quader anxious to restore party unity ahead of important AL meeting
In his introductory speech at the joint meeting, Quader said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu, has brought great honour to the country by participating in the Security Conference in Germany. Today, the democratic world has unhesitatingly accepted the importance of Bangladesh.”
"The geopolitical position of Bangladesh is fertile ground for many of our enemies. Many falcons have eyes on the Bay of Bengal and St. Martin. However, Sheikh Hasina's government has led to the success of balanced diplomacy", he added.
Bangladesh strengthens its position along Myanmar border: Obaidul Quader
At this time, Quader said that the party president instructed the divisional in-charge to resolve the internal disputes of the party, including the formation of the expired committee.
Newly elected MP Shahiduzzaman Sarker takes oath
Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker (Naogaon-2), a newly elected member of parliament (MP) from the parliamentary constituency-47 (Naogaon-2), took oath on Thursday.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury administered the oath at a ceremony in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Deputy Speaker Md Shamsul Haque Tuku, whips Iqbalur Rahim and Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapon were present at the oath-taking ceremony conducted by Secretary (Sr.) of Parliament Secretariat KM Abdus Salam.
The election to the Naogaon-2 constituency was held on February 12 last.
Earlier, the Election Commission postponed the Naogaon-2 polls following the death of a candidate there before the 12th parliamentary election.
Movement will continue to restore democracy, says Fakhrul after release from jail
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh will continue their peaceful movement for the restoration of democracy and the right to vote until the victory.
"We will continue our peaceful movement until we achieve victory for the people,” he told reporters soon after walking out of jail.
The BNP leader claimed that the government was affected by holding a lopsided election on January 7. “Neither has BNP suffered any loss nor has the movement. We will continue the movement to restore the right to vote,” he said.
Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh have always struggled and fought for democracy and for their right to vote. “Inshallah they (people) will win this struggle.”
Earlier, Fakhrul Islam and the party’s Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury were freed from jail on bail after nearly three and a half months of their arrest before the 12th parliamentary election.
They walked out of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj around 3:35 pm after the bail order reached the jail authorities, said media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
BNP leaders and activists and the relatives of the two top leaders of the party received the duo at the jail gate.
Both Fakhrul and Khasru exchanged greetings with the party leaders and workers at the jail gate by waving their hands.
Amir Khasru said the ruling Awami League has usurped power using the state machinery, but the people of Bangladesh have rejected them. “They have been morally defeated by the people in the election.”
He said the movement for the restoration of democracy will continue. “This will continue until we get back democracy and a government elected by people.”
The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have given a verdict in favour of democracy by boycotting the 12th parliamentary election.
Accusing the government of jailing BNP leaders and activists ahead of the election, he claimed that the morale of all pro-democratic parties, including BNP, is strong enough to carry out the anti-government movement on the streets.
Earlier on Thursday, a Dhaka court granted bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the chief justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petitions.
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru.
In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to the violence during the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan. After a long legal battle, they secured bail from the court in all the cases filed against them, paving the way for their release.
Fakhrul, Khasru freed from jail on bail
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury were freed from jail on bail after nearly three and a half months of their arrest before the 12th parliamentary election.
They walked out of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj around 3:35 pm after the bail order reached the jail authorities, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
He said BNP leaders and activists and the relatives of the two top leaders of the party received the duo at the jail gate.
Read: Fakhrul, Khasru may walk out of jail this afternoon
Getting released from jail, they are going straight to their respective residences with their relatives, said Sayrul.
Earlier on Thursday, a Dhaka court granted bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the chief justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petitions.
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru.
Read: BNP leader Moyeen Khan meets Peter Haas
In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to the violence during the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.
Fakhrul, Khasru may walk out of jail this afternoon
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are anticipated to be released from Keraniganj Central Jail following their lawyers' efforts to withdraw the production warrants against them in all cases.
Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukdar, representing the BNP leaders, have initiated the legal process for the withdrawal of the production warrants. This comes after both leaders obtained bail in all cases, as confirmed by Sairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing, to UNB.
“The necessary legal steps are being taken following the provision that allows for the withdrawal of production warrants issued for the leaders to be presented in court while incarcerated,” the lawyers stated.
Read: Fakhrul, Khasru secure bail; no bar to walk out of jail
Work on withdrawing the production warrants has already begun, with expectations that if completed by noon today, the BNP leaders could be released. The documentation related to the withdrawal is hoped to be finalized by Thursday evening.
Advocate Masud mentioned that 13 production warrants had been issued against Fakhrul, highlighting the legal hurdles faced. However, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin assured that there are no obstacles to their release as bail has been secured in all cases.
The context for the anticipated release follows a Dhaka court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petition.
Read: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru, of vandalism and assault during the rally. In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to violence surrounding the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.