United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Amanullah Aman on Tuesday urged people to hand over what he described as fugitive “fascists” and those allegedly conspiring against the country to law enforcement agencies if they are found anywhere. “As the country is moving towards development, a planned conspiracy by the fascists has begun. Wherever you see or find the fugitive fascists who are hatching conspiracies, hand them over to the law enforcement agencies,” he said. Aman, however, cautioned against taking the law into their own hands. He was speaking at a rally and procession organised by the Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal in protest against “planned violence to destabilise the country” in front of the BNP’s central office at Nayapaltan. The BNP leader said those who had fled the country are now saying they will return home. “But history shows that no fugitive fascist has ever been able to return. They too will never be able to return,” he said. He said BNP will remain on the streets and its leaders and activists are engaged in serving the people. “The Prime Minister has said that every leader and activist of BNP’s affiliated and associate organisations must remain like vigilant sentinels in every field and locality, village and town, neighbourhood, ward, union and police station across Bangladesh so that no one can attack democracy or deliberately create anarchy,” Aman said. He said those who had killed thousands of students and members of the public have no place in Bangladesh. “So, everyone must remain united and work together in unison,” he said. The BNP leader said an “unethical vote thief” who had allegedly become prime minister through an election in which votes were cast at night had remained in power like a “huge boulder”, and the people did not accept that government. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has restored human rights that had been trampled on and has created an environment where people could speak freely. "Tarique Rahman has opened it up today and given all parties the right to speak,” he said. The BNP leader urged party leaders and activists to follow the Prime Minister’s resolve, patience and love for the country.

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Tuesday said those involved in acts of sabotage to destabilise the country will be dealt with legally, ruling out street confrontation in the name of political activities. “We will not engage in street clashes in the name of politically confronting them, as was done in the past. They will be dealt with legally,” he said while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at their graves at Zia Udyan in the capital, marking the 33rd founding anniversary of Zia Mancha. Gayeshwar, along with leaders and activists of the organisation, offered prayers and laid floral tributes at the graves. He said BNP leaders and activists at all levels remain alert, on behalf of the country’s people, to resist such activities. Referring to August 5, 2024, the BNP leader said fascism has gone, and its leadership has gone. “But many people who carry the characteristics of fascism remain in Bangladesh.” He said people are occasionally seeing signs of such activities, including flash processions in different places in the early morning and incidents involving the explosion of crude bombs, which have caused concern among people across the country. “We, the nationalist forces, and our leaders and activists at all levels have remained alert on behalf of the people. Under no circumstances will we allow a situation to be created in Bangladesh that disrupts democracy,” Gayeshwar said. He said the government will also take a firm stance to ensure the security of people and their property. “This is not about protecting BNP leaders and activists. Those who are working secretly in various ways and engaging in acts of sabotage as accomplices of fascism have to be restrained by the administration, brought under the law and brought to justice, and the safety of the people must be ensured,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Monday alleged that violence is increasing as the BNP government is seeking to establish control across the country through what he described as a ‘fascist’ approach. “After coming to power, BNP is shamelessly taking control and authority through syndicates in metropolitan areas, districts, upazilas, unions and villages, conspiring to bring the entire country under their grip through a fascist approach. That is why violence is increasing in the country,” he said. Porwar made these remarks at an emergency briefing on the deteriorating law and order situation at Jamaat’s central office at the Moghbazar area in the capital. He alleged that the law and order situation had deteriorated sharply during the government’s seven months in office, while the Home Minister remained silent despite concerns raised by political parties and civil society. “Government party leaders and ministers are patronising all crimes,” he alleged, adding that criminals were getting opportunities because they were receiving signals from the higher levels of the government. Porwar alleged that government supporters were creating unrest over issues including fertiliser distribution, allowances for imams and khatibs and distribution of farmers’ family cards. He also alleged political bias in the recruitment of primary school teachers, claiming that candidates affiliated with Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal were being selected while others were being denied appointment letters in the name of verification. He claimed the process was aimed at appointing people affiliated with the BNP as polling and presiding officers in the next election. Porwar also accused reserved women MPs of interfering in the activities of elected MPs, alleging that development allocations were being made through their DO letters by rejecting those issued by elected lawmakers. Referring to recent incidents, he mentioned the reported attack and vandalism at Radda health centre in Mirpur and an attack on content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio in the ECB area. Porwar demanded the immediate arrest and speedy trial of those involved in the attacks and their patrons and ensuring an impartial investigation to examine the role of the local administration and law enforcement agencies during the incident.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan on Monday said genuine leaders and activists of BNP and its various affiliated organisations are not involved in extortion, violence, land grabbing or any kind of wrongdoing. “We, who worked with Shaheed Zia, worked with Begum Khaleda Zia and are now working with Tarique Rahman, can say with our hands on our hearts that we have never been involved in any wrongdoing, injustice, extortion or land grabbing,” he said. “Our working-class people are not involved either. The genuine leaders and activists of BNP’s various affiliated organisations are not involved in such activities,” he added. Nazrul was speaking at a protest rally organised by  Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital in the afternoon. He said a genuine activist of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia or Tarique Rahman cannot be a criminal, extortionist, land grabber or terrorist. “If anyone is involved in such activities, he is not BNP. He is not an activist of Shaheed Zia, not a worker of Khaleda Zia and not a worker of Tarique Rahman,” he said. “If anyone gets an opportunity to criticise BNP because of the activities of a few individuals, we will demand that the government take strict action against those involved in such activities,” Nazrul said. He said those conspiring against the country and the government are already active while those rejected by the people would naturally try to increase people’s suffering. “Those whom the people rejected in the election may also be dissatisfied. But the ordinary people of this country have given our young leader Tarique Rahman an opportunity to work for the country,” he said. “Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly. They want to give Prime Minister Tarique Rahman an opportunity. He is trying. Let us see whether, by the grace of Allah, he succeeds,” Nazrul said. He said the people would not like anyone to create obstacles to Tarique Rahman’s efforts to succeed. “It has only been six to seven months. We have elected a government for five years. Only one-tenth of its term has passed. Is it already time to judge whether this government has succeeded or failed? The time has not yet come to make such a judgment,” he said. Central leaders of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, leaders of its Dhaka city north and south units, leaders of various thanas and wards under the two city units, and leaders of different trade unions were present at the rally.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Monday said restoring law and order in the country would not be possible as long as Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed remains in office as he has “failed to fulfill his responsibilities”. “We believe he has already failed. If a person has failed, he cannot and should not remain in charge,” Nahid said at a press briefing following a meeting at the party office in the capital. He said the Home Minister should step down to set an example of accountability within the government. “We have already seen a few reshuffles in the cabinet. So, now he should be removed. An example needs to be set that if someone fails in their duties, they must step down and make way for a successor,” he said. “This will send a message to everyone including the government officials working under him,” he added. Nahid accused the government of failing to rein in its party activists. Referring to the recent demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur and the attack on content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio, he said the incidents reflected the deteriorating law and order situation. He alleged that law enforcement agencies remained inactive during the attacks, raising questions about the government's ability to ensure public safety. “The government had promised that the law and order situation would improve after an elected government came to power. But the situation has deteriorated further,” he said. The NCP leader also accused the government of politicising public recruitment, citing the exclusion of candidates from the primary school teacher recruitment process following police verification. He said qualified candidates should not be disqualified without specific evidence of their involvement in criminal or anti-state activities. Nahid said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent address to the United Nations General Assembly had failed to reflect the expectations and concerns of Bangladeshi people. He said the prime minister missed an opportunity to highlight key national concerns including the ongoing energy crisis, border killings, push-ins from India, the Rohingya crisis and the implementation of the Teesta project. On constitutional reforms, Nahid rejected the government's initiative to form a parliamentary committee to amend the Constitution, arguing that fundamental reforms could not be achieved through the regular amendment process. He called for the immediate convening of the Constitution Reform Council to implement the July National Charter, warning that the NCP would continue its programmes and move towards tougher action if the government fails to do so. Nahid also expressed concern over the proposed Cyber Security Act, alleging that it could curtail freedom of expression and be used to suppress criticism of the government. On the upcoming local government elections, he said the NCP would contest independently and support candidates committed to combating extortion, terrorism and land grabbing. Senior party leaders Akhter Hossen, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Nasiruddin Patwari, among others, were also present at the meeting.

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad on Monday inspected preparations for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Feni, including the venue of a proposed roadside public meeting. The state minister visited Kheya Ghat in Parshuram upazila, areas along the Muhuri River and the proposed meeting venue. During the visit, he discussed the overall preparations with officials concerned. Forhad said people in Parshuram and adjoining areas of Feni are enthusiastic about the Prime Minister’s visit. “All departments concerned are working in coordination to ensure that the Prime Minister’s visit is completed smoothly, safely and successfully,” he said. The state minister also highlighted the importance of the Muhuri-Kahua flood control and drainage project, undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources to address long-standing problems of flooding, waterlogging and river erosion in the river basin. “Once the project is implemented, it will bring positive changes to the livelihoods, agriculture, business and overall socioeconomic activities of people living across the riverbank areas. At the same time, people’s lives and properties and agricultural land will be better protected from flood damage,” he said. The approved cost of the project is Tk 1,542 crore, according to recent reports. Forhad instructed officials to give the highest priority to quality, environmental considerations and the interests of local people in implementing the project. He also stressed the importance of sustainable water management while taking into account the views and needs of local residents. Later, the state minister exchanged views with local journalists and said the Prime Minister’s visit would be significant for the people of Feni. He said implementation of the Muhuri-Kahua flood control and drainage project could help address the long-standing problems of flooding and waterlogging. “This will create opportunities to bring greater stability to agricultural production, transport and communications, local businesses and trade, and people’s normal lives,” Forhad said. “We want to permanently protect the people of Feni from the suffering caused by flooding and waterlogging. The Ministry of Water Resources is implementing necessary plans and activities to achieve this goal,” he said. “We hope the Prime Minister’s visit will further accelerate water management and development activities in this region,” he added. Feni-1 MP Munshi Rafiqul Alam, Feni-2 MP Joynal Abdin, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Mahbubul Karim and officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, among others, were present during the visit.

Six aspirants including two from BNP and one from Jamaat-e-Islami filed nomination papers to run the Thakurgaon-1 parliamentary by-election slated for October 29. They submitted their nomination papers within the deadline that expired on Sunday (5:00pm), according to a factsheet sent by returning officer and Thakurgaon district election officer Md Kamrul Islam to the Election Commission Secretariat. The Thakurgaon-1 constituency fell vacant after Mirza Fakhrul Islam was elected the country’s 23rd president. The two BNP nominated aspirants are Mirza Faysal Amin, younger brother of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Obaidullah Masum and Jamaat nominated aspirant is Delowar Hossain. Three other aspirants are Md Khademul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Md Abdul Aleem Nizami of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan and Hussain Muhammad Omar Faruque of Bangladesh Congress. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Sept 29, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is Oct 7. The voting in the parliamentary constituency will be held from 8am to 4pm on Oct 29. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the upcoming Thakurgaon-1 parliamentary by-election will be held in a praiseworthy manner, like the February-12 national election. “Insha'Allah, I can guarantee that just as we conducted the 13th parliamentary election— which earned acclamation both at home and abroad— you will similarly appreciate the way this one (by-election) is held,” he said. The CEC made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the monitoring cell set up at Nirbachan Bhaban to monitor the Thakurgaon-1 by-election in real time from the capital. He said all necessary measures have been taken to arrange Thakurgaon-1 by-polls in a fair manner and an adequate number of law enforcement personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order in the parliamentary by-election. The CEC said the monitoring cell will work for the Thakurgaon-1 by-election in exactly the same way as it did during the 13th parliamentary election. “We will monitor it centrally so that we can intervene in the right manner at the right time,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Sunday condemned the demolition of a health centre in Mirpur and the vandalisation of content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. “Attacking a healthcare centre dedicated to public health and demolishing it to take possession is a reprehensible act of land grabbing,” he said in a statement, referring to the attack on the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1. Porwar alleged that BNP activists backed by a female lawmaker attacked the centre on the night of September 25, tied up its security guards, vandalised and looted the premises before demolishing the facility and putting up a signboard to claim possession of it. He demanded the arrest of all those involved, including the alleged mastermind, and urged the government to compensate for the damage, rebuild the centre and provide necessary medical equipment to restore healthcare services. The Jamaat leader also condemned the attack on Salman Muqtadir’s studio at New Greeny Properties in the ECB Chattor area on Saturday night. He claimed BNP activists armed with machetes and axes stormed the studio, vandalised equipment and looted valuable belongings. Citing media reports, Porwar said the attack was allegedly linked to a land dispute between two groups. He demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible for the attack on the content creator’s studio. Porwar also condemned an attack on Islami Bank Specialized and General Hospital in Naya Paltan, where BNP activists allegedly vandalised the facility and assaulted staff members. He alleged that the attackers smashed glass panels and CCTV cameras and beat reception staff. Expressing concern over the incidents, Porwar said the country's law and order situation had deteriorated severely, with attacks on healthcare facilities and private establishments creating insecurity. He accused BNP activists of engaging in violence, extortion and land grabbing, while questioning the administration's role in preventing such incidents, particularly the attack on the Radda centre. Porwar urged the authorities to take strict action against those responsible and ensure the security of healthcare facilities, private establishments and citizens' property.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the upcoming Thakurgaon-1 parliamentary by-election will be held in a praiseworthy manner, like the February-12 national election. “Insha'Allah, I can guarantee that just as we conducted the 13th parliamentary election— which earned acclamation both at home and abroad— you will similarly appreciate the way this one (by-election) is held,” he said. The CEC made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the monitoring cell set up at Nirbachan Bhaban to monitor the Thakurgaon-1 by-election in real time from the capital. He said all necessary measures have been taken to arrange Thakurgaon-1 by-polls in a fair manner, which is scheduled to be held on November 29 next. Nasir Uddin said an adequate number of law enforcement personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order in the parliamentary by-election. He said the monitoring cell will work for the Thakurgaon-1 by-election in exactly the same way as it did during the 13th parliamentary election. “We will monitor it centrally so that we can intervene in the right manner at the right time,” he added. The CEC said the overall environment in the election field  is currently very good. According to the election schedule announced by the EC, the deadline for submission of nomination papers expired on Sunday afternoon (5pm) in the by-election. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Sept 29, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is Oct 7, and voting will be held on Oct 29 from 8am to 4pm. Meanwhile, the EC held a meeting with representatives of law enforcement agencies at Nirbachan Bhaban on Sunday afternoon ahead of the by-election. Other election commissioners attended the meeting chaired by CEC AMM Nasir Uddin. Asked about the meeting, the CEC said an adequate number of law enforcement personnel would remain deployed in the field to keep the law and order situation fully under control during the election.      

National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack, vandalism and looting at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in the capital’s Mirpur area and called for a neutral investigation into the incident. He visited the health centre around noon with party leaders and activists, inspecting the sections damaged in the vandalism and looting. Asif spoke with patients who were still receiving treatment at the facility and demanded that the damaged centre be rebuilt and health services restored as soon as possible. During the visit, NCP activists removed a signboard of a shopkeepers' co-operatives society, which was put up in front of the centre. Speaking after the inspection, Asif said the facility had long been providing essential maternal and child healthcare services, including vaccination. “Such destruction of a healthcare facility is completely unacceptable,” he said. He said medicines, vaccines, injections and medical equipment were also looted from the centre. The NCP leader alleged that the incident was not isolated and involved a BNP lawmaker, a city corporation administrator and local police, describing it as an “organised crime” and “state-sponsored looting.” He further alleged that police were present at the scene when the vandalism began but left the spot, returning only after the incident ended. Asif demanded action against those involved in the attack as well as those accused of negligence of duty. He said the Radda clinic will not be allowed to be grabbed, adding that health workers will try to keep maternal and child healthcare services running even amid the debris.