Politics
US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (June 5, 2023) alleged that the US visa policy for Bangladesh is the outcome of Awami League’s misrule and mischievous activities.
Speaking at a seminar, he also said that democratic countries are creating various pressures on the current regime to restore democracy as it has destroyed all democratic institutions.
“The USA has imposed sanctions and announced visa policy. It’s a matter of shame for us, not a matter of joy. A country has imposed (visa) restriction on an independent and sovereign country, because of this Awami League government’s misrule, mischievous activities and plundering,” the BNP leader said.
Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
Fakhrul said the Awami League regime has destroyed all the democratic systems, and institutions, including the judiciary, to cling to power by any means.
“They've (govt) politicised the parliament and the administration, dashing the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic state and a democratic society. So, the democratic world is not seeing any other measures rather than imposing restrictions on Bangladesh for the restoration of democracy as the current regime has taken the country to such a bad situation,” he observed.
Fakhrul said they together with people and all democratic forces and parties must carry out the movement to restore democracy, give it an institutional shape and build a democratic free society.
Red more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
“We have to build a democratic country in a true sense through a united movement. We want to take this vow on the occasion of the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman," he added.
BNP arranged the seminar titled 'Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the promoter of multi-party system in Bangladesh' at a city hotel, marking the 42nd death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Professor Kamrul Ahsan of Jahangirnagar University's Philosophy Department read out the keynote paper at the programme, depicting the different good initiatives taken by late President Zia for the development of Bangladesh and the welfare of its people.
Read more: BNP’s plot to boycott election failed for US new visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Fakhrul said the Awami League government has now become completely isolated from the country's people and it has no relation with democracy.
He said the ruling party tries to brand Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established one-party Baksal rule destroying democracy against the will of the people as the greatest democratic leader in the world.
The BNP leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is called by her party followers a daughter of democracy has annulled the caretaker government system unilaterally by force also against the will of people and the all political parties.
Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
He said the country’s people had accepted the caretaker government as a good system for ensuring free, fair and credible national elections in the country, but the Awami League government revoked it to cling to power by force.
“So, we’ve now only one way which is to wake up people as Ziaur Rahman did to liberate the country through the war,” Fakhrul said.
He said their party’s many leaders and activists were killed, repressed, made disappear, arrested and jailed in the ongoing movement for the restoration of democracy. ‘We have to make more sacrifices for the sake of the country and win the struggle to bring back democracy.”
Read more: Kader Siddique calls US visa policy a disgrace for Bangladesh
AL govt has freed the country from lawlessness of BNP rule: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (June 5, 2023) said the Awami League government has established the rule of law in the country, ending the culture of lawlessness that existed during the rule of BNP.
The premier made these remarks when the newly elected leaders of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher briefed reporters after the meeting.
She congratulated the newly elected leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
She said BNP introduced the culture of forced disappearance, killings and lawlessness through the indemnity ordinance proclaimed after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.
Also Read: Plant trees to shield Bangladesh from climate change: PM Hasina
Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, said did not have right to seek and get justice after the assassination of the Father of the Nation. “It was a gross violation of human rights. Today, we’ve been able to free the country from the phenomenon of not getting justice. The Awami League government always believes in justice,” she said.
She said the AL government has made arrangements for people to get justice. “Our government has digitized the judicial system so that people can get justice in a short time without facing sufferings,” she said.
The PM said her government has made it (trial proceedings) virtual during the Corona pandemic so that people can get justice in a short time, staying at home.
Also Read: Volatile global situation likely to worsen further: PM Hasina tells parliament
Noting that the people are suffering due to electricity amid the ongoing heat wave, she said, “We’ve trying out best and taking necessary measures in this regard.”
Hasina said Bangladesh has witnessed impressive development thanks to the continuation of democracy for the last 14 and half years in the country.
She said Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country due to dedicated efforts of the Awami League government. “We’ve been working to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country,” the PM said.
Also Read: PM Hasina slams critics and vows to implement the budget for FY23-24
Law Minister Anisul Huq and AL advisory council member and senior lawyer Yusuf Hossain Humayun were present at the meeting.
Among the newly elected leaders of Supreme Court Bar Association, its President Advocate Md Momtaz Uddin Fakir, Secretary Abdun Noor Dulal, vice presidents Mohammad Ali Azzam and Jesmin Sultana, Treasurer Masud Alam Chowdhury, Sr. assistant secretaries A.B.M. Noor-A-Alam (Uzzal) and Mohammad Harun-ur-Rashid, members Mohiuddin Ahmed (Rudra), Shafique Raihan Shawon, Safayet Hossain (Sajeeb), Delowar Hossain, Mohammad Najmul Huda and Suvas Chandra Das were present.
In March last, pro-Awami League lawyers panel Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad won all the 14 posts of executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the annual election.
Ganatantra Mancha starts road march towards Dinajpur
Ganatantra Mancha on Sunday launched a four-day road march towards Dinajpur from the capital to press home their 14-point demand, including the resignation of the government, dissolution of parliament, and handing over power to an interim government.
The leaders of the Ganatantra Mancha, an alliance of some opposition parties, began the road march in front of the Jatiya Press Club around 10 am after holding a brief rally.
Addressing the rally, Saiful Haque, the coordinator of the alliance and general secretary of Bangladesh-er Biplobi Workers Party, said they would hold rallies in different areas including in Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajganj and Bogura on their way to Dinajpur.
"We hope that there will be no violence and provocation from the government, ruling party and administration. We want to end our road march peacefully,” he said.
Haque said their road march will end through a rally in Rangpur on June 7 and they will announce their next course of action from that rally.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks on the US visa policy exposed her anger and resentment.
“The government has been saying that this visa policy was announced against opposition parties, including BNP. But the through yesterday’s remarks of the Prime Minister it has become clear the US has announced the visa policy as they could understand the government is trying to hold a lopsided farcical election,” Haque observed.
He said the government is endangering Bangladesh with its obstinacy to cling to power by force. “People can’t accept this kind of irresponsible and anti-people government.”
Haque strongly protested the installation of a mural in the newly inaugurated Indian parliament building showing the map of ‘Akhanda Bharat’ or ‘undivided India’ which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
“We’ve not yet seen any protest or condemnation by the Bangladesh government against the mural. This evil effort of India is creating a provocation directly against the independence, sovereignty and national security of the countries of the region. We strongly condemn and protest this," he said.
Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said the Prime Minister through her remark on Saturday has admitted that the US announced a visa policy for Bangladesh as her government arranged the most disgraceful and scandalous elections in 2014 and 2018.
“We would like to say it clearly that this visa policy has undermined the dignity of Bangladesh. This government has belittled us to the whole with the polls in the 2014 and 2018 elections,” he said.
Saki said they want to hold their four-day road march peacefully and warned that the consequences will not be good if the programme is obstructed anywhere.
After the rally, the alliance leaders took out a procession towards Matsya Bhaban and then started their journey in 7-8 microbuses.
BNP’s complaints to foreign countries didn’t yield any results: Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the BNP’s movement has now entered its 15th year and its complaints to foreign countries did not yield any results.
He made the remarks while addressing a commemoration meeting held in Naogaon, marking the 10th death anniversary of AL leader Abdul Jalil.
“They daydream about coming to power every day. Complaining to America and Europe didn’t yield any results. BNP doesn’t have support from the general people,” he said.
Spreading falsehood is their only weapon, said Quader adding they criticize Sheikh Hasina based on falsehood and want to oust her from power.
About the ongoing energy crisis and hike in commodity prices, Quader said the critical global situation is to blame for current hardships.
“The world’s instability caused by sanctions, war, and new conflicts is responsible for the current situation. The increase in fuel and commodity prices is a global problem,” he said.
He praised PM Sheikh Hasina and said, “PM only sleeps 3 hours a day. She dedicates the remaining 21 hours to the nation’s progress. Her focus is on country’s economy and the wellbeing of common people.”
“Her recent Washington visit was to attend a World Bank event, not to log complaints. But Fakhrul can’t stop making false statements about her visit. Lies are their only weapon,” he added.
People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday (June 4, 2023) said the country’s people, not the Prime Minister, will decide whether they will go to the USA or not.
“It is her (PM’s) personal matter whether she will go to any particular country or not. It’s also a matter of their decision whether the 17 crore people of Bangladesh will go to that country or not,” he said.
Talking to reporters after a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said the people of Bangladesh will decide whether they will go to the USA for their personal, business, professional, family and educational purposes.
“The Prime Minister can’t take a decision in this regard,” Khosru, also the chairman of BNP’s foreign affairs committee, observed.
Also read: Japan wants to understand what’s happening in Bangladesh and where it’s headed, BNP says as ambassador meets Fakhrul
Earlier on Saturday (June 3, 2023), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it does not matter at all if someone does not go to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey.
“There are other oceans and other continents in the world and we’ll make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she added.
The PM also said Bangladesh will run on its own feet and the government will build the country. “We will not be dependent on others, who will not give us visas, who will impose sanctions on us.”
Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the Prime Minister is not worried about the US sanctions or visa restrictions but a neutral election.
Read more: BNP’s complaints to foreign countries didn’t yield any results: Quader
“The Prime Minister becomes ill and suffers from headache when any country talks about fair elections under a neutral caretaker government,” he said.
Speaking at a food distribution programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal’s Dhaka south city unit on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office marking party founder’s 42nd death anniversary, Rizvi said the Prime Minister said it matters little if anyone does not go to the USA.
“Then why don't you keep your son in the country? Why do your sons and daughters live abroad? Why did you keep your son in the United States instead of any other friendly country of yours?” he questioned.
He said Sheikh Hasina will not take any steps for holding a fair election and establishing a caretaker government as she considers the country’s people as her enemies.
Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
“If an impartial caretaker government is established, the people of the country will be able to vote freely and fairly. She knows people won’t ‘vote for her party. So, doesn’t want a neutral caretaker government to come,” the BNP leader said.
Japan wants to understand what’s happening in Bangladesh and where it’s headed, BNP says as ambassador meets Fakhrul
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori met BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (June 4, 2023) and discussed Bangladesh’s next general election and the overall political situation.
Talking to reporters after the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, the party’s standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that Japan, like other democratic countries, wants to see a free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh.
Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
“Bangladesh’s relations with Japan expanded significantly since we started the free market economy during the BNP government. That is why they (Japan) want that relation to continue even if the government changes,” he said.
Chowdhury, along with the party’s Organising Secretary Shama Obaid, was present at the meeting. They discussed the overall electoral system of Bangladesh and the current human rights situation, he said.
Like other countries, Japan might have concerns about Bangladesh’s next election, human rights situation, rule of law, press freedom, and people’s security, the BNP leader said. “So, they want to understand what is happening in Bangladesh, what is going to happen in the future, and where is Bangladesh headed?” – he said.
Read more: Movement to restore democracy going towards final stage rapidly: Fakhrul
Chowdhury, also the foreign affairs committee chairman of BNP, said the Japanese envoy talked about his country’s investment in Bangladesh – both in the private and public sectors.
He said they informed Iwama Kiminori about the country’s overall situation, but he declined to elaborate on it.
The BNP leader said many countries are concerned about the investment atmosphere and the future of Bangladesh. “The situation we’re going through now has created apprehension among countries. So, they’re trying to understand how Bangladesh will be in the future and how the election will be.”
Read more: ‘We’re taking plan according to road map prepared for national election,’ CEC tells Japanese Envoy
Asked whether Japan will play any role in ensuring a peaceful and fair election in Bangladesh, Chowdhury said the democratic countries have already expressed their goodwill regarding the elections in Bangladesh. “Japan is no different. Everyone wants a free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh.”
He said the new Japanese ambassador has paid a courtesy call on the BNP secretary general. Stating that Bangladesh-Japan friendship is time-tested, the BNP leader said bilaterally, friendly relationship with Japan is above all.
Read more: Japan eyes broader ties with Bangladesh under strategic partnership: Ambassador Kiminori
Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the new visa policy announced by the USA for Bangladesh is disgraceful for the nation as it has revealed to the entire world that there is no democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the country.
"They (govt) have become unnerved (by the US visa policy). They’re trying to say it's not their problem. Then, why did the visa policy come…the visa policy that the United States has announced is not graceful for us as a nation," he said.
Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader said the ruling party has created such a situation in the country that the US was forced to announce the visa policy saying that action will be taken against those who - politicians, bureaucrats, law enforcers and judges - create obstacles to the free and fair election.
“This means it is clear not only to the people of the country but also to the whole world that there is no democracy, human rights, the rule of law in Bangladesh,” he observed.
The BNP leader said good sense still did not prevail upon the government as it is trying to implicate the opposition leaders and activists in ‘false and ghost’ cases and arresting and jailing them.
Movement to restore democracy going towards final stage rapidly: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party’s ongoing movement to oust the government is going towards the final stage at a rapid pace.
Speaking at a discussion, he also said their movement has already gained success as the global community is now advocating for a credible election and the restoration of democracy and the voting rights of people.
"The movement that the people of Bangladesh have started for the last few years to bring back democracy is going towards its final stage at a fast pace,” the BNP leader said.
He said, “17 people have already sacrificed their blood on the streets while lakhs of people have been falsely implicated in false cases and many others have been subjected to enforced disappearance and killing, but people have continued their struggle for democracy.”
BNP arranged the discussion-cum book fair and photo exhibition at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) marking the 42nd death anniversary of party founder Ziaur Rahman.
Fakhrul said the country’s people have stood up responding to BNP’s call for a united movement to restore democracy and people’s voting rights.
“All political parties, all organisations, all democratic people must get united and take the movement to its final stage. Let us all unite and move towards our ultimate goal of restoring democracy and democratic state system and protecting the right to vote,” he said.
The BNP leader said it is now recognised globally that the elections held in 2014 and 2018 were completely flawed and rigged where people could not express their opinions through ballots. "It is proof of how successful our movement is. The global community is now talking about ensuring a fair election and people’s right to franchise.”
He said their party wants a credible and neutral election, but it will not be possible to hold such polls if the current Awami League government stays in power.
Fakhrul said the government must step down immediately and dissolve parliament by handing over power to an impartial caretaker government, paving the way for holding a free and fair and free election. “That is the only way to overcome this crisis and save the nation.”
BNP’s associate bodies to hold rallies with youths in six districts
Three BNP associate bodies--Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechchasebak Dal-- will hold six rallies in different cities and districts, including the capital to drum up the young generation’s support for their 10-point demand, including holding the next polls under a caretaker government.
The top leaders of the organisations came up with the announcement at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday.
Speaking at the press conferenceJubo Dal President Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said they will arrange the rallies with youth to save the country with the slogan “Let the young generation vote, fight for votes'.
He said the first rally will be held in Chattogram either on June 10 or 11.
Besides, Tuku said similar rallies will also be held in Bogura on June 17, in Khulna on July 7, in Barishal on July 15, in Sylhet on July 22 and in Dhaka on July 29.
The Jubo Dal president said they have taken the program to unite the youth on the streets to restore democracy and the voting rights of people in the country.
He said they want to turn Bangladesh into a democratic, prosperous and livable country by ensuring justice, the rule of law and human rights.
Tuku said the young generation will send out a clear message to the government that they no longer want to see it in power by taking part in the rallies.
Unrealistic budget won’t help overcome economic crisis: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday (June 2, 2023) termed the proposed national budget of Bangladesh for the next fiscal year (2023-24) unrealistic and said it will not help overcome a dire economic crisis the country is facing now.
“The government is saying an excellent budget has been placed which would bring about change. Our controlled media are saying the budget can’t bring any relief to people. They (govt) have completely failed to place a budget that can help get out of terrible economic crisis amid the growing price hikes in essentials,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said it is a vague budget where there is no clear indication of how and from where the money will come and how the growth will be achieved. “That is why economists are saying the budget is devoid of reality.”
Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, a body of pro-BNP professionals, arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 42nd death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Read more: Budget not based on IMF conditions: Finance Minister
Earlier on Thursday, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presented a Tk7,61,785 crore proposed national budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year in the national parliament with 7.5 percent GDP growth.
Fakhrul said the government has widened the tax net to exploit the common people. “Even if you want to beg, you have to have a TIN number now...those who are exempted from income tax will also have to pay income tax of Tk2000.”
He said the government is taking mega projects for plundering by cutting the pockets of the common people.
The BNP leader said ordinary people are suffering seriously as they cannot afford daily necessities due to abnormal price hikes.
Read more: CPD dismisses budget's projections on growth, inflation, revenue collection
He said the prices of rice, pulses, oil, salt, onion and ginger have already gone beyond the buying capacity of common people.
The BNP leader said the current government can no longer be kept in power as it is ruining the future of the nation every day and every moment. “It (govt) is also destroying our potential and dignity. That's why we all need to be united.”
Fakhrul said their party wants a free, fair and neutral election under a non-party caretaker government to restore people’s voting rights and democracy.
“From past experiences, we can say the election will never be fair under Awami League without a neutral caretaker government, “he said.
Read more: Budget 2023-24: Govt allocates Tk88,162 crore in education sector, up 8.2%
The BNP leader urged the government to quit power with dignity before time runs out fast.
“Enough is enough, please now go away without hurting the people, Resign by handing over power to a caretaker government. Otherwise, the country’s people know very well how to unset you,” he said pointing at the government of Bangladesh.