Politics
Shamim Osman wants new structure naming it "6-point" building in Narayanganj
Ruling party MP from Narayanganj AKM Shamim Osman on Sunday demanded authorities construct a new building at the Zia Hall land of Chashara in Narayanganj and name it as the "6-point" building.
Osman made this demand in a supplementary question during a question-and-answer session.
Drawing the attention of the prime minister and senior leaders of the Awami League, Osman said that the father of the nation went to Narayanganj as part of his campaign and announced six points there.
“It was a field called Balur Math. He (Bangabandhu) was arrested after holding a rally regarding six points there," he said.
He said that when Ziaur Rahman came to power and built an auditorium named Narayanganj Milanaytan.
“When Khaleda Zia came to power she renamed it as Zia Hall,” he added.
He said that this place is under the Deputy Commissioner. The people of Narayanganj claimed that the footprints of the father of the nation were there.
“The 6 points were the charter of our independence,” he added.
Osman drew the attention of the minister and said that there should be a building there in Narayanganj under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, and that building should be named as the "6-point" building.
Local Government Minister M Tajul Islam said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the founder of Bangladesh and he dreamed of a developed Bangladesh.
“All the places where the memories of Bangabandhu remain are touching and dignified to all of us. As a political worker, as a soldier of the ideals of the father of the nation, if we see the slightest disrespect to Bangandhu anywhere, the whole nation will not tolerate it.”
“I will collect all the information about the matter...necessary steps must be taken quickly for uplifting the status of Bangabandhu in that area,” he said.
Farroque sees it all through context of AL-style crony capitalism
BNP chairperson's Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Saturday alleged that the government itself keeps active a business syndicate which is pushing up the prices of essential commodities, as part of their crony capitalist modelFarr
"Alas, Awami League... they speak with arrogance... they have no shame. They talk about controlling hikes in commodity prices, but they also create a syndicate undercover,” he said.
Speaking at a human chain programme, the BNP leader also said the government gets a share of the money the business syndicate makes by increasing the prices of essential items.
“With that money from syndicate, you ((AL leaders) will build houses in Malaysia, Canada, Bangkok and Singapore and do business while the poor people of Bangladesh can’t buy and eat an egg and a kilogram of meat, let alone a kg. But they (govt) show arrogance,” he said.
'Swadhinta Odhikar Andolon’ arranged the human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other arrested opposition leaders and workers.
Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said those who cannot prevent the rise in commodity prices and make people sleep peacefully at home, and those who are looting crores of taka in the name of mega projects and in the name of development should be ashamed of themselves.
“You (AL leaders) should keep your mouth shut… you should resign immediately. Because this is not a government of the people and it’s not formed by the votes of people,” he observed.
Farroque asked the ruling party leaders not to make comments belittling the BNP since the ground is also slipping from beneath AL's feet.
"Don't think we’re weak. We’re strong as we’re honest and we have run the government with integrity in the past,” he said.
Farroque said though their party leaders and workers are going through a tough time, they will continue the ongoing movement together with people to ensure the fall of the government.
BNP slams Russian ambassdor's remarks on Jan 7 election
BNP on Friday termed unexpected the statement of Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy on the 12th parliamentary election as the party thinks it has hurt the democratic sentiment of the people of Bangladesh.
In a statement, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, called upon Russia to show due respect to the aspirations and democratic values of the people of Bangladesh.
“We have noticed that Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantitsky described BNP’s statement on Russia’s role in the 12th parliamentary election as false and misleading. He also claimed that the people of Bangladesh elected the (current) government as 41.8 percent people cast their votes in the election and most of them voted for the Awami League,” the statement read.
Read: BNP to continue protests despite threats: Zainul Abedin Farroque
Protesting the remarks of the Russian envoy, the party said, “We would like to say his (Ambassador's) unwarranted, unacceptable and pro-Awami statement has hurt the democratic sentiment of the people of Bangladesh.”
It said all Bangladeshi citizens who are not involved in the politics of Awami League have lost their rights and freedom, and become subjugated in their own country. “People from all walks of life have been subjected to discrimination, injustice and oppression due to the corruption, misrule and criminal activities perpetrated by the anti-people Awami League regime over the last 15 years.”
The statement said the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh and the democratic world are identical. “That common goal is to ensure democracy, good governance, human rights and prosperity in Bangladesh through an elected and accountable government.”
Read: BNP denounces move to double monthly rent for prepaid gas meters
The party said the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh expect that Russia, India, China, or any other country will not unduly support the misrule of the anti-mass and fascist Sheikh Hasina government by standing against the strong will of the people.
Recalling the long-standing cordial relations between Bangladesh and Russia, the statement said, "BNP believes that long-term diplomatic success lies in building bridges of friendship between the peoples of the two countries. That’s why the BNP urges Russia to show proper respect to the aspirations and interests of the people of Bangladesh, including their democratic values, determination for independence and great sacrifices.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky said the BNP’s allegation regarding the role of Russia in forming the new government of Awami League was ‘misleading or false’.
Read: Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar
Talking to reporters after a call on Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, he also said no one should believe the statement in which the opposition party alleged that the current government is not the government of the people of Bangladesh, but of India, China and Russia.
In the statement, the BNP said the 12th election was not held to establish the voting rights of the people and reflect their aspirations.
The party claimed that a farcical dummy election was held on January 7 to deceive the nation and to help prolong the illegal power of the unconstitutional, fascist and authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina and institutions and individuals loyal to her.
Justifying their position on the election, the BNP mentioned that various democratic countries, seven renowned international organizations and various foreign observers said the election was not fair and free.
“Since the one-sided election on January 7 was not free, fair and impartial, holding a new and meaningful election is now a mass demand of the people of Bangladesh. So, BNP has been carrying out a simultaneous movement with all pro-democracy political parties to restore the people's snatched voting rights through simultaneous movement with all pro-democracy political parties,” said the statement.
BNP to continue protests despite threats: Zainul Abedin Farroque
BNP chairperson's Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Thursday said the country’s people will give a befitting reply to the current Awami League government through a street movement as it has been in power without mandates of voters.
"You (AL) have destroyed democracy. You arranged a dummy election without voting on January 7. You issued many threats even before the election, and you're threatening us again,” he said.
Speaking at a human chain programme, Farroque said their party together with the like-minded opposition parties will continue their street agitation until the restoration of people’s rights to vote.
“You (govt) won’t be able to subdue the BNP and keep our leaders and activists confined to their homes with repressive acts and implicating them in cases,” he said.
The BNP leader said that they will intensify the movement to force the government, which was formed without voting to quit power.
Jatiyatabadi Nabin Dal arranged the human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding the release of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing committee Member Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other arrested opposition leaders
Farroque slammed Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud for calling Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) a BNP agent.
“I fear you will also brand former Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque (a presidium member of Awami League) as an agent of the BNP a few days later as those who oppose you are your enemies,” the BNP leader said.
He said though the Awami League claims itself as a pro-democratic party and a pro-liberation force, this party does not practice democracy and rather it acts against the spirit of the Liberation War.
Farroque, also the former opposition chief whip in parliament, said the government can suppress BNP and other opposition parties for a temporary period using the state machinery. “The history of the world suggests that the autocratic regime can’t suppress the democratic forces for a long time by using the police.”
He also came down hard on the critics of the BNP who talked about the BNP’s organisational capacity and urged the ruling party leaders to face the opposition without police to test their strength.
Addressing the programme, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur said over one lakh people have now been staying in prisons though the country’s jails can accommodate only 41,000 inmates.
He alleged that the law enforcers have been arresting the capable opposition leaders and workers and persecuting them in jails to contain the anti-government movement.
Nur said Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders have been freed on bail narrated how they were subjected to cruel torture and experienced electric shock in the jail. “They (jail authorities) removed nails and broke the bones of the opposition leaders and activists. It is very hard to think that it is happening in a civilised country”.
He deplored that senior opposition politicians like BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury were not given bail by the court. “We demand immediate release of all the state prisoners and withdrawal of false cases filed against them."
Nur called upon the police and the state institutions to work neutrally and not to do injustice to people.
BNP denounces move to double monthly rent for prepaid gas meters
The BNP on Wednesday denounced the government's decision to double the charge for residential prepaid gas meters, saying it is an unjustified and anti-people move.
“The rent of the prepaid meter has been doubled overnight from Tk 100 to Tk 200. It’s said that this decision has been taken by adjusting the cost of running and maintaining the meter. It’s an illogical move,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
He made the remarks while addressing a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
The BNP leader said the charge has been raised at a time when the gas supply situation at the residential level has already seriously deteriorated.
He said there is no gas supply in the houses most of the time, day and night, but the 'illegal government' is collecting money using various tactics from the gas users.
BNP's black-flag processions foiled in capital amid police obstructions
“Doubling the meter charge without ensuring gas supply and putting the common people in misery (by suddenly raising the charge) is a manifestation of the government’s anti-people attitude. I, on behalf of BNP, strongly protest and condemn this anti-people decision.”
The state-owned gas distribution companies recently hiked the prepaid meter rent to Tk 200 from 100 without any prior notice.
In a statement on Monday, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited said the meter charge was increased as per the government’s decision to adjust the cost of the installation and maintenance of the meter.
Rizvi said the government has been plundering public money as it has no accountability to the people - since it was formed without a mandate from the voters.
“They (govt) know they won’t have to be accountable to people and they won’t have to go to people in another election or any election as they subdue the people with guns and the state’s all apparatus. So, they can take anti-people policies and implement them as per their whims,” he observed.
Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar
He alleged that the government has punished people by increasing the charge for residential prepaid gas meters for boycotting the 12th parliament election and silently witnessing the government's election ‘circus’ on 7 January.
Voicing concern that the dollar crisis has already badly affected export growth, the BNP leader opposed the government’s decisions not to provide cash incentives to the ready-made garments and textiles sector.
“The orders for RMG products from buyers have already halved. Cash incentives for leather, jute products, and agro-processing products have also been reduced a lot. So, the export of all these products will decrease drastically,” he said.
The BNP leader said the government is cutting funds from the export sectors only to continue the looting in the name of so-called development and mega projects.
He also slammed Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud for downplaying an open letter of 242 global leaders expressing alarm over the "continuous judicial harassment and potential jailing" of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
He also criticised the Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader for calling the TIB report on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) politically motivated.
BNP leader Moyeen Khan picked up; released after several hours
"Obaidul Quader yesterday (Wednesday) said corruption exists all over the world but only Bangladesh is vilified. We can say corruption may exist more or less all over the world, but we don’t know whether the Awami-styled corruption stain exists anywhere else in the world,” the BNP leader said.
Swiss President, Danish PM greet PM Hasina on her re-election
Swiss President Viola Amherd and Denish Prime Minister Mete Federiksen have congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In a greeting letter sent to Sheikh Hasina, the Swiss President said, "Given the global challenges that we face, I am convinced that our commitment to important values, such as respect for international law, rule of law, multilateralism and the universal principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter remain our best compass in striving towards a world of peace and prosperity."
The Swiss President expressed confidence that the excellent relations between the two countries and the bonds of friendship that tie Switzerland and Bangladesh will continue to intensify in the future.
In another message, Denish Prime Minister Mete Federiksen said that Denmark continues to stand by the people of Bangladesh and remains invested in the country's social, economic and democratic development.
"I hope that your new tenure will usher in an era of progress, equality, a strong democracy and protection of fundamental freedoms."
Mentioning that it was a pleasure meeting Sheikh Hasina in New York in September last, he said "I am very encouraged by our discussion on the green transition and your commitment to combat climate change."
He reaffirmed that his government is committed to work with the government of Bangladesh to advance the mutual interest of our countries – and together achieve new heights of success in sustainable growth and beyond.
Terrorism, fraud, anti-national propaganda key elements of BNP's politics: FM
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said terrorism, killings, fraud, anti-national propaganda are main elements that go with BNP’s politics.
He referred to the fact that the BNP had also come up with a fake adviser to the US President as part of its dependency on fraud.
The Awami League joint general secretary said it was seen that he could not speak anything but English, then it was seen that he was fluently speaking Bangla. “You remember that the BNP forged the signatures of Congressmen and released a fake audio claiming to have spoken to Indian Minister Amit Shah.”
The foreign minister was speaking as the chief guest at the discussion and distribution of winter clothes organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League to commemorate the Lalbagh 7 murders in 1994.
Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League President freedom fighter Abu Ahmed Mannafi presided over the meeting.
Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Fazle Noor Tapas spoke as special guest at the discussion moderated by unit general secretary Humayun Kabir.
Hasan said actually, BNP-Jamaat is an alliance of murderers and they do the politics of killing.
The minister said that the BNP did not participate in the election knowing their certain defeat and they tried many times to question the election but could not.
He said the BNP-Jamaat wrote letters to foreigners not to legitimize the election and the government “But all countries in the world have expressed their willingness to work with the newly elected government.”
The foreign minister said many heads of state, heads of government have sent congratulatory messages to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 80 diplomats including the ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, EU, France, Germany, China, India, Russia were present to listen to the President's speech in the first session of the 12th National Parliament on Tuesday.
Bangladesh has dropped two notches in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023.
“It is now necessary to examine whether there is any corruption within the TIB (Transparency International Bangladesh). The government cannot be undermined by a one-sided report,” said the foreign minister.
He said there are some organizations in Bangladesh which work to serve others’ purposes. “They work in line with the prescriptions of those from where they get funds. But the presence of such organizations is good so that civil society organizations can highlight the mistakes of the government.”
But when, he added, such an organization acts as one-eyed, and talks like BNP being motivated and when the language of Rizvi Ahmed's (BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed) and TIB coincide, one realizes that there is "something fishy.”
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
The government will not allow freestyle political programmes on the streets without permission, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday.
"BNP’s black-flag procession is illegal. There is no reason to think that they (BNP) will protest on the streets without taking permission and we will accept it," he warned.
Obaidul, also Awami League general secretary, was talking at a press briefing at the AL President's office in Dhanmondi this afternoon.
BNP and Jamaat still haven’t uttered a single word against genocide in Palestine: Foreign Minister
Earlier, police did not allow the BNP to take out processions at seven points of the capital on Tuesday, the day of the 12th parliament went into its maiden session, citing a lack of permission for the street programme.
The BNP and like-minded opposition parties were supposed to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital on Tuesday demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
No one can oust constitutionally elected government: Quader
The AL general secretary said no one termed the 12th parliamentary election flawed, not even the United States.
After the results of the election, US Ambassador Peter Haas congratulated the Prime Minister and met with some ministers including the Foreign Minister.
Regarding price control of essentials, he said, the Prime Minister has given the necessary instructions to the ministries concerned and they have already started to work.
“The situation will not change overnight. The government is not just talking but it is in action,” he added.
“Stern action would be taken against the illegal hoarders and law violators,” the minister warned.
BNP can contest polls again after 5 years: Hasan Mahmud
Regarding the nomination of the Awami League for reserved women seats, the general secretary of the party said that Awami League will give importance and priority to those who have been tested and sacrificed for the party.
Among others, Awami League organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, and office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were present at that time.
Can the new Parliament perform its role perfectly, wonders GM Quader
Leader of the opposition GM Quader on Tuesday said that he has doubts about how the 12th Parliament will be able to perform its duties perfectly.
He said 75 percent of the seats in this parliament belong to the ruling party, while the independent MPs – mostly linked to Awami League – comprises 21 percent.
GM Quader made opposition leader in JS, Anisul Islam deputy
The opposition accounts for only 3-4 percent of the seats and so “It will be tough to find the whole nation reflected in this parliament. This parliament will not be able to perform its duties perfectly,” he feared.
The opposition leader made the comments this while participating in a discussion to thank Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the newly elected speaker of the House.
Raushan fires GM Quader as JP Chairman, takes over the party’s mantle
GM Quader described his experience as a Member of Parliament since 1996 and expressed hope that the speaker would play a neutral role in conducting the businesses of the House.
On the question of the speaker's responsibility, he said that even though she was a speaker with party loyalty, she tried to play her role impartially.
Jatiya Party a victim of conspiracies for a long time: GM Quader
“I expect you to maintain that impartiality,” he said.
Referring to the Treasury bench on the right side of the speaker and the seats of the Opposition party on the left side, GM Quader said they wanted to see the both sides having equal numbers.
He said that one is the government party, the other is the Opposition.
Referring to the results of the January 7 national election, the leader of the opposition said that the national parliament is a meeting place for all parties.
Referring to the colour of national flag red and green, GM Quader said that, it is not only red not green. If the government party is called red, then this parliament is completely red.
“The green is just a splash. It will be difficult to find the picture of the whole nation in this parliament. How far the present parliament will be able to represent the nation is a matter of apprehension,” he said.
He mentioned that if the gap between the activities of the two parts can be reduced, the parliament will be considered effective.
“This apprehension is not unrealistic,” said GM Quader, the leader of Jatiya Party which won only 11 seats in this month’s election. The opposition to the government can or will play a more active role, he said.
He placed some suggestions to make the parliament more effective.
He hoped that the speaker will give opportunity to the opposition members in the House to express their opinion.
“We will continue our efforts to reduce the imbalance in parliament. So we expect cooperation from the speaker,” he added.
BNP's black-flag processions foiled in capital amid police obstructions
The police did not allow the BNP to take out processions at seven points of the capital on Tuesday, the day of the 12th parliament went into its maiden session, citing a lack of permission for the street programme.
The BNP and like-minded opposition parties were supposed to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital today (Tuesday) demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
In the capital, BNP’s Dhaka south city unit was scheduled to bring out the black-flag processions in front of Pirjungi Mazar, Jatrabari’s Kadamtoli Bus Station, New Market and Dayaganj intersection while the Dhaka north city unit in front of Suvastu Nazar Valley Shopping Mall at Shahjadpur, Uttara Section-12 Graveyard and near a mosque at Mirpur-6, also to demand the cancellation of the ‘illegal dummy’ parliament.
BNP leaders and activists started gathering the seven spots with black flags to hold their programmes, but police obstructed them from taking out processions saying that the party did not get permission for the programme from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) authorities.
Meanwhile, police picked up BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan as he went to near a graveyard of Uttara-12 in the capital around 2 pm to join BNP’s black-flag g procession.
A group of police obstructed Dr Moyeen as he was addressing the gathering and took him to a police van.
Later, the BNP leader was released and allowed to go to his Gulshan residence riding his vehicle.
Md Shahjahan, deputy commissioner of Uttara Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said “Moyeen Khan was neither arrested nor detained. We asked him to wait.”
“We also asked him to refrain from joining the black-flag procession,” he said.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)'s Uttara Zone's additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Mirza Salahuddin said the party tried to hold a programme without any permission.
He said the BNP sought permission from the DMP to hold the programme but the party was not permitted in a b bid to maintain law and order in the city. “That is why we didn’t allow them to hold the programme."
He said they also picked up 8 to 10 people from the spot for questioning.
Besides, police also foiled BNP’s processions in other areas of the capital and detained some BNP leaders and activists.
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy went to Pirjungi Mazar in the capital’s Motijheel area around 2:20pm but failed to take out the procession.
Talking to reporters, he said holding rallies and processions is a democratic and constitutional right of the political parties.
“We sent a letter to the DMP police commissioner informing them about our plans to peacefully bring out processions at 7 places in the capital. But the police obstructed us everywhere. We strongly condemn and protest this action of the police.”
He said the government is arresting BNP leaders and workers and not allowing them to hold a peaceful programme without any justified reason.
The BNP leader said their party leaders and activists were staying around the procession venues in a scattered way to hold the programme amid the presence of police. “But tt’s not our intention to be involved in conflict and clash with the police.”
At one stage, Gayeshwar left the area in his vehicle as the party’s programme was foiled.
Office-in-charge (OC) of Motijheel Police Station Abul Kalam Azad said BNP did not get permission to hold the programme."