United News of Bangladesh

Expressing concern over the Chief Adviser's remarks that the tenure of the interim administration could be less than four years, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday questioned whether the government might have a ‘master plan’ to prolong its power. "The head of the interim government gave an interview to the international media yesterday (Sunday). His statement has raised doubts in our minds. He said, 'It’ll take four years to reform,' but why?" the BNP leader said while speaking at a wheelchair distribution programme. He said politicians had led state reforms and constitutional changes for ages, and they would continue to carry out the necessary reforms. The BNP leader opined that the civil society, noted citizens, and the current interim government can offer some suggestions about reforms. “But why will it take four years to implement the reforms? We’ve long been fighting for free and fair elections and freedom of speech. Children who are 20-22 years old still cannot cast their votes. They don’t even know how to vote. How long will they have to wait to vote?” Rizvi said. Amra BNP Poribar organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to distribute wheelchairs to 10 individuals who were injured during the recent student movement against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the tenure of the interim government will be less than four years, and their intention is to hold the election as quickly as possible. "I didn't say that I will be (in power) for four years. This is the maximum term. But that's not our intention. Our intention is to get it (hold polls) done as quickly as possible," he said while responding to a question during an interview with Qatar-based media Al Jazeera. Prof Yunus said the exact timeframe for the interim government's tenure has not been determined yet. "It should be under four years, that's for sure. It may be less," he said. Rizvi said the interim government is supposed to be a symbol and model of democracy, but instead, they appear to be attempting to prolong their power. “This prolongation seems to indicate a complication somewhere. If not, why is he (Yunus) talking about such a long period? It shouldn’t take this long time.” He expressed concerns that there may be any problem within the government. “It makes us wonder if anyone is crafting a master plan within this government.” The BNP leader said they have long been advocating for the election to be held as soon as possible. “But now we’re worried about why he (the Chief Adviser) is talking about four-year tenure. The people of this country want to know what the government’s true intentions are.” Rizvi said the current interim government was formed with the support of BNP and other parties that led movements to oust Sheikh Hasina’s regime. “We continue to support this government.”

An activist of the local unit of Jubo League was shot dead allegedly by miscreants at Baghoil Rooppur intersection in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna district on Monday. The deceased was identified as Walif Hossain Manik, 35, an active member of Jubo League and son of Yunus Ali of the upazila. He was also a former vice-president of Pakshi union unit Chhatra League. Quoting family members of the deceased, Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Ishwardi Police Station, said Manik was an accused of Chhatra League activist Tafsir Ahmed Mana killing case and he also served in jail in the case. Recently, Manik walked out of jail after securing bail in the case. On Monday morning, Manik went out from his home to appear before the court following the case. When he reached at Baghoil Rooppur intersection, 8-10 miscreants opened fire on him around 9 am and stabbed him indiscriminately, leaving Manik dead on the spot. Police sent the body to Pabna General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Chhatra League and Jubo League in the area had been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy for the past several days and the murder might have taken place over the issue.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had a meeting with a delegation of the European Union (EU) on Monday and discussed various issues of mutual interests.  The meeting, which lasted about an hour, began at 3:40 pm at the Gulshan residence of EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Organisational Secretary Shama Obed, and International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ashim accompanied Fakhrul at the meeting. Representatives from EU member states, including Italy, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Spain and Sweden, were present at the meeting. The discussions covered various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the EU, Sayrul said, without providing further details.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday called upon people from all walks of life to extend their helping hands to those affected during the recent student-led mass movement. Speaking virtually at a wheelchair distribution programme, he also said if BNP can form a government with public support, different institutions and establishments across the country will be named after the martyrs. “I call upon every person in society to come forward to help the people affected by the movement according to their ability,” he said. Amra BNP Poribar arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to distribute wheelchairs among 10 people who were maimed during the recent student movement against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime. Tarique said a large number of people were affected in various ways over the 17 years of struggle at different stages for the restoration of the people's lost rights and democracy. "The country has now been freed from autocracy. To achieve this, many people across Bangladesh, regardless of their political affiliation or opinions, were affected in numerous ways," he said. The BNP leader said it is the responsibility of everyone to support the families of those who were martyred, as well as those who were injured or affected in various ways in the struggle to free the country from fascism. India saddened by Sheikh Hasina's exile, conspiring for her return: BNP Leader Rizvi “They made these sacrifices for the country, so that those of us who remain alive can live in freedom. It is our duty, regardless of political identities or opinions, to offer our support to them and their families to the best of our ability,” Tarique said. He also said if BNP returns to power, it will take all necessary steps to ensure better treatment for the injured and maimed individuals, provide rehabilitation, and support the families of the martyrs.“If BNP forms the government, we will propose that various state institutions established across the country be named after the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to end autocracy. This will ensure that the names of these heroes are never forgotten,” Tarique said. BNP upset at CA’s address to nation He said BNP is also committed to helping all the maimed individuals, including the victims of the movement, across the country, with the goal of making them self-reliant rather than a burden on their families. “Beyond the movement, there are many people in society who have become disabled, either by birth or due to other reasons. In the country’s economic context, if someone is disabled, it becomes a heavy burden on the family. Personally, my desire is to find ways to restore the health of these individuals,” the BNP leader said. He also said when BNP forms the government in the future, it will have a specific goal to assist such families across the country, whether they are financially well-off or not. “We will aim to provide support from the state so that these maimed individuals can become as self-sufficient as possible.” Tarique also called upon financially well-off individuals in the country to extend their cooperation in supporting these families.“I believe that if we all extend our hands in cooperation, we can begin building the new Bangladesh we envision,” he concluded. Speaking at the programme, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the current interim government was formed with the support of BNP and others who carried out movements to oust the Sheikh Hasina regime. “We’re still supporting this government.” He, however, said the Chief Adviser’s remarks during an interview with an international media outlet about the tenure of the government for four years to carry out reforms were a matter of concern. The BNP leader said politicians had led state reforms for ages and would carry out the necessary reforms, while the current government could make some suggestions. He said the government might try to prolong its power in the name of reforms due to some complications or any evil plan. “It’s a matter of concern for us. The country’s people want to know why four years will be necessary for the reforms and the election.”  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday voiced frustration over the Chief Adviser’s address to the nation as he did not unveil an outline for the election. Speaking at a discussion, he also warned BNP leaders and workers not to create a distance from the students who made the movement against the Awami League regime a success. The BNP leader said many became happy over Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s address to the nation on Sunday, marking the interim government's completion of 100 days in office. “But I’m a bit disappointed. I was hoping that the Chief Adviser, with all his wisdom, would identify the problems and give an outline for the election,” he observed. BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 48th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani. Fakhrul emphasised that the election can solve half of the country's problems, regardless of whether the BNP comes to power. Besides, he said, those who want to harm and destabilise Bangladesh and lead the country into conflict will be forced to back down if an elected government is formed with the mandate of the people. “We don't just want reforms, we have initiated them and we’ll do them. We request you (govt) to move forward with a people-accepted approach. We have not created any obstacles so far; rather, we are supporting you in every case,” the BNP leader said. He questioned how the government will carry out reforms while associates of the autocrats are staying in place in their positions in the Secretariat. “They won't allow you to reform what you aim to do.”  The BNP leader alleged that most of the bureaucrats currently working at the Secretariat are aligned with the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina. He said the government has yet to take any tangible action against those bureaucrats who have amassed vast wealth through corruption. “Your actions must be visible to the public.” Fakhrul said that the government should prioritise good governance and manage the administration effectively, so that people can experience relief and peace. “The prices of commodities have risen to such an extent that there is no reason for peace. Despite this, people are enduring it, hoping that something better will be offered to them,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the government to make its efforts in controlling the market more visible. “Take steps to dismantle the syndicates… establish proper governance. If people are still forced to pay bribes and see the collaborators roaming freely, they will not tolerate it,” he said.  “I believe this government and the youth and students will be able to build a new Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. He said it is a fact that the students finally played the major role in ousting the Sheikh Hasina regime, though BNP had struggled for 17 years. “So, we shouldn’t create any distance with the students. We should think about it. Students are saying many things, and they have that right.” The BNP leader said BNP wants reforms to be done within a logical time; otherwise, people will get the impression that the government has bad intentions to stay in power for a longer period. “From our experience, we are saying to hold the election for the welfare of the nation. The longer this kind of government remains in power, the more problems it will create, as it lacks a public mandate. This is not an elected government,” he said. Fakhrul recalled that after the political changeover in 2007, the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin government attempted to cling to power by forming a so-called 'King's party'. "People didn’t accept it, and eventually, they were forced to flee by holding an election.” He said Sheikh Hasina had to leave the country due to her various mistakes and her failure to understand people's sentiment. “No one should take any such actions that could lead our country into uncertainty and instability,” he cautioned. Fakhrul said the election should be arranged on completion of the necessary reforms related to it. He recalled Maulana Bhasani’s contributions to the nation as a patriotic politician. “His presence is felt in our entire existence.” Born in an ordinary family, Fakhrul said, Bhasani was an exceptional and legendary national leader. Earlier, on Sunday, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus said the government would issue a roadmap for the election once decisions on electoral reforms are made.

The BNP has expelled another leader of its Dhaka North City unit for alleged involvement in unethical activities, violating the party’s discipline, principles and ideals. A media release signed by ABMA Razzak, Joint Secretary (in charge of the office) of the Dhaka North City unit, said Mamunur Rashid Mamun, Joint Convenor of the Hatirjheel Thana BNP, has been expelled from all party positions, including primary membership. This is the second expulsion within 24 hours, following the dismissal of three other leaders of Dhaka North BNP on Saturday. Mohammad Sohel Khan, Joint Convenor of the Darus Salam Thana BNP; Golam Majed, Joint Convenor of the Banani Thana BNP; and Abdullah Al Mamun, General Secretary of Ward 19 BNP under Banani Thana, were expelled on Saturday on the same charges.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday had a meeting with visiting UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West and discussed various issues of mutual interest between the two nations. The hour-long meeting, which began around 4:30 pm, was held at the British High Commissioner's residence inside the Baridhara British High Commission, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed were present at the meeting, he said. Sayrul said the discussions covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the UK, but he did not provide further details. The UK minister arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day official visit. Earlier in the day, she had meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Abdus Salam on Sunday said the interim government is failing to prioritise its actions, distracted by the influence of fascist elements. Speaking at a discussion, he also questioned why the cases against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had not been withdrawn, while those against interim government chief Dr Muhammad Yunus were dismissed just in a day. “The current government is misguided by Hasina's ghosts, who still remain in various places, including the administration. So, they (govt) can't decide what to do first and what to do later,” the BNP leader said. Salam said it is shameful that students and ordinary people, who were injured and maimed during the July-August movement, have to take to the streets three months after the formation of the interim government. “It’s unfortunate that they can’t decide the priorities of their responsibilities.” He also criticised the government for talking about constructing 250 stadiums across the country, asking, “Is this their responsibility? Their main job is to organise a fair and acceptable election and hand over power to the politicians.” BNP came out stronger every time it faced obstruction: Amir Khasru Salam bemoaned that they still have to negotiate with this government to have their cases withdrawn. “It’s true, but it may be bitter that if Prof Yunus’s cases can be dismissed in one day, why should Tarique Rahman’s cases not be withdrawn in the same way?” He observed that the current government is necessary for practical reasons. “Similarly, Tarique Rahman is needed in the country to resist the hegemonists who are trying to raise their heads again.” Jagrata Bangladesh, a pro-BNP organisation, arranged a programme at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Salam, also a former president of the BNP’d Dhaka South City unit, warned the government that fascist forces could re-emerge if there is a delay in holding the national elections. “Many people say that the BNP will come to power if the election is held now. Ultimately, the people will decide who comes to power through their votes,” he said. Tarique vows to curb power abuse, autocracy if BNP returns The BNP leader said that Sheikh Hasina had prevented people from casting their votes over the last 17 years, fearing BNP's return to power. “We now have to consider whether the ghost of Hasina's fascism has overpowered the current government.” Referring to an adviser’s comment that the mass uprising on August 5 was not for voting, Salam said BNP has been leading street movements to restore the people's right to vote. “Since independence, we have failed to establish the people’s right to vote.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the party has emerged stronger every time it faced evil-efforts to obstruct its progress.Speaking at a rally in Chattogram on Saturday, the BNP leader highlighted the party’s resilience, despite numerous challenges over the years.Central Jubo Dal arranged the rally at Biplob Udyan in Sholoshahar of the port city to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day.Reflecting on the party's turbulent history, Khasru emphasised the sacrifices made by BNP members, including losing leaders, facing imprisonment, and enduring hardships. "In the past, we had shed blood on the streets, gone to jail, and lost many of our leaders and workers. But through all those struggles, BNP’s leaders and workers only become stronger, like pure gold forged in fire."Khasru said despite concerted attempts to break the party, BNP has not only survived but has grown in strength."Whenever those who tried to stop us came forward, they themselves were destroyed. BNP stands stronger today than ever before," he said, pointing out that those who once sought to dismantle the party are now a thing of the past.Khasru, also a standing committee member of the party, warned against any future attempts to curtail the party's momentum.He also said it is the people of Bangladesh, not any individual or group, who will determine the country’s political future. "No one can take away Bangladesh’s democracy or dictate what the future holds. The people will decide the course of the country’s politics," he asserted.He reminded his audience of the past attempts to shape the nation’s political direction, pointing out that leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ershad, and even Sheikh Hasina failed in their attempts to control the political landscape. "Let the people of Bangladesh decide. Attempts to impose decisions on the people have failed before, and they will fail again."Chaired by Abdul Monayem Munna, president of the Central Jubo Dal, and conducted by General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon, the programme was attended, among others, by BNP's Organisational Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the interim government to manifest its commitment to ensuring people's voting rights through a credible election in a bid to strengthen ties with people and build their trust. Speaking at a council, he also warned that people will not tolerate it if they find the incompetence of the government in running the country.  "The interim government has already taken an initiative to restructure the Election Commission. People expect to cast their votes freely, without fear, in a neutral and transparent environment and to elect their representatives," the BNP leader said. He said the relationship between the government and people will grow stronger if the public can maintain their confidence in it. "When people will see that the government is genuinely working to uphold their voting and other fundamental rights, their trust in the government will naturally deepen." Tarique addressed the concluding session of the third National Council of the Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh as the chief guest at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. He said all the evil efforts of plotters will go in vain if the interim government can meet even the minimum of the people's demands. “If the political and economic empowerment of the people is not ensured, then no matter what we call democracy, development, or reform, none of it will be sustainable," Tarique said. He also said the main tool of a citizen's political power is the right to vote. "If people are not given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, their relationship and partnership with the state will not be established." Tarique said the deposed autocrats and their associates, both within the country and abroad, as well as elements within the administration, are actively working to fail the interim government. "If they succeed in undermining this government, they will also fail democracy and the millions of Bangladeshis who cherish democratic values," the BNP leader said. In such a situation, he said, some decisions of the interim government appear to ignore the people's aspirations, instead imposing what they believe is best for the public. "Despite numerous dissatisfactions and shortcomings, the people wish to maintain their trust in the government. But does the government want that? If the trust between the government and people is strong and close, the conspirators will not succeed in spreading their plots," he said. Tarique said Sheikh Hasina fled the country after brutally injuring around 30,000 people and killing approximately 2,000 students and mass people.   "The interim government then assumed responsibility for the devastated administration and state. While it is impossible to remove the mess created by the mafia government over 15 years in just three months, it is neither unreasonable nor unusual for the public to question the success or failure of the interim government after this period," the BNP leader said. He said the government must remember that it may not be possible to meet all the demands of the people. “However, if there is a lack of competence within the government, or if the public perceives it, they will not naturally accept it.” Tarique also said if priorities are set incorrectly during the reform process, it will be seen by the people as a sign of the government's inefficiency. He lamented that those injured in the mass uprising have recently taken to the streets coming out of a hospital, demanding proper treatment. “This is a deeply shameful sight for all democracy-loving people in the country, especially for the common citizens and those who have conscience. Naturally, a question arises: Why is the treatment and safety of those injured during the July-August mass uprising not a priority for the interim government? Or where does it stand on their list of priorities?” the BNP leader said. He also highlighted that people across all levels of society are enduring immense hardship due to rising prices of daily essentials, with the government failing to dismantle the market syndicates. “So, another question arises: Where does lowering the prices of commodities rank on the interim government's priority list?” Tarique asked. He said not all actions of the interim government may be viewed as successes by everyone. “However, the failure of this interim government is a failure for all of us. We must recognise this,” he said. The BNP leader pointed out that over the past 15 years, autocratic governments made the country increasingly dependent on imports and foreign loans.  "The country needs to be freed from such a situation”. Stating that their party has already submitted a 31-point reform proposal of the state, he said it is a historic document for the future development of Bangladesh. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country is facing a very critical time. "We must navigate this period with great caution." He urged the interim government to quickly complete the necessary electoral reforms to ensure credible and acceptable elections, in line with the people's wishes. Tarique also called on BNP leaders and activists to preserve the party's image by refraining from any wrongdoings and standing firm against any form of injustice. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, among others, addressed the programme, with Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh President Fakhrul Alam in the chair.