United News of Bangladesh

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP, will hold demonstrations across the country, including in Dhaka, on Thursday to protest against the worsening law and order situation. The programme was announced in a press release issued on Sunday, signed by Jubo Dal Assistant Office Secretary Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan. It said the leaders and activists of the BNP’s youth wing will bring out protest processions in all districts and metropolitan cities. Jubo Dal expels 2 leaders over murder in Old Dhaka  In Dhaka, they will take out a procession from in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 2pm. It will pass through Fakirapool, Dainik Bangla intersection, the National Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, and end at Shahbagh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan have urged all units of the organisation across the country to make the programme a success.

Unidentified miscreants hurled two crude bombs in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Saturday night. The first explosion happened around 10pm, followed by another blast at about 10:45pm, said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. In a press conference after the incident, he strongly condemned the crude bomb explosions near their party office. Tarique questions ‘govt silence’ over Mitford murder caught on video Rizvi urged the law enforcers to identify the culprits and arrest them immediately to bring them to justice. He said some cowards hurled the crude bombs to spread panic like that of Sheikh Hasina’s rule. “But it is not possible to frighten BNP leaders and activists with such incidents.” The BNP leader said they can assume who may be behind such an incident, but it is the government’s responsibility to track down the culprits. He urged all parties not to try to fish in troubled water, as the consequences will not be good. Earlier, some BNP leaders and activists, led by Rizvi, brought out a procession in front of the party office protesting the incident. Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka No injuries were reported in the incident, but the sudden blasts caused fear in the area. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Motijheel division Shahriar Al Mamun said unidentified miscreants carried out the incident. He said they are investigating the incident with top priority.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said the party does not particularly oppose any other political party; instead, their opposition is directed towards the old settlement's stickiness. "Those who seek to uphold the mafia system and continue extortion will no longer be accepted by the people," he said. The NCP leader came up with the remarks  at a public meeting on Bagerhat Rail Road on the 12th day as part of the party's countrywide campaign titled 'Desh Gort-e July Padajatra' (March for Nation Building) on Saturday night. Tarique questions ‘govt silence’ over Mitford murder caught on video Addressing the political parties, Nahid Islam emphasized that the state must be reformed and the country rebuilt. He warned that if they continue to oppose reforms, preserve the old arrangements, or uphold politics rooted in extortion, mafia influence, and corruption, the people will turn against them. He questioned, "What are you seeing that’s causing this backlash?" He also pointed out that students are once again taking to the streets in universities, signaling widespread discontent. He said that there was a public uprising against the mafia, corruption, and extortion system. Despite this, they have not yet been able to eliminate these issues, which is why they have returned with renewed effort. Tarique questions ‘govt silence’ over Mitford murder caught on video He urged the people to trust them, promising that they will bring about change in the extortion and corruption system as a commitment to the martyrs. He emphasized that the implementation of the July Charter is essential and must be completed within July-August. Addressing the police administration, Nahid Islam urged that the police must stand with the people and oppose extortionists. He warned that if the police behave like partisan entities, their fate will be similar to those who were partisan during fascist regimes. The event was also attended by a stable of NCP leaders, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Abid, NCP Bagerhat Chief Coordinator Syed Morshed Anwar, and others. Political parties betrayed people after July Uprising: Nahid   NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah, Samantha Sharmin, Nahida Sarwar Niva, Abdul Hannan Masud, Mohammad Ataullah, Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, Molya Rahmatullah, Tajnubha Jabin, Md. Shafiullah, Abid Ahmed, and many leaders and activists were also present. Earlier, NCP central leaders, including Nahid Islam, visited the families of martyrs and injured individuals from Bagerhat during the July Movement, inquiring about their well-being.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday demanded a prompt investigation into the recent killings, including that of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, to identify the offenders and bring them to justice. “I would like to clearly urge the government to investigate these incidents very quickly and ensure the actual offenders are identified and brought to justice,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the families of the 142 martyrs of the July mass uprising. Otherwise, the BNP leader warned, the nation will not forgive the government and hold it responsible for creating these problems at a time when the country is heading towards the restoration of democracy. Mirza Fakhrul also called upon BNP leaders and activists to remain calm and patient in their democratic struggle. “To those who have made sacrifices, I ask you to wait a little longer with patience. Ensure that no one among us commits any wrongdoing. BNP has never supported injustice and never will. BNP has always stood for the rule of law and will continue to do so,” he said. Trader’s killing at Mitford shows serious failure in public safety: Fakhrul The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at a hotel in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the July–August mass uprising and to honour the family members of the brave martyrs of Chhatra Dal. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the programme virtually from London. Fakhrul called for completing necessary reforms quickly to return to democracy through a fair election. “We sincerely want a change in the system and structure of the state and then to move forward with an election. There is no alternative to democracy, and the first step towards it is holding elections,” he said. The BNP leader blamed the absence of elections for the worsening law and order situation in the country and the rise in killings, saying criminals are taking advantage of the lack of an elected government. “A government elected by the people will certainly be stronger and more accountable. I hope that together we will be able to establish a democratic state through unity and collective efforts,” he added. Fakhrul suggested that Chhatra Dal prepare a book documenting the sacrifices of its martyred members. He also assured that if the BNP comes to power, the state will give due honour to the martyrs and stand by their families. The BNP leader once again called on the interim government to ensure proper compensation for those killed and proper rehabilitation for those injured in the July–August uprising.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday questioned whether the attacker, clearly seen on video fatally killing a scrap trader in front of Mitford Hospital, has not yet been arrested due to the silent support or the interim government’s indirect indulgence. “We were very surprised to see clearly on the screen who was killing (the trader), yet the government has still not arrested him. Should we assume that those trying to create mob violence and unrest are being secretly supported or pampered by the government or some officials in the administration?” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually exchanging views with the families of the 142 martyrs of the July mass uprising. Tarique said some parties are misrepresenting the killing incident in Old Dhaka. “The man who was killed may have had ties to the Jubo Dal, but the person who committed the murder, based on the information we have received, was brought in from elsewhere.” He lamented that the man seen killing the trader has neither been arrested nor named as a suspect yet. “Why has this happened? Why is he not being arrested? Why is the administration not arresting him? Why are the law enforcement agencies sitting idle? Who controls the law enforcement agencies? It is not BNP; it is the government. So, why is the government not taking action against the killers?” Tarique said. He said the BNP will ensure justice for every killing when given the chance to govern the country as it is a demand of all democracy-loving people in Bangladesh. The BNP leader alleged that some media outlets are currently trying to spread different messages and create stories around certain issues. He said both BNP and its affiliated organisations have always demanded justice, no matter who commits the crime. “A wrongdoer is a wrongdoer. Justice must be served according to the law. No wrongdoer should have the identity of any political party.” The BNP leader said people across the country are asking why the government authorities remain silent and why proper legal action is not being taken against those trying to create chaos. “Many incidents are happening in different places, and we are watching closely those who are trying to disrupt a peaceful environment,” he said. The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the event at a hotel in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising and to honour the memory of the brave martyrs of Chhatra Dal. It was a deeply emotional occasion as the families of the fallen shared their sorrow and grief. They recalled their loved ones with heavy hearts. Many also called for justice and demanded that those responsible for the killings be held to account. Tarique urged the families of the martyrs to raise their voices loudly over the delays in the trials of those responsible for killing their loved ones. He also warned them to be vigilant against those trying to create mobs to delay justice. The BNP leader said a Jubo Dal leader was also killed by having his tendon cut in Khulna two days ago. “Why is there no voice against this killing? Why, when we demand justice for such killings, is it said that BNP is doing politics over dead bodies? These are the questions we must now find answers to. Because, he said, the answers to these questions are deeply connected to the existence of Bangladesh and its people.” Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka Tarique said the nation must know who truly stands for the people of Bangladesh. “We need to find out who has genuinely supported the country’s independence with full sincerity. We also must know who stood for the independence of Bangladesh--not just today or yesterday, or the day before--but even 50 years ago, and who did not. We have to consider all these things.” The BNP leader assured that if his party returns to power, it will prioritise ensuring the trials of those who killed innocent people during the mass uprising and democratic movement. “All I can say is that if BNP forms the government with the support of the people in the coming days, we will do our utmost to ensure justice for those who lost their lives defending the rights of the people,” he said. He said many sons of the soil, along with many leaders and activists of BNP, its associate bodies, other political parties, and even some apolitical individuals, have been killed over the last 15 years in Bangladesh while protecting the rights of the people. The BNP leader said although the autocratic regime was ousted, conspiracies against democracy in Bangladesh have not yet stopped. “People’s victory has been achieved (through the mass uprising), but the plots have not ended.” Stating that he had warned about the invisible enemy months ago, Tarique said invisible force is now slowly becoming visible. He said these invisible enemies have stood in the way of democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty and people’s rights. They have taken opposing positions and acted against the public interest at different times. Tarique said their party has repeatedly urged the interim government not to support or protect any wrongdoer, regardless of who they are. “It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of people’s lives and property. Why is it failing in this duty? A martyr’s father has raised this question, and we too want to ask the same of the interim government.” He urged people to stay alert and aware, just as they stood up for their rights during key moments in the country’s history. “Our struggle for democratic and people's rights is not over yet. We must keep our eyes and ears open,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP clearly explained its stance on the July Charter three months ago in writing to the interim government. Tarique stressed that it is now entirely the responsibility of the interim government to act on it. “We have nothing more to say. It’s up to them what they do or don’t do.” He warned that some non-issues are being used to create confusion and distract people from real matters. “We see that certain matters or ideas are being brought forward, or attempts are being made to hide something. We also notice that some non-issues are being turned into issues.” The BNP leader reminded the nation that the country belongs to all 20 crore people, not to any single party. “Everyone must think about the future of the country together.” He also urged people to stay alert and observe who is saying what, and how their positions are constantly changing. Tarique alleged that the ghost of the past autocratic regime still exists within parts of the administration. “So, everyone must be aware of the plots by those old ghosts and any new ones. If we are not alert, it will be hard to keep the country safe.”

Three affiliated organisations of BNP—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal—on Saturday raised questions and doubts over the failure to arrest the main accused in the brutal killing of a scrap trader in front of Mitford Hospital and the alleged exclusion of three key suspects from the case. “Those who were directly involved in the murder, clearly visible in CCTV and video footage, were surprisingly not made the main accused in the case. Even the individuals who carried out the fatal attack have not been arrested yet. We fail to understand the reason behind it,” said Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna. He made the remarks while addressing an emergency press conference organised by Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Referring to a media reports, he said the daughter of the plaintiff in the case alleged that police excluded three people directly involved in the killing and instead included three innocent individuals in the case. “More than 60 hours have passed since the incident, but despite having clear evidence of the murder, the main killers have not yet been arrested… This is a big question and a mystery,” Munna said. He said they want to know through the media who included the names of three apparently innocent people in the case and why, while excluding the real offenders. “The incident happened on Wednesday, but it was widely circulated on Friday. Why was there a delay of two days? Who was behind it must also be investigated. We don’t know whether any quarter did it to implement an agenda, but we suspect it,” Munna said. The Jubo Dal chief called upon law enforcement agencies to take proper action through an investigation into the incident. Munna said they could not identify any of the assailants shown in the video as affiliated with Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal or Swechchhasebak Dal. He, however, said they expelled five leaders and activists of the three organisations as they were made accused in the case. Earlier on Wednesday, a scrap trader named Mohammad Shohagh was killed in broad daylight in front of Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka. Video footage of the brutal killing went viral on social media on Friday, sparking public outrage. Police on Friday said four people were arrested in connection with the murder. That same night, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal expelled five of their members for life over the incident. At the press conference, Munna said, “We are very worried over the overall law and order situation in the country. Mohammad Shohagh, a trader and Jubo Dal activist under Chawkbazar Thana in the capital, was brutally killed by being hit with a stone in broad daylight. The entire nation is shocked to witness this brutal barbarity.” He strongly condemned and protested the atrocious murder. “In this era of civilisation, we cannot accept such primitive barbarity in any way.” The Jubo Dal President said they expelled five people from the three organisations for life as their names surfaced as instigators and defendants in the case. ‘Regrettable and brutal’: Home Adviser about Mitford murder “We have already called upon law enforcement agencies to arrest them immediately and bring them to justice. We have taken all necessary measures from the perspective of organisational responsibility and accountability,” he said.  Munna said whenever complaints were raised against their party members in recent months, they took immediate action. “Several thousand leaders and workers have been expelled from the BNP and its different organisations. We did not avoid responsibility but took strong steps.” He, however, questioned whether the government and authorities have taken proper legal action against the real offenders. “Given the current situation, we believe there is no option but for the government and law enforcement agencies to act firmly. Please take effective steps to improve law and order. If you need any kind of help from us, we are always ready to provide it,” the Jubo Dal leader said. Munna also urged the country’s people to stay alert so that no opportunistic or anti-democratic group could take advantage of the current unstable situation. He said the law and order situation in the country has not improved, and even basic public safety is not being ensured. The Jubo Dal leader also pointed to violent incidents, including the brutal killing of an expelled Jubo Dal leader in Khulna and an attack on a Khatib in Chandpur. He blamed a particular group with a long history of violent politics. He said the Jubo Dal leader in Khulna was killed by being shot and then having his tendon cut. “Everyone knows who used to cut tendons,” he added. Munna alleged that a certain opportunistic group is making selective, politically motivated protests and giving provocative and offensive statements against BNP and its affiliated organisations. He said BNP has urged the government many times to arrest the real culprits, but the authorities have failed to do so. The Jubo Dal leader suggested that this failure might be intentional, to create unrest and delay the much-awaited national election. Munna also claimed that a vested group does not want democratic elections and is provoking violence against BNP leaders. He said a recent survey, published last week, showed strong support for BNP among the youth, especially regarding the upcoming national election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the brutal killing of a trader at Mitford is not just the loss of a life, but a clear sign of serious failure in ensuring public safety, citizens’ rights and law and order. In a statement, he strongly condemned and protested the incident and said such barbaric acts have no connection with BNP’s ideology, principles, or politics. “Whoever the offender is, his or her place can never be above the law and justice. This brutal incident, which took place after the fall of the Awami fascist government in the mass movement of July-August, has deeply shaken the conscience of the people of the country,” the BNP leader said. Unless exemplary punishment is ensured for such a heinous and disgusting crime committed in broad daylight, Fakhrul said the culture of impunity will push society into deeper darkness. He called upon the interim government to carry out a neutral and credible investigation, and ensure exemplary punishment for the real offenders by bringing them under trial. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the victim’s family members. Earlier on Wednesday, a young trade Mohammad Sohag was brutally hacked and beaten to death in public at the main gate of Mitford Hospital in the old part of the capital. In a separate statements on Friday night, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal announced the expulsion of five of their leaders and activists from their organisations for life over the killing incident in Old Dhaka. They are Jubo Dal’s former Climate Affairs Assistant Secretary Razzab Ali (Pintu), its Dhaka South City unit Joint Convenor Sabah Karim (Lucky), Chhatra Dal’s Chawkbazar Thana unit Member Secretary Apu Das, its leader Mahmudul Hasan Mahin and Swechchhasebak Dal activist Kalu.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday described the call to include the July Charter in core principles of the Constitution as “misleading”. “BNP has already accepted many points from the July Charter. But why must it be made part of the fundamental principles of the Constitution?” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a prayer mat distribution programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan Central office organised by Zia Parishad, seeking the recovery of the organisation’s president and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Abdul Kuddus. The BNP leader said reforms will continue to take place across countries and through time. “Reform is not something fixed like the Thai mountain range. It is a dynamic process.” He said when needed for the sake of democracy, the state, or the people, reforms should be made and appropriate laws should be enacted. “This is the very nature of a democratic constitution. But insisting that reforms must be done first and that it (July Charter) must be included in the fundamental principles (of the Constitution) is misleading. This is creating confusion among people. Why are you trying to mislead the public in this way?” said Rizvi. Khaleda urges govt to ensure advanced treatment for singer Farida Parveen Rizvi urged political parties to focus on returning power to people instead of confusing them by raising various demands. “That is the most important task.” He said autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina had taken away the power of people by closing the door to democracy for 16 years. “We must now reopen that closed door and return power to people by forming a government with elected representatives.” The BNP leader said their party has never spoken against reform and, in fact, has always supported it. “Many of the issues you refer to in the name of reform are already reflected in BNP’s 31-point reform outline.” He said BNP has long been fighting for a greater ideal— justice, equality, the rule of law and true democracy. “This fight is for restoring people’s ownership of the state. When that ownership is denied, it opens the path to fascism.” Rizvi noted that a people’s government must remain accountable to the public at every step. “That accountability is absent now. We believe the interim government has been formed with public support, as well as the backing of all political parties — except the Awami League and a few of its allies.” “We all continue to support the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led government. But it is also true that if we begin to see and hear signs of famine, the people will not spare us,” Rizvi said. Referring to the worsening economic situation, he said many garment factories are closing down, leaving people unemployed. “If people cannot afford food, that’s a clear sign of famine. And if such signs appear, no one will be spared — only the fallen fascists will clap in delight.” Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC The BNP leader said if the government wants, it can appoint administrators to manage the institutions of those Awami League cohorts who have fled the country siphoning off huge money abroad and prevent the closure of factories. “The factories must not be shut down, especially given the dire state of the economy. This is not just a figure of speech — people are now seriously wondering whether the country might face famine by September or October,” Rizvi warned.    

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure advanced treatment for folk singer and torchbearer of Lalon songs Farida Parveen. She also enquired about the health condition of Farida Parveen, who is currently undergoing treatment at Ayesha Memorial Hospital in the capital, said BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir khan. He said the BNP chief sent party’s Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince to the hospital on Wednesday night to get updates on the veteran artiste’s health condition. “She (Khaleda) called upon the government to urgently provide better medical treatment for such a virtuous singer,” Sayrul said. He said the BNP chief prayed for the speedy recovery of the ailing and celebrated singer Farida Parveen. Fakhrul urges Prof Yunus to ensure best treatment for ailin singer Farida Parveen Farida Parveen is widely admired for her lifelong dedication to Lalon songs and the folk music of Bangladesh. The noted 70-year-old singer has been receiving treatment in the ICU of the hospital since July 5. Farida Parveen has long been suffering from diabetes, kidney problems and various other health issues.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the interim government to involve the most qualified individuals in negotiation with the United States over the recently imposed 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products. “The United States has imposed a 35% tariff on our products. Our main export item is ready-made garments. If this sector is hit with such a high tariff, it could collapse entirely and may not recover. That would break the backbone of our economy,” he said at a discussion. The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul said the US tariff issue is a very serious concern for the country and its economy. “I’m not sure how much attention the interim government has given to it. They should have focused more and engaged the most competent people to negotiate with the US.” He thinks that time has not yet run out and called on the government to take immediate steps to protect the industry, safeguard jobs--especially for women--and prevent further damage to the economy. The BNP leader also addressed the issue of border killings and push-in incidents, urging journalists and the media to take these matters more seriously. “We are not addressing the issues of border killings and push-ins with the seriousness they deserve. The news is being published in small sections in newspapers. I request all journalists and media professionals to treat these matters with the importance they deserve. These are not minor issues. Such incidents are happening regularly across various parts of the border,” he said. Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC Fakhrul also called upon the interim government to raise these issues strongly with India. “These matters must be brought to a conclusive stage of negotiation through proper diplomatic discussions with India.” Expressing concern over the flooding in Feni, he also highlighted the unresolved issue of fair water sharing from common rivers with India. “The water-sharing issue remains unsettled with India. Flooding has already begun in Feni, and more could follow as the monsoon continues. The interim government must act strongly to ensure a fair distribution of water,” Fakhrul said. He also stressed the need for national unity to protect democratic rights, saying that true democracy cannot thrive without tolerance and practice. “There is a need to build national unity. But where should that unity lie? It should be in defending our democratic rights. I may not agree with you, but I would give my life to defend your right to express your opinion… That is what national unity means,” the BNP leader said. He said tolerance of differing views is essential to achieving democracy. “Sadly, in Bangladesh, we have never truly practised democracy in that spirit. Democracy is a culture, and without practising it, how can we expect to achieve it?” He urged the youth to prepare themselves to build a truly democratic Bangladesh. “We have fought again and again. Now, our young generation must be ready to move forward and succeed in building a genuinely democratic nation.”