United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said there has been a consensus on decentralisation of subordinate courts, with all parties agreeing on specific directives for establishing courts at the upazila level. Talking to journalists at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital following the National Consensus Commission's dialogue with political parties, Salahuddin highlighted the unified stance on this judicial reform. “Certain issues regarding subordinate courts have been clearly defined,” said Salahuddin Ahmed, adding, “For instance, there is no need to establish courts in upazilas that are part of district headquarters. Since those specific sadar upazilas can be integrated with the district judge courts located in the district headquarters that effectively establishes the upazila courts there.” He said that some upazilas in Bangladesh, which were once called 'chowkis' during the British period, as well as island and other selected areas, already had courts established. “For upazilas located very close to district headquarters—say within 15 to 20 kilometres—given the improved state of communication, it becomes administratively burdensome to build new structures, provide housing for officers and staff, and maintain them. Therefore, based on a detailed survey, it has been recommended that no new courts be established in such upazilas,” Salahuddin pointed out. Fakhrul urges BNP leaders, activists to begin election preparations The BNP leader stated, “Factors such as the distance between upazilas, population density, economic conditions, communication facilities, and the number of pending cases in specific upazilas should be considered. Following a survey, a phased approach to establishing courts in all upazilas has been agreed upon.” On the issue of establishing permanent High Court benches in divisional cities, Salahuddin advised involving the judiciary. The previous discussions on setting up permanent High Court benches in divisional cities were included in the Judicial Reform Commission’s report, he said, suggesting that this matter should be discussed with and involve the judiciary. “In 1988, a Supreme Court judgement declared the relevant constitutional amendment for such benches unconstitutional, and as a result, those benches were never established. To avoid repeating such complications in the future, we have recommended a solution be found in consultation with the judiciary, with both the National Consensus Commission and the government bearing responsibility,” Salahuddin reminded. Emergency Provisions Salahuddin also addressed the issue of emergency powers in the Constitution, stating that Articles 141A, 141B, and 141C clearly define the President’s authority to declare a state of emergency, the process for doing so, which fundamental rights may be suspended, how long it can last, and what must happen if Parliament is not in session. Work together, shun negativity for democratic progress: Fakhrul urges political parties  He said, “The Consensus Commission has proposed adding two or three more clauses related to this. There have been detailed discussions on maintaining fundamental human rights during emergencies, especially in relation to international treaties and agreements with the United Nations.” “Our proposal is that the matter should be determined through a detailed debate in the National Parliament. This is a complex issue. Laws may be enacted under these constitutional provisions, and Parliament would be the appropriate forum for such considerations,” Salahuddin explained.

Four leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), student wing of BNP, were suspended on charge of assaulting central Vice President Masud Rana Riaz in Boda upazila of Panchagarh district on Sunday. According to a press release, signed by the party’s central Office Secretary Jahangir Alam, Boda upazila JCD member secretary Jibon Sarkar, Boda municipal unit president Nazmul Imon, Sakoa union convenor Ashiq and joint convener Jashim Islam were suspended. On Sunday afternoon, Riaz came under attack on his way to pay homage to late Mozahar Hossain, three-time MP for Panchagarh-2 and former district BNP president, at Sakoa Bazar of the upazila. A 13-second video of the assault went viral on Facebook showing Riaz being beaten indiscriminately. He is now undergoing treatment at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital. Riaz previously served as joint secretary of Chhatra Dal’s central committee and at Government Titumir College unit. JCD leader killed, 15 injured in Brahmanbaria clash He recently expressed interest in contesting the next election for Panchagarh-2 constituency as a BNP candidate. Speaking to reporters, Riaz alleged that supporters of Farhad Hossain Azad, a potential BNP candidate for the same seat, were behind the attack. “They attacked me on Azad’s instigation. Central BNP leaders are monitoring the situation,” he added. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said, "We have already taken organizational action and informed senior BNP leaders. Rizvi Bhai is aware and assured us of further steps." Ex-Kushtia JCD leader killed in road accident District BNP leader Farhad Azad accused Riaz of creating internal conflicts by working with expelled BNP members and Awami League activists.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called upon party leaders and activists to begin preparations for the next election by earning people’s trust and refraining from wrongdoings. “It is now your (BNP leaders and activists') responsibility to prepare for the elections without quarrelling or engaging in internal disputes,” he said. Speaking at a doa mahfil-cum-discussion, Fakhrul said, “What does that preparation mean? It means creating love for BNP among people. We must create a situation where people feel compelled to support the BNP and believe there is no alternative.” Sylhet City Unit BNP organised the event to pray for the recovery and well-being of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and for the good health and long life of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul recalled that BNP leaders and activists have made immense sacrifices, endured many hardships and faced torture and oppression over the last 16 years. “But we have a dream — the dream of building a new Bangladesh, free from injustice and oppression,” he said. The BNP leader urged party rank and file to behave responsibly so that no one can accuse them of wrongdoing such as taking over businesses or occupying land, or engaging in extortion. Work together, shun negativity for democratic progress: Fakhrul urges political parties  He also called for unity within the party and urged his party colleagues to move forward by following the path shown by its founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “Our victory is certain.” Fakhrul thanked Chief Adviser Professor Mohammad Yunus for deciding to hold the national election in mid-February next year during a meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. “Let us all come together to build a new Bangladesh, but it will not be easy. We have many enemies who will try to create obstacles, cause delays and try to stop us. We must overcome all those and keep moving forward,” he said. The BNP leader also warned the government and other political parties that any delay in holding the election will set Bangladesh back. “Investment will not come. Employment opportunities for the youth will not be created. Our mothers and daughters will become more insecure. Mobocracy will increase, and the judicial system and law and order will collapse.” He stressed that only an elected government with public support can ensure lasting peace and stability in the country. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  “Always remember, no government is stronger than one elected by the people. Ahead of us, we have one clear message — we want a democratic Bangladesh. We want to create employment opportunities for our youth. We want to transform Bangladesh into a developed country,” Fakhrul said. He mentioned that the BNP has presented a 31-point outline for overhauling the state to build a new Bangladesh. “These 31 points contain the future of Bangladesh and reflect our dream of a new nation. We do not want to remain a poor country forever.” Election delay anti-democratic, it goes against July-August spirit: Fakhrul  Fakhrul said the younger generation is now ready to step forward for a better future. “To make this a reality, the BNP must take responsibility and lead the country towards building the new Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday expressed support for the proposal made by the National Consensus Commission to decentralise the lower judiciary and extend its reach to the upazila level, aiming to bring justice closer to people. Talking to reporters during a break on the tenth day of the Commission's second round of meetings with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said their party agreed with the proposal. “Jamaat has agreed with the Commission’s proposal on decentralisation of the lower judiciary, bringing it from district to upazila level. We have supported their proposal because today’s National Consensus Commission, today’s interim government, and the overall situation in Bangladesh—all centre around the public aspiration for change on 5 August. In the interest of the people, we want to bring the courts to their doorsteps,” said Azad. Explaining the reasoning behind this support, Azad highlighted the hardships faced by rural citizens in accessing justice. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  “If someone living in an upazila seeks justice, they have to overcome significant communication barriers to reach the district level. There is an economic aspect to this. Distance and time are also factors. Once at the district level, arranging a lawyer and undergoing the judicial process brings about psychological suffering, as well as costs for accommodation and food,” he said. He went on to say, “The situation becomes even more unbearable if the litigant is financially constrained. Therefore, to reduce public suffering and ensure justice, and to ease the legal burden on courts, we supported the idea of bringing courts to the upazila level.” Azad said Bangladesh has 495 upazilas and that some judicial benches are already in place under constitutional provisions. “We proposed that all upazilas gradually be brought under the court system and that existing benches be transformed into permanent courts,” he said. He also acknowledged concerns that decentralisation of the judiciary might lead to increased corruption, given the presence of broker syndicates that often collude with judiciary officials or deceive litigants with false promises. “This issue came up in discussions. But as the saying goes, we don’t cut off the head to cure a headache. If people develop moral values, awareness increases, and if we can educate them, such problems can be eliminated. And is corruption absent in district-level courts? Didn’t you yourselves report how a verdict was issued using a forged signature of a High Court judge?” Azad mentioned. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat leader said the discussion also touched on village courts. “There are some limitations within the village court system. We proposed making it more effective. For instance, it currently allows a maximum fine of Tk 75,000. That jurisdiction could be increased.” There is also a lack of qualified individuals to mediate disputes. If they are given proper training and empowered with more authority and skills, many issues can be resolved at the union level itself through village courts, Azad said, adding that could be a useful mechanism for quick dispute resolution.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called upon all political parties to work together and avoid negative thinking in order to help the country move forward quickly towards a democratic system. “Let us not think negatively. Let us work together so we can move forward quickly towards a democratic system,” he said while speaking at a discussion. Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh are united in their commitment to protect national security and restore democracy. “From today’s discussion, we agreed on one thing – our people are united in protecting national security. There may be differences in opinion among political parties, but people are not divided,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  The discussion, titled “National Unity is Essential for National Security,” was organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) at a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. Fakhrul said the history of Bangladesh shows that people have always come together in times of crisis to defend national interests.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is displaying double standards by talking about delaying the national election, as it once again fails to align with the public sentiment. “Why do you (Jamaat) want to delay the election? The current government’s term will complete one year on August 5. If the election is held in February, it will be nearly one and a half years. Isn’t that enough time to carry out the necessary reforms?” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while addressing a milad mahfil arranged by BNP at its Nayapaltan central office on the occasion of holy Ashura. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said that on one hand, they are calling for the polls to be delayed, while on the other, they are introducing and nominating candidates in some areas. “This is what we call double standards.” Citing media reports, he said Jamaat has nominated candidates in 33 to 34 constituencies, yet they are now demanding a delay in the election. “They are giving nominations on one hand, and on the other, they are calling for the election delay.” Rizvi said Jamaat-e-Islami has historically failed to understand the sentiment of people. “If they had understood public sentiment, they would not have opposed (the Liberation War in) 1971. They wouldn’t have joined the 1986 election under Ershad with Sheikh Hasina either. They have always ignored people’s will. The truth is, people don’t matter to them.” He alleged that Jamaat only works to serve its own political interests but ends up harming itself in the process. “That’s why when they contest elections alone, they hardly win more than two or three seats.” Stating that most of the people in this country are Muslims, the BNP leader said Muslims always keep their word. “But they never keep their word. It is Begum Khaleda Zia who has kept her promises.” He said the country’s people expect to see the election held under Prof Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for the restoration of democracy. “Many of our leaders and activists have laid down their lives and endured persecutions just to establish the people's right to vote in a free and fair election.” Rizvi questioned the logic behind delaying the polls when there is still ample time to ensure a level-playing field. BNP warns of zero tolerance for wrongdoing within party ranks: Rizvi He said some recent incidents that happened in different areas of the country are social crimes, not political ones. The BNP leader said it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to suppress the social crimes and bring the offenders to justice. “What fault does the election have in this?” He suspected that some parties might be seeking to delay the polls only to enhance their image or serve their political interests. Rizvi, however, hoped that the interim government will not give extra time to benefit a certain party or individual. “We hope the interim government will not favour anyone. They should stick to the timeline we’ve discussed and hand over power to an elected government. Many aspects of state responsibility are linked to elected authority.” He also expressed concern about the shifting narratives of those who once joined democratic movements against Awami League’s fascist rule. Referring to the historical battle of Karbala, Rizvi said, “Imam Hussain gave his life fighting against injustice and tyranny. I don’t know if some of today’s political parties have taken any lesson from that.” “A few days ago, they (Jamaat) said the environment was not right for an election. Now they want to delay it. Why? After 15–16 years of struggle for democracy, what has the election done wrong? All the sacrifices, all the repression—enforced disappearances, killings brutal repression—have been for one goal: a free and fair election,” he observed.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said those who want to delay the election are certainly not pro-democratic or supporters of the July-August revolution. “People want an immediate election. We have said this many times before, and we are saying it again. Those who want to delay the election are surely not pro-democratic forces and not pro-July-August revolution forces,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul also said his party believes the country will move towards holding the election based on the discussions held between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London. He alleged that a vested quarter is carrying out a false campaign to malign BNP.  “A few individuals and groups are spreading false propaganda involving BNP to create a negative impression in public mind. But people are not responding to it,” the BNP leader said.  He said the people of the country know BNP very well and know that it has always been there and has played a leading role in achieving all the good things in Bangladesh. Fakhrul said it is important to understand that BNP is a tested liberal democratic political party, which wants to take charge of running the state through elections and people’s vote.  “We do not want to come to power through a revolution or any other means. No one can have any doubt about our intentions. We have fought for 15 years to restore democracy,” he said. Unfortunately, Fakhrul alleged, some sections of the media and certain individuals are spreading various claims about BNP's stance on reform, which are not accurate. “There is no room to question BNP’s commitment to reform because BNP is the very party that strongly spoke about reforms as early as 2016.” He said Begum Khaleda Zia herself first talked about reforms in 2016 through the Vision-2030 initiative. “After that, we announced a 27-point and later a 31-point reform proposal. As we are sincere about reforms, we have organised numerous programmes across the country to present these 31 points to the public and to civil society.”  Despite this, Fakhrul lamented, a certain group is deliberately trying to portray BNP as being against reforms. “This is part of a planned campaign to mislead people.” He said BNP has not only survived but has grown stronger and more popular through its continuous struggle against authoritarian rule for nearly one and a half decades. “The blood of hundreds of martyrs, the sacrifices of our fellow activists who faced enforced disappearances and killings, and the indescribable suffering of hundreds of thousands of leaders and workers have further strengthened BNP’s unity,” the BNP leader said. With this united strength, broad public support, and long experience in governing the country, he said BNP is firmly committed to fulfilling its historic responsibility of restoring democracy in Bangladesh. Fakhrul claimed that their party remains highly active in resisting the rise of authoritarianism and fascism. “Just as giving excessive power to an individual or institution leads to fascism, in the same way, stripping elected governments and parliaments of their authority weakens, fractures and renders the state ineffective.” He called upon all to rise above party interests and use this hard-earned opportunity for change—earned through the blood of thousands of martyrs—in a constructive way. China keen to deepen ties with Bangladesh’s next elected govt: Fakhrul “Let us not fail in our responsibility to build a discrimination-free, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh, inspired by the spirit of our Liberation War, the student-led mass uprising of 1990, and the student-worker-people’s movement of July–August 2024,” the BNP leader said. Regarding the July declaration, Fakhrul said their party has already given its opinions on the matter a long time ago. “We gave our feedback quite a while back. Then the government said they had taken responsibility for it and would handle it. But till now, they haven't brought anything forward.” He said BNP has always been open to discussions on any issue at any time, and they are willing to engage in talks on any matter. “We have no problem in this regard.” BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said that since their party provided its feedback on the July Charter a long time ago, it is now the government’s responsibility to complete the task. “If those responsible are delaying for some reason, BNP will not take the blame. This is not BNP’s responsibility,” he said. Another BNP Standing Committee Member, Salahuddin Ahmed, said they compromised on many proposals of the Consensus Commission for the sake of progress in reform. "We hope that we will be able to reach a consensus. Discussions are ongoing, but prolonged talks are not desirable,” he said. On the issue of Proportional Representation (PR) voting, Nazrul Islam Khan said PR is a concept that is implemented differently in different countries. “But those who are now talking about PR aren't saying anything about how it would be implemented here. So, there’s a lack of clarity around the issue.” He recalled that the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system was introduced just to change the method of casting a vote in the country. “How many years has it been? A massive campaign was undertaken to inform the public, those who would operate the machines were trained… Despite all that, even today the EVM system hasn’t been fully implemented.” He said the entire electoral system would be changed if the PR system is introduced. “Have you engaged with the public on this? Has anyone informed the people about it? Has there been any consultation with civil society, representative institutions, or even with political parties? No, these have not happened.” The BNP leader said the PR discussion is still at a very preliminary stage, as no formal discussions on this have even begun at the National Consensus Commission. "Yet some of our colleagues are saying this must happen, or there can be no election. What does that even mean?" he said. Opposing the PR system, Nazrul said that in this system, voters wouldn’t even know who their representative is. “Is that acceptable?”  "Even so, when the issue arises, we will discuss it. There is no barrier to discussion. Our representatives are already engaging in talks all day. They are listening to the viewpoints of representatives from other parties as well."

Bangladesh will have to be rebuilt through  justice, reform and a new constitution, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said on Saturday. "Even after a year, we do not see any visible steps. That is why we are demanding justice, reform and a new constitution," he said these things as the chief guest in the "July March for Building the Nation" programme street meeting at Naojowan Ground in Naogaon city on Saturday night. Addressing the people, Nahid expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you and we are deeply grateful for your support despite the storm and rain. The National Citizens Party has launched the July March for Building the Nation to mark its one-year anniversary. We are touring all 64 districts, and our visit to Naogaon is part of that journey. We are not just talking; we are listening—listening to the families of martyrs and the common people." No one can stop election, warns BNP’s Gayeshwar Expressing disappointment over the condition of the roads, he said for the past 15 years, the fascist government talked of development, but they have only deceived the people. "Those days of deception are over. We do not want to see such false promises again. The National Citizens Party will not make any false promises," he added. Nahid emphasized, "Through the mass uprising, the common people and the youth of this country have emerged as an alternative leadership. We are offering that alternative leadership and spirit to you. It is up to you to decide which path Bangladesh will take and what its future will be. For the past 15 years, the people of Bangladesh have endured oppression and torture by the fascist government. Many brothers and sisters from Naogaon have been exiled, and numerous others have been injured or martyred." Govt must ensure trial before election: Nahid He continued, "We brought independence in 1971, but that independence was lost. We have not been able to enjoy its true benefits. We will not let the mass uprising of July 24 go in vain. That is why we fought for independence, and we will also bring reforms—reforms that will protect this independence. Only then can the July martyrs be given their rightful dignity. This is our promise." Munira Sharmin, party's joint convener and chief coordinator of Naogaon district unit, urged everyone to stand with the NCP. NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain said we saw our brother being killed right before our eyes. Despite many witnesses to the genocide, justice has not yet been served. "If we want to bring peace to the mind of people, those responsible—like the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina—must be tried on Bangladeshi soil," he added. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer The event was jointly hosted by NCP Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam and Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah. Senior Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, and various leaders and activists at the district and upazila levels, were also present.

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Saturday said no one has the power to prevent the upcoming national election if BNP takes to the streets. “Elections must be held… no one has the power to stop the election, if we take to the streets. Those who say we could not achieve anything in 16 years, I would like to tell them, we can now achieve it in 16 days…but we won’t show that,” he said while addressing a rally in Keraniganj, demanding an early election. Referring to the government’s commitment to holding elections in time, Gayeshwar said they are patiently waiting with the expectation that the gentleman (Chief Adviser) will keep his promise and arrange elections in time. Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Jamaat has taken control of both the education and health sectors… There is no room left for anyone else. Some people often talk about Indian agents, but those who truly act as India’s agents are the ones working for India.” This veteran politician said those opposing elections or delaying the process in the name of reforms are the real agents of India, and they have inducted “notorious” Awami League members into their parties. BNP slams Jamaat for trying to 'fish in troubled waters' Speaking about the recent abduction of Porag Mandal, he said, “You all know who abducted Porag Mandal… I hear he is now a leader of Jamaat.” Mentioning that there is a pretext being used in the name of reform, this BNP standing committee member said BNP supports reform but does not and will not accept superstition. Addressing students, Gayeshwar said, “Students have every right to do politics. We also did student politics. Your contributions will be written in golden letters in history. But if you try to foil the election through conspiracies, your reputation will be tarnished and you will face public outrage.” Speaking as the chief guest, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said other political parties are using similar demands as BNP's to delay the election. “An Islamic party has now become ‘Shahid Mubarak’ just to contest elections alongside Awami League. In the past, they collaborated with Awami League by conspiring with India. They helped legitimise the illegal election and now they are giving big speeches at the reform commission,” he added. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Organising Secretary Shama Obaid also addressed the rally as special guests.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam on Saturday demanded justice for the killings during the July-August uprising before any national election is held. Addressing a rally organised by the party’s Bogura district unit at Satmatha Zero Point, Nahid said over 15 people were killed and more than 700 injured during the uprising. "For the last 17 years, Bogura has been a victim of the fascist government's political discrimination. People from Bogura were denied jobs just for their identity. Hundreds of false and fabricated cases were filed against them," he said. Earlier in the day, NCP leaders exchanged views with the families of those killed in the July movement at Bogura Tourism Motel. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer Following the meeting, Nahid Islam led a four-kilometre-long march from Koloni area to Satmatha, with a large number of students and locals participating in it. Among others, NCP Central Member-Secretary Akhter Hossain, Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, central leaders Nasir Uddin Patwary, and Dr Tasnim Jara addressed the rally.