United News of Bangladesh

BNP on Thursday warned of legal action if anyone forms any organisation or platform using the name of the party or its top leaders. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir said the party will also take both organisational and legal action against its leaders and activists if they join the programmes of any baseless organisations. Won’t sit idle if election is delayed, warns BNP     “If anyone forms an organisation using the BNP name, it will have no relation with the party,” Rizvi said, adding, “Action will be taken against anyone who forms any organisation using the name of martyr President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman and Jatiyatabadi.” The BNP leader pointed out that there are recognised affiliated organisations within the party, including teachers’ associations, the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB), the Engineers and Agriculturalists Association, the Bangladesh Combined Professionals Council, and the Medical Technologist Association. The BNP has taken this move as some vested quarters have been indulging in plundering and extortion using BNP’s name since August 5 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime. He said the students and mass people of Bangladesh had driven out the fascist Sheikh Hasina through a monumental movement at the sacrifice of huge blood and lives. Lack of election roadmap make people suspicious about interim govt: BNP Rizvi slammed the government for failing to dismantle the syndicate controlling commodity prices. He stated that the government should have found alternative countries for imports of essential goods but has not taken any initiative in this regard. The BNP leader alleged that there are no visible efforts from the government to break the market syndicate, warning that if the situation does not improve, low-income working people will struggle to survive.  

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday said the interim government does not see the demand for President Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu’s resignation as a "legal or constitutional" issue, but rather a political one, and a decision in this regard will be taken on the basis of a political consensus. “It's a political issue. Since it is a political issue, we are not seeing it as a legal or constitutional issue. Discussions are underway with the political parties," Rizwana said. Briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday’s meeting of the Council of Advisers, she said there is a demand for the resignation of the president and it is getting stronger. The adviser said the political parties need to make their position clear on the demand for the president’s resignation. She said the political parties have not clearly conveyed their position or decision to the government. Asked about how much time it might take to reach a consensus, Rizwana said it depends on the political parties. "It cannot be said that we are in a hurry, but at the same time, there is no scope to delay it." Noting that the current government is the result of a mass uprising, Rizwana said they are not in a “normal situation”, and are compelled to think whether everything can be maintained in line with the constitution. “The key thing is that we are seeing this (demand for president’s resignation) as a political issue,” she said. The Adviser said issues related to the President were discussed in the meeting of the Council of Advisers with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. She said what the President said has been brought to their attention in the meeting and some political parties are also talking about a constitutional crisis. Some leaders of a party have said that if the president resigns, there will be a constitutional vacuum, Rizwana said. “Again, some of the political parties have said that there will be no political crisis. This has been discussed among us. The demand is that the President must resign,” she said. Regarding the decision of age limit for the government jobs, she said it might take three-four working days to issue a gazette following relevant process. Rizwana also said no one will be able to take the BCS exam more than three times. The adviser said Chhatra League, student wing of Bangladesh Awami League, has been banned as a terrorist organization. However, they have not decided to ban Awami League or any other organization, she said. There is also no initiative to confiscate the assets of the banned organization for now, she mentioned. Rizwana also said that this time no one will be able to go to perform Hajj at government expenses. She, however, said the cost of performing Hajj will be reduced this time and the Hajj package will be announced by this month. Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Thursday warned that their party leaders and workers will not sit idle if the next national election is not held within a reasonable time. "We want the people who won the country to elect their representatives to form a parliament and government with their votes through a free, fair and impartial election. This was the main point of the revolution,” he said. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader said the nation has entrusted the interim government with the responsibility to hold the election to restore their voting rights. He said their party will provide the government with a reasonable timeframe for holding the next election.  “If that time passes, Ziaur Rahman's BNP, under the leadership of Tariq Rahman, will certainly not sit at home and eat peanuts. We will take necessary actions based on reality in the future.” Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said that they will observe what the government does for some days. “Then we will do what we have done in the past. A death warrant is not significant for us. None of us can be killed when we are ready to die.” Jagrata Bangladesh arranged the discussion titled ‘The responsibilities of the Interim Government and Political Parties in the current context of the country’. Without mentioning the name of any political party, Gayeshwar said some parties demonstrate through their activities that they are coming to power. "There’s no doubt that they are oppressed, but they did not liberate the country... we did it. The nationalist forces of Bangladesh liberated the country with the declaration of independence by Ziaur Rahman, who is the greatest freedom fighter of the country. He’s also the political figure who believed in democracy," he observed. The BNP leader said the interim government has banned the Chhatra League, which is a bold move. "We do not object to it, but whatever actions you take, consider the potential aftereffects." He mentioned that the deposed Awami League regime hanged many leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and subjected them to torture. "But Jamaat did not ban a fascist like Sheikh Hasina." Rizvi said those who committed atrocities under the banner of various organisations and institutions and killed people and engaged in plundering are still living comfortably. "They should be held accountable and an example should be set for the consequences of wrongdoing." He questioned how so many people crossed the border and went abroad, asking, "Thanks to whom? Who encouraged and assisted them in escaping? Who will answer for this? Those who took shelter in the cantonment, how did they get abroad? Who provided the opportunity for criminals to escape without facing justice? Will the government answer for this?" The BNP leader called upon BNP leaders and workers to remain vigilant to prevent a constitutional crisis in the country.    

BNP Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman on Thursday said merely banning the Bangladesh Chhatra League is not sufficient, as leaders and activists with illegal arms must also be brought to justice to maintain law and order. Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital, she also urged students seeking the president's removal to make a prudent decision on the matter through discussions with political parties, warning that creating a new political crisis would make it difficult to restore stability in the country. “Is it enough to simply ban the Chhatra League? They possess various sharp weapons, guns, pistols and other illegal arms that can be used to attack people and create chaos. So, they must be brought to justice with an iron fist,” the BNP leader said. Lack of election roadmap make people suspicious about interim govt: BNP She also said the most important step is to bring Sheikh Hasina under the law and try her for various misdeeds and repressive acts. The BNP leader alleged that Hasina attempted to kill her archrival Khaleda Zia through slow poisoning after jailing her on false charges. “Khaleda Zia is alive but suffers from serious illnesses... We’re trying to send her abroad for treatment, but her physical condition is still not suitable for that.” Selima Rahman urged the interim government to withdraw all cases against Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman through an executive order. The Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party organised the programme at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) demanding the withdrawal of all false cases filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Selima lauded the role of the leaders of the student-led movement in freeing the country from the grasp of fascist and autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. “But you must remember that the country can’t be destabilised by creating any kind of political crisis. If your goal is to make sure everyone get their rights back, then you should move forward with consultations and discussions with the leaders and professionals of all political parties on any crucial issue,” she said. Nation doesn’t expect a constitutional or political crisis: BNP The BNP leader emphasised that the role of political parties is vital for ensuring true good governance. “All must work together; otherwise, the defeated forces will take advantage of the crisis.” She said the nation gained freedom following the student-led movement, but now they are not at ease. “We are indeed going through a critical phase. Common people are not receiving relief. Rising commodity prices and various office siege programmes for different demands are causing distress, while the cohorts of the fallen dictator are trying to destabilise the country in a planned way so that the government cannot manage the country well and cannot ensure a fair election.” Stating that the deposed autocratic government has created the ongoing crisis, Selima noted that the current government is working to overcome it. “But the associates of the fallen regime remain in many important positions, and they’re trying to create an unstable situation.” The BNP standing committee member also said the defeated forces are causing various problems, including rising prices of daily necessities and disturbances in industries. “Their market syndicate must be dismantled.” President issue: BNP urges unity in talks with Dr Yunus She said the dream of the student movement was to restore all the democratic and basic rights of people, as they could not vote in the three national elections. “Those who are with the interim government are good and decent. They are working for the country, and we’re cooperating with them. However, they need to understand that the most urgent matters must be addressed first. Not all reforms are feasible at once. If a political party is elected by the people's vote, they can govern the country effectively,” Selima observed.  

The All European Awami League on Thursday strongly condemned and protested the interim government’s decision to ban the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). In a joint statement, the organisation's President M Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Mujibur Rahman expressed their discontent, stating that the government had issued a notification banning the Chhatra League based on false accusations. “We strongly condemn and protest this action,” the statement read. They highlighted that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman founded the Chhatra League in response to the needs of the time, just one year after emerging from British colonial rule and facing Pakistani subjugation. The leaders emphasised that the Chhatra League’s struggles and contributions will be remembered in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh and its fight for independence. They also outlined the organisation’s vital role in major historical events such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1954 General Elections, the Anti-Ayub Movement of 1958, the Education Movement of 1962, the Six-Point Movement in 1966, the Mass Uprising of 1969, the 1970 General Elections, and its significant contributions during the Liberation War in 1971. They reiterated that the Chhatra League played a crucial and unparalleled role in every democratic movement in Bangladesh’s history. “Bangladesh Chhatra League has been a proud partner in all the major achievements of Bangladesh and its people,” the statement added. They further declared that the Chhatra League, as a driving force in the country’s progress, is imperishable and indestructible. The ban on 76-year old BCL came on Wedbesday night in response to demands from anti-discrimination student movement. A home ministry gazette notification cited evidence of BCL's involvement in killings, torture of students and terrorist activities in the past 15 years of fallen Awami League rule.

The interim government has banned Awami League's student organization, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). A notification signed by Senior Secretary Md Abdul Momen of the Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard was released on Wednesday. Overhaul of constitution, BCL ban: Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issues five demands According to the notification, over the past 15 years under the Awami League government, Chhatra League has been involved in various activities that disrupt public safety, including murder, rape, torture, harassment in student dormitories, and tender manipulation Additionally, the notification mentions that there is sufficient evidence indicating that BCL continued to engage in conspiratorial, destructive, and provocative activities against the state, as well as various terrorist acts, even after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. Consequently, the interim government has declared a ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League under Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said the people of the country are looking at the interim government with a suspicion due to its delay in announcing a specific timeframe of the national election. Speaking at a programme in the capital’s Demra area, he urged the government to rein in the rising prices of daily essentials by taking action against the Awami business syndicate that controls the market. “I would like to tell Dr Muhammad Yunus that you should carry out the reforms. But why do you hesitate so much to declare the election date? Democracy means that no matter what happens, you must clearly inform people as they have doubts about these matters,” Rizvi said. He said the government has formed various commissions for state reforms, but it did not specify the deadline for submitting reports or how many days it will take to hold a free and fair election. The BNP leader said people have been waiting for a credible election for 15 years to choose their representatives and parties to form the government. “Having clarity and a roadmap are two essential conditions of democracy. You are hesitating regarding the timeframe, and people are viewing this with some suspicion.” Rizvi accuses govt of 'hide and seek' over arrest of Hasina's ministers ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ arranged the programme at Demar’s Konapara to express sympathy to the family members of seven people who were killed by police firing during the recent student-led mass movement. Rizvi said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is a revered person who has brought international honour for Bangladesh. “But he must first consider what can ease public life and where people find comfort. To ensure that low-income people can eat properly, you must prioritise market control.” “You (govt) have reduced tariffs on many items, but there has been no effect in the market. The prices of sugar, rice, edible oil and onions have not declined due to the market syndicate. Arrest these Awami syndicate members and bring them under the law to control the market,” he said. Otherwise, the BNP leader said, it would be a betrayal of the spirit of democracy, the spirit of the movement, and the blood of those who sacrificed their lives. He noted that Sheikh Hasina had used every possible method to secure her power but had failed in the face of a student-led mass movement. “She had not brought real criminals to justice; instead, she imprisoned those who opposed her. When this failed to prolong her power, she resorted to killings, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, which were particularly evident in July and August,” Rizvi observed.

Amid calls for the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the nation does not expect a constitutional or political crisis from such actions. Talking to reporters at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, he urged all to remain alert to prevent the cohorts of fascism from causing trouble in the country through various plots. “The presidency is the highest constitutional position and it is also an institution. If this position becomes vacant due to resignation or removal, it will create a constitutional and national crisis,” he stated. President issue: BNP urges unity in talks with Dr Yunus The BNP leader also said if the path of transition to democracy is delayed or hindered through a state crisis, it will go against the nation’s desires. He urged everyone to stay alert to prevent the deposed fascists and their associates from causing chaos in the country through various plots. The BNP leader also emphasised that the nation stands united and is prepared to confront these challenges and plots together. When asked if the BNP seeks the President’s removal or resignation, Salahuddin replied, “Vacancy in the President's post would create a state and constitutional crisis at this moment, which the nation doesn’t expect. A group of students and people is demanding the resignation or removal of the President after Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, the chief editor of Manab Zamin, in an article in ‘Janatar Chokh’ claimed that the President told him that he had not received any resignation letter from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rizvi accuses govt of 'hide and seek' over arrest of Hasina's ministers Subsequently, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul accused the President of lying about not receiving Hasina’s resignation letter, suggesting that his statement constituted a breach of his oath of office. “The President’s claim that he did not receive Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter is a lie and a violation of his oath,” Dr Asif asserted. Earlier in the day, BNP senior leaders, including Salahuddin, met Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and called for strengthening national unity to foil any attempts to create a constitutional and political crisis. Speaking to reporters in front of the Chief Adviser's residence after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan also said they will tackle any plots by the cohorts of the deposed fascist regime unitedly, together with all pro-democratic political parties and organisations. Nazrul, along with BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud and Salahuddin Ahmed, met the Chief Adviser to discuss the latest political situation. The BNP leader said they discussed establishing a government of the people through a national election after completing the ongoing process of reforms. BNP for creating quick election environment  Asked whether the Chief Adviser sought any opinion from them about the removal of the President, Nazrul parried the question. He, however, said they urged all to remain cautious to ensure that a new constitutional or political crisis does not arise in the country.  

Amid the growing demand for the resignation of the President, BNP senior leaders met Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and called for strengthening national unity to foil any attempts to create a constitutional and political crisis. Speaking to reporters in front of the Chief Adviser's residence after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan also said they will tackle any plots by the cohorts of the deposed fascist regime unitedly, together with all pro-democratic political parties and organisations. “We’re observing that the associates of the ousted fascist regime are making various efforts and resorting to different tactics to create a constitutional and political crisis in the country. We think national unity needs to be more consolidated to restore democracy and the change we achieved through the long struggles at the cost of many lives,” he added. Earlier, Nazrul, along with BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud and Salahuddin Ahmed, met the Chief Adviser to discuss the latest political situation. The BNP leader said they discussed establishing a government of the people through a national election after completing the ongoing process of reforms. The BNP leader said they also talked about the public suffering caused by the hikes in essential items. “We urged the government to play a more effective role in addressing the issue.” Nazrul said a unity of all political parties, professional bodies, and all the organisations of students and youths needs to be forged. “We also all need to be alert so that no one can create any new political or constitutional crisis in the country.” He said the government should intensify the reform process and complete it promptly based on consensus. Read: BNP warns of conspiracies, urges vigilance The BNP leader said the government also needs to resolve the persisting problems people are facing and ultimately restore democracy, which is the main desire of the recent mass movement. “We also discussed that if the associates of the deposed autocrats make any evil efforts to create a constitutional and political crisis, all the pro-democratic political parties and different organisations that have been in the movement will face this crisis in unison,” he said. Asked whether the Chief Adviser sought any opinion from them about the removal of the President, Nazrul parried the question. Later, briefing reporters, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the head of the interim government had the meeting with the BNP leaders as part of the ongoing dialogue with political parties.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has filed a review petition seeking reconsideration of the ruling that abolished the caretaker government system. Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar submitted this review petition to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The party's lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir confirmed the matter. Jamaat’s registration: Appellate Division accepts petition to restore appeal Earlier, on October 20, the Appellate Division's chamber judge scheduled a hearing for two separate review petitions regarding the ruling concerning the abolition of the caretaker government system for October 24. This matter will be heard in the full bench of the Appellate Division. On October 16, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir filed a review petition against the ruling that abolished the caretaker government system. In August, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar also filed a separate review application against the ruling. The thirteenth amendment to the constitution, which included the caretaker government system, was adopted by the National Parliament in 1996. Challenging the validity of this amendment, three lawyers, including Advocate M Salimullah, filed a writ in the High Court. On May 10, 2011, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division declared the thirteenth amendment to the constitution “illegal” and annulled it, abolishing the caretaker government system. However, the court led by then Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque expressed that the 10th and 11th elections could be held under a caretaker government. The ruling stated that in this case, any decision regarding the chief adviser of the caretaker government could be made based on consensus in Parliament.