United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday urged democratic political parties to maintain their unity, rising above narrow political interests, to resist the revival of Awami fascism. Speaking at a memorial discussion meeting in the capital, he also called upon the government to fulfill its duty of restoring democracy through elected public representatives as soon as possible. The BNP leader also said those who have oppressed the people of the country over the past 16 years have neither expressed regret nor shown remorse, and they continue to work to harm the nation. “We must remain aware and united, with our goals steadfast. Unfortunately, it seems we have not learned our lesson despite facing so much repression and suppression,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, also lamented that one pro-democratic party is making derogatory comments about another solely for narrow political interests, which serves no purpose. “We could oust autocracy and fascism with the mass unity we have forged. If this unity is compromised in any way, that fascism and autocracy will revive, and none of us will be spared. That’s why we must not jeopardise our unity,” he said. The BNP leader said their party aims to collaborate with all forces—right, left, moderate, and Islamic—to build the country and ensure the welfare of its people. “We want to ensure that the people of this country are never again subjected to fascism and repression. We also advocate for freedom of the press, but not its abuse.” Jamiat Ulema-e Islam arranged the progarmme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of its former leader and ex-MP Mufti Mohammad Wakkas. Later, the party’s national council was also held at the venue. BNP smells a blueprint to establish those who ‘sell independence’ He warned that the cohorts of the autocratic regime are making various efforts to create division among democratic forces. “We must resist all such evil efforts.” The BNP leader stated that their party aims to assist the current interim government in properly fulfilling its specific responsibilities, such as restoring democracy following the fall of autocracy. “Democracy means governing the country through the elected representatives of the people. While fascism has been removed, democracy has yet to be restored. The government has the responsibility to restore it. We hope they will do it correctly and as soon as possible," Nazrul said. He said political parties, including the BNP, are prepared to give the government a reasonable timeframe for the restoration of democracy. “However, the government’s goals need to be clear to the people. We must understand the nature of their actions.” The BNP leader also said those who attempt to obstruct the restoration of democracy must be dealt with firmly. He noted that associates of fascism still hold key positions at various levels of the administration. “We must be vigilant to ensure they cannot plot to bring back the fascist Awami forces." The BNP leader said over 700 BNP leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the past 15 years, with most of them not returning. “We don’t know whether they are alive or not. Their children, parents, and relatives are still waiting for the return of their loved ones.” He said more than a thousand BNP leaders and activists were killed during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, while hundreds of thousands were implicated in false cases. The BNP leader emphasised that the people of the country were freed from Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule through the sacrifices of many students and citizens. “It is now our responsibility to ensure that the people do not face such a regime again."

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to serve the people of the country rather than assuming a position of authority if his party is entrusted with the responsibility of leading the country in the future. "If given the responsibility to lead the country, we will not be the master of the people but the servants of this nation,” he said during a member conference in Naogaon on Saturday. The Naogaon unit of Jamaat-e-Islami organised the conference at the Nowjoan Eidgah grounds. The Jamaat Ameer emphasised the party’s intent to earn public trust through direct engagement, stating that Jamaat-e-Islami members would go door to door to seek cooperation and express gratitude for the support received. BNP smells a blueprint to establish those who ‘sell independence’ He highlighted the importance of learning from past leaders' mistakes, warning against the pitfalls of authoritarianism. "We have seen the consequences faced by those who assumed the role of masters in the past, both in distant and recent history. It is a lesson for all of us." "The nation must move forward and Jamaat-e-Islami advocates for a broader national unity, regardless of political affiliation, religion or background," Shafiqur also said. He expressed the party’s resolve to foster unity for the country and the people's interests, stressing the need to end the divisions plaguing the nation. Reflecting on the July-August movement, he acknowledged the contributions of countless people across the country. "This movement was not confined to a specific ideology; it was a struggle for the liberation of the people," he said. He attributed the movement's success to the sacrifices of the nation's youth and claimed that the involvement of the 180 million people of Bangladesh was instrumental in driving the movement forward. Syndicates must be broken to ease people's suffering: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat leader warned against attempts to divide the movement along party lines and called on politicians to take responsibility for fulfilling the aspirations of those who had sacrificed their lives for the country. Kh M Abdul Rakib, the Ameer of Jamaat's Naogaon district unit and a member of the central Majlis-e-Shura, presided over the meeting.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Dr Col (retd) Oli Ahmad on Saturday called for a quick completion of reform works before holding the next national election, reminding all that the time is limited. “We are telling you that reforms need to be done quickly. Time is short, you have to work fast,” he told reporters after holding a dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at state guest house Jamuna. The LDP chief said the election should be held but before that those who were involved in killings and stealing money should be brought to justice.   AL has no rights to do politics; it should be banned: Oli Ahmad “Let us build the house first, and then you can decide in which room you want to stay,” Oli said, apparently indicating that reforms need to be done before the election. “What’s the point of doing an election if all the thieves and dacoits remain there?” he said, adding that Jamaat (top Jamaat leaders) were hanged (for their crimes against humanity), now Awami League (AL leaders) will have to be hanged. Oli encouraged the media to build an opinion to that end, saying it is their responsibility. “Nobody is above the law. It is the rule of the law in democracy, which needs to be maintained.” Noting that one of the points they forgot to share with the Chief Adviser and that is related to recovering stolen money for the looters. Election timing to be fixed under CA's leadership: Asif Nazrul “Those who looted people’s money should be kept in a hotel; or an army and police barrack so that they can sleep on floors instead of soft beds,” Oli said, seeking steps to force the looters to return the money to the State.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday alleged that there is a blueprint to establish the forces of those who ‘sell independence’ and the anti-liberation elements everywhere. Speaking at a rally to raise mass awareness about dengue, he also said the interim government must act in a stronger way to address public issues and counter various schemes by the cohorts of the ousted fascist regime of the Awami League. “You (govt) must oversee who is being appointed to the administration. Consider who your friends are. If you place in key positions those who have served Sheikh Hasina for the past 15 years, they will not work in your favor; instead, they may engage in subversive acts,” the BNP leader warned. AL has no rights to do politics; it should be banned: Oli Ahmad He alleged that the associates of autocrats have been appointed to the health and other ministries. “We are witnessing what seems to be a blueprint to establish two forces—those who sell independence and anti-liberation elements—everywhere from the home ministry to the education ministry." The BNP leader said the government is failing to perform its responsibilities properly due to this blueprint. “The prices of essential items, including potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, chicken, spices and edible oil, are on the rise. If you had made timely market interventions, prices would not have soared like this.” He said a syndicate is extorting Tk 50 crore every night at the Karwanbazar kitchen market, driving up the prices of all vegetables and essential items. “What is your police administration doing to address this extortion? Various syndicates are active in every market, not just in Karwanbazar.” Tarique calls for urgent measures to tackle soaring prices of essentials The BNP leader expressed frustration that the interim government is taking much time to eliminate market and business syndicates. “People are now saying that prices of goods increased during Sheikh Hasina's time and continue to rise. What is the difference? This is not supposed to happen.” The Dhaka South City unit of BNP organised the programme near Jurain Railgate in the capital to raise awareness about dengue. Rizvi and other leaders also distributed leaflets in the area. Rizvi said while a ‘serious disease’—Sheikh Hasina—has fled the country, dengue has emerged in Bangladesh, claiming many lives. He said low-lying areas like Jurain have historically faced severe waterlogging, but the previous government was oblivious to this issue. “Sheikh Hasina's intention was not public service as her intention was to loot public money and siphon off it abroad,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that Hasina’s relatives, ruling party leaders and their associates, along with business syndicates like S Alam and Summit Group, plundered vast sums of public money under the guise of development activities and siphoned it off abroad. BNP for bringing back Hasina to face trial Rizvi questioned how Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, leads a lavish life and resides in an expansive house in the USA despite having no visible job or business. “The truth is coming to light. However, people could not raise questions during the rule of the fascist regime; those who tried ended up in jail.” He said the International Crimes Tribunal is working to bring Hasina back, as it has already issued a warrant for her arrest. “The tribunal will take action against her.”

Awami League on Friday condemned and protested the unlawful arrest of a senior lawyer who rendered legal service to former minister Dr Abdur Razzaq, describing him as a "victim of unlawful incarceration." In a message posted on social media platforms, the party said "Such arbitrary detention of a senior advocate for standing beside victims of unlawful incarceration is designed to terrorize other lawyers from offering legal services to thousands of victims of mass arrests." Former Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaq was presented in court on Thursday after completion of an initial 2-day remand. His lawyer Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Talukdar Dipu applied for bail, but the judge denied it and ordered him to be sent to jail.Later Dipu, a former Senior Joint Secretary of the Dhaka Bar Association, was taken by RAB and plainclothes police from his residence to Dhanmondi Police Station around 2am, in the small hours of Friday. “The unlawful detention of a lawyer marks an unconstitutional effort designed to encourage the culture of mass arrest, indemnify those responsible for arbitrary arrest and further weaponisation of law enforcement and judiciary to persecute citizens regarded as dissenters,” AL's message on its verified accounts concluded.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take pragmatic steps as a priority to control the rising prices of essentials  to ease the financial strain on the people. Addressing a discussion programme virtually, he also urged the government to prioritise the elimination of the market syndicate that was established during the previous regime. “People from all walks of life, particularly those in low- and middle-income groups, farmers, workers and small businesses, are enduring significant hardships due to the unusual price hikes in essential items,” the BNP leader said. He said that mere sweet words are not enough while people remain half-fed. “I call upon the interim government to take pragmatic and stern steps immediately as a priority to control the commodity prices and provide relief to the public,” Tarique said. He lamented that commodity prices have surpassed the purchasing capacity of the ordinary people, as their incomes have not increased. “While it may be challenging to dismantle the business syndicate established during the previous regime, it is not impossible with genuine will and appropriate interventions,” the BNP leader said. He also said that the size of the Advisory Council could be increased, if necessary, for the smooth functioning of the government in establishing control over the market. The Ziaur Rahman Foundation organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark its silver jubilee. Tarique warned that the associates of the deposed despotic regime are still conspiring to create hurdles for the government and undermine its success. “No initiative will be successful while keeping the followers and beneficiaries of the mafia regime in important positions.” He also cautioned that the beneficiaries of the fallen autocratic government will try to take advantage of the situation if the government fails to ease public suffering. “The beneficiaries of the mafia regime have started raising their heads in the administration and also both at home and abroad. They want to make the government fail. If the poisonous teeth of conspiracy are not uprooted, the achievements of the students' revolution will be at stake,” the BNP leader said. Tarique seeks pragmatic steps from govt for market control Tarique said the state should function according to the expectations of the country’s people. “The mafia gangs have carried out genocide in Bangladesh. However, people have regained their freedom of speech. Those who were deprived during the mafia regime want to reclaim their lost rights. The bloodstains of the martyrs are not yet erased. The interim government must prioritise these activities.” The BNP leader also noted that the government's disarray and inconsistency have become evident, and it has failed to establish a clear priority agenda for its activities. He said the conflicting statements from various government advisers regarding the next election have caused confusion among the public. “The inconsistency in government statements on such an important and pressing issue has created doubts and confusion in the public mind. People want to see the interim government play a more responsible, pro-people and effective role,” Tarique said. He also said there is no alternative to holding a free and fair election and establishing a government through the people’s direct votes. “Pro-democratic people have been providing the government with unconditional support to this end. It is now the main responsibility of the interim government to value the unconditional support of people.” The BNP leader said the government has taken steps for various reforms to give the state and politics a solid foundation. “Reforms are very necessary and important, and I am always in favour of them. However, reform is a continuous and ongoing process, and it can sometimes be time-consuming. The desired success cannot be achieved without ensuring the direct involvement of the people in any reform initiative.” Tarique Rahman also said that Awami League leaders and activists captured lands, shops and business establishments across the country during its dictatorship. He said that the interim government should take priority steps to recover these, as some unwarranted incidents occurred during the recovery efforts. Ziaur Rahman Foundation Chief Adviser of overseas committee Dr Zubaida Rahman also addressed the programme virtually, extending her greetings to the members on the occasion of its silver jubilee. She wished the foundation continued success and urged its members to work towards the betterment of humanity. “I hope the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will set a benchmark for serving humanity,” said Zubaida, who is also the wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take pragmatic steps as a priority to control the rising prices of essential goods to ease the financial strain on the people. Addressing a discussion programme virtually, he also urged the government to prioritise the elimination of the market syndicate that was established during the previous regime. “People from all walks of life, particularly those in low-income groups and small businesses, are enduring significant hardships due to the unusual price hikes in essential items,” the BNP leader said. Asif Nazrul seeks apology to people for price hike of essentials He said that mere sweet words will not suffice while people remain half-fed. “I call upon the interim government to take pragmatic steps immediately as a priority to lower commodity prices and provide relief to the public,” Tarique said. He lamented that commodity prices have surpassed the purchasing power of the ordinary people. “While it may be challenging to dismantle the business syndicate established during the previous regime, it is not impossible with genuine will and appropriate interventions,” the BNP leader said. The Ziaur Rahman Foundation organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark its silver jubilee. Tarique warned that associates of the deposed despotic regime are still conspiring to create difficulties for the government and undermine its success. Yunus-led interim govt may induct some new faces this month: Sources The BNP leader also noted that the government's disarray has become evident and it has failed to establish a clear priority agenda. He said the conflicting statements from various government advisers regarding the next election have caused confusion among the public. Ziaur Rahman Foundation adviser Dr Zubaida Rahman also addressed the programme virtually, extending her greetings to the members on the occasion of its silver jubilee. She wished the foundation continued success and urged its members to work towards the betterment of humanity. “I hope the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will set a benchmark for serving humanity,” said Zubaida, who is also the wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.    

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that India is supporting crimes and pampering killers by providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina. “Our neighbouring country yesterday (Thursday) clearly said Sheikh Hasina is there. Their statement seems like they behaved like a Big Brother,” he said. Talking to reporters at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Rizvi described Sheikh Hasina as the greatest terrorist and murderer. “Who could be a greater terrorist than one who can drink children’s blood? Sheltering her (Hasina) means supporting crime, injustice, and pampering murderers,” he said. Stating Bangladesh has signed the extradition treaty with India, the BNP leader said the interim government can take steps to bring Hasina back home through diplomatic efforts since a warrant for her arrest has been issued by a court. Read: Hasina continues to be in India for safety reasons: MEA Spokesperson “Such a matter can be resolved through diplomatic discussions for her extradition. If not, the top terrorists in Bangladesh will find opportunities to take shelter in India and other countries,” he said. On the occasion of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation's silver jubilee, Rizvi, together with members of the organisation, paid homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave. India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal at a press briefing on Thursday said they have seen reports about the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issuing a warrant for the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising but declined to offer any comment. Read more: Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser “She (Hasina) had come here on a short notice. No change in her status. She continues to stay here,” he said.

Local administration has imposed section-144 in Akkelpur municipality of Joypurhat to maintain law and order centring the counter-programmes announced by two BNP factions. Akkelpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Manjurul Alam said they placed it banning any kind of rally, gathering, procession, use of sound systems and motorbikes at Rajakanda Government Primary School and a one kilometer area surrounding the school as both the groups fixed the same venue to hold their programmes at the same time The section-144 will be in place from Thursday's 12pm to 12am (midnight) and police and army personnel remain vigilant, he said. Prompt legal actions will be taken if anyone tries to violate section-144, the UNO said. Locals said there had long been a dispute between two groups led by former lawmaker Engineer Golam Mostafa and Rajshahi divisional assistant organizing secretary AHM Obaidul Rahman Chandan over the formation of upazila unit committee.

BNP senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday said the people never expect the proportional representation system to be introduced in the country’s elections. “It may be in other countries in the world. But it won’t be applicable for our country.  This system will create special advantage for only a particular quarter,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while addressing a programme at Morajal area of Raipura Upazila in Narsingdi district. Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh after legal fight: UK BNP President A pro-BNP platform ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ arranged the event to console and provide donation to the family of slain Chhatradal activist Junaid Al-Habib, who also a coordinator of the recent movement that topped the Awami League’s regime. The BNP leader said if the authoritarian Awami League ever comes to power again, Bangladesh will turn into a slaughterhouse. BNP joint secretary general and Narsingdi district BNP convener Khairul Kabir Khokan and BNP science and technology affairs assistant secretary Ashraf Uddin Bakul, Narsingdi district BNP member secretary Monzur Elahi, Narsingdi district Jubodal president Mohsin Hossain Bidyut, Narsingdi district Chhatradal president Siddiqur Rahman Nahid, among others, were present at the function presided over by convener of Amra BNP Poribar Atiqur Rahman Rumon. Ganatantra Mancha vows to elevate people's uprising to victory On September 28, Junaid was stabbed by a group led by former Chhatra League leaders Swadhin and Pial at Batiyara intersection of the Raipura upazila. Later, he succumbed to injuries at a private hospital in the capital on October 7 last. Junaid’s uncle Md Shafique filed a case with Raipura police station, accusing 14 individuals including Swadhin and Pial. Police arrested an accused.