United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said his party does not support a proposal for the formation of National Constitutional Council (NCC) to recruit some key constitutional posts and bodies as the proposed council has no accountability. “We as a democratic party can’t support any institution that has authority, power, and functions but no accountability. Creating a separate organ with such functions will lead to an imbalanced situation,” he said. Salahuddin made the remarks at a press briefing following Wednesday’s session of the second round of reform talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. He explained that the NCC is a proposal by the reform commissions that suggests a nine-member council headed by the President. The council will include the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, speakers of both the upper house and the lower house, the Chief Justice, two deputy speakers nominated by the opposition and another member from both houses combined. The NCC will remain effective until the appointment of the Chief Adviser. After the Chief Adviser’s appointment, a five-member body consisting of the Chief Adviser, two advisers, the President and the Chief Justice will take over during the election period. Rizvi hopes interim govt will quickly fulfill election promises The NCC’s functions and authority will cover appointments of key constitutional figures, including the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners, the Attorney General, Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the proposed Local Government Commission, chiefs of the armed forces, and other posts prescribed by constitutional laws. The proposed council will also be able to recommend the name for the appointment of the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government before the President. Salahuddin said they (BNP) earlier explained why they cannot agree with this NCC concept and reiterated that the functions and responsibilities proposed for this NCC are already carried out by the executive branch through various laws and constitutional provisions. “We can ask, or you (journalists) can ask-- with so much responsibility and power, and (to carry out) so many appointments, where is the accountability? Is there accountability? There is no one. We cannot support any institution without accountability,” he said. Refuting an argument for the NCC that anarchy creates in the country as these appointments are done by the chief executive (of the government), the BNP leader said, “What we need is a balanced state structure, social system, and governance system. "Had there been a caretaker government, the elections wouldn’t have been held in this manner." He said the entire parliament couldn’t be abolished or the entire executive branch couldn’t be blamed for these problems. He stressed that if the Election Commission is allowed to function independently and constitutionally, the executive branch and Parliament would permanently lose their authoritarian grip. If there are any faults (in these systems), it will be addressed by an independent judiciary. For this reason, BNP proposes complete independence of the judiciary, said Salahuddin. He said they hope that there would be gradual progress towards a truly independent judiciary through some court verdicts, constitutional reforms and ratifications. “Then these systems will be well-guarded.” Some 30 political parties, including BNP, NCP and Jamaat joined Wednesday's reform discussion presided over by Vice Chairman of the Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz. Alongside NCC formation and the authority of the President was discussed on Wednesday. However, Prof Ali Riaz at a press briefing said political parties feel the need for a constitutional body to handle appointments to the constitutional posts. “Although a couple of parties differ on some principles, all opted for establishing a constitutional mechanism,” he said. He said the commission is considering two proposals regarding presidential elections—one from the Constitutional Reform Commission and another from the Electoral Reform Commission. Discussions on expanding presidential powers and balancing authority will continue, said Prof Ali Riaz. On Thursday, the tenure of Prime Minister and the basic principles of the state alongside the unfinished issues including the President’s appointment are scheduled to be discussed in the reform talks.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday evening for a health check-up. She arrived at the hospital from her Gulshan residence at around 7:47pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said the BNP Chairperson will undergo several tests at the hospital as per her medical board’s advice. “After the tests are done, the board will decide on the next course of action,” he said. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health complications for several years. She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board consisting of specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors. Khaleda to visit Evercare Hospital this evening for health check-up Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on May 6 after undergoing four months of treatment in London. During her stay in London, she received advanced medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Her travel to London and return home were arranged with the support of a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Before departing for London, the BNP Chairperson last visited Evercare Hospital on September 12 for a health check-up.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday expressed the hope that the interim government will quickly implement the promises it made regarding the national election. “We hope that the government will soon live up to its pledge to hold the election (in mid-February),” he said while talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, along with the leaders of the newly formed committee members of the Narsingdi district unit BNP. Rizvi said it is necessary to give democracy a solid and institutional foundation to prevent the ugly rise of autocracy. If elected to power, he said, their party would run the country in consultation with all political parties that joined hands with them in the movement for the restoration of democracy. The BNP leader said all political parties, including BNP, extended their support to the interim government with many hopes and expectations. He questioned why those in law enforcement agencies who allegedly tortured opposition members by implicating them in false and fabricated cases during the previous Awami League regime have not yet been brought to justice. The BNP leader urged the government to identify and take action against the errant members of RAB, Police and DB who abused their power and carried out unlawful activities and repression at the behest of autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. He said if anyone believes the government has lost its neutrality, the matter should be resolved through discussion. Khamenei rejects surrender call, warns of ‘irreparable damage’ if US intervenes Rizvi said BNP remains united under the uncompromising leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “All conspiracies by Sheikh Hasina to split BNP have failed... The crisis is not over yet. We still have a long way to go to fully restore democracy.” He voiced concern over the spread of dengue and COVID-19, urging the government to take immediate steps to save lives and address the health risks. Rizvi also called upon the government to form a national task force to tackle the threats posed by dengue and COVID-19.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s decision to skip the first day of talks with the National Consensus Commission (NCC) was a ‘symbolic protest’against the interim government, said party Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters after joining the second day’s discussion at the Foreign Service Academy, Taher clarified that the boycott was a reaction to certain actions taken by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his recent London trip. “We raised objections to and issued a statement regarding his London visit. Our highest executive council approved this position,” he said. He went on to say, “The chief adviser went to London to receive an award and retrieve laundered money, which we welcomed. He also met BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, which we also appreciated. However, he later issued a joint statement with only one party, which surprised and embarrassed us.” Taher emphasised that issuing a joint statement with a representative of a single party without consulting others was unprecedented and inappropriate for someone in Yunus's position. “There’s no precedent for a chief adviser issuing a joint statement with the representative of just one political party. It caused discomfort to all other parties, including ours,” he said. Road accidents claim 312 lives in 12 days during Eid holidays: RSF Jamaat’s discomfort also stemmed from Yunus’ pre-announcement of an election date during a televised speech, which, Taher argued, left no room for adjustments based on future dialogue. “If the chief adviser had returned to the country and reconsidered the matter through consultations, that would have been acceptable. But he did not,” he added. Taher accused Yunus of compromising his neutrality by aligning too closely with one party, warning that such moves could hinder progress in the NCC’s reform agenda. “If things continue this way, the commission may yield little impact — like a mountain giving birth to a mouse,” he said. Despite this, Taher said, top officials of the interim government, including Yunus himself, reached out to Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, assuring the party of a neutral and transparent approach going forward. This led to Jamaat’s participation in the second day's of talks. Taher also addressed recent comments from the Home Affairs Adviser, who claimed a level playing field had already been established. “It appears the adviser doesn’t understand what a level playing field means,” he said, questioning how someone unable to unlock a building in a month could guarantee nationwide law and order during elections. Regarding women’s reserved seats, Taher said Jamaat has no objections as long as they are allocated proportionately. On the proposed formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC), he confirmed Jamaat’s support, recommending the exclusion of the president and chief justice to avoid future conflicts of interest. "Jamaat also suggested keeping military leaders outside the council structure." Taher was accompanied by Assistant Secretaries General Rafiqul Islam Khan and Hamidur Rahman Azad during the briefing.

  BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for skipping the National Consensus Commission meeting on Tuesday due to fears of losing relevance after the national election. “Many were not happy with the meeting outcome because the election will bring danger for them. As long as there is no election, they hold considerable importance,” he said at a programme of the Dhaka North City Unit BNP. Once the election concludes, the BNP leader said, the party supported by people will come to power. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said the party is concerned about how much influence it will retain after the election. “That is why they were disappointed and did not attend the meeting with (Consensus Commission) yesterday (Tuesday),” Fakhrul said.  The programme was held on the premises of Sunbeams School to launch the Turag unit of Dhaka North BNP’s new membership form distribution and membership renewal campaign. According to media reports, Jamaat-e-Islami skipped the National Consensus Commission’s discussion with political parties on Tuesday as a form of protest against the outcome of the London meeting between the Chief Adviser and the BNP Acting Chairman. The party reportedly informed the commission that it felt ignored after Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met in London on June 13 and issued a joint statement agreeing to hold the election in February next year. Rizvi hopes interim govt will quickly fulfill election promises Fakhrul said when a debate was going on and a rift was developing between the interim government and political parties over an unfavourable election timeline in April next year, Tarique Rahman met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in London on 13 June at the latter’s invitation. He described the meeting as a rare and historic event, as it paved the way for a peaceful democratic transition. At the meeting, Fakhrul said both Prof Yunus and Tarique moved away from their earlier stances on the election schedule and agreed to hold the polls in February, a week before Ramadan.  “This is what we call statesmanship. Without fuelling division or conflict, these two leaders have created an opportunity for a peaceful election,” he said. “Do we like this? If you do, give a round of applause for Tarique Rahman and Prof Yunus,” he said, prompting claps from party leaders and workers. The BNP Secretary General said their party will not engage in vote rigging or break the law like the Awami League. He said BNP will seek votes with humbleness to come to power, rather than by depriving people of their rights. “In the last 15 years, whatever the Awami League has done, we will not follow that path. We must learn from the consequences they have faced. Our aim is to protect everyone’s rights.” Reached a national consensus to hold general election in Feb: Khosru Speaking about the membership collection programme, Fakhrul warned that no Awami League members should be allowed to enter BNP.  “It is proven that no one from the Awami League is good. They only work for their own interests, not for others. So, no one of them should be included in our party.” He urged party leaders to include people with a clean image and good reputation in BNP. Highlighting BNP’s commitment to the people and the country, Fakhrul said solving the unemployment crisis would be their top priority if the party comes to power. “We will create jobs for one crore unemployed people. The government will be run by giving priority to the youth.” He also criticised those involved in extortion, calling them professional extortionists. “Such people always try to join the ruling party by any means. BNP will not give place to any extortionist.” Referring to the 1991 election, Fakhrul said, “Back then, there was no guarantee of how many seats BNP would win. But the party had a good image, and that’s why it won the majority and formed the government.” He urged party leaders and workers to gain public trust through good work in order to achieve success in the upcoming election.  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital in the capital this (Wednesday) evening for health check-up. She is expected to leave her Gulshan residence, 'Feroza', for the hospital around 6:00pm, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP media cell. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been battling multiple health complications for several years. Khaleda Zia receives mutation papers of her Gulshan residence  She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board comprising specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors. She returned to Dhaka on May 6 after undergoing four months of treatment in London. During her stay in London, Khaleda Zia received advanced medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Her travel to London and return home were facilitated by a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said there is a national consensus to hold the parliamentary election in February, before the holy month of Ramadan. “I think there is now a national consensus to hold the election before Ramadan. This view is shared by all parties. We do not see any disagreement on this matter,” he told a briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The BNP leader said political parties reached this common ground for various reasons and the nation is united on the issue. BNP urges govt to inform EC of London meeting decision on election   Referring to the government’s indication that the election might be held in mid-February following the recent meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, he said the nation has become happy over this decision. “I don’t see any problem with holding the polls in February.” In response to a question, the BNP leader said the Election Commission will announce the exact date of the election as per the directives of the government. “We will wait for that announcement. Surely, at some point, the Election Commission will declare the date and time. We must remain patient. We should not live in a constant state of restlessness.” Khosru urged all parties and people from all walks of life to remain tolerant and calm for the sake of peace and stability in the country. “If we completely lose trust, it will damage our political culture and create unnecessary instability. That is not good for any nation.” National election only way to restore democracy: Amir Khosru He said the nation is moving in the right direction towards democracy and expressed the hope that all existing political issues would be resolved through a fair election. “We must all have the confidence that democracy will be restored in the country.” Asked about Jamaat-e-Islami’s comments opposing the joint statement issued after the London meeting, the BNP leader declined to respond directly. “I do not wish to comment on statements made by other parties. Everyone has the right to speak and express their opinions.” He emphasised the importance of respecting differing opinions. “Even if we do not agree, we must respect the views of others.”

Most political parties on Tuesday reached a consensus on keeping 100 seats aside for women in the next national parliament, said Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Ali Riaz. Talking to reporters after the day’s session of the commission, Riaz said there was no significant opposition, apart from one or two parties, to the idea of increasing the number of reserved seats for women. He, however, said discussions are still going on regarding the method by which women will be elected to these reserved positions. "After an entire day of discussion, we have yet to reach a decision regarding the mechanism of women's representation in these seats. It would be unrealistic to expect a decision on such an important issue in just one day. We hope to finalise the matter within the next week," Ali Riaz said. He highlighted that nearly all political parties agreed on amending Article 70 to allow MPs to express independent opinions, except in cases of money bills and votes of confidence. Besides, Ali Riaz said there was unanimous agreement on appointing opposition members to chair several key parliamentary standing committees — namely Public Accounts, Privileges, Estimation, and Public Undertakings. DMP urges political parties to avoid road protests on working days Parties also agreed to ensure proportional representation for the opposition in other parliamentary roles. Regarding the process of appointing the Chief Justice, Riaz said, "Most political parties are in favour of amending the Constitution in this regard. But, there are disagreements over the procedural changes required for the appointment. A final decision on this matter is yet to be reached." On the proposal for a bicameral legislature, Dr Riaz said many parties are still not in agreement in principle, suggesting the need for further discussion. Talks also included the idea of allocating 100 seats in the proposed upper house, he added. About the allegations of favouritism towards the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ali Riaz said the commission is striving to maintain neutrality and work collectively with all political parties on matters of national importance.

Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday morning. The nearly hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. British envoy meets Fakhrul; discusses election, political situation Briefing reporters after the meeting, Khosru said, “We had an objective discussion on matters of mutual interest between the two countries. In particular, we talked about the possibilities of working with Brazil in the future if an elected government comes to power.” Stating that Brazil is especially advanced in agriculture and livestock, he said they had an in-depth discussion on how cooperation between the two countries can be strengthened in these sectors in the coming days. The BNP leader said they also gave high importance to discussions on cooperation in the field of sports. Mentioning that Brazil is globally known as a football powerhouse and a sports nation, he said, “We talked about where and how Bangladesh and Brazil can work together in sports.” The BNP leader said Brazil is very interested in working with Bangladesh in various areas of sports, including football and basketball. “Most importantly, our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has a strong interest in promoting sports in Bangladesh,” Khosru observed. The BNP leader said they also discussed political issues, and the Brazilian envoy mentioned that it would be easier for them to make and implement decisions if an elected government is in place. “They are waiting for that.” National election only way to restore democracy: Amir Khosru Earlier on Monday, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met Fakhrul at the same venue and discussed various issues related to the forthcoming national election and the prevailing political situation in the country, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the days to come.

A three-member delegation representing international human rights organizations met with Jamaat-e-Islami at the party's central office in the capital on Monday. The delegation comprised Nicolo Figa Talamanca, Secretary General of the international human rights NGO 'No Peace Without Justice', Pascal Tarlan, International Lawyer and Accountability Expert, and Abbas Faiz, International Human Rights Law Expert and former Director of Amnesty International. Jamaat wants local govt elections too under caretaker govt: Taher The meeting was attended by Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, Central Executive Council member and Secretary of the Central Media and Publicity Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and Jamaat-e-Islami Europe spokesperson Barrister Abu Bakar Molla. At the meeting, the delegation was informed about Jamaat's activities in the overall political situation in Bangladesh. After the meeting, the delegation made a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.