United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Urging the government to break up the syndicates formed during the Awami League regime, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said there is no other alternative to ending the people's sufferings. “The syndicates must be broken - they (syndicates) have been sitting on the neck of the nation. The people of the country will continue to be persecuted if the syndicates aren’t broken. Ransack the syndicates,” he said. The Jamaat ameer made the call while addressing a party rally at the field of Wazir Ali School and College in Jhenaidah city on Thursday. Depicting the persecutions carried out by the Awami League government, he urged the government to bring the accused back to the country to ensure punishment. He said his party dreams of such a Bangladesh where no citizen, regardless of religion, caste, men and women, will be deprived of basic rights.  

MA Malik, an adviser to the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and UK BNP President, has said that the party's Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is not seeking any "favour" and intends to fight his legal battles. "After winning the legal fight, he will return to the country soon," he remarked. Tarique for creating 'collective community shield' for security of all Malik made these comments while speaking to journalists after a reception at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Thursday afternoon. He further expressed confidence that if the rule of law prevails in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman will get justice. Malik further expressed the BNP's confidence in Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, asserting that they believe he will conduct fair and impartial elections. Additionally, Malik alleged that Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, smuggled US$ 14 billion and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has filed a case against him. He reiterated that the BNP demands justice and the return of this money. Earlier that day, Malik arrived in Sylhet from Dhaka and was warmly welcomed with floral tributes by leaders and activists from the central, district, and metropolitan BNP.

The BNP on Thursday demanded immediate cancellation of the appointment of 803 sub-inspectors (SIs) and 67 assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) appointed before the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmad came up with the demand during a press conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office. “We have learned from reliable sources that the ousted fascist Awami government appointed a total of 803 people to the position of sub-inspector of police just before their ouster, aiming to prolong their power and establish absolute control over the police administration," he said. BNP pushes for prompt election date The BNP leader said that among these appointments, 200 were from Gopalganj and 403 were members of the “terrorist organisation” Chhatra League, which was involved in the killing of students during the anti-discrimination movement. He also mentioned that 67 ASPs were appointed by the Awami League government as part of its far-reaching blueprint. “All of them are cadres of the Bangladesh Chhatra League. Our demand is to immediately cancel the appointments of these sub-inspectors and ASPs to keep the vital law enforcement agencies free from stigma and prevent the resurgence of fascism.” Salahuddin alleged that the principle of representation among religious communities has been severely violated in the appointment of these police officers. He also mentioned that they have heard the passing out ceremony for these partisan sub-inspectors, currently in training at Sarada, will occur on October 31, 2024. BNP calls for cancellation of 43rd BCS appointments “If the appointment of these sub-inspectors is not halted, we will see the emergence of more cohorts of fascism, like OC Pradeep, Farman, Mazhar and Mohsin, among them,” the BNP leader warned. He also said the 67 ASPs were appointed by the Awami League government as part of a long-term plan. “They all are also Chhatra League cadres, and their passing out is likely to be on October 20, 2024.” “If we don’t stop them now, they could become the Benazirs, Asads, Habibs, Haruns, Biplabs, Moniruls, Praloy Kumars, or Krishna Pads of tomorrow. Their appointment will pave the way for the revival of fallen fascism,” he viewed.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Thursday called upon the government to announce the date for the next national election as soon as possible. “We consider you (govt) a philosopher's stone. Do you see yourselves that way? If so, then announce the election date and roadmap,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader emphasised that the sooner the election roadmap is revealed, the quicker citizens' expectations will be met. “If you can do this, the nation will remember you. Your name will be inscribed in gold in history,” he said. The discussion was organised by ‘Zia Projonmo’ at the Jatiya Press Club. Dudu, a former president of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, urged the interim government to prioritise conducting a fair and credible election. “The people of the country are waiting to know when the election will take place. So, the government should make setting a date for the election its top priority,” he added. The BNP leader called upon the interim government to complete its initiative for the state reforms without further delay to start the election process. “The people of this country know very well how to conduct a fair election. The police and administration need to be reformed. The public does not want to see any excuses regarding the reform issue.” Dudu said it is unimaginable for a Prime Minister to remain in office by usurping power for 15 years and then flee the country. “Her ministers, MPs, and even the Chief Justice have also fled. I think there is no other precedent like this in the world. They created such a dire situation that there was no way to survive except by escaping,” he said. The BNP leader urged the army chief to publish the list of the 600 people they sheltered following the August-5 mass uprising. “Where did they go? The country’s people want to know.”