United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday questioned whether the attacker, clearly seen on video fatally killing a scrap trader in front of Mitford Hospital, has not yet been arrested due to the silent support or the interim government’s indirect indulgence. “We were very surprised to see clearly on the screen who was killing (the trader), yet the government has still not arrested him. Should we assume that those trying to create mob violence and unrest are being secretly supported or pampered by the government or some officials in the administration?” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually exchanging views with the families of the 142 martyrs of the July mass uprising. Tarique said some parties are misrepresenting the killing incident in Old Dhaka. “The man who was killed may have had ties to the Jubo Dal, but the person who committed the murder, based on the information we have received, was brought in from elsewhere.” He lamented that the man seen killing the trader has neither been arrested nor named as a suspect yet. “Why has this happened? Why is he not being arrested? Why is the administration not arresting him? Why are the law enforcement agencies sitting idle? Who controls the law enforcement agencies? It is not BNP; it is the government. So, why is the government not taking action against the killers?” Tarique said. He said the BNP will ensure justice for every killing when given the chance to govern the country as it is a demand of all democracy-loving people in Bangladesh. The BNP leader alleged that some media outlets are currently trying to spread different messages and create stories around certain issues. He said both BNP and its affiliated organisations have always demanded justice, no matter who commits the crime. “A wrongdoer is a wrongdoer. Justice must be served according to the law. No wrongdoer should have the identity of any political party.” The BNP leader said people across the country are asking why the government authorities remain silent and why proper legal action is not being taken against those trying to create chaos. “Many incidents are happening in different places, and we are watching closely those who are trying to disrupt a peaceful environment,” he said. The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the event at a hotel in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising and to honour the memory of the brave martyrs of Chhatra Dal. It was a deeply emotional occasion as the families of the fallen shared their sorrow and grief. They recalled their loved ones with heavy hearts. Many also called for justice and demanded that those responsible for the killings be held to account. Tarique urged the families of the martyrs to raise their voices loudly over the delays in the trials of those responsible for killing their loved ones. He also warned them to be vigilant against those trying to create mobs to delay justice. The BNP leader said a Jubo Dal leader was also killed by having his tendon cut in Khulna two days ago. “Why is there no voice against this killing? Why, when we demand justice for such killings, is it said that BNP is doing politics over dead bodies? These are the questions we must now find answers to. Because, he said, the answers to these questions are deeply connected to the existence of Bangladesh and its people.” Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka Tarique said the nation must know who truly stands for the people of Bangladesh. “We need to find out who has genuinely supported the country’s independence with full sincerity. We also must know who stood for the independence of Bangladesh--not just today or yesterday, or the day before--but even 50 years ago, and who did not. We have to consider all these things.” The BNP leader assured that if his party returns to power, it will prioritise ensuring the trials of those who killed innocent people during the mass uprising and democratic movement. “All I can say is that if BNP forms the government with the support of the people in the coming days, we will do our utmost to ensure justice for those who lost their lives defending the rights of the people,” he said. He said many sons of the soil, along with many leaders and activists of BNP, its associate bodies, other political parties, and even some apolitical individuals, have been killed over the last 15 years in Bangladesh while protecting the rights of the people. The BNP leader said although the autocratic regime was ousted, conspiracies against democracy in Bangladesh have not yet stopped. “People’s victory has been achieved (through the mass uprising), but the plots have not ended.” Stating that he had warned about the invisible enemy months ago, Tarique said invisible force is now slowly becoming visible. He said these invisible enemies have stood in the way of democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty and people’s rights. They have taken opposing positions and acted against the public interest at different times. Tarique said their party has repeatedly urged the interim government not to support or protect any wrongdoer, regardless of who they are. “It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of people’s lives and property. Why is it failing in this duty? A martyr’s father has raised this question, and we too want to ask the same of the interim government.” He urged people to stay alert and aware, just as they stood up for their rights during key moments in the country’s history. “Our struggle for democratic and people's rights is not over yet. We must keep our eyes and ears open,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP clearly explained its stance on the July Charter three months ago in writing to the interim government. Tarique stressed that it is now entirely the responsibility of the interim government to act on it. “We have nothing more to say. It’s up to them what they do or don’t do.” He warned that some non-issues are being used to create confusion and distract people from real matters. “We see that certain matters or ideas are being brought forward, or attempts are being made to hide something. We also notice that some non-issues are being turned into issues.” The BNP leader reminded the nation that the country belongs to all 20 crore people, not to any single party. “Everyone must think about the future of the country together.” He also urged people to stay alert and observe who is saying what, and how their positions are constantly changing. Tarique alleged that the ghost of the past autocratic regime still exists within parts of the administration. “So, everyone must be aware of the plots by those old ghosts and any new ones. If we are not alert, it will be hard to keep the country safe.”

Three affiliated organisations of BNP—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal—on Saturday raised questions and doubts over the failure to arrest the main accused in the brutal killing of a scrap trader in front of Mitford Hospital and the alleged exclusion of three key suspects from the case. “Those who were directly involved in the murder, clearly visible in CCTV and video footage, were surprisingly not made the main accused in the case. Even the individuals who carried out the fatal attack have not been arrested yet. We fail to understand the reason behind it,” said Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna. He made the remarks while addressing an emergency press conference organised by Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Referring to a media reports, he said the daughter of the plaintiff in the case alleged that police excluded three people directly involved in the killing and instead included three innocent individuals in the case. “More than 60 hours have passed since the incident, but despite having clear evidence of the murder, the main killers have not yet been arrested… This is a big question and a mystery,” Munna said. He said they want to know through the media who included the names of three apparently innocent people in the case and why, while excluding the real offenders. “The incident happened on Wednesday, but it was widely circulated on Friday. Why was there a delay of two days? Who was behind it must also be investigated. We don’t know whether any quarter did it to implement an agenda, but we suspect it,” Munna said. The Jubo Dal chief called upon law enforcement agencies to take proper action through an investigation into the incident. Munna said they could not identify any of the assailants shown in the video as affiliated with Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal or Swechchhasebak Dal. He, however, said they expelled five leaders and activists of the three organisations as they were made accused in the case. Earlier on Wednesday, a scrap trader named Mohammad Shohagh was killed in broad daylight in front of Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka. Video footage of the brutal killing went viral on social media on Friday, sparking public outrage. Police on Friday said four people were arrested in connection with the murder. That same night, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal expelled five of their members for life over the incident. At the press conference, Munna said, “We are very worried over the overall law and order situation in the country. Mohammad Shohagh, a trader and Jubo Dal activist under Chawkbazar Thana in the capital, was brutally killed by being hit with a stone in broad daylight. The entire nation is shocked to witness this brutal barbarity.” He strongly condemned and protested the atrocious murder. “In this era of civilisation, we cannot accept such primitive barbarity in any way.” The Jubo Dal President said they expelled five people from the three organisations for life as their names surfaced as instigators and defendants in the case. ‘Regrettable and brutal’: Home Adviser about Mitford murder “We have already called upon law enforcement agencies to arrest them immediately and bring them to justice. We have taken all necessary measures from the perspective of organisational responsibility and accountability,” he said.  Munna said whenever complaints were raised against their party members in recent months, they took immediate action. “Several thousand leaders and workers have been expelled from the BNP and its different organisations. We did not avoid responsibility but took strong steps.” He, however, questioned whether the government and authorities have taken proper legal action against the real offenders. “Given the current situation, we believe there is no option but for the government and law enforcement agencies to act firmly. Please take effective steps to improve law and order. If you need any kind of help from us, we are always ready to provide it,” the Jubo Dal leader said. Munna also urged the country’s people to stay alert so that no opportunistic or anti-democratic group could take advantage of the current unstable situation. He said the law and order situation in the country has not improved, and even basic public safety is not being ensured. The Jubo Dal leader also pointed to violent incidents, including the brutal killing of an expelled Jubo Dal leader in Khulna and an attack on a Khatib in Chandpur. He blamed a particular group with a long history of violent politics. He said the Jubo Dal leader in Khulna was killed by being shot and then having his tendon cut. “Everyone knows who used to cut tendons,” he added. Munna alleged that a certain opportunistic group is making selective, politically motivated protests and giving provocative and offensive statements against BNP and its affiliated organisations. He said BNP has urged the government many times to arrest the real culprits, but the authorities have failed to do so. The Jubo Dal leader suggested that this failure might be intentional, to create unrest and delay the much-awaited national election. Munna also claimed that a vested group does not want democratic elections and is provoking violence against BNP leaders. He said a recent survey, published last week, showed strong support for BNP among the youth, especially regarding the upcoming national election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the brutal killing of a trader at Mitford is not just the loss of a life, but a clear sign of serious failure in ensuring public safety, citizens’ rights and law and order. In a statement, he strongly condemned and protested the incident and said such barbaric acts have no connection with BNP’s ideology, principles, or politics. “Whoever the offender is, his or her place can never be above the law and justice. This brutal incident, which took place after the fall of the Awami fascist government in the mass movement of July-August, has deeply shaken the conscience of the people of the country,” the BNP leader said. Unless exemplary punishment is ensured for such a heinous and disgusting crime committed in broad daylight, Fakhrul said the culture of impunity will push society into deeper darkness. He called upon the interim government to carry out a neutral and credible investigation, and ensure exemplary punishment for the real offenders by bringing them under trial. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the victim’s family members. Earlier on Wednesday, a young trade Mohammad Sohag was brutally hacked and beaten to death in public at the main gate of Mitford Hospital in the old part of the capital. In a separate statements on Friday night, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal announced the expulsion of five of their leaders and activists from their organisations for life over the killing incident in Old Dhaka. They are Jubo Dal’s former Climate Affairs Assistant Secretary Razzab Ali (Pintu), its Dhaka South City unit Joint Convenor Sabah Karim (Lucky), Chhatra Dal’s Chawkbazar Thana unit Member Secretary Apu Das, its leader Mahmudul Hasan Mahin and Swechchhasebak Dal activist Kalu.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday described the call to include the July Charter in core principles of the Constitution as “misleading”. “BNP has already accepted many points from the July Charter. But why must it be made part of the fundamental principles of the Constitution?” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a prayer mat distribution programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan Central office organised by Zia Parishad, seeking the recovery of the organisation’s president and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Abdul Kuddus. The BNP leader said reforms will continue to take place across countries and through time. “Reform is not something fixed like the Thai mountain range. It is a dynamic process.” He said when needed for the sake of democracy, the state, or the people, reforms should be made and appropriate laws should be enacted. “This is the very nature of a democratic constitution. But insisting that reforms must be done first and that it (July Charter) must be included in the fundamental principles (of the Constitution) is misleading. This is creating confusion among people. Why are you trying to mislead the public in this way?” said Rizvi. Khaleda urges govt to ensure advanced treatment for singer Farida Parveen Rizvi urged political parties to focus on returning power to people instead of confusing them by raising various demands. “That is the most important task.” He said autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina had taken away the power of people by closing the door to democracy for 16 years. “We must now reopen that closed door and return power to people by forming a government with elected representatives.” The BNP leader said their party has never spoken against reform and, in fact, has always supported it. “Many of the issues you refer to in the name of reform are already reflected in BNP’s 31-point reform outline.” He said BNP has long been fighting for a greater ideal— justice, equality, the rule of law and true democracy. “This fight is for restoring people’s ownership of the state. When that ownership is denied, it opens the path to fascism.” Rizvi noted that a people’s government must remain accountable to the public at every step. “That accountability is absent now. We believe the interim government has been formed with public support, as well as the backing of all political parties — except the Awami League and a few of its allies.” “We all continue to support the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led government. But it is also true that if we begin to see and hear signs of famine, the people will not spare us,” Rizvi said. Referring to the worsening economic situation, he said many garment factories are closing down, leaving people unemployed. “If people cannot afford food, that’s a clear sign of famine. And if such signs appear, no one will be spared — only the fallen fascists will clap in delight.” Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC The BNP leader said if the government wants, it can appoint administrators to manage the institutions of those Awami League cohorts who have fled the country siphoning off huge money abroad and prevent the closure of factories. “The factories must not be shut down, especially given the dire state of the economy. This is not just a figure of speech — people are now seriously wondering whether the country might face famine by September or October,” Rizvi warned.    

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure advanced treatment for folk singer and torchbearer of Lalon songs Farida Parveen. She also enquired about the health condition of Farida Parveen, who is currently undergoing treatment at Ayesha Memorial Hospital in the capital, said BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir khan. He said the BNP chief sent party’s Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince to the hospital on Wednesday night to get updates on the veteran artiste’s health condition. “She (Khaleda) called upon the government to urgently provide better medical treatment for such a virtuous singer,” Sayrul said. He said the BNP chief prayed for the speedy recovery of the ailing and celebrated singer Farida Parveen. Fakhrul urges Prof Yunus to ensure best treatment for ailin singer Farida Parveen Farida Parveen is widely admired for her lifelong dedication to Lalon songs and the folk music of Bangladesh. The noted 70-year-old singer has been receiving treatment in the ICU of the hospital since July 5. Farida Parveen has long been suffering from diabetes, kidney problems and various other health issues.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the interim government to involve the most qualified individuals in negotiation with the United States over the recently imposed 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products. “The United States has imposed a 35% tariff on our products. Our main export item is ready-made garments. If this sector is hit with such a high tariff, it could collapse entirely and may not recover. That would break the backbone of our economy,” he said at a discussion. The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul said the US tariff issue is a very serious concern for the country and its economy. “I’m not sure how much attention the interim government has given to it. They should have focused more and engaged the most competent people to negotiate with the US.” He thinks that time has not yet run out and called on the government to take immediate steps to protect the industry, safeguard jobs--especially for women--and prevent further damage to the economy. The BNP leader also addressed the issue of border killings and push-in incidents, urging journalists and the media to take these matters more seriously. “We are not addressing the issues of border killings and push-ins with the seriousness they deserve. The news is being published in small sections in newspapers. I request all journalists and media professionals to treat these matters with the importance they deserve. These are not minor issues. Such incidents are happening regularly across various parts of the border,” he said. Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC Fakhrul also called upon the interim government to raise these issues strongly with India. “These matters must be brought to a conclusive stage of negotiation through proper diplomatic discussions with India.” Expressing concern over the flooding in Feni, he also highlighted the unresolved issue of fair water sharing from common rivers with India. “The water-sharing issue remains unsettled with India. Flooding has already begun in Feni, and more could follow as the monsoon continues. The interim government must act strongly to ensure a fair distribution of water,” Fakhrul said. He also stressed the need for national unity to protect democratic rights, saying that true democracy cannot thrive without tolerance and practice. “There is a need to build national unity. But where should that unity lie? It should be in defending our democratic rights. I may not agree with you, but I would give my life to defend your right to express your opinion… That is what national unity means,” the BNP leader said. He said tolerance of differing views is essential to achieving democracy. “Sadly, in Bangladesh, we have never truly practised democracy in that spirit. Democracy is a culture, and without practising it, how can we expect to achieve it?” He urged the youth to prepare themselves to build a truly democratic Bangladesh. “We have fought again and again. Now, our young generation must be ready to move forward and succeed in building a genuinely democratic nation.”

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly. “I would like to thank Professor Dr Yunus from this programme as he has instructed the Election Commission to complete all the work by December. This is a very positive matter,” he said while speaking at a discussion. “We hope that the Election Commission will complete this work very quickly and create an environment for the election,” the BNP leader added. He said their party wants the Election Commission to work in such a way that it can present the nation with a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election. “We hope they will work in that way.” The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club." Expressing strong optimism, Fakhrul dismissed concerns raised by some quarters about whether the election will be held on time. “Why wouldn’t the election be held? The people of this country want the election. They have sacrificed their lives for the election. They want a parliament with elected representatives,” he said. Fakhrul said that attempts have been made by a certain quarter to label BNP as a party that opposes reforms, but in reality, it is the BNP that has introduced all major reforms in Bangladesh. “Reform is in our blood and DNA. We were born through reforms. So, it is unfair to say that BNP is against reforms….Nothing could be a greater distortion of the truth than claiming BNP is obstructing reforms,” he said. The BNP leader, however, said that is the people who will ultimately decide on reforms. “Why should we expect everything from this interim government?” Speaking about the July Charter, Fakhrul said BNP had earlier shared their opinions on it and finalised their formal response on Wednesday night after receiving a draft on it from the government. “So, where is the problem?” Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said political parties may have different opinions, but they should stay united in the interest of the nation and democracy. BNP will always stand by footballer Rituparna Chakma’s family: Rizvi He also urged political parties to use careful and respectful language while speaking or criticising their opponents, so that people do not get the wrong message about the unity among anti-fascist forces. The Jamaat leader called upon all pro-democratic parties to stay alert, warning that any disunity among them could help fascist forces to rise. Describing journalists as the barometer of civilisation, he requested the media to play a more responsible role by practising fair and objective journalism. Parwar alleged that some media outlets are spreading false and misleading information about Jamaat, BNP and other parties to create division among the democratic forces. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid said he is concerned about the future of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as there has been no change in the mindset and attitude of the young leaders who played a role in ousting the autocratic and fascist regime of Awami League.  He urged young leaders to show more restraint and patience, and to avoid arrogance in their actions and words. "You should remain alert so that your words and actions do not reflect the mindset of fascists and autocrats." Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said there has been no major progress in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission regarding reform proposals. However, he praised the Chief Adviser for instructing law enforcers to complete all preparations by December for the election. Manna said the election should be held as soon as possible, warning that any delay may push the country into a dark future. “The mass uprising will succeed when democracy is restored in the country through a fair and credible national election,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin stressed the importance of dedicated work by Jamaat workers to ensure a large presence at the national rally on 19 July in the capital. He also urged party activists to tirelessly mobilise people from every corner of Dhaka on the day. Addressing the pre-rally gathering of the unit responsible for mass communication and procession at Karwan Bazar at 7:30 pm, Selim said, “By realising the seven points announced by Jamaat, Bangladesh will move forward in building a new, beautiful society, InshaAllah.” Fakhrul urges Prof Yunus to ensure best treatment for ailin singer Farida Parveen He said that in the envisioned Bangladesh, every village would be a prosperous township free from discrimination, extortion, and terrorism, where citizens would not need to protest to secure their rights. “People’s representatives will serve the people, not rule over them. Jamaat is working tirelessly to establish such a society,” he added. Selim Uddin called on all countrymen, especially the residents of the capital, to join the national rally on 19 July to strengthen the movement. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul The rally was chaired by Central Majlis-e-Shura member Hemayet Hossain and moderated by Dhaka Metropolitan North Publicity and Media Secretary Ataur Rahman Sarkar. Metropolitan North Majlis-e-Shura members Zillur Rahman, Ahsan Ullah, Yusuf Ali Mollah, Kalim Ullah, Abu Sayeed Mandal, and SM Monir Ahmed, also attended the event.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has reiterated the party’s unwavering support for the family of footballer Rituparna Chakma. "BNP will always be by Rituparna's side in times of need," he said while visiting  the ailing mother of the Golden Girl footballer at Ghagra Union of Kaukhali Upazila on Wednesday. During the visit, Rizvi spoke with Rituparna’s mother Bhujiputi Chakma. He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had instructed the party to support Rituparna’s family after receiving news through various media outlets. Despite heavy rain and difficult terrain, Rizvi and the delegation crossed inaccessible paths to reach Rituparna’s home.   He handed over a donation of Tk 2 lakh, provided by the Amra BNP Paribar and Rangamati District BNP, to Rituparna’s mother. In addition, Rizvi announced that the Amra BNP Paribar would pay Tk 30,000 monthly to cover the costs of her mother's ongoing chemotherapy.   In a separate remark, Rizvi expressed skepticism about the postponement of elections under the pretext of reforms, asserting that such measures are ultimately futile. He also criticised Hasina's regime, stating, “The autocratic regime of Hasina has failed to bring meaningful development to the country over the past 17 years.”   Rizvi was accompanied  by BNP leaders including Central Co-Organising Secretary Barrister Helal, Amra BNP Poriar Convener Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Member Secretary Md. Mithun, Rangamati District BNP President Dipan Talukder Dipu, General Secretary Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun, and other party officials.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to take steps to ensure the best possible treatment for legendary Lalon singer Farida Parveen as her health condition has deteriorated. "Farida Parveen is a unique figure in Lalon music and one of the most beloved singers in Bangladesh. She has had a strong influence in the music world for many years and has maintained her position with dignity,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the ailing singer at Universal Medical College and Hospital (Ayesha Memorial Hospital) in Mohakhali area.  The noted 70-year-old singer has been receiving treatment in the ICU of the hospital since July 5. Fakhrul said the singer is now in critical condition, mainly due to kidney problems and other complications. Hasina can’t escape justice for ‘reign of terror’: Fakhrul “The hospital authorities and doctors are taking good care of her, but her condition remains critical. I appeal to the government to form a special board for the treatment of such a talented and respected singer, who is admired worldwide,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the government to make all necessary arrangements so that she can receive the best possible treatment, even if that means sending her abroad. “This is what the nation wants… I appeal to the Chief Adviser to personally take the initiative to ensure she gets the highest possible treatment,” he said. Farida Parveen has long been suffering from diabetes and various other health issues, along with kidney problems. During his visit, the BNP Secretary General spoke to the doctors and enquired about her treatment. He also talked to a member of the singer’s family and handed over financial support on behalf of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said Fakhrul spoke by phone with two government advisers—Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul—urging them to take steps for Farida Parveen’s treatment. BNP’s Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Uzzal, Assistant Cultural Secretary Saeed Sohrab, and Jasas President Helal Khan and General Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon were also present.