Politics
Zia’s 88th birth anniversary Friday
BNP will celebrate the 88th birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman on Friday with due respect.
Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogura, Ziaur Rahman, founded BNP in 1978 and became the country’s seventh president.
Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981.
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BNP on Wednesday announced a two-day programme to mark the birth anniversary of its founder.
As part of the programmes, the party flags will be hoisted atop its offices, including Nayapaltan headquarters, on Friday morning.
Besides, the party leaders and activists, led by its standing committee members, will place wreaths at Zia's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11am on Friday.
TIB ‘giving weapon’ to anti-democratic forces with its report: Hasan Mahmud
Meanwhile, BNP arranged a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on Thursday afternoon in memory of Zia.
BNP’s associate bodies will also mark the day with various programmes, including discussions and warm clothes distribution, as part of the birth anniversary programmes.
'BNP agent’: Quader calls TIB
The party’s city, district and upazila units will also observe the day with different programmes.
Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi issued a message on the occasion paying deep homage to Zia.
He recalled the BNP founder’s contributions to the country’s development and restoration of ‘multiparty democracy’.
The BNP leader also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Zia.
TIB ‘giving weapon’ to anti-democratic forces with its report: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (January 18, 2024) said informed quarters have questioned whether Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) published its report on the January 7 election in an effort to “give weapon” to anti-election and anti-democratic forces.
“It seems that there is a similarity in terms of language between what BNP says and what TIB is saying. It is our expectation that TIB will not work as a supportive force for the anti-election and anti-democratic forces,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister hoped that TIB will not turn into “a spokesperson for a group” and uphold its reputation without deviating from its neutral position.
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The Awami League joint general secretary said he received several phone calls with questions about the TIB report.
Though TIB was supposed to do research on issues, in most cases they do not do any research, Hasan Mahmud claimed.
The Foreign Minister said the election was held in a festive atmosphere and international observers from the US, European Union, Commonwealth, OIC and others described it as “free and fair.”
He said it seems TIB came up with its report with refined remarks made by BNP leaders.
Bangladesh’s election was one-sided and a crafted competition: TIB
Hasan Mahmud said the Election Commission demonstrated a strong role with strict imposition of laws including cancellation of AL candidates and other measures.
“There was no appreciation of EC efforts in the TIB report,” he said.
“The 12th parliamentary election was a one-sided one that was staged to appear competitive,” Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said in its report.
“It is an ominous sign regarding the future of democracy and democratic elections in Bangladesh,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference to share the findings of the anti-corruption watchdog’s study titled “The 12th Parliament Election Process Tracking.”
'BNP agent’: Quader calls TIB
'BNP agent’: Quader calls TIB
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 18, 2024) said that the report of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is “one-sided and anti-government.”
“They (TIB) are agents of BNP,” he said at a press briefing at the Awami League president’s office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi this afternoon.
“TIB speaks in the tune of BNP. History says that they were always against Awami League. They speak for BNP. We could not find impartiality of their research,” said the AL leader.
“There are some organisations that talk about accidents. If a hundred die, they say five hundred died. TIB is like them. TIB and CPD said Padma Bridge is impossible. Filing a case doesn’t solve everything. Some are said for public perception. They will be dealt with politically,” he said.
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TIB in its report on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election was “not free and not inclusive.”
Quader acknowledged the existence of political tactics and conflicts within parties, asserting, “Conflicts are inherent in politics, and Awami League navigates through them under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The party remains united in addressing challenges wherever they arise.”
Addressing upcoming local government elections, Quader said, “Decisions regarding local government elections, including upazilas, and the use of party symbols will be finalized in the Awami League board meeting.”
When asked who would be the opposition party in the parliament, Quader responded, “Clarity on the opposition party will emerge once the session commences.”
Regarding commodity prices, Quader noted, “Sheikh Hasina has provided instructions on commodity prices. Ministries are formulating action plans based on the ground reality, including price control measures.”
Read more: Even if action can’t be taken now, strong measures will be taken after election: Quader on those whose wealth saw abnormal increase
The press briefing was attended by AL Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, among other leaders.
Election train reaches its destination: Quader
The train for the 12th parliamentary election has already reached its destination, so the BNP will have to wait for another five years for the next train, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
He was speaking at a joint meeting organised with central leaders and top leaders of the AL's Dhaka city units and its affiliated bodies at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office in the capital on Wednesday.
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has introduced the process of holding free and fair elections in the country.
Zia's birth anniversary: BNP chalks out 2-day programme
"In this election, we saw that the candidature of a ruling party candidate was cancelled and some candidates were issued show-cause notices for breaching the electoral code of conduct. Sheikh Hasina has established a new example through this election. It is possible to hold fair elections in this country only under Sheikh Hasina," he said.
Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, said that many countries have congratulated the newly elected government except a party of Bangladesh.
Even the US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas congratulated the new government, he said.
How new MPs took oath when tenure of outgoing parliament not yet expired, questions BNP’s Farooque
BNP did not join the elections sensing its defeat and those who boycotted the polls are saying different things, he added.
The election was a competitive one where many independent candidates were elected, while the AL had to take a new strategy as the opposition party boycotted it, he said.
The election was held following the constitution and it was peaceful except for a couple of isolated incidents, Quader said.
The AL general secretary said that the country's people have no involvement with the BNP and that is why it has been turned into a party of frustrated ones.
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AL presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Qamrul Islam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, joint general secretaries Dr Hasan Mahmud, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Dr Dipu Moni, and organizing secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, among others, were present at that time.
Zia's birth anniversary: BNP chalks out 2-day programme
BNP on Wednesday announced a two-day programme to observe the 88th birth anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
How new MPs took oath when tenure of outgoing parliament not yet expired, questions BNP’s Farooque
As part of the programmes, Rizvi said their party flags will be hoisted atop its offices, including Nayapaltan headquarters, on the morning of January 19.
Besides, the party leaders and activists will place wreaths at Zia's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11am on Friday.
BNP-Jamaat’s evil designs will go in vain: Hasan Mahmud
The party will arrange a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the afternoon on Thursday in memory of Zia.
BNP’s associate bodies will also mark the day with various programmes, including discussions and warm clothes distribution, as part of the birth anniversary programmes.
The party’s city, district and upazila units will also observe the day with different programmes.
'Low turnout indicates the pulse of the people': Rizvi
Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogura, Ziaur Rahman founded the party in 1978 and became the country's seventh president.
Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981.
How new MPs took oath when tenure of outgoing parliament not yet expired, questions BNP’s Farooque
BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abdin Farooque on Wednesday questioned the legitimacy of having 600 members of Parliament in the 300 seats of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).
Speaking at a human chain programme, he also said the country’s people will oust the Awami League regime through a strong movement.
“There’re 600 MPs in now Bangladesh. The MPs of the (11th) parliament will in place until January 29. How is that possible?,” Farroque said.
BNP-Jamaat’s evil designs will go in vain: Hasan Mahmud
He said how the new MPs took oath when the tenure of the outgoing parliament is not yet expired. “Which law is written in the constitution that can allow them (new MPs) to be sworn in.”
The BNP leader said the Awami League government does not obey the constitution though it talks about the constitution to hold the election under a partisan administration.
“I would like to tell you (govt) do not insult the people of Bangladesh by talking about the constitution. Please, follow the constitution, step down and restore democracy,” he said.
'Low turnout indicates the pulse of the people': Rizvi
Gonotantra Forum arranged the human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to demand the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other jailed leaders and activists of the party.
Farroque, also the Opposition Chief Whip in the 9th Parliament, said the election that was held on January 7 was not an election as people boycotted it.
“The voters did not go to the polling stations.. It has been widely presented by the media in the country and abroad. It's a shame,” he observed.
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The BNP leader alleged that the government has been trying to subdue the opposition leaders and workers by resorting to repressive acts.
He said their party is committed to restore democracy and people’s all rights, including the right to vote by carrying out a movement on the streets.
“You (govt) will gain nothing by filing cases against our leaders and workers and jailing and repressing them. This regime can’t stay in power by holding such a fake and staged election, no matter how many tricks they resort to. People must unseat them through the movement,” he said.
BNP-Jamaat’s evil designs will go in vain: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the BNP-Jamaat alliance has always tried to put the country in trouble but assured that all their evil designs will go in vain.
“We want to take the country forward by deepening our excellent relations with all - in the East and West. Nothing bad will happen to Bangladesh despite the evil designs of the BNP. A cow never dies with the prayers of a vulture,” the Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League told reporters after his arrival at Shah Amanat International Airport.
This is his first visit to Chattogram, from where he is elected, after being appointed as the Foreign Minister.
Leaders of Chattogram metropolitan, north and south units of AL jointly welcomed the new foreign minister with flowers outside the airport.
The Foreign Minister said the national election has attracted international attention and has been accepted by the international community as evidenced by the fact that many election observers came to Bangladesh.
He said observers from the United States of America, NDI, IRI, European Union, SAARC, OIC and Commonwealth countries and other organisations have come to Bangladesh for the election.
“They all expressed their opinion simultaneously and described the election as free and fair. This election saw relatively less violence than other elections. This is the biggest thing,” the foreign minister observed.
Responding to a question, Hasan Mahmud said the country’s foreign friends are interested in Bangladesh’s election and that is why they went to the Election Commission.
“I saw in the newspapers that they are satisfied with the information given by the Election Commission,” he said, adding that a free and fair election was held in Bangladesh in a festive atmosphere with massive participation of the people.
Most of the registered political parties participated in this election, said the foreign minister.
“You know, on election day, it was very cold and foggy. That's why the voter turnout is around 42 percent. If it wasn't for the fog and cold, more votes would have been cast. BNP has tried to create panic among the people by setting trains on fire in an effort to obstruct and resist this election. But people were not afraid, people spontaneously went to cast their votes,” he added.
Responding to a question, the minister said it is not a big thing to become a minister but to get people's love and respect is the most important thing for a politician.
“We can make the country's image brighter. We can advance the development efforts of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through further improved and closer relations with all the East-West countries,” he added.
Recognizing that everyone in his constituency has worked hard, the minister said, "I have tried for the last 15 years to become the MP of the people. I never considered who voted for me or not. As a candidate, I have always been a candidate of Awami League, but I have tried to work as an MP for all people. I want to work as an MP for all people in this new journey.”
'Low turnout indicates the pulse of the people': Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday predicted the current government would not be able to cling to power with the help of its foreign masters.
“Sheikh Hasina thinks that she’ll stay in power with the patronage of her masters. Those days are over,” he said.
Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil, the BNP leader said the country’s people showed 'signs of victory' by boycotting the national election on January 7, resulting in low turnout. “You (govt) should grasp the pulse of the people from it.”
BNP's movement still on, fresh programme in the works: Rizvi
Jatiyatabdi Mohila Dal arranged the programme on the ground floor of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office seeking the recovery of ailing party chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Rizvi said the people are now in a movement and they will be there on the streets in the coming days to make the programme a success.
Mentioning that Bangladesh has a history of protesting against injustice and overthrowing autocratic leaders eventually, Rizvi predicted Hasina's fate would be no different: “Sheikh Hasina's government will also be washed away…”
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The BNP leader said the government shows the Padma Bridge and flyovers as signs of its development, "while poor people sell their children to feed themselves". He expects the people to be there on the streets again, to realise their demands and reclaim their rights.
Rizvi slammed Law Minister Anisul Huq for disputing a statement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, that contained a warning that Bangladesh's democracy must not turn 'cosmetic'.
The law minister claimed Turk's statement in its entirety may have been uninformed.
“He (Huq) is a minister of Awami League government because he can lie. If he could tell the truth, Awami League would not have made him minister," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Rizvi along with BNP leaders and activists brought out a procession in the city’s Shantinagar area demanding the unconditional release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other jailed leaders and workers of the party.
Bangladeshi origin Scottish MP greets PM Hasina on her re-election
First Bangladeshi origin Scottish MP Foysol Choudhury on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her being re-elected for the fourth straight term in the January 7 parliamentary polls.
The NP also thanked all involved with the election process for making the 12th Parliamentary election fair, participatory and violence-free.
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He conveyed the thanks during a call on with PM Hasina at her office.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Md. Noorelahi Mina briefed reporters after the call on.
He said that the Scottish MP congratulated the prime minister from Cross Party Group of the Scottish Parliament.
The deputy press secretary said that the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group wants to continue their bilateral development activities with the Bangladesh Parliament.
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PM Hasina thanked the Scottish MP and his government for their greetings to her.
Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.
Algerian President congratulates PM Hasina
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following election victory.
He also wished her success in carrying out the duties of the new mandate.
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The Algerian president renewed his invitation to the PM to make an official visit to Algeria.
“I would like to express on this occasion my constant readiness to continue working towards consolidating our ties of friendship and solidarity, as well as raising the level of our relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation, so as to serve both countries’ interests,” he said in a congratulatory message to Sheikh Hasina.
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