Politics
EC out to arrange stage-managed election: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader Wednesday said the Election Commission (EC) is trying to arrange a stage-managed general election by using electronic voting machines (EVMs) in up to 150 seats.
"During their dialogues (with the EC), almost all the political parties opposed the use of EVMs, but the Election Commission decided to conduct voting with it. Most people in the country think that EVMs are vote-rigging machines," he said.
Referring to the chief election commissioner's recent remarks that it is not their responsibility to ensure all parties' participation in the polls, the Jatiya Party chief said it has cast doubt in the public mind about the EC's ability to conduct a free, impartial and acceptable election.
"It seems that the EC is trying to implement an agenda. On the other hand, the people of the country are unable to speak out. If there is a movement for any demand, the police and opponents are attacking it," he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said there will not be a level playing field if the national election is held in such a context. "Where the government has 90 percent influence (on state machinery), having the police and administration in its hands, a fair election cannot be expected."
Read: Scope for politics gets limited: GM Quader
He said there is no crisis in the Jatiya Party and it will not face any split. "The Awami League and BNP have repeatedly tried to harm the Jatiya Party. None of those who left the party could establish themselves as a strong organiser. Even if someone leaves like this, the Jatiya Party will not be weak."
Replying to a question, GM Quader said Raushon Ershad called him repeatedly to inquire about his condition as his vehicle was recently hit by a bus and told him she does not want to be the chairman of the National Council.
He also said the top leaders of the Jatiya Party think that Raushon was forced to announce the party's council under pressure. "Taking advantage of her illness, some outsiders may be trying to implement a different agenda by using Begum Raushon Ershad's name."
In response to a question about the formation of an electoral alliance, the Jatiya Party chair said a decision will be made on it following a discussion in the party forum before the election. "The Jatiya Party will decide on the formation of any alliance considering the reality and the expectations of the commoners."
GM Quader, however, said their party is now preparing for elections in all 300 seats. "We are implementing regular programmes to strengthen the party."
UK expresses grave concern over recent political violence in Bangladesh
The United Kingdom today (September 7, 2022) expressed deep concern over the recent political violence between police and BNP activists, especially in Bhola and Narayanganj that left three people killed.
In a brief statement on the verified Facebook page of the British High Commission in Bangladesh, the UK called on all parties to exercise calm and restraint, choosing dialogue over violence.
“The UK is gravely concerned about recent violence between political parties and law enforcement, particularly after the deaths of BNP activists in Bhola and Narayanganj,” the statement reads.
The statement was issued following a meeting between a four-member BNP delegation and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson.
BNP delegation included party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, organising secretary Shama Obayed and executive committee member Tabith Awal.
Read: Jubo Dal activist killed in N’ganj; BNP activists-police clash in parts of country
Stating that engagement with political parties is a key part of the UK’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, the statement said Dickson was pleased to meet Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders at the British High Commission today (Wednesday), discussing the current political situation.
Contacted, Amir Khosru Mahmud told UNB that they met Dickson at the invitation of the High Commission at 2pm.
“We had around one and a half hour meeting and discussed the latest political issues in Bangladesh, including the recent incidents of police firing at our peaceful programmes,” he said.
As the high commissioner wanted to know from them, Khosru said, “We narrated what actually happened and how law forcers and political goons attacked our peaceful programmes across the country, leaving our three leaders dead and injured many others.”
He said they also talked about false cases filed against thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies across the country by law enforcers. “We think it’s the beginning of the end of democracy and electoral process. If it continues a level-playing field will never be created and a credible election won't be held in Bangladesh."
Govt repressing opposition activists to foil movement: BNP
BNP today (September 7, 2022) alleged that the government is harshly suppressing opposition politicians by attacking their peaceful programmes against the price hike of fuel and essential items.
“Our programmes are on across the country protesting the increase in the prices of daily essentials and fuel. But the law enforcers are mercilessly attacking and torturing our leaders and activists to thwart the movement”, said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Rizvi was talking to reporters after paying a floral homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave together with leaders of the newly formed convening committee of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal’s Dhaka south city unit.
Read:“Govt lacks public support, failed to resolve issues with India”
He said many leaders and workers have been injured by the attacks while some of them have lost their eyes, and some have been crippled.
“As you know, three lives have been lost in police firing. Besides, false cases have been filed against hundreds of our leaders and activists, forcing many of them to leave their houses, villages and areas (to avoid arrest)….What offence have they committed? Holding rallies is a universal democratic right,” the BNP leader said.
He said the price of eggs has again marked a sharp rise while the prices of every food item like vegetables, pulses and rice have also increased. “Is it unfair to protest against the increase in the price of commodities? The role of a responsible opposition party is to protest against it by mobilising people.”
The BNP leader said whenever their party tries to raise its voice against the rise in prices of essential commodities, the government comes up with harsh repressive acts, letting loose the law enforcers against their leaders and workers.
Read:Movement to continue until AL govt’s fall: Fakhrul
He said the law enforcers have continued their brutal attacks on BNP’s rallies across the country. “Our protest rally was attacked by police in Lalpur of Natore yesterday (Tuesday). Every day you’re seeing the incidents of bloodshed and the incidents of brutal attacks on BNP leaders and workers.”
Rizvi said the government has stanched people’s all democratic rights and the freedom of expression only to cling to power.
About Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India tour, he said she went to the neighbouring country when people are going through immense suffering amid a famine-like situation. “But you (PM) have not been able to sign the Teesta deal and realise a fair share of waters from our different common rivers.”
He wondered whether Hasina went to India to get its blessings for staying in power by sacrificing the country’s interests.
BNP politician, his manager shot in Khulna
A BNP politician in Khulna and his manager returning home on a two-wheeler were shot by two bike-borne men in the Daulatpur area on Tuesday night.
Riaz Shahed, a former president of BL College Chhatra Dal and convener of BNP's No 7 ward, and his manager Rafiq are currently being treated at Khulna Medical College and Hospital, police said.
Read: 7 young men missing from Cumilla since Aug 23
"Around 10pm on Tuesday when the duo reached the second gate area of Khulna BL College, the assailants intercepted them and fired at them, leaving both of them seriously injured," said Md Nazrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Daulatpur police station.
Locals rushed them to Khulna Medical College and Hospital. "They are undergoing treatment at the hospital," he added.
“Govt lacks public support, failed to resolve issues with India”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (September 6, 2022) said Awami League government has failed to resolve the outstanding issues with India as it lacks public support.
"The Bangladesh government has not been able to solve the outstanding issues we have with India, including sharing of common rivers’ water and the killings of Bangladeshi citizens along the border, since it doesn’t have public support,” he said.
The BNP leader also said the government has so far failed to strike a bargain with the neighbouring country for overcoming the problems as people are not with it.
He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath with leaders of the newly formed partial committee of Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal.
BNP announced a five-member partial committee of its voluntary wing, Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, making SM Zilani and Rajib Ahsan its president and general secretary, respectively on Sunday last.
About Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's current visit to India, Fakhrul said every time she went to India, she gave people a lot of hope about signing the Teesta treaty and other important deals, but that has not happened so far.
He said Bangladesh was supposed to get $8 billion from India under the lines of credit, but the country has received a part of this credit. “There’s no further progress in this regard. These things depend on people's power. Had people supported this government, every issue could have been resolved.”
Earlier on Monday morning, Sheikh Hasina went to New Delhi on a four-day state visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister had bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart today at the Hyderabad House and the two countries signed seven MoUs demonstrating cooperation in a number of areas including water sharing of the Kushiyara River.
Fakhrul criticised the government for not giving any appropriate response to Myanmar for repeated violations of Bangladesh's sovereignty. “Since this regime has been in power without people’s mandate, it’s very difficult for it to ink agreements with countries and protect the interests of Bangladesh. We have observed this in the case of Myanmar.”
As his attention was drawn to criticism on social media over PM being received by a state minister at Delhi’s Palam Airport, Fakhrul said, “The previous statements of the foreign minister here and the statements of most of the ministers of the government have demonstrated that they would go (to India) no matter how they’re received and they wouldn’t have a big problem with that.”
He said the Awami League government is a “subservient regime” and it is difficult for them to stay in power without the support of their friends. “So, they would like to fortify it (support) somehow before the next election.”
The BNP leader said their party believes that the governments of the democratic countries of the world will play their role in establishing the main demand of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic government and a fair and credible election.
Reiterating BNP’s position on the next election, he said a credible general election will not be possible in Bangladesh without a polls-time neutral government and a new, impartial Election Commission.
He also said their party’s only goal is to remove the “fascist” Awami League government and force it to hand over power to a neutral caretaker government by dissolving parliament.
New High Court judges call on president at Bangabhaban
The newly appointed judges of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh met the President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban this evening.
The newly appointed judges are Justice Mohammad Shawkat Ullah Chowdhury, Justice Md Atabullah, Justice Biswajit Debnath, Justice Md Aminul Islam, Justice Md Ali Reza, Justice Md Bazlur Rahman, Justice KM Imrul Kayesh, Justice Fahmida Quader, Justice Md Bashir Ullah, Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolan and Justice AKM Rabiul Hasan.
President's Press Secretary Zainal Abedin said in the briefing that congratulating the new judges of the High Court, President Hamid hoped that the new judges would utilize their talent and experience so that the people get justice quickly.
Mentioning the high expectations of the people towards the judiciary, the President stressed on increasing the use of modern technology in the judicial process to meet the expectations of the people.
Secretaries of the President were present at this time.
Also read: Chief Justice presents annual report on JSC to President Hamid
Roads, highways become death traps: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday bemoaned the roads and highways in the country becoming death traps, as more and more lives are lost day by day in road accidents.
“Life is no longer safe for someone out on the roads. Many lives are lost in accidents every day. It seems that no one is responsible for ensuring road safety,” he said.
In a statement, the Jatiya Party Chief also voiced wonder that the daily loss of lives on roads has apparently become normalised.
Read: Movement to continue until AL govt’s fall: Fakhrul
“Even today (Monday), at least 10 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a head-on collision between two buses in Rangpur's Taraganj,” he said.
Referring to statistics from the Road Safety Foundation, he said 519 people died in 458 road accidents in Bangladesh in August.
Quader noted 172 of the deaths were in motorcycle accidents, that covered an incredible 40 percent of the total accidents – far out of proportion with the number of motorcycles in relation to all other types of vehicles.
He said though such statistics have caused concern among the guardians, the authorities seem unconcerned about addressing the problem.
Read: Get ready for final push against AL govt: Fakhrul to BNP activists
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the number of accidents are growing due to mismanagement and corruption. "Bangladesh seems to be the world champion of mismanagement."
He said thousands of crores are being collected every day as tolls, and that money is divided between different sectors.
The Jatiya Party chief also said though those involved in the transport sector can change their fortune with toll money, the lives of common people remain insecure.
“There is no visible initiative to secure the transport sector. A terrible uncertainty is created in the family of road accident victims. Every year thousands of people are getting crippled on the roads and they lead a helpless life afterwards,” he observed.
GM Quader said the country’s people expect the government to take effective steps to make the roads and highways safe.
Shaon’s brother joins Jubo Dal rally, seeks justice
Amid the controversy over the political identity of Shaon Prodhan, shot dead in Narayanganj on September 1, his elder brother Farhad Prodhan on Sunday joined a rally of Jubo Dal in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office and sought justice.
Speaking at the programme, he urged the government to carry out an impartial probe into the incident and put the killers of his brother on trial.
Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the rally protesting the killing of Shaon and demanding legal action against those involved in the murder incident. Farhad appeared at the gathering and sat with the senior BNP leaders on the stage.
Later, speaking at the programme, he said, “Brothers how are you? My mother, my family and I are not well. I want justice for the murder of my younger brother.”
Read: BNP demands probe into illegal use of Chinese Rifle by N’ganj police
Farhad said his brother along with a local BNP leader Sadek joined the BNP programme, marking its 44th founding anniversary. “When the police were firing, my brother gave his chest and received the bullets to protect Sadek Bhai.”
Farhad alleged when some BNP leaders and activists, including Sadek, tried to take bullet-hit Shaon to a hospital but police obstructed them.
He demanded the government investigate who actually shot him dead instead of blaming BNP. “The bullet entered his chest and exited through his back. My family and I want an investigation and a fair trial.
Movement to continue until AL govt’s fall: Fakhrul
Denouncing the government’s ‘repressive’ acts to thwart their recent peaceful programmes, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said their movement will continue until the fall of the Awami League.
Speaking at a press conference, he also alleged that attacks are being made on their party leaders and activists in different parts of the country so that BNP cannot participate in the next general election.
“Our position is clear that this regime must hand over power to an impartial caretaker government by quitting power and dissolving parliament. Then, a new election commission will have to be formed to arrange the polls. We’re moving towards this goal," the BNP leader said.
Also read: BNP demands probe into illegal use of Chinese Rifle by N’ganj police
He said their party has scheduled programmes all over the country until September 10 and those will continue as usual. “After that, we’ll come up with new programmes. This movement will continue until the final victory.”
Besides, the BNP leader also said they have continued their discussions with different opposition parties to build a greater anti-government platform. "We hope to give it a final shape and present it before the nation in a short period of time."
Fakhrul narrated govt’s actions to suppress BNP’s programmes.
He said their party’s programmes have been attacked by police and ruling party activists in different districts, including Narayanganj, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barisal, Jhalkathi, Pirojpur, Thakurgaon, Gaibandha, Chattogram, Noakhali, Feni, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Narsingdi, Dhaka, Manikganj, Tangail, Munshiganj, Sirajganj, Laxmipur, Jashore, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, Magura, Narail, Khulna, Bagerhat, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Chandpur, Kishoreganj, Netrakona, Jamalpur and Mymensingh, since they waged a movement protesting the price hikes of fuel and daily essentials.
He said three leaders and activists of their party and its associate bodies were killed while over 2,000 others were injured in the attacks all over the country recently.
Also read: Get ready for final push against AL govt: Fakhrul to BNP activists
Besides, Fakhrul said around 200 BNP leaders and workers were arrested while 4,081 were implicated in different cases, and around 20,000 unidentified people were made accused in those cases from August 22 to September 1.
He also said section 144 was imposed in 20/25 places across the country and attacks on houses and business establishments were taken place in 50 places.”
Fakhrul urged the government to stop killing and arresting the opposition leaders and activists and common people. “We also demand an impartial investigation into the murder incidents and ensure exemplary punishment of the killers and attackers.
He also called upon the government to release those arrested unjustly and withdraw all the false cases. “The victims should be compensated."
The BNP leader said the members of the police are not obeying the international rules as they are opening fire at people without any justification.
Case in Narayanganj:
Fakhrul said they filed a case in Narayanganj over the killing of a Jubo Dal activist Shaon Prodhan on September 1.
He said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi filed the case against 22 people. “We'll definitely continue the legal fight against every murder and attack incident. On the one hand, we’ll intensify our street movement.”
He said Awami League started attacking the programmes of BNP out of their nervousness seeing a mass wave on the streets.
“Awami League's only means of staying in power is to create panic among people. They want to push BNP towards violence and they’re now suffering from mental pain having failed to take BNP in that direction,” the BNP leader observed.
Fakhrul said they would inform the United Nations about the incidents of oppression, attacks on rallies, killing in police firing and rights violations.
BNP demands probe into illegal use of Chinese Rifle by N’ganj police
Accusing a police officer of firing illegally at their party’s programme in Narayanganj on Thursday with a Chinese Rifle, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday demanded a probe into the matter to punish the offender.
“We would like to know why police fired at a peaceful programme in Narayanganj marking our party’s founding anniversary. Journalists have unveiled that a Narayanganj police officer opened fire on our rally, I thank journalists for that,” he said.
Showing a photo published in a newspaper, the BNP leader said Kanak, a Sub-inspector of Detective Branch (DB) of police, opened fire with a Chinese Rifle though he did not have jurisdiction to use such a firearm.
“So, where did this Chinese Rifle come from? What order has prompted him to shoot my brother dead? From this meeting, we demand that an investigation be carried out into the firing with a Chinese Rifle at a political programme and the responsible person must be punished by bringing him to justice. If you don’t do this we won’t sit idle,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at a rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office protesting the killing of a Jubo Dal activist Shaon Pradhan at the Narayanganj rally on Thursday.
The BNP leader said Narayanganj police superintendent and ruling party leaders have been repeatedly saying slain Shaon was only a welding worker at a factory, not a Jubo Dal activist.
Fakhrul posed the question: “Even if he was not a political element, who gave this government and police the authority to shoot someone dead for no reason?”
Referring to his Friday visit to Shaon’s Narayanganj house, Fakhrul in an emotion-choked voice said, “His mother said my son told me that he would eat after returning from the programme. But he didn’t get to return and eat. Can you tell us how to answer her? What will Hasina answer? Hasina must answer who is responsible for the murder of this young man.”
Stating that their party filed cases in Bhola for the murder of Abdur Rahim and Noor-e-Alam earlier in August, he said they will do the same in Narayanganj for the killing of Shaon. “We’ll file cases whenever you violate the law, torture and attack my brothers illegally. You may think what will happen with the cases when this government is in power? Cases have consequences, as you see your police chief (IGP) went to the USA with conditions.”
The BNP leader warned that those who are indulging in oppression and human rights violations in today’s world are not spared.
Read: Jubo Dal activist killed in N’ganj; BNP activists-police clash in parts of country
He said Awami League has destroyed all state institutions, including the judiciary, administration and parliament while they have established control on the media. “They’re doing all the misdeeds only to hang on to power. They destroyed our election system in a planned way by annulling the caretaker government system.”
Fakhrul alleged that the ruling party has been making all sorts of efforts to retain power by holding another stage-managed election, as in 2014 and 2018.
“They again resumed suppressive acts like firing bullets and attacking rallies so that opposition parties can’t exercise their rights as enshrined in the constitution, so that people get deprived of their justified rights,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul said the government has killed three leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies and filed ‘false and fictitious’ cases against around 20,000 leaders and activists during their ongoing movement protesting price hikes of fuel and essentials.
“They want to hold election in an empty field by driving out opposition leaders and activists by tackling and maiming them and implicating them with false and fictitious cases like in the old days,” he alleged.