Politics
BNP sees Ganatantra Mancha in line with its call for united opposition
Welcoming the new political platform bringing together 7 political parties, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday said the emergence of an opposition alliance is a success for their party’s move to wage a united movement against the current government.
“We welcome the launch of Ganatantra Mancha. We have long been making the demands those they (new alliance) have mentioned,” he said.
Talking to reporters before a doa mahfil-cum discussion, the BNP leader said their party have been saying this regime has to resign and no election can be held under it, the parliament must be dissolved, the next polls must be arranged under a non-party neutral government and the Election Commission must be reconstituted.
“We have seen they (new alliance) are also making the same demands. So, we think this is a success of our efforts to initiate a united movement. We think this is a step forward for the future united movement,” he observed.
BNP arranged the programme at its Nayapaltan central office marking the Holy Ashura.
Read: Hasan Mahmud dismisses Ganatantra Mancha as out-of-touch, insignificant
Earlier on Monday, "Ganatantra Mancha”, (Democracy Forum) a new platform of seven opposition parties, was launched with the objective to oust the current government through a united movement.
The components of the alliance are Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party, Gonosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bhasani Onusari Parishad and Rastra Sangskar Andolon.
Asked about the progress in their move to float a greater platform with the opposition parties for a simultaneous movement, Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member said, they are still working on it very carefully so that no one can foil their efforts.
As his attention was drawn to BNP standing committee members’ comments that this government cannot be ousted without harsher programmes like hartal and blockade, he said their party had been on a movement with harsher progrmames in 2014 and 2015.
“There are many ministers who also say, we cannot wage a movement…movement means people's protest and resistance in an organised way. It can be through hartal or through various other ways. It's not like we can’t enforce a hartal or a blockade. But why should we do it randomly at an inappropriate time?” Nazrul said.
Stating that political parties are getting organised against the government’s incompetence and failure to run the state, he said people will participate in their parogrammes tremendously in the days to come out of their growing anger.
The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party leaders are making unguarded remarks about BNP and its movement out of fear to face a fall. “There is reason to be confused with their remarks. They are in great danger."
Next election will be held on time: Quader
Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader Tuesday asserted that nothing could disrupt the next national election "which will be held on time as per the constitution".
"Statements issued by the BNP like the government is afraid of their movement (over rising fuel prices) are hilarious. BNP's threats to bring down the government or stall the election are empty. In fact, we all are aware of their capabilities," he told reporters at his residence this morning.
On the energy crisis, the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges said that "this is no more country-centric but the entire world is facing the same". "The BNP and its allies are blaming the Bangladesh government without realising this reality."
Read: An EC under partisan govt can’t hold credible election: BNP
On corruption, Quader urged the BNP leaders to cite specific instances. "We have a zero tolerance policy on corruption."
On the fare hike in view of rising fuel prices, the Minister said that transport owners and workers should respect the decision taken by the government and not charge excess fare from the public. "Else we will be forced to take legal action."
He also vowed to crack down on perpetrators of heinous crimes like rape on public transport vehicles.
Days are numbered for AL govt: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the days of the current government are numbered as the youth have started waking up against its misrule and repressive acts.
“They (govt) have now no other alternative to resorting to repressive acts and killing, extrajudicial killing and false cases to cling to power….but this massive gathering of the youth has manifested that their days are numbered. They won’t be able to stay in power anymore," he said.
Speaking at a rally, he said the government killed many people and repressed and harassed thousands of opposition leaders and activists over the last 15 years. “The youth in Bangladesh have started waking up. We believe that we would be able to free the country from misrule through the sacrifices and fierce movement by the youth.”
Also read: BNP announces two-day programme to protest fuel price hike
Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the ‘unprecedented’ fuel price hike and the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Bhola district unit president Noor-e-Alam and local Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim in police firing.
Fakhrul said the country has now been facing crisis in energy, economy and power only because of extreme corruption and plundering by the government. “We have seen how they have looted thousands of crore of taka in the name of quick rental power plants.”
Referring to the statistics of the Export Promotion Bureau, he said US$270.81 billion have been exported from Bangladesh in the last seven years. But the Bangladesh Bank is showing a figure of US$239.96 billion. Where did the remaining $30.40 billion go? The nation wants to know this.”
The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party leaders depleted the country’s resources through widespread plundering.
Speaking at the rally, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said Awami League will no longer be able to remain in power. ‘Their fall is now a matter of time.”
He, however, said BNP will not able to oust the current regime only by holding rallies at Nayaplatan and in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
"We have to come out on the streets with processions and tough programmes like hartal and blockade to ensure the fall of the government. Otherwise, this regime won’t go,” he said.
Also read: AL can't be allowed to cling to power anymore: Fakhrul
Echoing Abbas, another party standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, “If we don't take a hardline and harsher programmes and show our strength, then the government will stay in power as usual. Rather, we’ll only face many fresh cases for holding public rallies. But we won't be able to topple the government."
He said BNP has the strength to wage a fierce street movement with tough democratic and lawful programmes. “We must now work out such programmes to scare the government.”
BNP announces two-day programme to protest fuel price hike
BNP on Monday announced a two-day programme in protest against the latest ‘unjustified’ hike in fuel prices, transport fares and the soaring prices of all essential commodities.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the announcement at a public rally in front of the Party’s Nayapaltan central office.
He said their programmes are also meant for registering the party’s protest against the ongoing load shedding and the killing of two leaders of its associate bodies by police in Bhola.
As part of the programmes, Fakhrul said, the party will stage a protest rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office at 2pm on Thursday.
Read: An EC under partisan govt can’t hold credible election: BNP
Besides, the party’s all metropolitan city and district units will arrange protest rallies across the country on Friday, he said.
The BNP leader said their party will come up with greater programmes in the days to come to intensify their movement for ensuring the fall of the current regime they call as monstrous.
Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the ‘unprecedented’ fuel price hike and the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Bhola district unit president Noor-e-Alam and local Swechchasebak Dal leader Abur Rahim in police firing.
Speaking at the rally, Fakhrul slammed the government for the police raid on some leftist student organisations on Sunday during a protest against increased fuel prices at the city’s Shahbagh.
Read: Power Outages: BNP announces 3-day protest programme
He said Awami has now no other alternative to resorting to repressive acts and killing to hang onto power as it has got isolated from people. “But their days are numbered. They will be ousted through a fierce movement.”
In an abrupt move, the government increased the prices of diesel, octane and petrol by 42.5 per cent, 51.7 per cent and 51 per cent respectively on Friday night. Currently, diesel is being sold at Tk 114 per litre, octane at Tk 135 per litre and petrol at Tk 130 per litre.
New opposition alliance ‘Ganatantra Mancha’ launched
Ganatantra Mancha”, a new platform of seven opposition parties, was launched on Monday with the objective to oust the government through a united movement.
The components of the alliance are Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party, Gonosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bhasani Onusari Parishad and Rastra Sangskar Andolon.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob) President ASM Abdur Rob made a formal announcement about the platform at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).
Also read: Fuel Price Hike: Jatiya Party announces two-day protest programme
He said they floated the alliance due to the unavoidable necessity of history for building Bangladesh based on the spirit of the liberation war and the aspirations of people.
“This platform has been formed with an aim to oust the dictatorial government, changing the state’s governance system, ensuring the constitutional reform and repairing the state,” Rob said.
He urged people from all walks of life, including journalists, lawyers, professionals, workers, students, teachers, engineers, doctors, intellectuals and the youth to join the platform for carrying out a struggle for rebuilding the nation.
The JSD president alleged that the current government has got isolated from people as it has usurped power by rigging votes. “We make an open declaration that you must go and you must quit power. This government will be overthrown through a mass upsurge.”
He said their alliance will wage a movement for the restoration of democracy. “We call upon people to join the movement. Everyone must take to the streets for democracy.”
Also read: Don't cry, wake up: Fakhrul to BNP activists
Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna presented the framework of the 'Ganotantra Manch' at the press conference.
He said the country’s people want a greater united movement on the streets with specific goals for bringing a change in the government. “That’s why we consider it an urgent duty to take to the streets by forging a greater unity of political parties, people of all strata, all organisations and social forces as per the aspirations of people."
Manna said their platform thinks it will not be possible to restore people’s voting rights, and democratic system, and establish a polls-time interim government for a fair and credible election without removing the current ‘fascist’ regime.
He said the objective of their alliance is to force the government to step down, dissolve parliament and hand over power to an interim government based on a political consensus.
“This interim government will reconstitute the Election Commission, make necessary administrative reforms, make appropriate reforms in the Political Party Registration Act, RPO and the electoral laws to ensure a citizen's right to vote, and abolish the EVM system,” Manna said.
He said Ganatantra Mancha will stage a demonstration in the capital on Aug 11 in protest against repressions, attacks and brutality by police, the increase in prices of goods, fuel and the government’s indifference to public suffering.
Before the 2018 election, JSD, Nagorik Oikya and Gonoforum together with BNP had formed a political platform, Jatiya Oikyafront. But the platform gradually became inactive after the election.
Meanwhile, BNP initiated talks with the opposition political parties on May 24 last to work out the outline for launching a united movement against the government.
Amid BNP’s ongoing talks with the political parties, Ganatantra Mancha started its journey on Monday.
Fuel Price Hike: Jatiya Party announces two-day protest programme
Jatiya Party, the main opposition party in parliament, has announced a two-day programme to protest against the government’s ‘anti-people’ decision to increase fuel prices.
The programme was announced at a meeting of Jatiya Party’s co-chairmen at the party chairman’s Banani office on Sunday, said a press release.
As part of the programmes, the party will stage a protest rally on the premises of its Kakrail central office on Monday.
Also read: Fuel price hike: Another blow to struggling Bhola fishermen
After the rally, it will also bring out a procession that will end in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Besides, the party’s all divisional, district and upazila units across the country will stage demonstrations and protest rallies on Tuesday.
In an abrupt move, the government increased the prices of diesel, octane and petrol by 42.5 per cent, 51.7 per cent and 51 per cent respectively on Friday night. Currently, diesel is being sold at Tk 114 per litre, octane at Tk 135 per litre and petrol at Tk 130 per litre.
Also read: Don't cry, wake up: Fakhrul to BNP activists
Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Co-Chairmen ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, Kazi Firoz Rashid, Syed Abu Hossain Babla, Salma Islam and Presidium Member Md Shafiqul Islam Sentu were present at the meeting with party chairman GM Quader in the chair.
Quader defends sudden fuel price hike as step to halt losses
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said that the government had no other alternative to raising the fuel price offset the losses amid global energy crunch.
The government will adjust the fuel price accordingly if the price decreases in the international market, said during a briefing at his residence.
Quader, who is also the minister of Road Transport and Bridges, said that owing to the Russia-Ukraine war, the price of fuel oil became unstable in the world market. This, in turn, has affected the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Bangladesh currency forcing the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to count losses.
Also read: Fuel price hike: Another blow to struggling Bhola fishermen
The minister said that due to the high price of fuel oil in neighbouring countries, there was a risk of smuggling from Bangladesh.
BPC, he said, incurred a loss of about Tk 9,000 crore from February 22 to July 22 because of the global fuel price hike.
The AL leader highlighted the current pricing of fuel oil in different countries and said that the price of diesel per litre in Myanmar is TK112.56 in India TK114. 49, in Sri Lanka TK 117.49 , in Arab Emirates TK122, in Nepal TK127.82, in Singapore TK189.78 and TK260.75 in Hong Kong.
He said the government had earlier adjusted the price on November 4, 2021 and before that on April 25, 2016, it had reduced the price of diesel after it fell in the international market. In the future too, if the price falls in the global market, the price will be adjusted by reducing the price in the domestic market.
Also read: Fuel price hike: Govt raises bus fares
Quader admitted that the fuel price increase will impact various sectors of the economy. The government is aware of the and it is trying to keep the negative affects at a low level.
He said that according to experts, the price of energy will start stabilizing in the world market soon, raising hope for Bangladesh.
He said the fuel price rise has led to the increase in the passenger fare in public buses.
The minister warned that legal action would be taken if any transport operator charges more than the coordinated fare.
He responded to BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's allegation that the government has turned into a monster.
In a counterattack he accused BNP of turning the country into a monster by killing people, destroying public property and burning people alive.
Quader stated that those who started politics with killings are the real monsters.
He also said that those who were champions of corruption find the corruption now in all government activities.
AL can't be allowed to cling to power anymore: Fakhrul
Stating that the unusual hike in fuel prices has left people in the lurch, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the Awami League government can no longer be allowed to cling to power.
“This regime has destroyed our politics, economy and our potential. So it can’t be allowed to remain in power anymore,” he said.
Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader said the government has brought a disaster to the country by hiking the fuel price abruptly on Friday night as it will push up the prices of all commodities, fertilizer and other farm inputs and transportation costs.
“It’ll have a very negative impact on our economy and our economic condition will worsen further, “ he warned.
Also read: Make public names of conspirators: Fakhrul to PM
Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the unprecedented fuel price hike and the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Bhola district unit president Noor-e-Alam and local Swechchasebak Dal leader Abur Rahim in police firing on July 31.
Fakhrul said the government defended the increase in fuel prices saying state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is incurring losses.
“Why will it go into loss? The BPC made a huge profit of around Tk 39,000 in the previous years. At that time, the price of oil was low in the international market, but you didn’t reduce it. Even, the fuel prices have now started to decrease in the international market,” the BNP leader said.
He slammed the information minister for his comment that the fuel prices are comparatively lower in Bangladesh than in many other countries, saying the ruling party leaders give people wrong information and statistics to confuse them. “Their every information is incorrect. So, we urge people not to get confused by false information.”
“The oil price was $14 in the USA, but it has now dropped to $3 due to the price fall in the international market. It means the other countries lower the oil price when it falls in the international market. But when the price of oil declines in the international market, it increases in our country for plundering public money,” Fakhrul observed.
He said the fresh hike in fuel prices, especially diesel, has left the farmers, common people and bike riders in serious miseries. “But the government is least bothered about it. Because they need police, RAB, BGB and other forces, not people, to run the country. It won’t continue anymore. People of the country will no longer allow this regime to run the country in this way.”
Fakhrul said how will people survive since the government has raised the tariffs of all utility services alongside the fuel prices. “You (AL leaders) have a lot of ill-gotten money in your pockets. Our pockets are running out of money for our own survival.”
Also read: Don't cry, wake up: Fakhrul to BNP activists
He called upon people from all walks of life and all political parties to get united to restore democracy in the country by ousting the current government. “Establishing a people’s government is the only way left for us. Let’s move forward to this end.”
The BNP leader also urged the government to hand over power to a neutral administration by dissolving the parliament, paving the way for holding an acceptable election.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League has been illegally staying in power for 15 years by force using the state machinery, including police, RAB and BGB.
“You’ve already killed many people and made many others disappear only to stay in power. In continuation of that, you have killed our Noor-e-Alam and Abdur Rahim,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that Bhola Sadar Model Police Station's officer-in-charge (OC Investigation) Arman Hossain opened fire at the BNP rally on March 31, killing Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim on the spot and critically injuring JCD leader Noor-e-Alam who later died at a hospital in the capital.
“We want the government to arrest this police officer immediately and take proper action against him through a judicial investigation into the incident,” Fakhrul said.
Make public names of conspirators: Fakhrul to PM
Stating that an anti-government movement cannot be a plot, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to make public the names of those conspiring against her.
“The Prime Minister said yesterday (Wednesday) that a new plot has begun to oust her and she knows the conspirators. I would like to urge her…. you please clearly make public their names. The nation wants to know who they are,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion programme, he categorically said any movement for toppling a government is not a conspiracy.
“We would like to clearly and openly declare that we want to establish a pro-people government by removing this fascist and authoritarian regime through a mass movement. There’s no question of any plot here,” the BNP leader said.
Also read: Don't cry, wake up: Fakhrul to BNP activists
He said it is Awami League that came to power by resorting to conspiracy in 2008.
Fakhrul said a vested quarter in a planned way hatched a conspiracy to defeat BNP in 2008 and filled ballot boxes on the night before the voting day to ensure Awami League’s victory.
“The election was held in the same way in 2018...Even, the Jatiya Party secretary general said voting was held at night and they themselves did it,” the BNP leader observed.
The pro-BNP faction of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) arranged the programme at Jatiya Press Club, marking its founding anniversary.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Hasina said a fresh plot has begun to oust her from power as the country is heading towards another national election.
“Conspiracies were hatched before the national elections in 2014 and 2018. They are again hatching their conspiracies to remove me from power. I know all of them [conspirators]," she said.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League shut down many media outlets, repressed and killed many journalists, implicated many of them in different cases and enacted the Digital Security Act to gag the media. “It’s natural for Awami League as it’s their basic character. Awami League doesn’t believe in democracy. It’s also the party’s character to deceive people. This party does exactly the opposite of what it says”
Also read: BNP, Montu-led Gonoforum agree on simultaneous anti-govt movement
About the change in the superintendent of police (SP) in 40 out of 64 districts, he said those who genuinely belong to Awami League were made SPs through the fresh reshuffle in the police administration.
Besides, he said the government appointed 11 additional judges to the High Court Division of the Supreme Court. “If you investigate, you’ll find all of them are Awami cadres. Has this country been liberated only for Awami League?
He said Bangladesh is now under the worst form of authoritarian rule since there is no democracy and no press freedom. “So, there’s no point in talking about democracy and justice here. Ensuring the fall of this regime through a united movement of people is the only way left for us.”
Don't cry, wake up: Fakhrul to BNP activists
Taking a vow to take revenge for the murder of Noor-e- Alam and Abdur Rahim who were killed in police firing in Bhola, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the party rank and file to take to movement instated of shedding tears to save the nation from the 'fascist' rule of Awami League.
"No more crying, we have to wake up now holding back tears as the nation must be saved from the oppression of this horrible authoritarian fascist government,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks in a brief address prior to a namaz-e-Janaza of Bhola District unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Noor-e-Alam in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
Noor-e-Alam who sustained bullet wounds during a clash between police and BNP activists on Sunday in Bhola, died at a hospital in the capital on Wednesday, raising the death toll from the incident to two.
Earlier on Sunday, Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim died as police fired bullets at a rally of BNP in Bhola.
Fakhrul said their party leaders and activists must continue their struggle by turning their grief into strength to restore democracy, free Khaleda Zia from jail and get rid of 35 lakh cases filed against them.
He said their party will wage a strong movement in a peaceful manner by organising and uniting the entire nation to oust the current government. ”We will take revenge for the killing of our sons, our brothers Noor-e-Alam and Abdur Rahim by creating a mass movement.”
In an emotion-choked voice, the BNP leader said there is no greater pain than bearing the dead body of a son on the shoulder of a father.
“We are seeing in front of us the body of our son Bhola Chhatra Dal President Nur-e-Alam as he was shot dead by the police forces of this fascist Awami League government. Our Bhola District Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim was also shot dead while 19 more people are fighting for lives at hospitals in Dhaka and Barisal,” he said.
Read:BNP withdraws daylong general strike after 6 hrs in Bhola
Fakhrul said the killing of BNP leaders and activists by the current regime is nothing new. “The Awami League government has killed over a thousand leaders and activists of ours and made around 600 others disappear over the last 15 years to cement a one-party rule.”
Hundreds of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies started taking positions on the road in front of the BNP central office in the morning as the slain JCD leader’s janaza was scheduled to be held at 11am, halting traffic on the busy thoroughfare.
The body of Noor-e-Alam was brought to Nayapaltan central office from the morgue of Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 12:45pm after conducting an autopsy. Many JCD leaders and activists were seen crying as the body arrived there.
Fakhrul along with party senior leaders paid homage to Noor-e-Alam by placing wreaths on his coffin and draping it with the party flag.
Later, his namaz-e-Janaza was held in front of the BNP office and then the body was sent to Bhola for burial.
As part of BNP’s countrywide demonstration programme protesting the ongoing load shedding and mismanagement in the power sector, the leaders and activists of the party gathered in front of their district party office in Bhola on Sunday last.
At one stage, police obstructed them when they tried to stage demonstrations at Kalinath Roy Bazar around 11:30 am, triggering a clash.
Later, police fired bullets and lobbed teargas shells that left Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim dead and some other leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies, including Noor-e-Alam, injured.
There day mourning
Mirza Fakhrul announced a three-day mourning beginning from Friday in memory of Noor-e-Alam and Abdur Rahim.
During the mourning, he said, black flags will be hoisted and the party flag will be kept at half-mast atop all BNP offices across the country. Doa mahfil will be arranged seeking the salvation of the departed souls of the two slain leaders.
Besides, he said JCD, Krishak Dal and Jubo Dal will stage rallies on August 6, 7 and 8 respectively in protest against their killing.