Politics
Fakhrul barred from visiting Kalurghat Betar Station
Police on Sunday barred BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and some other senior leaders from visiting Kalurghat Betar Station, which has a connection with party founder Ziaur Rahman’s memory.
Fakhrul together with party leaders and activists placed wreaths at Biplob Udyan and Bijoy Udyan at noon paying homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War, said Chattogram BNP ex-office secretary Idris Ali.
Read: Apologise to people for ‘misdeeds’: BNP to govt
Later, he said the BNP leaders set out for Kalurghat Betar Station to pay homage to the martyrs marking the Independence Day, but they were obstructed by police at the port city’s Sholasahar crossing.
At one stage, Fakhrul and BNP standing committee member Amir Khorru Mahmud Chowdhury got out of their vehicles and locked into an altercation with the law enforcers, but they were not allowed to go to the Betar Station.
At the same, a group of Chhatra League leaders and activists gathered the crossing with a procession, but police forced them to leave the area to maintain peace.
Finally, Fakhrul and his party colleagues went to Polo Ground to attend a scheduled public meeting of BNP.
Talking to UNB, BNP leader Amir Khosru said they wanted to place wreaths at Kalurghat Betar Station as Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the country’s independence from there in 1971. “It’s a regrettable matter that we’re not allowed to go there.”
Jahidul Kabir, officer-in-charge of Panchlaish Police Station, said BNP leaders were given permission to pay homage to Biblob Udyan and hold a meeting at Polo Ground, but they did not have permission to go to the Betar Station. “So, they have been asked to go to their scheduled programmes to avoid any untoward situation.”
Read: BNP has no interest in EC talks: Fakhrul
BNP sought permission from police a few days back to visit Kalurghat Betar Station and hold a rally in the city, marking the Independence Day. Later, Awami League also announced to hold a rally at the same venue the same day.
Under the circumstances, the police did not give BNP permission to go to the Betar Station. However, the party was allowed to hold a rally at Polo Ground.
Independence Award 'tainted' with nepotism: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday raised an allegation of corruption and nepotism against the government in giving the Independence Award.
"It's a so failed and incompetent government that it has resorted to corruption regarding Independence Award which was introduced by martyred President Ziaur Rahman," he said
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said the government nominated an infamous person named Amir Hamza for the award and later cancelled it, launching an investigation.
“Why is he (Hamza)? Investigate to find out the identities of other people whom you've given the award this time. Most of them are the relatives of the ministers or the relatives of the Prime Minister,” he observed.
Read: BNP has no interest in EC talks: Fakhrul
In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence, BNP's sub-committee on the Medical and Services organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
Earlier in the day, Prime minister Sheikh Hasina handed over "Swadhinata Padak 2022" (Independence Award-2022), the highest national civil award of the country, to nine distinguished individuals and two organisations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
Fakhrul said the government has taken plundering and corruption to such a level that there is now no alternative to ousting it from power to save the country.
He also said the Awami League government has destroyed democracy and forced lakhs of people to leave their homes to avoid persecution. "They’re harassing our 35 lakh leaders and workers and pro-democracy people by filing false cases against them. They’ve made more than 600 people disappeared and killed over a thousand ones. This is the true colour of Awami League."
He called upon all professionals and political parties to get united to remove the ‘fascist’ regime through a fierce mass movement and establish a truly people's government.
"One thing we’ve to keep in mind is that this government is an anti-independence and anti-people one. "They (gpvt) are working on how they can make money through plundering and how they can siphon off money abroad and how they can create more scopes for relatives to make more money," the BNP leader said.
Read: 100% achievement of electrification a ‘false’ campaign: BNP
Depicting the ‘sorry state’ of the country, he said economists are saying that the poverty rate in the country has increased by two percent. "People's purchasing power has declined significantly. That’s the reality. The way commodity prices have gone up and inflation has risen it is now difficult for people to survive.”
Fakhrul also accused the government of spreading false information to people about the rise in GDP growth and per capita income.
In their programmes,BNP's subcommittee provided seven freedom fighter physicians with crests for their contributions to their field.
They are, Prof Faridul Huda, Prof Mobin Khan, Prof Shamsul Islam, Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Prof Mominul Islam, Prof. Abdul Quddus, Prof Siraj Uddin Ahmed and Prof Abdul Haq.
BNP's two-day book fair, exhibition on Liberation War begins
A two-day book fair and exhibition on the country’s Liberation War arranged by BNP began in the capital on Wednesday as part of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence.
BNP’s sub-committee on “Decoration, Liberation War Book Fair and Photo Exhibition” orgainsed the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury formally inaugurated the fair and exhibition by hoisting the national flag and the party one.
A group of pro-BNP artists performed the national anthem and the party one at the inaugural function.
The fair and exhibition remains open from 10:30am to 8pm each day while the cultural programme starts at 5pm.
The book fair and the exhibition have featured eminent authors' books on the Liberation War, politics, research-based publications, stories, poems, novels and analytical ones, and photographs as well as paintings.
READ: BNP has no interest in EC talks: Fakhrul
Besides, photographs and paintings on Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have also been put on display at the exhibition.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony at 3pm on Thursday.
Speaking at the programme, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said they have organised the programme to present the true history of the Liberation War and different incidents of the 50 years of Bangladesh.
READ: 100% achievement of electrification a ‘false’ campaign: BNP
He alleged that the current government has been trying to mislead people and the new generation by distorting the history and facts of the Liberation War.
"That's why we're trying to present the true history of the Liberation War. We would like to say no one can bury the truth with lies,” the BNP leader said.
BNP has no interest in EC talks: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party has no interest in the dialogue that the new Election Commission (EC) has initiated ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.
"We said earlier that we’re not involved in this EC formation process in any way, and we won’t be involved in anything (dialogue) of it,” he said.
Read:100% achievement of electrification a ‘false’ campaign: BNP
Talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Fakhrul also said it is not possible for even a good EC to hold a free, fair and impartial election if the government is not neutral during the election period.
“That’s why we aren’t interested in it (dialogue). We’ve no headache about who's invited to the talks and who’re not and who’re joining it, and who aren’t and what they’re saying. Our only demand is the presence of a neutral government during the election period,” the BNP leader said.
Earlier in the morning, the new Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal sat in talks with 15 civil society members as part of the Commission’s ongoing dialogue to prepare for a roadmap for the 12th national election.
Although 40 civil society members were invited to the dialogue, only 15 of them took part in it.
In the political context of Bangladesh, Fakhrul said it is important what kind of government will remain in power during the election period.
He said the absence of many invited guests in the talks has proved that the civil society also has no interest in it because of their previous experience. "We’ve had experiences from the last two or three elections as well as the local government polls that no election can be held without an impartial government.
Fakhrul said people have been in a movement for reduction of prices of essential commodities and protesting the increase in prices of gas, electricity and water. "We're totally against any increase in the prices of gas, electricity and water, as we consider such an initiative as an anti-people move."
Read:BNP works out Independence Day programme
He said people across the country are already struggling to cope with the soaring prices of essential commodities. "If the prices of water, electricity and gas are increased now, then the prices of all commodities will go up further. We don’t support it in any way.”
The BNP leader urged the government to back off from its move to increase the price of gas.
Fakhrul along with the leaders and followers of Zia Parishad went to Zia's grave around 11:30am and placed wreaths there, marking the organisation's 34th founding anniversary.
100% achievement of electrification a ‘false’ campaign: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the government’s announcement about the cent percent electrification across the country is nothing, but a ‘false’ campaign.
“Media reported that the entire country has been brought under electricity coverage. At what cost did they do it? They actually couldn't do it but they’re spreading lies,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the government has been implementing different mega projects to give the ruling party leaders scopes to amass huge wealth plundering public money.
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, the freedom fighters' wing of BNP, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
Also read: We can’t talk, breathe freely due to suffocating situation: Fakhrul
“There is mega corruption in these megaprojects, but there’s no real development of common people,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 1320 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant at Patuakhali's Payra and declared the country's 100 per cent electricity coverage.
Fakhrul said the country’s people are passing through a difficult time amid the unusual price hike in daily essential commodities as their real income has not increased.
“The condition of those who stand behind the trucks selling TCB goods at fair prices has not improved and the condition of rural farmers has not changed as the prices of their products have not increased while the wages of our workers have not increased,” he observed.
The BNP leader also said there is also no change in the conditions of lowly-paid teachers, small traders, hawkers and poor people.
"The condition of only those who are indulging in looting by sharing power with the Awami League has changed drastically. Bangladesh has now become a haven of plundering. Corruption is there in the chemistry of Awami League as the party loots public money whenever they get a chance to come to power,” he said.
Also read: Laws, polices being made to control media: Fakhrul
Fakhrul said there is no alternative to ousting the current regime to save the country’s people from terrible misrule and restore democracy.
“We’re working to forge unity of all democratic and patriotic political parties with a goal to establish a government of people and restore democracy through a fierce movement by ensuring the fall of the current regime,” he said.
Gono Odhikar Parishad convenor Dr Reza Kibria said the nation has lost the freedom that the freedom fighters achieved through the Liberation War in 1971.
“The time has now come for a new war of independence in this country… we must remove the current repressive regime with united efforts,” he said.
Praising BNP chairperson Khaleda for her dedication and courage in a long struggle for the restoration of democracy, Reza Kibria said he is inspired by her to continue a movement in this regard.
He said Gono Odhikar Parishad wants to restore people’s voting and all other rights by forcing the government to hold a fair and credible national election.
Reza alleged that the ruling party leaders have long been indulging in widespread plundering and making their second homes in Canada and different other countries.
We can’t talk, breathe freely due to suffocating situation: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that the people of Bangladesh are now under terrible fascism losing their voting and all other rights.
"A suffocating situation is now there in the country. We're going through a difficult time as we can't freely talk and breathe,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said new laws are being formulated to curb people's freedom of expression and the freedom of press.
Also read: Laws, polices being made to control media: Fakhrul
“People are living in awful fascism as their rights have been completely taken away…their right to vote and right to life has been snatched. They (govt) are going to establish a one-party rule under a different cover,” Fakhrul said.
He alleged that their party chairperson Khaleda Zia has now been kept under house arrest by convicting her in ‘false’ cases. “She’s very sick, but she’s not allowed to go abroad for better treatment. “
The BNP leader said their party has been working to get out of the current situation of the country by restoring democracy.
Obaidur Rahman Smriti Sangsad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 15th death anniversary of ex-BNP secretary general KM Obaidur Rahman.
Fakhrul described the current government as an anti-people, anti-state and anti-liberation one and warned people that the country’s existence will be at stake if the Awami league stays in power for some more time.
Also read: BNP works out Independence Day programme
He called upon people of all walks of life to get united and join their party’s movement for the restoration of democracy and make it a success. "Our struggle will be successful only if we can wake up people, bring them to the streets and create a mass uprising against the dreadful dictatorial government." That's what we've to do now."
Fakhrul recalled the contributions of KM Obaidur Rahman to the country and its different democratic movements and paid homage to him.
KM Obaidur Rahman’s 15th death anniversary Monday
The 15th death anniversary of former BNP secretary general KM Obaidur Rahman will be observed on Monday.
Local unit of BNP and Obaidur Rahman Smriti Sangsad have chalked out various programmes to observe the day, said a press release on Sunday.
Read:BNP works out Independence Day programme
As part of the programmes, BNP leaders and activists and common people will place wreaths at his grave at Nagarkanda’s Loskardia village in Faridpur in the morning in observance of the day.
They will also offer fateha there and a munajat there seeking the salvation of the departed soul of Obaidur Rahman, also a freedom fighter.
A milad mahfil will also be held at the residence of the deceased on the occasion.
Besides, Obaidur Rahman Smriti Sangsad arranged a discussion and doa Mahfil at the Jatiya Press Club today (Sunday) in the capital, marking the day.
Meanwhile, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion recalling Obaidur Rahman’s contributions to the Liberation War, various movements and BNP.
Read:BNP to arrange 2-day book fair, exhibition on Liberation War
Born on May 5, 1940 at Laskardia village in Faridpur’s Nagarkanda upazila, Obaidur Rahman was elected a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and later played a vital role in the non-cooperation movement of 1971 and the Liberation War.
He joined BNP in 1978 and was made its general secretary in 1986. Obaidur Rahman was elected MP five times. He died on March 21, 2007.
BNP works out Independence Day programme
BNP on Saturday chalked out a two-day day programme to celebrate the Independence Day on March 26.
BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
As part of the programmes, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir together with party leaders and activists will pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreathes at the National Mausoleum, Savar at 7am on the day.
Also read: Laws, polices being made to control media: Fakhrul
Later, they will place wreaths at the mazar of late BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Banglanagar in the capital to mark the day. A doa mahfil will be held there to be arranged by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal.
Besides, the party will hoist national and party flags atop its all offices, including the central one, in the morning. The party offices will also be illuminated.
BNP will also take steps to publish supplements in the national newspapers to celebrate the day.
The party will arrange a discussion on the day at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on March 30.
BNP’s all district, upazila and municipality units across the country and the party’s all associate bodies will also mark the day with different programmes.
More programme to protest price hike
Rizvi also announced programmes for five more days to protest the growing price hike of key commodities and utility services.
Also read: BNP mourns Justice Shahabuddin’s death
As part of the programmes, he said their party will submit memorandums to the deputy commissioners across the country on March 22, observe a token hunger strike from 10am to 3pm in all cities, except Dhaka, on March 24 and arrange a similar programme in all district headquarters on March 30 and in all upazila headquarters on March 31.
In the capital, the party will arrange a token hunger strike from 10am to 3pm on April 2.
Earlier the party, observed an 11-day countrywide programme, from February 26 to March 15, protesting the unusual price hike in daily essentials.
Laws, polices being made to control media: Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that journalists and the media in Bangladesh are no longer independent as the government has been formulating different laws and policies one after another to control them.
“Though one of the main objectives of the Liberation War was to establish the freedom of the press, now the journalists and the press in Bangladesh are not independent…freedom of the press is an integral part of democracy. But it's affected repeatedly by the Awami League,” he said.
Speaking at the annual council of a faction Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader also said Awami league and democracy cannot go together. “Whenever Awami League came to power, it attacked the media.”
Read: BNP mourns Justice Shahabuddin’s death
He alleged that the ruling party has been regulating the media for over a decade to hush up the truth and its misdeeds and corruption. “Once the Awami League leader who couldn’t afford good quality sandals, r now owns multi-storey buildings and new cars. This is the reality.”
“In fact, the Awami League has left nothing to destroy in this country. They’ve ruined this state. So, they’ll be charged with treason for it. They’ve betrayed people. They’ve been doing it since 1971. They must face trial,” Fakhrul warned.
BNP mourns Justice Shahabuddin’s death
Expressing deep shock over the death of former President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, BNP on Saturday said his role in holding neutral elections will remain as a unique example in Bangladesh’s democratic history.
“Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed had played a unique role in the political history of Bangladesh,” he said.
Speaking at the annual council of a faction Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club, Fakhrul recalled that Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed served as acting president during a national election, which was held based on a consensus of political parties in 1991, to restore democracy.
Read: Ex-president Shahabuddin Ahmed dies at 92
“He (Shahabuddin) gifted the nation a fair election, paving the way for the restoration of democracy,” the BNP leader said.
He said the people of this country will always remember Justice Shahabuddin. “His role will undoubtedly remain as a unique example in the country's democratic history."
Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul of the former president and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed died at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on Saturday morning at the age of 92.
Read: BNP to arrange 2-day book fair, exhibition on Liberation War
Born in 1930 in Netrakona, Shahabuddin served as the chief justice of Bangladesh from 1990 to 1995. He assumed the position of acting President of the country as military ruler HM Ershad had resigned in the face of a fierce movement. Later, a non-partisan caretaker government was formed under his leadership, and a free and fair election was held in the country in February 1991.
On July 23, 1996, he was elected the president of the country unopposed, after being nominated by the Awami League government. He retired from office in 2001.