Politics
Deal with border killing as per international law: BNP
BNP standing committee members urged the government to take steps as per international law to stop the unacceptable killing of Bangladeshis along the border by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
At a virtual meeting on Monday, the party’s highest policymaking body also worked out a three-day human-chain programme in Dhaka, Sylhet and Lalmonirhat in protest against border killings, said a press release issued by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
As part of the programmes, he said, their party will hold a human-chain programme at Kaliganj of Lalmonirhat on November 18 and at Kanaighat of Sylhet the following day.
The party will also observe a similar programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on November 20 to register their protests against border killings.
Also read: Border killings unfortunate for Bangladesh; shameful for India: FM
Fakhrul said their meeting strongly protested and expressed anger against the recent killing of Bangladeshis by BSF along the Kaliganj and Kanaighat borders.
“The meeting felt that the incidents of gunning down Bangladeshis along the border by India continue due to the government's knee-jerk foreign policy,” he said.
The BNP leader said their standing committee criticised the statement of the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh on the border killing issue. “The killing of people by opening fire along the border to stop smuggling can’t be accepted under any circumstances. We call upon the government to take action in accordance with international law.”
He said their meeting also condemned widespread violence, killing and rigging and fraudulence in the recently held Union Parishad polls.
“The decision to hold local government elections in a partisan manner is an extreme threat to the country's democracy and socio-political stability at the grassroots level,“ the meeting observed.
Fakhrul said BNP policymakers think the recent local body polls have proved no election can be held in a fair and credible manner under the Awami League government.
They also opined that the electoral system in the country has been destroyed due to the naked interference of the ruling party, the biased role of the administration, and the utter failure of the Election Commission.
The meeting urged the government to step down immediately, paving the way for holding a credible national election in the country under a neutral administration.
Also read: Govt’s logic behind fuel price hike ‘unacceptable': Fakhrul
The BNP standing committee meeting also demanded that the prices of diesel, kerosene and LPG be reduced considering public sufferings.
BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku joined the virtual meeting chaired by party acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Politicization ruined sports, alleges BNP
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Monday alleged that the government has destroyed the country’s sports sector through politicisation.
"We see degradation and politicisation everywhere. Where’s now our football? Why can’t we improve our cricket? Every sports federation has been destroyed over the last 12 years through politicisation,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the way the economy has been ‘destroyed’ and social justice and the rule of law have been ‘obliterated’, the same way the sports sector has been ruined. “You’ll find politicisation everywhere.”
Also read: BNP launches 41-day programme against price hike of fuel, essentials
BNP’s committee on sports to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence arranged the programme titled ‘'Zia family in the sports arena of Bangladesh” at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said the government has killed democracy and snatched people’s rights, freedom of speech and the freedom of the press in a fascist-style to cling to power by force.
He also alleged that Awami League is trying to cement the one-party Baksal role as the party did during 1972-75.
Speaking at the programme, BNP vice-chairman Hafizuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh football was in a good position several decades ago when players did not get much money.
He also recalled that there was a great tournament like Aga Khan Football Gold Cup in Bangladesh used to be held with the participation of national teams from different countries. “At that time club football was 'so organised' with wonderful sports organisations. The players also used to play very sincerely even though there was not much money.”
Also read: Don’t leave streets until govt ousted: Rizvi to BNP followers
He said sports organisations now have huge money but they are failing to produce adequate good players.
The BNP leader said it is a matter of pride that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has a fixed deposit of Tk 900 crore.
”But how many players are there? There’re two players Shakib and Tamim. What’s the benefit of keeping Tk 900 crore in deposit? How many international quality players have you created? Are there any youth tournaments and youth camps? Where’re the rising players who will play in the national team after 5-6 years? Awami League is responsible for such a situation as they’ve politicised the sports arena,” he observed.
Khaleda’s family seeks permission yet again to send her abroad
The family of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has once again submitted an application to the government to send the ailing former prime minister abroad for advanced treatment.
On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted the application to the Home Ministry on Thursday, said a senior BNP leader wishing anonymity.
“Madam's (Khaleda’s) younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted the application to the government on Thursday urging the government to allow her going abroad for better treatment,” said the BNP leader close to Khaleda.
Also read: Khaleda Zia shifted to CCU
In the application, he said, the government’s cooperation was sought to send Khaleda abroad either by granting her bail through the court or giving permission.
Khaleda’s personal medical team member Dr Azm Zahid Hossain also confirmed the matter, saying it is for the fifth time the BNP chief’s family sought the government’s permission to take her abroad.
Her family applied to the government last time in August this year to take her abroad for better treatment, but the government turned it down saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
Khaleda has been undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the capital.
On Saturday, she was readmitted to the hospital for follow-up treatment, nearly a week after she was discharged from it.
Also read: Khaleda’s biopsy report sent abroad for review: Dr Zahid
It is for the third time that the 76-year-old BNP chief was admitted to the hospital this year for various health complications.
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
A physician at her medical team said Khaleda is now suffering from a critical cardiac problem while her blood sugar is out of control and hemoglobin level in her blood has dropped.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
On September 19, the government for the fourth time extended the suspension of her jail term with conditions that she will not leave the country and stay at her Gulshan home.
UP polls creating panic instead of festivity: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman on Tuesday voiced concern that the ongoing Union Parishad (UP) polls have become a matter of panic instead of festivity.
In a statement, he said, “The second and third phases of Union Parishad elections are going on across the country. These elections of the local government were once held in a festive manner in the country. Now these polls have become a frightening matter instead of festivity.”
Read: Prices soaring for no reason: GM Quader
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in Parliament, said the Election Commission has completely failed to maintain law and order in the ongoing UP elections.
“Attacks and exchange of fire over elections have become a daily affair. People have become panicked over the killing and violence every day,” he observed.
The Jatiya Party chief said the country’s people do not want to see bloodletting in the name of elections.
He also voiced frustration over the inaction of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring a congenial election atmosphere.
Read: Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
GM Quader also said the EC’s role in the UP polls gives an impression that it has nothing to do with polls violence.
He said people are getting disappointed as the violence and terrorist activities are taking place every day in front of the members of the law enforcement agencies.
GM Quader said some people have already been killed in election violence. “Terrorists hacked to death two sons of a mother at Kathuli union of Gangni Upazila in Meherpur. “Nothing can be more unfortunate and painful than this.”
He urged the Election Commission to take more stern measures to curb election violence.
The Jatiya Party chief said it is not acceptable that the EC will be unable to maintain a peaceful environment after declaring the election schedule. “Tougher initiatives need to be taken to hold polls in a free, fair and neutral manner.”
Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday alleged that the government has taken a stance against the interest of the common people by raising bus and launch fares instead of lowering fuel oil prices.
In a statement, he said, “The government has increased the prices of diesel and kerosene irrationally. We had demanded a reduction in fuel oil prices. But the government raised the transport and launch fares,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the decision to increase oil prices and transportation costs is an anti-people one.
He demanded the government reduce the increased prices of diesel and kerosene and the increased fares of buses and launches.
Also read: Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party chairman said the government suddenly increased the prices of diesel and kerosene by Tk 15 per liter on the night of November 3.
He bemoaned that the government has also increased bus fares by 27 percent and launch fares by 35 percent without reducing fuel prices in the face of a movement by transport owners, leaving people in unbearable sufferings.
“With the rise in fuel oil prices, the cost of living and transportation is increasing fast,” the Jatiya Party chief said.
He also said several crore people became unemployed during the Covid pandemic, and they are now living an inhuman life. “In such a reality, raising the fuel prices is an unacceptable decision. Neighbouring India has also slashed diesel and kerosene prices.”
Also read: People facing “starving-like situation”: BNP
GM Quader said it is now imperative to reduce the cost of fuel and public transport to normalise the cost of living.
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level.
The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of the price hike of petroleum in the international market.
BNP to observe Nov 7 as ‘Nat'l Revolution & Solidarity Day’
BNP will observe what it calls the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Sunday (Nov 7), marking the ‘civil-military uprising' in 1975.
On this day in 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.
BNP has chalked out various programmes to observe the day with due respect.
Also read: BNP’s two-day programme marking ‘Nov 7’
As part of the programmes, the party flag will be hoisted atop its all offices across the country on Sunday morning while BNP leaders and activists, led by party standing committee members, will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late party founder Ziaur Rahman at 11am.
The party arranged a discussion at Mohanagar Natya Mancha today (Saturday) in observance of the day.
Besides, BNP’s associate bodies will hold various programmes, including discussions, cultural programmes, and publishing supplements in newspapers.
When BNP and its alliances celebrate November 7 as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day, the ruling Awami League and its front organisations consider it as the day of 'killing of freedom fighters'. Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) observes it as the day of civil-military revolution.
People facing “starving-like situation”: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday voiced concern that people are going to face a starving-like situation due to price hike of daily essentials and fuel oil.
“The prices of diesel and kerosene have abruptly been hiked by Tk 15 per litre. Where’ll common people go now?’’ he questioned.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the fuel prices have been raised when the prices of essentials are skyrocketing. “So, the prices of essentials will double now. A situation has created that the ordinary people will now starve to death without nutrition.”
Also read: Govt’s logic behind fuel price hike ‘unacceptable': Fakhrul
Tariqul Islam Smriti Sangsad arranged the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the third death anniversary of late minister and BNP standing committee member Tariqul Islam.
Fakhrul also said commuters are going through sufferings due to the ongoing transport strike enforced in protest against the fuel price hike.
Under the current circumstances of the country, he said, there is no alternative for people to oust the current regime for establishing a pro-people government and parliament. “Let’s get united to achieve this goal and defeat Awami League government by taking to the streets together with people.”
As people have started waking up and raising their voices to realise their voting and other rights, the BNP leader said the government is creating different issues to mislead the nation.
He alleged that the current government has been working in a planned way to turn Bangladesh into a “failed and subservient” state dependent on others.
Fakhrul said the government has been taking mega projects in the name of development in a bid to make Bangladesh indebted with loans. “If we look around us we’ll see nothing but corruption, plundering and theft.”
Also read: BNP extends support to transport strike
He said 84 ruling party leaders and supporters died in violence over the last seven months centring the Union Parishad polls. “They (AL leaders) themselves are getting involved in internal feuds in absence of opposition parties. They’re indulging in looting, infighting and creating various problems, but cases are being filed against BNP leaders and activists.”
Fakhrul alleged that the ruling party itself incited the communal incidents during Durga Puja of the Hindu community members, but cases have been filed against hundreds of BNP leaders and activists. “This is their old style to suppress their opponents ahead of any national election. They did the same thing during the 2018 election.”
Fakhrul’s annoyance
At the beginning of his speech, Fakhrul got annoyed as unruly party leaders and activists were chatting with each other, creating chaos.
As he failed to stop them from creating noise with repeated warnings, the BNP secretary general got angry and sat down in his seat from the podium declining to continue his speech.
Later, he returned to the podium as the BNP activists stopped talking.
Fakhrul asked the BNP activists to know how to exercise restraint and control themselves. “Otherwise, we won’t be able to achieve anything.”
Earlier, party leaders Shamsuzzamn Dudu and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal also frequently requested their party followers to keep silent but failed to stop them from creating noise.
Meanwhile, a windowpane at the main gate of the meeting venue was damaged as BNP leaders and activists were scrambling to get out of the auditorium altogether hurriedly after the end of the programme.
Govt’s logic behind fuel price hike ‘unacceptable': Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the government's logic behind the increase in diesel and kerosene prices is ‘unacceptable’.
"How much irresponsible and isolated from people the current government is as it has taken such an inhumane decision (of increasing fuel prices). When the prices of diesel and kerosene were hiked in Bangladesh, neighbouring India has reduced their prices by Tk 5,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said increasing fuel prices on the international market is the reason the government showed behind its decision of raising the prices of diesel and kerosene.
“Why did you take the price of fuel higher when its price went down on the international market? You didn’t reduce the fuel price at that time as you stole that money. You’re again trying to make your pockets heavier by cutting the pockets of our people,” the BNP leader said.
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units jointly arranged the programme at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the second death anniversary of undivided Dhaka city mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.
Read: Fuel price hike to benefit “looters”: BNP
Fakhrul said the prices of diesel and kerosene were increased by Tk15 overnight. “This is the sign of misrule of the current government.”
He said the LPG price has also been increased while the power tariffs have been repeatedly hiked in a year. “The price of electricity has jumped three to four times in a year. If you go to a kitchen market you will find it difficult to buy any commodity as the price of everything has gone up. ”
Referring to the transport strike in protest against the fuel price hike, the BNP leader said the bus fares and truck charges will now be enhanced by the transport owners which will ultimately push up the prices of all essential commodities like rice, pulses and sugar, in the kitchen market.
“The government is destroying the economy of Bangladesh in a planned way. It has already destroyed the politics of Bangladesh and the future of people,” he observed.
Fakhrul said though BNP has not been there in the Union Parishad polls, around 87 people have so far died due to violence unleased by the ruling party leaders and activists. “The election system has been completely destroyed.”
Read: Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader
He recalled Sadeque Hossain Khoka’s outstanding contributions to the country and BNP. “He was a patriotic politician from head to toe.”
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of the price hike of petroleum on the international market.
Meanwhile, the price of private operators' liquified petroleum gas (LPG) was also increased to Tk 1,313 per 12-kg container from Tk 1259 with effect from Thursday (4 November) at the retail level.
Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Thursday alleged that the government has enhanced the fuel price ‘illogically’ as it will increase the costs of living further.
“Fuel prices have been hiked irrationally. If the fuel prices go up, the costs of production and transportation of goods will increase,” he said.
GM Quader, also the leader of the opposition in parliament, said people’s lives have already become unbearable due to the rise in commodity prices. “As the prices of fuel rise, people's lives will now become more miserable.”
Speaking at a programme at Jatiya Party Chairman’s Banani office, he also said the sufferings of people will only be mounted if the government runs the country with a business attitude.
GM Quader called upon the government to govern the country with the mentality of serving people instead of doing business.
He said the fuel prices have been increased with an excuse of rising oil prices in the international market. “Fuel prices were much lower on the international market during the corona period, but the fuel prices were not reduced at that time.”
Read: Private operators’ LPG: Price goes up again
The Jatiya Party chairman wanted to know where the money has gone that was earned during the low fuel prices in the international market.
He said fuel prices should be kept tolerable even by giving subsidies.
GM Quader also said Bangladesh ranks 124th out of 139 countries in the rule of law index. “We’re lagging behind in various international indexes. This is very unfortunate.”
Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Truck-Covered Van, Tank Lorry and Prime Movers Owners and Workers Coordination Council called an indefinite nationwide strike from Friday in protest against the fuel price hike.
Leaders of the organization said the government raised the toll of Bangabandhu Bridge and Muktarpur Bridge from 257 percent to 300 percent “illogically” on November 2 and then it raised the prices of fuel, said a press release.
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level.
Read: Fuel price hike: transporters to go on indefinite strike from Friday
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of price hike of petroleum on the international market.
Meanwhile, the price of private operators’ liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has been raised to Tk 1,313 per 12-kg container from Tk 1259 with effect from Thursday (Nov 4) at the retail level.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price at a press briefing.
BNP extends support to transport strike
BNP on Thursday extended its support to nationwide transport strike called in protest against the fuel price hike.
“We extend our full support to transport strike as the government has raised the fuel prices amid the growing price hike of essentials,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Talking to reporters at his residence in the district town, he also said the current ‘unelected’ government has long been taking many anti-people decisions as per its whim since it has no accountability to people and parliament.
Also Read: BNP has no interest in EC formation under AL govt
“It (govt) is increasing the prices of all essentials and fuels to make the pockets of ruling party men heavier,” the BNP leader said.
He said the fuel prices have been increased to give the Awami League-backed oil and LPG importers a scope for making a quick buck.
Fakhrul voiced concern that the prices of all essentials will increase further with the increase in fuel prices.
“People are now going through serious sufferings to cope with the soaring prices of essentials. Their lives will become more miserable with the further hike in necessary goods,” he said.
The BNP leader also said the fresh fuel price hike will create huge pressure on the economy and many commodities will go beyond people’s buying capacity.
He alleged that the government is least bothered about public sufferings as it is not elected by their votes.
Also Read: AL-backed syndicates behind price hike, alleges BNP
Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Truck-Covered Van, Tank Lorry and Prime Movers Owners and Workers Coordination Council called an indefinite nationwide strike from Friday in protest against the fuel price hike.
Leaders of the organization said the government raised the toll of Bangabandhu Bridge and Muktarpur Bridge from 257 percent to 300 percent “illogically” on November 2 and then it raised the prices of fuel, said a press release.
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level.
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of price hike of petroleum on the international market.
Meanwhile, the price of private operators’ liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has been raised to Tk 1,313 per 12-kg container from Tk 1259 with effect from Thursday (Nov 4) at the retail level.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price at a press briefing.