Politics
Containing Covid: BNP against giving magistracy power to police
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday opposed the government’s reported move to give police the magistracy power to force people to wear masks as he thinks it may boomerang, causing harassment to common people.
"This government has turned the country into a police state. Police are now being given magistracy power to control the pandemic, which will be a boomerang as we know what the police will do. It’ll only help increase the harassment of common people,” he said.
Also Read: Don't get upset, work for change: Fakhrul
The BNP leader came up with the comment while talking to reporters at his local residence in the district town.
According to media reports, the government is considering giving police the magistracy power by amending the Infectious Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act-2018 to force people to mask up in a bid to contain the Covid-19 transmission.
Fakhrul alleged that the government has completely 'failed' to tackle the corona situation. “The mismanagement in dealing with the pandemic the government has exhibited its failure and incompetence.”
The BNP leader said their party has long been calling upon the government to involve other political parties, NGOs and social organisations in corona control activities, but the government has not paid heed to it.
He said the main target of the government’s corona prevention activities is to indulge in corruption. “People are suffering because of corruption and plundering by the government.”
The BNP leader said the government could never take any right step to slow down the coronavirus transmission. “Their indifference, ignorance and corruption are the main reasons behind the current corona situation in the country.”
He also said the government enforced lockdown and kept the public transport services suspended during the eid without any proper plan to control the movement of the holidaymakers. “People went to their village homes in many ways facing serious ordeals.”
“Had the public transport services been resumed before the eid, people could have gone to their homes smoothly. Now people are returning to their workplaces the same way. This is the ultimate failure of the government,” the BNP leader observed.
Fakhrul said the government asked people to stay indoors by enforcing the lockdown without taking any step to ensure food for the poor, destitute and the day labourers. “In other countries of the world, the governments sent grants to the low-income people and day-labourers during the lockdown.”
The BNP leader said the government mainly enforced the lockdown to carry out a crackdown on the opposition activists and the dissent.
He said their party urged the government to provide the helpless people with a one-time grant of Tk 15,000 for three months. “There're two crore people in the country who live below the poverty line while about six crore people work in the informal sector. These six crore people have not been brought under stimulus packages. Incentives have been given to garment owners and the owners of industries.”
The BNP leader said their party also proposed giving remittance earners incentives, but the government did not pay heed to it. “Policymakers are saying the government has no specific plan. How’ll people abide by an unplanned lockdown?”
Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians worst example of barbarism: GM Quader
Describing Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians as the worst example of barbarism, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday called upon the United Nations and the global community to come forward to stop it.
“Hundreds of innocent Palestinians are being killed every day in atrocious airstrikes by Israel. Thousands of Palestinians are being seriously injured every day. Palestinian homes are being flattened,” he said.
Also read: Israeli strikes kill 33, topple buildings in Gaza City
GM Quader said even the offices of the international media were not spared from the Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians are completely against humanity. “It’s the worst example of barbarism.”
He said a peaceful solution must be ensured in Palestine by forcing Israel to refrain from the attacks through discussions under the leadership of the UN. “The world community, including the United Nations, must come forward to stop Israel's monstrous airstrikes.”
Also read: Israel strike in Gaza destroys building with AP, other media
Since the fighting began between Israel and Hamas on Monday last, at least 181 people have been killed in Gaza, including 52 children and 31 women, with 1,225 injured, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry. Israel says dozens of militants are among the dead.
The flare-up of violence over the last six days came after weeks of increasing Israeli-Palestinian tension in East Jerusalem, which culminated in clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews.
No eid joy for BNP over a decade: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said their party leaders and activists have not been able to feel the joy of eid for a decade as they have been subjected to killing, enforced disappearance and other repressive acts.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated today (Friday) through lots of hardship and hard time. On one hand, there’s a dangerous outbreak of Covid and there're serious repressive acts by the fascist government,” he said.
Also Read: It's 'cruel mockery' with the nation, Fakhrul about election
The BNP leader said, “To be honest, we don’t have the joy of eid. Because our leaders and activists have been killed and implicated in false cases. At least our 35 lakh leaders and workers have been made accused (in different cases). Eid never comes to the families of those who are accused of false charges. That’s the reality. "
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after offering fateha at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of eid.
Describing the current government as a very cruel one, the BNP leader said its repression and suppression is indescribable. “We're going through such a situation.”
Fakhrul said they prayed to Allah for protecting people from the grasp of the ‘monstrous’ government “We also sought his help so that we can defeat fascism together with people.”
Stating that their party chairperson Khaleda Zia has been in jail for three years, he said they get inspiration thinking that she's alive. “With this inspiration, we’ll move forward.”
The BNP leader said Khaleda, who have been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, congratulated the country’s people on the occasion of eid.
Also Read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul
He said the health condition of the BNP chief has been improving, but she's not out of risk. “Physicians are hopeful that she’ll recover soon. She urged the country’s people to pray for her.”
Fakhrul criticised the government for what he said enforcing lockdown without any proper plan. "You’ve seen how people are getting confused because of the wrong policies of the government. Even, five people have already died on the way to their homes.”
He said though the government has kept the services of public transport suspended due to the lockdown, passengers’ movement cannot be stopped. “Such a situation wouldn’t have happened had the lockdown been enforced with proper plans.”
Khaleda’s condition still critical: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the condition of their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still critical due to post-Covid complications and her comorbidities.
"She (Khaleda) is still in critical condition though she can now breathe without oxygen support,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s pressure, body temperature and saturation level are now in good shape. “But some parameters of her condition are in a dangerous condition. She has kidney problems and that's the real problem. She has heart problems and the doctors are still very worried about it.”
He expressed gratitude to the Evercare Hospital authorities as they are providing science services and treatment to Khaleda.
But the BNP leader said this hospital has some limitation and it does not have adequate facilities to ensure advanced treatment to Khaleda for her various health complications. “That’s why her family sought permission to take her abroad.”
Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor
“The condition of our leader was very critical when her family applied to take her abroad. Even the doctors were worried and they also gave a report that the treatment facilities at their hospital are not adequate to tackle a critical patient like her. That's why they thought it would be better if she can go aboard for the treatment,” Fakhrul said.
He said the government had also showed a positive attitude initially and created an impression among people that it would give her permission instead of doing politics with a sick person. “But unfortunately, they changed their tone suddenly and turned down the application. But the logic they showed is completely unacceptable. It’s also a lame excuse.”
Fakhrul said the government has said there is no instance of sending any convicted person abroad. “It’s a wrong explanation and they did it to mislead people.”
He said JSD president ASM Abdur Rob had been in jail in 1979, but then-President Ziaur Rahman freed him as per section 401 of the CrPC, and he was sent to Germany for treatment.
Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
The BNP leader also said late Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim was convicted in a case in 2008, but he was sent abroad for treatment.
Without mentioning their names, Fakhrul said the death-row convicts and brothers of a highly influential government official were sent abroad exonerating their sentences under section 401. “So, why’re you showing all these lame arguments in the case of Khaleda Zia? You could have said right away that you would not give her permission.”
The BNP leader said Prime Minister’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a big heart as he used to show generosity towards his political opponents.
“You don't have that big heart like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He had given all facilities to many of his political opponents. He released them from jail and helped them. Had you had such generosity, you would have released Khaleda Zia long ago and allowed her to do politics,” he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has manifested its inhuman and disgusting attitude by turning down the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to take her abroad. “We strongly condemn it.”
Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
He alleged that the ruling party leaders are making indecent and unacceptable remarks about the ailing BNP chairperson. “I again request them to exercise restraint and shun making such comments on her. Don’t think you’ll be spared all time for making reckless comments. Everything is being noted and people will come up with a befitting reply in time.”
Earlier on Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
On May 5, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
On May 8, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Eid-ul-Fitr: BNP greets PM Hasina
BNP top leaders on Tuesday sent Eid greeting cards to Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sent two separate eid cards to the Prime Minister.
They also greeted Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader sending cards.
A BNP delegation, led by its assistant organising secretary Abdus Salam Azad, handed over the cards to Awami League leader Ali Hossain at the party president’s Dhanmondi office around 11:30am
Besides, the party sent eid cards to Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh President Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain, LPD president Oli Ahmed, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, JSD president ASM Abdur Rob, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddique, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and some other top leaders and different political parties.
Covid-19 crisis: PM Hasina reiterates firm solidarity with India
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated firm solidarity with India in a letter addressed to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
She conveyed condolences and prayers for victims of this unprecedented devastation taking place in India due to Covid-19 pandemic, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Also Read:As cases grow, India’s vaccination campaign falters
The Prime Minister pledged to combat the pandemic together with all-out support from Bangladesh.
‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
Voicing frustration and grievances over the denial of permission to send its ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad, BNP on Sunday night said the government made the decision motivated by “vindictive politics”.
Talking to reporters after visiting the BNP chief at Evercare Hospital, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul also claimed that the government turned down her family’s application seeking permission to send her aboard as part of a plot to eliminate her from politics.
“Undoubtedly, we’re upset and angry over the decision. She was convicted in false cases with a motive to remove her from politics. There’s nothing new, as such a move was also taken during the 1/11,” he said.
Fakhrul said it is very clear that the government wants to eliminate Khaleda from politics following the footstep of the 1/11 regime. “That’s why the government has taken such a decision. “We think this is not a justified decision. It’s unfortunate that the government has taken the decision motivated by its vindictive politics.”
He said the government can allow Khaleda to go abroad or waive her sentences by the same section, CrPC’s section 401, with which they suspended her punishment. “They can forgive a condemned killer or send him abroad. But they can't uphold humanity, values and courtesy towards a popular leader who has contributions to the country’s independence and who played a pivotal role in restoring democracy in the country."
Asked whether they will now appeal to the court or the President for exonerating Khaleda’s sentences paving a way for taking her abroad, Fakhrul said the BNP chairperson’s family will decide their next course of action. “It’s not our party’s application, but her family appealed to the government for taking her abroad. The family will now decide what they may do.”
Also read: Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
He said most BNP leaders were implicated in “false” cases while their party’s 35 lakh leaders and activists were also accused in “false” charges as part of a move to keep BNP away from politics. “The main plot is against Khaleda Zia as she’s the most popular leader in the country and the symbol of independence, sovereignty and democracy to the country’s crores of people.”
Fakhrul said Khaleda was sent to jail in false cases when she tried to wage a movement against the “fascist” regime before the last general election.
He said Khaleda has not been getting proper treatment since she has been sent to jail. “We met the Home Minister twice to ensure proper treatment of her. Unfortunately, when she had been shifted to PG (BSMMU) hospital, she didn’t receive the necessary treatment.”
The BNP leader said though Khaleda was released last year amid the coronavirus outbreak, it was not useful for her as she stayed at home.
He said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.”
Earlier in the day, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment as there is no scope for her to avail of such a scope, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
“The Law Ministry has informed us that there’s no legal provision to allow convicted Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. In the light of such an opinion, the application of her family can’t be granted,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
He said the Law Ministry made it clear that as Khaleda was earlier given a facility by suspending her sentences under section 401 of the CrPC, now there is no scope to waive her sentences after reconsidering the same section for the second time.
Asaduzzaman said they received the application of Khaleda’s family on humanitarian grounds and sent it to the Law Ministry for its legal opinion. “We’re doing everything as per the law. BNP can apply (for sending Khaleda abroad, but we can't do anything beyond the law.”
Talking to UNB, Law Minister Anisul Haq said, “Khaleda Zia's sentences have been suspended as per section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on condition that she can’t go abroad. So, there’s now no scope to grant her family’s application by relaxing this condition,” he explained.
On Wednesday last, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said Khaleda’s condition now looks better with the improvement of her saturation level.
“I’ve seen her from a distance for two minutes. It seems to me her condition is now better,” he told reporters after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital.
He said Khaleda now can breathe normally without oxygen support. “Some of her parameters are better and she is now breathing without oxygen. She’s now not facing serious difficulties to go on without oxygen.”
Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
Fakhrul, however, said the BNP chairperson is still not out of danger. “There’s still a tube attached to her as fluids were coming out ofvher lungs.
He also said Khaleda’s post-Covid complications are still visible in full swing. “But there’s a sign of improvement in her condition.”
The BNP leader said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.”
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged ministers to make comments on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia maintaining decency and political etiquette.
“Khaleda Zia is a three-time former ex-Prime Minister who had restored democracy in the country through a long struggle for nine years. She’s now seriously ill. People, politicians and foreign missions here are worried about it,” he said.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader regretted that some ministers are unfortunately making very ‘objectionable and satirical’ remarks about her which are discourteous.
“In fact, they’re exposing their characters with the remarks. They’ve no sense of humanity and decency. I would like to request them to make comments about her by maintaining decency and political etiquette. You please refrain from making indecent comments and keep it in mind that people will not forget everything,” he said.
Replying to a question, the BNP leader said the process of taking Khaleda Zia abroad depends on the government's decision.
Fakhrul said the BNP chief tested negative for the virus and her condition is improving gradually.
“She’s been suffering from various diseases for a long time and those have been aggravated as she couldn’t receive treatment during her long stay in jail. In some cases, her age has become a big problem,” he said.
Besides, the BNP leader said, the post-Covid-complications can damage some of her organs, putting her in health risk.
He said the medical board formed in the Evercare Hospital has been providing Khaleda treatment sincerely. “The hope is that she’s showing a sign of improvement.”
Fakhrul said the BNP chief’s treatment now is not possible without keeping her at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
He urged all to pray for her speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
“Madam (Khaleda) underwent the Covid test on Saturday and her report came out negative,” the BNP chief’s medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told UNB early Sunday.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breathing last week.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
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.
Will build planned cities in all districts: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the government will build planned cities in all districts of the country, not only in Dhaka.
"We’ll make planned housing in every division and district…it’ll no longer be Dhaka-centric one so that people have a better life [everywhere]," Sheikh Hasina said.
Also Read:Will work together to overcome Covid crisis: Hasina to Mamata
The Prime Minister said this while addressing a function marking the handover of plot documents to 1,440 original residents and affected people of Purbachal New Town Project.
She joined the programme, held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
She said the government is also taking steps so that people in rural areas can avail themselves of civic amenities that the city dwellers are enjoying.
"Everyone has a desire to live in a city. So, we’ve decided that the people living in villages will be provided with facilities like that of a city," she said.The government is constructing roads, bridges and appropriate infrastructures across the country, Hasina said, adding that a project, 'Palli Janopod', has been taken so that one can buy a flat if he/she wants to live in a flat.
Also read:Antimicrobial resistance can even threaten food security: PM Hasina
The Prime Minister said the government is taking various steps so that people can manage their livelihood living in flats.
The Prime Minister reiterated her firm commitment that no one in the country will remain homeless. "We’ll arrange a shelter for everybody whatever and however we could.”
She also said every house will have the electricity connection which will illuminate it. "Every house will have educated people. The country will march forward with education and knowledge, and it’ll have a glorified position in the world.”
Hasina went on saying, “Bangladesh is now a developing nation, and this country will advance further. We’ll be the wonder of the world."
New variant of coronavirusTalking about the new variant of coronavirus that spread widely in neighbouring India, she said all have to remain alert and must wear masks.
"As the neighbouring country is hit hard by the new variant. There’s a possibility for it to enter Bangladesh," she said.
Also Read: As India surges, Bangladesh lacks jabs, faces virus variants
She criticised a section of people for their desperate bid to go to their village homes defying all the restrictions at this critical time of pandemic.
"All are travelling together in ferries and other vehicles. You don’t know who’s infected with coronavirus. You’re carrying that virus to your family members. You’re going to infect them, too. You’re going to put their lives in danger as well," she said.
Hasina questioned what problem they will face if one Eid is celebrated without all other family members and relatives. It will help save all from coronavirus infections, she said.
State Minister Housing and Public Works Ministry Sharif Ahmed, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Public Works Ministry Engineer Mosharrof Hossain , Housing and Public Works secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker also spoke on the occasion.
Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was present at the dais.
Also read: Celebrate Eid where you are: PM Hasina
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman ABM Amin Ullah Nuri delivered the welcome speech.
State Minister Housing and Public Works Ministry Sharif Ahmed handed over the allotment papers on behalf of the Prime Minister.