Politics
'No place in today's world for politics of harming people': Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud criticised the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for squandering the country's resources under the pretext of boycotting the upcoming general election.
Once again the Awami League's candidate for Chattogram-7, Hasan Mahmud made the remarks while addressing an election rally in his constituency on Saturday.
"On the one hand, the Awami League government builds roads, bridges, culverts, railway lines, prevents river erosion and distributes free books to students for the development of the country. And BNP is wasting the country's resources in the name of boycotting the election. They are throwing petrol bombs on buses and trains, burning people," he said.
He condemned the BNP for resorting to 'destructive actions'.
"There is no place in today's world for the politics of harming people. These are acts of terrorism, and it is crucial for everyone to suppress them firmly to protect the country," added the veteran AL leader.
The minister also criticised the Jamaat-e-Islami, and said, "Jamaat-e-Islami uses the slogan 'We want the law of Allah, we want the rule of the righteous'. They say they will establish Islam. Today, Muslims in Palestine are being killed, but BNP-Jamaat has not uttered a single word against Israel. Their leader, Tarique Rahman, has forbidden to speak because a big state may be unhappy."
Addressing the developmental projects in Rangunia, Dr. Mahmud, who has featured in the cabinet in each of the AL's three terms in power since 2008, mentioned the allocation of Tk 500 crore to prevent erosion in the Karnaphuli River and other rivers.
"Work worth Tk 500 crore has already been done to prevent erosion of the Karnaphuli river and other rivers in Rangunia. Some 8,000 youths of Rangunia have been employed by me. When recommending jobs, I never thought about who belongs to which party. I tried to be an MP for all," he added.
BNP extends mass contact, leaflet distribution by 2 days till Monday
Instead of giving any harsher programme on the occasion of 31st Night and the English New Year celebration, BNP on Saturday further extended the ongoing mass contact and leaflet distribution programme for two more days until Monday.
Speaking at a virtual press briefing, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the fresh programme which is meant to drum up public support in favour of the party’s call to boycott the Januray-7 election and not cooperating with the Awami League government.
Read: BNP extends mass contact, leaflet distribution by 2 days till Saturday
"Our mass contact and leaflet distribution programme is going on across the country.Tomorrow (Sunday) is the last day of the year and the next day is the first day of the New Year….usually many people celebrate these two days in different ways,” the BNP leader said.
Though the people in Bangladesh are not in a situation to celebrate the days in a joyous mood, he said the BNP decided to extend the mass contact and leaflet distribution programme for those by two days considering the interests of people, he said.
Rizvi said their party’s like-minded opposition parties will also observe a similar programme. “The situation in Bangladesh is different... there is no joy in people's minds as they are living in panic in the country,” he said.
Rizvi recalled that the Awami League usurped power through unprecedented rigging and night-time ballot stuffing on this day on December 30, 2018. “We condemn it and express our hatred towards them.”
Earlier on Thursday, the party extended the ongoing mass contact and leaflet distribution programme until Saturday.
Read: Don't be part of dummy election meant to extend AL's illegal power: BNP
On December 24, the party announced a three-day mass contact and leaflet distribution programme beginning on December 26.
BNP along with nearly three dozen opposition political parties have been carrying out a simultaneous movement since December 10 last year to force the current government to quit and hold the 12th parliamentary election under a non-party neutral administration.
BNP’s movement lost its momentum following clashes with law enforcers centring the party’s grand rally on October 28 as many senior leaders, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, were arrested while many others went into hiding in the face of a crackdown by the law enforcers.
However, BNP and like-minded parties enforced countrywide blockades for 23 days in 12 phases and hartals for five days in four spells since October 29.
Finally, the opposition party came up with the call for a non-cooperation movement on December 20.
Foreign meddling into Bangladesh election won't be tolerated: PM Hasina at Kotalipara rally
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday categorically said that Bangladesh won't accept any foreign meddling into the January 7 national polls.
She also sounded a strong warning that the conspirators against the election will suffer severe consequences.
“Those who are plotting (here) to thwart the election will have to face proper punishment one day. And anyone from international level comes to poke nose into (our affairs), we’ll not accept it. Bangladesh didn’t accept it in the past,” she said.
The AL chief made this remark while addressing a campaign rally in Kotalipara upazila in Gopalganj district.
Bangabandhu's younger daughter Sheikh Rehana accompanied her sister Hasina at the rally in Kotalipara from a campaign rally in Tungipara.
Not mentioning the name of any foreign country that opposed the Independence of Bangladesh, the AL president said those powers failed during the Liberation War in 1971.
“We’ll show them that we can achieve victory in terms of economic progress,” she said, adding that Inshallah, Bangladesh would be taken to a glorified position by reducing the poverty rate further to a percentage which is lower than that of the rich countries.
The PM urged the new voters not to miss the chance of casting their first-time votes and give mandate for her party in the 12th parliamentary election for the sake of progress of Bangladesh.
She said those who are from the young generation and youth society and those who are first-time voters, should not spoil their maiden votes.
“Those who are new voters will have to help Bangladesh to advance further on the development journey, maintaining the current pace of progress by casting vote for the 'boat' symbol and creating scope for AL to form the government,” she added.
The AL president said her party believes that the power of youth means the advancement of Bangladesh.
“We’ll build a skilled and smart youth society through generation of employment, ensuring vocational training, technical education, technological education and modern education for them,” she said.
Noting that it is most unfortunate that BNP-Jamaat grouping started unleashing arson violence and killing the people, Hasina called upon all to resist such criminal acts.
“Catch those who burn, harm (people) or conspire to thwart the election and give them proper punishment, I would like to urge all to do it from your position and place,” she said.
Mentioning that it is the right of people to cast votes, she said it is AL that has established the rights to votes and food today.
“I would like to request you all to stay awake so that none can play ducks and drakes with this country and the fate of this country anymore,” said Hasina.
AL advisory council member Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim MP, Sheikh Helal Uddin MP, Sheikh Tonmoy MP, Sheikh Jewel’s wife Sheikh Shahana Yasmin Champa and AL joint secretary general AFM Bahauddin Nasim, among others, were present on the dais.
Kotalipara upazila unit AL president Bhabendra Nath Biswas presided over the rally that turned into a human sea.
Later, Sheikh Hasina along with Sheikh Rehana joined another election rally at Kalkini Upazila in Madaripur in the afternoon.
Addressing the mammoth rally at Kalkini Syed Abul Hossain University College ground, the AL president said BNP leaders Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman will be tried one day for killing many people by giving orders.
Reiterating that BNP is a terrorist party and Jamaat is a party of war criminals, she questioned what rights they have to do politics here in Bangladesh as they kill and burn people. “They are a party of killers,” she said.
Terming late Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Zia as killers, Hasina said, “No reign of these killers will be there anymore in this country. They will be tried on murder charges a day as they killed so many people in Bangladesh by giving orders,” she said.
The AL chief asked the people to cast their votes as early as possible on the balloting day as a large turnout of voters is important in this election.
“Cast your votes, going to the polling station in the morning on the polls day …. Today an international conspiracy is on against Bangladesh. They want to play ducks and drakes with Bangladesh. But we won’t let it be done,” she said.
She remembered that Syed Abul Hossain, former lawmaker elected from the constituency, was the communication minister when false corruption allegation in the Padma Bridge project was brought against the government.
“Today we’ve constructed Padma Bridge with our own finances,” she said, praying for the salvation of the departed soul of Syed Abul Hossain.
Focusing her government's success, the premier said today Bangladesh has changed in the last 15 years. Bangladesh has today witnessed development in every sector from economy to infrastructures, social safety net, education and health. “Bangladesh is now a changed Bangladesh,” she said.
Reiterating her call to the new voters to vote for boat symbol, Hasina said, “We want to build the young generation as the smart and skilled youth force.”
The AL chief introduced her party’s candidates -- Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury in Madaripur-1, Shajahan Khan in Madaripur-2 and Abdus Sobhan Golap in Madaripur-3— with the participants of the grand rally and sought votes for them in the January-7 election.
AL presidium member Shajahan Khan, AL joint secretary general AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Abdus Sobhan Miah, among others, spoke at the rally presided over by Kalkini Upazila AL unit vice president Abul Kalam Azad.
Supporters of Palak served show cause notices for threatening supporters of independent candidate
The election inquiry committee has issued two show cause notices to 11 supporters of Awami League candidate of Natore-3 constituency, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, for threatening to kill supporters of an independent candidate.
The chairman of the committee and Pabna Assistant Judge Mustafa Kamal issued the show cause notice in two letters on Friday.
According to the notice, eight of the eleven people threatened to kill the supporters of independent candidate Shafiqul Islam and vandalised the temporary canopy in Sherkol Bazar on the evening of December 25.
The next day, December 26, at 3:30 pm, the rest of them obstructed the electioneering for Shafiqul Islam's symbol "Eagle", and threatened to kill them.
Kamrul Hasan, chief agent of the Independent candidate, filed a complaint against them.
The committee asked them to appear in person and submit a written response at 3pm on December 30.
Ruhul Amin, chief agent of AL-backed candidate Palak was called several times for his comments but he did not pick up the phone.
1 killed, 25 injured in AL infighting at PM's Barishal rally venue
One person was killed, and 25 others were injured in a clash between two factions of the Awami League ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rally in Barishal on Friday.
Siraj Sikder, 55, was killed on the spot. The injured were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital.
The clash broke out between the two groups- supporters of AL-nominated candidate Shammi Ahmed and Pankaj Debnath- incumbent MP of Barishal-4 constituency who is running as an independent, at the entrance of the rally venue.
The deceased Siraj Sikder was president of Guabaria Union Krishak League of Hizla upazila. Both sides claimed that Siraj Sikder was their campaigner.
The clash was still ongoing when Sheikh Hasina got on the stage.
According to witnesses, a large number of supporters of Pankaj Debnath, independent candidate of Barisal-4 constituency, came to Bangabandhu Uddyan around 3:30 pm. The followers of Awami League's International Affairs Secretary Dr. Shammi Ahmed, were already there.
Shammi is currently fighting a legal battle in the High Court to get back her nomination that was scrapped by the Election Commission on the grounds of dual citizenship.
MP Pankaj said that he came to Barishal by launch with the Prime Minister to join the public meeting.
"My workers and supporters were attacked when they were entering the meeting ground. Siraj Sikder has been my worker since the beginning and has been working for the eagle symbol in the election," he said.
Claiming that the attack was pre-planned, Pankaj said, "They were ready at the entrance knowing that my supporters would come. As soon as they entered, they carried out the attack, one person was killed, and several others were injured."
Dr. Shammi Ahmed did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment.
Her campaigner, Syed Munir, a member of the Awami League's international affairs sub-committee, said, "Siraj Sikder was our activist. He came to Barishal with Hizla Upazila Awami League President Tipu Sultan. Our people, including Siraj Sikder, were attacked when they were about to enter the rally venue, and he died on the spot."
Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital's emergency department doctor Kamruzzaman Tuhin said, "Siraj Sikder was brought dead to the hospital. Initially, we thought he died of a heart attack. It is not possible to say anything in detail without an autopsy."
No one will be allowed to play games on the future of Bangladesh: Law Minister
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq has said no political party or anyone will be allowed to play games over the future of Bangladesh.
He was addressing an election rally as the chief guest at Akchhina Bazar of Kasba Upazila of Brahmanbaria on Friday afternoon.
Anisul, also the AL-backed candidate for Brahmanbaria-4 (Kasba-Akhaura) constituency, said that people will elect their representatives through democratic voting rights.
"But a mischievous quarter is trying to stop them from going to the polling centres by boycotting the election. The BNP used to hold elections without voters during their time,” he said, adding: "If someone commits a crime in the territory of Bangladesh, he must be punished according to the laws of Bangladesh."
The law minister also urged the voters to go to the polling stations on January 7 and vote for 'boat'.
Among others, Kasba Upazila Awami League General Secretary Advocate Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan Jiban, Kasba Municipal Mayor MG Haqqani were also present at that time.
BNP plotting to create confrontational situation ahead of election: FM Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday alleged that the BNP has been plotting to create a confrontational situation in the country ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections scheduled for January 7.
On the other hand, Awami League is going door to door to voters for a free, fair and acceptable election as it believes in democracy, he claimed.
Momen made the remarks while talking to reporters during his electioneering in Sylhet city on Friday morning.
“BNP's non-cooperation movement is regrettable. They thought that they wouldn’t get votes in the election. The BNP is on the wrong path. May Allah guide them (BNP),” he said.Hinting at foreign pressure on the government centring the elections, Momen said Bangladesh is the 33rd largest economy in the world and now self-sufficient.
“We have good relations with all countries. Bangladesh is not Afghanistan, so threats from one or two countries will not help,” he said.
City unit of Awami League General Secretary Prof Zakir Hossain, Joint General Secretary Azadur Rahman Azad, Organizing Secretary Saleh Ahmed Selim, Agriculture and Cooperatives Affairs Secretary Tapan Mitra, party fellows Advocate Afsar Ahmed and Ward Councillor Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury Masum, among others, were present during the campaign.
Actions taken considering crime, not by party or candidate: Election Commissioner Rashida
Addressing the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring level-playing field, Commissioner Rashida Sultana on Friday said that all candidates are equal to them and actions are taken considering crime, not by party or candidate.
She made the remarks while talking to reporters after a view exchange meeting with candidates, administrative officials and presiding officers at the conference room of Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner on Friday noon.
Rashida warned that the EC will take actions against those candidates violating the polls code of conduct and this programme has been escalated.
“The commission is trying to keep the voting environment fair. We have made arrangements so that voters can cast their votes without any hindrance,” she asserted.
Earlier, the commissioner held the meeting with the stakeholders where the candidates put forward some problems they are facing.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Habibur Rahman, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Abdul Baten, Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ullah and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saiful Islam, among others, were present at the view exchange meeting.
Govt fears losing in a fair election: Moyeen Khan
BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Friday alleged the Awami League government is not willing to hold a fair election only because of its fear of losing power.
"Awami League fears it’ll get defeated if a fair and impartial election is held now in Bangladesh. That’s why they are not arranging a free and fair election. That's the main reason, no matter who says what,” he said.
Read: BNP burns people, has no right to do politics in Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells campaign rally in Barishal
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural function of the biannual council of a faction of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club.
The BNP leader questioned the ruling Awami League as to why it is so afraid of a fair and credible election if it believes in the power of the people. “Hold the election fairly and impartially this time, then you will see the people of Bangladesh may happily vote for you again in the next fair and neutral election.”
He urged the ruling party to do politics understanding the character and psychological traits of the people of Bangladesh.
Though the election is eight days away, Dr Moyeen thinks the government still has time to hold a political dialogue with the political parties to resolve the political crisis and find a way to hold a credible and participatory election in the country.
Read: No one will be allowed to play games on the future of Bangladesh: Law Minister
“January 7 is still far away...hold talks to get out of this violent confrontational politics. I am requesting you as you are in the government. So, it’s your responsibility to take the key decisions in this regard,” he said.
The BNP leader also said the political parties must return to the principle of peaceful coexistence avoiding conflict for the sake of the country and the restoration of democracy.
Dr Moyeen, also a former information minister, said the media can play a very strong role in holding the government accountable to the country’s people.
“The newspaper is called the Fourth State...newspapers are so important in the modern world. The major duty of the media is to hold those who run the country accountable to the people. For this reason, all governments across the world fear the media,” he observed.
The BNP leader also said media outlets are more powerful than the government as they can ensure the fall of any administration using their pens.
Accusing the government of gagging the media, he called upon the journalists to get united removing division and conflict among them to ensure press freedom.
BNP burns people, has no right to do politics in Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells campaign rally in Barishal
Denouncing BNP as a terrorist party Awami league President Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said it has no right to do politics in Bangladesh.
“BNP has no right to do politics in Bangladesh because they burn and kill people,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a huge campaign rally at the historic Bangabandhu Udyan in Barishal city.
Her younger sister Sheikh Rehana was seated on the boat-shaped dais as she spoke to the cheering crowd.
From the stage the daughters of Bangabandhu waved national flags to the cheering people.
Saying that Awami League will strive to build a better future for the youth Hasina appealed to the first-time voters to cast their ballots for her party's boat symbol.
"Vote for boat" She said. "Don't waste your ballots."
She said that the politics of Awami League is only for the welfare of the people.
But the politics of BNP and Jamaat is to burn people, she said asking "Do people want them? No, people do not want them."
“While we develop the country for the people, BNP-Jamaat unleash arson attacks,” she said.
In this connection she mentioned recent arson attacks on trains killing a number of people, including a woman holding her baby.
She also recalled BNP-Jamaat’s arson terrorism in 2001 saying they did the same in 2013 and 2014. Now they have started the same arson terrorism right now.
“I condemn these acts of BNP-Jamaat,” she said.
Hasina said that Jamaat, which is the ally of BNP, was involved in 1971 genocide, looting, rape, torture of people. They shook hands with Pakistani occupation forces.
Some of their leaders had been convicted as the war criminals and hanged for crimes against humanity.
“One party is terrorist, killer, ten trucks arms smuggler, involved in money laundering, siphoned orphans’ money, and all types of misdeeds. And the other one is of war criminals,” she said.
Hasina said that BNP-Jamaat do not want election.
“They want to foil it, let me urge you that all of you will go to the polling centres early in the morning of January 7. What will be your symbol? It will be boat,” she said.
Seeking votes for boat, the election symbol of Awami League, to the people to serve them once again Sheikh Hasina reminded the audience how boat of Prophet Nuh saved the human race during the Great Flood.
She added that Bangladesh got independence as people voted for boat in 1970.
The crowd raised their hands when the AL chief asked them “Will you cast your votes for boat, promise me." please raise your hands,” Chants of boat reverbrated through the rally at this time.
Hasina introduced the candidates of Awami League and those from 14-party alliance it is backing in Barishal division.
The prime minister said that as Awami League government came to the power repeatedly democratic process continued in the country for 15 years marked by development.
She mentioned that during the regimes of Ziaur Rahman, HM Ershad and Khaleda Zia Bangladesh did not witness any development at all.
“Rather the country went to a reversed direction" she said.
She said when Awami League comes to power Bangladesh moves forward with unbeatable speed. This unstopable advancement has to be maintained.”
She said that Awami League believes in the power of the youths.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Barishal City Corporation Mayor Abul khair Abdullah, Awami League Advisory council members Amir Hossain Amu and Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Party (Manju) chairman Anwar Hossain Monju, Awami League presidium members Shajahan Khan and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and noted actor and actress Taren Jahan and Mir Sabbir also spoke.
With Barishal District Awami League President Abul Hasnat Abdullah in chair Organising Secretary Afzal Hossain conducted the rally.
At the outset, cultural activists of Barishal performed local traditional songs to welcome both Hasina and Rehana.
Mentioning that Awami League was in the power for last 15 years, Sheikh Hasina told the people that they have witnessed a changed Bangladesh.
She said that her government will bring gas to Barishal for massive industrialisation for the development of this area.
The AL has a plan to restore Barishal as the granary of Bangla, which was once known as "Agricultural Manchester", she added.
Hasina said that they will establish medical university in Barishal like other divisional headquarters in the country.
If returned to office her government will also construct a six-lane road from Bhanga to Barishal to ease the communication, she added.
Referring to her party’s goal to build “smart Bangladesh” by 2041, the Awami League chief said that “In this Bangladesh, our children will be well educated with proper education."
“They will learn science and technology, and become skilled human Resources. We will build them as smart and skilled human resource.”
She said that in the smart Bangladesh, their government will be smart government using digital technology, agriculture will be mechanised, economy will be smart economy and the society and its systems will be turned into a smart society.
She called upon the students to continue their study attentively, as no country gets developed without proper education.