Politics
Some BUET students raise alarm over increasing Hizb ut-Tahrir presence and email campaigns on campus
A number of students from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) are sounding the alarm over what they called a “worrying increase” in activities by the outlawed extremist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir. They reported a series of email campaigns throughout March, targeting hundreds of BUET students with what they described as “hate content.”
During a press briefing on the BUET campus on Saturday, a group identifying themselves as “general students” presented evidence of the emails. The content “decry the government as an obstacle to the establishment of Islamic rule,” and urge students to join efforts to overhaul the educational curriculum.
“These contents have been emailed to accounts of hundreds of current students in several phases throughout March, yet the issue seems to have been overlooked,” one of the students told media.
They highlighted the efficiency with which Hizb ut-Tahrir activists have accessed a vast number of student email accounts, criticizing the university authorities’ apparent inaction. “It is alarming how Hizb ut-Tahrir activists got hold of such a large volume of email accounts, yet authorities remain reluctant to take any action,” they stated.
Accusations have also been made against the Hizb-ut Tahrir and Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, for attempts to exploit student protests against campus politics for their gain. They referred to an earlier incident where some BUET students attended a secretive Islami Chhatra Shibir gathering in Sunamganj’s remote haor area, questioning the protesters’ silence on such matters.
They further referred to intimidation tactics along with criticism to alumni-led commemorative and national day tributes on campus, calling it a “biased stance”.
Engr Tonmoy Ahmed, a former BUET student and coordinator, Awami League Web Team, who survived a brutal attack reportedly by Shibir activists during the war crimes trial, said, “Such extremist and radical groups have long been active on BUET campus, and online space has been used by fanatics for spreading militancy.”
AL govt tramples opposition voice: Dr Moyeen
BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday alleged that the ruling Awami League doesn’t allow any opposition voice in the country.
He said this while visiting the family of Rabiul Islam Nayan, jailed member secretary of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal Dhaka Metropolitan South, at his Moghbazar residence.
He said that it is natural that some people in Bangladesh will support Awami League, some will work for BNP or any other party.
Ziaur Rahman can't be erased from history of Bangladesh: Gayeshwar
“Bangladesh has fought for democracy, but it is now absent in the country. In these circumstances how shall we survive?," asked Moyeen Khan.
He explained how Nayan's wife and his family members are being harassed for his political belief.
The family is not being allowed to move out elsewhere and police are constantly threatening them, said the BNP leader.
80 per cent BNP leaders, activists faced torture: Fakhrul
“We are urging the government to stop repression of opposition members," said Moyeen Khan.
The people are now striving for democracy, right to vote and freedom of speech, he said.
"We demand that the government steps down paving way for holding a free, fair and participatory polls and ensure people's basic rights in the country," said the BNP leader.
He said the people of Bangladesh rejected the January 7 national polls as they did in 2014 and 2018.
Fakhrul urges people to continue fight for voting rights, democracy
If AL wants to retain power by having people's love they have to ensure democracy, freedom of speech, right to vote for which the freedom fighters had sacrificed their lives in 1971, he added.
“We want to live in a free society for which we got separated from Pakistan. This is what the people of Bangladesh want," he said.
Replying to a reporter's query Dr Moyeen said BNP is fighting to go to power with popular votes, and not with backing of foreigners.
‘Mega corruption in the name of mega development’: BNP leader Moyeen Khan
Ziaur Rahman can't be erased from history of Bangladesh: Gayeshwar
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday said that the history of Bangladesh can't be written without Ziaur Rahman, founder of the opposition party.
“The history of Bangladesh without Zia will not be complete as he had taken a place in history for his contribution and work for the nation," he said.
Gayeshwar said this at a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Role in War of Independence and Today's Bangladesh” at Jatiya Press Club.
The BNP leader said Zia's life and his contribution to the country can't be discussed in one or two hours. His dedication to the country was unprecedented.
“Ziaur Rahman's name and fame in the country is well known. He remains permanently in the hearts of the people for his work which will never fade and not possible to be wiped out by anyone," the BNP leader said.
Gayeshwar said how brave Major Zia was as being a medium range army officer he revolted against a powerful regular Pakistani army. There is not a single person in Awami League to understand Major Zia’s courage.
Ziaur Rahman was not the reader of the war of Independence script but the announcer and he called upon the mass people to join the liberation war, he added.
“Making Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman great is not possible by undermining Ziaur Rahman. No one in the country use unpleasant word about Bagabandu," said Gayeshwar.
When people of the country were awaiting to join the war of independence, Ziaur Rahman's declaration influenced them and they participated, he added. Gayeshwar said Zia could understand the people's language and mind.
80 per cent BNP leaders, activists faced torture: Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said 80 per cent of BNP leaders and activists faced torture unleashed by the ‘fascist’ Awami League government.
“They can’t retain power without unleashing torture and suppressing people. Their first victim of suppression is BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and she is fighting for,” he said.
BNP, Jamaat have become friends of Israel: Hasan Mahmud
Mirza Fakhrul said these at a programme of distribution Eid gift among families of the victims of enforced disappearance on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman organised by Aamra BNP Paribar (We are BNP Family) held at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He said when BNP started movement against the fascist government or one-party rule or one woman’s rule, aiming to establish people’s right and democracy, they started repression on the BNP men.
“They have created such an environment of fear where no one can talk, write freely,” he alleged.
The fascist regime’s repression reached such a level that the opposition leaders and activists’ family member including father, mother, son, daughter and wife were not spared.
After getting bail, the victims shared the experience of inhuman torture in prison like uprooting their nails, breaking their legs and so on. The most pathetic was they could not get any treatment, he added.
BNP main barrier to implement democratic ideals: Quader
Urging unity of all forces BNP secretary general said, “As a democratic political party we are doing more than our capacity to free the country from this horrible situation.”
There is no alternative to forge unity like 1969, 1971, 1990 where people fought against fascist, autocrat regime to restore democracy, he said.
BNP, Jamaat have become friends of Israel: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister and Awami League joint general secretary Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said BNP and Jamaat have become friends of Israel and they must be identified for their silence amid killings in Gaza.
"There are protests against the killings in Gaza all over the world and BNP-Jamaat has not uttered a single word against the killings," he said.
India to help Bangladesh in importing hydropower from Bhutan: Hasan Mahmud
The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the Iftar organized by Islamic Front Bangladesh at a hotel in Paltan.
He said more than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces, most of them children and women.
Dhaka, Delhi cooperation must continue: Hasan Mahmud
"People have protested against these killings in many places of the world including London, Washington, Sydney and even in Israel's Tel Aviv. However, BNP-Jamaat has not uttered a single word against Israel in its desire to come to power and fear of displeasing any big power. Today, they have become friends of Israel," Hasan said.
He said BNP-Jamaat thought that a big country would bring them in power by feeding them feeders. "But it didn't happen. Like the Israeli army, they attacked the police hospital in Dhaka. And now they walk and distributes leaflets. Let them do it, but let them not commit arson as before. If they do so, the people will teach them the right lesson."
500 acres of land transferred to Chittagong Port Authority for expansion: Hasan Mahmud
Highlighting the government's contribution to the welfare of Islam, Hasan said Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has done what no other government has done for the welfare of Islam and Muslim society.
Chairman of Islamic Front Allama Bahadur Shah Mojaddidi, Vice Chairman AAM Ekrmul Haque and Principal M Ibrahim Akhtari, Joint Secretary General Mosharraf Hossain Helali and SM Hamed Hossain, Professor of Arabic Department of Dhaka University Abdullah Al Maruf Azhari and others spoke.
Fakhrul urges people to continue fight for voting rights, democracy
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon the people, especially the youth, to strengthen their fight for establishing democracy and voting rights.
He said this at a discussion meeting organised by BNP on the occasion of the Independence Day at the Engineers Institute auditorium.
He said that the only duty of BNP is now to make people aware of their rights and mobilise them in the struggle for establishing democracy in the country.
Mirza Fakhrul said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party democracy in the country, while the party’s current chairperson Khaleda Zia fought against an autocratic regime for nine years and established democracy in the country.
He said we have been fighting against a fascist regime for the last 15 years, and during this period about 22 BNP leaders and activists killed, 60,000 were charged with false cases.
The opposition leader said the ruling AL has established not only a fascist regime but apartheid too in the country. They have demolished houses of BNP leaders and activists who are now fleeing from one place to another. They destroyed the businesses of BNP leaders and activists.
Fakhrul also alleged that many young people are not getting government jobs as they are being identified as children of BNP leaders and activists.
He accused the AL government of creating divisions among the people along the political lines. To them some belong to BNP and some others to AL, he said.
The ruling AL is distorting the history of the country’s independence as part of a deep-rooted conspiracy. AL has always acted against democracy though they speak loudly in the favor of democracy. AL had established one-party BaKSAL (The Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League) in the country, he said.
The AL is once again going to establish one-party rule in the country following same way by destroying all democratic institutions, he alleged.
Those who fought against Pakistan in 1971 had only one motto to establishe democracy in the country, Fakhrul said.
After independence AL had destroyed the nation’s dream by forming BaKSAL and now they are also doing same thing, Fakhrul said.
He said the AL government did little for the country’s economic development in the last 15 years. They have rather used the electoral system to ascend to power denying people’s right to vote.
The BNP leader said AL government uses the state apparatus to stifle the voices of democracy.
There is not a single institution which has not been destroyed by AL. They made it through appointing AL people everywhere, he claimed.
Mirza Fakhrul said there is no alternative to struggle for establishing democracy in the country.
He urged the BNP leaders and activists to fight against the autocrats for bringintg back democracy.
BNP standing committee members, senior leaders and other associate bodies’ leaders also spoke on the occasion.
BNP main barrier to implement democratic ideals: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said BNP leaders should unconditionally apologise to the nation for their undemocratic activities.
“BNP is the main obstacle to the implementation of democratic ideals in this country,” he said in a statement sent to the media.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, alleged that BNP which had been born in the womb of dictatorship, continues its ill-attempt to undermine the ideals and values of the great Liberation War and democracy.
‘Mega corruption in the name of mega development’: BNP leader Moyeen Khan
“BNP leaders should seek unconditional apology before the nation for their undemocratic activities. But, instead of doing that, they are giving ill-motivated statements as always,” he said.
When the killers of democracy talk about democracy today, that means they have different intentions. “It is nothing but their crocodile tears for democracy,” he said adding that BNP has no responsibility towards democracy.
The AL general secretary said their cry for democracy is mainly to take the country back to the misrule of era of Tarique Rahman who is the mastermind of the August 1 grenade attack, the master of Hawa Bhaban, Khwab Bhaban, the son of corruption, terrorism and corruption.
He said some 21,000 Awami League leaders and activists were killed during the BNP-Jamaat alliance regime after 2001.
BNP's freedom fighters rally a gathering of 'fake' freedom fighters: Obaidul Quader
“The democratic and patriotic civil society of this country is united today against this evil force of darkness,” he said.
The AL leader protested and condemned the falsehood and ill-motivated statements delivered by BNP leader.
‘Mega corruption in the name of mega development’: BNP leader Moyeen Khan
On Independence Day, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, levied serious allegations against the current administration, claiming that extensive development projects have been marred by rampant corruption and large-scale money laundering activities.
According to Dr. Moyeen, hundreds of thousands of crore taka have been illicitly transferred abroad, casting a shadow over the country's developmental achievements.
At the National Memorial in Savar, where the BNP leader paid his respects, he voiced a question: “Hundreds of thousands of people of the country have sacrificed their lives. Today, after 53 years of independence, a question has emerged in the minds of 18 crore people: Where is democracy?”
He criticised the ruling Awami League, arguing that despite their proclamations, they have effectively established a one-party rule. He detailed the government's alleged repressive measures, including filing one lakh cases against opposition leaders and activists and imprisoning 50,000 opponents, as evidence of this autocratic shift.
The BNP leader further challenged the authenticity of the Awami League's narrative of the independence struggle, questioning their departure from the battlefield on March 25, 1971, amidst the Pakistan military's crackdown. Contrarily, he highlighted BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s role in defiantly declaring Bangladesh's independence and actively engaging in the Liberation War.
BNP's freedom fighters rally a gathering of 'fake' freedom fighters: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday said the BNP's rally of freedom fighters on Monday was nothing but a gathering of 'fake' freedom fighters, that lacked any genuine sentiment.
He stated, "There was no mention of the Liberation War in their gathering, no mention of Bangabandhu. They are agents of Pakistan. BNP's gathering of freedom fighters is a farce. It's a gathering of fake freedom fighters. This gathering is for those who do not believe in the spirit of the Liberation War. They are agents, and it is due to the opposition of these agents that Bangladesh did not receive international recognition for the atrocities of March 25."
BNP wants to destroy country’s achievements in the name of Indian product boycott: Quader
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, was speaking at a discussion organised by the Dhaka North and South units of the Awami League on Monday afternoon.
The AL leader said, "Pakistan has never expressed regret for the genocide of 1971, and no government official has ever apologised to the people of Bangladesh for the war crimes. Those who engage in Pakistani propaganda are enemies of our independence. BNP, by acting as agents of Pakistan, has become our enemies. They have assassinated four national leaders, including Bangabandhu."
BNP trying to destabilise markets: Quader on 'Boycott India' campaign
Quader added that, "The dream of power is blinding BNP. Fakhrul has returned from Singapore to indulge in power politics. In foreign countries, Awami League has friends, not lords. BNP has lords who act in their self-interest. Our friends have stood the test of '71. No foreign friends interfered in Bangladesh's elections. But when BNP's lords manipulated the elections, our friends firmly stood by us."
Dhaka City South AL President Abu Ahmed Mannafi presided over the meeting while Dhaka City North AL General Secretary SM Mannan Kochi conducted it.
Increase vigilance on movement of three-wheelers, motorcycles during Eid holidays: Quader
Awami League Presidium Member Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, among others, spoke on the occasion.
1971’s dreams now elusive, says Mirza Fakhrul ahead on Independence Day
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said people joined the war against Pakistan army with the aim of building a democratic Bangladesh but the dreams of 1971 are now elusive.
Bengali students, youth, farmers, labourers and soldiers joined the Liberation War against Pakistan army with the aim of building democratic Bangladesh where people will have freedom of speech and people’s government and for economic emancipation but it’s a matter of sorrow that the 1971’s dreams are now elusive, said Fakhrul.
Fakhrul mourns death of Holiday editor Sayed Kamaluddin Ahamed
He said this in a rally of freedom fighters organised by BNP on the occasion of the Independence Day in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office.Fakhrul said the ruling Awami League (AL) has established a one-party rule in the country under the cover of democracy.
“They have no constitutional right to rule the people of the country as they formed a government without people’s mandate and by staging one-sided polls on January 7 which was not acceptable to our foreign friends too,” he added.
Fakhrul condemns police action on Ganatantra Mancha procession
He said it in a rally of freedom fighter organised by BNP on the occasion of the Great Independence Day as a chief guest in front of party’s Nayapaltan central office on Monday.He claimed that the government is using modern technology to keep eye on opposition leaders and activists’ daily activities. When people try to stage protest against the ruling party then they use spyware to suppress them.
“The movement against a fascist regime is not easy but we have been continuing it for 15 years,” he said.
Twenty two leaders and activists of BNP sacrificed their lives in the last two years, he said adding that thousands of BNP leaders and activists have been imprisoned and they have been living an inhuman life in jail.
In his speech BNP Vice Chairman Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said an autocratic regime is in power in the country where elections have turned into a farce.
The leaders of different associate organisation of BNP also spoke on the occasion.