United News of Bangladesh

Chief Opposition Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday said it is doubtful whether the current Jatiya Sangsad will survive its full five-year term given the prevailing situation in the country. "The parliament formed after the election held following 16 years has lost all its worth. The opposition's words carry no value in this House. The voice of the people carries no value," Nahid said while addressing a protest rally organised by the NCP in Jatrabari. Nahid announced that a mass demonstration will be held at Shahbagh on October 30 to protest the deteriorating law and order situation, soaring commodity prices, rising fuel prices and the politicisation of state institutions. "We will march from the Shahbagh rally to parliament and to the Prime Minister's residence. The fall of Sheikh Hasina proves that a government can be toppled when protesters reach parliament. Correct yourselves before you are ousted," he said. Accusing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of running the country with "one foot at home and the other abroad", Nahid claimed, "I have heard that Tarique Rahman has not yet sold his house in London. Salahuddin Ahmed still has his house in Shillong. They have made preparations to flee the country." Demanding the home minister's resignation, he said, "We do not want to see law and order deteriorate, and as a first step, the home minister must resign. Law and order can never be restored while he remains in charge." The NCP leader also called for the resignation of the energy minister, taking responsibility for failures in the energy sector, and for the formation of a constitution reform council. "The drama and farce being staged in the name of the constitutional reform committee must stop. The people have thrown this committee into the dustbin," he said. Speaking about the upcoming local government elections, Nahid criticised the BNP's decision to name the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation as its mayoral candidate. "The illegitimate administrator appointed to Dhaka South has been declared a mayoral candidate by the BNP. What kind of democracy is this? Why should an administrator contest the election?" he asked. He demanded that none of the administrators appointed to district councils and city corporations be allowed to contest local government polls. He also called on the state minister for local government to withdraw and apologise for his remarks on the mayoral election. Alleging widespread politicisation across the country, Nahid said BNP activists have been appointed as fertiliser dealers in various districts despite having no basic knowledge of fertiliser, leaving farmers facing continuous losses due to shortages. NCP's Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral candidate Nasiruddin Patwary, political council members and central and metropolitan leaders were present at the programme.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Saturday alleged that prices of food items across the country had risen by up to 100 percent over the past seven months, while people's incomes had remained unchanged. “Prices of essential commodities have increased by 50 to 100 percent, making it extremely difficult for low-income people to make ends meet,” Asif said while addressing a protest rally organised by the NCP in Uttara. Citing the prices of vegetables and meat, Asif said tomatoes were selling at Tk 200 per kilogram, while broiler chicken was also priced at Tk 200 per kilogram. “This means people have to buy vegetables at the price of meat,” he said. Asif said the incomes of ordinary low-income people had not increased even by 10 percent in recent years, while commodity prices continued to rise every day. The price surge could not be brought under control unless market syndicates were dismantled, he said. Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Asif said people had expected the country to resemble London after the prime minister returned from the British capital and assumed office. “Now we see the country becoming like Uganda. Even Uganda is ahead of Bangladesh in many respects,” he said. Expressing concern over the country's security situation, Asif referred to the shooting attack on popular singer Asif Akbar's car. He said the attack took place only days after the singer had criticised the home minister over the lack of security in the country. Criticising Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the NCP spokesperson said, “We have heard that he is very intelligent and has memorised the Constitution and the laws. Then create a post of Constitution Minister and appoint him there. Otherwise, make him the law minister. If you consider him even more qualified, make him the prime minister. But he has lost the qualification to remain the home minister.” Asif urged the government to ensure public safety and bring commodity prices down to an affordable level.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Senior Joint Chief Coordinator and Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, accusing them of failing to ensure public safety and energy security. “The home minister has failed to protect the lives and property of the people, while the energy minister has failed to ensure the country’s energy security,” Masud said at an NCP protest programme in Uttara over the country’s security situation and rising commodity prices. He alleged that the home minister had failed to ensure the safety of ordinary tourists in his home district of Cox’s Bazar, citing an incident in which a bus was stopped on a highway and passengers were robbed for around two and a half hours. “People across the country are worried about their safety. In this situation, the home minister should acknowledge his failure and resign,” he said. Expressing concern over the country’s energy security, Masud alleged that most of the country’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business was controlled by Bashundhara and Meghna groups. He claimed that syndication by these companies was forcing consumers to pay Tk 2,500 for a cylinder that should cost Tk 1,850. “Instead of working for the people, the government is acting at the behest of these industrial groups,” he said. Masud also accused the energy minister of failing to normalise the country’s energy situation, saying he should step down over his failure. “Do not test the patience of the people. Resign by accepting responsibility before the people bring about your downfall,” Masud said. The NCP leader further alleged that although the government was talking about improving farmers’ livelihoods through farmer cards, farmers were being forced to take to the streets to demand fertiliser and were facing police harassment. He also accused Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of "betraying" the people by changing his position on the referendum after the election. Masud said the prime minister had supported holding a referendum before the election but opposed it afterwards, failing to implement the people's verdict. Condemning recent attacks on celebrities and lawmakers, Masud claimed that 14 MPs had come under attack during the current government's tenure. He also alleged that gunshots were fired at the car of popular singer Asif Akbar, describing the incidents as evidence of the government's failure. Accusing the government of turning the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police into repressive forces, Masud said the renaming of RAB amounted to rehabilitating the force rather than reforming it. “Instead of ensuring security through the police, the government is turning the force into an instrument of repression,” he said. Masud urged the government to respect the referendum verdict and work for the welfare of the people rather than serving the interests of any particular group.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Saturday warned that any attempt to rig the upcoming Thakurgaon-1 by-election could trigger political consequences similar to those following the controversial Magura-2 by-election in 1994. “If you want to rig this election, manipulate votes or capture polling centres, you must remember the consequences of Magura,” he said while addressing the final-day election rally of Jamaat candidate Delwar Hossain in Thakurgaon. Referring to the disputed Magura-2 by-election, Porwar said opposition parties had united against the BNP-led government following the election, eventually leading to its fall in 1996. He alleged that attempts could be made to manipulate vote counting by placing 80 to 90 ballots bearing Jamaat’s ‘Daripalla’ symbol in a bundle of 100 votes, with only two ballots bearing the BNP’s ‘Dhaner Shish’ symbol placed on top. Urging party supporters to remain vigilant on polling day, Porwar called on them to report any irregularities, including ballot stamping, interference with vote counting and obstruction of polling agents. He also urged supporters to surround polling centres if they witnessed irregularities and prevent presiding officers from leaving until the allegations were addressed. He went as far as instructing them to tie such officials to posts and contact party leaders. Porwar said a Jamaat delegation would meet the Election Commission on Sunday to demand an environment in which voters could exercise their voting rights freely and without fear. “We will not manipulate votes or commit vote rigging, but we will not allow them to do so either,” he said. The Jamaat leader also accused BNP leaders and activists of extortion and grabbing control of markets, transport stands, sand depots and other local establishments in Thakurgaon. He further alleged that the appointment of fertiliser dealers had been politicised, with bribes of Tk 10 lakh to Tk 12 lakh taken for each appointment. Porwar said Jamaat had raised the allegations at a press conference in Dhaka and challenged the BNP to respond. He said his party would accept the people's verdict but would resist any attempt to undermine the electoral process.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would participate in the upcoming local government elections if a level playing field was ensured for all contestants. “We will certainly try to clear the way for elections before the polls. We will demand a level playing field. When equal opportunities are ensured for everyone in the election, we will participate,” he said. He made these remarks at a discussion meeting with print and electronic media journalists at the Moulvibazar Circuit House. “We do not want to be anyone’s scapegoat; we want to fight for people’s rights. We want the person chosen by the people through their votes to come to power,” he said. The Jamaat chief expressed concern over the election environment, saying he sees no positive signs regarding the local government polls. Referring to the Chief Whip’s reported remarks that areas where BNP candidates fail to win will not receive government allocations, he said such statements were intimidating voters ahead of the election. “This is shameful. Through this, people are being intimidated in advance. If elections are held amid such intimidation and partisan influence, there is little possibility of them being fair,” he said. He questioned the appointment of a retired BNP cadre as an additional secretary to the Election Commission, saying people wanted to know why a party-affiliated person had been brought into the institution. The Opposition Leader also criticised the government over the law and order situation, alleging that there had been no visible improvement in public security despite claims by government officials that the situation had improved. Several other local and central Party leaders also attended the program. It was Shafiqur Rahman’s first visit to his home district of Moulvibazar since the national parliamentary election.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mirza Abbas visited Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday to enquire about his health. Abbas spent some time with the ailing minister and enquired about his overall physical condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sairul Kabir Khan. Jatiotabadi Mohila Dal President and Jatiya Mohila Sangtha (National Women's Organization) Chairperson Afroza Abbas accompanied him during the visit. They enquired about Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan’s health and were briefed on the progress of his treatment. They also wished him a speedy recovery and complete restoration of his health.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam has said people across the country want Sheikh Hasina to face justice for her misrule and that she will be brought back to the country. He made the remarks while addressing a public gathering on the grounds of Radhakantapur Government Primary School in Sayedpur Union, part of the newly formed Mokamtala Upazila in Bogura, on Saturday. Shahe Alam said history could not be erased and the truth could not be hidden. He said the historical fact that martyred President Ziaur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence could not be changed. He also said former late prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia had remained uncompromising throughout her political life, and that this could not be changed. Referring to occasional threats that Hasina would return to the country, the state minister said, “We also want her to return because the people of this country are waiting to see her face justice.” He added, “While we cannot guarantee anyone a place in heaven, we can guarantee development. We are committed to ensuring people's safety. Our goal is to provide a ‘Family Card’ to every household and a ‘Farmer’s Card’ to every farmer.” The gathering was chaired by Mahmud Hasan Taufik, convener of the Mokamtala Upazila BNP. Among others, S M Tajul Islam, president of the Shibganj Upazila BNP; Advocate Abdul Wahab, general secretary of the organisation; Rokan-ud-Daula Rubel, member secretary of the Mokamtala Upazila BNP; Mir Shakrul Alam Simanta, student affairs secretary of the Shibganj Upazila BNP; Abdul Karim, general secretary of the municipal BNP; and Khalid Hasan Arman, president of the Shibganj Upazila Jubo Dal, addressed the gathering. Local leaders of various affiliated organisations were also present.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday alleged that the government wants the opposition to behave like the “yes-men” of the deposed Awami League regime. Speaking to journalists at Moulvibazar Circuit House in the morning, he also referred to the BNP’s position on the Awami League, saying the party had stated that the Awami League was not its enemy and that its offices would be reopened, cases withdrawn and political space restored if people voted the BNP to power. “If illegal money and lethal weapons enter the country from India, what benefit does the government get from it? The entry of such weapons and money through the border only worsens the overall law-and-order situation in the country,” he said. Criticising the home minister, the Jamaat chief said the law-and-order situation was not satisfactory. He also raised questions about an incident at the residence of a police officer. Asked about Jamaat’s participation in local government elections, Shafiqur Rahman said the decision would depend on the situation at the time. “We are observing the overall political situation, the environment and the aspirations of the people. The party will make a decision at the appropriate time after assessing the circumstances,” he said. Journalists at the meeting asked questions about the country’s current political situation, law and order, and foreign policy. The Jamaat Ameer responded to their queries and stressed the need for journalists to enjoy freedom in performing their professional duties and to publish accurate information. Among those present were Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair, Moulvibazar district Ameer Engineer Shahed Ali, district Secretary Yamir Ali and Habiganj district Ameer Maulana Makhlishur Rahman Chowdhury, among others. Later, Shafiqur Rahman attended a conference at the Moulvibazar District Shilpakala Academy as the chief guest. The event brought together party representatives from five municipalities, 67 union parishads and 603 wards in the district, along with party rukons and officials responsible for local election candidates.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday accused Jamaat-e-Islami of having an understanding with Awami League(activities banned), claiming that his party has already presented documents and evidence to substantiate the allegation. “Just a few days after August 5, when the blood of the martyrs had not yet dried, their Ameer said they would forgive everything the Awami League had done,” he told reporters after taking part in a dengue awareness leaflet distribution programme at Fakirapool in the capital. “They jointly waged movements with the Awami League against the BNP, resorting to arson and violence. These are historical records of their relationship with the Awami League,” Rizvi added. On Friday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar alleged that the BNP has become moderate after reaching an agreement with the Awami League. Responding to the allegation, Rizvi challenged Jamaat to produce proof supporting its claim. “Show us the proof of the alleged agreement. We have already shown proof concerning them. These are clearly available in the media,” he said. “We speak on the basis of documents, while they are making empty claims without producing evidence,” he said. He also added that Jamaat contested elections alongside the Awami League in 1986, despite previously describing those who participated in elections under HM Ershad as “national traitors”. “The BNP did not betray the people, and Begum Khaleda Zia did not betray them. They were the ones who betrayed the people. When Hasina left, Jamaat quietly went along with her,” Rizvi said. He further alleged that Jamaat is seeking political legitimacy from Awami League. “They need a stamp of legitimacy from Awami League. There are records of an Awami League leader bowing to and greeting their former leader, late Ghulam Azam, by holding his feet. You are media professionals, and those documents are available to you,” he said. Rizvi said questions remained about Jamaat's role in 1971, adding that the party is seeking the Awami League's endorsement for that reason. “Behind the scenes and publicly, they have maintained relationships on various issues. This is acknowledged by history and is an undeniable truth,” he claimed. Rizvi also accused Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar of trying to embarrass the current government through falsehoods and propaganda. BNP working to prevent dengue outbreak Speaking about the BNP's dengue prevention campaign, Rizvi said BNP is working to prevent the disease before more people became infected. He said dengue has spread widely in Dhaka and different parts of the country, with Khulna and Chattogram divisions particularly affected. Rizvi said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is highly concerned about dengue and are taking various steps to tackle the outbreak. He said dengue tests are being provided free of charge at all government hospitals, describing the initiative as an important measure. He also said the government had kept city corporations alert and prepared to tackle dengue by cleaning stagnant water, drains and sewers. He said party workers had been asked to raise awareness across Dhaka and the rest of the country and take initiatives to keep drains, sewers, canals and other potential breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes clean.

A kulkhani was held after Jumma prayers on Friday for the eternal peace of the soul of Salahuddin Ahmed, former MP for Dhaka-4 and BNP Trade Affairs Secretary. The programme was held at the field of Shyampur Government Primary School in the capital. Salahuddin Ahmed died at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at 8:10pm on October 13 while undergoing treatment. His funeral prayers were held in three phases on October 14. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman attended the first funeral prayer, held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Road, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council member and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid Habib, International Affairs Secretary Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon, Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator Advocate Shakhawat Hossain, attended the kulkhani and doa mahfil. Others present included Dhaka North BNP Joint Convener SM Jahangir, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, BNP Youth Affairs Secretary Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, former Joint Convener of Dhaka South BNP Nabi Ullah Nabi, Dhaka South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin and former president of the central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal committee Rawnakul Islam, along with leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations.