Politics
‘Competitive politics will vanish through next JS election’
Former Election Commissioner M Sakhawat Hossain said on Wednesday that competitive politics in the country will vanish after the 12th parliamentary election.
'Competitive politics will no longer exist in the country. Liberal democracy should be forgotten,” he told a discussion meeting in the city on Wednesday.
Also read: CGS hosts dialogue on confronting misinformation in Bangladesh
The discussion titled ‘Bangladesh at the Crossroads--Election, Economy and External Relations’ was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
"Some people want to say, it is participatory only if the people participate. So why do we question dictators? Participatory means the participation of the parties that can challenge and make the election competitive,” he said.
"Whichever party has assumed power, they have corrupted the system, While 5 percent of votes are being cast, it is being shown as 15 percent. No matter whether the rate of voting is credible or not,” he added.
He also expressed doubts about whether 20 to 25 percent voter turnout will happen in the upcoming election.
Also read: CGS webinar on Budget 2021-2022: Business friendly or lacks transparency ?
Sakhawat termed the 12th parliamentary election as a process of “finding out an opposition party” adding that 26 parties are participating in the elections, no one can name 13 of them.
After sharing seats with the allies, 240 seats are guaranteed for the ruling party, he said.
Sakhawat feels that “a new definition” of participatory elections is being created through the next election.
Former Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder said that the election result has lost its appeal.
“The question has been raised if the opposition party which participates in the election will be elected without the help of the ruling party,” he said.
He feared that radical forces could rise in absence of a strong political opposition.
Former Governor of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said that all the regulatory bodies have lost their authority, resulting in corruption.
He said the economy will be on the right track while politics runs in the right direction.
Economist Ahsan H Mansur said that the government is giving some indexes of the economy, which do not match with real pictures.
Referring to the GDP percentage, he said that the GDP figures do not match with the employment, tax-GDP, and revenue collection statistics, he said
Banks are losing the ability to help the government and the private sector as huge looting occurred in the banking sector in the last few years, said Mansur.
NewAge editor Nurul Kabir said there is no chance for the government party to lose in the next election.
He said, “The first step to establish democracy is a fair election. This step could not be taken over the last 52 years. Unscrupulous businessmen, unscrupulous politicians, and bureaucrats have formed a cycle. There is no way out without breaking this cycle.”
Kabir thinks that the government is going to hold a one-party election against the wishes of the people.
Prof Rashed Al-Mahmud Titumir, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Dr Abdul Mazid, former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain, Advocate ZI Khan Panna, Faruk Faisal of Ain-O-Salish Kendra, among others, spoke at the function.
CGS Chairman Manzoor Ahmed Chowdhury presided over the event. CGS executive director Zillur Rahman moderated the event.
Any party can peacefully ask voters not to go to polling stations: EC Alamgir
Election Commissioner Md Alamgir on Wednesday said any political party has the right to ask the voters to refrain from going to the polling stations, but it would have to be done peacefully without creating any provocation and anarchy.
“If any political party doesn’t want to participate in the election, it is their wish. They may not join as part of their political strategy. They can ask voters not to go to polling stations. There is no problem here. But it will have to be told peacefully,” he said.
Also read: 12th parliamentary election will be competitive and fair, says CEC
The commissioner made this remark while replying to a question from reporters at his office in the city’s Agargaon area.
Alamgir, however, said any type of provocation, sabotage and anarchy can’t be carried out while going to ask the voters not to go to the polling stations.
He said it is a democratic country where anyone has the right not to participate in the polls as the person has the right to join the election.
Also read: Vote for the Awami League candidates: PM Hasina tells huge rally in Sylhet
Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are running in the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7 next, while BNP and some other parties are boycotting the polls.
About his recent visit to 14 districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions, the election commissioner said the electoral atmosphere is good every place and there is no problem anywhere.
“Peace and order prevail everywhere. Public life is very normal there. There is no problem with law and order. I’ve witnessed festivity among the voters,” he said.
He said the administration, intelligence and police informed them that there is no threat which can hamper the election anywhere.
Also read: BNP announces ‘non-cooperation movement’ against govt from today
In reply to another question over violence including attack on trains, Alamgir said creating anarchy is a crime as per the Representation of People Order (RPO) and the election code of conduct. So, the EC sent a letter to the Home Ministry asking to take action if anyone is engaged in the crimes.
The commissioner said the festivity already was created among the people in the 300 constituencies without one or two stray incidents.
Home Minister slams BNP for its call for ‘non-cooperation’
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Wednesday lambasted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for its call for non-cooperation towards the government ahead of Jan. 7 election.
The minister raised questions over the potential consequences of the BNP’s call for non-cooperation by saying what will happen if power and gas connections are cut off for not paying bills.
His remarks came in response to the BNP's call for citizens to suspend payment of taxes, rent, and utility bills for water, gas and electricity.
Read: People will give befitting reply to BNP's arson terrorism through votes: Nasrul Hamid
In a virtual press briefing, BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that their party’s acting chief Tarique Rahman has announced the non-cooperation movement from Wednesday. He also urged the people from all walks of life and the administration not to cooperate with the government as part of their call for non-cooperation.
Rizvi also asked the people not to pay taxes to the government exchequer from now on.
The home minister reacted sharply to the BNP’s call.
"My question is, if the electricity goes off from their homes, if the water supply stops, as they want non-cooperation, then what will happen? Do they not understand the repercussions of suspending gas, electricity, and water bills? They need to consider the impact on the agencies like WASA and power departments, which serve other customers as well,” he said.
Read: Hasan Mahmud evokes Bangabandhu, canvassing on a bicycle as official campaign period kicks off
He claimed that the BNP's decision to boycott the upcoming election was fueled by a realisation that the people of the country had turned away from them.
"And the people of this country know them, the people of this country have never responded to these calls. Our people will cast their votes in the election on time and the Election Commission will present a fair and beautiful election,” he said.
"You have been observing for some time now…I have always been saying that they know for sure that the people of this country will not vote for them, the people of this country have turned away from them by their activities," added the minister.
The home minister also accused the BNP of attempting to create chaos in the country.
"Acts of sabotage have been persistent since October 28, involving incidents such as setting buses on fire…and more recently, uprooting railway tracks," he said.
"You witnessed the tragic death of four individuals in a train engulfed in flames. Previously, a similar incident occurred in the Gazipur area. They continue to carry out these acts of sabotage,” he added.
"The prime minister will come to power with the people's mandate, and she thinks the people's mandate is the only way to change the government,” he said.
EC appoints 23 judicial magistrates to check poll-related irregularities
The Election Commission (EC) has appointed 23 judicial magistrates for 16 constituencies in Chattogram to check election-related irregularities.
These magistrates will be on duty for a total of five days from January 5 to January 9.
Election Commission begins scrutiny of nomination papers
This information was given in a notification signed by Assistant Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat's Law-1 Branch Md Al-Amin on Wednesday.
A total of 653 judicial magistrates will be on duty across the country for five days, including two days before and two days after the election.
Election Commission issues show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan
According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the magistrates can hold summary trials of the offences of snatching ballot papers, destroying ballot papers, snatching ballot boxes, obstructing voting, and not keeping the voting environment conducive for polls.
No pressure on Election Commission from Western countries: Ahsan Habib
BNP announces countrywide blockade on Dec 24, mass campaign on Dec 21,22, 23
The BNP and like-minded parties have announced countrywide blockade on December 24 and a series of mass campaign to drum up support for their ‘non-cooperation movement’ and boycotting the national election.
The opposition parties will conduct mass campaign on December 21, 22 and 23 for boycotting the ‘lopsided’ election slated for January 7 and gain public support for the non-cooperation movement.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the fresh programmes at a virtual press briefing on Wednesday.
Earlier, BNP announced a “non-cooperation movement” against the government starting today.
The blockade will begin at 6am on Sunday and end at 6pm the same day.
It will be the 11th round of the blockade programme of the opposition parties since October 31.
In another virtual press briefing, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that their party’s acting chief Tarique Rahman has announced the non-cooperation movement.
Rizvi said BNP is urging people from all walks of life and the administration not to cooperate with the government from today.
He also said that BNP is urging people not to pay taxes from now on.
Rizvi said BNP is calling upon the countrymen to consider whether depositing their money in banks is secure or not.
BNP has also asked its leaders and activists not to appear before court in “false” cases.
Hundreds of thousands turn up at Sylhet’s Govt Alia Madrasa ground as PM Hasina kicks off election campaign
Hundreds of thousands of people thronged the venue to lend their support for Awami League as the party chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina kicked off the election campaign today amid a wave of festivity across sylhet.
Amidst cheers and applause from the sea of crowds, the AL president took the stage with his sister Sheikh Rehana and waved the national flag of Bangladesh while party activists shouted Joy Bangla at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa this afternoon.
Also read: BNP-Jamaat acting on directives from London: PM says in Sylhet
Earlier today, Sheikh Hasina talked to the reporters following her visit to Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine in Sylhet where she asserted the constitutional right of citizens to vote, and declared that no one should obstruct or harm others for exercising their voting rights.
12th parliamentary election will be competitive and fair, says CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday said the upcoming 12th parliamentary election will be competitive and fair.
“The Election Commission and the candidates are trying to create a conducive environment for a competitive election. If we can create a competitive environment, voters will come to the polling centers," he said.
Read: Ballot papers to be sent to polling stations in morning of polling day
The EC chief made the remarks while talking to reporters after exchanging views with all the candidates of six constituencies in Rajshahi district at the conference room of Rajshahi circuit house on Wednesday.
CEC Habibul Awal said the candidates highlighted their issues during the discussion and guidelines on how to resolve them have been given to the administration and law enforcement agencies.
Read: 347 candidates withdraw from electoral race, leaving 1896 contenders
“The candidates are being encouraged to ensure the election's fairness, and credibility. Their cooperation is sought to foster open communication and maintain mutual relationships, thus promoting a free and fair electoral process,” said the CEC.
He assured journalists that everyone's collective efforts will ensure a successful election.
“You have played an important role in ensuring transparency in elections. The election will be successful with all of our efforts. We want to hold a fair election,” he said.
Read: President approves in principle army deployment ahead of polls: EC secretary
Election Commissioner Rasheda Sultana, Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the CEC joined a discussion with law enforcement agencies at District Shilpakala Academy around 1pm.
3 AL men arrested for attacking independent candidate's supporter in Rajshahi
Police have arrested three Awami League leaders and activists in a case filed over attacking the supporter of an independent candidate of Rajshahi-5 constituency in Durgapur upazila.
The arrestees are local AL leader Sakhawat Hossain Lion, 34, his brother Md Joy, 21, and joint convener of Maria Union Chhatra League Md. Russell, 22.
Mehedi Hasan, former president of Durgapur municipality unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League, filed the case on Tuesday with Durgapur Police Station on behalf of independent candidate Obaidur Rahman.Attacks on railways claim five lives during BNP’s hartals, blockades : Railways Minister
Later Durgapur police arrested them early Wednesday.
According to the case statement, supporters of AL nominated candidate Abdul Wadud Dara beat up Abdur Razzak, a supporter of the independent candidate ,while he was hanging posters of Obaidur at Maria Saiful Mor in Durgapur upazila around 8 pm on Tuesday.
Awami League leader Sakhawat Hossain Lion and his brother with their cohorts carried out the attack when the independent candidate’s supporters were hanging banners ‘defying’ AL candidate’s ‘order’, said locals.
Later, local people rescued the severely injured Abdur Razzak and rushed him to a hospital. He was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital.
Local people informed Durgapur Police Station about the incident and Durgapur police station reached the spot.
Dawn to dusk hartal called by BNP, like-minded parties underway
Khairul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Durgapur Police Station, said a case was filed with the police station in connection with the attack on the supporters of an independent candidate by supporters of AL-nominated candidate.
BNP leader dies at Naogaon hospital after falling sick in jail
A local leader of the BNP, who had been in jail since November 27 after arrest in an explosives case, died at Naogaon 250-bed hospital on Wednesday morning.
BNP announces ‘non-cooperation movement’ against govt from today
The deceased was identified as Matibul Islam, 60, organizing secretary of Najipur municipality unit BNP of Patnitala upazila of the district.
Former general secretary of Patnitala upazila unit BNP Abdul Hamid said Matibul was arrested in a case filed under the Explosive Substances Act on November 27 and since then he had been in jail.
Matibul had been undergoing treatment at the jail hospital since December 14 due to chest pain, he said.
Attacks on railways claim five lives during BNP’s hartals, blockades : Railways Minister
On Wednesday morning, the BNP leader was shifted to 250-bed hospital as his condition deteriorated where he died, said resident medical officer of the hospital Dr Tanjimul Haque.
The body will be handed over to family after autopsy.
JP to announce election manifesto Thursday
Jatiya Party (JP), which is participating in the upcoming 12th national election, will announce its election manifesto on Thursday.
JP Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu will formally unveil the party manifesto from its Banani party office at 12pm Thursday.
Read: Jatiya Party to field 283 candidates in upcoming polls on its own: Chunnu
At the ceremony, top leaders of the party will attend, JP said in a media note on Wednesday.
On December 17, Chunnu said his party will contest in 283 constituencies as part of their efforts to make the election more competitive and meaningful.
“We’re participating in the polls overcoming all hurdles. There is no pressure. If there was pressure, other parties would also join. We are a unique party and we have prepared our own roadmap,” he told reporters.
Read: JP remains unified under GM Quader, will contest all 300 seats: Chunnu
The ruling party - Awami League said that it has given up 26 seats for the Jatiya Party in the January 7 national election.
“If we can win the maximum number of seats then we will be happy. We will keep fighting. In some areas, there will be some strategies. I don’t want to share now. I won’t share my party’s strategies,” Chunnu said recently justifying why they are contesting in 283 constituencies.
Opposition leader and Jatiya Party Chief Patron Raushan Ershad and Raushan’s son Rahgir Al Mahi (Saad) Ershad are not in the race this time.