Politics
BNP waging movement against the people of the country: Amu
Awami League advisory council member and candidate for the Jhalakathi-2 seat Amir Hossain Amu on Friday said that BNP is not agitating against Awami League, they are waging movement against the people of the country.
They are burning people and setting fires on trains, buses and trucks in the name of movement, he said.
He made this remark while campaigning at Bhairab Pasha market of Nalchity Upazila of Jhalokathi on Friday.
Amu said Bangabandhu gave us Bangladesh fighting against Pakistanis and his daughter Sheikh Hasina continued the democratic and constitutional trend by fighting another war today.
'So this vote is very important compared to other polls. It is not a matter of whether there are candidates or not. The thing to be seen is whether the people of this country want to vote. So we have to create an environment where 70 percent of the people will cast their vote," he added.
Jhalokathi District Awami League President Sardar Mohammad Shah Alam, General Secretary Advocate Khan Saifullah Panir, Vice President Siddiqur Rahman addressed the election campaign with the chair of Bhairabpasha Union Awami League President and former UP Chairman Nasir Uddin.
Independent candidates' supporters injured in alleged attacks by AL in two Rajshahi constituencies
Five supporters of independent candidates of Rajshahi-4 and Rajshahi-6 constituencies have been injured in attacks by supporters of AL candidates in the last two days.
Police have detained two people in connection with the attack on Rajshahi-6 independent candidate Rahenul Haque's supporters.
In Rajshahi-4, supporters of Awami League candidate Abul Kalam Azad and Goalkandi Union Parishad Chairman Alamgir Sarker led the attack on Enamul Haque's personal assistant Ataur Rahman, Golam Mandal, Ayub Ali and Sharif Uddin
According to witnesses, Enamul Haque's personal assistant Ataur Rahman and other supporters were putting up scissors marker posters while they were attacked on Friday.
Led by Goalkandi Union Chairman Alamgir Sarkar and his son Shaon, more than 50 cadres with pistols and iron rods carried out the attack on Enamul Haque's personal assistant Ataur Rahman and others, they said.
Enamul Haque said that Awami League candidate Abul Kalam Azad has become desperate after getting the nomination.
"Kalam's cadres are attacking my leaders and activists one after another. If this continues, there will be apprehension about the general voters participating in polls," he said.
Bagmara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Arbinda Sarkar said additional members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the upazila. Legal action will be taken if complaints are received, he said.
Meanwhile, locals rescued a supporter of Rajshahi-6 independent candidate Rahenul Haque and admitted him to Charghat Upazila Complex.
The victim's brother Ujir Uddin filed a case with Charghat Model Police Station on the night of the incident, naming seven people.
Confirming the incident, Charghat Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASM Siddiqur Rahman said Nazir Hossain, an activist of independent candidate Rahenul Haque, was returning home after campaigning on Thursday night
Independent candidate Rahenul Haque said, "In addition to inhuman beating on my worker, vandalizing campaign vehicles and offices in Shalua, threatening them about going to the polling center if they do not vote for the boat symbol in Palashbari, they are intimidating the workers."
Faisal Hossain Don, the 6th accused in the case, and Bappi, the 7th accused in the case, have already been arrested, the OC added.
Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sayeeda Khanam said, "We have received written complaints on various allegations, including vandalism of the office of an independent candidate. Necessary action will be taken after investigation."
Everyone must abide by election code of conduct: Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Awami League nominated candidate for Noakhali-5 (Companiganj-Kabirhat) constituency Obaidul Quader has started his election campaign in his constituency.
Upazila Awami League organized a roadside meeting at the premises of Basurhat Municipality this afternoon. Leaders and activists of Companiganj Upazila Awami League, Juba League, Chhatra League and other associate organizations were present in the meeting.
Obaidul Quader on the meeting said no independent candidate can be threatened in the election. The election code of conduct must be followed.
Obaidul Quader said that the BNP threatened Awami League would flee on the 28th October, Sheikh Hasina would flee. But on that day, BNP themselves ran away from Paltan.
"To save democracy in Bangladesh, we have to save the election. The Constitution must be followed to protect the country. Awami League must be brought to protect the independence," he said.
Later, he urged all to make the boat victorious in their respective areas.
Many incidents occurred with attempts to create unrest in the country: Shamin Osman
Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-4, Shamin Osman, has said that some people aspire to emulate events like those in Palestine.
"They want to destabilize our country. They want to make our country like Gaza. Sheikh Hasina is steadfastly facing these challenges alone," said Shamin Osman.
He urged everyone to stand against such attempts. Otherwise, “as in the past when we were under British rule for two hundred years, the country will fall into chaos again.”
Shamin Osman made these remarks at the Sahibpara Central Mosque in Siddhirganj before Friday prayers.
Later, he participated in a public gathering and stated, "I did not seek votes last time, and I will not seek votes again. I believe your knowledge surpasses mine. You know what is right and what is wrong."
"I will continue to do my work, and Allah will decide. Even if all the people in the world are on my side, I can't do anything if Allah is against me. My father and grandfather were both MPs."
"We have embraced politics as a form of worship. We work for the people. If we work for the people, and Allah is pleased, you will also be pleased. A thousand crore taka worth of work has been done in this area. I haven't done anything; we have done all this under Sheikh Hasina's guidance, following Allah's decree," he added.
BNP killing people, setting fires in name of 'non-cooperation': Dipu Moni
Supporters of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are killing people and setting fires on trains, buses and trucks in the name of 'non-cooperation' movement, Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni said on Friday.
"But there can be no non-cooperation without the involvement of the people,'' the minister said while campaigning in Shah Mahmudpur Union (Chandpur-3 Constituency) of Chandpur Sadar Upazila on Friday afternoon.
BNP accuses foreign ministry of being anti-people on polls
She also said that the people are not with the BNP. With a sudden announcement on social media, four or five people ran on to the streets and vandalised whatever they could.
"Non-cooperation does not mean sabotage. Those who commit sabotage, violence, are the allies of war criminals, they do not even understand the meaning of non-cooperation," added the AL leader.
National Election: 15-17 security men to guard every polling station
Nazim Dewan, chairman of Chandpur Sadar Upazila and leaders and activists of District and Upazila Awami League and its allies were present at that time.
30 injured in earthquake panic rush in Cumilla, Chandpur
BNP accuses foreign ministry of being anti-people on polls
BNP on Friday alleged that the foreign ministry has taken an anti-people stance with its statement on social media accusing opposition parties of obstructing the upcoming election slated for January 7.
Talking to reporters after distributing leaflets in the capital’s Uttara area, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also alleged that the ministry has been playing a role in favour of a unilateral election.
He said the foreign ministry is campaigning on social media that the BNP and its allies are obstructing the elections in Bangladesh and they have stepped up their efforts to enforce the blockade to achieve their goals.
National Election: 15-17 security men to guard every polling station
“The foreign ministry’s statement on social media is not correct. It has now become clear to the democratic world that a lopsided election is going to be held in Bangladesh. In this situation, the foreign ministry has taken the role of the new Razakar by standing against the people,” the BNP leader said.
He also said the foreign ministry is also working as a collaborator of the government with a stance against a free, fair, transparent, and participatory election in the country. “It is an anti-people move. We strongly condemn such activities of the foreign ministry.”
National Election: 15-17 security men to guard every polling station
A team of 15-17 security members will be posted at each polling station in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7.
According to a notification issued by the Election Commission on Thursday, tighter security would be taken for vulnerable polling stations.
There are some 42,000 polling stations throughout the country and a total of 11,96,91,633 voters will have rights to cast their votes in the 12th general election.
Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
The commission designed separate security plans for the polling stations located outside the metropolitan area and the stations located inside the metropolitan areas.
Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 15-16 security personnel including two police with arms, one ansar with arms, one ansar with arms or stick, 10 ansar with sticks, one or two village police members with sticks will protect each normal polling station.
But in case of each important polling station (which is considered as vulnerable stations), there will be a team of 16-17 security men including three police with arms.
Inside the metropolitan area, a 15-member security team consisting of three police members with arms, one ansar with arms, another ansar with arms or stick and 10 others ansar members with sticks will ensure security for each polling station.
Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania
But in case of an important polling station, a 16-member security team will guard it and the number of police members with arms would be four instead of three.
The structure of the security team for special areas – Chittagong Hill Tracts and hard-to-reach areas—would be the same as was taken for other rural places outside the metropolitan areas.
The law enforcement agency members will remain deployed for five days (including travelling time) from two days before the balloting and they will stay there till a day after the voting.
Besides, the members of armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, Police, Armed Police and Ansar Battalion will be deployed in the election areas as mobile teams and striking forces. They will be engaged in election duty for 13 days (including their traveling time) from December 29, 2023 to January 10, 2024.
Moreover, a good number of judicial magistrates and executive magistrates are there deployed in the election areas to check violation of election code of conduct.
Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are contesting in the election, while BNP and some others are boycotting the polls demanding the election under a neutral government.
A total of 1895 contenders are running in the parliamentary election. The candidates are now carrying out electioneering and they can continue the electoral campaign till January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
The electoral fervor has gripped Faridpur-3 (Sadar) constituency as candidates and their supporters tirelessly engage with voters to secure their ballots from dawn till dusk.
The primary contenders for this seat include Awami League candidate and District Awami League President Shamim Hossain (Boat) and the district Awami League advisor and former president of FBCCI, AK Azad (Eagle).
Independent candidate Azad has actively reached out to the commercial hub of Sadar Upazila known as Kanaipur, initiating his election campaign in various areas, including Kanaipur Bazar, on Friday.
During his interactions with the public, Azad expressed his joy at the warm reception and declared promises for development. He pledged to establish a training center in each union if victorious, aiming to provide employment opportunities after completion of training.
Azad assured the electorate, saying, "If elected, I will eradicate terrorism from Faridpur. There will be no extortion, and no businessmen will have to pay any illegal fees. I am a businessman, and representing you is my moral duty. Protecting you is my responsibility. I will address and solve every problem you have."
On the other hand, Awami League candidate Shamim Hossain has been actively campaigning since morning, connecting with party workers and voters by boat in the Dholadi Rajapur, Omediya, and Ambikapur areas of Sadar Upazila.
Shamim emphasized the continuous development of the area if voters choose the boat symbol. He envisioned the expansion of youth employment opportunities through the growth of business and commerce in the region.
He stated, "The government, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has undertaken various initiatives for the betterment of the lives of the people. If she comes to power again, this country will reach new heights of development. Therefore, for a bright future for your children, cast your vote for the boat symbol."
As the election battle intensifies, both candidates are vying for the trust and support of the people of Faridpur Sadar constituency.
Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania
Clashes have escalated among rival candidates in Chattogram-15 constituency, Satkania centering the 12th parliamentary election, scheduled for January 7.
Since the beginning of the campaign, clashes between supporters of Awami League candidate Abu Reza Mohammad Nezamuddin Nadvi and independent candidate MA Motaleb, a leader within the Awami League, have involved shootings and chases, escalating tensions.
On Thursday evening, an election campaign rally led by Rizia Reza Chowdhury, the wife of AL-nominated candidate Nezamuddin Nadvi and a female Awami League leader, was attacked allegedly by the supporters of independent candidate MA Motaleb in Charati Union of the upazila.
Also read: Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
At least 15 leaders and activists, including Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadwi's brother-in-law Charati UP Chairman Ruhullah Chowdhury, were injured.
The injured were admitted to different hospitals, including Satkania Upazila Health Complex.
Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadvi alleged that Awami League leader Saiful Islam led the attack on his leaders and activists at the behest of independent candidate MA Motaleb.
Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Biswas, Additional Superintendent of Police (Satkania Circle) Md Shibli Noman and Officer-in-Charge of the police station Priton Sarker visited the spot.
Earlier on Wednesday night, supporters of MP Nadvi allegedly vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb, his car, and opened fire at his supporters' house in the West Dhemsha Ichamati Alinagar area.
Meanwhile, Dr AMM Minhazur Rahman, chief coordinator of the election management committee of independent candidate MA Motaleb, said a group of 20-30 outsiders, including Nadvi's follower Riazuddin Riyadh, came with arms and vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb and flung posters and chairs.
“At that time, the supporters of Nadvi fired more than 100 rounds of bullets to create an environment of fear,” said Rahman. “A microbus, a small truck, and two CNG auto rickshaws were vandalised.”
Later, the supporters of the incumbent attacked the house of Md. Riduanul Haque Sumon, chairman of Motaleb’s election management committee, and fired bullets, alleged chief coordinator Mizanur Rahman.
Regarding the escalating violence, Satkania Police Station Officer-in-Charge Priton Sarkar said legal action will be taken if official complaints are received.
Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
Six candidates of Jatiya Party (JaPa) have not yet entered the election campaign in six constituencies of Khulna, since the official campaign for the 12th parliamentary election started three days ago.
Three of them have taken a stand in favour of withdrawing from the election contest now. The remaining three agreed to monitor the situation for two or three more days.
Also read: Awami League shares 32 seats with Jatiya Party, allies
However, most of the leaders of the party's district, metropolitan, thana, upazila and ward committees expressed their opinion in favour of withdrawing from the election.
A meeting was held at the Jatiya Party office at Dakbungalow intersection in the city from 11am to 2pm on Thursday.
Six candidates of the party, presidents and general secretaries of the metropolitan, district, thana, upazila and ward committees and associate organizations were present in the meeting.
At the meeting, most of the leaders expressed anger and said that they are not satisfied with the overall situation of the election.
Also read: Jatiya Party to field 283 candidates in upcoming polls on its own: Chunnu
According to party sources, leaders and activists of Jatiya Party expressed anger and frustration as the Awami League did not give concession to the Jatiya Party in any of the six seats in Khulna.
They thought that the Awami League would leave the Khulna-6 seat to the Jatiya Party, but it did not happen.
Jatiya Party’s Khulna-4 constituency candidate Md Farhad Ahmed said most of the leaders in their speeches favoured withdrawing from contesting the election.
“The issues will be informed to the central leaders of the party in Dhaka within a day or two. If they do not get a satisfactory solution from there, the six candidates can return to Khulna and boycott the election through a press conference,” said the Jatiya Party candidate.
Several leaders present at the meeting said that Al Mamun of Khulna-3, Shahid Alam of Khulna-5 and Shafiqul Islam Madhu of Khulna-6 constituency have expressed their desire to withdraw from the election immediately.
Also read: Ganatantra Mancha urges voters to boycott lopsided polls
Khulna-3 constituency candidate and metropolitan Jatiya Party general secretary Abdullah Al Mamun said, "The anger among the leaders and activists is mainly over the sharing of seats. Complications have arisen as the Awami League has revealed that the Jatiya Party will be given 26 seats.”
“Arrangement has been made so that we do not get votes outside those seats, said Al Mamun. “Now people are calling us brokers. What will we say to the voters?”
Asked why the election campaign has not yet started even after three days, Jatiya Party’s Khulna-2 constituency candidate Gausul Azam said, "We have not started the campaign yet as there is anger and dissatisfaction among the party leaders and activists."
Echoing Gausul Azam, Kazi Hasanur Rashid, the Jatiya Party candidate for Khulna-1 constituency, mentioned that they haven't started the campaign due to unresolved issues.
“We’ll go to Dhaka and decide out next steps after discussing with central leaders,” said Hasanur Rashid.
Shahid Alam, the party candidate for Khulna-5 constituency, mentioned that Jatiya Party didn't receive any seat from Awami League in Khulna, leading to frustration among party leaders.
“During the meeting, party leaders advised us against contesting the elections,” he told UNB.