Politics
Jahangir Alam, posing as PM's PA, has no connection with her or PMO: Officials
Md Jahangir Alam, who has been posing himself as a personal assistant to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has no connection with the PM and the Prime Minister’s Office(PMO), said the press wing of the PMO.
Read: BNP extreme violators of human rights: Information Minister
Jahangir, son of Rahmatullah of Naharkhil village in Noakhali’s Chatkhil upazila, has been involved in different immoral activities posing himself as a personal assistant to PM, it said.
All have been requested to remain alert about the person and seek help from the law enforcement agencies if needed.
Read: Those involved in rigged polls to be tried in people's court: Rizvi
10th blockade called by BNP, like-minded opposition parties underway with arson attacks
Another spell of a 48-hour road-rail-waterways blockade, called by BNP and like-minded opposition parties, is underway across the country with reports of arson attacks.
BNP-led opposition's 48-hr blockade begins Wednesday
The blockade is meant to protest the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC).
This is the 10th blockade called by BNP and like-minded opposition parties since October 31.
The blockade began at 6 am today and will end at 6 am on Friday.
The presence of public transport and commuters on Dhaka streets seemed normal, despite tension and fear of arson attacks.
Unidentified arsonists set a bus carrying Agrani Bank staff on fire in Dhaka’s Khilgaon this morning.
Law enforcers were seen patrolling the streets and remained deployed at several important points of Dhaka.
Vehicles of media outlets, ambulances and vehicles transporting oxygen cylinders and medicines remain out of the purview of the blockade.
BNP to enforce another spell of 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
Earlier, BNP and other opposition parties observed blockades in nine phases to press home their demand for the resignation of the Awami League government and holding the next election under a non-partisan administration.
BNP extreme violators of human rights: Information Minister
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said BNP cannot speak about human rights as they themselves are egregious violators of people's rights.
“Their founder Ziaur Rahman killed people indiscriminately and established the party standing on blood. In 2013, 2014, 15, they threw petrol bombs and burnt people alive and committed arson attacks,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday
Also read: Those involved in rigged polls to be tried in people's court: Rizvi
Responding to questions from journalists about BNP's upcoming gathering on December 10, Hasan Mahmud, also ruling party Awami League's Joint General Secretary, highlighted the alarming human rights violations during BNP's rule. He emphasized the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 and the subsequent halt of the trial through an Indemnity Ordinance, that he said was spearheaded by Ziaur Rahman.
Hasan further criticized the BNP-Jamaat alliance, alleging their involvement in criminal activities such as attacking vehicles and orchestrating assaults on individuals. He claimed that they were actively encouraging and funding anti-social elements to create chaos.
Also read: AL not worried about voter turnout in national elections: Quader
Addressing the issue of the upcoming elections and the alliance with other parties, Hasan Mahmud explained that the Awami League has decided to go to election with the 14-party coalition, prioritizing the significance of alliances in the political landscape. He praised the cooperation received from partners and expressed hope for a successful outcome in the upcoming elections.
JSD President Hasanul Inu's wealth up over three-fold in 5 years, annual income dips
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President and Kushtia-2 (Mirpur-Bheramara) MP Hasanul Inu's wealth has increased almost four times in the last five years.
During this period, his annual income decreased slightly to Tk 33,74,804, according to his affidavit submitted to the Returning Officer's office in Kushtia.
Also read: National Polls: Mashrafe's income more than halves, assets increase slightly
According to the affidavit, Hasanul Haq Inu is a politician and engineer. A large part of his income comes from business, salary-allowances, dividends of banks and financial institutions and TV talk shows.
A total Tk 762,149 of his annual income comes from his business.
His income from salary and allowances is Tk23.27 lakh. He earns Tk216,070 from TV talk shows and bank interest.
In the affidavit submitted during the 11th parliamentary election, he showed an annual income of Tk 34.61 lakh. As such, Inu's annual income has decreased slightly. Despite this, Hasanul Haq Inu's wealth has increased almost 4 times in the last 5 years.
Also read: National polls: Affidavits show Momen, Imran Ahmed’s assets rise
According to the information given in the affidavit for the 12th parliamentary election, Inu has assets worth Tk 3.92 crore, compared to Tk 1.15 crore during the 2018 parliamentary election. At present, Inu has cash of Tk 3.56 crore, Tk 14.84 lakh deposited in banks and financial institutions in his name.
Meanwhile, Inu's wife's wealth has increased almost 30-fold in the last 10 years, as shown in the affidavit. The amount of his wife's current assets, including movable and immovable, is Tk 1.85 crore, compared to Tk6.38 lakhs in 2013. Of her assets, she has cash of Tk 1.61 crore. She deposited Tk 16.37 lakh in bank and financial institutions and also has an appartment worth Tk 7.48 lakh in her name.
BNP-led opposition's 48-hr blockade begins Wednesday
The BNP and like-minded parties are set to enforce yet another 48-hour road-rail-waterway blockade across the country starting from Wednesday morning to protest the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC).
It will be the 10th round of the blockade programme of the opposition parties since October 31.
The blockade will begin at 6am on Wednesday and end at 6pm on Friday.
Also read: Those involved in rigged polls to be tried in people's court: Rizvi
Speaking at a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon the country's people and the supporters of BNP and other opposition parties to observe the programme spontaneously to make it a success.
Vehicles of the newspapers or media, ambulances and vehicles transporting oxygen cylinders and medicines will remain out of the purview of the blockade.
Earlier on Monday, Rizvi announced the fresh blockade programme which is also meant for mounting pressure on the government to quit, hold the next election under a non-party neutral government and release party leaders and activists, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He said other opposition parties, who have long been carrying out the simultaneous movement with BNP, will also observe a similar programme.
Also read: Rizvi, Aman among 45 BNP leaders, activists indicted in case filed 8 yrs back
Earlier, the BNP and other opposition parties observed blockades in nine phases to press home their demand for the resignation of Awami League government and holding the next election under a non-partisan administration.
They also observed a nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal in three phases since October 29.
Those involved in rigged polls to be tried in people's court: Rizvi
BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that those involved in a one-sided election, in reference to the upcoming 12 parliamentary election, will be tried in the 'people's court'.
The BNP senior joint secretary general made the remarks at a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.
"Today, the current regime is continuing its insistence on holding a farcical election ignoring the opinions of the country, the nation and the international community," said Rizvi.
Also read: Rizvi, Aman among 45 BNP leaders, activists indicted in case filed 8 yrs back
The BNP leader warned that the government, the Election Commission, and those who are making deals with them won't be spared.
"The people's court is being formed, and they will have to answer for their every misdeed,” Rizvi warned.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that the government is leading the garment industry down a path of destruction.
Also read: EC’s show-causes for violating electoral code are a joke on the people: Rizvi
"Many people will be unemployed if there's a sanction on the garment industry. But the government doesn't think about it. If it were a patriotic government, they would've taken everything into consideration," the BNP leader remarked.
Rizvi accused the government of imprisoning the BNP's high command in order to go ahead with the farcical election.
He also accused the government of making the country's law enforcement agencies "disappear opposition leaders and activists" for the last 15 years.
Also read: 'EC to read out list of winners selected by PMO': Rizvi
The BNP leader called on the people to make the 10th spell of the 48-hr blockade, which is set to begin at 6:00 am tomorrow, a success.
"Our movement is to restore democracy. The 48-hour blockade will begin at 6 am tomorrow and continue until 6 am on Friday. Leaders and activists of BNP and like-minded parties from all walks of life will be on the streets during the blockade programme."
"We believe in the power of the people. Our only resort is the people. We don't depend on foreign powers. We are relying on the strength of the people to realise our demands. On behalf of the party's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, I am urging all to make the blockade programme successful for the next 48 hours,” said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
42 aspirants appealed against ROs’ decisions on day one
A total of 42 aggrieved aspirants, including 26 independent hopefuls, filed appeals before the Election Commission on the first day, challenging the decisions of the returning officers.
The commission on Tuesday started receiving the petitions over the rejection and acceptance of nomination papers by the returning officers and will continue it till December 09.
Chief Election Commission Kazi Habibul Awal visited the first day activities of receiving the appeals through 10 booths installed on the premises of Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.
Also read: Election will be held on time: Home Minister
Visiting the activities, the CEC told reporters that the full commission will hear the appeals and then hand down its decisions. The petitions will be heard from December 10 to 15 next, he said.
In reply to a question as to why Ex-BNP leader and AL aspirant Barrister Shahjahan Omar came to the Election Commission, Habibul Awal said it is not his affairs.
He, however, did not reply to another question as to why the EC only issues show- cause notices and doesn’t go for actions against the violation of the electoral code of conduct.
Also read: EC didn’t give permission for AL rally on Dec 10, will hold indoor event: Quader
In this regard, the CEC said, “I’ve said as much as I had to say. I won't say anything beyond that.”
The aspirants who submitted appeals on Tuesday include Bakalpadhara Bangladesh nominated Mahi B Chowdhury (Munshiganj-3), Jatiya Party nominated Md Akhteruzzaman (Jashore-1), Shafiqul Islam Madhu (Khulna-6) and ATM Mazharul Islam (Cumilla-2), and Trinomul BNP nominated Abdur Rab (Sylhet-2).
A total of 2,716 aspirants including 747 independent ones submitted nomination papers in 300 constituencies throughout the country to run the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 07 next.
But the returning officers have accepted 1985 nomination papers and rejected 731 others during the scrutiny conducted on December 1-4 last.
Also read: Jan 7 polls: Aspirants can appeal before EC against RO’s decisions from Tuesday
Most of the 731 nomination papers were rejected on three grounds -- mismatch in 1pc voters’ signatures submitted by independent aspirants, loans and utility bills defaults and dual citizenship.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the returning officers will distribute electoral symbols among the contenders on December 18.
The candidates can go for electioneering from December 18 to January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
National Polls: Mashrafe's income more than halves, assets increase slightly
Affidavits submitted to the returning officer’s office by Awami League candidate for Narail-2 constituency Mashrafe Bin Mortaza revealed that his annual income has more than halved since his election as MP for the first time in 2018.
His assets, however, have increased during the same period, from Tk 9.14 crore to Tk 9.42 crore.
According to the affidavit, the annual income of the former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team is Tk 88.54 lakh, compared to Tk 1.99 crore in 2018. At the time, he was of course still under contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to represent the national team.
Also read: National polls: Affidavits show Momen, Imran Ahmed’s assets rise
Of his current income, the incumbent MP of Narail-2 constituency earns just over Tk 14 lakh a year from shares, savings certificates, and interest on bank deposits. Mashrafe earns Tk23.03 lakh as honorarium and allowance, as shown in the affidavit. Meanwhile, the income from other sectors is Tk 51,49,485 (Over Tk 51 lakh).
According to the affidavit, Mashrafe's movable and immovable assets have increased by Tk 28,10,580. Five years ago, his total property was Tk9,14,59,051 (9 crore 14 lakh) excluding 50 tolas of gold). At present, he has assets worth Tk 9,42,69,631 (9 crore 42 lakh).
As shown in the affidavit, Mashrafe’s immovable assets remained unchanged compared to 2018.
Also read: Jan 7 polls: 731 nomination papers rejected, 1985 accepted
The former Bangladeshi cricketer has a 2,800-square-foot flat, which is worth Tk1.08 crore. He has a plot in Purbachal, which was worth Tk8.24 lakh at the time of acquisition. Besides, he also has a six-storey house in Mirpur worth Tk 47,50 lakh, according to the affidavit.
Mashrafe's movable assets include Tk1,80,54,402 in cash (Tk 1 crore 80 lakh). He has Tk1,03,70,860 (Tk 1 crore 3 lakh) in deposits in three banks (Standard Chartered, City Bank, and Islami Bank).
Meanwhile, Mashrafe has invested Tk 2,50,000 in bonds, debentures, and nine stock exchange-listed companies.
Besides, the Narail-2 MP has invested Tk 2,45,83,369 (2 crore 45 lakh)in various types of savings certificates and fixed deposits, including postal savings certificates. There is a car, two micros and a jeep worth His vehicle assets comprise a car, two microbuses, and an SUV valued at Tk1,75,07,000 (1 crore 75 lakh).
Also read: Jan 7 polls: Aspirants can appeal before EC against RO’s decisions from Tuesday
He also has electronic items worth Tk15.50 lakh and furniture worth Tk18.80 lakh, according to the affidavit.
Besides, he owes Tk 89,07,775 to City Bank, according to the election affidavit.
Jan 7 polls: 731 nomination papers rejected, 1985 accepted
The returning officers have accepted a total of 1985 nomination papers and rejected 731 others submitted by aspirants in the country’s 300 constituencies to run in the 12th parliamentary election scheduled to be held on January 07.
“Out of 2,716 nomination papers submitted throughout the country, a total of 1,985 have been accepted and 731 others have been rejected,” Additional secretary of EC Secretariat Ashok Kumar Debnath told reporters on Monday evening.
Also read: Jan 7 polls: Aspirants can appeal before EC against RO’s decisions from Tuesday
The returning officers on Monday completed the scrutiny of nomination papers submitted in the 300 constituencies, starting from last Friday.
Deputy Secretary of EC Secretariat Mahbubar Rahman said the most of 731 nomination papers were rejected on three grounds -- mismatch in 1pc voters’ signatures submitted by independent aspirants, loans and utility bills defaults and dual citizenship.
Also read: Jan 7 National Polls: EC asks to send proposals to transfer OCs by Dec 08
Now the aggrieved aspirants can appeal before the Election Commission from Tuesday, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over rejection or acceptance of nomination papers.
The Election Commission has already installed 10 booths in Nirbachan Bhaban in the city to receive the appeals from the aspirants till December 09.
The appeals will be received from 10:30am to 4pm every day till December 09. The appeals will be disposed of from December 10 to December 15. The EC will hear and dispose of some 100 appeals a day.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the returning officers will distribute electoral symbols among the contenders on December 18.
Also read: 12th parliamentary elections: EC approves transfer of 47 UNOs
The candidates can go for electioneering from December 18 to January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Jan 7 polls: Aspirants can appeal before EC against RO’s decisions from Tuesday
Aspirants of the 12th parliamentary election can appeal before the Election Commission from Tuesday, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over both rejection or acceptance of nomination papers.
The Election Commission has already installed 10 booths in Nirbachan Bhavan in Dhaka to receive the appeals from the aspirants till December 09.
Also read: 12th parliamentary elections: EC approves transfer of 47 UNOs
Meanwhile, the returning officers on Monday completed scrutiny of nomination papers submitted by the aspirants in 300 constituencies to run in the upcoming national election slated for January 07.
EC Deputy Secretary Md Abdul Salam on Monday said the appeals will be received from 10:30am to 4pm daily till December 09. The appeals will be disposed of from December 10 to December 15. The EC will hear and dispose of some 100 appeals a day, he said.
In case of hearing, the EC will prioritise the appeals filed against the rejection of nominations.
Also read: National polls: Affidavits show Momen, Imran Ahmed’s assets rise
A total of 2,712 aspirants – 747 independent hopefuls and 1965 ones from 29 registered political parties- submitted nomination papers in the country’s 300 constituencies by November 30 to contest the upcoming general election.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the returning officers will distribute electoral symbols among the contenders on December 18.
The candidates can go for electioneering from December 18 to January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Also read: 53 candidates submit nomination forms in six constituencies of Khulna