Politics
BNP calls dawn-to-dusk hartal in Ctg Sunday protesting arrest of Amir Khasru
BNP on Saturday called a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Chattogram for Sunday in protest against the arrest of the party’s standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury from his Dhaka residence.
A press release was issued in this regard on Saturday.
Md Idris Ali, office coordinator of the city unit BNP, said Chattogram metropolitan, north and south district units of BNP called for the daylong hartal protesting the arrest of Amir Khasru, also a former minister.
Read : Jubo Dal leader hacked after abduction in Natore
The party’s leaders and activists were urged to observe the hartal peacefully, said the release.
Ambulance, vehicles carrying newspapers, journalists and fire service will remain out of purview of the hartal, it said.
The hartal will be enforced along with the two-day countrywide blockade set to begin from 6:00 am on Sunday.
Read : Over 250 BNP, Jamaat fellows sued in 2 cases over clash with Chhatra League, police in Sylhet
BNP’s Vice-Chairmen Abdullah Al Noman, Mir Md Nasir Uddin, chairperson’s advisors Golam Akbar Khandaker, SM Fazlul Hoque, central committee’s Organising Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim and city unit BNP Convenor Dr Shahadat Hossain, among others, urged the party activists to observe the hartal peacefully.
Early Friday, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police detained Amir Khasru from his Gulshan residence in the capital.
Later, he was shown arrested in police constable Aminul Islam murder case filed with Paltan police station.
Read : No innocent BNP leader or activist being arrested: Razzaque
The constable sustained severe injuries in clashes with BNP men during the October 28 grand rally in Dhaka. Later he died.
A Dhaka court on Friday placed the BNP leader on a six-day remand in the case.
Jubo Dal leader hacked after abduction in Natore
A union-level leader of the BNP’s youth wing Jubo Dal was hacked after his abduction on way home from a local market in Lalpur upazila of Natore on Friday night.
Injured Masud Rana, general secretary of Bilmaria union Jubo Dal, is undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hosptial.
Family members said some people posing as members of Detective Branch picked up Masud on the way home from his shop at a local market around 10:30 pm.
The miscreants hacked him with sharp weapons and left on a bank of a canal near Lalpur Mohila College assuming him dead, they said.
Later, locals rescued him and rushed to Upazila Health Complex and subsequently transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Lalpur police station’s Officer-in-charge Ujjal Hossain said they are looking into the matter.
Over 250 BNP, Jamaat fellows sued in 2 cases over clash with Chhatra League, police in Sylhet
Two separate cases were lodged accusing over 250 leaders and activists of BNP-Jamaat in connection with the clashes with the ruling Awami League’s student wing Chhatra League and police during a daylong hartal enforced by the BNP on Wednesday.
One of the cases was filed by Chhatra League leader Imon Ahmed and the rest by Sub Inspector Kallol with Kotwali police station on Thursday night, confirmed Officer-in-charge (OC) Mohammad Ali Mahmud.
Of them, 14 fellows of the BNP, its associate bodies’ fellows, and Jamaat-Shibir men were named accused and 50 to 55 unidentified individuals in the Chhatra League case.
Read: Court grants six days' remand for Khasru, Swapon in police constable murder case
The named accused in the case are city unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Sudip Jyoti, General Secretary Fazle Rabbi Ahsan, District chapter General Secretary Delwar Hossain Dinar, District Swechchhasebak Dal Convenor Abdul Ahad Khan Jamal and Member Secretary Shakil Morshed, former city BNP Member Secretary Mifta Siddiqui, District BNP Member Mahbubul Haque Chowdhury, Metropolitan BNP Joint Convener Afsar Khan, BNP's Mominul Haque and former JCD leader Maksud Ahmed and fellows of Jamaat-Shibir- Fakhrul Islam, Abdur Rahman, Oliur Rahman and Joynal Abedin.
In the police case, 14 people were named accused and 170 to 180 unnamed individuals.
The named accused are city unit JCD general secretary Fazle Rabbi Ahsan, district chapter general secretary Delwar Hossain Dinar, JCD leaders Abdus Salam Titu, Ubaid, Oliur Rahman Jhunu, former JCD leaders Arafat Chowdhury Zaki, Tarek, Shakil Murshed, Jamaat-Shibir's Afzal Ahmed, Shujaat Ahmed, Raihan, Abib, Nasir and Shibbir Ahmed.
Read: BNP leader Amir Khasru shown arrested in police constable murder case: DB Chief Harun
A tripartite clash on Wednesday erupted among the fellows of BNP, JCD, Jamaat-Shibir, Chhatra League and police personnel at and around Karimullah Market in the city, during the daylong hartal enforced by the BNP’s youth wing Jubo Dal in protest against the death of one of the fellows after being chased by police during a blockade in Dakkhin Surma upazila of Sylhet district on Tuesday.
Read more: Case filed against 224 people over lorry burnt in Ctg's Sitakunda
11 BNP leaders-activists arrested in Narail
Narail District BNP General Secretary Monirul Islam was among eleven leaders and activists of the party arrested on charges of planning a sabotage on Thursday night.
They were arrested around 11:30 pm.
According to police, they were planning sabotage following the three-day nationwide blockade of BNP.
Police claimed they were attacked with cocktail bombs upon reaching the location. They claimed to have recovered evidence of two exploded cocktails from the scene.
“We seized five motorcycles. Ten BNP leaders and activists were arrested from the scene while the rest managed to escape,” said Narail Additional Superintendent of Police Tarek Al Mehdi .
Another BNP activist was arrested from Bashgram union the same night, he said.
“Bashgram Jubo Dal leader Prince Molla was arrested in a sabotage case filed at Narail Sadar Police Station. He was arrested and produced before the court,” he added.
The arrested individuals are:Narail District BNP General Secretary Md. Monirul Islam (49), District Swecchasebok Dal’s Khandkar Manjurul Said Babu (36), Convener of Lohagara Upazila Jubo Dal Khan Mahamud Alam (48), Joint General Secretary of District Chhatra Dal Taibul Hasan (28), Co-Organizing Secretary of District Jubo Dal Syed Ahadul Islam (45), Itna Union BNP President Sheikh Palash Ali (45), Itna Union Swecchasebok Dal’s Arman Sheikh (30), District Chhatra Dal Co-Organizing Secretary Hiron Mridha (30), Mallikpur Union BNP Vice President Khizir Ahmed (58), Itna Union Ward Jubo Dal President Masum Sheikh (30), and Bashgram Union Jubo Dal’s Prince Molla (36).
No innocent BNP leader or activist being arrested: Razzaque
Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque has said that law enforcement agencies are arresting only the culprits and terrorists after looking through all available video footage, and no peaceful and innocent activists of BNP are being arrested.
Not a single BNP activist was arrested in any upazila of Tangail, the agri minister was speaking at a programme in Tangail's Dhanbari Upazila this morning.
With help from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) organised the event.
"It is the responsibility of the government to protect people's lives, vehicles and state assets and to keep the shops open and law enforcement working to ensure the safety and security of the people," Razzaque said.
The minister said, BNP is doing madness and creating anarchy to foil the upcoming elections in the country. And this is their instinctive characteristics. BNP is a party which is devoid of democratic spirit and values. In 2014, 2015, they carried out arson, vandalism and violence, in the same way they carried out the brutal attack on October 28. The policeman was brutally beaten to death, which is not acceptable at all, the AL leader added.
The minister expressed hope that BNP will leave the path of terrorism and violence and participate in the elections and help to guide the country on the path of prosperity.
Earlier, the agriculture minister inaugurated the Dhanbari regional office of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).
Movement to continue till victory: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said despite the arrests of a number of leaders, their party’s one-point movement to topple the government would continue 'until victory is achieved'.
“This movement will continue till victory…our 48-hour blockade from Sunday morning will be observed peacefully,” he said.
Speaking at a virtual press briefing, the BNP leader also urged the leaders and workers of BNP and like-minded opposition parties not to respond to any provocation by the government while observing the blockade.
He said they have been on a movement to restore the voting rights of the people so that they can elect the candidate of their choice without any fear.
Read: No tactics of govt can suppress BNP’s movement: Rizvi
“This is an ideal movement for realising people’s justified demands… all who are in favour of democracy and freedom, and against an autocratic regime will support this democratic movement and remain with it,” the BNP leader said.
Rizvi said the final session of the 11th parliament, that was established through vote-rigging deep in the night, that too on the eve of an election, was prorogued on Thursday.
He said the MPs in this parliament only spread lies and propaganda against BNP, its founder Ziaur Rahman, and his family members to gain the political favour of Awami League.
“They did nothing good for the common people,” Rizvi claimed.
"This parliament of 272 working days became a den of Awami League gossiping. Around 165 bills have been passed by this illegal parliament in the last five years and almost all of them are anti-people. The illegal laws that were passed by this illegal parliament will be thrown into the Buriganga (River) by MPs who will be elected with people’s votes through free and fair elections under a caretaker government,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Govt must resign, parliament must be dissolved by Nov 10: IAB chief Charmonai Pir
He also complained that a huge amount of money had been wasted in running the affairs of the 11th Parliament.
Rizvi alleged that the ruling party is once again trying to hang onto power through a lopsided election.
“The subservient Election Commission, police, and administration are there in the field with all their strengths. We're getting news from all over the country that Sheikh Hasina and her government have embarked on a new dirty mission to keep BNP out of the elections using the subservient Awami administration.”
He said the Awami League is targeting around 2 crore beneficiaries and card holders availing social safety net programmes ahead of the election.
Read: BNP leader Amir Khasru shown arrested in police constable murder case: DB Chief Harun
“For the past few days, Awami League MPs and leaders have been holding meetings with beneficiaries who have received direct and indirect benefits under the social safety net projects from various departments of the government in every upazila of every constituency. The DCs, SPs, UNOs, and OCs are joining the meetings. The purpose of these gatherings is to order people to vote for 'boat' in the upcoming parliamentary election.”
The boat is ruling AL's electoral symbol.
Rizvi said people are being given threats that the cards they use for availing these benefits will be cancelled, if they do not go to the polling stations during the next polls.
"Sheikh Hasina has taken this terrible trick to show foreigners the satisfactory voter turnout in the polling stations".
Rizvi said more than 292 BNP leaders and activists were arrested across the country in the space of just 24 hours till 4:30pm Friday.
Govt must resign, parliament must be dissolved by Nov 10: IAB chief Charmonai Pir
Shariah-based political party Islami Andolon Bangladesh on Friday unveiled a four-point charter of demands, including resignation of the incumbent government and dissolution of parliament by November 10.
The party's leader, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Pir Shaheb Charmonai) issued the ultimatum from a grand rally held at Suhrawardy Uddyan in Dhaka on Friday afternoon.
The demands include handing over power to a national government formed by all registered and demonstrating political parties after incumbents resign and parliament is dissolved by November 10, and releasing all jailed political leaders including the BNP’s within a week to resolve the ongoing crisis. The president will have to take the initiative to hold meetings with all political parties, added the Charmonai Pir.
Read: Sixty-eight eminent citizens demand Mirza Fakhrul's release
Moreover, the Islami Andolon Bangladesh will announce a tougher and greater movement after discussing with all opposition demonstrating parties.
Mufti Rezaul Karim threatened that the government would need to be ousted like the Pakistan government, if they delay the elections.
The Islami Andolon Ameer said no more elections like 2014 and 2018 will be held in the country.
Read: No tactics of govt can suppress BNP’s movement: Rizvi
Without mentioning any name, he alleged that a blueprint was made to destroy opposition leaders and activists.
"I want to tell the Awami League government that an unstable environment has been created in Bangladesh today. Today, the people of this country want free, fair, participatory and acceptable elections with one point of demand. Those who oppose this reasonable demand of the people are the enemies of this country," he claimed.
Read more: EC going to stage mockery in the name of dialogue at govt’s behest: BNP
Elections can't be stopped by arson: Salman F Rahman
The upcoming election cannot be prevented by the BNP-Jamaat's arson movement across the country, Prime Minister's Adviser for Private Industries and Investment Salman F. Rahman said on Friday.
UN, US reiterate call for free, fair election in Bangladesh
"Rather, it will bring the popularity of BNP down to zero," the PM’s adviser said, speaking at a Bir Muktijoddha rally in his constituency Dhaka-1 (Dohar-Nawabganj) on Friday as the chief guest.
“BNP leaders and activists will not be given another chance to create anarchy in the country. Hand over those who are creating violent activities to the police,” he added.
Mentioning that the ultimatum of BNP has proved false, Rahman said they are only causing economic damage to the country by inciting strikes and blockades, while also losing acceptance.
"So don't mislead people with these fake ultimatums. People will not believe you anymore. The people of the country have understood that you are not able to run the country," he remarked.
He also said that there is no chance of coming to power by force in this country.
Election will be on time, BNP can’t stop it, says PM Hasina at press conference
"Leave these destructive activities and check your popularity by joining the election," he urged, adding: “If you can come to power with the people’s mandate, we will congratulate you.”
Salman F Rahman, also one of the country's leading businessmen, said the upcoming national elections cannot be thwarted by any violence: "Elections will be held on time as per the constitution under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
The Beximco Group vice-chairman said today, Bangladesh has become a role model for development due to the current government’s 15 years of development. He thus urged everyone to vote for "boat," the Awami League's electoral symbol, in the next general election for the country's continued development.
If BNP genuinely wanted elections, they wouldn’t have resorted to acts of terrorism: Quader
Sixty-eight eminent citizens demand Mirza Fakhrul's release
Sixty-eight eminent citizens of the country on Friday demanded the immediate release of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir who was arrested on October 29.
In a joint statement, they also said Fakhrul's release could play an important role in eschewing political violence and creating a way for a fair and inclusive election.
Fakhrul denied bail, sent to jail
The BNP general secretary was arrested from his Gulshan residence a day after serious political violence and clashes between the opposition activists and police at Nayaplatan on October 28 centring the party’s grand rally that left two people, including a police constable, killed.
He was later sent to Keraniganj Central Jail as Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Rashidul Alam rejected his bail petition.
“The nation is now eager to establish a democratic political society. The current Prime Minister herself has also spoken about this commitment,” the statement reads.
It said the demand for establishing a democratic society through holding the national election under the supervision of a neutral government within the next three months is getting stronger.
Fakhrul shown arrested in CJ’s house vandalising case
“At this very time, the arrest of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has jeopardised the process of holding a peaceful, fair, and participatory election. It appears to us that Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is a firm believer in peaceful political activities,” the noted cotises observed
They also said Fakhrul’s role is important in the peaceful conduct of political rivalry. “We believe that the release of Mirza Fakhrul can play an important role in avoiding conflict in politics and bringing back the practice of democratic norms.”
In the stament, the eminent citizens hoped that the government would pave the way for a peaceful, neutral, and participatory election by immediately releasing the BNP secretary general.
The signatories of the statement include writer Badruddin Omar, economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud, ex-governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, educationists Prof Mahbub Ullah, Prof Anu Muhammad, Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury, Prof Ahmed Kamal, Prof Saidur Rahman, Prof AT M Nurul Amin, Prof Sadrul Amin, Prof Akmal Hossain, Prof AFM Yusuf Haider, Prof Tazmeri Islam, Prof Chowdhury Abrar, Prof. Dilara Chowdhury and Prof Morshed Hasan Khan.
Fakhrul brought to DB office for questioning: DMP Commissioner
The statement was sent to journalists by the BNP media cell and UNB could not independently verify whether all the 68 citizens signed it.
Islami Andolon Bangladesh extends support to BNP- Jamaat's programme
Islami Andolon Bangladesh on Friday extended support to BNP -Jamaat in their one-point movement to force the government to resign for a free and fair election.
The party's leader pir of Charmonai Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim announced this support at a huge rally at Suhrawardy Uddyan.
"I declare support for all the peaceful programnmmes of the opposition parties, including the BNP, to demand the establishment of voting rights of the people and to bring down the illegal government," he said.
Read: 3-day countrywide blockade marked by clashes, arson, vandalism
He asked the government to resign by November 10 and dissolve the national parliament and hand over power to a national government consisting of all registered and representative political parties.
Rezaul Karim said that the president should initiate a national dialogue with all political parties by releasing all the top leaders including of BNP who have been imprisoned for political reasons within the next one week in order to resolve the existing political crisis.
Read: Jamaat calls countrywide blockade for 48 hours from Sunday