Politics
Vote for Awami League in upcoming election to continue progress: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the people to vote her Awami League party to power again in the upcoming general election for the sake of sustaining the country’s development momentum.
“The people of the country got freedom by voting for the boat ( AL election symbol). Today, Bangladesh got the status of a developing country because it voted for the boat,” she said
while addressing a programme after inaugurating newly constructed 12-storey Joyeeta Tower at Dhanmondi.
Stop Israel-Palestine war, save women and children: PM Hasina urges world leaders
The programme was held at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She said her government has ensured empowerment of women besides generating employment for them. “So let this progress continue,” she said.
Hasina said that Bangladesh today is witnessing democracy as her party is in power.
“People's rights are now guaranteed, economic progress is being ensured, the country is moving forward,” she said.
She also said that through the empowerment of women, the government has been able to ensure the rights of women everywhere.
PM Hasina releases postage stamps on Smart Bangladesh
She asked the country’s women to fight for their rights instead of waiting for others to give it.
"Don’t just say ‘give us our rights, give us our rights’. Women should attain their rights themselves,” she said.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Ministry Fazilatun Nessa Indira, PM’s principal secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women and Children Affairs Ministry Meher Afroz Chumki Secretary Nazma Mobarek and Joyeeta Foundation Managing Director Afroja Khan also spoke at the programme.
Earlier, the prime minister went to Dhanmondi 27 and unveiled the inaugural plaque of Joyeeta Tower and also opened Jamdani Gallery and Joyeeta Market Place in Joyeeta Tower.
PM Hasina seeks ICAO assistance for standard aviation navigation services in Bangladesh
AL announces programmes on Oct 18, the same day as BNP's rally
The Awami League has announced a series of activities on Wednesday (October 18) and BNP has its rally on the same day in Dhaka.The directive for party members and activists to gather in the capital on that day was issued by Awami League General Secretary, Obaidul Quader on Monday.
Also read: BNP Facebook page fomenting communal hatred, running inflammatory campaigns: AL claimsThe Road Transport and Bridges Minister made this announcement at a gathering organised by the Jubo League at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Monday.Obaidul Quader said, "On the 18th, we will assemble at the South Gate of the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Gulistan, Dhaka."
Also read: Awami League has lost the country and also foreigners: Amir KhasruThe Awami League has laid out an elaborate schedule of programmes that will run from October 7 to October 18. The programme began with a teachers' gathering on October 7. The series of events will culminate in a public rally in Dhaka on the 18.Regarding the Awami League's participation on October 18, Quader said, "More of our members will join the event on the 18. We will announce a procession for the movement, which will move towards the Victory Monument."
Also read: BNP wants to indulge in evil game of 1/11 with Dr Yunus at the helm: QuaderQuader further commented, "In Dhaka city, we will block their gatherings and prevent them from carrying out their plan. They are conspiring. Fakhrul is spreading rumours today. He's collecting news from thin air."The gathering was attended by Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, AL leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and Mirza Azam, among others.End/UNB/SI/MB/ssk
Don’t want to see any more bloodshed in Palestine: GM Quader
Jatiya Party chairman Ghulam Muhammad Quader on Monday expressed deep concern and anger over the escalation of the Palestine and Israel war.
In a statement today, the Jatiya Party leader drew the attention of world leaders to terminate the war and requested them to send necessary food, medicine and essential commodities to Palestine through the UN immediately.
Read: I can't be sold for money or power: GM Quader
GM Quader said if the Palestine-Israel war prolongs more, it will be a shameful chapter in the history of world civilization. The world does not want to see no more bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Read: Uncertainty still looms over election: GM Quader
“We don’t want to see any more bloodshed in Palestine. A permanent solution between Israel and Palestine is needed now,” he said in the statement.
Mentioning that the founder of Jatiya Party Hussain Muhammad Ershad always expressed his deepest affection for the oppressed Palestinians, the Jatiya Party leader said, “At such a difficult time in the Arab world, we deeply feel the absence of the late President of Bangladesh Hussain Muhammad Ershad.”
Awami League has lost the country and also foreigners: Amir Khasru
BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the Awami League has lost the country and also abroad.
“We never say we've managed everything. BNP is the most popular party in Bangladesh. Begum Khaleda Zia is the most popular leader. Tarique Rahman is the most dynamic leader. BNP will not have to depend on anyone. The hearts of those who are dependent have begun to tremble. Because they have lost their country and they have lost abroad,” he said.
Also read: Govt's only hope is to steal the election: Amir Khasru
He was replying to questions from journalists on Monday in response to AL’s allegation that BNP has relied on foreigners after failing in the movement.
Earlier, the BNP leader was speaking as the chief guest at a meeting of Chattogram division BNP to intensify the one-point movement for the release of Begum Khaleda Zia and the resignation of the government, at the party office at Kazir Deuri Nasimon Bhaban in the city on Monday evening.
Also read: No escape if next election is rigged: Amir Khasru
Asked about Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader's statement that there should be a compromise between Awami League and BNP, Amir Khasru Mahmud said, "It is not about Awami League and BNP. It's about getting the ownership back to the people of Bangladesh. It's about getting voting rights back. It's not about any team here. This is only possible today through national unity.”
“The provision of caretaker government in the country was single-handedly abolished by the Awami League. It should be brought back and people's voting rights should be restored. It's not a matter of who will come to an agreement. Bangladesh is owned by the people of Bangladesh. The only way to regain voting rights is through elections under a neutral government. The only compromise will be to enforce the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” added the BNP leader.
Also read: Need a tsunami of people in Chattogram: Khasru says of BNP’s upcoming road march
BNP chairperson's advisers Zainul Abedin Faruk, Golam Akbar Khandaker and SM Fazlul Huq addressed the meeting as special guests with BNP vice-chairman Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin in the chair.
End/UNB/Corr/MB/ssk
Get ready for final agitation, no time to look back: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party has no time to look back as they are going to initiate the final phase of their movement soon to topple the Awami League government.
Speaking at a rally of youth, he also called upon the BNP rank and file to make all-out preparations to make their movement a success by putting their all efforts and strength on the streets.
"Our only goal is to ensure the fall of the current regime and free our leader Begum Khaleda Zia for sending her abroad for treatment through an unstoppable movement,” he said.
Read: Movement on right track, no election without voters this time, says Fakhrul
The BNP leader also said the mammoth rally of the youth wing of the BNP will help strengthen the ultimate movement of the opposition that will begin in the next few days after Durga Puja
“We’re fighting by risking our lives as many of our brothers have sacrificed their lives and blood, many of our mothers and sisters have been tortured, many of our children have lost their fathers and many of our mothers have lost their children. So, we have no time to look back,” he observed.
Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office demanding Khaleda’s release and sending her abroad for advanced treatment and BNP’s one-point demand that includes the resignation of the government and holding the next election under a non-party-government.
Thousands of youths from different parts of the country wearing red and green caps joined the rally that stretched from Bijoynagar to Fakirapool crossing. Many of them were seen sitting in the rally with white shrouds on their heads.
Read: Nothing actually happened behind the scenes: Fakhrul
Terming the youth’s massive gathering a 'historic' one, Fakhrul said the rally will surely inspire the country’s people to participate in the final movement with fresh vigour and aspirations.
"Insha'Allah, we will be able to defeat this terrible fascist regime that is sitting on our chest like a big stone through our peaceful movement,” he said.
Referring to his ruling party counterpart Obaidul Quader comment on talks with BNP if it withdraws conditions, Fakhrul questioned whether the government is constitutionally legal. “You (AL) have to prove it. I am saying you’re not constitutionally illegitimate.”
He alleged that the government has been in power illegally by bringing the 15th amendment to the constitution unconstitutionally.
Read: BNP staging token hunger strike seeking Khaleda's treatment abroad
The BNP leader said former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque first gave a short verdict saying two more national elections could be held under the caretaker government in the interests of the country and its people., but he unethically gave the full verdict changing the short one 16 months after his retirement.
“This Awami League passed the 15th amendment in the parliament by completely deceiving the people before the release of the full verdict. As you’re saying the election should be based on the constitution, you (govt) must resign first of all. Because you are illegal," Fakhrul said.
He warned that people will not forgive the current government for violating the Constitution and staying in power by deceiving people.
The BNP leader called upon the government to quit power by handing over power to a neutral government to pave the way for holding the next election in a fair and credible manner.
BNP's movement has no public support: Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday said that Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s statement seems like the Western countries are encouraging the BNP as they are doing to Israel, but in reality, none support the BNP's caretaker government demand.
“The stand of the Western countries is clear, they back Israel... On one side, the Western countries are encouraging Israel which is involved in crimes against humanity, on the other side, Mirza Fakhrul is saying they (western countries) are supporting them also. But the BNP has no support from anyone for its movement,” he said.
Read: DMCH to be upgraded if AL returns to power in next election: PM Hasina
The minister said this while exchanging views with media personnel about contemporary affairs at the secretariat.
Implying the BNP's abroad dependency, the Information Minister said BNP has no faith in the people. “That’s why instead of looking at the people, the BNP now looks at who said what from a faraway country like a crow.”
Responding to a query regarding foreign recommendations on dialogue ahead of the election, Hasan Mahmud said, “People are the owners of the power…They will decide who will run the country and who won’t.”
Read: Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
Anyone from the friendly-countries can recommend anything, but what people want is the most important thing, he added.
Hasan Mahmud said that according to the constitution, there is no need or obligation to form an election-time government. “The running government will act as the election-time government.
Asked about the BNP's silence on the Palestine issue, the minister said: “Israel is killing the Palestinians…But the BNP is silent about this crime against humanity.”
Read: BNP's silence on Palestine issue proves their support for Israel: Hasan Mahmud
“A big power might be unhappy, so by remaining silent, the BNP has actually sided with this barbarism, brutality, war crimes and, Israel.”
BNP's silence on Palestine issue proves their support for Israel: Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Sunday that BNP's silence on the Palestine issue proved their support for Israel.
"BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remained silent on the Palestine issue when the innocent Palestinians and children are being killed like birds. You should know them," he said.
He was speaking at a meeting organised by Awami League Sripur-Kharandiwp union unit of Boalkhali upazila and Union Parishad at the UP auditorium.
Read: Movement on right track, no election without voters this time, says Fakhrul
Dr Hasan said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has protested the killings. "I also have protested the killings of innocent people as a joint general secretary of Awami League and the information minister. On the other hand, the BNP remained silent. They are silent as a large group might be unhappy which means they are in favour of Israel," he added.
Referring to the government's various steps for the development of the marginalized people, Hasan Mahmud said, “Two to three thousand beneficiaries in each union are getting various types of allowances from the government. Earlier, there were governments of Khaleda Zia, Ershad and Ziaur Rahman, but these were not. These allowances have been introduced since 1996 when Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina took over the responsibility of running the country.”
"Begum Khaleda Zia came and reduced the allowance in 2001, so if the BNP comes to power again, such allowances will stop," he warned.
Read: ‘We have nothing to comment on US mission’s recommendations,’ says Momen
Presided over by Sreepur-Kharandwip Union Parishad Chairman Mokarram Hossain and moderated by Union Awami League General Secretary Ismail Hossain Khokon, the rally was addressed, among others, by Boalkhali Upazila Chairman Rezaul Karim Raja, Upazila Awami League President Nurul Amin Chowdhury, Union Awami League President Ratan Chowdhury, Former Vice President of Upazila Awami League Nurul Huda, Education and Human Resources Affairs Secretary Sekander Alam Babar.
Murad seeks votes for boat
Former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Murad Hasan has sought people's votes for "boat," the Awami League's electoral symbol, in the next general election for the country's continued development.
“We will make maximum efforts to win for whoever is nominated from Sarishabari constituency by the president of Bangladesh Awami League, the guardian of this state, Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina," he said.
He made these remarks while addressing a rally in Jamalpur's Sarishabari at the historic Railway Maidan on Sunday at 3pm as the chief guest.
He also highlighted the development of the last 15 years during the tenure of the Awami League government and promised to complete the ongoing development work within the reign of this government. To continue the development works of the government, he sought their vote again for the boat.
Valiant freedom fighter and chairman of Sarishabari Upazila Parishad, Md Gias Uddin Pathan presided over the meeting.
Apart from this, freedom fighters from different unions of Sarishabari upazila, participated and addressed the rally. While addressing they mentioned the contribution of the current Awami League government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They also thanked and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister by highlighting the various steps taken for the quality of life and infrastructural development of the people, especially for the freedom fighters.
‘We are fully confident, election will be held on time,’ says EC Alamgir
Election Commission is not worried about the election as it thinks that the national election will be held on time, said Election Commissioner Mohammad Alamgir on Sunday.
"We have no tension about the election. Election will be held on time and we are fully confident about it," the election commissioner said this while talking to journalists at the EC building.
“We arranged all the previous elections fairly and next elections will be held in the same manner,” he said.
Read: It’s people of Bangladesh who will ultimately determine credibility, legitimacy of their elections: IRI-NDI delegation
In response to a question about the BNP, he said, "We will be happy if the BNP comes to the polls." We want them to participate in the elections, we are ready for fair elections. We want all political parties to come. You (BNP) come to the election and the vote will be fair,” he added.
Read: Next election will be held at any cost: PM tells huge rally in Kawla
“It’s true that all political parties don’t participate in the elections. We have 44 political parties. All of them will not participate and it did not happen in the past,” said EC Alamgir.
Even in the 70's elections, not all parties joined the polls, said the commissioner.
Read: CEC urges field-level officials to carry out duties with impartiality during upcoming nat’l election
Regarding dialogue with political parties, EC Alamgir said that there has been no discussion on dialogue yet.
Movement on right track, no election without voters this time, says Fakhrul
Claiming that their movement is on the right track, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said no election without voters will be held this time in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a seminar, he also said it is undeniable that the Western countries’ commitment to democracy encouraged their party rank and file to carry out the ongoing movement for holding a credible election under a neutral government.
“The prime minister revealed the fact yesterday (Saturday) that you may say anything brother, I want the golden deer. This means that whatever America says, whatever the European Union says, whatever we political parties say, she wants to stay in power,” the BNP leader said.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in power unlawfully by usurping power and using the state machinery, has decided to hold the next election in the same style. "This is the reason behind the political crisis."
Read: Jamaat brings out precession at Motijheel demanding election under caretaker govt
“If Sheikh Hasina wants to hold the next election without voters, it will not happen this time. You won’t be able to hold the same election in 2024 that as you held in 2014 and 2018. It won’t be possible this time as people have turned around this time to resist you,” the BNP leader said.
BNP arranged the seminar titled “The Role of Local-International Community in Restoration of Democracy in Bangladesh and What We Have to Do Right Now” at a city hotel. The cover of a book styled “No Comments” complied by photojournalist Babul Talukder was unveiled at the seminar.
Fakhrul said people who carried out the Liberation War in 1971 to build a democratic Bangladesh, have started the movement again to turn Bangladesh into a democratic country. “As a responsible democratic party, we launched this struggle along with all pro-democratic and patriotic forces to restore democracy.”
He said there are many pessimist people in society, but he did not see any sign of frustration among the BNP leaders and activists. “There’s no frustration also among those who are with us and carrying out the simultaneous movement. We believe we’ll surely win in this struggle as we’re on the right track and on the path of truth.”
Read: Will consider dialogue if BNP withdraws its conditions: Quader
The BNP leader said everyone should keep in mind that it is not an easy task for a democratic force to fight against a fascist regime. “Many of our leaders and activists have lost their lives in this struggle, including 22 people over the last one year, while over 1,000 have been subjected to extrajudicial killings.”
He said around 45 lakh opposition leaders and activists have been implicated in ‘false’ cases as part of the government's move to suppress them,
Fakhrul said the people of this country are ready to make all kinds of sacrifices to get back their democratic rights. “Our leader Khaleda Zia never bowed down her head though she is very sick amid captivity. The same way our all leaders and workers have been performing their responsibilities. So, I believe our struggle will be certainly successful and we’ll be able to restore democracy."
He said their party also wants a credible election where people will be able to exercise their right to franchise.
“We have to believe that the Western world is committed to democracy and their commitment and spirit gives us courage and helps us move forward. There’s no way to deny it. At the same time, we must also remember that those of us who are carrying out the struggling must move forward with more determination in the future to reinforce the movement,” Fakhrul observed.
Read: It is not AL's responsibility to bring BNP to polls: Tajul Islam
He said they have been on a movement to settle the political problem on the streets following the footsteps of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “We’ll definitely be able to achieve the final victory.”
BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, vice chairmen Abdullah Al Noman, Shahjahan Omar and Barkatullah Bulu, among others, spoke at the programme.