Politics
Bangladesh not safe in BNP's hands: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Saturday that Bangladesh is not safe in the hands of the BNP.
“Democracy, vote, security, liberation war, nothing is safe in the hands of the BNP. They don't want seventy-one’s Bangladesh. They want murder and terror. They want corruption and dictatorship,” Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said while addressing at the grand rally organized by Bangladesh Krishak League in the capital’s Gulistan.
Read: ‘PM lied about Khaleda Zia out of political vendetta’: Fakhrul
Quader said that BNP will not get an escape route if it holds any rally without permission. Criticizing the 48-hour ultimatum given by BNP, he said that BNP had said it would send Awami League to the graveyard. Now it's time for BNP politics to go to the graveyard, he added.
Criticizing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam, he said that if the government is illegal, then why did you appeal to the illegal government for Khaleda Zia’s release?
Read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud
The permission of the government must be taken; otherwise, action will be taken, he warned.
Warning BNP, the senior AL leader said that those who come to vandalise, will be thrashed.
He urged party men to get ready. Democracy is not safe in Bangladesh without Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is very peaceful because of Sheikh Hasina. An honest leader like her is rare in politics, Quader said.
Awami League general secretary urged the party leaders and activists to remain vigilant and asked to respond when our leader called. Bangladesh would plunge into darkness again if power goes to the hands of BNP.
Read: No way to return to caretaker government, PM Hasina in VoA interview
Awami League presidium member Matia Chowdhury, Agriculture Minister Dr. Abdur Razzaque, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nashim, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash also spoke in the grand rally.
BNP leader's house 'vandalised' in Chattogram's Mirsharai
Miscreants vandalised the house of a local BNP leader in Chattogram’s Mirsharai upazila on Friday night.
The victim leader is Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, convener of Mirsarai Upazila BNP unit.
A group of youths attacked Shahidul Islam’s house around 9 pm on Friday, Zahidul Islam Chowdhury, younger brother of the victim, alleged on Saturday.
The criminals also vandalised lights, CCTV cameras and furniture of the house during the attack, he claimed.
Upazila BNP convenor Shahidul Islam Chowdhury said that the attack was carried out by the ruling party men who were afraid of the ongoing movement of BNP.
“My house was attacked several times and set on fire before. So, we are not afraid of these”, he added.
‘PM lied about Khaleda Zia out of political vendetta’: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the prime minister has lied about Khaleda Zia out of political vendetta.
The BNP secretary general made the remarks while responding to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's statement in an interview with Voice of America at the “Sramik-Karmochary” convention on Saturday afternoon.
Also read: Khaleda Zia has been kept captive to remain in power: Fakhrul
“Sheikh Hasina spoke to VOA today. She is completely lying,” said Fakhrul.
“There is no corruption case against Khaleda Zia. The money that they say is Tk 2.33 crore has now gone over Tk 8 crore... It's in the bank. Begum Khaleda Zia has been detained with false cases so that she cannot do politics only because of political vendetta,” he said.
Also read: Assassination threat made against PM at BNP rally: Fakhrul slammed for ‘sharing stage’ with threat issuer
Blaming the government for the critical health condition of Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, the BNP secretary general said, "This government is unjustly imprisoning her in a false case and pushing her to death without giving her a chance to be treated."
"This government is a terrible monster, a looter, a government like ‘borgis’. They are smuggling wealth abroad and building gardens. And in my country, people are helpless and hungry,” Fakhrul continued.
Urging the workers to unite, he said, "This working class has fought for democracy in the past. I believe that the workers will play a leading role this time.”
"In Sha Allah, our victory is certain. We will be able to resign this government and free the country's leader Begum Khaleda Zia."
Also read: Govt is letting big powers to make Bangladesh a battleground for their supremacy: Fakhrul
The convention was jointly organized by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and Sammilik Sramik Parishad on the road in front of Ideal School and College in Motijheel to fulfill the one-point demand of “Commodity Price, Wage Commission, National Pay Scale, Minimum Wages, Labour Situation and Resignation of the Government”.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal leader ASM Abdur Rob and Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, spoke at the programme, among others.
BNP will miss election bus if they stick to one-point demand: Salman F Rahman
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman has said BNP has failed to meet their one-point demand because the people are not with them.
He advised BNP to withdraw from one-point demand and catch the election bus, according to a press release.
Salman was addressing an exchange meeting with the members of the center-based election management committee of Dohar Upazila Awami League at Joypara Pilot High School ground in Dohar on Saturday morning, it said.
Mentioning that BNP's one-point movement has failed, Salman F Rahman MP said, "The movement you have started will never succeed because the people are not with you.”
Salman said BNP was busy spreading propaganda on social media taking advantage of the gift “Digital Bangladesh” given by the prime minister. He urged everyone to be aware of rumours.
“According to the constitution, the next election will be held under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, if no one participates, the election will not stop. The only wish of foreigners is that the elections in Bangladesh should be free, fair and peaceful. Their wants and the government's demands are the same. The Independent Election Commission is also committed to providing free and fair elections,” said the AL leader.
BNP is protesting on Facebook and YouTube. Propaganda is being spread about Bangabandhu's grandson Sajeeb Wazed Joy. But their conspiracy has been foiled, he added.
Highlighting the development of the present government in the last 15 years, Salman said the government has provided electricity to every household in the country. “So we have to move forward over time.”
No way to return to caretaker government, PM Hasina in VoA interview
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ruled out a return to the repealed caretaker government system as the constitution was amended in line with a higher court verdict.
“People have the sole right to vote. Whoever is elected by the people will form the government. There is no way to go back to it (caretaker government system),” she said in an interview with the Bangla service of Voice of America (VoA) aired on Saturday.
The prime minister, now on a visit to the US, responded to a number of questions on US Visa sanction, human rights, Khaleda’s treatment abroad, caretaker government, the constitution and other issues.
PM Hasina questions logic behind US visa sanction against Bangladesh
When asked about the possibility of taking initiative for amending the constitution and forming a caretaker government or discussion with the opposition alliance, she said, “Election is people’s right. When an emergency was declared in 2007, the High Court delivered a verdict that an unelected government would never come to power. Power will be handed over to an elected government…. according to the verdict of the High Court. The constitution was amended after the verdict.”
“Now, how can we annul the verdict of the High Court? Or amend the constitution? And why will we do that? We had a lot of bitter experiences. In the history of our country, we’ve seen martial law, military dictatorship, and farcical election under them, or under caretaker government.”
Khaleda has to return to jail first before taking treatment abroad, PM Hasina tells VoA
Mentioning that the BNP was once against the caretaker government Hasina said, “When we protested against the BNP’s vote rigging then BNP leader (Khaleda Zia) said that no one is neutral other than children and the insane. They said this, they were against this.”
“The constitution was amended based on the verdict of the High Court. They used to protest against it, and now that they are demanding the same thing, there is no guarantee of what they will do in the future,” she said.
Moreover, the caretaker government system was abolished because of BNP, said Hasina adding that they wanted to form a government of their choice, raising the judge’s age for that, making fake voter lists, and committing a lot of terrible crimes. But none of it worked because people did not accept it.
There are legal complications regarding allowing Khaleda to be taken abroad: Home Minister
About the 2008 election, the PM said, “The country witnessed elections under a caretaker government in 2008. They committed a lot of dreadful crimes during their tenure from 2001-2006, and an emergency situation was declared and the caretaker government took over power. They did not hold any elections for two years and filed false cases against us,” she said.
In the 2008 election, the BNP-led 20-party alliance got only 29 seats in parliament and got another one in the re-election, said the prime minister .” So, this is their reality even under a caretaker government. That is why they boycotted the 2014 election and resorted to arson…they burnt over 3000 people to death. They carried out mayhem and arson attacks in 500 vote centres and schools. They boycotted the election.”
CEC replies to EU letter seeking cooperation in organising elections
“Now that they are suddenly demanding a caretaker government, why? And the question is who is their leader? Who (the people) will vote for? People want to see leadership…. They have no good leader to lead the country,” she continued.
“Bangladesh is in a stable condition now….. after the 2008 national election several efforts were made to make the country unstable. Bangladesh has overcome those and now has achieved the status of a developing country. We need an elected government to make this effective,” she added.
15 student wings form ‘Anti-fascist students’ solidarity’ to establish voting rights in country
A new student alliance named ‘Anti-fascist students’ solidarity’ was formed with a view to establishing voting rights, against terrorism and occupation on campuses, universal education and democratic state in the country.
Under this banner, 15 student bodies formed the front through a joint declaration at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in Segunbagicha area on Friday.
BNP’s student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Saif Mahmud Jewel announced the alliance on behalf of the representatives of the students’ bodies.
He said, “I’m simultaneously announcing an active student organisation in the name of ‘anti-fascist students’ solidarity’ to form a greater student movement on nine points –chart including establishing voting rights.”
Read: 14-party alliance to hold rally in capital on Monday
The demands included improving the quality of education, forming a national translation organization to build the education system through mother language, learning of merit and ability and creating employment, recognizing all races constitutionally, holding students’ council elections, ensuring co-stay of all student organizations in educational institutions.
Their demands also included endorsing 31 point anti-government demand, release of Khaleda Zia and abolishment of Cyber Security Act.
The students’ bodies are Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Federation, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra League (JSD), Gonotantrik Chhatra Dal (LDP), Nagorik Chhatra Oikya, Jagpa Chhatra League, Chhatra Forum (Gono Forum Montu), Bhasani Chhatra Parishad, Jatiya Chhatra Samaj (Kazi Zafar), Jatiya Chhatra Samaj (BJP-Partha), Jagpa Chhatra League (Khandaker Lutfar), Chhatra Jamiat Bangladesh, Biplobi Chhatra Sanghati and Rashtra Reform Movement.
Read: Leftists in AL-led alliance on state visit to China
Three coordinators elected from the alliance are JCD Acting President Rashed Iqbal Khan, Student Federation President Mashiur Rahman Richard and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad General Secretary Ariful Islam Adib.
JCD leader Jewel will perform duty as spokesman of the alliance while central presidents and general secretaries of the all organizations as members of the central coordinating council.
Read more: BNP-Jamaat is an alliance of killers, don't vote for them: PM Hasina at London reception
Khaleda Zia has been kept captive to remain in power: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Farkhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that party Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been kept captive as it will be difficult for the government to remain in power once she is freed.
The democracy of the country will remain freed and voting rights of people won’t be snatched away once Begum Zia remains out of jail, he said.
Fakhrul came up with the remarks while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal demanding release of Khaleda Zia, withdrawal of all cases against Tarique Rahman and resignation of the government at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan on Friday afternoon.
He said Khaleda Zia, who fought for democracy throughout her life, has been kept captive.
Read: No escape if next election is rigged: Amir Khasru
“The government will approve the appeal placed by her family for taking her abroad for an advanced treatment,” he hoped.
Fakhrul said Friday’s event by the Mohila Dal has added further courage when the people of the country have woken up against this fascist government.
Mothers and sisters are not safe from the repression of the government and they have been detained in the name of cyber security act. They are being beaten to death for upholding truth through writeups, he alleged.
Read: Downfall of govt is inevitable: Nazrul Islam Khan
Addressing the suffering of the people caused by price hikes, the BNP leader said nobody is abiding by the government-fixed prices and Awami League’s syndicate is all-pervasive.
Urging the people to be united to overthrow the government, he said that the independence of the country will vanish once the government comes to power further.
Chaired by Mahila Dal President Afroza Abbas, BNP standing committee Member Selima Rahman, chairperson’s adviser Afroza Akter Rita, Publicity Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee and the party’s leader Helen Zerin Khan, among others, spoke at the rally.
Read more: Govt has turned Bangladesh into ‘Hirak Rajar Desh’: Abbas
Khaleda Zia again moved to CCU from cabin at Evercare Hospital
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, was transferred to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) from a cabin on Friday afternoon.
"Khaleda Zia was transferred to the CCU in the afternoon as per the recommendation of her medical board,” said her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain.
The 78-year-old former prime minister has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.
Read: Rizvi calls on govt to take immediate action to save Khaleda Zia
The BNP chairperson has been hospitalised since August 9. Last week, she was transferred to the CCU from the cabin twice due to her deteriorating physical condition.
On the other hand, her younger brother Shamim Iskander appealed to the Home Ministry for permanent release to take her abroad for an advanced treatment.
Minister Anisul Huq on Thursday said that the appeal was forwarded to the Home Ministry and a decision regarding the appeal will be given soon after scrutinising it.Since her conditional release in 2020, the BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the hospital under a medical board headed by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder.
Read: Khaleda Zia taken back to cabin from CCU
Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty in another corruption case the same year.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with the condition that she stays in her Gulshan house and does not leave the country.
Read more: Application must be submitted to Home Ministry to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad for better treatment: Law Minister
No escape if next election is rigged: Amir Khasru
BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday that the democratic countries are keeping a closer watch on Bangladesh regarding next elections.
"In the upcoming election, anyone attempting to manipulate the process will face severe consequences," said the BNP leader while addressing a rally organised by Dhaka district BNP at Aminbazar in Dhaka.
Also read: Next polls will be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader
The BNP leader also demanded unconditional release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and resignation of the Awami League government.
"They are being warned time and again that those involved, whether directly or indirectly, in election fraud, cannot escape the consequences," Khasru, a BNP standing committee member, said.
“Everyone is becoming increasingly concerned. While they may appear courageous outwardly, their inner resolve is far from steadfast."
Also read: Conspiracy can’t foil next elections: Hasan Mahmud
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s selfie with US President Joe Biden, he said: "While all the world leaders have already returned to their respective countries following the United Nations General Assembly in Washington, the Prime Minister of our unelected government is still in Washington."
“You can imagine how dire the situation is! Even the simple act of taking selfies isn't yielding results,” he said adding, “the international community has now realised the true colour of Awami League."
Also read: Election won't stop even if BNP doesn't join: Salman F Rahman
During his address, the BNP leader called for the resignation of the government.
“Election must be conducted under a neutral government [so that] the nation can have an elected government and parliament that will be answerable to the people," Khasru said.
Presided over by Dhaka district BNP president Khandaker Abu Ashraf and moderated by Dhaka district BNP general secretary Ripon Roy, the rally was also addressed by BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman.
Also read: Downfall of govt is inevitable: Nazrul Islam Khan
Next polls will be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday said that elections would be conducted in line with the constitution.Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said that the focus should not be on who participates in the elections or who does not as the Awami League is committed to ensuring free and fair elections.
Also read: General Election to be held as per constitution: Obaidul QuaderHe made the statement during an inaugural meeting of the party’s election manifesto committee held at the central office at Bangabandhu Avenue on Thursday morning."We must follow the path of democracy in the light of reality. We have to overcome difficult challenges in the days ahead,” he said.
Also read: Game to be played in October, December, and in first week of January: Obaidul QuaderReferring to Joe Biden's statement that he would contest the elections because the democracy in the United States would be in jeopardy if Trump returns to power, Quader said that age should not be a concern in such matters."I say today that we must empower Sheikh Hasina to protect Bangladesh's democracy. If BNP comes to power democracy will be in danger. We must take action,” he said.
Also read: Conspirators getting ready before next election: Obaidul Quader“By 2026, we need to uplift our underdeveloped country. Above all, we must set our sights on 2040. We've achieved a Digital Bangladesh, now it's time to make it a Smart Bangladesh,” he said.Awami League presidium member Dr Abdur Razzaque and its Information and Research Secretary Dr Selim Mahmud, among others, attended the meeting.