United News of Bangladesh

BNP lawmaker from Faridpur-3 constituency Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf on Tuesday said a vested quarter may attempt to create an undesirable situation during the Eid holidays, but the government and administration will remain more vigilant to handle any such challenge. We want to present people with a peaceful Eid by working together with the administration, he said while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting of the law and order committee of Faridpur Sadar upazila. The meeting was held at the conference room of the upazila parishad on Tuesday afternoon. Saying people are eager to cooperate with the BNP-led government, the MP urged all to work together over the next few days to ensure a smooth Eid celebration. He also stressed the need for vigilance so that people travelling home for Eid do not face any harassment. Calling for honesty in public duties, he said if intentions remain good, problems can be avoided. The lawmaker also issued a strong warning against drug trafficking and terrorist activities, urging people to inform authorities immediately if they notice such incidents. The meeting, presided over by Faridpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya, was attended by officials from different departments, political leaders and journalists.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Tuesday claimed its Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman didn’t direct his adviser on foreign affairs Dr Mahmudul Hasan to seek a ‘ministerial status’ in a recent letter sent to the Foreign Ministry. “He (Dr Hasan) was assigned to send a letter to the Foreign Ministry to clarify Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on the country’s foreign affairs. But he included some issues in the letter sent to the foreign ministry going beyond the Ameer’s directives. Particularly the part related to ‘ministerial status’ was not in the Jamaat Ameer’s instruction,” said he in a statement. As soon as the matter came to the party’s notice, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman took necessary steps, he said “Dr Mahmudul Hasan was formally relieved of his responsibilities on March 2 and immediately Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Arman) was appointed as the new foreign affair adviser to the Opposition Leader,” he said. The incident, which recently surfaced in the media, actually took place about two weeks ago and had created some confusion among the people, Parwar said in the statement issued on Tuesday to clarify the matter. The Jamaat leader said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami believes in responsible, transparent and accountable political conduct. “If any confusion or misunderstanding is created on any issue, we believe in promptly correcting it. Necessary measures have already been taken regarding the matter, so there is no further scope for misunderstanding,” Parwar said, urging all concerned to present accurate information properly. According to media reports, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman sent a letter to the Foreign Ministry on February 22 seeking an appointment for his foreign affairs adviser Prof Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan at the Foreign Ministry. The opposition leader reportedly requested Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to assign Hasan to the ministry with ministerial status.

Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure adequate fuel supply by urgently contacting international partners and friendly countries. In a Facebook post from his verified account, he said the suffering of people in different parts of the country, including the capital, in buying fuel is “very painful”. He mentioned that people have been waiting in queues stretching for kilometres and standing for hours to buy fuel, while many are fasting during Ramadan and some vehicles have already run out of fuel. Dr Shafiqur said the crisis is not only disrupting the travel of ordinary people but also affecting electricity generation and industrial activities. With the Eid journey approaching, he warned that the situation could make travel even more difficult for people if it is not resolved quickly. He said Jamaat had earlier urged the government to take initiatives to import fuel from alternative sources, but the situation is worsening day by day. “We once again request the government to take immediate initiatives and ensure fuel supply on an urgent basis by contacting international partners and friendly countries,” he said. He also urged people to remain patient during the crisis and avoid unnecessary use of fuel. “May Allah grant us the strength to overcome this crisis,” he added.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam on Monday said the current government’s legitimacy originates from the July mass uprising, warning that it would be questioned if the July Charter is not implemented. “This government did not come to power out of thin air. It was not formed through a conventional constitutional process. Its legitimacy comes from the July mass uprising,” he said while addressing an iftar and prayer event organised by the NCP’s Khulna divisional unit at Khulna District Stadium. Nahid also said the legitimacy of the interim government had similarly stemmed from the popular uprising. He warned that if the government avoids implementing the July Charter citing the old constitution, its legitimacy would become questionable. Referring to the presence of leaders and activists from various political parties on the same stage, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP, Nahid said the July uprising made such unity possible. “Because of the July mass uprising we are able to stand on the same stage today. We are here on the blood of hundreds of martyrs,” he said. Among the invited guests at the iftar mahfil were Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna-2 MP Advocate Sheikh Zahangir Hossain Helal, Khelafat Majlis Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Sakhawat Hossain, and leaders of the 11-party alliance in Khulna division, including Jamaat’s Hindu wing leader Krishna Nandi. Special guests included NCP Chief Organiser for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, National Youth Shakti Convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, and National Student Shakti President Zahid Ahsan, along with central and divisional leaders. The programme was chaired by NCP Joint Member Secretary and Khulna divisional organising secretary Faridul Haque. Speaking at the event, Nasiruddin Patwary said people in Khulna had eagerly waited to vote for the party’s symbol “Shapla Koli,” but the party could not field candidates there. He said the party would try to nominate candidates in every constituency in future local government elections. Criticising the Rampal coal-fired power plant, he urged the government to shut it down, alleging that the project had been set up during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in cooperation with India.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said two suspects in Hadi murder case who were arrested in India will be brought back to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. “The Home Ministry has already taken steps regarding the arrest of the two accused while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to take necessary measures to bring them back in line with the the extradition agreement,” said the minister. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a district law and order committee meeting in Cox’s Bazar, his first such meeting in his home district after assuming office. Efforts on to bring back 2 Hadi murder suspects held in India: IGP Salahuddin Ahmed also said a list of drug traders is being prepared in a highly professional manner. “The list will not be made public as doing so could create political influence and lead to possible errors,” he said. Incidents of mob violence will not be allowed in the country and all terrorists and extortionists will be brought under the law to ensure good governance, said Salahuddin. The minister also announced measures to restore discipline in the tourism sector of Cox’s Bazar. He said illegal permanent and temporary structures set up on the sand dunes along the sea beach will be removed within a week and the tourist areas will be kept clean. He further said CCTV cameras will be installed at important points in the town to improve the law and order situation. Among others, lawmakers Shahjahan Chowdhury and Lutfur Rahman Kajol, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman and Cox’s Bazar district BNP general secretary Shamima Ara Swapna were present.  

Central Women’s Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nurunnisa Siddiqua on Sunday called for an overhaul of the justice system to stop abuse of women and demanded the formation of a speedy trial tribunal to tackle crimes against women and children. She made the remarks at a discussion meeting organized in Moghbazar, Dhaka, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The discussion was presided over by Central Working Committee Member and Social Welfare Divisional Secretary Khandokar Ayesha Khatun. Central Working Committee Member and Talimul Quran Divisional Secretary Irani Akhter delivered the opening speech, while Advocate Sabikunnahar Munni, Law and Human Resources Divisional Secretary, presented the keynote speech. Central Executive Committee member Umme Khaleda Jahan and teacher Fatima Akhter Happy spoke as special guests. Dr. Nazneen Akhter, Head of the Physiology Department at Holy Family Medical College Hospital, and former councillor Amena Begum gave welcome speeches. Nurunnisa Siddiqua also criticized some feminist organizations, saying that when Muslim women wearing burqas face violence, these groups do not protest but pursue the agenda of a certain class of women. She urged all women to raise their voices unitedly on women’s issues. Advocate Sabikunnahar Munni emphasized that implementing the July Charter is essential to ensure balanced women’s empowerment. She highlighted rising violence against women across all sectors, including education, and blamed the immoral environment for perpetuating such abuse. Khandokar Ayesha Khatun said that awareness among women from all walks of life is vital to protecting women’s rights. Women from different sectors of the capital, including the central working committee, participated in the discussion. The program featured a recitation by Kazi Tabassum and concluded with a prayer led by Central Working Committee member Rozina Akhter. The program was moderated by Marjan Hira.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is trying to destabilise Bangladesh while staying in India. “Fascist Hasina has fled to India, but from there she is trying to create instability in the country. This is clearly a criminal offence,” Fakhrul said. He made the allegation while speaking at the inauguration of the documentary ‘Mayer Daak’ at the Bangladesh Film Archive in Agargaon, marking International Women’s Day. The minister alleged that during the last one and a half decades many families were ruined, while hundreds of people were subjected to enforced disappearance and killings. “But the most frightening reality is that Sheikh Hasina has shown no sign of remorse over these incidents,” he said. The Local Government Minister said the government is sincere about providing support to the families who have lost their loved ones to enforced disappearance and killings. Emphasising support for the children of such families, Fakhrul said many of them are living in deep hardship. “The families of the disappeared are going through immense suffering. So far there has been no effective state initiative to ensure their children can grow up, survive and live with dignity,” he said. Fakhrul said he will inform Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about the matter and write to him seeking government allowances for the affected families. “I will write to the Prime Minister that providing allowances for these families is very important and it should be ensured as their rightful support,” he added. Fakhrul said many political changes have taken place in the country, with some people becoming ministers, MPs and others getting important jobs. “But the children of those whose sacrifices made this change possible are still facing an uncertain future. Ensuring a better future for them is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. The minister also stressed the need to support the affected families, educate their children and help them move forward in life. With an emotional voice, Fakhrul said he has seen many of the children of the missing or killed activists since their childhood. “Some of them have grown up without their fathers. Society and the state must ensure that no child has to face such a situation in the future,” he added. State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury also spoke at the programme, chaired by ‘Mayer Daak’ convenor Sanjida Islam Tulee. Family members of the victims of enforced disappearance were also present.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Sunday expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will emerge as the country’s unchallenged leader through his work. “If all of us can gain the people’s confidence, Tarique Rahman will become the unchallenged leader of Bangladesh through his work,” said the minister. Tuku, also a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks at a discussion meeting marking the 20th imprisonment day of Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Press Club organised by the Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum. He said BNP leaders and activists also must earn the trust of the people like thier party chief. “Today our leader Tarique Rahman is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has taken responsibility for running the country. In this short time, through his conduct and work, he has become a place of trust for people,” he said. He said their party believes Tarique Rahman will remain a guiding figure in the country’s politics for many years, just as Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia continue to inspire people. Fuel reserves rise with arrival of two ships, rationing to continue: Minister The minister urged everyone to pray during the holy month of Ramadan so that Tarique Rahman can continue to play a strong role in the country’s political journey. Recalling the events of the 1/11 political changeover, the BNP Standing Committee member said the period was created to weaken the nationalist forces. “During that time Tarique Rahman and many of us were arrested and subjected to various forms of pressure. But despite the pressure and temptations, they could not force Tarique Rahman to compromise,” he said. Tuku said the current government inherited a fragile and debt-ridden system from the previous administration but is trying to stabilise it through collective efforts. He also said the people of Bangladesh have shown their confidence in the leadership of Tarique Rahman by giving the party a strong mandate in the last election. Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon also spoke at the programme and recalled the circumstances of Tarique Rahman’s arrest in 2007, saying he was detained unjustly and subjected to severe torture while in custody. Tarique Rahman was arrested from his residence on Moinul Road in Dhaka Cantonment on March 7, 2007 by joint forces during the military-backed caretaker government. He remained in prison for nearly 18 months before being released on bail on September 3, 2008. Later, he went to London for advanced treatment.

Marking International Women’s Day, the women’s wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP) 'Jatiya Nari Shakti,' formally launched on Sunday, with Monira Sharmin named convener, Mahmuda Alam Mitu as member secretary, and Nusrat Tabassum as chief organiser. NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced the three-member committee at a programme held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. Nahid said, “We will try to find those women across the country whose voices were lost in July. Jatiya Nari Shakti will bring them forward once again. There are many questions about why women stepped back from the frontlines after July. We also share responsibility for this. Those who are still in politics have faced such intense cyberbullying that many were forced to retreat.” Nahid said women from NCP’s other affiliated bodies, as well as those outside the party, would be encouraged to join the new platform. The newly appointed leaders will soon form a full-fledged committee and work on drafting the organisation’s manifesto, objectives and constitution. “They will also work to organise women across the country.” Expressing hope for the organisation’s future role, Nahid said Jatiya Nari Shakti would take a strong stance in support of women’s rights in Bangladesh, particularly against violence against women and cyberbullying. He noted that the party initially had no plan to form a separate women’s body, intending instead to address women’s issues within the main party structure. “Later we felt there should be a distinct stream within the party that focuses specifically on women,” Nahid said, adding that the leadership eventually realised the need for a separate platform that would work both on women’s issues and the party’s broader ideals. Among the new committee members, Monira Sharmin and Nusrat Tabassum also serve as joint conveners of the NCP central committee, while Mahmuda Alam Mitu is a joint member secretary of the party’s central body.

Central Women’s Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nurunnisa Siddiqua has said that true empowerment of women can only be achieved when their safety and dignity are fully protected. In a statement on the occasion of International Women’s Day, she said the day is important to reaffirm commitment to upholding the dignity, rights and security of women. International Women’s Day, observed every year on March 8 worldwide, recognizes the tireless contributions of women to social, political and economic development. She mentioned that the theme of this year’s Women’s Day is: “Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice: Protect the rights of women and girls.” She urged that the theme be implemented meaningfully in daily life, rather than being limited to formal observances. “Unfortunately, incidents of violence, torture and insecurity against women and girls in recent times have deeply concerned us,” she said. Nurunnisa Siddiqua emphasized that true empowerment is possible only when women feel safe both at home and in society. “Talking about empowerment without ensuring women’s safety is not in line with reality. Although women’s empowerment is widely discussed in world politics, the safe and supportive social environment required for it is largely lacking in Bangladesh,” she said. The Jamaat leader added that Islam grants women the highest status and respect, and that a just, humane and welfare-oriented society can only be built by ensuring the rights and dignity given by Allah and advancing women. She called on people at all levels of family, society and state to play a conscious and effective role in protecting women. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she urged everyone to work towards building a society where women can live safely, with dignity, and develop their talents fully to contribute to the nation.