United News of Bangladesh

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said joint initiatives with Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) will accelerate rural development in Bangladesh. He made the remarks when CIRDAP Director General Dr P Chandra Shekara met him at the Secretariat in Dhaka. During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening mutual cooperation in research, training, innovation and the implementation of sustainable development plans in the rural development sector. They also expressed interest in working jointly to address emerging development challenges and undertake effective and innovative initiatives. Fakhrul said CIRDAP could become an important partner for Bangladesh in strengthening research, skill development and innovation in rural development, assuring the government’s full cooperation in implementing such collaborative initiatives. During the meeting, the CIRDAP Director General praised Bangladesh’s ongoing development activities. He particularly described the government’s “Family Card” initiative as a timely and people-friendly programme. Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan and Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.      

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed hope that newly elected MPs from women’s reserved seats will play a meaningful role in the Jatiya Sangsad. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at their graves at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, along with reserved seat MPs from the ruling party. They offered Fateha at the graves. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni was also present. Fakhrul expressed optimism that the MPs will contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and making Parliament more effective. “We hope they will perform their responsibilities properly and play their due role in Parliament,” he added. Earlier, around 1:00pm, Fakhrul led the newly elected women MPs in placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave. After paying tribute, newly elected MP Arifa Sultana Ruma said she is committed to working for women across the country, especially the poor, helpless and oppressed. A lawyer by profession, she said she aims to provide legal assistance and dedicate her life to the country. Arifa said she is inspired by the political ideals of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, which are now being carried forward by Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. She stressed that national progress is not possible without ensuring the inclusion and empowerment of women. The newly elected women MP also highlighted initiatives such as family cards to empower women at the household level, expressing hope that such measures will contribute to self-reliance at the family, social and national levels. Of the 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament, 36 are from the BNP alliance. The newly elected MPs took the oath on Sunday night at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, administered by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and other whips were present at the oath-taking ceremony.

A total of 36 newly elected Members of Parliament of the BNP alliance from the reserved women’s seats of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad paid tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The MPs placed floral wreaths at their graves at Chandrima Udyan in the capital around 1 PM. BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present. Following the laying of wreaths, a special prayer (munajat) was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Forty-nine newly elected women MPs took oath on Sunday to represent their respective parties from the reserved seats. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, administered the oath at the Oath Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The 36 BNP alliance MPs are Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arly, Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Shakila Farzana, Helen Jerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeeba Amina Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sunsila Jabrin, Sanjida Islam (Tulee), Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minz, Subarna Shikdar, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bithika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Jerin, Mansura Akter, Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alo, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan Papon, Shawkat Ara Akter, Madhabi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam on Sunday declared the first session of the national parliament ‘a failure’, saying the government sidelined reform discussions in favour of running the house on its own terms, betraying the core spirit of the July Uprising. “The first session was supposed to deliberate on how the various reform proposals would be implemented. Instead, the government conducted parliament as it pleased. If this continues, taking to the streets with the people will be our only option,” Nahid said at the closing session of NCP's national convention on ‘Energy, Economy, Human Rights, Reform and Referendum’ at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Kakrail. Reflecting on Bangladesh's democratic deficit, he said the country has been struggling to fulfil its democratic aspirations for 54 years. “After the Liberation War, democracy was supposed to take root. Instead, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman buried it by establishing BAKSAL. BNP spoke of multiparty democracy, but after the election we see they are deceiving the people.” On constitutional reform, Nahid reiterated NCP's firm position on establishing an upper house and power balance in parliament. “Every government that comes to power amends the constitution to suit itself. That is why we need checks and balances in parliament, including a referendum mechanism for constitutional changes. Constitutional bodies must not be partidised, and the prime minister should not hold unilateral appointment powers. A caretaker government must be formed with consensus across parties, and the judiciary must be separated. But even these alone will not establish a truly democratic state.” He warned that piecemeal amendment of the constitution would not be durable. Criticising BNP's approach, he said altering the constitution's fundamental principles without structural reform risked reversal at any time. “I said in parliament, Ziaur Rahman made this historic mistake. As a result, the door remains open to bring back Awami League's ideology and politics in the name of continuity from the 1972 constitution.” He also argued that notes of dissent attached to the July Charter undermine its effectiveness as a binding document. “Since this is meant to be a historic document, notes of dissent were separately appended on the very day it was signed. If whichever party comes to power implements it according to its own manifesto, the charter loses its force, and that is precisely why the referendum demand emerged.” Nahid called on all stakeholders to enshrine the July Charter in the constitution without delay and to implement the ideals of July without disrupting the country's democratic transition.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has urged the government to take effective steps to ensure press freedom, safety of journalists and transparency in the flow of information. He also called on the media to present news in a responsible, objective and ethical manner. In a statement on Saturday ahead of World Press Freedom Day, he said the media is the fourth pillar of the state. He further said that independent, impartial and responsible media plays an important role in establishing democracy, human rights and justice. “There is no alternative to a free media to reflect the hopes, aspirations, problems and prospects of the people,” he added. He said, “It is sad but true that at various times in the country, journalists have been obstructed in carrying out their professional duties, harassed, attacked and sued, and have faced barriers to their freedom of expression. We believe it is very important to ensure a safe working environment for journalists and the right to freely express the truth in order to build a democratic and welfare state.” He added that on World Press Freedom Day, they expect a Bangladesh where there will be no obstacles to the truth and where the media can speak freely for the people. He extended greetings and congratulations to journalists, media workers and all those involved in the newspaper industry.  

Leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has arrived in Japan on a seven-day visit. He landed at Narita International Airport in Tokyo at 3:45pm local time on Saturday. At the airport, central leaders of Islamic Mission Japan, led by its Central President Hafez Saber Ahmed, along with expatriate businessmen and professionals from various sectors, warmly welcomed him. Govt pushing country towards political, constitutional crisis: Jamaat SG Jamaat's central executive council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Ameer Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman MP, are accompanying him. During this visit, Shafiqur Rahman will participate in a reception organized by the Bangladeshi community, various seminars, and courtesy meetings with high-level officials of the Government of Japan. Earlier, the Jamaat Ameer departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:45 am on Saturday for his visit to Japan. He is scheduled to return to Dhaka on May 9.

Former DUCSU vice president and MP for Dhaka-2 constituency Amanullah Aman has said that anyone involved in drug trade or consumption using the name of BNP will be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking after inaugurating the office of Tetuljhora Union BNP in Savar. The programme was presided over by Union BNP president Haji Mohiuddin and conducted by its general secretary Abdul Aziz. PM tells youngsters to prepare for future responsibilities through education and sports Aman said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that there will be no place for drug dealers and terrorists in the country. He added that BNP believes in a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and drugs. He further said that strict action will be taken against those involved in criminal activities. During the event, Aman also laid foundation stones for several new road construction projects in Tetuljhora and Vakurta unions.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Mia Golam Porwar, has alleged that the government is deliberately steering the country towards a deep political and constitutional crisis by ignoring what he described as the people’s verdict in a referendum. He said the referendum verdict is being denied under the cover of the July Charter. “This is not just a political strategy, but a stance directly against the people's mandate,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled “Government against Referendum Verdict: A Country Facing Crisis,” organized by Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami at the Banquet Hall of Khulna Press Club on Saturday. Current Jamaat different from 1971 version: Porwar Golam Porwar further alleged that the government is deliberately creating confusion in the public mind by separating the July Charter from the referendum verdict. He claimed that the government and its ministers have repeatedly promised to implement the July Charter in Parliament, but are maintaining silence on the direct verdict given by the people in the referendum. Mentioning that 47 out of the 84 proposals for constitutional reform involve legal and constitutional changes, Porwar said that although there is consensus on these issues, BNP has given a note of dissent on 10 important points, which, in reality, weakens the overall structure of the reform. He consistently stated that the issues on which BNP has raised objections include: the Prime Minister not being allowed to serve as party leader simultaneously; refusal to accept the proportional representation (PR) system in the upper house; non-compliance with the obligation to present and ratify international treaties in Parliament; opposition to an independent commission for the appointment of judges; and rejection of proposals to reduce the influence of the Prime Minister in the Public Service Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He said, “If these 10 points are left out, the entire reform becomes meaningless. The government actually wants to maintain its control in these areas.” He stressed that the verdict reached through the direct participation of about 5 crore people in the referendum is stronger than the delegated power of Parliament. “Members of Parliament are representatives of the people; they exercise delegated power. But in a referendum, the people make decisions directly. Denying that decision means denying the sovereignty of the people.” Referring to Article 7 of the Constitution, he said that the will of the people is the supreme law. “Parliament never has absolute power.” He described the current position of the government as authoritarian and fascistic. He said, “The verdict of the people is being denied by the power of the majority. This is not democracy, but a sign of fascism.” He warned that if this trend continues, a situation of conflict, instability, and bloodshed may arise again in the country. The Jamaat Secretary General clearly stated that if the referendum verdict is not implemented in Parliament, those concerned will be forced to take to the streets. “If the verdict given by 5 crore people is not implemented in Parliament, we will go back to the people. A movement is the only way,” he said. He called on the government to return to implement the referendum verdict. However, he warned that time is running out. “There is still a chance. If we want to avoid a crisis, we have to respect the mandate of the people. Otherwise, the government will have to take responsibility,” he said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and the Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has already generated positive public sentiment. He made the remarks at a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. The rally began around 2:30 pm in front of the BNP's central office. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to address the gathering, with Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain in the chair. Rizvi said the government's first two months in office had been highly encouraging. "The beginning of this government has been excellent," he said, highlighting the fulfilment of promises made to farmers and low-income people. He said one of the government's notable achievements was resolving the acute fuel crisis, noting that the long queues once seen at petrol pumps had disappeared. Rizvi also referred to the government's response to the recent untimely floods in areas such as Sunamganj and Baliadangi, saying affected farmers would receive compensation within three months. He described the swift response as evidence of the administration's efficiency and capability. Referring to labour rights, Rizvi noted that German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck advocated for minimum wage more than 130 years ago. Yet, Bangladesh still does not have a national minimum wage, he said. Expressing disappointment, he said workers continue to be deprived of this basic right. He also criticised the large number of cases filed against workers, questioning how they could fight legal battles while also trying to earn a livelihood. "Workers are the backbone of civilisation. Their contributions must be recognised through a fair minimum wage," Rizvi said. He also stressed the need for a national policy to reopen closed industrial units. According to him, these factories possess vast assets that, if properly utilised, could create employment opportunities for millions of Bangladeshi workers.Rizvi further accused the previous government of deliberately shutting down several power plants, including those with capacities of 210 megawatts and 80 megawatts, as part of a "preplanned conspiracy." He expressed confidence that the current government would effectively address these challenges.  

BNP Standing Committee member and the Prime Minister's Political and Agricultural Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday called on every attendee at the party's May Day rally to recruit at least two new members for the BNP within the next year. He made the appeal while addressing a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. Nazrul said such an initiative would further strengthen the party and help defeat all conspiracies and political opponents. "If each of you can bring just two new members into the BNP over the next year, our strength will multiply significantly, and no force will be able to stand against us," he said. He expressed confidence that achieving this goal would ensure the party's continued success. Nazrul began his speech by paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the May Day movement and in struggles for workers' rights, both globally and in Bangladesh. He also paid homage to BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, saying Zia had identified himself as a worker and always upheld the dignity of labour. Nazrul praised former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for enacting the Labour Code and establishing the Labour Foundation to protect workers' rights and welfare. He also lauded Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leading the labour movement from abroad for many years and for incorporating workers' welfare into the party's election manifesto. "The BNP remains firmly committed to the welfare of working people, in line with the vision of Shaheed Zia, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman," he said. Nazrul noted that the current government has been in office for only two months, and while all problems cannot be solved immediately, he expressed optimism that the condition of workers would improve in the days ahead. He said the party's electoral pledges contained several important commitments for workers and that their full implementation would significantly improve the lives of the working class.