politics
BNP leader Moyeen Khan meets Peter Haas
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday met US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
The meeting was held at the US Embassy in the city’s Baridhara area in the afternoon.
Dr. Moyeen Khan, a senior leader who has been pushed to the forefront of BNP activities since almost their entire leadership was put in jail in the post-October 28 scenario, entered the premises of the US Embassy at 2:40 PM and departed around 4pm.
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
A post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka confirmed the meeting between Peter Haas and the BNP leader. The embassy also shared a photo of the meeting.
The post reads, “Embassy Dhaka is committed to promote democracy, transparency, tolerance, good governance, and respect for human rights. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard. Pleased to meet with Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.”
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Contacted, Dr Moyeen Khan said it was a courtesy call with Peter Haas. “We discussed various issues relating to democracy, human rights and the current situation of the country at the meeting.”
This was the first direct meeting of any BNP leader with the US ambassador after the January 7 national election.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
Syndicates nurtured by govt behind runaway prices: Manna
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna blamed market syndicates for the increase in commodity prices and alleged that the government itself is nurturing the market manipulators.
Speaking at a signature collection programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, he also said Sheikh Hasina's government, considers itself very powerful, but it cannot control the syndicate.
“They foster the syndicate like nurturing animals at home...our government nurtures many goons and the big businessmen in the country,” Manna said.
He said the government allows the syndicates to do whatever they want only to get their support in times of need such as during the election.
The Nagorik Oikya president said over a month has elapsed since the ‘so-called’ national election was held, but the prices of all commodities are higher than before. “An election was held on January 7, but the prices of the commodity still did not fall.”
Stating that the fasting month of Ramadan will begin on March 17, he questioned whether the government can reduce the price of goods to give some relief to the people. “The government has lifted taxes on rice, oil, sugar and dates... but the prices of these items have not decreased."
Manna said the government grants loans to big businessmen, only for that money to be illicitly siphoned off overseas.
He also alleged that different big companies siphon off money abroad without repaying bank loans as the government cannot take any action against them. “This regime also fails to address the soaring prices of commodities and it cannot ensure people have enough food to satisfy their hunger.”
The Nagorik Oikya leader said they believe it is possible to lower commodity prices by controlling the syndicate and increasing market monitoring.
Nagorik Oikya launched the mass signature collection programme in favour of democracy and to reject the January 7 national election.
The organisers said they are taking signatures of people from all walks of life in all cities and districts across the country as part of the party’s move to turn down the 12th parliamentary election and to justify the opposition parties’ demand for the restoration of democracy through a fresh election under a neutral government.
Manna said they have so far conducted eight signature campaigns in Dhaka city. “Similar signature campaigns have started in other cities and districts of Bangladesh. This signature campaign will continue. We will show millions of people give their signatures in favour of democracy to send out a message to the government that it has no right to stay in power.”
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Terming BNP a major political party till now, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said they are inactive now and made mistakes.
"They (BNP) are actually stuck in the quicksand of wrong politics," he said.
The minister made these remarks while talking to journalists at the Secretariat this afternoon.
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Regarding BNP's leaflet distribution programme, he said the BNP's politics is going deep into the ditch. "Before it was on the edge of the ditch but now it is going deep into the ditch," he added.
When asked about BNP's 15 leaders and activists dead in police custody, Obaidul Quader said: "Where and how did they die? Which prison or custody? Throwing stones in the dark will not make it happen."
Regarding Metrorail, Quader said initiatives are underway to reduce the movement frequency of metro rail in view of growing commuters' dependence on its service.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
He also said the coach numbers could not be increased due to technical reasons but the steps were taken to run a train every eight minutes while the current frequency is 10 minutes.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said increasing the number of metro coaches depends on technical matters.
"There is no metro rail in the world with more than 5 compartments but we have already been running with six coaches," he said.
The minister, however, said due to the increased demand, work is going on whether the frequency of the movement of metro rail can be reduced to 8 minutes from 10 minutes.
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
About the prices of essentials, the AL general secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already directed the authorities concerned to take effective steps to control the price hike.
"But the market cannot be controlled overnight. Many things depend on the world situation. The government is working by giving priority to public interest," he said.
Whether the size of the cabinet is expanding or not, Quader said the premier can say it but the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Culture may have ministers in the future.
He also said that winners from reserved women's seats can become ministers.
Suspended Naogaon-2 election on Monday
The election to the Naogaon-2 (Dhamoirhat and Patnitala) constituency, which was postponed following the death of independent candidate Aminul Haque, will be held on Monday.
The balloting will begin at 8am and will continue till 4pm without any break amid tight security, said Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Presiding Officer Asma Khatun.
All necessary preparations have already been completed for the elections to be conducted fairly and impartially, she added.
Four candidates are vying for election as MP.
A total of 1,412 people including 124 presiding officers and 706 assistant presiding officers will serve as polling officers.
Besides, 4 policemen in important centers and 3 policemen in general centers, 13 police mobile teams, and 3 striking teams deployed in the poling centres to ensure security.
Six check posts were also set up to check up on any inconsistency, upazila election office sources said.
Earlier on Dec 29, the Election Commission (EC) postponed the election for Naogaon-2 constituency due to the death of Aminul Haque.
BNP's program is nothing but restarting an old car: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister and Awami League joint general secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud hsd said that the BNP's newly-announced programme is nothing but trying to restart an old car that has remained inoperative.
In fact, he said, the leaders and workers of BNP have become very disappointed after the last national election and their leadership is questioned.
"They are talking about elections again. They have to wait for five years. Elections will be held after the five-year tenure of the elected current government is completed," said the AL leader while talking to reporters on Sunday evening.
On the occasion of Bangladesh being elected as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, the Shipping Ministry hosted an event where the foreign minister joined.
Read: BNP, some other political parties lack patriotism: NanakReferring to the honor of being elected to the IMO Council, Dr Hasan said this is a recognition of Bangladesh's advancement and progress in terms of trade through sea compared to many other countries.
The foreign minister said that the election of Bangladesh in the IMO Council will help the country to move forward in the field of sea trade.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Ministry Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke as special guests Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Md. Mostafa Kamal chaired the event.
Read: PM says BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities being triedCommodore Md. Maqsood Alam, Director General of the Directorate of Shipping, the country's focal point at IMO, delivered the welcome address.
The guests and the organizers cut a cake on the occasion and the artistes performed in the cultural function.
Read more: Terrorism, fraud, anti-national propaganda key elements of BNP's politics: FM
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
BNP on Sunday presented a list of its 15 leaders and activists who the party said died in prison before and after last October 28.
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi provided journalists with the list at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
Rizvi claimed 15 BNP leaders and workers perished in prison either without receiving adequate medical care or medication or as a result of torture and persecution during police remand.
He, however, said that the prison authorities gave similar typed interpretations after all the deaths that they died on the way to hospitals. “The fact is that they died in prisons, not in hospitals.”
Those who died in custody as per the party list include Khulna Jubo Dal leader Kamal Hossain Mizan, Satkhira BNP leaders Abdus Sattar, and Mohsin-ul Mulk, Rangpur BNP leader Manowarul Islam, Dhaka south city unit BNP leaders Idris Al, Abul Bashar, and Imtiaz Ahmed, Gazipur BNP leaders Asaduzzaman Khan Hira, and Mohammad Shafiuddin Master, Pabna BNP leader Abul Kalam Azad, Chattogram city unit BNP leader Golamur Rahman Golap, Natore Jubo Dal leader Abul Kalam Azad, Rajshahi Jubo Dal leader Monirul Islam, Naogaon BNP leader Motibul Mandal and Dhaka city unit Sramik Dal leader Fazlur Rahman Kajal.
Rizvi criticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her comments that those who want to raise questions about the fairness of the 12th general election must clearly show evidence in favour of their assertions.
“Those who commit crimes think of themselves as innocent. You (PM) yourself are the biggest proof of election fraud. Because the secretary of the Election Commission appointed by you himself said that the list of those who would win was given to the DCs.”
He said even the defeated candidates belonging to the ruling party presented information about vote fraud before the nation by holding press conferences.
The BNP leader said the local and international media also depicted various election irregularities and empty polling stations amid the boycott by the country’s people.
He said the country’s people and the international community also know how the government launched an extreme crackdown on the BNP leaders and workers and sent hundreds of opposition leaders and followers to jail for holding a lopsided dummy election.
The BNP leader said even Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud admitted that India kept Awami League in power by extending its support to the party, before addressing Sheikh Hasina: “Prime Minister, you cannot win people's hearts with lies.”
Junior commerce minister 'hopeful' about market conditions of essentials ahead of Ramadan
State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam (Tito) on Sunday issued a warning against hoarders and market manipulation.
He also hoped that the government will be able to ensure adequate supply of food items in the upcoming Ramadan.
“If any hoarding or manipulation is attempted, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
He said this in response to a question of the Independent MP elected from Habiganj, Syed Sayedul Haque Suman, in Parliament.
The state minister said that the prime minister gave instructions in the first cabinet meeting.
Explore new markets for Bangladesh's export items: PM Hasina tells BGMEA
“We are working through an inter-ministerial committee. The Prime Minister gave instructions yesterday (Saturday) so that there should be no hindrance at the level of transport and in market management,” he said.
He also mentioned that continuous and coordinated monitoring is going on.
“Hope to be able to ensure the supply of food in next Ramadan. If any kind of hoarding or manipulation is attempted, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
Replying to a supplementary question of ruling party MP elected from Jhenaidah-3 Constituency Md. Salah Uddin Miyaji, Tito said that the Prime Minister has given some guidelines in the first cabinet meeting to control the commodity prices.
“One of them is that a taskforce has been formed in coordination with three ministries: of agriculture, food and fish, and the ministry of commerce.”
He said that a hotline is in operation to monitor the price of each product at the import and production stage through the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection.
“If consumers are cheated or overcharged, we take immediate action. In the future, we are launching a hotline 333 before Ramadan. If any agricultural product is sold at a price higher than the reasonable price, they will take action as soon as they receive the call.”
The Minister said that the government is working to stabilise the market by not only policing the market but also ensuring adequate supply.
“On the occasion of the upcoming Ramadan, the amount of daily essentials required so far has been imported in sufficient quantity and is stocked. There is ample supply of any daily essentials starting from rice. If we can get it down to the consumer level now through fair market management we hope no hoarder will get a chance to manipulate,” he said.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
In response to another supplementary question of Awami League MP from Laxmipur Anwer Hossain Khan, the state minister said that the government has communicated with neighbouring country India regarding onion and sugar ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.
“And the export of these two products was prohibited, considering Bangladesh as a friendly neighboring country, we hope they will give permission to export onion and sugar before this Ramadan.”
He also mentioned that the foreign minister has visited India. From there he was assured that the process was underway.
“Hopefully we will try to ensure supply by bringing onions from India and alternative sources before the start of Ramadan.”
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that the ruling party's business syndicates have become more desperate to indulge in looting by increasing commodity prices after the January 7 election.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he said the country’s people are going through a serious ordeal to cope with the skyrocketing prices of essential items.
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
“The syndicates of the ruling party have become more reckless to plunder public money. The prices of daily necessities such as rice, pulses, oil, sugar, vegetables, fish and meat are increasing at an alarming rate,” the BNP leader said.
He also said that no vegetables are now available below Tk 80 to 100 per kg in this peak season for winter vegetables.
The BNP leader also bemoaned that fish and meat have gone beyond the purchasing capacity of the poor and ordinary people.
AL has to pay for Jan 7 election: Farroque
the rising commodity prices, the poor people are now buying pieces of sliced Pangasius fish from the market keeping meat and other fish out of their menu. “I have given an example of what terrible situation the low-income people and middle class are facing now…people are also buying chicken skin and legs to eat.”Rizvi said the government has increased the tariffs on gas, electricity and water several times illegally without considering the public interest.
He said the landlords are increasing the rents of their houses at a geometric rate, leaving the middle class and working people in the lurch.
India wants to see weak democracy in Bangladesh: Rizvi
BNP leader said their party’s one-point movement demanding the resignation of the current government and an election under a non-party neutral government will continue.“The one-point movement is marching towards victory by ensuring the fall of the usurper Awami League government with the unity, determination and heroism of the people. Sheikh Hasina won’t be able to suppress the political awakening that has been created. The victory of the people is certain.”
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
BNP on Sunday announced a six-day fresh programme, including mass contact and leaflet distribution, across the country beginning on Tuesday as part of its ongoing movement demanding the cancellation of 12th parliament and a fresh election under a non-partisan government.
Party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the announcement at a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office.
Unidentified man’s body found along Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar
As part of the programmes, he said the leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies will carry out mass contact and distribute leaflets in Dhaka and all other metropolitan cities on February 13 and 14 (Tuesday and Wednesday).
A similar programme will also observed in all district towns on February 17 and in all upazilas, thanas, municipalities and unions on February 18 and 19.
Besides, the party will arrange doa mahfil (prayer sessions) after Juma prayers in all mosques across the country on February 16 in memory of Bangladeshis killed recently in firing along Bangladesh and Myanmar borders.
Rizvi said their mass contact and leaflet distribution programmes are also meant to mount pressure on the government to control prices of essential commodities and to release BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other jailed leaders and activists.
He called upon the party’s leaders and workers at all levels to make their fresh programmes a success by braving all possible obstacles and adversities.
This will be the BNP's third round of street programme after the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7.
5 dead, 2 injured in covered van-autorickshaw collision in Cumilla
Earlier on January 27, BNP observed a black-flag procession programme in all metropolitan cities, including in Dhaka, demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliament and protesting the price hike of essential commodities.
Later, BNP announced to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital on January 30, the first day the 12th parliament went into session, demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
However, the police did not allow the BNP to take out processions at seven points in the capital on that day as the party was not permitted to observe the programme on the first day of the new parliament session.
AL has to pay for Jan 7 election: Farroque
BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque said on Saturday that the Awami League will have to "pay for ages for holding a "lopsided" election of the 12th Parliament on January 7.
Speaking at a human chain programme, he also urged the ruling party not to underestimate the BNP, as the party could stage a comeback on the streets anytime due to its huge popularity among the people of the country.
BNP, some other political parties lack patriotism: Nanak
“Mr Obaidul Quader, how do you say that BNP will have to pay a lot (for not joining the January 7 polls)? On the contrary, I would like to say you must pay the price. You will have to pay the price for ages because you have formed the government and arranged the election without the participation of the people,” the BNP leader said.
He also accused the Awami League government of creating a political crisis in the country by usurping power and snatching the voting rights of people. “You must be responsible for the stain you have put on the history of Bangladesh by destroying democracy. So, you will have to pay for it."
Border Tension: BNP says Bangladesh now in the jaws of crossfire
Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said constant firing is going on along the border while people's lives and livelihoods are at stake amid the growing hikes in essential commodities, and the economic backbone of the country is being broken as the Awami government has been staying in power without the support of the people.
He also said the time is very near for the Awami League to face the people for the stigma the party has put on the history of Bangladesh.
Border becomes endangered due to unpopular govt's passive role: BNP
Ziaur Rahman Samaj Kalyan Forum organised the human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and other parties' jailed leaders and workers.
Farroque alleged that the government foiled BNP’s grand rally in the capital on October 28 and subsequently arrested the senior BNP leaders, including Fakhrul, as part of its 'planned conspiracy' for holding the one-sided election.
He called upon the government to step down and take steps to hold a fair and credible election under a neutral government. “Otherwise, when the people's anger erupts, you will face a situation more dangerous than Sri Lanka."
Farroque said their party will be there on the streets with the people until the restoration of democracy and all the lost rights.