politics
Jamaat’s protest rally: DMP Commissioner will decide on permission, says Home Minister
Bangladesh's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today (June 7, 2023) addressed the issue of granting permission for Jamaat-e-Islami’s protest rally, saying that those involved in politics have the right to hold meetings and rallies.
“It is normal that they will express their opinions,” he said while speaking to reporters at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.
Also Read: 10 Jamaat-Shibir men detained from Banani: Police
However, he pointed out that Jamaat is currently not recognized as a political party by the Election Commission.
“Therefore, the DMP commissioner will make the final call on whether to permit the rally or not. The possibility of vandalism or disorder will be considered before making the final decision,” he said.
Also Read: Jamaat-e-Islami can get registered if conditions are met, says commissioner Alamgir
Regarding the discussions of foreign diplomats with various political parties, the home minister said that it is a matter concerning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The ministry is closely monitoring the situation and expects ambassadors to adhere to diplomatic protocols and fulfill their assigned duties appropriately,” said the home minister.
Also read: Rights activists slam US report’s claims about Jamaat
BNP’s 6 youth rallies rescheduled as Jubo League announces counter progamme
BNP’s three associate bodies on Wednesday rescheduled their planned “Youth Rally” in six districts to avoid chaos as the ruling party’s youth wing Jubo League announced a counter programme.
Jubo Dal President Sultan Salahuddin Tuku came up with the announcement at a press conference arranged by Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchasebak Dal at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He said they announced on June 2 to arrange six youth rallies—on June 11 in Chattogram, in Bogura on June 17, in Khulna on July 7, in Barishal on July 15, in Sylhet on July 22 and in Dhaka on July 29—peacefully to drum up the young generation’s support for their 10-point demand, including holding the next polls under a caretaker government.
“But we’ve got shocked as Awami Jubo League called a counter programme two days later. We think the announcement of the counter programmes on the same date and at the same place by Jubo League is a provocation and an evil attempt to create chaos,” the Jubo Dal president said.
Also read: BNP, like-minded parties set to observe sit-in in all cities, districts on Saturday
Claiming that Jubo Dal always believes in liberal and democratic politics he said, they have decided to reschedule their progamme to make it a success peacefully avoiding any confrontation.
As per the fresh schedules, Tuku said they will now hold the youth rally in Chattogram on June 14, in Bogura on June 19, in Barishal on June 24, in Sylhet on July 9, in Khulna on July 17 and in Dhaka on July 22.
He alleged that Awami League and its associate bodies have been doing politics resorting to violence and anarchy since their inception. “Indulging in enforced disappearances, murders, assaults, lawsuits to suppress the voice of the oppositions are their natural habits.”
Tuku said the Jubo League came up with the counter programme two days after the announcement of their peaceful youth rally only to create anarchy in the country as the current government has destroyed all political norms and culture.
Also read; BNP fears severe economic crisis soon due to dollar crunch
“They could have given their programme on different days. We’re on a movement for democracy, and we believe in peaceful politics. That is why we're rescheduling our programme,” he observed.
Earlier on June 2, Tuku said they would arrange the youth rally in six districts with a slogan “Let the young generation vote, fight for votes” to unite the youth on the streets to restore democracy and the voting rights of the people.
Amu opens door for govt to hold talks with BNP on election issues
Senior Awami League leader and coordinator of the 14-party grand alliance Amir Hossain Amu on Tuesday hinted at the possibility of talks between the government and the opposition with a view to resolving election issues.
"It is not possible to resolve the crisis through any other means than dialogue. And if they (BNP) try to come to power unconstitutionally, the people will resist," he said, while addressing a 14-party protest rally against domestic and international conspiracies against the country at Bangabandhu Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.
Also read: US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul
He even held out the possibility of talks mediated by a UN representative, similar to the efforts of Fernandez Taranco in 2013.
"There can be discussion on anything with the BNP. The door to dialogue is always open to continue the democratic trend. If necessary, talks can be held with the BNP with the mediation of an UN representative," he said.
Also read: Neither AL nor govt afraid of US visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Meanwhile, the United States has announced a visa policy to ensure the free and fair conduct of the upcoming elections. At the same time, the country's multi-faceted activities regarding the upcoming elections are visible.
US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas held a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday. He also held a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Also read: BNP urges voters to boycott five city polls
Two days ago, he held a meeting with Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader.
BNP’s nationwide sit-in on June 8 to protest loadshedding
The BNP will hold an hour-long sit-in programme in front of all the district offices of the Power Division across the country on June 8 to protest the ongoing loadshedding and 'corruption' in the power sector.
Besides, the party will also submit a memorandum to the district power offices on the same day.
BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme on Tuesday at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office.
Also Read: People suffer as severe load shedding continues countrywide
He said the programme was worked out at a meeting of their party’s standing committee, the highest policy-making body, on Monday night.
“A sit-in program will be observed from 11am to 12pm in front of the power office at the district headquarters on June 8 and a memorandum will be submitted there in protest against the unbearable loadshedding and massive corruption in the power sector,” the BNP leader said.
Also Read: Imagine if electricity generation capacity were still 3000 MW like in BNP-Jamaat govt period: Nasrul Hamid
He said people are going through unbearable suffering due to terrible power outages across the country. "In villages and towns, people get electricity for one or two hours in 24 hours. People are experiencing loadshedding for five-six hours during the day as well.”
The BNP leader also said power is also not available in the capital for more than 3/4 hours every day.
He alleged that the government looted thousands of crores of taka in the name of quick rental power projects and subsidies for the power sector. “Their (govt) fraudulence is now clearly exposed before the people through the rampant loadshedding.”
Also Read; Sylhet BNP expels 43 leaders for contesting city polls
“The Awami government has committed a criminal offence by creating scope for looting in the power sector. The indemnity law has been enacted to legitimize looting in the power sector. That is why those involved in these quick-rental projects should be arrested. They’re the biggest enemies of the people,” the BNP leader said.
He condemned the attack at on the peaceful road march programme of Ganatantra Mancha in Bogura.
Neither AL nor govt afraid of US visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said Awami League and the government are not afraid of the visa policy of the United States as they always respect the constitution, democracy, human rights and rule of law.
'If this visa policy is implemented properly, there is a danger that BNP leaders and workers will come under it as they have always been disrupting the democratic process and trying to disrupt the electoral system and create deadlock in constitutional politics through terrorism in the name of preventing elections,' he said.
Quader, also the minister for road transport and Bridges, said this in a written statement.
Read: BNP’s plot to boycott election failed for US new visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Awami League general secretary said that BNP leaders have been trying to create a false myth about "murderer-dictator" Ziaur Rahman.
"Basically this Ziaur Rahman destroyed the democracy and constitution of Bangladesh," he said.
He said that Ziaur Rahman empowered the pro-Pakistan forces by forming a political party through the government intelligence agency by accommodating all the "scumbags, pro-Pakistani politicians and war criminals".
'Pakistani philosophy was practiced against the spirit of the Great Liberation War. Day after day, Awami League's office was locked and Awami League's politics was practically banned,' Obaidul Quader said.
Read: US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul
'It is a matter of great regret that today some leaders of BNP have revealed their bankruptcy so much that they can no longer be called a political organization. Without trusting the people, the BNP leaders are desperate to come to power through foreign masters,' he said.
Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Fakhrul discusses election, campaign processes with US envoy
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas at the ambassador’s residence in Gulshan on Tuesday afternoon.
They discussed “free and fair elections and campaign processes, and additional important priorities the United States and Bangladesh share,” the US Embassy in Dhaka said in a twitter post.
Read more: Won’t get into specific election results in another country, Vedant Patel says on Gazipur City Polls
A private car carrying the BNP secretary general entered the envoy’s residence at 1:20pm and the car came out at 2:24pm, said BNP chief's media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
However, BNP refused to comment on the visit.
Read more: US consistent on the need for free, fair election in Bangladesh: White House
Earlier on April 16, a 3-member delegation including BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, its standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and organising secretary Shyama Obaid met the US ambassador at his Gulshan residence.
Read more: Sylhet BNP expels 43 leaders for contesting city polls
Although the BNP had refused to comment on that meeting, the US Embassy in Dhaka in a Facebook post said they discussed the importance of free and fair elections and a nonviolent political process.
Sylhet BNP expels 43 leaders for contesting city polls
Forty-three BNP leaders, including independent mayoral candidate Md. Salah Uddin Rimon, have been expelled for life from the party for contesting the upcoming Sylhet City Corporation election -- defying the party's decision to boycott all polls under the incumbent government.
Of those expelled, 38 are male and four are female councillor candidates.
BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi issued a notice in this regard on Monday night, Sylhet city unit President Nasim Hossain confirmed.
Read more: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
He said, "The 43 leaders and activists have been permanently expelled for disobeying the party's decision to not take part in the upcoming Sylhet city polls."
Initially, show-cause notices were sent to 41 leaders and activists for their participation in the election, defying the party's directives on Saturday (June 3). However, they failed to provide a satisfactory response, prompting the central leadership to take further action. Later, two more names were added to the list.
According to a part of the expulsion letter, "Your (the expelled BNP leaders) decision to contest as a candidate in the SCC polls, disregarding the party's decision, is unacceptable. Your actions betray the aspirations of the pro-democracy community, including the families who have suffered enforced disappearances, murders, and government repression during the past 15 years of the democratic movement.
Read more: BCC polls: 19 BNP leaders expelled for life in Barishal
"As per the provisions of the party constitution, you are expelled for life from all positions, including primary membership of BNP. Your name will be remembered as a dishonest, traitorous figure in the history of saving democracy, similar to Mir Jafar," it said.
Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, president of Sylhet district BNP, said that the party had chosen not to participate in the elections under the current government and Election Commission (EC).
"Those who disregarded the party's decision and became candidates have been expelled for life by the central BNP leadership," he added.
Since the establishment of Sylhet City Corporation in 2002, four elections have been held so far. Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran emerged as the winner in the inaugural election of 2003.
Read more: BNP’s associate bodies to hold rallies with youths in six districts
Khulna city polls: EC bans bike movement for 72 hrs, other vehicles for 24 hrs
The Election Commission has imposed a ban on the movement of motorcycles for 72 hours and other vehicles for 24 hours in the Khulna metropolitan area during the city corporation (KCC) election slated for June 12.
The restriction on the plying of motorcycles is set to come into effect on Saturday midnight, and for other vehicles from Sunday midnight in the election areas.
Read: Will ensure level playing field in KCC polls: CEC
A letter has been sent to the Ministry of Road Transport to take necessary measures in this regard, said a notification of the Election Commission issued on Sunday.
According to the letter, movement of trucks, buses, minibuses, microbuses, vans, cars and easy bikes will be restricted from June 11 midnight to June 12 midnight.
In case of motorcycles, the restriction will be effective from June 10 midnight to June 13 midnight.
Read: KCC Election: 161 polling stations out of 289 vulnerable
However, the vehicles with EC stickers, those belonging to emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks, will remain out of the ban's purview.
Besides, the Election Commission has formed the Election Tribunal and the Election Appeal Tribunal to settle election-related disputes.
Senior Assistant Judge of Khulna Senior Assistant Judge Court will serve in the Election Tribunal, while Additional District and Sessions Judge, First Court, and Additional District Magistrate of Khulna will perform duties in the Election Appellate Tribunal.
Ganatantra Mancha’s road march allegedly attacked in Bogura
The motorcade of Ganatantra Mancha was allegedly attacked during the coalition’s road march at Mokamtola port in Bogura’s Shibganj upazila.
Leaders of the seven party coalition accused local Awami League activists of attacking the convoy with sticks and bricks and injuring three of its leaders and activists.
They condemned the incident and demanded the arrests of the culprit during a press conference held at Bogura Press Club on Monday.
Read: RCC Polls: Ward councillor candidate, his two supporters injured in knife attack
Junaid Saki, coordinator of Ganasanghati, a top leader of the Ganatantra Mancha, said the convoy was attacked as they were moving with their road march towards Bogura after the rally at Joypurhat Road intersection near Mokamtola port.
Saki also accused the police of non-cooperation during the attack.
Ganatantra Mancha's top leader Saiful Haque and other central and district leaders were present at the press conference.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna addressed the rally presided over by Shibganj Upazila Nagorik Oikya convener Shahidul Islam.
Junaid Saki, chief coordinator of The People's Solidarity Movement, Saiful Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh Biplobi Workers Party, Hasnat Qayyum, chief coordinator of the Rastra Sangskar Andolon, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, convener of Bhasani Onusari Parishad, Kamal Uddin Patwari, acting general secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob), Shahidullah Kawsar, general secretary of Nagorik Oikya, Advocate Sanwar, leader of Ganatantra Mancha, also spoke at the rally.
Read: 600 BNP men sued over attack on police in Chattogram
Nagorik Oikya leaders Abdul Based Badshah, Bidyut Amin Saikat, SM Saddam Hossain, Saidur Rahman Sagar, Harunur Rashid, Enamul Haque, Jubo Nagorik Oikya leaders Amit Hasan, Rashidul Islam, Nagorik Nari Oikya leaders Beauty Begum, Najma Khatun, Chhatra Oikya leaders Rashed Mahmud Tushar and Siam Chowdhury were present on the occasion.
Calling the government illegal, the speakers at the road march urged the people to take to the streets against the government.
“The present government is in power by force. It has taken a stand against the people by taking away the right to vote. They’re trying to consolidate power by changing the constitution.”
US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (June 5, 2023) alleged that the US visa policy for Bangladesh is the outcome of Awami League’s misrule and mischievous activities.
Speaking at a seminar, he also said that democratic countries are creating various pressures on the current regime to restore democracy as it has destroyed all democratic institutions.
“The USA has imposed sanctions and announced visa policy. It’s a matter of shame for us, not a matter of joy. A country has imposed (visa) restriction on an independent and sovereign country, because of this Awami League government’s misrule, mischievous activities and plundering,” the BNP leader said.
Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
Fakhrul said the Awami League regime has destroyed all the democratic systems, and institutions, including the judiciary, to cling to power by any means.
“They've (govt) politicised the parliament and the administration, dashing the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic state and a democratic society. So, the democratic world is not seeing any other measures rather than imposing restrictions on Bangladesh for the restoration of democracy as the current regime has taken the country to such a bad situation,” he observed.
Fakhrul said they together with people and all democratic forces and parties must carry out the movement to restore democracy, give it an institutional shape and build a democratic free society.
Red more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
“We have to build a democratic country in a true sense through a united movement. We want to take this vow on the occasion of the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman," he added.
BNP arranged the seminar titled 'Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the promoter of multi-party system in Bangladesh' at a city hotel, marking the 42nd death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Professor Kamrul Ahsan of Jahangirnagar University's Philosophy Department read out the keynote paper at the programme, depicting the different good initiatives taken by late President Zia for the development of Bangladesh and the welfare of its people.
Read more: BNP’s plot to boycott election failed for US new visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Fakhrul said the Awami League government has now become completely isolated from the country's people and it has no relation with democracy.
He said the ruling party tries to brand Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established one-party Baksal rule destroying democracy against the will of the people as the greatest democratic leader in the world.
The BNP leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is called by her party followers a daughter of democracy has annulled the caretaker government system unilaterally by force also against the will of people and the all political parties.
Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
He said the country’s people had accepted the caretaker government as a good system for ensuring free, fair and credible national elections in the country, but the Awami League government revoked it to cling to power by force.
“So, we’ve now only one way which is to wake up people as Ziaur Rahman did to liberate the country through the war,” Fakhrul said.
He said their party’s many leaders and activists were killed, repressed, made disappear, arrested and jailed in the ongoing movement for the restoration of democracy. ‘We have to make more sacrifices for the sake of the country and win the struggle to bring back democracy.”
Read more: Kader Siddique calls US visa policy a disgrace for Bangladesh