United News of Bangladesh

Stating that the government should not make any hasty decisions regarding constitutional matters, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called upon all to maintain the national unity at any cost to resist any plots by evil quarters. While virtually exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community, he also urged the members of different religious communities not to be misled by any conspiracy or rumours propagated by associates of the deposed fascist Awami League aimed at destabilising the country. “The national unity that has been forged based on the screams of thousands of wounded people and the bloodshed of many must be maintained at any cost,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said he believes that if the political and economic empowerment of people can be ensured, no one will be able to take away people's freedom through any conspiracy. He also said the BNP believes the interim government must not fail as such a failure would represent a setback for pro-democratic and pro-Bangladesh forces. . “I would like to say that our ongoing movement will continue until the political and economic empowerment of the people is achieved.” The BNP leader mentioned that there are various discussions and analyses among political parties and even within the government regarding the formation process of the interim administration. “Some are raising questions about why the interim government has been sworn in under the current constitution or whether it is a revolutionary government.” At this point in time, Tarique feared that the questions regarding the formation process could hinder the government's dynamism and lead to a diversion from its objectives. “So, BNP thinks that in matters directly related to national security or constitutional provisions, it is essential to avoid hasty decisions in governing the country. Instead, a well-thought-out and well-considered approach should be followed, making it easier to address any future challenges,” he observed.  Although some differences have emerged among the political parties following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the BNP leader said, “I believe our goal is the same—establishing a discrimination-free, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Therefore, BNP does not see any room for misunderstandings among us.” Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Kalyan Front arranged the programme at the Ladies Club in the city's Eskaton area to greet members of the Hindu community and exchange views with them, marking the Durga Puja, which was celebrated in the country with due respect and religious fervour from October 9 to 12. BNP joins legal battle with others against 15th Amendment  Greeting the members of the Hindu community, Tarique said, “We have just one message: whether believer, non-believer, skeptic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or from an ethnic minority, this Bangladesh belongs to all of us. It’s not about being a so-called minority or majority; our only identity is that we are all Bangladeshis.”  As citizens of Bangladesh, he said, “Your rights are just as important as mine. The interests of Bangladesh must come first for all of us. In governance and administration, we will prioritise meritocracy. The principle of the BNP is that everyone in this country will enjoy equal rights.”  Narrating the injustices and oppression faced by Hindus and various communities during the 15 years of the "mafia government," the BNP leader said pro-Bangladesh forces are now united to create a state and society where people of all religions and backgrounds can safely and confidently celebrate their religious programmes and rituals in the future.  “Our message to everyone is clear: religion is for individuals, and the right to security belongs to all. So, I humbly urge you not to respond to any provocations from the fugitive dictator and their associates. Please do not listen to any rumours or gossip,” he said.  Tarique noted that the fallen and defeated forces created communal tensions over the last 15 years to serve their own interests.  He called on everyone to remain vigilant to prevent the associates of the fugitive dictator from hatching plots using various religious communities for their narrow political gains. “During the past 15 years of the submissive government, security was ensured for criminals and those engaged in various offenses, leaving followers of religions in anxiety and distress,” he observed.  Tarique also said it will not be easy for the interim government to achieve its desired goals while keeping the beneficiaries of the deposed authoritarian government in key state positions.  He mentioned that the interim government has already formed various reform commissions to address the fragile condition of the country created by the mafia government, stating that completing the ongoing reform process, which aims to clear the debris of 15 years, is a massive task.  “But it’s crucial to ensure that while executing this extensive task, the daily struggles of the people are addressed. If the economic and political empowerment of the people is overlooked, the reform initiatives of the interim government will come into question. So, it’s essential for this government’s actions to be agenda-driven based on priority.” BNP Standing Committee members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, AZM Zahid Hossain, Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, Netai Roy Chowdhury, and Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Prof. Sukomal Barua, Bijon Kanti Sarker, Afroza Khanam Rita and Gonoforum General Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, among others, addressed the programme with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was included on Tuesday as  a party in  the writ petition filed challenging the legality of the 15th amendment to the constitution. The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury accepted the petition filed by Fakhrul to be included as a party in the petition. Advocate Joynul Abedin stood for BNP. Joynul Abedin said it is not revealed in the writ petition why the caretaker government was introduced in the constitution and some important information was also missing in the petition. “From now we can place our comments during the hearing of the petition and place our arguments,” he said. The HC also fixed Wednesday for hearing the rule issued by the HC seeking explanation as to why the 15th amendment of the constitution should not be declared contradictory to the constitution. On August 19, the High Court issued a rule asking why the 15th amendment should not be declared contradictory to the constitution. Secretaries to the Law Ministry and Parliament were  made respondents to the rule which is returnable in four weeks. The 15th amendment was made by  parliament on June 30, 2011 during the AL-led government and a gazette was published in this regard on July 3, 2011. The provision of the caretaker government system was also scrapped on that day. Besides, the number of reserved seats for women on parliament was increased up to 50 from 45. A High Court bench on August 19 issued the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJON) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder and four others.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday expressed concern that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is once again trying to incite violence and bloodshed in Bangladesh from India. "An audio of Sheikh Hasina’s conversation was leaked on Sunday, in which she instructs the Jubo League and Chhatra League to prepare for armed resistance. It means she’s issuing threats of bloodshed,” he said. Speaking at a programme in Azimpur area of the capital, the BNP leader also said it is very clear that Sheikh Hasina is making awful comments to trigger violence from a neighbouring country. “I would say that after the birth of Sheikh Hasina, she’s given bitter gourd juice, whereas in our country, it is customary to feed newborns honey," Rizvi said. He urged all to stay alert to ensure that the student-led mass movement does not fail due to excesses by any quarter. "All of us involved in the movement must remain vigilant as Sheikh Hasina is not sitting idle, and neither are those who gave her shelter.” Rizvi, along with leaders and activists of the Dhaka South City unit, distributed leaflets in the Azimpur area to raise awareness among the people about dengue disease. Rizvi slammed the interim government for its failure to control the market and keep the commodity prices within the buying capacity of the lower-income people. Rizvi accuses govt of 'hide and seek' over arrest of Hasina's ministers He pointed out that while rice prices are decreasing in various countries, they are rising in Bangladesh. The BNP leader urged the government to take effective measures to lower the increasing prices of essential commodities, as people are facing serious problems. "Why is there so much uproar over the removal of the President? Why are we complicating matters and creating a crisis in the country? This is not the main issue facing us," he questioned. After ousting Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said, it is now the responsibility of the nation to hold her associates accountable and prosecute them. “The contributions of those who carried out the ant-discrimination movement, paving the path for the restoration of democracy will be recorded in history by the people of the country. However, we must avoid actions driven by emotion that could risk violating the constitution and invite danger,” he warned. Rizvi said there are associates of Sheikh Hasina's even within the interim government. "You (govt) appointed Ali Imam Majumder as an adviser, who played a significant role during the 1/11 period and held important positions during Sheikh Hasina's tenure." He said many others are there like Ali Imam who helped prolong the bloody misrule of Sheikh Hasina and those who collaborated with her are still moving freely all around.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday said the deposed Awami League will not be able to stage a comeback in Bangladesh politics if BNP and Jamaat and other parties remain united. Speaking at a memorial meeting, he also said BNP is willing to rebuild the country together with its longstanding ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in the days ahead. "We ousted the Awami League in the past… let’s strive to remain united at all times and work together to rebuild this country beautifully," the BNP leader said. Abbas made the remarks during a discussion organised by the Dhaka south city unit of Jamaat at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of those killed on that day in 2006 with oars and sticks. Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, recalled the severe repression and suppression faced by opposition leaders and workers during the Awami League rule. “We endured many pains, but now we feel relieved that we reaped the results of our suffering and struggle on August 5," Abbas said. He also said the nation achieved a Bangladesh without Hasina on August 5, after a long struggle and immense sacrifices over 17 years. Hasina trying to trigger violence in Bangladesh: BNP  “We now desire a Bangladesh without the Awami League... the Awami League and decent people, the Awami League and democracy cannot coexist. The Awami League is actually devil's friend,” he mentioned. The BNP leader said that although the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina has fled the country to India, her associates remain here. "There’s no reason to be happy about the ousting of the Awami League, as their cohorts and supporters are still in the same positions throughout Bangladesh's politics, culture, Secretariat, police and BGB." He emphasised that fully reestablishing democracy in Bangladesh will not be possible while Hasina's associates hold various positions, as they continue to devise different plots. The BNP leader urged all democratic parties to unite and avoid making conflicting remarks to thwart plots of Hasina’s associates and the neighbouring country, India. "Otherwise, our neighbour will continue to manipulate us, and we can't allow that to happen in any way." On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he extended greetings to the leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami. Abbas said those who killed people with oars and sticks in 2006 must be brought to justice. "If the trial for the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman can be held after 40 years, the trial for these killings can be conducted even after 80 years." He also prayed for salvation of the departed souls of Jamaat leaders, including Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, who, he said, were unjustly executed. "Those responsible for their deaths, including judges, police, and magistrates, should also be held accountable."

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari on Monday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed bilateral issues and the revival of Saarc to enhance regional cooperation. The hour-long meeting, which began around 10:30am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the capital. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, party’s international affairs committee member Shama Obaed, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepali embassy in Dhaka, Lalita Silwal, were present at the meeting. After the meeting, Amir Khosru briefed reporters on the outcomes of the meeting. "Our relationship with Nepal is long-standing. We discussed various issues related to bilateral interests, regional cooperation and potentials," he said. Khosru said that their party believes Bangladesh should strengthen its ties with Nepal as a democratic state in South Asia. “We hope to see a reflection of human rights, good governance, and improved bilateral and regional relations in the days ahead." He said Bangladesh has enjoyed a strong relationship and cooperation with Nepal for a long time. “But we have not fully exploited the potential of the friendly ties as we should have." Khosru mentioned that they discussed with the Nepalese Ambassador how to utilise Saarc for regional development, people-to-people relations, and enhancing connectivity and economic progress in South Asia. “We have not been able to take Saarc to the level envisioned by the late President Ziaur Rahman. The Nepalese ambassador also shares the view that the region's potential has not been fully unlocked through SAARC,” he stated. The BNP leader said they also talked about collaborating to elevate Saarc for better regional cooperation and development. Khosru said they also discussed the possibility of importing Nepal's affordable hydroelectric power to Bangladesh.

Awami League on Sunday rejected claims of holding any sort of political programme saying that it is rumour. It also said that if anything is planned it will be announced through proper channel. “There is a deep conspiracy going on against Awami League. Until an announcement is made on the official page, any program news is definitely rumours,” Awami League said in its verified Facebook page. It also mentioned that any party decision will be communicated from Awami League office and through social media. Plots afoot to create constitutional crisis: Salahuddin “Do not be misled by any kind of propaganda,” it said. A media outlet from Pakistan recently reported that Awami League under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina may soon begin street agitation against the interim government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday called upon all to remain alert as plots are afoot to create constitutional crisis to undermine the achievements of the student-led mass revolution.  Speaking at a programme of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, he also said whether the Awami League can continue to do politics in Bangladesh after committing genocide will be determined by the country's people. “Many attempts are being made to create a constitutional crisis in the country. If there is a constitutional crisis, a state crisis, or a political crisis, we must first analyse what forces are behind these political challenges. We need to assess what the potential outcomes will be," the BNP leader said. He said it is also necessary to evaluate who wants to benefit from the post-revolution changes and who wants to spoil them. Elected government now a demand of the time: BNP Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, also said the accomplices of fascism must be identified to prevent their plots. “We must consider whether the fruits of the revolution are being stolen after the revolution. To prevent a state crisis and a constitutional crisis from arising, we need to remain vigilant to ensure that fallen fascism cannot take advantage of these situations," he said. The BNP leader also said everyone should remain aware so that no state or constitutional crisis arises in the country. The Dhaka North city unit of Jamaat-e-Islami organised the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center to exchange views with the family members of those who were brutally martyred by the fascist Awami League.   

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday said a recent demonstration outside Bangabhaban is a sign of a reactionary group's attempt to create a new political crisis in the country. While addressing a representative meeting of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), he urged the BNP's alliance partners, including the 12-party coalition, to prepare to thwart any conspiracy against the country. “We think a reactionary group is trying to trigger unrest in the current political context of Bangladesh. The recent agitation outside Bangabhaban hints at a plot to create a new political crisis in the country,” he said. The BNP leader also mentioned that conspiracies are underway to destabilise the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. He said their party has unwavering trust in Dr Yunus' government. “To maintain this trust, you must immediately announce the election date after consulting all political parties. This will help us understand the direction the country is heading towards.” Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in Parliament, emphasised that the country should be governed by those who engage in politics for the welfare of the people. “We hope you (govt) will swiftly clear the mess created by Sheikh Hasina's misrule to ensure a credible national election.” Elected government now a demand of the time: BNP He said the government needs to focus on reforms related to the election, including the reconstitution of the Election Commission. “We do not want an Election Commission like the one led by (Kazi Habibul) Awal, which announces results after waking up from sleep. We want an election where voting takes place during the day, not at night." The BNP leader alleged that the Awami fascist regime severely repressed opposition leaders and workers to cling to power. “Many of our leaders and activists, including Choudhury Alam and Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance. They (Hasina regime) created a torture centre known as Ayna Ghar. They have killed many, leaving countless mothers in grief by producing police officers like Harun and Biplob," he observed. Farroque said Sheikh Hasina has plotted to make Bangladesh a part of India by remaining in power until 2040. “But she had to flee to India in the face of a student-led mass movement. He said the students, leaders of the anti-discrimination movement, the masses, and BNP and other party leaders and activists were on the streets to ensure the fall of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule, with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman acting as mastermind of the revolution. He questioned how India could provide shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who is responsible for the killing of several thousand people in Bangladesh. The BNP leader expressed frustration that, although two and a half months have passed since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, all the political cases against Tarique Rahman have still not been withdrawn.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the interim government should operate within the constitutional framework avoiding any imprudent steps. “The only way to overcome every crisis is to hold a credible national election after completing all the necessary reforms related to the electoral process,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, accompanied by leaders and members of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, marking its 46th founding anniversary. Asked about BNP’s position on the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin following the meeting with students, he said, “We can’t provide BNP's position like this... we have a party forum, and we will clarify our stance after discussing it at that forum meeting.” Fakhrul emphasised that what is essential is a national unity to consolidate the revolution in Bangladesh and harvest its results. “We believe that all actions should be conducted within a constitutional framework without resorting to any arbitrary measures.” He said their party has consistently urged the government to arrange an impartial election swiftly by implementing necessary electoral reforms. Sought comments if BNP believes the crisis will worsen if the election is delayed, he responded that the government must take immediate steps to organise the national election to address the crisis. “A constitutional political force should take charge of the country and govern through a neutral election. This alone can resolve all crises.” Fakhrul appreciated the role of Jubo Dal in the student-led mass uprising aimed at overthrowing the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. By placing a wreath at Zia’s grave, he said they pledged that they would protect at any cost Bangladesh’s independence. “BNP and its associate bodies never compromised on the question of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and they won’t do it in the future,” Fakhrul said. He said the nation was liberated for the second time by ousting the fascist Awami League on August 5 after a long struggle and Jubo Dal played a significant role there. Fakhrul said Jubo Dal has now become much stronger under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Jubo Dal will surely play an active role in consolidating the country’s independence and sovereignty, making the student-led mass uprising meaningful.” He urged the Jubo Dal to remain alert to resist and defeat the enemies of Bangladesh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon, along with BNP senior leaders, went to Zia’s grave at 11:30am and paid homage to Zia. They also offered fateha there and prayed for the eternal peace of the soul of Ziaur Rahman. BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, Chairperson’s advisory council member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, and former Jubo Dal President Saiful Alam Nirab were, among others, present. Later in the afternoon, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain inaugurated a day-long medical camp and voluntary blood donation programme at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the Jubo Dal’s founding anniversary.  

Representatives from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Saturday discussed various issues with the BNP, including the removal of the President. After the meeting, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah briefed reporters about the outcome, but there was no statement from the BNP. The seven-member delegation of student leaders arrived at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 5:15 PM and had a closed-door meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, and Joint Secretary General Shaheeduddin Chowdhury. Hasnat Abdullah said they mainly discussed three issues—the proclamation of the Second Republic, the removal of the President, and consolidating national unity. "As you know, we earlier called for national unity, urging all democratic political parties to come together to bring down the fascist Sheikh Hasina. This was a preliminary step," he said. "Currently, we face obstacles in fully eliminating fascism, particularly Chuppu (President Mohammad Shahabuddin). He should be removed. For the past two days, we have been in talks over these issues with prominent political parties in our country that participated in the mass uprising. We’ve discussed these matters with the BNP," Hasnat said. Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah demands removal of President In the meeting, he said, they discussed how to declare the Proclamation of the Second Republic, how to quickly remove the President based on political consensus, and how to avoid any kind of crisis. "We also talked about how to strengthen national unity." Besides the BNP, he mentioned they also spoke with Jamaat and Islami Andolon about it, and they agreed with their position. "Jamaat has already clarified its position, stating the President has no moral grounds to remain in his post," Hasnat said. He noted that Islami Andolon also expressed a desire for the prompt removal of the President based on national unity. Hasnat also said they will hold talks with other parties and alliances on these matters. "We’ll continue our discussions to reinforce the national unity that was formed before August 5 to build a new Bangladesh free from fascism." He mentioned that the discussion was held in an amicable atmosphere and that the BNP would clarify its position after discussion in their party forum. "We hope they will come up with a positive response." Apart from Hasnat, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement spokesperson Umma Fatema, Member Secretary Arif Shohel, Organiser Abdul Hannan Masud, Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patoari, Spokesperson Samantha Sharmin, and member Akhter Hossain were among the seven leaders present. Nasir Uddin Patiwari said, "Chuppu must go, but we are not setting a specific timeframe."