United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said the party will begin discussions on seat sharing with its political allies once the election schedule is announced.  “We’ve not reached that stage yet to talk about seat sharing. This process will begin once the election schedule is announced and election-related activities start,” he said. Khosru, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting between BNP’s liaison committee and the Gono Odhikar Parishad at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the seat-sharing issue will be addressed only after the election process officially begins. “We’ll discuss it with all like-minded parties once the schedule is announced.” During the meeting with Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders, Khosru said they shared the outcome of the recent meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. PM’s term limit to curb path to autocracy: Salahuddin He mentioned that both parties are pleased with the announcement that the election is likely to be held in February next year. The BNP leader also said they discussed how to move forward and carry out necessary preparations ahead of the election, including how to implement the 31-point reform agenda. “As we were united during the movement, we’ll move forward together in the coming days – during the election, in forming the government and in implementing the 31-point reform.” Speaking about the ongoing meetings of the National Consensus Commission, Khosru said reforms will be carried out based on issues where political parties can agree. “There is no scope to go beyond that.” He said every party has its own political ideas, philosophy and future goals. “So, it’s not necessary to reach a consensus on everything. Some issues are important to BNP, while others matter more to different parties. These differences will remain. That’s why the reforms will focus on the agreed issues, while other matters will be presented to the people in the election.” Khosru said BNP is waiting for the government’s decision on swearing in its leader Ishraque Hossain as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), following a court ruling that declared him the winner of the DSCC election. “The judiciary has given a clear decision by declaring Ishraque the mayor. The Election Commission also approved this and gave its opinion. So, legally, he should take charge as mayor,” he said. EU envoy hopes for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh: Khosru Khosru said both the BNP and the current interim government believe in the rule of law. “We firmly believe that if we truly follow the rule of law, it is only natural for Ishraque to be sworn in as mayor. We are now waiting for the government’s decision in this regard.”  

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years will help curb autocracy and fascism, expressing the hope that the ongoing talks will lead to a national consensus on reforms. “Many of you have talked a lot about reforms here. But no one has expressed disappointment because we are all optimistic,” he told a discussion. The BNP leader said the National Consensus Commission is taking too much time for discussions on the reform proposals. “But I believe we will be able to reach a consensus at one point.” He said the nation has already seen what considerations the BNP has taken in the national interest to come to a consensus. “We have said that no person can sit as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for more than 10 years. Through this, the emergence of dictatorship and fascism has been stopped.” He went on to say, “Isn't it a great achievement of ours that we limited the term of the Prime Minister to 10 years?” Nagorik Oikya arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its 13th founding anniversary. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said all the constitutional and democratic institutions of the state must be built on a strong foundation as a safeguard for democracy. He said there is no alternative to establishing an independent Election Commission in the country to prevent the rise of dictatorship. “If a truly independent Election Commission can conduct elections under a caretaker government system, then the rise of dictatorship can be stopped in this country. A strong democratic structure cannot be built by weakening the executive branch alone,” the BNP leader said. He said freedom of the press is also necessary for safeguarding and consolidating democracy. “A country where press freedom is 100% is a country where democracy is 100%… We all, from the political parties and the government, will cooperate to ensure press freedom.” The BNP leader said all organs of the state should be allowed to operate independently within their legal and constitutional jurisdiction, instead of limiting the authority of any one. “There should be harmonious cooperation among all the organs of the state.” “The executive branch must be allowed to perform its duties, the judiciary must be allowed to carry out its responsibilities, and the legislature must do its job of making laws. This is where a complete balance of power lies,” he said. If this is ensured, Salahuddin said, no organ will be able then to exert control over another or interfere in its functions. “Each will act as a balancing force, serving as a safeguard for the others." He also emphasised the need for ensuring full independence of the judiciary. “If we can guarantee judicial independence constitutionally, it will act as a safeguard for democracy. Secondly, freedom of the media must be ensured. And third, a caretaker government system must be established during the election period." The BNP leader said the caretaker government system to oversee the national election has already been reinstated as all parties have reached a consensus on it. He said they have brought reforms to Article 70 based on consensus among the political parties. “Now we have made another proposal that in the presidential election, MPs from both sides will vote freely through a secret ballot. That will be another milestone, another revolution.” Salahuddin said if the executive branch is restricted in every area legally and constitutionally, it would become weak, making it difficult to run the state and the government. He suggested that if each branch — the executive, the judiciary and the legislature — worked within its own boundaries, then true reform of the state would be possible. The BNP leader also said they want kind of reform which would not diminish the powers of any branch of the state. He said they also want reforms that would help build a strong democratic state structure. “We want reforms through which the state structure will be reformed, the constitution will undergo democratic changes, and as a result, the nation will be able to achieve economic emancipation.” Salahuddin said they are observing a growing tendency to control the executive branch as much as possible through the efforts of the National Consensus Commission. “But we cannot weaken or abolish the executive branch just because one individual once became a dictator. Similarly, dictatorship once emerged in a parliamentary system, but that does not mean we can weaken or abolish the legislature.” He said it is necessary to ensure checks and balances, harmonious cooperation, and a constructive relationship between state organs, while building safeguards for democracy by strengthening all institutions accordingly.  

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Thursday conveyed to the BNP his hope that democratic order will soon be restored in Bangladesh through a free, fair and credible national election. The EU envoy expressed this hope during a meeting with BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan. BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed was also present at the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Khosru said, “The first thing that was discussed was the election. The election is being held in February, so everyone is relieved and satisfied, and they hope that we will move towards elections soon and the country will return to democratic order.” Like other foreign friends, he said the EU is waiting for an elected government so that they can decide their future actions and make the short-term and long-term decisions they have. Khaleda’s Sweet Diplomacy: Seasonal fruits headed to Qatari royalty and PM “Because they feel comfortable working with an elected government, we have had detailed discussions about these,” Khosru said. Besides, he said, the problems and rights of workers in Bangladesh were also discussed at the meeting. Khosru said the EU wants to cooperate with the future parliament so that its activities can be conducted independently, properly and with accountability. He said they also talked about the transparency and independence of the judiciary. “They support the BNP's proposal to establish a separate secretariat for the independent functioning of the judiciary and they are willing to provide funding for it.” The BNP leader said the European Union wants to be a partner in the development of Bangladesh in the future. Apart from their aid and loans, he said they are thinking about providing funds in different other ways. “They are thinking about new ways of funding. They want to cooperate with the next government economically and be a development partner of Bangladesh. This is a good sign.”

BNP on Wednesday said it supports the proposal of limiting a person’s tenure as prime minister to a maximum of 10 years during their lifetime, but expressed reservations about the proposed constitutional appointments committee. “We agree that no one should be prime minister for more than 10 years in their lifetime. But we can’t support this proposal if there is possibility to interfere in all activities of the executive body everywhere by such bodies like NCC (National Constitutional Council) or Constitutional Appointment Committee,”  he said. Mob violence now a threat to humanity, democracy: Tarique Salahuddin clarified his party’s position while briefing reporters in the afternoon after the sixth day of the second-round talks of the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Consensus Commission’s Vice Chairman  Ali Riaz at a press briefing in the afternoon said the prime minister’s tenure issue was again discussed on Wednesday but remained unresolved. “We could not reach any consensus or conclusion in this regard. Because, the final decision over the PM’s tenure can’t be taken until we can’t reach a final decision over the appointment committee for the constitutional and statutory institutions,” he said. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said his party fully supports the term-limit proposal. “No person can serve as prime minister for more than 10 years in their lifetime,” he told reporters during the lunch break. Revised proposal on authority over key appointments: The National Consensus Commission on Wednesday presented a revised proposal regarding the formation of an authority to oversee recruitment for certain key positions in constitutional and statutory bodies. According to the changed proposal, the name of the authority will be “Appointment Committee for Constitutional and Statutory Institutions” instead of the National Constitutional Council (NCC). And the President and the Chief Justice would not be the committee members unlike NCC. The seven-member appointment committee would include the Prime Minister, the opposition leader, Speakers of the Lower and Upper Houses, a representative nominated by the president, an Appellate Division justice nominated by the Chief Justice and a person from other opposition parties excluding the main opposition. The Lower House Speaker would preside over its meetings. Prof Ali Riaz said the commission revised the proposal bringing changes in three aspects—name, membership, and authority. “Most of the parties welcomed it (the revised proposal), while some parties raised objections to it,” he said. He, however, said the commission has received some recommendations over it from the parties that supported this change. “So, the consensus commission will place a complete proposal based on the recommendation before the political parties next week,” he said. About the revised proposal, Salahuddin said, “We want reforms in the existing laws regarding appointments to constitutional institutions instead. These laws must include provisions for determining search committees to ensure that executive influence is avoided in the appointment process.” He said there should be provisions in the laws to ensure transparency and accountability of the institutions. “For institutions without existing laws, new laws should be enacted. For those with existing laws, amendments should be made. This will help ensure a checks and balances system of power in the state,” said the BNP leader. Khaleda’s Sweet Diplomacy: Seasonal fruits headed to Qatari royalty and PM Jamaat’sTaher said all political parties except BNP supported the revised appointments body. “All but one party agreed. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami fully agrees with this proposal,” he added. In reply to a question, the Jamaat leader said the one party is Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju expressed frustration over the lack of full consensus. “If this proposal can’t be accepted eventually, nothing meaningful can be achieved,” he said. “If this proposal can’t be accepted (finally), nothing can be achieved,” he said, adding that most of the parties supported it. The Consensus Commission earlier proposed the formation of a nine-member national constitution council (NCC) to oversee the appointments to the key posts of the constitutional and statutory bodies. The previous proposal said the NCC members would be the president, the prime minister, the chief justice, the opposition leader, two speakers of the lower and upper houses, two deputy speakers nominated by the opposition for the lower and the upper houses and another person from other oppositions other than the main opposition. The proposed body’s functions and authority would cover appointments of key constitutional figures, including the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners, the Attorney General, Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the proposed Local Government Commission, chiefs of the armed forces, and other posts prescribed by constitutional laws. However, BNP opposed the original NCC proposal on grounds of lack of accountability, prompting the Commission to revise it. Fundamental Principles: The Consensus Commission also brought changes to its earlier proposal regarding the fundamental principles of the state. Initially, the principles proposed were ‘equality, human dignity, social justice and democracy. The revised proposal adds ‘religious freedom, harmony and impartiality.’ Ali Riaz said no consensus was achieved yet over the fundamental principles, but most of the parties expressed support for inclusion of the five elements. A more specific proposal will be placed next week, he added. On this issue, Salahuddin said his party proposed restoring the articles of the 5th amendment (to the constitution) here and incorporating the sentence proposed by the reform commission here.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said mob violence has become a serious threat to humanity and it can badly damage the environment needed for democratic values to develop. In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, to be observed tomorrow (Wednesday), he said, “Even though we have been freed from fascism, the process of building democratic institutions and the fair practice of democracy has not yet truly begun. A violent frenzy in the name of mob justice has become a major enemy of humanity. It will endanger the environment for building a democratic culture.” On behalf of Tarique, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi sent the message to the media. The BNP leader highlighted the importance of the UN-declared International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, saying it holds great significance. “The day is observed to show respect and solidarity with victims of torture.” He observed that although many nations achieved independence after the Second World War, violence and conflict have not ended across the world. “Dangerous bloodshed continues in many countries, causing countless deaths, injuries and permanent disabilities.” Mob violence spreading for lack of elected govt: Awal Mintoo In many countries, the BNP leader said autocratic rulers are carrying out brutal repression and suppression against their opponents with extreme cruelty. “In those countries, citizens’ lives and property are under serious threat. Under harsh rule, opposition voices are silenced through enforced disappearances, killings and false cases, forcing many to spend years behind bars.” Referring to the political situation in Bangladesh, he said the country has faced severe “Awami fascist misrule” for nearly 16 years, which has kept democracy captive. “During this period, Bangladesh was turned into an all-pervasive state. All kinds of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, were taken away. Press freedom was shackled by various black laws. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, a symbol of democracy in Bangladesh, was unjustly jailed in a false case, and the Awami government even obstructed her proper medical treatment with cruelty,” Tarique said. He also said the entire country was silenced, filled with fear and anxiety during the 16 years of Awami fascist rule. Tarique urged all to ensure that a one-party authoritarian rule does not return. “We must keep democracy active, functional and maintain its continuity. We have to build a strong tradition of humanity, justice, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. For this, the unbreakable unity of democratic forces is extremely important.” Expressing solidarity with victims of torture around the world, including Bangladesh, the BNP leader called for an end to the obstacles faced by oppressed people seeking justice. “It is only possible to defeat the cruel oppressors and dictators through united efforts by all democracy-loving people, inspired by human values.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to hold local government elections under the interim government before the 13th parliamentary polls. “The national election is approaching. Our demand is to hold the local government election before that — not only for now, but also for the future — under the non-partisan government, no matter what form of interim government would be,” said Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad. He said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between a three-member Jamaat delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachon Bhaban in the city. The meeting came a day after the party regained its registration and traditional party symbol –Scales -following a court directive. The Jamaat leader said if the local government elections are held under an interim government, the polls will be much more neutral and credible. Replying to a question whether Jamaat has confidence in the current Election Commission, he said they are still observing everything of the government and the election body. “We’re observing. And where work is done properly, we will acknowledge it. We must describe black as black and white as white. If deviations occur, we will have to raise our voice…. We are hopeful that they (EC) will act responsibly keeping the public interest in mind,” he said. In the meeting, Jamaat delegation also raised the issue of introduction of proportional representation (PR) system in the election. Jamaat regains registration with ‘Scales’ symbol  “The PR system for (the sake of) fair elections is a good method. We have also raised this demand before the EC through the formal meeting," Azad said. About the voting rights of expatriates, Jamaat expressed its support for postal and online voting system. “We’ve suggested that the Commission consider postal and online systems as viable options for expatriate voting,” he said. Regarding the reinstatement of Jamaat registration, Azad said they regained their right that was unjustly taken away. "The restoration of registration with the symbol has set a new precedent,” he said. No one should serve as PM for over 10 years in lifetime: Jamaat “During the previous government's tenure, Jamaat's registration was unjustly cancelled and the party symbol was taken away for political reasons," said the Jamaat assistant secretary general. Two other Jamaat delegation members were its assistant secretary general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair and Advocate Jashim Uddin Sarker.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has sent seasonal fruits from Bangladesh as gifts to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar. On behalf of the BNP chief, her adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury handed over the fruits – Lengra and Amrapali mangoes and litchis – on Wednesday to Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of Protocol at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking to UNB, Dr Enamul, who is now in Qatar, said Khaleda sent the fruits as gifts for Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. “These are simply gift items, and I personally handed them over to the concerned official,” he said. Dr Enamul said Khaleda wished for the continued progress and prosperity of Qatar and prayed for the good health of the Emir and Prime Minister. He also said the BNP chief gratefully remembered the royal air ambulance sent by the Emir earlier this year for her travel to and from London for advanced treatment. Fakhrul-led BNP delegation off to China on five-day tour Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Deputy Head of Mission Waliur Rahman, and General Secretary of Qatar BNP Shariful Haque Saju were present during the handover of the gift. BNP Organising Secretary Shariful Alam sent the gift packages to Qatar on June 23. On January 8, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a royal air ambulance sent by the Emir for advanced medical treatment. After four months of treatment, she returned to Bangladesh on May 6 in the same air ambulance.

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Wednesday questioned the intention behind National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser Nasiruddin Patwary’s claim that his party will win all 300 seats in the next national election. “You are a new party and the fiery voice of the July revolution. You’ve just formed your party, are now trying to get a symbol, and are still waiting for registration. The election is likely to be held before Ramadan. So, how can you be so sure you’ll win all 300 seats? What message are you really trying to send?” he asked. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by Democracy Forum in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding immediate arrest and trial of the Awami cohorts hiding within the administration as well as the masterminds behind the mob culture. He reminded the NCP leaders that if BNP and other political parties had not supported the July uprising, it would not have succeeded. “Don’t expect to win elections by using force and intimidation like the Awami League.” Farroque, a former Opposition Chief Whip in parliament, said his party does not deny the contribution of students in the mass uprising. “But let the language be decent. Our party believes in doing positive politics, coming to power if the people vote for us. Never expect to come to power in Bangladesh by holding night-time voting like Hasina.” Earlier on Sunday, Nasiruddin Patwary had said of the 400 parliamentary seats proposed by the Reform Commission, their party would win 300. “This time NCP will form the government by overcoming all challenges.” Mob violence spreading for lack of elected govt: Awal Mintoo Farroque also voiced concern over recent incidents of mob violence and branded Sheikh Hasina as the "queen of mob culture", claiming she introduced it in Bangladesh. “We do not support mob violence. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he said. Farroque thanked BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi for giving a strong warning to those involved in mob violence. Addressing Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the former Chief Whip expressed disappointment that no action has yet been taken against former DB chief Harun-or-Rashid and another police official Biplob Kumar even though he filed a case against them eight months ago for oppressing him. “Where is Harun, where is Biplob? Despite having your IG, your Commissioner, and all the intelligence agencies, why are they still not being brought under the law? Take action to ensure they face justice,” he urged. Describing Prof Yunus as the pride of the Bengali nation, Farroque said people across the country are looking to him. “Fair elections are only possible under your guidance. Write your name in golden letters by ensuring a free and fair election in February.”

Stating that the BNP does not believe in mob culture, BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo on Tuesday said the incidents of mob violence are taking place due to the absence of an elected government in the country. “Mob justice is never acceptable under any circumstances. These incidents are happening because there is no elected government in place,” he told a leaflet distribution programme in Uttara aiming to promote the BNP’s 31-point reform outline. Mob violence is being used to create an unstable situation in the country, said Mintoo, adding, “Those involved in mob violence must be quickly identified, brought under the law, and punished. The BNP does not believe in mob culture.” BNP firm against mobocracy: Amir Khosru He also alleged that reforms and justice are being used as a pretext to cause unnecessary delays and obstruct the upcoming election. The BNP leader said both reforms and the trial of those involved in mass killings during last year’s mass uprising can continue even after the election. “Reform is a continuous process, and for the country’s development, reforms are always needed. We must also ensure justice, but that should not be a reason to delay the election,” he said. Mintoo, also a well-known businessman, said the election should be held as soon as possible to restore stability and revive the economy. “Without an elected government, economic growth and development are not possible. The election must be held without delay to meet the people’s expectations.” He said the BNP is now more than just a political party as it has become a people’s party. Mintoo reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to bringing positive change by reforming the state structure and institutions, based on the party’s 31-point reform agenda. “The BNP believes in reform, which is why the party presented this 31-point outline a long time ago.” CPC invites Tarique Rahman to visit China He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prepared the 31-point reform plan after listening to people across the country. “This proposal can help turn Bangladesh into a modern, prosperous country.” If voted into power, Mintoo said, the BNP will implement this 31-point agenda under the leadership of Tarique Rahman to build a better, stronger, and more democratic Bangladesh.  

Reaffirming their party’s stance against the culture of mob violence, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday said no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. “The case filed against three Election Commissions will proceed according to the law. But no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to party founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave, along with the leaders of BNP’s newly formed Brahmanbaria district unit committee. As part of their move to stop such despicable practices, he said BNP has filed a case against those who destroyed democracy, the electoral system, conducted day’s votes at night and held a dummy election without ensuring a proper atmosphere for the opposition parties to join the polls.  Rizvi, however, said their party does not support any unruly activities or incidents of mob justice. He called upon the interim government to remain alert and take steps to prevent the incidents of mob violence in the country. The BNP leader also criticised the inaction of law enforcers in preventing such incidents. He said the police stand silently on the court premises when unruly people attack detainees. “How can an accused be attacked there? The responsibility of providing security to the accused lies with the government.” Rizvi questioned whether the police are not properly carrying out their duties. “Are there still cohorts of fascism within the police who want to defame the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government?” He urged the interim government to address the matter with urgency and take decisive action. The BNP leader also expressed concern over the spread of Covid-19, as both cases and deaths are gradually increasing. BNP firm against mobocracy: Amir Khosru He called upon the government to take necessary preventative measures, including enforcing social distancing in educational institutions and across society, to contain the outbreak of the deadly virus. Rizvi said it will be difficult for the government to protect people’s lives and control the virus if it fails to take effective and prompt action now.