United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday accused the interim government of playing "hide and seek" over the arrest of cabinet members from Sheikh Hasina’s government, who have committed crimes. “Why are you playing such hide and seek over the arrest and detention of the ministers of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, who committed crimes and injustices?” he said. The BNP leader said they first heard that the former foreign minister was arrested and later heard that he was roaming at Jackson Heights in the USA. He was addressing a programme arranged in front of Bahadur Shah Park in the old city by Dhaka south city unit BNP to distribute leaflets for raising public awareness to prevent dengue. BNP warns of conspiracies, urges vigilance Rizvi also said they first heard that former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat was arrested but two-three days later heard that he was not arrested. “Why are you deceiving the people? Why are you playing this hide and seek? That is what the people want to know,” he said. The BNP leader also criticised the delay in withdrawal of false cases filed against BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman saying that this delay is a part of the blue print of allies of Awami League. He said even Moinuddin-Fakhruddin (during the 2007-08 caretaker govt) could not implicate Tarique Rahman’s name in the August 21 grenade attack case. “This case was out of Sheikh Hasina's political vendetta. Why is the case against him still not being withdrawn? The people of the country want to know its reasons,” Rizvi questioned. About the dismissing of trainee sub-inspectors (SIs) of the 40th outside cadet batch at Sarda Police Academy in Rajshahi, the BNP leader said some 252 police officers, who were appointed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, have been dropped, though it was supposed to drop 803 officers there. Dhaka south city BNP convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary Tanvir Ahmed, among others, were present.

Stating that deliberate efforts are underway to create chaos on various fronts, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday urged the political parties and people from all walks of life to cooperate with the interim government in addressing all plots and challenges. Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital , he also said it matters little whether deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned or not, as she fled the country in the face of a mass movement. “The conspiracies have not stopped. Various plots are being hatched. We must remain vigilant and cooperate with the government to tackle these plots. We know this government is not very strong, as it does not represent any party or opinion," the BNP leader said. He said that the interim government did not usurp power, as the nation entrusted it with the responsibility to run the state. "We must collaborate with the government since we have given it this charge. “There are deliberate efforts to create chaos in various sectors of the country. There were attempts to disrupt order during the recent Durga Puja, but we resisted these efforts through united efforts of all." As a labour leader, Nazrul said, he had never heard of the demand for ensuring parity between male and female workers in the RMG factories. “However, a movement was launched over this issue, resulting in factories being attacked, ransacked, and shut down. Are those who carried out this movement truly labour workers?” President out to rehabilitate Hasina, says BNP The Bangladesh Labour Party organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to mark its 47th founding anniversary. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said it is a mistake to think that the Awami League lacks the capability to create chaos in the country just because the party is not in power and its top leaders have fled. "They have that capacity and are attempting to create problems in various ways. However, it is the government's responsibility to suppress unjust activities. We can assist them, but we cannot do so in favour of the government. We urge the government to take effective steps promptly to provide relief to the people by stabilising the prices of essential goods," he said. The BNP leader expressed concern and doubt over why the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation suddenly emerged. "It is the government's responsibility to investigate the matter and take appropriate action." Nazrul, who was in jail on August 5, said, “From prison, we saw on television that the President, accompanied by the chiefs of the three services, stated that Sheikh Hasina had resigned and accepted her resignation letter. There should be no controversy over this after the President's announcement.” After that, he noted that Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, claimed she did not step down. “Later, we heard a telephone conversation where Hasina stated she did not resign in the way it should have been done. This implies that she did resign…so there should be no question about her resignation. It is of little significance whether she resigned or not, as she has fled the country." The BNP leader stated that some political parties are suddenly advocating for the Proportional Representation (PR) election system. “They never discussed it in the past, and even some major parties are now supporting it. This is a significant decision that should be determined through discussions.” He said India, the largest democracy in the world, does not use the PR system in their lower house or Lok Sabha elections, nor in the Vidhan Sabha. “The PR system is also not applied in the USA, Canada, or France. Even in England, where democracy originated, the PR system is not used,” he said. Nazrul added that the PR system has been implemented in Nepal and Sri Lanka in South Asia. “We have also seen how many times the government has changed in Nepal over the past 5 to 7 years.” He said there should be no room for implementing any special agenda of individuals or groups taking advantage of a changed situation. “Decisions should be made in line with the hopes and desires of the people. Nothing should be imposed; instead, we should accept what is beneficial for all." Speaking at the same programme, BNP standing committee member Begum Selima Rahman said the allies of the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime are still occupying key positions in the country. “These associates are attempting to stage a comeback in a planned manner. However, their return to politics will not be that easy."

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday alleged that President Mohammed Shahabuddin is trying rehabilitate deposed fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina as he was appointed by her. Talking to reporters at a programme in the Bank Town area, he also said, just as a ‘fleeing wife’ does not need a divorce letter, similarly, a fleeing leader like Sheikh Hasina does not need a resignation letter from her position as Prime Minister. “The President was appointed by her (Hasina). He was involved with Chhatra League during his student life and was also associated with Jubo League. We refrained from saying anything against about him because we wanted him to play a neutral role. But his tone is gradually changing,” Rizvi said. Hasina’s quick fleeing means her resignation: BNP He said the President mentioned he has not received any resignation letter from Sheikh Hasina. "A woman who leaves her husband for another man, does she provide a divorce letter? Similarly, a fleeing leader does not submit a resignation letter. That can happen. But we know she (Hasina) submitted her resignation letter." The BNP leader said the President made such remarks as he seeks to align himself with the Chhatra League and Jubo League in efforts to rehabilitate Sheikh Hasina. He noted that the President had remained silent after Sheikh Hasina’s fall amid a fierce student-led mass movement. "But gradually he is becoming a follower of Sheikh Hasina. He’s doing it probably as part of a plot.” Amra BNP Proribar organised the programme to provide financial assistance to the families of Ashabul Yamin and Nafisa, who were killed in police firing during the student-led movement. Rizvi handed over cash to the families of the two martyrs. Rizvi claimed that associates of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina are conspiring in various ways to create chaos in the country. “Awami League members opened fire at Chittagong University yesterday (Monday). They will emerge from their hideouts to instigate instability,” he said. He criticised the government for failing to take action against Awami League ministers, MPs, and leaders involved in mass killings. “If fascism is revived, the interim government will have to bear the responsibility for it.” The BNP leader also said the cohorts of the fascist Awami League are positioned in various locations with their black money and illegal weapons, as the government has not made strong efforts to recover these arms or arrest the terrorists. He urged the government to swiftly complete the necessary state reforms to prepare for the next national election.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Monday called upon the interim government to swiftly create a favourable environment for the upcoming elections to facilitate the transfer of power to elected representatives. “In our 31-point proposal, we have detailed the reforms we seek. To implement these reforms, we urge the interim government to promptly create a conducive electoral environment and return power to people,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP founder Zaiur Rahman’s grave, Zahid also strongly opposed the proposals from various political parties and civil society about implementing a proportional representation system in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Hasina’s quick fleeing means her resignation: BNP The BNP leader said the election must be held based on parliamentary seats system as prescribed by the constitution formulated in 1972. “No one can impose a proportional representation system against the will of people. It is ultimately up to people to decide which electoral process will be adopted.” Zahid along with BNP leaders and activists paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave, marking the homecoming of UK chapter BNP leaders, including its general Secretary Koysor M Ahmed after a long time. Zahid said the nation freed itself from autocratic rule as the despotic ruler Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5. “However, the associates of the autocrats remain in Bangladesh and are plotting to undermine the current interim government,” he said. BNP calls for relief support for flood-hit farmers in North, Mymensingh He said that their party has long been carrying out a movement that will continue until democracy is restored, people's rights are upheld, and an environment is created that allows citizens to peacefully exercise their right to vote for electing their representatives. The BNP leader said they will also continue their movement for the trial of those who oppressed people, committed genocide and engaged in enforced disappearances. When asked about the rumours that the Awami League president will hold a rally in India, Zahid said, "India is a sovereign country. I don't think India would allow its territory to be politically used against another country. I believe that Indian politicians and the government are not that foolish."

Senior BNP leader Hafizuddin Ahmed on Monday said the discussions surrounding Sheikh Hasina's resignation represent a new dimension of conspiracy, asserting that her fleeing the country in the face of public anger is clear proof of her resignation from the post of Prime Minister. “There have been numerous false campaigns day after day and now it has started again. Disturbing and concerning news is being spread, claiming that Sheikh Hasina did not resign as Prime Minister,” he said. Complete reforms, let election be held within a timeframe: BNP Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader said President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said he has not received any resignation paper from Hasina, and the Cabinet Secretary also stated he does not have this document. “This is a new dimension of their conspiracy. She (Hasina) has definitely resigned, and there is no doubt about it. We saw the resignation paper signed by Sheikh Hasina on YouTube. Moreover, there is no need for an official resignation since she fled the country with just 45 minutes' notice. This itself constitutes her resignation,” he said. Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, said Sheikh Hasina no longer has a passport, as the Bangladesh government has canceled it. “She has taken refuge in a neighbouring country that wants to send her to another country. Even then, what is the necessity of her resignation letter?” he asked. The BNP leader asserted that a vested interest group is spreading such news to mislead the public into believing that Hasina is still a legitimate Prime Minister. “What could be a greater falsehood than this?” Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, freedom fighters' wing of BNP, organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), demanding the immediate withdrawal of false cases filed against BNP leaders and activists, including party acting chairman Tarique Rahman. They also called for bringing killer Sheikh Hasina back home to face trial and banning the Awami League as a terrorist organisation. Hafiz said the nation had hoped for a new government to be established that would prioritize the welfare of the people following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government. “We’re now increasingly concerned as two and a half months have passed, yet we remain uncertain about the aims of this government, how they plan to implement reforms, and the extent of what they can achieve. We are also confused about whether they are aware of their limitations.” He voiced frustration that no steps have been taken to withdraw the numerous false and conspiratorial cases against those who fought against the fascist Hasina regime over the past 16 years. “We cannot understand why the false cases against our leaders, Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and others who have been repeatedly jailed, have not yet been dropped.” The BNP leader demanded that the government immediately withdraw all cases filed against Tarique and those who struggled against Awami League’s conspiracy and misrule. He warned that Bangladesh is currently facing a conspiracy, with efforts underway, aided by India, to harm national unity and jeopardise independence. “The neighbouring country is devising various plots to cause suffering for the people of Bangladesh. Those who were ousted by the public are now conspiring against the people of Bangladesh from India. We must rid ourselves of these plots,” the BNP leader said.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Sunday urged the interim government to promptly complete necessary state reforms to make sure that the next national election is held within a designated timeframe. “We have supported this government for doing good work. Reforms must be undertaken where necessary to ensure a fair election, but they must be completed within a specific timeframe,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital, the BNP leader expressed his belief that an elected political government is essential for advancing any positive initiatives and good work. “The people in the current government are from different professions who have got together to do good work. When we talk about the election, it doesn't mean it requires it to be held immediately, but there must be a clear timeline. This is why we have talked about an election roadmap,” he said. BNP calls for relief support for flood-hit farmers in North, Mymensingh The programme, titled ‘National Elections, Civic Thoughts, National Dialogue’, was organised by the Jatiyatabadi Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU). Dudu, a former president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, urged the interim government and democratic parties to remain vigilant, as various conspiracies are being hatched both at home and abroad to create chaos and reestablish the fascist forces. He alleged that a vested interest group is attempting to malign the BNP and its leaders, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. “I would like to warn them that if you aim to derail the BNP from its effective role, then fascism will emerge. If you want to suppress the BNP, you must effectively embrace fascism.” The BNP leader urged democracy-loving political parties to remain united for the cause of democracy and the welfare of the people. He said the head of fascism, Sheikh Hasina, along with her ministers and MPs, has fled the country, yet her followers in the administration remain unchanged. Andaleeve seeks commission on recovering laundered money Dudu noted that secretaries promoted during Hasina’s regime are still in their positions, and there has been no change in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). “The structure established by Sheikh Hasina remains largely the same. There must be a distinction between the previous government and the current one, just as there is a difference between fascism and democracy. The previous government was fascist, while the current government is democratic,” he said. He also expressed frustration that the government has yet to dismantle the Awami Syndicate that controls essential goods. “So where is the change? This syndicate must be dismantled. There cannot be any market syndicate.”    

Stating that farmers in the country’s northern and Mymensingh regions have been severely affected by the recent floods, BNP on Sunday demanded the government to provide comprehensive support to these farmers, including relief assistance, incentives and interest-free loans. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that the government has yet to implement any visible relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in the affected regions. “Greater Mymensingh and various parts of the northern region were inundated by heavy floods from the end of last month to the first week of October, following the devastating floods in the eastern areas a few days back. Lakhs of people are enduring severe hardships as they remain stranded by the flood,” he said. Quoting experts, the BNP leader attributed this disastrous flooding to the monsoon rains and the surge of water from the upstream hills. Read: Flood: Narail fisheries, agriculture sectors suffer Tk 100 cr losses He said that farmers who cultivated aman paddy, as well as vegetable growers and fish and poultry farm owners in different districts, including Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrokona, Kurigram, Kushtia, Jashore and Khulna, have been badly affected. “The extensive relief and rehabilitation efforts observed during the floods in the eastern part of the country are not currently evident. The affected farmers and farm owners require urgent support for their rehabilitation,” Rizvi said. He emphasised that the government must take a key role in alleviating the suffering of flood victims. “To ensure a steady supply of rice, pulses, vegetables, fish, meat and eggs in the market, the government must be proactive. Farmers should receive support through increased availability of fertilisers, pesticides, and seeds, or by providing incentives.” The BNP leader urged the government also to compile an accurate list of those whose crops and land have been damaged by the floods and to provide them with full relief assistance until the next crop is ready for harvest. Read more: Sherpur flood causes Tk 600 crore losses in agriculture, fisheries He said the government should provide affected farmers with interest-free agricultural loans for the next crop, along with free fertilisers, seeds, pesticides and fuel for irrigation. “They should also receive seeds for Robi crop production in preparation for the next growing season.” The BNP leader also said the government must prepare a list of fish, poultry, and livestock farms affected by the floodwaters and offer them interest-free loans and other additional assistance to help re-establish their farms.

Bangladesh Jatiyo Party (Manzu) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho has proposed formation of a commission on "Laundered Money Recovery" so that stolen money can be brought back from abroad. He said financial corruption is one of the crimes committed by the Awami League government apart from killing people and destroying democracy in Bangladesh. "I said a commission named - Laundered Money Recovery- should be formed," Partho told reporters after a dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday. He said stolen money can be recovered from the countries like United Kingdom, Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Singapore where huge money was laundered. Partho said those who were involved in "mass killings" should be kept out of any election. He, however, said international standards must be maintained in dealing with cases in the International Crimes Tribunal. 2 more BNP leaders, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho held The BJP Chief said 45 names were not disclosed in a case though the accused have the rights to know what kind of case is filed. "I said it should be done to maintain international standards, (You) need to be careful," he said. Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) founder Bobby Hajjaj conveyed to the Chief Adviser that an election can be held in June next year or after that. "We think the election can easily be possible in June 2925 or after June," he told reporters after his party's meeting with the Chief Adviser. Bobby said the interim government requires to try accordingly. "They assumed us to remain continuously engaged with us to discuss." Briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam on Saturday evening said the reform works and election-centric preparation will continue simultaneously. He said the government will form a search committee following the existing law to constitute a new Election Commission for taking forward the relevant activities to hold the next national election. The Chief Adviser also held dialogue with political parties, including Liberal Democrats Party, Gono Forum, Jatiyatabadi Samamana Jote, 12 parties, Jatiya Mukti Council, Labour Party and Bangladesh Jasad (Sharif Nurul Ambia) at the state guesthouse Jamuna.

Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a member of the BNP's Standing Committee and former Minister of State, urged party activists to avoid displaying arrogance. “Engage with the people and treat everyone well,” Tuku said, during a meeting with local BNP leaders and activists in Koyelgati village, Sirajganj Sadar Upazila, on Saturday. He emphasized, “Even after 16 years in power, Sheikh Hasina had to flee without having the lunch that was prepared for her. This demonstrates that arrogance leads to downfall.” BNP calls for unity against revival of Awami fascism Tuku also stated, “Tarique Rahman will return to the country at any time. On that day, millions will gather in Dhaka; no one will remain at home.” He called for the good members of the Awami League to be given a chance to participate in politics, asserting, “Those involved in oppression, torture, looting, corruption, irregularities, abduction, and murder will not be allowed to engage in politics. Their trial will take place on the soil of Bengal.” Among others, Sirajganj district BNP Vice President Najmul Hasan Talukder Rana, Joint Secretary Nur Kayem Sobuj, City BNP President Munshi Jahid Alam, Convener of the Swechhasebak Dal Abdullah Al Kayes, President of the Chhatra Dal Mirza Abdul Jabbar Babu, Secretary Muraduzzaman Murad, Union BNP General Secretary Nure Alam Munshi, and Vice President Anisur Rahman, were also present. Following the discussion, Tuku visited Shiyalkol Abdullah Al Mahmud Memorial High School and College, where he took part in a tree-planting initiative.

BNP Vice-Chairman Barkatullah Bulu has been admitted to a hospital in the capital with chest pain. He was taken to Farazy Hospital in the city’s Banashree area on Wednesday night after he complained of chest pain, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan on Saturday. BNP calls for unity against revival of Awami fascism Sayrul said Bulu has been receiving treatment under the supervision of specialist physicians at the hospital. He said Bulu’s family and party members have urged all to pray for his speedy recovery.