United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that a conspiracy is underway to foil the national election scheduled for February next year. “Trouble began the moment the idea of holding the election in February was set. Their intention is clear — they don’t want the election to happen. But the people of this country have always fought for their rights and achieved them through struggle. This election too will be held within the announced timeframe,” Fakhrul said. He made the remarks while addressing an event ‘Remembering the Martyred Students of the July Movement,’ organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University’s TSC on Thursday afternoon. BNP condemns NCP rally attack in Gopalganj, calls it anti-democratic Calling the student martyrs the vanguard of the anti-fascist movement, Fakhrul said, “We have overcome fascism and created opportunities. But conspiracies haven’t stopped. There are planned efforts to restrict the transition to democracy. Social media is being used to launch smear campaigns against our leaders. Even obscene and abusive language is being used against our leader Tarique Rahman.” Criticising the conspiracy what he claimed, the BNP leader said Tarique Rahman is already established as a national leader. They (plotters) fear if he returns, their position will be threatened. “Our struggle is not over. Our enemies are all around. Remember, BNP means democracy, BNP means freedom, BNP means development. We will take Bangladesh to the pinnacle of development,” he asserted. BNP leader Moyeen Khan urges end to division, calls for unity Alerting the party activists about the traps being set to provoke them, he said they (plotters) want them to react, create unrest and derail the path to democracy. Highlighting the July mass uprising, Fakhrul said credit goes to people—from farmers to veiled women—everyone united for a democratic Bangladesh. Fakhrul expressed frustration that many injured activists still haven’t received any assistance. “Why hasn’t this government ensured their support yet?” he questioned.

The BNP Standing Committee has strongly condemned the attack on a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, saying criminals and supporters of the fascist Awami League carried out the attack to disrupt the democratic process. The party also hoped that political parties will determine their programmes very carefully in the coming days, said a press release issued on Thursday by the party on the outcome of its Standing Committee meeting held on Wednesday night. “The meeting believes that the supporters of the fallen fascist Hasina attacked the rally of the National Citizen Party, which played a significant role in the anti-fascist movement, in a planned way to disrupt the democratic process,” the release said. The BNP Standing Committee meeting was held at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office and was virtually presided over by party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The attack, which took place following the NCP rally on Wednesday, left four people dead and many others injured. In the meeting, BNP policymakers expressed deep shock and anger over the casualties in the attack, which later forced the government to enforce a curfew in the area. Gopalganj curfew to continue until further order with 3-hr break on Friday The BNP Standing Committee said they consider the attack as part of a blueprint to disturb the democratic process. The BNP leaders also criticised the government for what they called its failure to maintain the law-and-order situation in this regard. They warned that if political programmes are not conducted with caution, it may give an opportunity to anti-democratic forces to make political gains. The BNP Standing Committee alleged that a certain quarter is systematically deteriorating the law and order situation in the country to obstruct the path to democracy and disrupt the promised national election in February. The BNP policymakers observed that criminal activities like mobocracy, murder, kidnapping, robbery and extortion are on the rise. The incompetence and indifference of the concerned departments of the government are making the situation worse. The responsible advisors are only speaking in the media but are failing to take effective steps, they said. The meeting called upon the government to take all necessary steps to improve the law-and-order situation. 25 arrested over Gopalganj violence, crackdown to continue: Home Adviser The meeting also condemned what it described as ‘unjust and indecent’ remarks made by some political parties unfairly linking BNP to the recent brutal murder of a trader, Lal Chand Shohag, in Old Dhaka. The BNP policymakers said offensive, indecent and disrespectful remarks and slogans targetting party founder Ziaur Rahman, Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman have shocked the nation and caused public outrage. “The meeting strongly condemns and expresses its anger over all these actions.” They said such behaviour would not only harm the political environment but also derail the path to democracy and the upcoming parliamentary election process. The BNP policymakers hoped that all political parties would give importance to mutual respect and harmony and refrain from such non-political activities. Those responsible for Gopalganj violence won’t be spared: Home Adviser At the same time, they strongly condemned and expressed anger over the killings that have taken place in various parts of the country, including near Mitford Hospital, and urged the government to immediately arrest those responsible and bring them to justice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is gearing up for its first-ever rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday expecting a turnout of over 10 lakh people, aimed at creating ‘a bid political stir’ through what it calls a ‘quiet but significant’ public gathering. "This rally will be a historic turning point. We expect more than 10 lakh people will participate -- not just party activists but also general people who are demanding a change amid the country’s current political deadlock," Jamaat's secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday. He outlined the party’s preparations, plans and demands for the upcoming rally aimed at ensuring a ‘memorable public presence’ at a time when political debate and divisions among parties are intensifying. Jamaat leaders, including party Ameer and other senior leaders, are directly supervising organisational activities to mobilise supporters from Dhaka and across the country, said Parwar. Golam Parwar also said an implementation committee was formed to complete all the preparations where eight sub-committees were also formed. He called upon the law enforcement agencies and the government to cooperate in facilitating the event. Jamaat favours PR for upper house, reserved seats, referendum for critical changes in Constitution Golam Parwar also reiterated the party’s demand for a neutral caretaker government during the election period to ensure the democratic rights of people. Rally Buildup To make the rally a success, street rallies, meetings, and public outreach programmes are being organised every day across the country, party leaders said. "Our activists are going door to door across the country to spread the message of this rally," Golam Parwar said. To facilitate transportation for the massive turnout, the party has rented around 10,000 buses alongside trains and launches. Special route plans have been made for vehicles coming to Dhaka from various districts. 6,000 Volunteers The party has also taken steps to ensure order and discipline at the event. Legal basis needed for reforms before polls: Jamaat leader Taher More than 6,000 volunteers will be deployed to help maintain internal security, manage the crowd, and coordinate logistics during the gathering. Meeting with DMP To address issues related to law and order, transportation and safety, a seven-member Jamaat delegation met senior officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on July 15 afternoon. The meeting, presided over by DMP Additional Commissioner (Operations) Nazrul Islamb, discussed topics such as traffic control, parking arrangements, sound system installation and public safety.

The Election Commission (EC) has formed a specialised technical committee to work on the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies ahead of the 13th national elections. According to an office order signed by EC Deputy Secretary Md Shah Alam, the seven-member committee was formed on Wednesday. Md. Rafiqul Haque, systems manager at the EC, has been appointed as the convener of the committee. The other members are geographer Md. Mostafizur Rahman, cartographer KH Rajimul Karim, information technologist Moshiur Rahman Rimu, urban planner Farhana Ahmed, and statistician Hifzur Rahman. Mohammad Delwar Hossain, senior assistant secretary (Election Support-1), will serve as the member secretary. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven days to the broader committee led by Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker. This move follows a recommendation from the Electoral Reforms Commission, as part of preparations for the upcoming general election.  The committee also has the authority to co-opt additional officers or employees if necessary.

The Dhaka Metropolitan North unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest rally on Wednesday afternoon, condemning the attack on leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj earlier in the day. The rally was led by Jamaat Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, the party said in a press release. Addressing the gathering in the capital's Mirpur, Mohammad Selim Uddin said that Gopalganj has been drenched in blood due to the repeated failures of the government and the Home Ministry. "The terrorists dared to carry out such a brutal attack because they were not arrested," he added. He warned of greater movement if the law and order situation in Gopalganj is not normalised within 24 hours and no action is taken against the attackers. Central Majlis-e-Shura member and Metropolitan Assistant Secretary Dr. Fakhruddin Manik, Ziaul Hasan, Engineer Kazi Abid Hasan Siddiqui, Dr. Asaduzzaman Kabul, Shah Alam Tuhin, and several others were also present. Meanwhile, the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir brought out a rally on Wednesday evening, protesting the attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders in Gopalganj. The march began at 7:30 pm from the university's central mosque premises, passed through Raju Sculpture and VC Square, and concluded with a brief rally back at Raju Sculpture.

National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a countrywide protest rally on Thursday in response to the attack on its rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday afternoon. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement at a press conference held at the Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night. He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack. Gopalganj clashes over NCP rally leave 3 dead “This attack on us reflects the Awami League’s ongoing fascist behavior, even a year after the July Uprisings,” Nahid said during the press conference. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisations and political parties that condemned the incident and urged them to unite against  the “fascist Awami League.” At least three people were killed and several others injured in clashes between police and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies over a rally of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the government imposed a curfew in Gopalganj district amid heightening tensions over clashes between police and Awami League activists over an NCP rally. The curfew will remain in force from 8pm on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

BNP on Wednesday formed a five-member partial convening committee for its Nilphamari district unit after dissolving the existing committee. Md Selim Farroque has been made the convener of the new committee while AHM Saifullah Rubel appointed as the member secretary, said a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Besides, Sohel Parvez, Mostafa Pradhan Bachchu and Rezaul Islam Kalu have been made joint conveners. The press release also said the previous committee of the party’s district unit has been dissolved. However, the party did not mention any reason for the dissolution of the committee.

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday called on those causing conflicts and divisions to stop and return to the right path to build a proud and dignified Bangladesh through united efforts. “I have no words to describe the recent events that have taken place in Bangladesh. I will only ask them to come back to the right path -- the path that can once again make Bangladesh a proud and respected country in the world,” he said while speaking at a discussion. Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said those who have used offensive language against BNP and its acting chairman Tarique Rahman are not loved by the people of Bangladesh as they are deliberately trying to destroy Bangladesh society, culture and international image deliberately. Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to protest against the continuous lies and propaganda targeting BNP and its acting chairman Tarique Rahman. BNP alleges conspiracy to delay polls by destabilising law and order “We must understand why such offensive comments are being made and identify those behind it. They must be held responsible. I call upon those spreading hatred and division -- learn to love Bangladesh and its 18 crore people. If that happens, I truly believe there will be no division in the country,” the BNP leader said. He said there is a mystery behind the incidents that have occurred in recent days and this must be revealed to the people of Bangladesh. “We also need to examine whether the events we are witnessing in Dhaka and across the country are genuinely from the people, or if they are part of a staged drama by those who want to destroy the ideals and values of Bangladesh,” Dr Moyeen said. Stating the country is going through a critical time, he said a credible election is the only way to restore democracy and stability. “We want to make it very clear that we believe in democracy. The only path to return to democracy is through a fair and neutral election. There is no other recognised process — not in Bangladesh or anywhere else in the world,” he observed. Dr Moyeen also said that if anyone claims they do not believe in democracy and want to run the country by any other means, then their path is completely different from BNP’s. “It must be made clear — if anyone tries to bring dictatorship under the cover of democracy, BNP will not accept it,” he warned. The BNP leader said in a democratic system, differences of opinion are natural. “We will handle those differences through discussion and debate, and reach a final decision through democratic means. If we follow this path, no problems will arise.” Speaking at the progarmme, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for making derogatory remarks against Tarique Rahman. He alleged that Jamaat, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and a few other parties are trying to create a situation that would allow the Awami League to emerge.  “Jamaat and NCP are now chanting slogans against BNP and Tarique Rahman. We know who is funding evil forces with black money. Hasina’s people made this black money over the past 16 years,” the BNP leader said. He claimed that those who received this black money are now making indecent comments against BNP and Tarique Rahman to delay the next election. “We must resist these conspirators.” Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder Farroque urged those who made offensive remarks about BNP and Tarique Rahman to apologise and withdraw their comments to avoid serious consequences. The BNP leader said NCP leaders are taking wrong steps and making careless remarks because they are being misled by some extremist parties.

Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said that his party will offer coordinated cooperation to the government on US tariff and security issues, to help address the tariffs imposed by the United States.   Chowdhury made the remarks during a briefing to journalists at a hotel in Banani, following an exchange of views with business leaders concerning the US tariffs.   The BNP Standing Committee member emphasized that the livelihoods of 15- 16 lakh people are linked to exports to the US market, so the tariff issue is a serious matter for Bangladesh.   Khosru said business leaders fear that the recent US tariff impositions will severely impact Bangladesh's trade and commerce.   Therefore, the BNP is prepared to cooperate with the government in the ongoing tariff discussions with the United States, aiming to achieve a pragmatic solution for Bangladesh.   Miscreants hurl crude bombs near BNP's Nayapaltan office; no one hurt   In response to a question, Amir Khosru pointed out that India and Vietnam are Bangladesh's direct competitors in the international garment export market.    If Bangladesh fails to reach a solution regarding the tariffs, these competitor countries will gain a significant advantage in exporting to the US, causing great concern among local exporters.   He warned that Bangladesh cannot afford to bear the risk of millions of job losses, the closure of industrial factories, and thousands of backward linkage industries due to unresolved tariff issues.   BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, former President of FBCCI AK Azad, Chairman of Apex Tannery Ltd   Syed Nasim Monzur, Chairman of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (B I) Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, Chairman of Prank RFL Group Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, among others joined in the meeting.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday said his party is in favour of the proportional representation (PR) system to be used in formation of the upper house of a bicameral parliament and the election of women for the reserved seats in parliament as well as introduction of a referendum for amendment of the fundamental provision of the constitutional amendment. “More than two-third political parties expressed support in favour of the PR system (of votes) for the formation of the upper house, while less than one-third parties including BNP don’t want it ... .Now the national consensus commission will take a decision. We hope the Commission will present it in a final decision on Sunday, considering the opinions of the political parties,” he told reporters. The Jamaat leader raised his party’s stance after the 14th day of the second-round of reform talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. He said except for one or two parties, most agreed on the formation of a bicameral legislature. “The Commission has proposed the PR system. A majority—more than two-thirds—support it, while less than one-third, including BNP, are against it,” he added. Jamaat leader calls for ensuring  massive turnout at July 19 rally Taher said two to three proposals came up regarding the functioning of the upper house. Some proposed that constitutional amendments be passed by a simple majority; others suggested a two-thirds majority. A few even proposed that money bills be placed before the upper house, though in such cases it would only be able to provide observations and suggestions. However, the upper house will have no authority to endorse or reject the bill. The lower house will have authority to accept or not accept the observation or suggestion of the upper house in this case. Constitutional Amendment: The Jamaat leader said his party fully supports the proposal that the two-thirds majority is required in the lower house for the constitutional amendment and a referendum is required for the amendment of some fundamental issues (the Preamble, Articles 8, 48, 56 and 142, and caretaker government related Articles 58K, 58G and 58Gh) of the Constitution. But his party think it require a simple majority in the upper house for constitutional amendment. He said they support the proposal as making the constitutional amendment harder. PR System for Women's Reserved Seats Regarding women’s reserved seats, Taher said Jamaat supports raising the number of woman seat to 100 from the existing 50 ones but it wants PR system (of voters) to elect women for the reserve seats.