United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday warned that those opposing elections will be excluded from politics or face political consequences. “Any debate in the political field will be answered in the field itself. Whoever speaks against elections will be eliminated from politics,” he told journalists at his Gulshan residence. Referring to potential alliances, Salahuddin said BNP may consider joining forces with those who had stood with the party in joint movements against the Awami League government. “Any political party has the right not to take part in an election. But those who unjustifiably seek opportunities to boycott will ultimately fall behind in future politics,” he said. People eagerly waiting to vote in February elections: Dr Moyeen The BNP leader dismissed concerns regarding the upcoming general election, scheduled for February, saying there is ‘no apprehension’ about the polls. “Some parties are trying to create confusion, but this is merely a political tactic.” Highlighting the importance of the election, Salahuddin said it would be a ‘significant and historic event’ in Bangladesh’s political history. “The election atmosphere is already there in the country. Those who oppose it will only damage their own politics,” he added. On constitutional and political reforms, Salahuddin said some commitments in the July Charter appeared unreasonable. He, however, assured that BNP would participate in the commission’s discussions with alternative proposals. “Nothing can be placed above the Constitution. Through discussions, political parties will reach a consensus.” Only elected govt can amend constitution: Rizvi The BNP leader said constitutional reforms must be undertaken on the basis of national consensus, to be implemented after the parliamentary election, which would further strengthen the democratic process. Salahuddin said BNP does not want complications over elections under an interim government. “The present government was formed through consensus. Once the caretaker system is reinstated, it may be applied in the next election. For now, the polls will be held within the announced timeframe,” he said. On alliances with Islamist parties, he ruled out any chance of forging an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami before the election. Inequalities cannot be removed overnight: Fakhrul “However, there may be alliances with parties that were part of our joint movement. Discussions are also going on with several pro-Islamic parties, though nothing is final yet,” he added. He said the possibility of alliances with parties involved in previous movements would become clearer after further talks.

Umama Fatema, VP candidate for an independent panel in the DUCSU elections, has apologised for violating the election code of conduct. She submitted a written apology to the Provost of Begum Rokeya Hall on Monday, acknowledging the breach. In a post from her verified Facebook profile on Monday (August 25), Umama shared details of the incident and her explanation. The former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement admitted that while Dhaka University regulations do not permit students to stay overnight in halls other than their own, many female students often do so to stay with friends. “I had been under prolonged mental and physical stress, and entered Rokeya Hall before 10pm to stay with a friend. However, I did not go there for any election-related activity,” she wrote. She explained that she briefly left the room at 1:30am but soon returned and fell asleep. “Around 3:30am, I was woken by my friend’s roommate and learned that false information about my presence in the hall was spreading on Facebook. My phone began receiving frequent calls, and I was informed that the hall administration was looking for me,” she added. In response, she contacted the hall provost and met with her to clarify the situation. Umama strongly denied claims circulating on social media that she entered the hall at 1:30am, calling them “completely false and intentional.” In her letter, Umama requested that female students be allowed to enter other halls by showing their university ID cards.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and BNP Chairperson’s advisory council member Advocate Fazlur Rahman on Monday alleged that a quarter, both from within Bangladesh and abroad, is threatening to ‘slaughter’ him. “The mobsters are threatening to kill me. They have gathered outside my rented house in Shegunbagicha...the people of Bangladesh should know that my life is in great danger,” he said. Fazlur made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Law Reporters' Forum office in the Supreme Court's annex building, a day after receiving a show-cause notice from the BNP over his recent remarks about last year’s mass uprising. Fazlur said he loves the country, the Liberation War and its people, especially the residents of his constituency in Itna, Mithamoin and Austagram, who, he claimed, have been deeply shaken by recent incidents involving him. The lawyer explained that, as a citizen of Bangladesh, he has the constitutional right to live and urged the media to help ensure his safety. BNP issues show-cause notice to Fazlur Rahman over uprising remarks Asked who was behind the mob, Fazlur said he did not know. “They are just kids, and they’ve been there since 7am. I’ve heard they belong to a student organisation, but it’s not the student wing of my party.” Fazlur said there were about 7 to 9 people who gathered in front of his house. “They were shouting things like, 'Arrest Fazlu Pagla, don’t let Fazlu Pagla live, kill Fazlu Pagla,' and so on. These people are calling me ‘Fazlu Pagla,’ a name first given to me by Jamaat-e-Islami, the anti-liberation party. Now, some young people are repeating those words,” he observed. The BNP leader said while it was fine for them to call him mad, he didn’t see himself that way. “After fighting in the Liberation War, being treated like this by the younger generation, who even want to kill me, is deeply upsetting.” Asked if the BNP is supporting him in such a situation, Fazlur responded, “Of course, my party is with me.” He claimed that his life and the safety of his family are now at risk. “My family is traumatised. We feel completely unsafe.” Protesters demand expulsion, arrest of BNP adviser Fazlur Rahman The BNP leader said anti-liberation forces, both inside and outside Bangladesh, particularly some YouTubers and journalists who support them, are behind the threats. Fazlur claimed that two YouTubers from France even said he should be killed. “The other night, I saw a Jamaat-affiliated YouTuber saying that Fazlu Pagla should be slaughtered and killed.” As a citizen of the country and a freedom fighter, Fazlur said he has the right to live. “I’m a freedom fighter, a citizen, a human being. I have the right to live. I urge the people of Bangladesh to stand with me.” Despite the threats, Fazlur said, he would not file any police complaint or case. “I won’t go to the police or file any GD or case. If anyone thinks I’ve done something wrong, they can file a case against me. I will face the law, but I won’t take revenge or cause unrest.” Asked about the BNP’s show-cause notice served to him the previous night, he said, “This is normal in politics. If the party feels something is wrong, it can ask for clarification. I will respond to the letter, but I will not speak about it now. I will answer the party directly.” Fazlur also clarified that he still remains a member of the BNP and is serving as an adviser to the party chairperson. “I am still in the party. I will remain here until any decision is made officially.” Regarding allegations that he has not accepted the events of the August 5 mass uprising, he said, “Let them say what they want. But if they think I’ve done anything wrong, they can take legal action or protest. However, threatening to kill me and creating a mob outside my home is not acceptable.”

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday said people across the country are eagerly waiting to cast their votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections, likely to be held in February. He said enthusiasm among the public has grown significantly since the announcement of a possible election date, and voters are now looking forward to exercising their franchise. Moyeen was talking to reporters after placing wreaths at the grave of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman, marking the 33rd founding anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal. BNP won’t allow undemocratic system in Bangladesh: Moyeen Khan He said democracy can only be restored through a free and fair election. “The only way people can choose their 300 representatives is through a credible election,” he added. Moyeen also expressed hope that the 17-year wait of the nation will finally come to an end in February through the next parliamentary election. “Already the Election Commission has announced the possible date for the national polls. This will fulfill people’s long-cherished expectation to cast their votes. Only a free and fair election can restore democracy in Bangladesh,” he said. Moyeen also alleged that the Awami League failed to play its due role during the Liberation War. “They fled the battlefield while Ziaur Rahman made the proclamation of independence,” he said. Only elected govt can amend constitution: Rizvi He further accused the former ruling party of resorting to brutality, claiming, “The autocratic government of Awami League killed innocent children and on August 5 fled across the border like cowards.” Recalling that democracy and economic emancipation were the two fundamental goals of the Liberation War, the BNP leader said his party has been working towards achieving those objectives. “The only path to democracy is through the ballot, not through Sheikh Hasina’s bullets,” he remarked. Moyeen also hoped that youths born in 2009 would get the chance to exercise their right to vote for the first time in the upcoming February polls.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, now visiting Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Sunday. He came to the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan residence around 7pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and BNP Standing Committee Member Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain were present during the 45-minute meeting. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider accompanied the Deputy Prime Minister during the visit. Khaleda Zia has long been undergoing treatment for various health complications at her residence. In view of Begum Zia’s prolonged indisposition, the Pakistani DPM/FM expressed his best wishes for her speedy recovery and well-being. The Pakistani DPM lauded her services to Bangladesh as Prime Minister of the country. The memories of Begum Sahiba’s visit to Pakistan in 2006 were also recalled, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said, “As you all know, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is unwell and staying at home. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan met her and exchanged greetings. He mainly came to enquire about Madam’s health. He wished her a quick recovery.” He also said the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed greetings to Madam on behalf of Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Speaking about the meeting, Professor Zahid said they discussed ways to improve bilateral relations between the two countries and to strengthen the South Asian regional forum, SAARC. He, however, said there was no discussion about the country’s politics. “They simply exchanged greetings and wished for Madam’s recovery.” In 2012, during her visit to Dhaka, Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also met the BNP Chairperson at her Gulshan residence. On Saturday, Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on a special flight for a two-day visit. During his stay, he met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and led Pakistan’s delegation in official talks with Bangladesh. The Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister also held separate meetings with leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP).  

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday urged all to work for restoring democratic system in the country, reminding that their party will not allow any undemocratic system. “We need to bring back the democratic system to govern the country.  After 1975, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman restored multiparty democracy in Bangladesh. Following the fall of dictator Ershad, Begum Khaleda Zia revived parliamentary democracy. For the past 15 years, Tarique Rahman has been giving various guidelines and programmes to bring back democracy,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing the 15th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabdi Motor Chalak Dal at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in the capital. Moyeen Khan alleged that the system under which the Awami League had run the country for the last 15 years could not bring about real development. “We do not believe in a one-party system because we practice people’s politics, working for public welfare and the country’s development. A democratic system is one where accountability exists,” he added. Drawing a similarity with traffic rules, he said, “Just as a driver cannot operate a vehicle however they wish on the road and those in power cannot run the country as they want.” Moyeen Khan said the previous government’s arbitrary actions led to its downfall. “They were forced to flee the country, as students and people took to the streets.”

BNP has issued a show-cause notice to Fazlur Rahman, a member of its Chairperson’s Advisory Council, over what the party described as his ‘bizarre and indecent’ remarks regarding the historic mass uprising of July-August. He has been asked to explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, a BNP assistant office secretary told UNB on Sunday. “You have been continuously making indecent and misleading comments about the historic July-August mass uprising, and your statements about the martyrs who sacrificed their lives go completely against the party’s ideology and the spirit of the uprising,” the notice reads. It also said his remarks about the glorious mass uprising and the movement to restore democracy have sparked a strong reaction among the public. “Many believe your words are part of a planned plot to damage the party’s image. You are even speaking in a way that hurts the religious sentiments of the people," the BNP said in the statement. The party also mentioned that more than 1,500 people, including over 450 BNP leaders and activists, were killed during the July-August movement, while over 30,000 others were seriously injured. BNP also said Fazlur is constantly insulting and undermining the heroic role played by students and the masses in the uprising for the restoration of democracy. “So, you are instructed to submit a written explanation within the next 24 hours to the party's central office at Nayapaltan, stating valid reasons why organisational action should not be taken against you for such absurd and discipline-violating remarks,” the statement said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday warned of serious risks if illegal arms are not recovered from across the country before the upcoming national election. "The cohorts of fascism have illegal weapons and money...if the interim government cannot seize these illegal arms, the next elections will be dangerous. These weapons must be recovered immediately," he said. Speaking at a programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi also mentioned that those aligned with the fascist forces are hidden within the current administration, working quietly to support the previous authoritarian regime. Only elected govt can amend constitution: Rizvi He warned that these people in the administration may act against the interim government and democratic forces if given the opportunity. Rizvi said political analysts have also noticed these elements lurking within the administration, even in the Secretariat, where they are working to cause confusion. "We must stay alert to avoid such situations.” As part of the observance of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s 81st birthday, Zia Parishad organised the programme to distribute raincoats among rickshaw and van pullers. Referring to ongoing discussions about the July Charter, Rizvi said that if changes to the law or the Constitution are necessary, they should be made by an elected parliament. He opposed the call for a referendum on the July Charter, saying, “One political party is demanding a referendum before the election. Why? If any changes to the Constitution are needed, they should be made by an elected parliament.” Fakhrul meets Pakistan’s deputy PM Ishaq Dar The BNP leader questioned why such a step should be taken before the election. Rizvi recalled that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abused her power by sending the members of an intelligence agency to humiliate and force a Chief Justice to leave the country following a disagreement with him. “Why would those kinds of symptoms still exist? The BNP leader said a free and fair election should be held first to form a people's government. “Then, if needed for the sake of democracy and the country, amendments to the Constitution can be made by the elected parliament.” He questioned why there were so many demands being placed on the interim government before the election. "If we keep shouting 'the palm tree is mine,' we will only open the door to fascism."  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday called on the interim government to guarantee a free and fair election, stressing that only an elected government has the mandate to amend the constitution for the nation’s interest. “If any amendment to the constitution is needed for the interest of the country, it should be done by an elected government,” he said while talking to reporters after distributing raincoats among rickshaw and van pullers in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. The BNP leader said the achievement made on August 5 must be maintained, mentioning that people had endured sixteen years of oppression under a repressive government. He stressed the need for preventing its return and urged all not to allow petty issues to create opportunities for fascism to re-emerge. Fakhrul meets Pakistan’s deputy PM Ishaq Dar Mentioning that the nation has paid a heavy price over the past 16 years, Rizvi said, “There was no rule of law, no justice. The state machinery, including the judiciary and law enforcement, was used to serve the vendetta of Sheikh Hasina.” “A reign had been established where no one but Sheikh Hasina, her children and relatives had the right to speak. It was a rule of bloodshed and vengeance. If we don’t want a repeat of that era, a minimum level of political understanding is essential,” he added. Issuing a warning, the BNP senior leader said, “If we fail to reach that understanding, fascism will return in an even more terrifying form. Sheikh Hasina once waged a violent movement to establish the caretaker government system, only to scrap it herself once in power. That’s who Sheikh Hasina is, a leader with no commitment, who sees politics merely as a tool for deception and self-interest. We cannot allow that brand of politics to return.” He also emphasised that the interim government must remain neutral and live up to public expectations. Development must not come at nature’s cost, says Rizwana Hasan “It’s not that they lack sincerity. Inflation has now come down, although prices of essentials remain high. But employment is not increasing. One after another, factories are shutting down. Without job creation, signs of famine may begin to appear. Perhaps a few advisers can afford duck meat anywhere they wish, but the general people cannot. Such a situation must not be allowed to arise,” he said. Noting that about 100,000 workers have lost jobs in the garments sector, the BNP leader said, “Many mill owners are worshippers of fascism. We’ve long said that factories must remain open, and people must not go hungry. Politics cannot be done on the backs of starving people.” He also urged the government to act and sell these factories through auction, if necessary. Addressing the issue of constitutional amendments, he said, “If a change is required for the July charter, then a future elected parliament will decide. One political party says a referendum must be held beforehand, why? Fundamental principles are indivisible, but even then, the constitution allows amendments. And only a parliament can do that.” If any constitutional change is required for democracy, the elected representatives will do it, he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had a meeting with Pakistan’s visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday evening. The meeting was held at 6:30 pm  at the Pakistan High Commission on Gulshan Avenue, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Fakhrul was accompanied by a delegation from the BNP, including Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Selima Rahman, Vice Chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed. During the around 55-minute meeting, Sayrul said, issues relating to bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed. BNP , however,  did not issue any official statement or brief the media after the meeting. Before meeting with the BNP delegation, Ishaq Dar also met leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP). Breakthroughs expected in high level talks as Ishaq Dar set to arrive Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to meet former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence, 'Feroza', on Sunday at 7:30 pm, Sayrul said. The Pakistani Deputy PM arrived in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon on a two-day visit. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam welcomed Ishaq Dar at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.