United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said Awami League (AL) men should be tried under the ‘black laws’ they formulated over an extended period. “We do not want any injustice and oppression on anyone. Let them be tried under the black laws they had formulated over a long period,” he said. The Jamaat chief said this while addressing the member (Rukon) council of Jamaat’s Dhaka north city unit at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center in the city’s Sher-e Bangla Nagar area. He mentioned that the AL leaders used to claim that the law is equal for everyone and that the judiciary is independent. “Don’t they deserve the same rights and benefits under equal laws? They should receive what is rightfully theirs to ensure they are not deprived,” he said. On October 28, 2006, the humanity and democracy of Bangladesh, the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh were slaughtered in the rampage of Logi-Baitha (sticks-oars), said Dr Rahman. Bangladesh truly lost its way that day. In exchange for many sacrifices for 17 and half years, it got back its own way on August 5, 2024, he said. “All the killers from October 28, 2006 to August 5, 2024 will have to be tried,” said the Jamaat Ameer, adding that the killers of the recent mass movement will have to be tried on priority basis. Citing that no one wants to utter the name of Awami League anymore now, he said, “Now nobody dares to mention their names. Even their party men do not want to utter the name of their party. Why should we, the oppressed people, mention their names?” Credit for August 5 uprising belongs to students, not any party: Jamaat Ameer Dr Rahman said they (AL leaders) have a history of banning their own party. When they had established a one-party system, they banned all parties, including their own one. This time people have banned their party with the help of Allah, he added. “Being ashamed for their misdeeds and seeking apology to the nation, they could have found a way. Not doing so, they are trying to return in the name of Ansar League, Judiciary league and this demand league and that demand league,” he said. The Jamaat chief said they (AL) now send a message to the world that they (AL government) didn’t allow the rise of extremism in Bangladesh, but there is extremism in Bangladesh as they are no longer in the country. He said the biggest extremists were the ones who gave hammers to their children and helmets on their heads. No bigger extremists and terrorists than them were born in Bangladesh, he added. "They committed terrorism. We will not do so. We hate terrorism. We have assured the nation that we will not take any revenge by taking the law into our hands,” said the Jamaat Ameer. He said they (AL) have made people suffer and tortured them by taking laws into their own hands. “But we will not do it. We must seek justice for oppression under existing laws.” Pointing at the leaders and activists, the Jamaat top leader said, “We want to build a united nation in future. So, we have to show limitless patience.”  Jamaat Dhaka north city unit president Mohammad Selim Uddin presided over the council.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his party aims to create a collective community 'shield', setting a precedent for ensuring the safety of all, regardless of their caste or creed. He made the pledge in a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, extending his wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.  The BNP leader also included a photo of the Hindu goddess Durga with his post. “I believe every Bangladeshi citizen must enjoy equal rights, freedoms, and protection without any distinction between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian,” he said. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique Tarique said, “Our country belongs to all Bangladeshis, and as a united nation, we stand to form a collective community 'shield' and set an example by ensuring the safety of everyone, regardless of their identity or background.” He extended warm greetings to all those celebrating this joyous Durga Puja.  “May this festival bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to every household, and foster cohesion and togetherness among all communities,” Tarique concluded.  Durga Puja, the most significant festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, is in full swing, having begun on October 9 with Maha Shashthi. The celebration will culminate on October 13 with the immersion of Durga idols in rivers, marking the conclusion of the Sharadiya Durgotshab.

 Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the credit for the August 5 mass uprising does not belong to any political party, but rather to the students and the people. He remarked that the nation has been freed from fascism through the bloodshed and sacrifices of the youth and the general public. "We seek to earn the genuine love of the people through our work. We do not want divisions between the minority and the majority. We envision a society where temples, like mosques, do not require security. If anyone attempts to disrupt our harmony, we must unite to resist them," he said. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at a workers' conference organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat, held on Friday at 3:30 PM at the Kushiyara International Convention Hall in South Surma, Sylhet. The event was presided over by Muhammad Fakhrul Islam, a member of Jamaat's Central Executive Committee and Ameer of Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat, and conducted by Secretary Muhammad Shahjahan Ali. Several thousand workers from the city attended the conference. In his address, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman added that during the regime of the 'fallen fascist', Jamaat-e-Islami suffered the most oppression. "Our top leaders were executed on charges of crimes against humanity, and they were martyred. Today, history has marked them as the real perpetrators of crimes against humanity," he concluded.  

AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized that people's voting rights and fair elections cannot be achieved without national reform. He stressed the importance of prioritizing electoral reform first. Azad noted that the interim government is currently working on these reforms, and Jamaat-e-Islami is willing to wait until the process is complete. Jamaat proposes 41 reforms, calls for judiciary and electoral system overhaul He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a conference of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held at the AK School auditorium in Barishal town on Friday. Hamidur Rahman, a former lawmaker from Cox's Bazar-2, said that the effectiveness of the July-August movement hinges on achieving sustainable reforms in the country, along with necessary changes to the electoral law. He also accused the ousted Awami League government of committing acts of genocide at Shapla Chattar. Jamaat Amir calls for national unity When asked about the rising prices of commodities, Rahman emphasized that economic stability is essential to manage inflation, highlighting that time is needed for recovery. The conference was presided over by Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar, a member of the Barishal Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami and attended by over five hundred leaders and activists.

BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday demanded the government publish a white paper on those who fled the country following the student-led mass uprising. “The government must publish a white paper on those who have left the country, particularly explaining how individuals responsible for the deaths of many mothers' sons in Bangladesh managed to escape to India,” he said. Speaking at a rally, he noted that telephonic conversations involving the deposed ruler Sheikh Hasina have gone viral on social media, in which she mentioned her intention to re-enter the country from India suddenly. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique “I would like to say it wouldn’t be that easy for you to enter the country crossing the border as you fled Bangladesh to India. The border is currently tightly secured by the BGB under the government of Dr Muhammad Yunus, not by the Awami League,” the BNP leader asserted. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, also alleged that India tried to subdue Bangladesh with the help of Sheikh Hasina. “But the people of Bangladesh have bigger  hearts, and they ousted the Awami League through years of agitations and struggle, as well as through the student-led mass revolution. Democracy must be restored and voting will no longer be held at night. This movement won’t be in vain,” he said. Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all the false cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other opposition leaders and activists. Farroque said the current interim government was put in place to make sure the country operates according to the constitution, not under the armed cadres of the Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League. Hasina's cohorts spreading rumours to create chaos: BNP He said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election where the country’s people will be able to freely exercise their right to franchise. The BNP leader said the people of the country now expect the Dr Yunus-led government to fulfill their desire by announcing a date for the next national election within a reasonable timeframe. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of 40 lakh cases filed against BNP and opposition party leaders during the previous government's tenure. “The people are now asking why these 40 lakh cases have not yet been withdrawn as per the President's orders.”

Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir has denied any involvement in the performance of Islamic songs at a puja mandap in Chattogram. "False propaganda began circulating on social media on Thursday, October 10, around 8 pm, alleging Shibir's involvement in the incident at the JM Sen Hall during a Hindu community festival," according to a press release signed by Salauddin Akash, Publicity Secretary of Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir's Metropolitan North unit. Six youths to be arrested for disrupting Puja celebration in CtgThe release further clarified that Shibir had no connection to the incident. Fakhrul Islam, President of Shibir’s Chattogram Metropolitan North branch, along with Secretary Tanzir Hossain Jewel, strongly condemned the spread of what they called "deliberate misinformation," it also said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said democracy encompasses more than just elections as it involves ensuring the protection of individuals' freedoms and fundamental rights. In a message on the occasion of Shaheed Jihad Day, commemorating the 34th anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad's martyrdom, he also emphasised the importance of conducting free, fair and credible elections to uphold the democratic process. Tarique said a non-partisan, neutral government during the polls is an essential condition for ensuring a free and fair election. “Democracy means more than just elections; it means guaranteeing people's freedoms and fundamental rights,” he said. Tarique urged all to come forward, inspired by the supreme sacrifice of martyr Jihad, to resist the plots of domestic and foreign evil forces aimed at protecting the country's independence and sovereignty and restoring democracy. Jihad, a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activist of Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement. Read: Interim govt must win BNP's unshakeable trust: Tarique Rahman “Shaheed Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad is an unforgettable name in the anti-autocratic movement against Ershad in the 90s. The bloody movement was for the restoration of multi-party democracy, freedom of expression and the press,” Tarique said. He said martyr Jihad courageously took bullets of police on his chest while playing a leading role in the anti-dictatorship mass movement. “This fearless student leader embraced martyrdom, and his sacrifice fueled the people's uprising that year, leading to the fall of the autocrat Ershad,” the BNP leader said. He said dictator Ershad killed democracy, while Jihad dedicated his life with the conviction to restore democracy and put it on a firm footing.  “His (Jihad’s) soul will suffer if we cannot fulfill his dream,” Tarique observed. BNP and its associate bodies observed ‘Shaheed Jihad Day’ with various programmes. JCD central leaders placed a wreath at Jihad memorial plaque at Dainik Bangla crossing in the morning in observance of the day. A group of student leaders of the 90s, led by Amanullah Aman, and Jihad Smriti Parishad also paid homage to the Jihad by placing wreaths at his Memorial Mausoleum. Read more: Interim govt must not be allowed to fail: Tarique Rahman Jihad Smriti Parishad organised a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the day.

Awami League greeted people of the country on the occasion of Sharadio Durga Puja. In its verified Facebook post on Thursday, Awami League said, “It is our belief that communal harmony will be reawakened in Bangladesh by breaking through the darkness.”

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday alleged that the associates of deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina are attempting to create chaos in the country by spreading various rumours. “The conspirators have not ceased their activities. Just because Sheikh Hasina has fled, do not assume that all the cohorts of the autocrat and fascist have disappeared... they are still present. Various attempts are being made to spread rumours and create confusion,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, he urged the pro-democratic parties and politicians to remain vigilant and not to be misled by any kind of rumours or confusion. “We must stay alert.” Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said everyone must remember that the ousted Awami League is still backed by various forces and powers at home and abroad. “They amassed huge wealth and money during their time in power and may attempt to create chaos among us. We must not allow this to happen again,” he warned. Rizvi questions speed of Saber Hossain’s bail He emphasised that it is essential to remember that the nation owes a debt to the blood and memories of all those who embraced martyrdom or fell victim to enforced disappearance for the cause of democracy, including Shaheed Jihad. “Those of us who are alive have a responsibility to honour the memory of the martyrs and to achieve the goals for which they sacrificed their lives. We must overcome any obstacles in our path to achieving this and it should be done in unity with the people through the democratic process,” the BNP leader observed. A group of student leaders from the 90s and the Jihad Smriti Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the 34th death anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad. BNP promises justice for persecution of Hindus Jihad, an activist of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) from Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement. Nazrul warned everyone to remain vigilant against those attempting to create division among the democratic forces. “There are some individuals whom we may be mistakenly identifying as our allies...It seems they are on our side. However, these people raise slogans and speak in ways that create disunity among us, leading to division within the forces that have fought against authoritarianism and fascism.” He said there are some parties and individuals who, aware that they have no chance of succeeding in a credible election, are making sinister efforts to undermine the BNP, tarnish its popularity, and defame it through various conspiracies. Without mentioning any specific party or coalition, Nazrul said, "I urge everyone to remember that we are not enemies of each other. Let’s be competitors instead. The people are aware of your past, just as they are aware of mine. In the coming days, when a fair election is held, the people will decide whom they trust to lead the government for their welfare.” Rehabilitation of fallen dictator will make country unlivable: Rizvi Stating that the Durga Puja festival of the Hindu community is being celebrated in the country, he said it is the responsibility of the democratic forces to ensure that no disturbances occur during this time. “There are individuals who may conspire to create chaos and tarnish the reputation of our country. They will also attempt to undermine this government or those who brought it to power. We must remain cautious to prevent this,” he said.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday questioned how former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury was granted bail within just 24 hours of his arrest, despite allegations that he orchestrated the enforced disappearance and murder of 11 people. “Law Adviser Asif Nazrul is very close to me. How could a murderer like Saber Hossain Chowdhury be granted bail while he (Asif) is in charge of the Law Ministry?” he said. Speaking at a rally in the capital’s Khilgaon area, the BNP leader said people in Saber’s constituency faced immense repression while many were maimed. He recalled that youths like Nuruzzaman Jonny, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Khilgaon unit, were picked up from his house and killed by being shot 16 times. “Isn’t Saber Hossain Chowdhury responsible for this? Under his orders, 11 people in the area have been victims of enforced disappearance and killing. He cannot eschew this responsibility,” Rizvi said. The families of victims of enforced disappearance and murder arranged the rally demanding action against Saber Hossain Chowdhury. A team from the Detective Branch of Police arrested Saber from the capital’s Gulshan area on Sunday. Read: Gono Odhikar Parishad holds procession against bails of Saber Hossain, M.A. Mannan He walked out of jail the following day as a Dhaka court granted him bail in six cases, including four with the Khilgaon police station and two with the Paltan police station, mostly over murder allegations. Saber is the first Awami League leader to be granted bail among many politicians and former cabinet members arrested on allegations of killings linked to the anti-discrimination student movement that resulted in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian regime on August 5. Rizvi said five people were killed in the Khilgaon area during the student-led mass movement against Sheikh Hasina's regime. “Sheikh Hasina has committed genocide, and Saber Hossain Chowdhury was her associate. He has been nurtured in Sheikh Hasina's ideology. During their time in power, no one could dare to speak in favour of democracy, the BNP, Begum Khaleda Zia, or Tarique Rahman. This is why he (Saber) has successfully implanted a programme of enforced disappearances and murders,” he said. The BNP leader bemoaned that although the tears of the fathers who lost their sons haven't dried yet, Saber has been released on bail even in murder cases within 24 hours of his arrest. Read more:Ex-minister Saber Hossain secures bail in all 6 cases Rizvi said the Chhatra League leaders and activists indulged in killing, occupying, and other misdeeds, but no cases could be filed against them during Hasina's rule. “The interim government, led by Dr Yunus, is an administration supported by the people through the mass uprising. If they follow the footsteps of Sheikh Hasina, then what does that mean? With a person like Asif Nazrul in this interim government, how is it possible for Saber Hossain Chowdhury to be released on bail within 24 hours? So who is this government protecting?” he said. Rizvi alleged that Saber Chowdhury was an MP for years without people’s votes. “Under his orders, many murders and extrajudicial killings occurred. If he is granted bail, then those involved in financial scandals and the police who engaged in crossfires—who made people disappear, tortured them, and shot them in the head—will likely be released within days. What will the interim government say in response to this?” Later, a procession was held under the leadership of Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, demanding the arrest of Saber Hossain Chowdhury.