United News of Bangladesh

Stating that some political parties are resorting to various unfair tactics to block his party’s victory in the next election, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged all to confront politics with politics instead of stopping people from giving their verdict. While virtually exchanging greetings with Hindu communities, he also sought their support and active cooperation for his party in the upcoming national election, saying it is a big opportunity to build a safe Bangladesh for the future generation. “The surprising matter is that in a fascist-free Bangladesh, it is not the ruling government this time, but rather the attitude of some political figures and groups--who were comrades in the anti-fascist movement on the streets--now reflects the same tendency of the ousted fugitive autocratic regime to block BNP’s victory,” Tarique said. In their efforts to stop BNP’s victory, he said the deposed fascist government once turned the country into a vast prison and a subservient state. Tarique said even in today’s fascist-free Bangladesh, there are still some parties and quarters who fear that if the election is held, people will vote for BNP to form the government. “Out of this fear, they are resorting to evil tactics and setting conditions to obstruct BNP’s victory.” “I would like to draw their attention by saying—confront politics with politics. Put your trust and confidence in people’s strength. If BNP’s victory truly comes from the people, then do not block the people’s right to give their mandate just to resist BNP’s triumph,” he said. PR demand ‘suspicious, unrealistic’, says BNP’s Nazrul BNP and Bangladesh Hindu-Buddha-Christian Kalyan Front arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. Tarique said his party believes the Proportional Representation (PR) system of election is still not suitable for Bangladesh considering its socio-economic, geographic and political realities. “People have the right to know who they are voting for and which individual is being elected as their representative in Parliament. But under the PR system, voters have no clear way of knowing exactly which person is being elected,” he said. The BNP leader said if any political party or individual wants to represent the nation in Parliament or government, they must directly face the people, win their trust and confidence, and earn their mandate through votes. He expressed the hope that the differences among political parties over the PR system and a few other issues would be resolved smoothly over time. Elections only way to restore political rights, resist fascism: Tarique “Those trying to create a smokescreen ahead of the upcoming election may, perhaps unknowingly, be obstructing the path of democracy. At the same time, they could be paving the way for the rehabilitation of the ousted fascist government,” he said. Referring to the February election, Tarique said statements or new conditions from certain political parties and quarters are creating confusion among people. He said while not every issue requires consensus among all political parties, it is crucial to be united on matters related to protecting freedom, sovereignty, and national interest to prevent fascism. Tarique greeted the Hindu community members in Bangladesh and abroad on the occasion of Janmashtami. He also paid tribute to the Hindu community members who sacrificed their lives in the July-August mass uprising. On the safety of the Hindu community, Tarique said in the past there have been attacks on Hindus, mostly driven by dishonest political motives or illegal greed, not religious reasons.  “It is the responsibility of the state and government to ensure that no one faces attack or injustice for any reason,” he added. BNP against PR system, says Fakhrul Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the Awami League regime, which ruled the country for the past 16 years, has destroyed Bangladesh’s democratic structure. He alleged that Awami League leaders indulged in massive corruption and siphoned off a huge amount of the country’s money abroad. The BNP leader said there is now a strong effort to make people forget the Liberation War of 1971, urging all to unite against such attempt. He said the Liberation War gave the nation its independence, territory and identity, while the July-August uprising offered people the dream of democracy. “Both must be remembered with equal importance.” The BNP leader warned against the rise of extremism in Bangladesh, saying it must not be allowed to gain ground. He urged everyone to avoid divisive politics and work together to protect the nation’s identity, safeguard its existence and advance Bangladesh’s progress. Credible election not possible with AL loyalists in police, admin: Rizvi Fakhrul stressed the need for establishing the rule of law and restoring democracy in Bangladesh. The BNP leader urged Hindu community members to remain alert so that no one can use communalism as a weapon to destabilise the country. Reaffirming that BNP does not believe in communalism, Fakhrul said the party wants to build a rainbow nation ensuring communal harmony in Bangladesh. BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Gono Forum Executive President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, BNP Vice Chairman Netai Roy Chowdhury and party Executive Committee member Nipun Roy Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the programme.  

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), will leave for Malaysia on a three-day visit on Friday (Aug 22) at the invitation of the NCP Diaspora Alliance, Malaysia Chapter. During the visit, Nahid is scheduled to hold exchange meetings and attend dinners with expatriate Bangladeshis, representatives of social and political organizations, journalists, human rights activists and professionals, NCP sources said. NCP expels Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar for breaching party discipline As part of the tour, he will attend a public event where he will interact with expatriate political leaders, participants of the July Uprising, students and the wider Bangladeshi diaspora in Malaysia. Discussions will focus on ways to engage expatriates more actively in the state-building process of post-uprising Bangladesh, as well as sharing experiences of the diaspora’s role during the July movement.

A BNP delegation held a meeting with a visiting team from the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) on Thursday morning, focusing on the country’s evolving political situation, upcoming polls and reforms. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting. The other members of the BNP delegation were Organising Secretary Shama Obaed and Acting Chairperson's Adviser Mahadi Amin. The IRI delegation included Asia Pacific Director Stephen Cima, Deputy Director Matthew Carter and Senior Programme Manager Amitabh Ghosh. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Moyeen said the discussion covered the post-uprising political context in Bangladesh, ongoing reform initiatives and the BNP’s views on the future election. PR demand ‘suspicious, unrealistic’, says BNP’s Nazrul He said they presented the BNP’s strategic vision and plans to the IRI representatives. “The meeting was constructive…we explained how we view the current political transition in Bangladesh and shared our thoughts on democratic reforms and the upcoming election,” Dr Khan said. The IRI delegation is holding separate meetings with various political parties in Bangladesh as part of its ongoing engagements. On August 19, the same delegation held talks with senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at its central office. The IRI is a Washington-based organisation that supports democratic practices and institutions across the world through engagement with political parties, civil society and government bodies.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned home on Wednesday afternoon after being discharged from United Hospital. BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain said Fakhrul reached his Gulshan residence around 2pm. “The BNP Secretary General’s condition is now stable; physically well,” Zahid said. He said various medical tests were carried out on Fakhrul at the hospital, where he was treated under the supervision of Professor Mominuzzaman. Zahid said BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman enquired about Fakhrul’s health condition from London soon after hearing the news of his hospitalisation. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General Moazzem Hossain Helal visited the BNP Secretary General at United Hospital and spoke with him for a while. Just six hours after returning home from Thailand, Fakhrul was admitted to United Hospital in Dhaka in the early hours of Wednesday. He was taken to the hospital after he suddenly fell ill at his Gulshan residence around 12am. BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul hospitalised Earlier on Tuesday evening, Fakhrul had returned to Dhaka from Bangkok after a follow-up eye treatment. After arriving in Dhaka, he first went to his Gulshan home and later attended a meeting of the BNP’s National Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s office. The Standing Committee meeting continued until around 11pm. Soon after reaching home, Fakhrul began to feel unwell and was quickly taken to United Hospital.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday described the demand by some political parties for introducing a proportional representation (PR) election system in the next national election as ‘unrealistic and suspicious’.  “When such insistence is placed on this matter (PR), it creates doubts that this could be an unreasonable attempt, leading to serious negative consequences for holding the election,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while responding to a reporter’s question at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said those who are demanding PR are not clearly explaining what kind of system they want for the election. He questioned whether anyone had ever asked the people of the country about the PR system. “Just go to Keraniganj near Dhaka and tell someone there that we want to change the way you have been electing your representatives. Say that we want a new system where your vote will be for a party, not a person. The party will then choose the MPs. There won’t be any specific MP for your area,” Nazrul said, pointing at the parties demanding the PR system. Elections only way to restore political rights, resist fascism: Tarique He said the political parties should also tell people that they will not vote for any particular candidate in their area. “Have you told people in villages these things? Have you asked if they agree or not on the matter?” The BNP leader said some political parties were forcefully trying to impose the PR system on the voters despite its weak basis. Since ordinary people haven’t been involved in it or made aware of it, he said the political parties will not be able to create much trouble over the PR issue. Nazrul also questioned how the PR system could be introduced by discarding the traditional voting system without amending the constitution in parliament. “Even if you agree on introducing PR, you still can’t apply it in the coming election, because the constitution would need to be amended first. Only parliament has the authority to do that. So, if you want to introduce it at all, it would only be possible in the following election,” the BNP leader said. Nazrul said any political party or leader could have their own ideas, which might even be very good or groundbreaking, and there was no doubt about that. “But the question is, whether the idea is good or bad, whether it comes from a wise person or an ordinary one—unless it is accepted by the people, it cannot and should not be applied for the people,” he observed. People eagerly waiting to cast votes: Amir Khosru In Bangladesh, the BNP leader pointed out, debates have continued for years over whether people should cast their votes by stamping a ballot paper or by pressing a button on an EVM machine, yet no final decision has been reached on the matter. “But now you want to change the entire election system. People have always voted for individuals to represent them. But in the PR system, you will no longer vote for a specific person. No one will represent a particular area. The party will decide who becomes an MP—not the people,” he said. In the PR system, the BNP leader said, MPs will not belong to a specific constituency as they will be MPs of the whole country. “So if someone has a problem, who will they go to? That won’t be clear. This is such a major change, but you are not properly explaining it to the people, the real owners of the country,” he said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday announced a six-day programme, including rallies and discussions, to celebrate its 47th founding anniversary on September 1. BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan announced the programmes at a press conference at its Nayapaltan central office after a meeting of the party’s ‘national celebration committee’ to mark the anniversary. As per the announcement, the party will arrange a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on August 31 in absorbance of the day. On September 1, the party flag will be hoisted atop the Nayapaltan central office and all other BNP offices across the country in the morning. The leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of its founder Ziaur Rahman in the capital at 11:00 am, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Besides, the district and city units of the party will hold discussions and colourful rallies across the country the same day. On September 2, a colourful rally will be brought out in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the anniversary. BNP’s all upazila and municipality units will hold rallies and discussions on September 3. On September 4, the party will observe several mass programmes like releasing fish fries, planting trees, and arranging sports events and free medical camps across the country. The party will organise a roundtable discussion on contemporary political issues on September 5 as part of its anniversary observance. Apart from the central programmes, BNP's associate bodies and all their units across the country will mark the day with due respect by arranging their own programmes. On the occasion of the anniversary, BNP and its associate bodies will publish posters and special supplements. On September 1, 1978, Ziaur Rahman formed BNP with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. BNP ruled the country for several terms. On August 18, BNP formed a 16-member ‘national celebration committee’ to celebrate the party’s 47th founding anniversary on September 1. BNP National Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has been made convener of the committee while Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi its member secretary.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), BNP's student wing,  on Wednesday announced a full panel of candidates ahead of the much-hyped Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib made the announcement at a press conference held at the foot of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture on the university campus. Abidul Islam Khan has been nominated for the post of Vice President (VP), Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim for General Secretary (GS), and Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Other panel members are Ariful Islam (Secretary for Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs), Ehsanul Islam (Secretary for Science and Technology Affairs), and Chemon Faria Islam Meghla (Secretary for Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Affairs). DUCSU election: Nomination forms collection ends Md Mehedi Hasan has been nominated for Secretary for International Affairs, Abu Hayat Md Zulfikar Jisan for Secretary for Literature and Culture Affairs, Chim Chimya Chakma for Secretary for Sports Affairs, and Md Saif Ullah (Saif) for Secretary for Student Transport Affairs. While Syed Imam Hasan Anik as Secretary for Social Service Affairs, Md Arkanul Islam Rupak as Secretary for Career Development Affairs, Anwar Hossain as Secretary for Health and Environment Affairs, and Md Mehedi Hasan Munna as Secretary for Human Rights and Law Affairs. The post of Research and Publication Affairs Secretary has been left vacant in honour of Sanjida Ahmed Tanbi, who was injured during the July movement. DUCSU election: Leftist alliance announces full panel ‘Protirodh Porshod’ Besides, Md Zarif Rahman, Mahmudul Hasan, Nahid Hasan, Md Hasibur Rahman Shakib, Md Shamim Rana, Yasin Arafat Alif, Munim Hasan Arup, Ranjan Roy, Swaib Islam Omi, Meherunnesa Keya, Ibnu Ahmed, Shamsul Haque Anan and Nityanand Pal were nominated as general members.

Six hours after returning home from Thailand, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was admitted to United Hospital in Dhaka in the early hours of Wednesday. Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP's Standing Committee, said Fakhrul was taken to the hospital after he fell sick at his Gulshan residence around 12am. He said the condition of the BNP Secretary General is stable. “He is under close observations of doctors.” Zahid said Fakhrul is receiving treatment under cardiologist Professor Mominuzzaman. Earlier on Tuesday evening, Fakhrul returned to Dhaka from Bangkok after a follow-up eye treatment. After arriving in Dhaka, he went straight to his Gulshan home before attending a meeting of the BNP's National Standing Committee at the party chairperson's office. The BNP Standing Committee meeting continued until around 11pm. Soon after returning home, Fakhrul began feeling unwell and was quickly taken to United Hospital.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that holding elections is the only way to restore the political rights of people and resist fascism. “Through the practice of electing public representatives by direct vote, people gain strength in the state and politics. If the people are not strong, the state and the government cannot be strong. In a democratic system, elections are the main way to empower people and ensure every citizen’s political rights,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion. Speaking about the interim government’s announcement to hold the national election in February, Tarique said the people’s long wait of nearly 15 years will come to an end. “People will vote themselves and choose the candidates they want — this is now the hope of all.” He also said statements from various political parties have raised questions in the minds of democracy-loving citizens about the election. “From this event, I would like to draw the attention of all leaders of pro-democracy political parties — if the distance grows between democratic forces, it will open the door for the defeated and fugitive fascist groups to return. I sincerely urge all democracy-loving people across the country to stay alert and cautious,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said if different conditions or obstacles are created on the path of restoring people’s political rights, democracy will face a serious crisis. “We must remember that during authoritarian rule, no democratic political worker or opposition member was safe — nor were their families. If the path to democracy is blocked and people can't exercise their rights, the entire state will fall into trouble,” the BNP leader said. He said true power lies with the people, and if people are not empowered, no laws and rules can resist fascism. “You cannot stop fascism with the constitution or written laws. If we want to prevent fascism in the state and politics, there is no alternative but to politically empower the people.” Tarique said that falling into unnecessary debates after the fall of a brutal fascist regime disrespects the sacrifices of the martyrs who fought for democracy. He urged all to stay away from the politics of revenge and instead focus on implementing well-thought-out plans to bring positive changes in the country’s political system. The BNP leader said hid party’s future politics will be centred around improving people’s living standards. “Creating jobs both at home and abroad and ensuring safe employment will be BNP’s top priority.” Tarique Rahman urges people to unite for democracy, fair elections Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal arranged the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, marking its 45th founding anniversary. On 19 August 1980, BNP’s founder and former President Ziaur Rahman established the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal. On the occasion of the founding anniversary, party leaders, including Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Swechchhasebak Dal members, laid floral wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Tarique said if BNP gets the responsibility to run the country with direct support from people’s votes, it will be able to quickly implement its plans for the welfare of the country and the people. “Ahead of the upcoming national election, please present BNP’s vision and plans to the people at all levels.” “BNP believes that people are the source of all political power. Let us stand with the people, and tell them, ‘Vote for the sheaf of paddy, and together we’ll build the nation,” he said  Giving advice to the leaders of the party’s voluntary wing,  Tarique said, “You are already running campaigns at upazila-level hospitals voluntarily. Please consider launching a union-level cleanliness drive to protect the environment through voluntary efforts.” He said he believes that if a countrywide cleanliness campaign was declared at a suitable time, it would not only help protect the environment but also set an example of positive political change. “This would help present the nationalist movement to the people in a new way.” Tarique also urged everyone to avoid doing anything that might create a negative impression among the people.  He reminded them that people are the strength of BNP and told them to stay close to people by earning their love and showing love in return. “My appeal to you — avoid doing anything that might create a negative impression in the minds of the people. Always remember — manpower is BNP’s strength. Stay with the love of the people, and keep loving them back,” the BNP leader said. BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed Khan were present. Some children of Swechchhasebak Dal leaders and activists, who were victims of enforced disappearance or killed during the struggle against autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina, spoke at the programme, creating an emotional atmosphere that deeply moved the audience.

Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB), Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Pir Shahib Chormonai) on Tuesday said that the student-mass people took to the streets against injustice, killings, and inequality, and will not leave the streets until these are achieved. "We will not accept any move to hold elections before reforms. If any evil quarter forces the chief adviser to announce an election before reforms, we clearly say — we are still on the streets", he said. The Amir of the IAB was speaking as the chief guest at a rally organised by it at the north gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, demanding legal recognition of the July Declaration, restoration of law and order, and the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in national elections. Pir Saheb Chormonai said elections cannot be held under the old system until law and order is restored, the desired reforms are implemented, and ongoing trials becomes visible. Islami Andolan warns EC of facing predecessors’ fate if fair polls not ensured He said the main goal of reform is to change the electoral system that has been in place for the past 54 years. “The PR system, like in many countries around the world, is the only way to stop black money, muscle power, and terrorism. Various surveys show that a majority of people now want PR. It has become a nationwide demand.” He further emphasised  that reforms have to be visible before elections and that the July Declaration have to be given legal status beforehand. “Relying on a post-election promise to implement the Declaration is a false hope,” he added. The rally was presided over by IAB’s Dhaka North president and joint secretary general Principal Hafez Mawlana Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud. IAB secretary general Principal Hafez Mawlana Yunus Ahmad, presidium members Professor Mahbubur Rahman and Professor Ashraf Ali Akon, joint secretary general and party spokesperson Mawlana Gazi Ataur Rahman, assistant secretary general Mawlana Ahmad Abdul Qayyum, and assistant publicity and dawah secretary KM Shariyatullah also addressed the event. Leaders from both Dhaka North and South city units of the party were present.