politics
Families of enforced disappearance victims in serious strife: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said family members of the victims of enforced disappearance, including Ilias Ali, are facing severe strife in absence of their near and dear ones.
Talking to reporters after visiting the house of missing BNP leader Ilias Ali in the city’s Banani area, he also alleged that the government has not taken any initiative to trace the victims of enforced disappearance because of its own involvement in these incidents.
“The situation would have been different had the government taken any initiative to find the people who were subjected to enforced disappearance. But no such effort of the government was seen since it is involved (in these incidents),” Fakhrul said.
He said people saw that law enforcers had picked up BNP leader Ilias Ali and his driver from Banani area a decade ago in the capital. “It’s very clear that this incident happened through this government. As the government has no step to find out the victims of enforced disappearance, their families are being deprived of all facilities and facing serious ordeals.”
Fakhrul along with BNP joint secretary general Sayed Moazzem Hossain Alal went to Ilias’ house at noon and talked to his wife Tahsina Rushdi Luna and other family members. He also presented them with Eid gifts on behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Referring to his conversation with Luna, he said Ilias Ali's family has been in great danger. “His (Ilias’) wife told me that they could not access his (Ilias Ali's) bank account. They couldn't even pay tax on his car. These things have caused a great deal of pain to the family."
Read: Seeking India’s help to lift sanctions on RAB manifestation of govt’s knee-jerk foreign policy: BNP
The BNP leader said Ilias’ family had to face a lot of problems regarding their daughter's college admission as some colleges were not allowing her to take admission. “Not only Ilias Ali’s family, but all the families of the victims of enforced disappearance are going through such strife."
He said their party has been trying to stand by the families of its members, activists and leaders who were 'made disappeared' - popular in the local parlance as 'goom' - by providing them with gifts and financial assistance on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
BNP organising secretary M Ilias Ali along with his driver Ansar Ali went missing on the midnight of April 17, 2012 from the capital’s Banani area. Since then, BNP has been blaming the security agencies for the mysterious disappearance, an allegation denied by the government.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League wants to stay in power by intimidating people and resorting to enforced disappearances.
He said the culture of disappearance never existed in the politics of Bangladesh until the current Awami League government came to power. “Authoritarian and usurper regimes had not done it in the past. We saw for the first time in Bangladesh that political opponents were made to disappear during the rule of the current regime.”
Stating that two people were recently killed in crossfire by RAB, the BNP leader said such killing and violation of human rights by the elite force will continue to happen as long as legal action is not taken against those who were involved in the misdeeds.
Read: BNP conspiring to assassinate Hasina: Quader
Fakhrul said the government is unable to take any action against the law enforcers since it has used them for carrying out 'enforced disappearances’, 'killings' and 'torture' to cling to power. “They (govt) have been held hostage by law enforcement agencies."
Criticising the government for seeking India’s help to have the sanctions on RAB lifted, he said it has exposed that the government is bankrupt since it is requesting the neighbouring country to overcome a national problem.
Unilateral announcement of SCBA results a “terrible injustice’: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday described the ‘unilateral’ announcement of the disputed results of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) election by the pro-Awami League lawyers as a "terrible injustice".
“The cadres of Awami League who usurped power broke the locked house at night in a terrorist manner and announced the results (of SCBA),” he said.
Speaking at an Iftar party, he urged the lawyers to register a strong protest against the incident.
Read: BNP conspiring to assassinate Hasina: Quader
“Lawyers should have raised their voices as such a terrible injustice cannot be tolerated. Lawyers also should have gone to the chief justice and mobilised all lawyers across Bangladesh to protest against the incident. But it is very unfortunate that when fascism behaves in this way, it suppresses all protests,” Fakhrul bemoaned.
BNP arranged the Iftar party in honour of professionals at Dhaka Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton.
Earlier on Wednesday night, the election of the Supreme Court Bar Association, that took place over a month ago, was announced after scuffles and chaos broke between ruling Awami League-backed lawyers and pro-BNP lawyers over the recounting of votes cast for the post of secretary, where the candidate from pro-BNP panel was leading.
Fakhrul slammed the government for seeking India’s help to withdraw the US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and said it is shameful for the country.
“The foreign minister is openly seeking India’s help to have the sanctions on RAB lifted, but they didn’t talk (to India) they needed to speak on the Rohingya issue,” he observed.
Read: Case filed against 2 for derogatory FB posts on mayor Taposh
Referring to the recent clashes between Dhaka College students and traders in the New Market area that killed two people, Fakhrul said it was proved that Chhatra League was involved, but police filed cases against BNP leaders and activists.
The BNP leader called upon the professionals to get united to oust the current regime and ensure the next election is held under a non-party neutral government.
“The government has established a one-party system of government in a brutal manner. A pro-people government must be established removing the monstrous one,” he said.
Ex-Gazipur mayor Mannan passes away
MA Mannan, the first mayor of Gazipur City Corporation and a BNP vice-chairman, died at a city hospital on Thursday. He was 72.
Mannan, also a former state minister for religious affairs, breathed his last at United Hospital at around 4:30pm, his son Monjurul Karim Rony told UNB.
The former Gazipur mayor was put on life support as was admitted to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday night, said BNP chairperson’s media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
Mannan left behind his only son Rony and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.
Sayrul said Mannan had been suffering from various diseases, including high blood pressure and diabetes, since he was sent to jail in 2015.
The first namaz-e-janaza of the former Gazipur mayor was held on Baridhara DOHS Mosque premises after Esa prayers.
Later, the body will be kept at United Hospital's mortuary.
Read: BNP conspiring to assassinate Hasina: Quader
His second janaza will be held in the south plaza of the parliament building at 10am on Friday while the third one in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan Central office at 10:30am.
Mannan’s fourth janaza will be held in Gazipur’s Rajbari field after Juma prayers while the fifth and final one at his native village Salna after Asr prayers.
He will be laid to rest at his family graveyard at the same village.
On February 11, 2015, police arrested Mannan from his Baridhara residence in the capital in a case filed for allegedly hurling petrol bombs on a passenger bus in Gazipur.
He was released on bail from jail on January 6, 2017. He later became inactive politically due to his various ailments.
Manna was elected mayor in the first election to Gazipur City Corporation in July, 2013.
Joining BNP in 1978, Mannan was elected MP from a Gazipur constituency in 1991. He was inducted in Khaleda Zia’s cabinet in 1991 as a state minister for religious affairs and science and technology.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock at his death.
In separate condolence messages, they prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
BNP conspiring to assassinate Hasina: Quader
Hitting out at the main opposition party, Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader Thursday alleged that the BNP and many others were conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina "out of jealousy".
According to Qader, the BNP is jealous of Hasina due to her growing popularity "over her development achievements".
Also read: Mobile courts to prevent charging extra fares: Quader
He said these while speaking to reporters at the Banani graveyard on the occasion of the 69th birth anniversary of Shaheed Sheikh Jamal this morning. He placed wreaths at the grave on behalf of the PM and the party in the presence of central leaders.
Mentioning BNP as an obstacle to democracy and progress in the politics of Bangladesh, Quader called upon all the pro-liberation patriotic forces to unite under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
In response to the anti-government remarks of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the last few days, the AL general secretary said that the opposition had destroyed the country when it was in power. "So now, they see only destruction."
Also read: BNP passing hard times: Quader
Regarding the BNP's demand for a national government, Quader said, "Last time, their national government did not work. People can easily guess what will the national government of the BNP be like."
Seeking India’s help to lift sanctions on RAB manifestation of govt’s knee-jerk foreign policy: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said seeking India’s help to withdraw the US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is a manifestation of the government's knee-jerk foreign policy.
"The United States imposed sanctions on (RAB) for human rights violation by this government. It was most needed to dismiss the officials involved in the misdeeds and take legal action against them,” he told an iftar party.
Instead of doing that, the BNP leader bemoaned that the foreign minister said they sought India's help in this regard.
“How failed and subservient this government is that it is now seeking India’s help instead of taking action against the institution that indulged in misdeeds,” Fakhrul said.
Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the programme at Dhaka Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton area.
Read: BNP won’t join any polls under AL govt: Fakhrul
Earlier on Tuesday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh sought India’s support to withdraw the US sanctions imposed on elite force RAB and individuals.
“We sought their help after the US imposed sanctions on Rab. They’ve been very nice to us. They (Indian side) said they would raise it,” Momen told reporters at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said there is no scope for repeal of sanctions against the RAB without concrete action and accountability.
Referring to the recent clashes between Dhaka College students and businessmen in the New Market area, Fakhrul said it has been proved that Chhatra League was involved in the violence.
"But no action has been taken against the Chhatra League leaders involved in the clashes. Rather, false cases were filed against BNP leaders and activists and they were arrested.”
At the programme, some family members of the BNP leaders who were reportedly made enforced disappearance were given Eid gifts on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Awami League carrying out 'totalitarian aggression': Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday accused the Awami League government of carrying out a "totalitarian aggression” to hang onto power.
“The aggression of this government is now everywhere. It is distorting our history and completely destroying the economy and making it dependent on others,” he told a discussion meeting at the Jatiya Press Club.
The BNP leader said Awami League has turned the country into a fascist state by taking the politics completely into a one-party system, deviating from the basic democratic spirit.
“This regime is doing it in a 'planned' way not just to stay in power but to establish it philosophically,” he observed.
Fakhrul alleged that the government had destroyed all state institutions, including police administration.
READ: BNP won’t join any polls under AL govt: Fakhrul
He said police filed cases against BNP leaders and activists in connection with clashes in the New Market area and arrested and remanded a BNP leader though the media are unveiling that Chhatra League ‘cadres’ were mainly responsible for the violence.
The BNP leader also opposed the government’s move to set up a police station occupying a playground in the city’s Kalabagan area.
“There are now many such incidents. There is now no security of the people in Bangladesh while the incidents of harassment of people are taking place.
On the occasion of the death anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, the discussion meeting titled 'Relevance of Sher-e-Bangla in Today's Context' was organised by Sher-e-Bangla Jatiya Jubo Smriti Foundation.
Fakhrul alleged that the Awami League has really taken a stand against the people, against politics and against the independence of Bangladesh. “That is why Sher-e-Bangla AKM Fazlul Haque is more relevant to us now.”
BNP won’t join any polls under AL govt: Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday reaffirmed that their party will not join any election, be it parliamentary or local government ones, under the current government.
"Our position on the election is clear. We are not going to participate in any polls-- whether it is a local government or parliamentary election--under the current government," he said.
Also read: Extortion goes unabated in all markets with govt backing: BNP
A day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the elections to Cumilla City Corporation, Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to journalists at his local residence in Kalibari area.
Replying to a question, Fakhrul said the country’s people will determine how the next election will be held and how the country will run. “But we’ve long been saying we won’t take part in any election under the partisan government.”
He said the Awami League has now established a one-person’s rule along with the one-party rule. “They (govt) are now internationally recognised as an autocratic regime while newspapers and different countries are branding Awami League as an authoritarian party.”
Also read: AL’s character to blame BNP for its own misdeeds: Mirza Fakhrul
The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League government has become completely dependent on the bureaucrats and the law enforcement agencies as it has become isolated from the country's people. “So, it seems ridiculous to people when the Awami League talks about democracy.”
Referring to the detention of a mother and her son in the capital’s Kalabagan area for raising voice to protect Tetultala playground, Fakhrul said, “This incident has exposed how authoritarian the government is and how human rights are being violated now in the country.”
He alleged that the government has no control over the state institution and law enforcement agencies. “People’s rights are being snatched at the behest of the government as there is no rule of law.”
Extortion goes unabated in all markets with govt backing: BNP
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday alleged that the ruling party men are indulging in extortion in all markets and shopping malls across the country, including Dhaka, with the backing of the government.
"The New Market incident ensued because of the extortion of those who rule this country and the thugs of the illegitimate government," he said.
Also read: Dhaka north BNP’s 620 units form committees
Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said, “Who are extorting money from all the markets across Bangladesh, including Dhaka city? Those who belong to the ruling party and its associate bodies are extorting money with the backing of the government.”
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding the release of arrested party leader Makbul Hossain and withdrawal of ‘false cases’ filed by police in connection with the bloody clashes in the city’s New Market area.
At least 40 people were injured as a group of Dhaka College students and shopkeepers in the New Market area fought pitched battles last week.
Later, two injured people—computer accessories delivery man Nahid Hasan and shop employee Morsalin--died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Five cases were filed in connection with the violence while police arrested former New Market thana BNP President Makbul Hossain in this connection.
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member said the ruling party-backed extortionists are responsible for the violence in the New Market area that claimed the lives of two people.
“The shopkeepers of New Market put up a resistance against extortion while the cadres wearing helmets killed people to suppress this resistance. It’s now people's question as to why no case is filed against them (ruling party men). But our leader Makbul was arrested and put on remand as he has an only fault that he owns a shop in New Market,” he said.
Also read: AL’s character to blame BNP for its own misdeeds: Mirza Fakhrul
The BNP leader demanded the government immediately arrest the real perpetrators and put them on trial.
He called upon the government to release BNP leader Makbul Hossain and withdraw the false cases filed against their party leaders and activists.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is now under ‘misrule’ of the Awami League government, Mosharraf said ousting the current ‘usurper’ government is the only option to get rid of it. "The fascist and despotic government of Sheikh Hasina must quit power. We all have to take to the streets in a greater way to make it happen."
Mass Media Employees Bill aimed at gagging media: Fakhrul
BNP on Sunday demanded the withdrawal of the Mass Media Employees (Services Conditions) Bill 2022 placed in parliament last month as the party thinks it will help the government gag the media and regulate its critics.
"A new law, the Mass Media Employees Bill 2022, is being enacted. The purpose of this law is to ensure no freedom of speech, no freedom of press and no democracy in the country,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at an iftar party, he also said the objective of the law is also to establish the government’s full control on it critics and on those who raise voice in favour of truth, democracy and people.
Also read: Turkish envoy meets Fakhrul, talks about next polls
If this law is passed, the BNP leader said the ‘state of control', that has been currently prevailing in the country will be reinforced. “We demand the withdrawal of this draft law.”
Pro-BNP faction of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) arranged the iftar party on the Jatiya Press Club premises.
On March 28 last, Information and Broadcast Minister Hasan Mahmud placed the Mass Media Employees (Services Conditions) Bill 2022 in Parliament.
Fakhrul called upon the journalists to get united putting aside minor differences and divisions among them and carry out a united struggle to protect their own and the media interests and to protect the rights of the people of Bangladesh and the freedom of press.
He alleged there is now no democracy in the country, freedom of speech, rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Also read: Info Minister calls Mirza Fakhrul 'a great liar'
“We have to wage a movement to restore all these things...let us all create public opinions to establish a truly people's government in the country through (holding a credible election under )a neutral government by ousting the current fascist regime.”
Turkish envoy meets Fakhrul, talks about next polls
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan on Sunday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed various issues, including the next national election here.
Turan along with Kemal Burak Temizel, deputy head of mission at the Turkish Embassy, arrived at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office at 11am and had a 'closed-door' meeting there with a BNP delegation, led by Fakhrul.
Also read: New Market Violence: BNP to stage rallies in all cities Tuesday
Later, BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, who was present at the meeting, briefed reporters.
“The overall situation in Bangladesh has been discussed. We have discussed issues like Bangladesh’s elections, human rights, rule of law and some other issues,” he said.
Asked what Turkish envoys said about Bangladesh’s election and the current situation, the BNP leader parried the question, saying it is a confidential matter.
Replying to another question, he said they highlighted their position about the next election at the meeting.
“We have presented our position in line with what we say publicly. There’s nothing to hide here…there is nothing special to be said about the situation in Bangladesh as everyone knows about it. It’s needless to say,” the BNP leader said.
He also said they also discussed improving the relations between the two countries further.
“We also discussed the Rohingya issue,” he said.
Also read:US report unveils genuine scenario of Bangladesh's judiciary, elections, HR situation: BNP
Khosru said Turkey has taken a far-sighted initiative on the Rohingya issue and recalled that Turkey's First Lady Emine Erdogan visited the Rohingya camp in Bangladesh with some ministers in September 2017.
Khosru also appreciated Turkey for highlighting the Rohingya issue to the global community with due importance.
Earlier on March 17, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troster had a two-hour ‘closed-door’ meeting with Fakhrul at the same venue.