politics
BNP reacts to PM’s remark on Khaleda’s treatment; says it’s “unexpected”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remark on ”critically ill”’ Khaleda Zia’s treatment is unexpected.
“Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and she’s now at the crossroads of death and life. The treatment she needs is not possible in the country. She needs to be sent to an advanced medical centre without any further delay,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said, "This is unfortunate to hear from the one who’s running the country usurping power that she has shown so much humanity (to Khaleda), and what else is left to do? This cannot be expected from a leader of a civilised country,” Fakhrul said.
Recalling Khaleda’s struggle during the Liberation War and her long battle for the restoration of democracy and people’s rights, Fakhrul alleged that their leader has now not been allowed to receive advanced treatment to save her life.
Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf Smiriti Parishad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the first death anniversary of late BNP vice-chairman Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said they have already shown great generosity to Khaleda Zia though her intention was always to hurt the Bangabandhu family.
Read: Khaleda suffers from bleeding again: Fakhrul
Addressing a discussion virtually, Hasina also said, “What do they expect from us? We allowed her to stay home and she’s being taken to hospital for treatment freely. Isn’t it enough? Isn’t it a great generosity? ” Hasina said.
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.
Her medical board members on Sunday said she immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said the government is assessing whether there is any legal option to allow Khaleda to go abroad for medical treatment.
Fakhrul said the political culture of Bangladesh has completely changed over the last one decade since Awami League has come to power. “Bangladesh now lacks fairness and justice as terrible vengeance, injustice, and repressive acts are all around here,” he observed.
Read: Govt conspiring to "kill" Khaleda: Fakhrul
The BNP leader said people now cannot think and write freely in fear of facing consequences and cases under different acts and laws. “A suffocating situation has been prevailing in the country.”
He said a unity of all political parties, organisations and people of all walks of life is now urgent to ‘restore’ democracy in the country by defeating the current ’monstrous’ government.
Describing Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf as a polite and dedicated politician, Fakhrul recalled his contributions to the country and BNP.
BNP wants to know govt's stance over Murad’s comment
BNP on Monday urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to make clear her stance on offensive comments made by State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hassan against the Zia family.
“A very disgusting, derogatory and indecent campaign has been carried out on social media against the Zia family by an infamous person. I’ve heard he was a doctor probably from Jamalpur’s Sarishabari… shame on him,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a discussion, he said the junior minister made a "dangerous" comment that he does everything at the behest of the Prime Minister and she knows everything that he says.
“From this meeting, I want to ask the Prime Minister to clarify whether it’s true or a lie. You’ve to explain it as it’s your responsibility to protect the security of people and their dignity as Prime Minister. At the same time, we also want to know your government’s stance when a minister can make such an awful statement in the media involving you (PM),” the BNP leader said.
He also alleged that the current government is destroying the country’s culture, sense of courtesy and long tradition. “You’ve already destroyed politics in the country. Will you now ruin the minimum values and respect for our mothers and sisters? ”
Also read: BNP seeks junior minister Murad’s resignation, his apology
Fakhrul strongly protested and denounced the indecent comments of Dr Murad.
Pro-BNP student leaders of All-Party Students Unity (Apsu) of the 90s arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh marking the Democracy Day commemorating the fall of autocratic ruler HM Ershad in 1990.
The BNP leader said the freedom fighters liberated Bangladesh in 1971 and the student leaders created a mass upsurge against the autocracy in the 90s to build a democratic, independent and civilised country. “The current government, led by Sheikh Hasina, turned it into an uncivilised, obscene, disrespectful country."
Murad’s involved with Chhatra Dal
Fakhrul regretted that Dr Murad was once involved with Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student body. “He was the publicity secretary of Chhatra Dal at Mymensingh Medical College. He later joined Chhatra League.”
However, Dhaka south city unit Jubo Dal convener Golam Mawla Shaheen, who was there in the audience gallery, instantly protested Fakhrul’s comment and urged him to withdraw it as he claimed Murad had never any involvement with Chhatra Dal.
In reply, Fakhrul said, “Don’t talk nonsense. You don’t know about it.”
As Shaheen continued shouting, Fakhrul repeatedly asked him to stop, creating chaos. Later, the party’s other senior leaders brought the situation under control and convinced Shaheen to remain silent.
Also read: BNP wants 90s-like unity of democratic forces to ‘oust’ govt
Standing by his comment, Fakhrul said it is unfortunate that Dr Murad did the politics of Chhatra Dal once. “Later he became the leader of Chhatra League and its president (of Mymensingh Medical College unit). It’s unfortunate that such a boy was there in Chhatra Dal at that time.”
Earlier, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said a person was hired from the footpath and inducted into the cabinet due to the degradation of the government.
“The people of Bangladesh don't want to see ministers from footpaths and they don’t want to see the thieves, swindlers and those take bribes as ministers. People also don't want to hear their rubbish comments,” he said.
Abbas said making indecent remarks against Khaleda Zia, who is fighting for life, and her family members can't be tolerated. “We won’t tolerate such comments… the Secretariat of Bangladesh has been desecrated by giving such dirty person a place in the cabinet.”
BNP wants 90s-like unity of democratic forces to ‘oust’ govt
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged all the democratic forces to forge a strong unity like that of in the 90s to restore democracy by ousting the Awami League government.
"There’s no ground beneath the feet of the current government. We all now must unite against it. The movement in the 90s succeeded as all the democratic forces were united and they all together ensured the fall of the dictator, Ershad,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said now there is no alternative to forging unity among the democratic forces in the same way. “We’ve to unite all the democratic and patriotic forces to oust the current terrible fascist government through a fierce movement. “
Also read: BNP seeks junior minister Murad’s resignation, his apology
Pro-BNP student leaders of All-Party Students Unity (Apsu) of the 90s arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh marking the Democracy Day commemorating the fall of autocratic ruler HM Ershad in 1990.
Fakhrul alleged that the Awami League government has no relation with democracy since it has taken a stand against the country’s people.
He said the government is trying to mislead people in various ways to divert their attention from the country’s problems to a different direction as it has become politically bankrupt.
Fakhrul said the ruling party demonstrated a poor show in the third pace of Union Parishad (UP) polls though BNP is not there in the election race.
He also congratulated a member of the transgender community who was elected chairman at Trilochanpur union of Kaliganj in Jhenaidah defeating the Awami League candidate during the third phase of the UP polls.
Stating that their party chief Khaleda Zia has been fighting for life at Evercare Hospital, Fakhrul said she is not yet allowed to go abroad to receive advanced treatment.
“Doctors are saying they’ve no more scope to treat her (Khaleda) since there’s no advanced medical centre in Bangladesh where such treatment is possible. It‘s only available in advanced medical centres abroad,” he said.
Also read: BNP to launch oust-govt movement seeking Khaleda’s treatment abroad
The BNP leader said though the entire nation wants Khaleda to be sent overseas for treatment, the government is not letting her go there. “They (govt) are talking about the law. It’s the government, not the law, that is a barrier to taking her abroad.”
He said the government can allow the BNP chief to go abroad anytime under section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedures.
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy urged the government to clearly say whether it will allow Khaleda to go outside the country for treatment or not. “We need a straight answer.”
He warned that their party together with people will ensure the fall of the government through a strong movement, paving the way for Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
BNP seeks junior minister Murad’s resignation, his apology
BNP on Monday demanded State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hassan apologise publicly and withdraw his “politically motivated, racial and derogatory” remarks against women and the Zia family.
In a statement, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also urged Murad to step down immediately. Otherwise, he threatened that a befitting reply would be given to Murad at an appropriate time.
Fakhrul expressed strong hatred and anger against “perverted, indecorous, racist and anti-women” remarks by the state minister that went viral on social media.
Also read: BNP to launch oust-govt movement seeking Khaleda’s treatment abroad
He demanded immediate attention and solution to such disgusting and indecent behaviour of a person performing important duty of the state.
The BNP leader said the entire nation was stunned that the derogatory comments came from an “insane” person carrying the national flag.
When BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been there at the crossroads of life and death, Fakhrul said, such indecent and disgusting propaganda against the members of the Zia family, including a female member of it, has already garnered the hatred of all sections of the country, including women leaders.
Also read: Millions to hit streets if Khaleda not sent abroad, warns BNP
During an interview on social media recently, the junior minister described BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman as a ‘whoreson’ and alleged that Zaima Rahman, Tarique’s daughter, cannot sleep without the company of a black man every night.
Millions to hit streets if Khaleda not sent abroad, warns BNP
BNP on Sunday warned that millions of people will take to the streets if Khaleda Zia is not allowed to go abroad for advanced treatment.
”Crores of people will take to the streets if you don’t free our leader Khaleda Zia and restore democracy. Take steps to send her (Khaleda) abroad without any delay in your own interest,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a rally, he alleged that the government is “conspiring” to put Bangladesh’s existence at stake with its efforts to kill Khaleda without treatment.
“Free our leader so that she can go abroad for treatment and return home after recovery. Or else, you won’t even find the escape route and you must stand in people’s court.”
Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
Also read: BNP to launch oust-govt movement seeking Khaleda’s treatment abroad
Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia was kept for over two years in a damp, abandoned and shabby building of the Old Dhaka Central Jail that caused her serious illness. “This illness has reached such a level that doctors at Evercare Hospital and other physicians are saying it will be difficult to save her life if she's not taken to any advanced medical centre for treatment.”
Students’ red card
Fakhrul said students took to the streets against the government’s failure to prevent road chaos. “I saw in the newspaper, they (students) showed a red card to the government. What’s the reason for the boys to take to the streets? It’s because you did not keep your word!”
He said the government had assured the students of maintaining discipline on the road when they waged the road safety movement. “You can't manage roads properly. This is your failure.”
The BNP leader said people are extremely angry with the government as it has no control over anything while people’s lives have no value.
AL scared of BNP’s ghost
Fakhrul said his ruling party counterpart Obaidul Quader never sees anything but the ghost of BNP. “He always talks about BNP. He experiences bad dreams over BNP.”
The BNP leader said though Obaidul Quader does not see the existence of BNP, he always makes various comments on BNP out of fear of the party.
He called upon the leaders and activists of Sramik Dal to become more active and motivate their fellow workers to be vocal to establish their rights.
Also read: Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP
Changing election system
Fakhrul said many people died in violence centring the recent Union Parishad polls as the government has destroyed the election system.
He said people do not go to polling stations to cast their votes for lack of a fair and credible election.
“The current election system must be changed. Removing the current Election Commission is not enough as the government will also have to be removed. A polls-time neutral government must be formed to hold the next election under an impartial election commission for establishing a government with people’s votes,” the BNP leader said.
Though the government talks about development, Fakhrul said there is no improvement in the condition of common people, “Rather the number of poor has become six crores from two crores. “That’s why we, the country’s people, want a change in power. This government must be removed.“
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.
The BNP chief’s medical board members on November 28 said she immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
BNP to launch oust-govt movement seeking Khaleda’s treatment abroad
BNP on Saturday threatened to launch a movement to oust the government if it does not immediately allow Khaleda Zia to take abroad for advanced medical care.
"We would like to clearly ask the government to free our leader Khaleda Zia and take steps for sending her abroad for treatment without buying further time,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told in a rally.
Otherwise, he said, people will not forgive the government. “A movement to ensure your (govt’s) fall will begin and a pro-people government will be established removing you from power.”
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
Also read: Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP
Fakhrul said the government is not willing to give Khaleda permission to go to any advanced medical centre overseas for treatment as it thinks their barrier to staying in power will be removed if she dies.
"You people rest assured that won’t happen. They thought BNP would have vanished through the killing of Ziaur Rahman. It didn’t happen. Khaleda Zia has rightly chosen her successor, our acting chairman Tarique Rahman, and the party is moving forward under his leadership,” the BNP secretary general said.
“Awami League’s existence still remains intact as Khaleda Zia is alive,” Fakhrul said, adding Khaleda must be brought back to politics for restoring democracy, people’s lost rights and establishing good governance in the country.
Recalling Khaleda Zia’s contributions to the country and her long struggle for democracy, he said there is no other living leader in Bangladesh who made such huge sacrifices like Khaleda.
The BNP leader said many Chhatra Dal leaders have been subjected to enforced disappearance, killing and repression under the rule of the current government. “The students and Chhatra Dal wake up again to restore people’s democratic rights, protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. Our leader Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad must be ensured through the movement.”
He called upon the Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to get ready for making any type of sacrifice to make their current movement a success.
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.
The BNP chief’s medical board members on November 28 said she immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 seeking permission to take her abroad for treatment.
However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.
Gonoforum finally splits amid deepening infighting
Gonoforum finally suffered a split as a group of its leaders formed a 157-member new committee of the party on Friday through a council dropping its founder president Dr Kamal Hossain.
Party’s former general secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu and its ex-executive President Subrata Chowdury were made president and general secretary respectively of the faction at its sixth national council held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.
Former party executive president Prof Abu Sayeed announced the names of the 157-member new committee of the faction after an organisational meeting at the council.
He said the new committee was formed based on the opinions of the councillors.
Neither Dr Kamal Hossain nor those who are loyal to him has been included in the committee of the faction.
Read: Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP
Of the 157-member committee, there are a seven-member executive body and a 20-member presidium.
The seven executive committee members are Mostafa Mohsin Montu, Prof Abu Sayeed, Subrata Chowdhury, Jaglul Haider Afrik, Mohsin Rashid, Mohiuddin Abdul Kader and Ayub Khan Farroque.
Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP
BNP on Tuesday warned that people will not “spare” the current government if any damage is done to Khaleda Zia for lack of advanced treatment abroad.
"The government has said it can't let our leader (Khaleda) go abroad due to a legal barrier. Why’re you lying? The lawyers are saying it is only the government that can send her (Khaleda) abroad for treatment as per section 401),” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a rally, he also said it is now the responsibility of the government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take steps for the BNP chief’s treatment overseas.
“If Begum Khaleda Zia is not treated properly and if anything bad happens to her, the people of this country will never spare you, and you have to bear all the responsibilities,” the BNP leader said.
As part of its countrywide programme, BNP arranged the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office, demanding Khaleda’s medical care abroad.
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
Similar rallies were held in eight other divisional cities to mount pressure on the government to let Khaleda go abroad for advanced treatment.
Fakhrul said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen while briefing diplomats said the government sent Khaleda’s documents (relating to treatment) abroad as the envoys of different countries are putting pressure on the government to let her fly abroad for treatment.
He said every person in the country wants Khaleda to be allowed to go abroad for treatment while many people are praying for her speedy recovery.
“Let’s all get united. I would like to urge the youth and students to wake up for realising the rights of people, including voting one, and restoring democracy. We’ll oust this government from power through a movement and free our leader (Khaleda),” the BNP leader said.
He also said people will never remain silent if Khaleda is not sent abroad for treatment.
Fakhrul said they will announce their party’s next course of action within a few days to intensify their movement for ensuring Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
He said the fall of Awami League has begun as half of its candidates were defeated in the third phase of the Union Parishad (UP) polls.
Accusing the government of destroying the election system, the BNP leader said they will force the government to hold the next polls under a non-party neutral administration.
Also read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP announces 8-day programme
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.
Her medical board members on Sunday said Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
They also said Khaleda bled thrice and the third time bleeding was severe, impairing her liver function.
On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.
Khaleda's treatment abroad: BNP’s rally begins at Nayapaltan
BNP’s rally began on Tuesday afternoon in the capital demanding that its ‘critically ill’ chairperson Khaleda Zia be allowed to go abroad for advanced treatment.
As part of its countrywide programme, the party arranged the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office.
The rally formally began with a recitation from the Holy Quran around 1:15pm.
Hundreds of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies gathered in Naypaltan area since morning to join the rally.
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
Journalists want apex court to pave way for Khaleda’s treatment abroad
A group of pro-BNP journalists on Monday called upon the country’s apex court to grant bail to ‘critically’ ill BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at its own initiative paving the way for her advanced medical care abroad.
They made the call while addressing a human-chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Pro-BNP factions of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of journalists (DUJ) arranged the programme demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
Speaking at the programme, former BFUJ president Shawkat Mahmud alleged that Khaleda has been pushed towards death by keeping her in jail after convicting her in ‘false’ cases.
Also read: Khaleda can fly in any foreign doctor for treatment: FM
“She was not given proper treatment there (in jail). We think she fell sick because of political vengeance. She’s now in between life and death. So, we urge the judges of the High Court to grant bail to Khaleda Zia on their own initiative,” he said.
Shawkat said the apex court has the authority to give bail to Khaleda as it did the same thing in the past regarding some ministers.
He also called upon the journalists to raise their voice to mount pressure on the government to allow the BNP chief to go abroad. “If necessary, we’ll take to the streets to realise the demand.”
Jatiya Press Club Vice-President Poet Hasan Hafiz said it is unfortunate that a former prime minister is being deprived of receiving advanced medical care overseas.
He also crticised the Awami League leaders for what he said making ‘derogatory' comments about Khaleda’s illness. “Such an attitude of the ruling party in an independent country can’t be accepted. There’s still time for the ruling party to release Khaleda Zia for treatment. I hope good sense will prevail upon them.”
Hasan Hafiz thanked renowned Poet Nirmalendu Goon as he gave a status on Facebook wishing recovery of the BNP chief.
“I appreciate Nirmalendu Goon for his courage. It has reflected that those who have a minimum conscience can’t support the inhuman and brutal attitude (towards Khaleda),” he observed.
DUJ president Kader Gani Chowdhury said it touched the hearts of many people the way Khaleda’s doctors narrated her critical health condition on Sunday.
Recalling Khaleda’s many contributions to the country, he alleged that efforts are on to kill the BNP chief in a planned way.
“Laws are enacted not to annihilate anyone, but to save lives, maintain law and order and protect civilization. On behalf of the journalist community, we would like to urge the court to take initiatives to protect the life of Begum Khaleda Zia,” Gani said.
Also read: Khaleda free, not in govt custody: Law Minister
BFUJ President M Abdullah said people have got worried hearing the briefing of doctors on Khaleda’s fragile health condition. We, the journalist community, urge the government to take steps for sending Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment.
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on 13 November.
Her medical board members on Sunday said Khaleda urgently needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.