politics
With call to boycott Indian products, BNP wants to destabilise the market and cause price hike: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud on Saturday said the main objective of BNP's call to boycott Indian products is to destabilise the country's market and increase prices of essentials so that people suffer.
He said many products in Bangladesh come from India, and some border trade also takes place legally across thousands of kilometres of border.
BNP trying to destabilise markets: Quader on 'Boycott India' campaign
"You will eat onions that come from India, your leader will wear sarees from India, your field-level female leaders will also wear Indian sarees, you will eat iftar that has beef that comes from India, you will go to India for medical treatment, and you call for boycott of Indian products — these are nothing but hypocrisy. The real objective of BNP is to increase the price of products by destabilising the market in the country," Hasan said.
The foreign minister made the remarks when reporters asked him about the call for a boycott of Indian products by some groups, including BNP.
People unable to buy daily necessities as their pockets are empty: Moyeen Khan
He spoke as the chief guest at the district development coordination meeting at the Chattogram Circuit House.
The foreign minister said that BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has burnt his shawl along with those who called for a boycott of Indian products. "Actually, I don't know if the shawl was bought from India or from Bangabazar."
Rizvi says ‘India out’ campaign people’s protest against the country’s influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape
BNP trying to destabilise markets: Quader on 'Boycott India' campaign
Referring to the Boycott India campaign, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, the BNP is trying to destabilise the country’s market system in a deeply conspiratorial move in the name of boycotting Indian products.
Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League President's office in Dhanmondi this morning, the minister said, "Their boycott of Indian goods will not affect the relationship between the two countries. Those who have called for boycotting Indian goods will face the wrath of the people."
Quader, Awami League's General Secretary also said,A senior leader of the BNP seeks cooperation from neighboring countries to salvage the country's democracy, while on the other hand, a junior leader of the same party calls for the boycott of Indian goods. In reality, the BNP's politics is chaotic and erratic. They are now directionless wanderers, speaking and doing whatever suits their interests."
"Maintaining good relations can bring benefits. The Awami League has demonstrated this. Enclave exchange and border agreement were implemented. Now there is positive progress in signing deals on Teesta and Feni river water sharing...there is no need to quarrel with the neighbour," he added.
People unable to buy daily necessities as their pockets are empty: Moyeen Khan
The prices of daily essentials are skyrocketing in the markets
and people can't buy their daily necessities because they have no money, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said on Friday.
The motto of independence was to ensure people's economic freedom as well as democracy, he added.
Moyeen Khan made the comments while delivering his speech as a chief guest in a discussion meeting, Doa and Iftar Mahfil wishing the recovery from illness of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and the good health of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman organised by Jatiyatabadi Nabin Dal held at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
The BNP senior leader said ruling Awami League (AL) claimed they are pro-liberation political Party, but they have established the oligarchs in the country denying the mass people’s economic freedom.
He said they have created conducive environment for 220 well-off families to control thecountry, while the number of such families was 22 during Pakistan regime.
AL had destroyed country’s democratic political system by organising January 7 farce election, Dr Moyeen stated, further saying that powerful countries such as USA and UK said the minimum standard of a free election was not maintained.
AL should understand no one can retain power with arms as history teaches us powerful autocrats are dethroned by people, he added.
Increase vigilance on movement of three-wheelers, motorcycles during Eid holidays: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has instructed the authorities concerned to increase vigilance on the movement of three-wheelers and motorcycles on roads and highways to avoid road accidents during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
He gave the directive at a stakeholders' meeting on the safe and smooth journey of passengers during Eid-ul-Fitr at Sarak Bhaban in the capital’s Banani on Thursday morning.
Extortion in transport sector will never stop completely: Quader
Quader said, "We are still worried about accidents. There is no end to these accidents. Reckless driving of three-wheelers and motorcycles are causing accidents. That is why the Safe Roads project has to be implemented quickly. If we remain reluctant, accidents will continue to happen. In this regard, we should not blame others, but rather perform our respective duties."
Three-wheelers and motorcycles are the biggest nuisance on the roads during Eid, he said adding the movement of these vehicles has been banned on 22 highways, but it is not being implemented.
Govt to guard against complacency: Hasan Mahmud
The capacity of the Highway Police and BRTA needs to be increased here, he said.
At this time, Quader expressed his anger over the plying of unfit vehicles in Dhaka city.
He said, "There are many factories in this city that manufacture these vehicles. I have seen it myself. They are painting the vehicles. The paint doesn't even last for ten days."
The minister said, "Look at the private cars and buses in Dhaka. These unfit vehicles in Dhaka city are a shame to our development achievements."
Bangabandhu to remain as source of inspiration always: Quader
He called upon the vehicle owners to make their vehicles fit for the road during Eid instead of showing off.
In the meeting, 155 potential traffic congestion points were identified for Eid.
AL thinks Bangladesh’s independence was achieved by the political party alone: BNP leader Hafiz
BNP Vice Chairman Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Thursday said the great war of independence in 1971 was to establish democratic rights.
“But today there is no democracy… no basic rights, freedom of speech and the press. Bangladesh has been turned into a police state,” he said.
Rizvi says ‘India out’ campaign people’s protest against the country’s influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape
He said this after attending a meeting of a BNP committee formed for the upcoming Independence Day celebration.
Major (retd) Hafiz said the ruling Awami League (AL) does not want to give any credit to those who fought against the Pakistan army in the battlefield. The political party had contributions; they had the right to hold state power as they won the election. But the Pakistani military rulers did not respect the democratic mandate.
The BNP leader said, AL thinks that the independence of Bangladesh had been achieved by the political party alone, denying contributions of the masses including students, youths, workers, farmers and soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.
Seven crore people in the country at the time unitedly participated in the war. But the ruling party is trying to project the Liberation War as a “political party’s war”.
Law Ministry for extending Khaleda’s jail term suspension by 6 months
Zia’s declaration of independence motivated people from every corner to join the Liberation War, but today, AL portrays him as an agent of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), he claimed.
The BNP vice chairman said that AL is distorting the history of the Liberation War. “During the war, the number of freedom fighters was 80,000-100,000, but today we’re seeing about 250,000 getting allowance along with other benefits as freedom fighters,” he said.
Rizvi says ‘India out’ campaign people’s protest against the country’s influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape
In a fervent critique of the ruling Awami League (AL), BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, charged the government with sacrificing the nation's independence and dignity in exchange for support from the Indian government. Rizvi’s allegations were made during a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
Rizvi claimed that AL does not seek the mandate of the Bangladeshi people, instead “clinging to power through the backing of the Modi government and entering into bonds of subjugation.”
He further accused the AL of perceiving Bangladesh as a “dummy state,” alleging that the real power behind the AL is not the people of Bangladesh but India. By supporting the Awami League, India is exercising control over Bangladesh, infringing upon the rights of its citizens,” Rizvi added.
Read more: Law Ministry for extending Khaleda’s jail term suspension by 6 months
Highlighting concerns over foreign influence, Rizvi said, “It is believed that India dictates the appointments of crucial positions like the chief of Bangladesh Police and BGB, undermining our sovereignty.”
Rizvi also pointed to statements made by Indian foreign ministry officials expressing support for the Awami League ahead of the January 7 national election. “The notion of our sovereignty is being compromised under the guise of stability under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,” he stated.
The BNP leader criticized the Awami League’s acceptance of India’s alleged dominance, declaring that “people of Bangladesh will never accept the supremacy of India, even if the AL leaders have.” He clarified that the BNP's dispute lies not with the people of India but with the Indian government’s policies towards Bangladesh.
Rizvi also said the “India out” campaign is gaining momentum in Bangladesh, saying that it is people’s protest against the country’s influence.
Addressing the Awami League’s reaction to the campaign, Rizvi mentioned that AL leader Obaidul Quader found the social media movement “not expedient,” implying discomfort within the ruling party regarding the public’s dissent towards India’s role in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Read more: BNP leader Amanullah Aman gets bail
BNP leader Amanullah Aman gets bail
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to BNP leader Amanullah Aman who was sentenced to 13 years jail in a case filed over acquiring wealth beyond known income source.
A five-member bench led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan passed the order on condition that he has to take prior permission from the court if he wants to go abroad.
Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon stood for Aman while Advocate Khurshid Alam represented the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
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Earlier on September 12, last year, the BNP leader filed an appeal challenging the lower court verdict that had sentenced him to 13 years jail in the case. He also sought bail in the case.
The ACC on March 6, 2007, filed the case with the city's Kafrul police station against Amanullah Aman and his wife Sabera Aman.
On June 21, 2007, a court sentenced Aman to 13 years imprisonment and his wife to three years jail in the case.
Later, they filed an appeal challenging the lower court order.
On August 16, 2010, the High Court acquitted them.
The Anti-Corruption Commission submitted a petition to the Appellate Division challenging the HC order.
On May 26, 2014, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court asked the High Court to re-hear the petition.
On May 30 lat year, the High Court upheld the lower court order that had sentenced Aman to 13 years jail and his wife Sabera to three years.
It also asked them to surrender before the court within 15 days of getting the text of the verdict.
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On September 3, Aman’s wife Sabera Aman surrendered before the trial court in the same case and the court sent her to jail rejecting the bail plea.
On September 5, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court granted bail to Sabera Aman in the case.
Law Ministry for extending Khaleda’s jail term suspension by 6 months
The law ministry has given its opinion in favour of extending Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence suspension by another six months on the existing two conditions, said Law Minister Anisul Huq on Wednesday.
The opinion of the Law Ministry is being sent to the Home Ministry, he told reporters in the morning.
The government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order by suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with conditions that she would stay at her Gulshan house and would not leave the country.
Khaleda Zia’s jail term suspension extended again by 6 months
Since then, her release term has been extended every six months following the family's plea.
“Today, we gave opinion in favour of extending Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence suspension by another six months on the existing two conditions. A file is being sent to the Home Ministry,” he said.
Drawing attention on the petitions of Khaleda’s family about permanent release and treatment abroad, the minister said “I have told you (media) earlier that the petition which was sent under section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure(CrPC) has been disposed of and there is no scope to take steps in this regard except extending jail term suspension.”
On March 6, a petition was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking another extension of the suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's jail term and permission to take her abroad for better treatment.
Khaleda Zia scheduled for a health check-up this afternoon
The Security Services Division of the Home Ministry will issue a gazette notification in this regard.
The conditional suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence will come into effect from March 25.
BNP leader Major Hafiz denies his involvement in forming kings party BNM
Former minister and BNP Vice Chairman Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has trashed allegation that he was a key person in forming the kings party Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM).
He rejected the accusation in a press briefing held at his Banani residence on Tuesday.
Hafiz said amid dull political activities due to holy Ramadan a photograph of him with Shakib Al Hasan (cricketer-turned MP) has created some ripples.
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He said cashing in on the picture a few newspapers have been writting imaginary reports that have tarnished his image as a politician who served six times as a member of parliament (MP) and two times as a minister.
He said during his 37 years of political life "I had good relation with both electronic and print media journalists and respect for them "
"Nevertheless a few journalists who are not known to me and vice versa are publishing news which are puzzleling to me as well as to my party and supporters," he added.
"I got a proposal to form a political party before the January 7 election. They brought Shakib Al Hasan to me but I did not influence him to join the party," claimed Hafiz.
He asserted that he did nothing wrong.
"Did I join the BNM? Did I break the BNP? " he askef admitting that "it is clear that I got a proposal to join the party. But I rejected that. Now they are spreading rumours confusing my party and my supporters."
Stating that a few retired army officers advised him to form a new political party, the BNP leader said, "I told them there is no shortcut to politics."
Hafiz said before January 7 election some important politicians from the ruling party started to make contact with him. "They noted I have differing view on BNP’s policy making process. They assumed that I am eager to leave the BNP."
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He said he told them after 32 years it is impossible for him to leave the party. Besides "I told them I am not good physically. Within a short time I will retire from politics."
Major Hafiz said he made it clear at a press bruefing that he will remain with BNP after former Information minister said he will join BNM.
Mentioning that three or four retired army officers formed the BNM, he said they brought Shakin Al Hasan to him and he (Shakib) expressed his interest to join politics.
Hafiz said "I told Shakib it’s up to you. You are still playing but think more about politics. Without getting any support from me, he left the place."
"It is not realistic that a party will get EC registration with my phone call. And I did not say anything. Those who did it you know," Major Hafiz said replying to a reporter's query.Replying to another question he said BNP held no party council. "I talked about the issue several times. But I never said anything unpleasant about Begum Khaleda Zia."
Govt to guard against complacency: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister and Awami League joint general secretary Hasan Mahmud on Monday said his party will refrain from enjoying complacency even after being elected by people's vote for five consecutive times, including the fourth consecutive term.
"We will guard the country for the next five years in the same way as we have guarded the ballot boxes and the streets," he said.
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Hasan made the remarks at a party discussion presided over by Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day-2024 at the Dhaka district office of Awami League at Tejgaon in the capital on Monday afternoon.
He said BNP burnt people alive and set trains on fire in their efforts to resist the election, but they could not resist the election.
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"It was a fair and peaceful election. 80 countries of the world, 32 international organizations have congratulated the Prime Minister on her re-election. Seeing this, BNP is expressing their helplessness and distributing leaflets, and wondering what else can be done. Hope they won't go to the path of sabotage like before," Hasan said.
"But we have to be careful. So we are not complacent, we will guard the country for the next five years," he said.
Regarding the ongoing politics, the Foreign Minister said though frogs are small, their voices are loud.
"Some small political parties and abandoned leaders are making loud noises lately. I don't want to take their names, but there are no people with them. Their meetings are are being held with 20 people in front of 100 people on the stage and the rest with the media," he added.