Jatiya Party
No one to look into public sufferings: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Qudaer on Monday alleged that though common people are going through serious hardships due to the soaring prices of all essentials, there is no one to look into their sufferings.
“The people of the country are not having a good time. Ordinary people have become worried due to the growing commodity prices. They’re struggling to make ends meet due to the price hike,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, made the remarks, while exchanging views with the union leaders of the private employees working in government colleges and madrasas at the Jatiya Party chairman's Banani office.
READ: UP polls creating panic instead of festivity: GM Quader
He said there has been anarchy in every sector as the government has irrationally raised the fuel prices. “Transportation costs have risen due to hikes in diesel and kerosene prices. This is casting an adverse effect on every sector,” the Jatiya Party chief observed.
He said the prices of all essential items and raw materials are skyrocketing gradually because of lack of monitoring by the government. “It seems there’s no one to see the sufferings of ordinary people.”
GM Quader urged the government to take effective steps to check the price hike of essentials and ease the public sufferings.
READ: Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party Chairman also called upon the government to accept the justified demands of private employees working in government colleges and madrasas.
Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Presidium Member Mir Abdus Sabur Asud, Joint Secretary General Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan, Organising Secretary Joynal Abedin and Office Secretary MA Razzak Khan were, among others, present at the programme.
Reduce fuel prices: Jatiya Party MPs to govt
Two Jatiya Party MPs -- Mujibul Haque and Rustum Ali Faraji -- on Sunday demanded the government reduce diesel prices to ease public sufferings.
“Common people, particularly the poorer section, are now suffering due to diesel price hike. I would like tell the Leader of the House and the Prime Minister either to reduce the price, or withdraw the recent decision, or make an alternative arrangement,” said Mujibul Haque (Kishoreganj-3), taking floor on point of order in Parliament.
He said the diesel price was suddenly raised at a time when people are trying to return to their normal life after two years of sufferings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also read: Decision to raise fuel price was political, not bureaucratic: Energy Secretary
Mujibul, also known as Chunnu, said the diesel price was increased by 23 percent this time, but such a big hike was not seen in the past.
Mujibul said the government took the decision at a time when people were going through a tough time due to the price hike of essentials. The diesel price hike also contributed to a rise in transport fare and the prices of essentials, adding to the woes of people, he added.
Later, another Jatiya Party MP, Rustum Ali Faraji (Pirojpur-3), asked the government to review its recent decision of diesel price hike, prioritizing the public interest.
Also read: Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
“The government should either reduce the diesel price or give subsidies,” he added.
UP polls creating panic instead of festivity: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman on Tuesday voiced concern that the ongoing Union Parishad (UP) polls have become a matter of panic instead of festivity.
In a statement, he said, “The second and third phases of Union Parishad elections are going on across the country. These elections of the local government were once held in a festive manner in the country. Now these polls have become a frightening matter instead of festivity.”
Read: Prices soaring for no reason: GM Quader
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in Parliament, said the Election Commission has completely failed to maintain law and order in the ongoing UP elections.
“Attacks and exchange of fire over elections have become a daily affair. People have become panicked over the killing and violence every day,” he observed.
The Jatiya Party chief said the country’s people do not want to see bloodletting in the name of elections.
He also voiced frustration over the inaction of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring a congenial election atmosphere.
Read: Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
GM Quader also said the EC’s role in the UP polls gives an impression that it has nothing to do with polls violence.
He said people are getting disappointed as the violence and terrorist activities are taking place every day in front of the members of the law enforcement agencies.
GM Quader said some people have already been killed in election violence. “Terrorists hacked to death two sons of a mother at Kathuli union of Gangni Upazila in Meherpur. “Nothing can be more unfortunate and painful than this.”
He urged the Election Commission to take more stern measures to curb election violence.
The Jatiya Party chief said it is not acceptable that the EC will be unable to maintain a peaceful environment after declaring the election schedule. “Tougher initiatives need to be taken to hold polls in a free, fair and neutral manner.”
Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday alleged that the government has taken a stance against the interest of the common people by raising bus and launch fares instead of lowering fuel oil prices.
In a statement, he said, “The government has increased the prices of diesel and kerosene irrationally. We had demanded a reduction in fuel oil prices. But the government raised the transport and launch fares,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the decision to increase oil prices and transportation costs is an anti-people one.
He demanded the government reduce the increased prices of diesel and kerosene and the increased fares of buses and launches.
Also read: Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party chairman said the government suddenly increased the prices of diesel and kerosene by Tk 15 per liter on the night of November 3.
He bemoaned that the government has also increased bus fares by 27 percent and launch fares by 35 percent without reducing fuel prices in the face of a movement by transport owners, leaving people in unbearable sufferings.
“With the rise in fuel oil prices, the cost of living and transportation is increasing fast,” the Jatiya Party chief said.
He also said several crore people became unemployed during the Covid pandemic, and they are now living an inhuman life. “In such a reality, raising the fuel prices is an unacceptable decision. Neighbouring India has also slashed diesel and kerosene prices.”
Also read: People facing “starving-like situation”: BNP
GM Quader said it is now imperative to reduce the cost of fuel and public transport to normalise the cost of living.
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level.
The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of the price hike of petroleum in the international market.
Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Thursday alleged that the government has enhanced the fuel price ‘illogically’ as it will increase the costs of living further.
“Fuel prices have been hiked irrationally. If the fuel prices go up, the costs of production and transportation of goods will increase,” he said.
GM Quader, also the leader of the opposition in parliament, said people’s lives have already become unbearable due to the rise in commodity prices. “As the prices of fuel rise, people's lives will now become more miserable.”
Speaking at a programme at Jatiya Party Chairman’s Banani office, he also said the sufferings of people will only be mounted if the government runs the country with a business attitude.
GM Quader called upon the government to govern the country with the mentality of serving people instead of doing business.
He said the fuel prices have been increased with an excuse of rising oil prices in the international market. “Fuel prices were much lower on the international market during the corona period, but the fuel prices were not reduced at that time.”
Read: Private operators’ LPG: Price goes up again
The Jatiya Party chairman wanted to know where the money has gone that was earned during the low fuel prices in the international market.
He said fuel prices should be kept tolerable even by giving subsidies.
GM Quader also said Bangladesh ranks 124th out of 139 countries in the rule of law index. “We’re lagging behind in various international indexes. This is very unfortunate.”
Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Truck-Covered Van, Tank Lorry and Prime Movers Owners and Workers Coordination Council called an indefinite nationwide strike from Friday in protest against the fuel price hike.
Leaders of the organization said the government raised the toll of Bangabandhu Bridge and Muktarpur Bridge from 257 percent to 300 percent “illogically” on November 2 and then it raised the prices of fuel, said a press release.
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level.
Read: Fuel price hike: transporters to go on indefinite strike from Friday
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of price hike of petroleum on the international market.
Meanwhile, the price of private operators’ liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has been raised to Tk 1,313 per 12-kg container from Tk 1259 with effect from Thursday (Nov 4) at the retail level.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price at a press briefing.
Ailing Raushan to be taken abroad if doctors suggest: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Thursday said they are waiting for the opinions of doctors to send ailing Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushan Ershad abroad.
“Begum Raushan Ershad has long been undergoing treatment at Dhaka CMH. Her blood pressure and heartbeat are good, but she’s not in good shape,” he said.
Quoting doctors, the Jatiya Party chief said the opposition leader has been suffering mainly from old-age complications.
“The doctors are trying their best to ensure her proper treatment (at the CMH). She’ll be taken abroad if the doctors advise so,” he said.
READ: Identify reasons why police failed to control violence: GM Quader
GM Quader made the remarks while speaking at a doa mahfail at Jatiya Party Chairman’s Banani office arranged by the party seeking speedy recovery of Raushan.
He urged people to pray for the opposition leader so that she recovers fast.
Raushan, also the chief patron of the Jatiya Party, was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMM), Dhaka on August 14 with an unusual level of carbon dioxide in her lungs. She has been receiving treatment at the same hospital since then with a little improvement.
On April 29, Raushan, the 78-year-old widow of former military ruler HM Ershad, was admitted to the CMH after she fell ill, and she received treatment there for 24 days at that time.
READ: Current constitution “contrary” to democratic practice: GM Quader
She was elected MP from Mymenshigh-4 seat during the 11th parliamentary election.
Raushan has been performing as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament for the second consecutive term.
Jatiya Party will arrange doa mahfil and prayer sessions across the country on Friday seeking her quick recovery.
Identify reasons why police failed to control violence: GM Quader
Stating that an unusual situation is prevailing in the country, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday said the reasons behind the failure of law enforcement agencies in controlling recent communal incidents must be unearthed.
“A conspiracy is there to destroy the communal harmony of the country in a planned way. It’s necessary to investigate how the Quran was kept at the puja mandapa amid the vigilance of law enforcers,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, came up with the remarks while speaking at a divisional representatives’ meeting of Jatiya Party’s Khunla unit at the party chairman’s Banani office.
He said the Hindu community members will never desecrate the Quran to foil their puja festival while no Muslim can conspire to disgrace the Qur'an if s/he has the slightest faith in the religion.
READ: Now people have ‘no interest’ in elections: GM Quader
“Again, a vested quarter has made evil attempts to incite the violence spreading the news of demeaning the Holy Quran all over the country,” the Jatiya Party chief said.
He said a speech of State Minister for Information Dr Md Murad Hassan not to accept Islam as the state religion of Bangladesh went viral at the same time. “The government will have to find out whether it (Murad’s speech) has any connection with this conspiracy.”
GM Quader alleged that the state minister made derogatory remarks against Jatiya Party founder HM Ershad and the Army like an imprudent person.
READ: Depoliticisation to diminish political parties: GM Quader
He said it is necessary to take action against the state minister after the investigation. “It must be investigated as to why the state minister made provocative remarks in unusual circumstances.”
GM Quader said any conspiracy aimed at creating communal chaos in the country is an unforgivable crime.
3 candidates submit nomination papers for Sirajganj-6 by-election
Three candidates – one each from Awami League and Jatiya Party and an independent - on Sunday submitted the nomination papers to contest Sirajganj-6 parliamentary by-elections slated for November 02 next.
The candidates are AL’s Marina Jahan, Jatiya Party’s Moktar Hossain and independent Humayun Kabir, according to the information provided by the Election Commission Secretariat on Sunday, the last valid day of the nomination submission.
The date for scrutiny of nomination papers is Monday and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 17.
The parliamentary constituency (Shahjadpur Upazila) fell vacant after the death of AL MP Hasibur Rahman Swapan on September 02 last.
Read: Sirajganj-6 by-polls: AL picks Kabita
Besides, a total of 41 mayoral aspirants filed their nomination papers in 10 municipalities to contest the seventh phase municipal election, scheduled to be held on the same date (November 02).
But the mayoral election to two municipalities –Kasba in Brahmanbaria and Ramgarh in Khagrachhari-- is set to go unopposed as only AL nominated candidates filed their papers there. The two AL mayoral contenders are Golam Rabbani in Kasba and Rafiqul Alam (Kamal) in Ramgarh.
In municipalities, the election to only mayoral post, not councillor posts or reserved seats is held in the partisan manner with the use of polls symbols of registered political parties.
The deadline for nomination submission expired on Saturday. The date for scrutiny of nomination papers is Monday and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 17.
Read: Cumilla-7 by-polls: Pran Gopal elected unopposed
Alongside independent candidates, the contestants nominated by Jatiya Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Workers’ Party submitted nomination papers in several places among the eight other municipalities.
The eight other municipalities are Ghorashal in Narsingdi, Chhagalnaiya in Feni, Sonatala in Bogura, Ghoraghat in Dinajpur, Domar in Nilphamari, Lohagara in Narail, Pakundia in Kishoreganj and Chapainawabganj.
Moreover, a total of 570 aspirants --123 women for reserved seats and 447 contestants for councillor posts -- filed nomination papers to run the election in the 10 municipalities, as per information provided by the EC Secretariat.
Mujibul Haque Chunnu new Jatiya Party secretary general
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday made party co-chairman Mujibul Haque Chunnu as its secretary general following the death of Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu.
GM Quader took the decision as per section 20/1/A of the Jatiya Party constitution, his deputy press secretary Khandaker Deloar Jalali told UNB.
On October 2, Jatiya Party secretary-general Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu passed away at a city hospital at the age of 67.
On July 26, 2020, Bablu was appointed the party secretary general removing Moshiur Rahman Ranga from the post.
Also read: GM Quader recalls Bablu’s contributions to JaPa
According to a Jatiya Party press release, GM Quader appointed Chunnu as the party secretary general through an organisational order with effect from October 9, 2021.
In his initial reaction, Chunnu said he will work hard to strengthen the party. “The party chairman has reposed trust in me. So, I’ll uphold his dignity through my work.”
He said he will focus on enhancing the party’s organisational capacity to field Jatiya Party candidates in 300 seats and bring the party back to power.
Party sources said GM Quader wanted to make young leader Shameem Haider Patwary the party secretary general, but the senior leaders strongly opposed it, forcing the party chairman to change his stance.
Apart from Chunnu, former secretaries general Ruhul Amin Hawlader, Moshiur Rahman Ranga, Syaed Abul Hossain MP, presidium member Golam Moshi and additional secretary general Sahidur Rahman were interested to have the party post.
Also read: JaPa wants law for EC formation
After discussions with some senior leaders, GM Quader finally picked Chunnu for the post.
Chunnu, who joined Jatiya Party leaving a government job in the 80s, was elected MP five times from Kishoreganj-3 seat.
He also served as State Minister for Labour and Employment in Prime Shekih Hasina’s previous cabinet formed after the 2014 election.
Any plot to destroy communal harmony to fail: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday said those who are conspiring to destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh will never succeed.
“We’ve a tradition of communal harmony. We’re determined to maintain communal harmony, no matter what,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, came up with the remarks at a views-exchange meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Hindu Parishad at Jatiya Party chairman’s Banani office.
He said their party founder late HM Ershad had set an example in maintaining communal harmony during his rule.
Also read: JaPa not to compromise on HR issues: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party chief also said Ershad played a unique role in protecting the rights of people of all religions.
He also recalled that Ershad had declared the day of Janmashtami, a major festival of the Hindu community marking the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, a public holiday. ”He also provided security and financial assistance for various pujas and festivals (of Hindu community).”
GM Quader said the Hindu Welfare Trust, founded by Ershad, has now become an institution worth a hundred crore of taka.
He also said the Jatiya Party founder always kept allocation for the construction and renovation of temples.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh Hindu Parishad leader handed over the draft law on minority protection to the Jatiya Party chairman and greeted him with a bouquet.
Jatiya Party presidium members ATU Taj Rahman, Advocate Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan and office secretary MA Razzak Khan, among others, were present at the meeting.