Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Govt instigated communal forces, alleges Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday accused the government of creating an unbecoming situation in the country by instigating the communal forces.
“The government is carrying out a false campaign that we’ve supported Hefazat and fundamentalists, and we’re instigating them from behind the scene to create a communal problem in the country,” he said.
The BNP leader said, “I would like to clearly say it’s not BNP, but the government has instigated them (Hefazat and fundamentalists), and created such a situation in the country.”
He made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
The BNP leader said Hefazat activists wanted to bring out a normal procession from Baitul Mukarram Mosque on Friday, but police attacked them at the north gate while the ‘ruling party cadres’ at the south gate of the mosque, leaving many people injured.
He said the Hefazat activists were killed at Hathazari in Chattogram the same way as police attacked a peaceful procession of the organisation and opened fire on its activists.
Fakhrul said the government has opened a stigmatised chapter on the Independence Day by shedding the blood of people in Dhaka, Chattogram and Brahmanbaria by unleashing law enforcers and Awami League cadres when the nation was celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence.
He said their party tried to register its protest against the bloodletting and killing through holding protest rallies in the metropolitan cities Monday in district towns on Tuesday, but police and the ruling party men attacked BNP leaders and activists at different parts of the country.
Fakhrul condemned the police attacks on BNP leaders and workers during their party’s two-day peaceful programme.
He said their party tried to peacefully hold their programmes in protest against the killing of at least 15 people in the country over the last few days. “But our programme has no relation with Hefazat.”
The BNP leader alleged that ruling party leaders and some media are trying to give their party’s programmes a different colour involving it with Hefazat.
No step in sight to tackle Covid transmission: BNP
Though the coronavirus transmission has been surging alarmingly in the country, the government has no visible steps to contain the pace of outbreak of the deadly virus, BNP alleged on Tuesday.
“Corona infection is growing alarmingly. We saw an 18-point directive was issued yesterday (Monday), but the government has not taken any visible step to implement it,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.
The BNP leader said there is a false campaign that the government is effectively tackling the Covid situation. “The fact is that they (govt) can’t control the virus, but they’re lying. The government should have a strong campaign and effective steps to enforce the 18-point directive, but it's missing.”
He accused the government of hiding the facts and data about the real Covid situation in the country and not conducting adequate tests to quickly identify the infected people.
“People are not getting adequate opportunities to undergo tests not only in Dhaka, but also elsewhere in Bangladesh. The government is fully responsible for this situation. They never realised the importance of creating a national unity to overcome the pandemic,” he observed.
Stating that using masks is essential to prevent the virus outbreak, the BNP leader said people are showing apathy to it as the government has failed to motivate them and create awareness among them in this regard through a mass campaign.
He said the government did not suspend different state programmes relating to the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman though the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had warned of deterioration in Covid situation.
Fakhrul alleged that the government is not taking proper steps to get rid of the corona outbreak as it is not accountable to people. “This government is not elected by people’s votes. An unelected government can’t have any responsibility towards people.”
He said the government’s main target is now to ‘hang onto’ power by any means and ‘plunder’ public money.
BNP demands govt's immediate resignation
Blaming the government for the loss of lives in different parts of the country over the last three days in violence, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday asserted that this "regime must go".
“This government has shed the blood of common people on Bangladesh soil on the day of the 50th anniversary of Independence. It must shoulder the full responsibility for the bloodletting and loss of lives in Dhaka, Chattogram and Brahmanbaria in the last three days, and it must repay the blood debt,” he said.
Also read:BNP not to join upcoming UP polls: Fakhrul
Speaking at a protest rally, he said, "We want to make it clear that a country can never go on like this. This government can never cling to power by dashing people’s hopes and aspirations even after the 50 years of the country’s independence. They must go.”
As part of the party’s countrywide programme, Dhaka south and north units of BNP arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting the killing of people and police attacks on the Independence Day and snatching people’s democratic rights.
Fakhrul urged the government to step down immediately and transfer power to a neutral government paving the way for holding a credible election under an impartial Election Commission.
Otherwise, he warned, that the government will have to quit power facing the fate like other dictators of the past. “Let’s get united and forge a unity of people.”
Also read:BNP chalks out 2-day programme to mark Feb 21
The BNP leader alleged that the government has turned parliament into a rubber stamp in a planned way.
“The independence of the judiciary has been snatched, the administration has been politicised and law enforcement agencies have been turned into partisan oppressive forces. They (govt) did it to establish one-party Baksal rule. So, they must be ousted from power,” he observed.
Fakhrul said law enforcers together with ruling party activists repressed the country’s people over the last few days while many people , including BNP leaders and activists, were arrested by police.
He voiced concern over the growing price hike of daily essentials ahead of Ramadan, and urged the government to take effective steps to keep the prices of commodities within the buying capacity of people.
The BNP leader said their party wants Bangladesh to have good relations with neighbouring countries as the government claims it has very close relations with India. “But the Teesta water-sharing deal has not yet been signed and the border killing has not been stopped yet.”
He said the government cannot resolve outstanding problems with India and realise Bangladeshi people's justified demands due to its 'subservient' policy.
Also read:BNP criticises move to repeal Zia's gallantry title
“We would like to say that we won't be able to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of our people and protect the independence of Bangladesh by keeping this regime in power. Our freedom and democracy are now at stake under the current government,” Fakhrul observed.
BNP accuses govt of destabilising country
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that the government has destabilised the country with its ‘imprudent’ decision like killing of people.
In a statement, he said, "In the last two days, since the great Independence Day, massacres carried out in Dhaka, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria and other areas through the firing of bullets and violence by law enforcers and Chhatra League and Jubo League. “People have been shot dead in Brahmanbaria even today (Sunday).”
"The government has made the entire country unstable with its imprudent decision of killing people by getting unnerved in the face of protests and demonstrations by people,” the BNP leader said.
Also read: BNP leader Nipun Roy ‘detained’ in city
He alleged that the government ordered law enforcers to shoot people and gave weapons to the ‘ruling party cadres’ instead of taking steps to calm the situation. “The government must shoulder the responsibility for the evolving situation.”
Fakhrul said many people, including Pir Abdul Hamid of Madhupur, were injured in firing by ‘Awami cadres’ during a demonstration in Munshiganj’s Sirajdikhan.
Also read: Police Firing: BNP announces two-day demo
Besides, he said, indiscriminate firing and armed attacks were carried out in different parts of the country, including Dhaka’s signboard areas.
Fakhrul condemned the arrest of BNP Executive Committee member advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury in the city.
Also read: Undeclared “curfew” in Dhaka ignoring people: BNP
He demanded the government arrest the ‘Awami League cadres’ involved in the attacks on people and release Nipun immediately.
“The country’s people are living under the rule of an oppressive government. The government has become crazy to shed blood of people by firing bullets on people's chests instead of taking steps to protect public health amid coronavirus transmission,” Fakhrul observed.
Minority community members moving out to India, alleges BNP
BNP on Thursday alleged that minority community members are moving out to India leaving Bangladesh due to torture under the current Awami League government.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also questioned as to why the government is not repealing the …‘Vested Property Act’ enacted during the Pakistan period.
"Why’re the minority people moving out to India although Awami League has long been in power? What’s the reason behind it? The reason is that the level of repression on them (minorities) has increased during this time with an aim to grab their property, loot their valuables and take other advantages,” Fakhrul observed.
Also read; BNP demands neutral probe into Sunamganj communal attack
He said Awami League used to say they want to protect communal harmony and the interests of minorities. “But the party has so far not revoked the Vested Property Act and ensured the fair rights the minority people have.”
He trashed Awami League leaders’ comments that the number of minorities left Bangladesh was higher during BNP’s rule in 2001.
“If you conduct an investigative report and see the media reports at different times, you’ll find the number of minorities going to India has increased these days,” Fakhrul claimed.
About the recent communal attack in Sunamganj's Shalla upazila, he said ruling party men carried out the incident with an aim to grab the lands and valuables of the minorities. “If you conduct research, you’ll see such attacks led by Awami League leaders were made after the Liberation War with the same motive.”
Referring to a newspaper report, Fakhrul said a ruling party MP occupied several hundred acres of land of minorities in his home district Thakurgaon two years back. “Minorities there formed human chains and took out processions, but didn’t get redress. Similar incidents happened in many other places, including in Faridpur. But it’s unfortunate that Awami League always tries to hide these incidents by shifting the blame onto others.”
He said though a Jubo League leader led the attack on Hindu community members at Shalla upazila and Obaidul Quader blamed BNP for it only to mislead people.
Also read: BNP demands prompt probe into Rohingya camp fire
“We want to make it clear that the Awami League has never been in favour of the minority community or they’ve never been in favour of communal harmony in the country. Rather, they’ve always occupied the property of the minorities resorting to terrorism.”
Speaking at the press meet, party vice-chairman Netai Roy Chowdhury, who visited Shalla upazila and talked to the victims, said the attack was premeditated one. “The houses and temples were vandalised and looted at the Hindu-inhabited village in Shalla upazila.”
“During our visit to the spot, we’ve witnessed indescribable destructions at the homes and worship places of the victims. The victims clearly told us that hundreds of people, led by local Juba League leader Swadhin Miah, came to the village and looted all valuables and furniture of about 60-70 houses, and destroyed windows, doors and fences of the houses. They beat men, women and the children,” he said.
The BNP leader said ‘Harmad Gang’ of Awami Jubo League, carried out extensive vandalism and looting at the Hindu houses and temples.
He alleged that the incident took place due to the negligence of the local administration and the help of the ruling party leaders. "Even after the incident, the administration didn’t take any immediate action. Two cases were later filed in the face of widespread criticism.”
Also read: Covid-19: BNP postpones Golden Jubilee progs until March 30
Netai Roy said 25 people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and most of them are the ruling party supporters.
"We strongly condemn and protest the heinous and cruel acts against the Hindu community at Shalla and demand the arrest and punishment of all those involved in the incident,” the BNP leader said.
He urged the administration to come forward to rebuild houses, temples and places of worship damaged during the attack, and ensure overall security to the Hindu-inhabited areas.”
BNP demands prompt probe into Rohingya camp fire
BNP on Tuesday demanded a speedy investigation into the deadly fire incident in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp.
In a statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also urged the government to make public the investigation report as early as possible.
He also urged the government to take effective steps quickly for sending Rohingyas to their motherland in Myanmar.
Also read: Rohingya camp fire: Death toll climbs to 11
Fakhrul called upon the government and international organisations to come forward with necessary cooperation for the rehabilitation of the fire-affected people who are now staying under the open sky losing their homes and valuables.
He slammed the government for what he said its failure to take any visible step over the last three and a half years to repatriate Rohingyas who left Myanmar in the face of persecution and mass killing.
Also read: Fire at Rohingya camp caused 'enormous devastation': UNICEF
The BNP leader expressed deep shock and sorrow over the casualties in the fire incident.
He prayed for the salvation of those who died in fire and conveyed sympathy to those who received burn injuries and loss valuables in the fire.
Also read: Fire breaks out at Rohingya camp in Ukhiya
Meanwhile, the bodies of 11 people, including that of three women and two children, were retrieved from the debris after a fire swept through Balukhali Rohingya camp in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar district on Monday.
Some 9,300 shanties, 136 learning centers and a police barrack were burnt into ashes, affecting over 45,000 people by the fire.
BNP for emergency steps to control corona transmission
Voicing deep concerns over the fresh upsurge in coronavirus transmission, BNP on Tuesday urged the government to take effective steps immediately to contain the pandemic.
“Covid cases are increasing alarmingly. The situation has turned so critical that many of our leaders have died of corona and many others are now receiving treatment for the virus infection. We think the government should take effective preventive measures on an emergency basis,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Also read:BNP's Rizvi hospitalised with Covid-19
The BNP leader said their party has long been urging the government to work out a plan and roadmap in consultation with political parties, other relevant organisations and NGOs to overcome the corona problem. “But they’re not paying heed to it.”
He came up with the comments while talking to reporters after visiting BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel at Holy Family Hospital in the city. Shoel has been receiving treatment at the hospital as he was injured during a clash with police in front of the Jatiya Press Club on February 28.
Fakhrul said the government is unable to tackle the Covid situation as its intention is not clear. “Their only aim is to steal public money. It’s not possible to resolve the problem, when there’s an intention to indulge in corruption.”
Also read:Govt took Covid as a means of business: BNP
He also alleged that the government has no sincerity and devotion to get rid of a dangerous problem like coronavirus which has turned out to be the biggest threat to mankind across the world.
Fakhrul said there are also various speculations about the vaccine as many people who received the jab earlier are now getting infected with the virus.
He said the government is not taking proper action and plans to motivate or force people to wear masks and maintain the health safety rules.
The BNP leader said hospitals lack adequate beds and proper treatment for Covid patients. “Why haven't you arranged adequate beds for so long? People’s sufferings are gradually growing.”
Asked whether a lockdown should be enforced to control the Covid transmission, he said the government should take a decision on the matter trough discussions.
Also read: BNP chalks out corona awareness programme
He regretted that though 50 years have elapsed since the country was liberated, people have lost their democratic and other rights. “The way the government is running the country is not conducive to democracy in any way. Even the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh is now at stake.”
Govt celebrating Golden Jubilee without people: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence keeping people and freedom fighters “away”.
“The government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee without people as it’s become isolated from them. The freedom fighters have no place in the government's Golden Jubilee celebration programmes. Even, political parties have no presence there,” he said
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The BNP leader said only foreign guests are coming to Bangladesh to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and they are being told and shown that the country is on the crest of development.
Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel at Holy Family Hospital in the city. Shoel has been receiving treatment at the hospital as he was injured during a clash with police in front of the Jatiya Press Club on February 28.
He said their party must welcome the foreign friends and heads of governments of five countries to Golden Jubilee celebrations.
But the BNP leader voiced anger as the government has “restricted” them from holding the programmes their party has taken to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Independence on the “pretext of foreign guests’ presence. People's movement is also being obstructed.”
Also read:Media being regulated with various laws: Fakhrul
The BNP leader questioned the purpose of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh.
“Is the Indian Prime Minister coming here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, or is he coming to carry out a campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections? We’re getting such an indication from Indian newspapers and our local newspapers,” he observed.
Referring to media reports, Fakhrul said the main purpose of his visit is to see the temples of their followers as part of a move to appease the voters in West Bengal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 26 on a two-day visit to join the celebrations of 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He is also scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Memorial in Tungipara and Orakandi, a sacred shrine of the Matua community in Gopalganj, and another temple in Sathkhira.
Fakhrul said their party has long been saying the unsettled issues, including a fair share of the waters of common rivers and border killing, should be resolved to improve further the bilateral ties with India. “It should also be clear to people about what we’re gaining from increasing the connectivity.”
The BNP leader said their party thinks border killings should be stopped immediately as it is an inhuman act. “The government cannot solve this problem though it says it has a very strong friendship with India.”
Also read: AL succeeded in 'depoliticisation' process: Fakhrul
He said the government has given India the share of water of the Feni River unilaterally, though it has failed to sign any deal over the sharing of water of the Teesta River. “A bridge is also being built for connectivity. But there’s no solution to our basic problems.”
Fakhrul said their party still hopes that the government will solve the problems of the country’s millions of people by presenting their demands in the right way.”
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