BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Movement to continue until govt falls: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their ongoing movement will not stop until the fall of the current government.
“A warm-up for a movement has begun across the country. This movement won’t stop until our chairperson Khaleda Zia is freed and the fall of the current monstrous regime is ensured,” he said.
Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said democracy and people’s voting rights will not be restored in the country as long as Awami League stays in power.
Read: Get ready for movement with shrouds on heads: BNP to followers
“Let’s take a vow from this rally that we won’t return home from the streets until we can remove this regime from power and free our leader Khaleda Zia and send her abroad for treatment. Our movement will go on,” he said.
Thakurgaon district unit BNP arranged the rally on the premises of the public library in the district town, demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
Recalling Khaleda’s role in different movements for the restoration of democracy and developing the country, Fakhrul said that leader has been now fighting for life for lack of advanced treatment.
“We urged the government to allow her to go abroad for treatment, but it’s not paying heed to our call,” he deplored.
The BNP leader said they have been carrying out a movement across the country for a month demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad. “Movement doesn’t mean hartal and blockade. Thousands of people standing in rallies are loudly demanding Khaleda Zia’s release. It’s also a strong movement.”
He alleged that the current government has destroyed all the achievements of the country all the state institutions.
Fakhrul said freedom fighters did not liberate the country in 1971 to keep only a party and a person in power. “We liberated the country for democracy and having a democratic governing system.”
He said the government has been staying in power ‘using’ the state machinery by revoking the caretaker government system in 2012.
Referring to US sanctions on seven current and former officials of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the BNP leader said, “The sanctions need to be imposed on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as they acted at her behest.”
Read: BNP not to join talks on EC formation
He said the government has ‘politicised’ the judiciary, administration and law enforcement agencies to hang onto power. “This regime has become a liability for us. We need to remove this government as soon as possible.”
Fakhrul said their party is observing December 30 as voting rights snatching day as Awami League took away votes at night on December 29 in 2018.
“We want to get back our voting rights, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Journalists' right to write freely has been snatched by enacting the Digital Security Act,” he observed.
Dialogue on EC formation ‘pointless’: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday termed ‘meaningless’ the ongoing talks on the reconstitution of the Election Commission as he thinks it will not help restore people’s voting rights.
“The President has started inviting political parties for talks to arrange another election. Are the people of Bangladesh fools? We would like to clearly say this dialogue is meaningless. The problem relating to the election and democracy won’t be resolved through this dialogue,” he said.
The BNP leader said similar talks were held earlier and the government arranged an election in 2014 when 154 MPs were elected unopposed while the votes were snatched the night before the voting in 2018.
Read:Goal of independence not materealised yet: Fakhrul
“They again initiated the talks, but it won’t help restore people’s voting rights. It’s the government, not the Election Commission, the main barrier to holding a credible election. It matters who’ll be there in power during the polls,” he said
Fakhrul said the election will not be fair and people will not be able to cast their votes if Sheikh Hasina’s government stays in power during the voting. “We respect the country’s President. But if the President creates a scope to deceive people, we can’t accept it.”
He said people’s problems will not be resolved by holding talks with the President and the current ‘fraud’ government. “So, stop maneuvering and take steps to hold a credible election under an impartial government quitting power.”
Manikganj district unit BNP arranged the rally in Manikganj Government Boys’ High School field demanding party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
President Abdul Hamid began talks with the registered political parties over the formation of the new Election Commotion on December 20.
The tenure of the current EC, led by KM Nurul Huda, is scheduled to expire on February 14 next year.
As per the constitution, a new Commission must be formed before the expiry of the present EC.
Govt days are ‘numbered’
Fakhrul said the government is trying to establish a one-party governing system in the country by destroying democracy and the hopes and aspirations of the freedom fighters.
The BNP leader said the government has ruined all the achievements of the nation and all the institutions of the state.
Referring to the US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its current and former seven officials, he said it happened as the government turned Bangladesh into an undemocratic and repressive state. “It’s a matter of shame for us as a nation.”
Fakhrul said a strong unity of people from all walks of life must be forged like the 90s to remove the current ‘monstrous’ regime.
The BNP leader said the days of the current government are numbered as the UN and different democratic countries are also going to impose sanctions on it to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
Read: Khaleda’s condition worsens again in hospital: Fakhrul
Sending Khaleda abroad
Fakhrul said Khaleda has been now receiving treatment in a hospital in the capital standing at the crossroads of life and death.
“The leader who has long been working for democracy is not being allowed to go abroad for treatment by the government that usurped state power. They’re making false statements on her treatment. It’s a deception.”
He said the government can send the BNP chief abroad as per section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC).
Fakhrul urged the government to immediately allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment. “Or else, if anything bad happens to Khaleda Zia, this government will be held responsible for it.”
Govt trying to ‘wipe out’ Liberation War spirit: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the government is trying to ‘restore’ one-party rule in the country by ‘wiping out’ the spirit of the Liberation War.
"This year marks the 50th anniversary of our independence. But unfortunately, we haven’t yet achieved the goal of a democratic state for which the Liberation War began in 1971,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the current regime continues to oppress the country’s people in various ways. “They’ve killed and made many people disappeared and maimed many others.”
Read: BNP pays homage to martyred intellectuals
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to martyred intellectuals by placing a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in the city, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day.
Fakhrul said Pakistani occupation forces killed many intellectuals, including physicians, teachers, journalists and engineers, on this day. “They also killed lakhs of people during the nine-month-long war. They killed our intellectuals to make the nation devoid of talents.”
The BNP leader said they believe that people will wake up again imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War to establish a parliament and government with their mandate by ousting the current ‘illegitimate’ and ‘undemocratic’ one.
Stating that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been fighting for life at Evercare Hospital, he criticised the government for its rigid stance on not allowing her to go abroad for advanced treatment.
"Begum Khaleda Zia had been confined to jail for several years in fabricated cases. She’s now in a critical condition at the hospital. We’re repeatedly talking about her release and sending her abroad for better treatment. But they aren’t paying heed to it,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Sacrifices of martyrs to go in vain without democracy: BNP
He alleged that the current ‘monstrous’ government does not want to allow anyone, including Khaleda, to do politics. “They’ve initiated the process of depoliticization in this country.”
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dhaka north city unit convener Amanullah Aman, south city unit convener Abdus Salam, party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, publicity secretary Sheaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee and central leader Tabith Awal were, among others, present there.
BNP pays homage to martyred intellectuals
BNP on Tuesday paid tributes to martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in the city, marking the Martyred Intellectuals’ Day.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir along with party senior leaders placed the wreaths and stood in a solemn silence there for some time as a mark of respect to the great national heroes who lost their lives for the cause of the country.
Read:Sacrifices of martyrs to go in vain without democracy: BNP
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dhaka north city unit convener Amanullah Aman, south city unit convener Abdus Salam and party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and publicity secretary Sheaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee were, among others, present there.
Later, different associate bodies of the party also placed wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial paying homage to the martyred intellectuals.
On the night of December 14, 1971, over 200 intellectuals, including educationists, journalists, litterateurs, writers, physicians, scientists, lawyers, artists, philosophers and political thinkers had been picked up in Dhaka by Pakistani occupation forces, aided by their local collaborators.
Read:It’s inevitable consequence of HR violations, BNP about US sanctions
BNP kept the national flag at half-mast and hoisted black flags atop all its offices, including the Nayapaltan central one, in the morning on the occasion.
Besides, the party arranged a discussion at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh on Monday in observance of the day.
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.
Khaleda suffers from bleeding again: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s condition worsened as she suffered from internal bleeding again on Tuesday.
Speaking at a human-chain programme, he also bemoaned that the government has cancelled the BNP chief’s application for passport renewal.
“I visited the hospital yesterday (Tuesday) where all doctors were present. Her (Khaleda’s) condition has deteriorated again. She suffered from further bleeding,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Let Khaleda go abroad by Saturday or face movement: Pro-BNP lawyers
Fakhrul said doctors clearly said it is now essential to send the BNP chief to any advanced medical centre abroad for treatment without any delay in a bid to save her life. “She has been in ICU, and her condition has reached such a state that doctors are monitoring her condition every moment and treating her accordingly.”
He said the government has been showing a negative attitude from the very beginning towards her medical issue and it is not taking any step for her treatment abroad.
“We’ve long been on a movement for sending our leader (Khaleda) abroad as doctors are saying there’s no advanced medical centre and equipment in Bangladesh for giving her proper treatment for her liver cirrhosis problem,” the BNP secretary general said.
Pro-BNP Shikshak Karmachari Oikyajote formed the human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
Fakhrul said the BNP chief’s liver problem has reached a critical stage as she did not get proper treatment during her stay in Old Dhaka Central Jail and later at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
“You all saw she went to jail with good health…It was too late when she was brought to PG Hospital (BSMMU) from the jail. She has been gradually pushed towards death,” he said.
Khaleda’s passport renewal application turned down
Fakhrul alleged that the government has cancelled the BNP chief’s application for the renewal of her passport.
He said the government used to say they are looking for a legal option to allow Khaleda to go abroad. “But you (govt) have cancelled her application for the passport. It’s contradictory to your statement.”
The BNP leader called upon the government to take immediate steps for giving Khaleda a new passport and allowing her abroad for treatment. “Or else, you’ll be held responsible if her condition deteriorates further and anything bad happens to her.”
He said the government wants to fool people by talking about legal barriers to allow Khaleda to go abroad. “You (govt) have freed her under section 401 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) imposition a condition that she would not be able to go abroad. It’s only you who can now lift this condition.”
Read: Govt looking into legal options to let Khaleda go abroad: Law Minister
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.
BNP plans to take legal action against Murad
The standing committee of BNP has decided to take legal action against disgraced State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Murad Hassan for his indecent comments against the Zia family.
In a virtual meeting on Monday night, the BNP policymakers also demanded the removal of Murad from parliament alongside the cabinet by 24 hours.
The meeting strongly protested and condemned the extremely ‘’indecent, disgusting, defamatory and ugly’’ comments by the junior minister against Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman and the female members of the Zia family, said a media release issued by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday.
Read:BNP now demands Murad’s arrest, punishment
The BNP policymakers also termed Murad’s comments devoid of all political and social etiquette.
The meeting thinks that all women and humanity have been demeaned through such anti-woman, racist, anti-social and anti-constitutional remarks by Murad holding the responsible position of the state.
The BNP policymakers demanded the junior minister apologise publicly within 24 hours.
BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku joined the meeting with party acting chairman Tarique Rahman in the chair.
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.
Read: BNP wants to know govt's stance over Murad’s comment
Earlier in the day, Murad resigned from the cabinet following the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for his offensive and indecent remarks on women.
Murad Hassan had been under increasing criticism by various quarters for his disrespectful remarks on women. A number of audios and videos containing indecent remarks by Murad Hassan also went viral on social media during the last few days.
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.
Govt is a barrier to Khaleda’s treatment abroad, not law: Fakhrul
BNP on Wednesday alleged that the Awami League government, not the law, is a barrier to sending its chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment.
“We all know Khaleda Zia is seriously ill. She’s now fighting for life in a hospital. Why doesn't the government let her go abroad? They talk about the law!” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a protest rally.
As per the law, he said, the government can send the BNP chief abroad anytime if it wants. “The barrier is not the law, but the current illegitimate government.”
Read:Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP
The BNP leader said the government wants to stun Khaleda, gag her voice and remove her from politics as she is a pro-democratic leader.
Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal arranged the programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office demanding the BNP chairperson’s treatment abroad.
As part of their prescheduled programme, around two hundred leaders and activists of Mohila Dal gathered in front of BNP’s central office to take out a ‘silent procession’ at 10am amid huge presence of law enforcers.
As law enforcers did not allow them to bring out the procession, Mohila Dal staged a demonstration and a brief rally there.
Govt conspiring to end Khaleda’s life: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday accused the government of plotting to end the life of Khaleda Zia by not allowing her to receive advanced treatment abroad.
Speaking at a discussion, he said they will come up with more action programmes after observing a mass-hunger strike on Saturday across the country to mount pressure on the government to permit their party chairperson Khaleda to go any advanced centre outside the country.
“They (govt) are now conspiring to end the life of Begum Khaleda Zia after completely removing her from politics. That's why they don't want to give her a scope to receive treatment abroad,” the BNP leader said.
Read:BNP’s mass-hunger strike Saturday seeking Khaleda’s treatment abroad
A faction of the National People’s Party (NPP), one of the components of the 20-party alliance, arranged the discussion at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), marking its 14th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul slammed Law Minister Anisul Huq for his comment that there is no scope to accept the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to send her abroad. “It’s a blatant lie.”
He said the government has the authority to allow the BNP chief to go abroad as per section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC). “Even, the government can completely remit her sentences if it wants.”
BNP’s hunger strike at Nayapaltan
As part of their countrywide programme, Fakhrul said they will observe a seven-hour mass-hunger strike in front of their Nayapaltan central office from 9am on Saturday.
He said they tried to hold the programme in any other venue, but they did not get permission.
Read:No legal scope for Khaleda to go abroad: Law Minister
Fakhrul said the programme will be observed in all other metropolitan cities and district towns from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
The BNP leader hoped that democratic political parties, including the 20-party alliance partners, will express solidarity with BNP by joining the hunger strike programme. “We urge them to come to our central office. Let's strengthen the movement so that our leader gets the opportunity to get treatment abroad. From there, we will announce more programmes.”
He said it is not possible to remove the current ‘monstrous’ government without a united mass movement.
Fakhrul urged the political parties to get united to launch a simultaneous movement to ‘restore democracy. “Let’s work together and wage a movement for the release of Begum Khaleda Zia and protect the country and its people from the hand of the current regime. It’s true that the future generations will never forgive us if we fail to do so."
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on 13 November, six days after she had returned home from the hospital.
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
They also said she is now suffering from critical cardiac, kidney problems while her blood sugar is out of control and hemoglobin level in her blood has dropped.
On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on 11 November urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.