BNP
EC to be constituted through search committee: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the new election commission will be constituted through a search committee to be formed by the President.
“The President will form a search committee and the election commission will be constituted through this search committee,” she said, replying to a question at a press conference at her official residence Ganobhaban.
The present election commission will complete its five-year tenure in February 2022 and the next commission will arrange the 12th parliamentary election to be held at the end of 2023.
The press conference was arranged to inform the media about the outcomes of her recent visit to the United States for joining the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
BNP and election
Sheikh Hasina said BNP wants to make the next general election controversial knowing that there is no chance for them to win it.
“They know they don’t have any possibility of winning the election. So, their effort is to make it controversial, create confusion among people and harm people by any means,” she said, responding to another question.
The Prime Minister questioned the leadership of BNP saying that one (Khaleda) is convicted for misappropriating the fund of orphans and another (Tarique) is a fugitive convicted for various misdeeds, including the August-21 grenade attack and 10-truck arm-haul cases.
“They know they won’t win. How will a party win? Where is its leadership? One is a convicted for misappropriating the fund of orphans and another is a fugitive as he’s convicted for the August-21 grenade attack and 10-truck arm-haul cases. They are still there in the (party) leadership. If this is the case, under which consideration people would vote for them,” she questioned.
Sheikh Hasina said even these two top leaders will not be able to take part in the election! “They have no belief that they can win the polls.”
Referring to the 2014 general election, she said BNP had made frantic efforts to make it questionable and committed many misdeeds, including arson attacks, to thwart the polls. “Since the election was held (successfully) and then there was stability, it (govt) has made it possible to ensure development of what you’re witnessing today,” she said.
Hasina said BNP had no complaint over the 2008 general election and questioned why they could not win the polls.
The Prime Minister made a pointed reference to some incidents of tortures carried out by BNP men after the 2001 national election.
Also read: Cabinet approves draft Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Mentioning the development activities carried out by her government, Hasina questioned who and why would vote for BNP.
Pointing at the journalists, she said, “Ask who would vote for them. I asked all journalists first to question their conscience: who, why and with what hope will vote for BNP and others.”
Biman aircraft
The Prime Minister said she had been to the USA to attend the 76th session of the UNGA by an aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines so that Biman gets the money at this tough time caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘It’ll, in fact, strengthen the government’s effort to resume Biman’s flight operation on Dhaka-New York route. I went to the USA by the latest and advanced aircraft, ‘Dreamliner’, of Biman.”
She said her government collected a good number of the latest aircraft for Biman, but many of those remain idle as many routes were suspended due to the Covid pandemic. Besides, it has to count maintenance costs even when they remain idle.
“So, when we decide we’ll go, what is the use of paying money to other airlines,” she said.
Hasina went on saying, “Besides, the aircraft would land in JFK (John F Kennedy Airport, New York), which is also a matter of joy for us. An effort from us is also on (to resume the flight operation on Dhaka-New York Route).”
She said Biman earlier had a landing slot there in the JFK which was closed for corruption and various misdeeds during the BNP regime. “When we procured new aircraft, we made an effort to keep the (landing) slot.”
The government has enacted some new laws in line with international ones in this regard. “Besides, our negotiations are on to resume its operation on the Dhaka-New York route.”
Referring to the new Dreamliner aircraft, the PM said this aircraft can reach New York directly from Dhaka within 14 hours as its operation capacity is some 17 hours.
Ecommerce fraud
In reply to another question over frauds by some e-commerce organizations including Evaly and E-orange, she said the government continues to do what’s necessary on its part.
Hasina said investigation continues to find out where they took or deposited the money, and when the investigation will be completed, the government will return it to the people. “Those who swindle people for making money taking advantage of their tough time must be punished.”
She also said the journalists also had the responsibility to find out the fraud companies when things started unfolding. “If you do so, then people will be alert.”
Also read: NDB membership to open new avenue of foreign financing: PM
Asked if many Bangladeshi convicted hatching conspiracies, staying in London, Hasina said the homes of many convicted and the children of war crimes convicted are there in England and other countries.
She criticized the attack on British MP Tulip Siddiq saying that she is not only granddaughter of Bangabandhu but also a British MP. “It’s the responsibility of the British government to oversee such matters.”
Rohingya and “business”
The Prime Minister said keeping Rohingya in Bangladesh has apparently become a business for some organisations.
“I’m very sorry to say it seems that keeping refugees has become a business to some organizations. If they (Rohingya) are not here, they (NGO officials) will lose jobs,” she said.
If refugees stay here, some people will be benefited, she said, adding that they don’t have much concentration on their repatriation. “Some (organizations) are sincere and we get good response from them. There’re others who just hear it (about Rohingyas). The problem is here,” Hasina added.
Mentioning that a new generation of displaced Myanmar nationals is also there, she said it seems Rohingyas have no interest (to return to their motherland).
The PM questioned international organisations as to why they are not mounting pressure and do not act for their repatriation as Rohingyas are damaging the environment of the host country.
She voiced concern that Rohingyas are indulging in various misdeeds, including terror acts, women and children trafficking and drug peddling.
Some journalists attended the press conference at Ganobhaban while others were connected from the Prime Minister’s Office through a virtual platform.
No more game over election to be allowed: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said their party together with people will no longer allow any game to be played in the name of a national election in Bangladesh.
"You (govt) have constituted a subservient election commission which carries out your orders. You’re planning to hold such an election where voters won’t go to polling stations and you’ll cast the votes through EVMs. People won’t allow such an election anymore,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion programme, the BNP leader said their party definitely wants a genuine election to get the responsibility of running the state with the love of people. "But I would like to say it clearly that the people of this country will no longer allow any game to be played in the name of an election.”
Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its 42nd founding anniversary.
READ: BNP waking up through overhaul: Fakhrul
Fakhrul said Bangladesh was liberated with a dream of establishing democracy and a free society, but Awami League has established a ‘one-party rule’ by obliterating democracy. “Now there’s no democracy, election, accountability and law and order in the country. We didn’t want such a country.”
He said 11-12 companies, including Evaly, took way hundreds of crores of taka from people in the name of e-commerce, but the government could not take any step in advance to check such fraudulence.
The BNP leader said the incidents of killing, rape, repression of women and children have marked an unusual rise in the country due to a slide in the law and order situation.
He said Awami League has become the ‘biggest enemy’ of people by resorting to repressive acts, enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings.
Mentioning 95 percent of people in Bangladesh believe in Islam, Fakhrul alleged that the government is ‘attacking’ Islam repeatedly by harassing alem-ulema by branding them as militants. “The government is trying to get the sympathy and support of the western countries by using the militancy tag.”
He said the government is even trying to control religious gatherings like waz mahfil and regulate Islamic scholars who preach Islam. “In fact, no religion is safe in the hands of Awami League as this party doesn’t believe in any religion.”
The BNP leader urged the Uleam Dal to strengthen its organisantional capacity to play a role in a movement for removing the current government from power. “The entire nation is now looking at BNP and its associate bodies to lead a movement for establishing a pro-people government ousting the current one. We must be ready for that movement. It’s now our responsibility is to strengthen the organisation.”
He said Awmi League wants to hang onto power unlawfully by suppressing the opposition leaders and activists with repressive acts and false cases.
READ: Govt politicised entire state machinery, alleges Fakhrul
“They usurped power stuffing ballots the night before the voting day using the state machinery. So, our responsibility is to oust the regime as the country’s independence and sovereignty and people’s lives and assets are not safe in its hands.
BNP sitting out polls for 'fear of losing': Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has chastised the BNP for turning their back on elections, putting it down to a 'fear of losing' on the part of the opposition.
He made the remarks while delivering a speech Saturday to his party activists from his official residence.
Mentioning that the Election Commission is committed to free and fair voting, the General Secretary of the Awami League said that the government will extend all kinds of cooperation to the Election Commission to ensure fair voting.
Quader also called upon all registered political parties including BNP to participate in the elections.
READ: Don’t resort to arson again in name of movement, Quader warns BNP
Quader again warned the Awami League leaders and workers and party-nominated people's representatives at all levels to shun any rebel candidates in the election.
Alongside, he also called upon all to work together for the party's nominee.
The AL started selling nomination forms for the interested candidates for the party nomination in the elections of different levels from October 2, which will continue till October 6 from 10.30 am to 5 pm.
The party also informed that interested candidates will have to collect and submit an application form for party nomination from the political office of the Awami League president in Dhanmondi.
READ: Padma Bridge to open before June next year: Quader
At the time of collecting the application form, all the candidates must bring a photocopy of the national identity card and submit the nomination form by 5 pm on October 6, 2021.
The general secretary of the Awami League said that the candidates have to comply with the proper health protection rules without any kind of public meeting while the candidate can collect and submit the application form himself or through a representative of the candidate.
Caretaker is a must, no more game: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will not accept the upcoming national election unless it is held under a" neutral government".
"Our stance is very clear there would be no more game in the name of an election. The election must be held under a neutral government and to be conducted by a neutral election commission,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said, “We won’t accept any election if there’s no polls-time neutral government and an impartial election commission."
BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers’, Bangladesh.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
Stating that the days of the current government are numbered, Fakhrul urged Awami League to try to read public minds and understand the writings on the walls. “That means quit power after making the provision of the polls-time caretaker government and let people exercise their right to vote.”
He called upon BNP leaders and activists to be organised and get ready for a street movement instead of creating chaos for having party posts.
“This is the only way left for us. It won’t be possible to remove the current monstrous regime without a mass movement and mass uprising. So, we’ve to unite all our people, unite all the political forces to take place a mass uprising,” the BNP leader said, pointing at the party rank and file.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
He said Awami League has become politically bankrupt losing public support for its ”misdeeds and repressive acts. They (AL) know they won’t even get 30 seats if any election is held in a free and fair manner. That’s why they have politicised all the state institutions.”
Fakhrul also alleged that the government has established its control over the judiciary, administration, law enforcement agencies and the media. “So, the entire nation is unable to speak up and exercise their freedom of expression.”
‘AL-backed middlemen’ behind price hike: BNP
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday voiced deep concern over the price hike of essentials, and alleged that Awami League-backed middlemen are behind it.
"People have got unnerved with the growing hike in essential commodities, but the government has not been able to take any step to control it due to the middlemen belonging to their party,” he said.
Speaking at a human-chain programme, the BNP leader alleged that the ruling-party business syndicate is depriving farmers of the fair prices of their produce with the help of the administration. “The government is not willing to take any step to ensure fair prices for farmers as it just wants to benefit its cohorts.”
Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding fair prices for the produce of the farmers and reduction of the prices of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, diesel and electricity.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said people are not getting any service from the administration due to its politicisation.
He said there is no point in making any demand to the current government and the administration for protecting the interests of farmers and the welfare of people. “There’s no alternative to dislodging the government to get rid of the current situation of the country.”
The BNP leader urged the leaders of their party and its associate bodies to take the responsibility for ousting the Awami League government as people do not want to see this party in power anymore.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to wage a mass movement by organising the people of the country under the leadership of BNP. In the face of the mass movement, this government of usurper will be forced to quit,” he warned.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
Mosharraf asked the BNP leaders and activists to get ready to take part in the movement and make it a success.
“I want to ask the government to step down immediately and take steps for holding the next general election under a non-partisan and neutral government as per the demand of the country’s people. The sooner this fascist government is removed from power, the better for the country.
BNP policymakers to sit with leaders of professional bodies Oct 8
BNP policymakers now have decided to sit with the leaders of different professional bodies holding six closed-door meetings with the party’s central and grassroots leaders.
The meeting will be held on October 8 at party chairperson’s Gulshan office to work out its next course of action ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.
A meeting of BNP standing committee held on Saturday took the decision, said a press release, signed by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Sunday.
Fakhrul also presented a brief report on the outcomes of the party’s six meetings with the party rank and file held in the last two weeks.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
As per the decision of the meeting, BNP will also arrange a discussion meeting on the importance of holding the national elections under a non-party neutral government on October 1 at the Jatiya Press Club.
Earlier, the party had six closed-door meetings in two phases with BNP vice-chairmen, advisory council members on with joint secretaries general, organising secretaries, assistant organising secretaries, secretaries, executive committee members, leaders of the party’s different associate bodies and presidents of different district units.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
The meetings were held as part of the party’s planned series of meetings with BNP rank and file to know their views about the party’s next course of action ahead of the next general election.
BNP formed a 502-member national executive committee through its sixth national council on March 19, 2016.
PM’s US visit has ‘no success’, says BNP
Stating that the Prime Minister’s visit to the USA has ‘no success’, BNP on Sunday alleged that the government wants to take international advantage by keeping the Rohingya problem alive.
“I didn't find any outcome from her (PM’s) visit. Even, she couldn’t come up with a solution to the Rohingya problem,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Read: Govt agencies active to divide opposition forces: Fakhrul
He said their party thinks Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government have failed to play any effective role in resolving the crisis.
“In fact, they (gov) want to take international advantage, especially from the Western countries, by keeping this issue alive,” the BNP leader said.
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave together with the members of the newly formed committee members of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal.
Fakhrul said the Prime Minister could not yet reach out to the main stakeholders by visiting the countries like China and India with an aim to have a salutation to the Rohingya problem.
Read:Get organized, Fakhrul to farmers
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to the USA last week to attend the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Fakhrul alleged that the Prime Minister made “indecent remarks” about BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia while refuting various reports published in the media about her visit. “We strongly condemn and protest it.”
He alleged that Sheikh Hasina in her address to the UNGA resorted to lies about the country’s situation. “This is her only achievement (from her visit).”
The BNP leader said there is no democracy in the country while a fascist governing system has been established here by snatching people’s rights, destroying the Election Commission and politicising the state institutions.
Read:Govt restricting Khaleda from going abroad out of ‘fear’: Fakhrul
“But the Prime Minister didn’t mention in her speech how she’ll overcome this situation, restore democratic governing system, democratise the electoral system and remove people’s sufferings,” he observed.
Fakhrul hoped that good sense will prevail upon the government to give democracy an institutional shape and restore people’s right to vote and their freedom of expression.
He urged the government to take steps for holding the next election under a neutral election-time administration to establish a truly representative government and parliament.
BNP threatens to launch one-point movement against govt
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday threatened that their party is thinking of launching a one-point movement to oust the current government.
"I think it's better not to talk about the election. All we need now is a one-point movement to ensure the fall of Sheikh Hasina and her government,” he said.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, came up with the remarks at a discussion meeting arranged by Jatiyatabadi Projonmo Dal at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
He said the current government is the main barrier to resolving the problems the country and its people are facing now. “If we can force this regime to quit, it will pave the way to resolve all the problems of people. So, we need a one-point movement.”
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
About the reconstitution of the Election Commission, he said the Commission will not function if this government stays in power, no matter with whom it is formed.
“If the Election Commission is constituted with five angels keeping a devil in government, then the angels will become helpless, and they won’t be able to do anything. So, we need not spend time by joining the debate over the formation of the Election Commission,” Gayeshwar observed.
He warned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the consequence of staying power ‘by force’ will be dire if there is no safe exit route.
“You (PM) have done so many things. If you voluntarily resign and call for a fair election by walking towards the path of democracy, then the people who are angry with you will calm down for a while. Because, the people of Bangladesh can forgive,” the BNP leader said.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
Stating that BNP has long been fighting for democracy enduring a lot of pain, he said if the Prime Minister now ‘restores’ democracy, their party may not reflect its hostile attitude towards her in the future. “That is the best way…restores people’s democratic rights, and don’t push the country towards a dreadful situation.”
Gayeshwar urged BNP leaders and activists to get ready for a one-point movement to ensure the fall of the government.
“You please forget the intra-party conflicts and disliking each other. Our only dislike is Sheikh Hasina and her government. We have no other choice now. That is why we want a one-point movement. Don’t point a finger at any other leader and do your own duty,” he told BNP leaders and activists.
BNP grassroots leaders want Dhaka leaders to get ready for movement
A group of BNP grassroots leaders on Thursday urged the party policymakers to prepare the party’s all units in Dhaka for waging a movement for forcing the government to quit and hold the 12th parliamentary polls under a neutral administration.
In a closed-door meeting, they also said BNP will not get benefits by forming an electoral alliance with the ‘one-man-show’ parties.
The BNP grassroots leaders, however, said the party should make efforts to bring all the opposition parties under a single platform to launch a simultaneous movement, led by BNP, with a demand for the restoration of an election-time neutral government, a party leader, who was present at the meeting, told UNB.
He said most of the leaders also urged the party high-command to take a tough stance on not joining any election under the current government and intensify diplomatic efforts to get the international community’s support in favour of their demand for a polls-time neutral government.
BNP top leaders sat with its executive committee members under Khulna, Rajshahi and Barishal divisions today (Thursday), wrapping up their planned six series of meetings with the central and grassroots leaders.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
Party sources said 86 leaders participated in the meeting and 65 of them gave their opinions about how BNP should get ready for an anti-government movement and the next general election.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Selima Rahman and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the meeting. Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman virtually joined it from London.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mirza Fakhrul said in their six meetings in two phases around 300 central and grassroots leaders talked about their organisational issues and how to ‘restore’ democracy in the country free Khaleda Zia from jail, and get rid of the current ‘authoritarian’ government.
He said they took note of the speeches of all the leaders and those will be discussed in the meeting of their standing committee to work out the next course of action. “We’ll let you know later about what programmes are taken in our meeting."
As part of their second round of series meetings, the BNP top leaders sat with the party’s executive committee members under Dhaka and Faridpur organisational divisions on Tuesday and with the leaders under Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Rangpur divisions on Wednesday.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
Earlier, the BNP policymakers had three closed-door meetings with party vice-chairmen, advisory council members, joint secretaries general, organising secretaries, assistant organising secretaries and secretaries and the top leaders of the party’s different associate bodies last week. A total of 491 party leaders joined the six meetings.
The meetings were held as part of the party’s planned series of meetings with BNP rank and file to know their views about the party’s next course of action ahead of the next general election.
BNP formed a 502-member national executive committee through its sixth national council on March 19, 2016.
BNP held its last executive committee meeting at Le Meridian Hotel on February 3, 2018, just four days before Khaleda was sent to jail in a graft case.
BNP grassroots leaders want time-befitting movement strategy
A group of BNP grassroots leaders on Wednesday urged the party policymakers to devise a well-thought-out plan and time-befitting strategy to outsmart the government through an effective movement for a credible national election.
In a closed-door meeting, they also said it will not be possible to succeed by waging a movement in the same style of the 90s and 2013 as they fear the government will come up with a new strategy to win the 12th parliamentary election with the help of administration.
A party leader, who was present at the meeting, also said most of the grassroots leaders opined that the party's all units and associate bodies should be overhauled by incorporating dedicated and active leaders.
He said they called upon the party high-command not to join any election under the current government and take effective steps to bring the opposition political parties under a single platform to realise their demand for the restoration of election-time neutral government.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
As part of their second phase of series meetings with the grassroots leaders, BNP top leaders sat with its executive committee members under Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Rangpur divisions on the second day today (Wednesday).
Party sources said 85 leaders participated in the meeting and 63 of them gave their opinions about how BNP should get ready for an anti-government movement and the next general election.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir along with standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Selima Rahman and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku was present at the meeting. Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman virtually joined it from London.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mirza Fakhrul said they had nearly a six-hour-long meeting where party leaders talked about how to get rid of the current ‘despotic’ rule and establish people’s rights.
He said they discussed the issues relating to national politics, the country’s current situation and BNP’s organisational matters.
BNP policymakers will also hold the third meeting with members of the executive committee under Khulna, Rajshahi and Barishal divisions on Thursday.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
On Tuesday, the BNP top leaders had a meeting with party’s executive committee members under Dhaka and Faridpur organisational divisions.
Earlier, the BNP policymakers had three closed-door meetings with party vice-chairmen, advisory council members, joint secretaries general, organising secretaries, assistant organising secretaries and secretaries and top leaders of the party’s different associate bodies last week.
The meetings were held as part of the party’s planned series of meetings with BNP rank and file to know their views about the party’s next course of action ahead of the next general election.
BNP formed a 502-member national executive committee through its sixth national council on March 19, 2016.