The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking why the Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by Dr Reza Kibria, should not be registered as a political party. The High Court bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat issued the rule during the preliminary hearing on a writ filed by Reza Kibria. Reza Kibria threatens to sue Nur, two others The court also asked the Election Commission (EC) to respond to this rule within four weeks. Advocate Eklas Uddin Bhuiyan stood for the writ petitioner. Deputy Attorney General Sheikh Saifuzzaman represented the state while Barrister Anisuzzaman appeared for the Election Commission. Reza Kibria removed from Gono Odhikar Parishad Earlier on November 13, Dr Reza Kibria, Convener of a faction of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, filed the writ petition challenging the legality of the Election Commission decision. The Election Commission and its authorities concerned were made respondents in the writ. Govt should allow ailing Khaleda to go abroad: Reza Kibria

The BNP and like-minded parties are set to enforce a 36-hour road-rail-waterway blockade across the country starting from Tuesday morning to protest the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC). BNP supporters facing torture in jails: Rizvi It will be the 11th round of the blockade programme of the opposition parties since October 31. The blockade will begin at 6am on Tuesday and end at 6 pm on Wednesday. Speaking at a virtual press briefing on Monday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon the country's people and the supporters of BNP and other opposition parties to observe the programme spontaneously to make it a success. Vehicles of the newspapers or media, ambulances and vehicles transporting oxygen cylinders and medicines will remain out of the purview of the blockade. BNP announces programmes to mark Martyred Intellectuals Day, V Day Rizvi said the fresh blockade programme is also meant to mount pressure on the government to quit, hold the next election under a non-party neutral government and release party leaders and activists, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He said other opposition parties, who have long been carrying out the simultaneous movement with the BNP, will also observe a similar programme. Earlier, the opposition parties enforced countrywide blockades in 10 phases and hartal in three phases for the last one and a half months since October 29. BNP forms human chain in front of JPC on Human Rights Day The BNP and like-minded parties also observed a human chain programme all over the country on Sunday marking the International Human Rights Day.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said that interest of foreign observers in the poll proves that a transparent, fair and participatory election is going to be held in the country and their arrival will be very conducive to ensuring a fair election. He said this while exchanging views with journalists on contemporary issues in the meeting room of his ministry's premises at the Secretariat. Hasan Mahmud said that before the announcement of the schedule and during the beginning of the election process, many people expressed many apprehensions. But now it is being seen that foreign observers from many countries are expressing interest in the poll. “That's why those who were in a dilemma over whether to send observers or not, have now decided to observe the election. I think that the arrival of these election observers is very helpful in holding a transparent, free and fair election,” Mahmud, also a joint secretary general of the ruling party. Mentioning that the Election Commission is working independently and strongly, the information minister said that you have already seen that the Election Commission has taken some very strong steps, such as the transfer of OCs of different police stations, the transfer of UNOs and even the transfer of DCs. The minister said that during the previous election commissions, there was no such extensive transfer. Even DC transfers were made only once or twice. In other words, taking such steps is proof that the Election Commission is working in a completely independent and neutral manner.

BNP on Monday expressed concern that many jailed BNP leaders and activists have been pushed towards death because of alleged torture and substandard food supplied to them. “The active leaders and workers of the opposition party being subjected to various inhumane torture and attitude inside and outside the prison to suppress them. Prisoners are being tortured indescribably and brutally,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Also read: Bangladesh is number one in the world in terms of human rights violation: BNP Speaking at a virtual press briefing, he also said the imprisoned opposition leaders and workers are being killed by depriving them of treatment. “The sick prisoners are being left in prisons with chains on their hands and feet instead of sending them to hospitals.” The BNP leader also said the jailed BNP leaders and activists are being locked up day and night in suffocating cells in prisons. “They’re being made sick and pushed to death with very poor quality food…after the death of prisoners, the government and law enforcement agencies are making up stories to avoid responsibility.” Rizvi warned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the prison officials will not be able to avoid the responsibility for deaths in jail custody. They  must face trial for every death and killing.” He also described how the government is oppressing and jailing the BNP leaders and activists by citing a recent report of the British newspaper Guardian titled ‘Full prison and false charges: Bangladesh opposition faces pre-election crackdown’. Also read: BNP leaders face extreme human rights violation in jails: Rizvi The BNP leader said though the country's 68 prisons have a capacity of accommodating less than 43,000 inmates, there are now about 88,000 prisoners in those jails.  “The illegal usurper regime has turned the entire country into a hell to cling to power. There is no safety of people anywhere outside their homes…the people of the country are living their days in fear of the unknown fear,” he said. Rizvi said the jails have become death valleys, and the prisons have been turned into Sheikh Hasina's gas chambers like Hitler's gas chambers. “Each of the 68 prisons in the country is like a torture cell where political prisoners fear death every moment. Healthy leaders and workers are tortured and thrown in jail in false and fictitious cases and are coming out as corpses,” he said. Refereeing to a media report, the BNP leader said around 100 people, including BNP leaders and workers, died in jail custody this year. Rizvi slammed the government for its failure to control the commodity prices, saying anarchy is going on in the country over the prices of onion, garlic, lentils and rice. Also read: BNP to form human chains on Dec 10 in protest against injustice: Rizvi He said traders are fixing the prices of the goods as per their wish ignoring all rules and regulations as there is no monitoring by the government authorities. "Had the government required the votes of the people, it would not have left control of the market in the hands of its party’s businessmen."

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for nearly four months, was moved back to the cabin again around two hours after she had been transferred to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) on Monday evening. "Khaleda Zia was transferred to the CCU at about 5:30 pm as per the recommendation of her medical board since her condition deteriorated,” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. US doctors insert TIPS to stop Khaleda’s water accretion, bleeding She was taken back to the cabin later at 7:30pm after examining her health condition, he said. The 78-year-old former prime minister has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems. US doctors visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, examine reports  The BNP chairperson has been undergoing treatment at the hospital since August 9 for various health complications. On October 26, three US specialist doctors completed the hepatic procedure known as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS procedure) to stop water accretion in Khaleda Zia’s stomach and chest, and bleeding in her liver. Two doctors from US arrive to assist in Khaleda Zia’s treatment The US doctors--Hamid Rabb, Christos Georgiades and James P. A. Hamilton from Johns Hopkins University's School of Medicine--went to Bangladesh on October 25 and decided to complete the TIPS procedure after assessing Khaleda’s health condition and test reports. Khaleda was doing fine after undergoing a successful hepatic procedure by the US doctors. TIPS is a procedure that involves inserting a stent (tube) to connect the portal veins to adjacent blood vessels that have lower pressure. This relieves the pressure of blood flowing through the diseased liver and can help stop bleeding and fluid backup. A TIPS also relieves the high blood pressure in the portal vein (called portal hypertension) that often occurs in the setting of liver cirrhosis. Khaleda’s doctors have been recommending sending Khaleda abroad since she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021. The BNP chief’s family also sought permission from the government on different occasions, but the Law Minister said Khaleda has no scope to go abroad for treatment as she was released on conditions suspending her sentence in corruption cases. Since her conditional release from jail in 2020, the BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the hospital under a medical board headed by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder.Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with the condition that she stay in her Gulshan house and not leave the country. That has since been extended multiple times to keep her out of jail.

State Minister for Public Administration and Awami League candidate for Meherpur-1 constituency Farhad Hossain has been served a show-cause notice by the Election Search Committee. Joint District and Sessions Judge of Meherpur and Election Search Committee Chairman of Meherpur-1 constituency HM Kabir Hossain issued the show-cause notice on Sunday. According to the notice, the State Minister for Public Administration and Awami League candidate participated in an election rally in front of the residence of Selim Reza, chairman of Kutubpur Union of Meherpur Sadar Upazila, on December 9 and went to the rally in government vehicle with police protocol. This is a violation of rules 12 and 14 (2) of the Political Party and Candidates Conduct Rules 2008 in the parliamentary elections, the notice reads.

A newly registered political party, Insaniyat Biplab Bangladesh, filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking dissolution of parliament and rescheduling of the poll under the direct supervision of the army. The writ petition sought directives to appoint the army with magistracy power to maintain law and order during the election. BNP announces programmes to mark Martyred Intellectuals Day, V Day Speaking to UNB after filing the writ petition, Insaniyat Biplab Chairman Imam Hayat said, “In the last election, we observed that the ruling MPs misused government power in their respective constituencies and used the administration, police and their own armed men to occupy the polling centres and obstruct others from casting their votes.” Police foil BNP’s human chain in Barishal On May 8 this year, Insaniyat Biplab Bangladesh got EC’s registration as a political party following a High Court order. The party's election symbol is apple. However they did not submit nomination papers to take part in the election scheduled for January 7. Bangladesh is number one in the world in terms of human rights violation: BNP

BNP on Sunday announced programmes to observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day and celebrate the Victory Day with due respect. BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a virtual press briefing. To mark the Martyred Intellectuals Day, he said the leaders and activists of BNP will pay homage to martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in the morning on December 14. Police foil BNP’s human chain in Barishal The party will keep the national flag at half-mast and hoist black flags atop its all the offices, including the Nayapaltan central one, on the occasion. Besides, the BNP will arrange a discussion in the capital with the participation of the intellectuals on the occasion. The schedule and the name of the venue for the programme will be announced later, he said. To celebrate the Victory Day, Rizvi said the BNP will hoist national and party flags atop the party offices in the morning on December 16. Party leaders and activists BNP’s two Dhaka city units and local one will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar on the day. Bangladesh is number one in the world in terms of human rights violation: BNP Later, they will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Banglanagar in the capital, marking the Victory Day. BNP will also hold a discussion highlighting the significance of the Victory Day. The schedule and the name of the venue for the programme will be announced later. The party’s different units and associate bodies will also mark the day with various programmes across the country. BNP forms human chain in front of JPC on Human Rights Day  

Police foiled BNP's human chain in Barishal city marking International Human Rights Day on Sunday morning. The incident took place in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall in the city around 11am when the leaders and activists of BNP reached the spot with a procession marking the human rights day.  BNP alleged that four of its leaders and activists were injured as police dispersed them from the spot.  Bangladesh is number one in the world in terms of human rights violation: BNP However, Anwar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Barisal Kotwali Model Police Station has denied allegations of using force against BNP leaders and activists.  “BNP leaders and activists were trying to gather there without prior permission. Upon our request, they later moved away from the spot. There was no use of force by the police, and no untoward incident occurred during that period,” said OC Anwar Hossain.   Later, the district north and south BNP formed a human chain in front of Barisal Reporters Unity protesting police action.  BNP forms human chain in front of JPC on Human Rights Day BNP leaders and activists led by central member Mezbah Uddin Farhad staged a human chain in front of the party office on Sadar Road when police dispersed them on the grounds of gathering without prior permission.   According to witnesses, the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum Barishal district committee brought out a procession to join the human chain which was also foiled by police.  The leaders and activists of Jatiyabadi Ainjibi Forum alleged that police snatched their banners and dispersed them. BNP leaders face extreme human rights violation in jails: Rizvi    

Stating that Bangladesh is number one in the world in terms of human rights violation, BNP senior leader Selima Rahman on Sunday urged the country’s people not to cooperate with the Awami League government. Speaking at a human chain programme on the International Human Rights Day, she also said their party will remain on the streets until the fall of the current Awami League government.  “The people of the country are now united against the present fascist government. Bangladesh is now number one in terms of human rights violations. We are on the streets and we’ll be there until the fall of this regime,” she said. Selima, also a BNP Standing Committee member, alleged that the government has been carrying out a steamroller of torture by attacking the BNP leaders and activists and implicating them in different ‘false’ cases over the last 15 years. "There is no other place in the world where there is such oppression (on opposition) is going on. Many of our brothers and sisters can’t sleep at their homes due to police raids. If they (police) do not find the fathers, they take their sons, and if they don’t find the sons they take their fathers, mothers, brother and sister,” she said In such a situation, the BNP leader said they will continue their street agitation as they will not accept the lopsided election. “You (people) say no to this regime from wherever you can. Don’t take part in anything of the government. Even, those who are shop workers, keep your shops shut, stop travelling abroad and cut short your wedding parties, she said. Selima also urged people from all walks of life to take to the streets and put up a strong resistance against the government’s muscle men and helmet forces who are She claimed that over 20,000 BNP leaders and activists were arrested just in the last one month following the BNP’s October 28 grand rally at Nayapaltan which was foiled amid the clashes between the BNP leaders and workers and police. The BNP leader claimed that the government deliberately attacked the BNP’s grand rally to foil the programme and create a ground to suppress the opposition. She also claimed that the government has shut many offices of BNP, including the party's Nayapaltan central office. She alleged that the jailed BNP leaders and activists are being deprived of their justified rights as prisoners since the judiciary of the country has been run by the orders of one person. “Nowhere in the world are human rights being violated as widely as in Bangladesh.” BNP leaders and activists along with the family members of the victims of enforced disappearance and political killings under the banner of the party’s south and north city units formed the human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital, marking the International Human Rights Day and demanding the release of the party’s jailed leaders and workers. The programme began formally with the recitation from the holy Quran around 10:55am. Over a thousand BNP leaders and activists gathered in the area since morning to attend the programme amid the heavy presence of law enforcers. As part of the party’s countrywide programme, BNP’s all district units also observed a similar programme in observance of Human Rights Day. After enforcing countrywide blockades in 10 phases and hartal in three phases for the last one and a half months since October 29, BNP came up with a different programme like the human chain. Some BNP central leaders, Zainal Abedin Farooq, Mostafizur Rahman Babul, Nazim Uddin Alam, Kaiser Kamal, Taiful Islam Islam Tipu, Afroza Abbas, Shirin Sultana, Mir Nawaz Ali, Sultana Ahmed, Rehana Akhtar Ranu and Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia joined the human chain programme coming out of their hideouts.  Alongside the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Ganatantra Mancha, 12-party alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, the Liberal Democratic Party, Gonoforum and People’s Party, Labour Party, two factions of Gono Odhikar Parishad and Gonotantrik Bam Oikya also formed human chain programmes in the city’s different areas, marking the Human Rights Day. The International Human Rights Day was observed in the country on Sunday as elsewhere across the world.