Politics
BNP leader Nazrul Islam hospitalised
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan was admitted to a hospital in the capital on Thursday as he fell sick.
Nazrul Islam was admitted to United Hospital in the morning, said his wife Kanta Islam.
"He (Nazrul) has been feeling unwell for a few days. He was admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.” she said.
Kanta said the BNP leader has been receiving treatment at the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the hospital under cardiologist Dr Mominuzzaman.
She urged all, including BNP leaders and activists, to pray for the speedy recovery of her husband.
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.
Now people have ‘no interest’ in elections: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Wednesday said now people have become reluctant about elections as many opposition candidates have to quit polls race due to the influence of money and muscle power.
“An anti-election attitude has developed among people as they’ve lost interest in the country’s election system,” he said.
GM Quader made the remarks while exchanging views at Jatiya Party chairman’s Banani office with the party’s potential candidates of Manikganj to contest the upcoming Union Parishad polls.
The Jatiya Party chairman said the opposition candidates now hardly can ‘stand in the election field’ under the pressure of ruling party-backed ones. ”Many candidates are being forced to stay away from the election being unnerved amid the influence of money and muscle power.”
Also read: JaPa not to compromise on HR issues: GM Quader
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said those who will get nominations from Jatiya Party must stay in the election race till the end. “Those who cannot sustain in the election field after getting nominations, their place will not be there in Jatiya Party.”
He asked the Jatiya Party leaders and activists to play a proactive role in ensuring people’s voting right in the polls. “People like those who can fight till the end.”
The Jatiya Party chief also warned the party candidates that people hate those who quit the election race.He observed that Awami League almost remains missing in politics as it has been in power for a long time.
GM Quader also said the ruling party has been facing various problems due to intra-party conflicts while BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia cannot say anything after getting out of jail on bond. “In such a reality, Jatiya Party is in the field of politics with a bright future.”
Also read: Next election must be under neutral govt: Fakhrul
He said the future of the Awami League had become uncertain when it remained out of power for 21 years while BNP has now become demoralised as it has been out of power for more than a decade. “But Jatiya Party has been fighting in the field of politics remaining out of the state power for 31 long years as it does politics with the trust and love of people.”
The Jatiya Party chief claimed that people were happy during the rule of their party as it could ensure their rights and the security of their lives and property.
“The rule of law prevailed in the country during the rule of Jatiya Party. So, people want to see it in power in the days to come,” he viewed.
Dr Zafrullah wants Zaima to be back home to intensify movement
Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on Wednesday urged BNP to bring back home Zaima Rahman, the granddaughter of Khaleda Zia, from London to intensify the anti-government movement.
Speaking at a discussion, he also called upon the BNP leaders to take to the streets shunning political rhetoric and making hollow statements on political issues.
“Bring Zaima back. I’m saying it as she’s young. She’ll learn politics … if Zaima remains with them (BNP leaders), there’ll be a wave in (politics of) the country and you’ll see then they (AL) won’t even know when their boat will sink,” Zafrullah said.
The Gonoshasthya Kendra founder said BNP followers become unhappy if he makes any remark about the party leadership. “But I would like to say one thing that Khaleda Zia is a brave lady...her leadership is necessary to make the anti-government movement a success.”
READ: Dr Zafrullah describes how Bangladesh can go for low-cost vaccine production
He also said BNP will not be able to drum up public support with only its political rhetoric and light statements on political issues.
"If you want to remove this vote robber, you’ll have to take to the streets with sticks and rods whatever you have…then you’ll see where they flee,” Zafrullha said.
He said BNP and other parties should get united to ensure the fall of the current government.
Speaking at the programme, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna urged the political parties to reach a consensus that the national election cannot be held under the current government.
“We want a government that can guarantee a fair election in the country. If we can get united with such a demand we have a bright prospect of achieving a victory,” he said.
READ: Bring Zaima back home to revive BNP: Dr Zafrullah
BNP vice-chairman Barkatullah Bulu said there is no alternative to a united movement to free the country from the ‘misrule’ of Awami League.
"Under the current situation, we would like to say all democratic and progressive forces in Bangladesh should unite and come under a single platform to restore democracy,” he observed.
BNP grassroots leaders want unity of opposition parties
BNP grassroots leaders on Tuesday urged the party policymakers to give focus on bringing the opposition political parties under a single platform to wage a strong movement for the restoration of election-time government.
In a closed-door meeting, they also opined that the party high-command should intensify its diplomatic and political efforts to mount pressure on the government to take steps for holding a credible national election and forming a neutral Election Commission.
A party leader, who was present at the meeting, also said most of the grassroots leaders highlighted the importance of promptly overhauling the party for getting success in the anti-government movement.
As part of their second phase of series meetings with the grassroots leaders, BNP top leaders first sat with its executive committee members under Dhaka and Faridpur organisational divisions at the party chairperson's Gulshan office.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
Party sources said 75 leaders participated in the meeting and 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, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan 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 their meeting discussed the current political situation in the country and the organisational issues of BNP.
BNP policymakers will also hold another meeting with members of the executive committee in 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 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.
Get organized, Fakhrul to farmers
Stating that farmers are now the most neglected section of people in Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged the peasants to get organised for waging a strong anti-government movement.
“No one is now happy in Bangladesh and our farmers are the most neglected ones. They don't get the fair prices of their produce. They also don't get any help or any incentive from the government even at this horrible time of Corona,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to the members of the newly-formed partial committee of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He congratulated the Krishak Dal committee members and asked them to form a full-fledged committee within a short time.
“The central committee of the Krishak Dal was announced at the critical juncture of the nation. So, they’ve bigger responsibilities in organising the farmers throughout the country by reaching out to them,” Fakhrul said.
He alleged that the current ‘fascist' government has been running the country by ‘usurping’ power. “The people of all walks of life have to play a role in ousting this regime. “Our responsibility now is to organise ourselves and forge unity. There’s no other alternative to that.”
Criticising the government for what he said continuing its repressive acts, the BNP leader said their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been kept under house arrest. “Around 35 lakh leaders and activists of our party are facing ‘’false’’ cases while over 500 ones have been made disappeared and over 1,000 killed.“
Speaking at the programme, Krishak Dal president Hasan Jafir Tuhin said they will work sincerely to strengthen the movement for the ‘restoration' of democracy by mobilising famers’ support across the country.
On Monday, BNP announced a seven-member partial committee of its associate body, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, five months after its national council.
Hasan Jafir Tuhin has been made president while Shahidul Islam Babul general secretary of the seven-member partial committee of the Krishak Dal.
On December 30, 1980, BNP founder late Ziaur Rahman established the Krishak Dal to ensure the rights and welfare of farmers.
GM Quader finds EC ‘dysfunctional’
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is not functioning properly.
“Either the Election Commission is not working properly or it can’t function properly,” he said.
The Jatiya Party chief said the EC has immense power as a constitutional body. “But the power of the Election Commission is not visible to the common people.”
He came up with the remarks while speaking at a milad mahfil arranged by Jatiya party’s Dhaka north city unit at party chairman’s Banani office, seeking speedy recovery of its secretary general Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu.
Also read: JaPa not to compromise on HR issues: GM Quader
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said local government elections are not being held in a competitive manner since a section of the administration is often involved with the ruling party to influence elections.
“The candidates who belong to the opposition parties can’t be there in the election field. They’re devastated by attacks, cases and intimidation,” he observed.
The Jatiya Party chief also said their party will take part in every local government election to organise the party alongside reaching out to the common people. “Jatiya Party candidates are being asked to remain in the race till the end in every election.”
He also said their party does not need those leaders who cannot contest elections braving fear, intimidation and greed.
Also read: Next election must be under neutral govt: Fakhrul
GM Quader said the door of Jatiya Party is open to the new generation. “No one can join the Awami League if he/she wants to while there is a fear of facing cases and attacks if anyone joins BNP. So, Jatiya Party is a suitable platform for the new generation to do politics.”
He said Jatiya Party is the safest political platform for the common people. “Common people think if BNP comes to power, it’ll surpass Awami League. So, they want to see the Jatiya Party in power in the coming days.”
Thank govt for suspending Khaleda’s sentence, Hasan tells BNP
BNP should remain thankful to the government for yet another six-month suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence under an official order, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Monday.
“If that order is revoked tomorrow, Khaleda Zia will have to return to jail immediately. I think the BNP needs to keep this in mind as well,” said the minister.
Hasan, joint general secretary of the Awami League, said this while replying to questions from journalists after launching the BSRF Barta, a publication of Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the ministry’s conference room.
Also read: Khaleda’s conditional release extended by another six months
Asked about BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s comment that the government is afraid of freeing Khaleda the minister said, BNP should rather thank the government for suspension of her sentence for another six months.
Elaborating Hasan said BNP chairperson was not released on bail or freed by any order of the court. “Khaleda Zia is out of prison because the prime minister suspended her sentence by exercising power given by the law,” he said.
Hasan also brushed aside another BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain’s recent call to the people to take to the streets demanding that the next national election is held under a neutral caretaker government.
He said the next election will be held according to the constitution which does not provide for any caretaker government.
Also read: Govt restricting Khaleda from going abroad out of ‘fear’: Fakhrul
He said elections are held under the Election Commission. When the election schedule will be announced, all the polls-related government officials and employees will work under the Election Commission, he said.
The election-time government, Hasan said, cannot transfer a single police constable after announcement of the polls schedule. The Election Commission has already conducted many elections very successfully, he added.
He said BNP’s demand for a caretaker government has no constitutional basis and so it will fail to get any response from the people like it happened in the past 12 and a half years.
President of Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum Tapan Biswas and General Secretary Masudul Haque and other leaders of the forum were present at function.
‘Quick rental power act’ extended to prolong ‘plundering’: BNP
BNP on Sunday alleged that the government has passed a bill in parliament to keep the 'quick rental' power plants for five more years just to prolong the system of ‘plundering’ public money.
“Our standing committee meeting thinks that the rented power plants were set up only for plundering by a ruling Awami quarter,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also the government created a scope for indulging in arbitrary corruption by indemnifying all the activities regarding the quick rental power plants through passing a law.
As a result, the BNP leader said, a quarter belonging to Awami League has pocketed a large part of taxpayers’ money even without producing power while the government increased the power tariff several times every year.
Read: Fakhrul takes dig at AL, says now 'bureaucrats running' country
"The system of plundering has been prolonged by extending the term of the special law to run rented power plants for another five years. The meeting of our standing committee strongly protested and condemned the passage of the bill in parliament,” he said.
Fakhrul said the BNP standing committee demanded the government immediately repeal the bill.
BNP arranged the press conference to inform the media about the decisions of the party standing committee meeting held on Saturday.
Earlier on Wednesday, the “Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) (Amendment) Act, 2010” bill was placed in parliament, aiming to boost power supply to the consumers.
Since the tenure of the existing law, enacted in 2010, is going to expire in 2021, the bill was passed to run the rented power plants for another five years till 2026.
Read: Having Khaleda freed BNP's main challenge: Fakhrul
Fakhrul protested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent comments on BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and his grave, saying he presented ‘false’ information in parliament to mislead people.
“The meeting of the standing committee thinks that people are being deceived by distorting history by the government. Such perverted propaganda against Ziaur Rahman is nothing but a conspiracy against the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Govt restricting Khaleda from going abroad out of ‘fear’: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that the government is not allowing their party chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment as it is scared of her popularity.
“You all know when she fell ill, her family applied to take her abroad, but the government denied it. We’re not surprised that the government has now given a condition that she can’t go abroad,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul also said doctors are saying Khaleda needs to go abroad for advanced treatment due to her illness, but the government is unfortunately obstructing her from leaving the country.
“The main thing is that they (govt) are so afraid of Begum Khaleda Zia that they can never think of freeing her or allowing her to leave the country in any way…they’re keeping her confined,” he observed.
Read: Fakhrul takes dig at AL, says now 'bureaucrats running' country
Earlier in the day, the government has extended the suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's jail sentence in two corruption cases for another six months with all the previous conditions in place.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the government took the decision in the wake of an application submitted by the BNP chief’s family.
As per the conditions, he said, Khaleda Zia will receive treatment at her Gulshan residence the way she wants. “But she won’t be able to leave the country. The conditions that were there before will remain the same.”
Khaleda’s family submitted an application to the Home Ministry early this month seeking further extension of her conditional release and allowing her to go abroad for receiving advanced treatment.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
The government extended her release for six more months on August 27 last year and it was extended further for another six months on March 15 last.
Read: Having Khaleda freed BNP's main challenge: Fakhrul
On May 5, her family also applied to the government seeking permission to take her abroad for better treatment, but the government turned it down saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
The 77-year-old Khaleda Zia is currently staying in her rented house 'Firoza' in the city’s Gulshan area.
According to her physicians, the BNP chief has been suffering from various old-age complications, including arthritis, diabetes and eye problems.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10, and then she received treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital for 54 days for post-Covid complications and some other underlying health problems.