BNP
PM says BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities being tried
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that some 1,241 people were sentenced to different terms as trial of 1,967 cases were completed so far filed in connection with the BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities in between 2012 to 2015.
She said this in reply to a question of ruling Awami League MP elected from Madaripur-2 Shajahan Khan during the PM’s question-answer session.
Khan wanted to know what measures have been taken against those involved in the subversive activities of the BNP-Jamaat in the name of the so-called democratic movement from 2012 to 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 this year.
The Prime Minister in her reply said a total of 188 people died while 4,973 others were injured in the hands of the BNP-Jamaat’s terrorists during their so-called democratic movement between 2012 and 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 national election.
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“A total of 8,105 cases were filed against those involved in these acts of sabotage. Of these, trial of 1,967 cases have been completed and 1,241 people have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.”
The premier also said investigation is going on regarding the cases filed between October 28, 2023 and January 7 this year.
Sheikh Hasina, who is also the leader of the House, said the BNP and its allies have indulged in the evil game of arson-terrorism, killing innocent people and members of the law enforcement agencies through irrational movement in the name of resisting the elections.
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In response to a query of AL MP Md Abdullah elected from Laxmipur-4, the Prime Minister said that in the recent times, the BNP-Jamaat and their allies have been trying to disrupt the 12th national elections by destabilising the country in the name of arson attack, hartals and blockades.
“They caused huge damage to people's lives and property by setting fire to trains and killing innocent people, uprooting train lines and damaging track plates, vandalising various public and private buildings and vehicles including the Chief Justice's residence and Razarbagh Central Police Hospital.”
She said that from October 28, 2023, more than 600 vehicles were vandalised across the country through violent activities.
Besides, 328 vehicles including 184 passenger buses, 48 trucks, 28 covered vans, 3 CNGs, 4 private cars, 11 pickups, 5 trains, 15 motorcycles, 3 lagunas, 1 ward councilor office, 1 auto rickshaw, 1 high school, 12 primary schools, 4 homes, 1 Buddhist temple and 1 boat were set on fire.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
Sheikh Hasina also said many people including drivers, helpers, police, BGB, workers, freedom fighters were killed, injured or crippled during their blockades and hartals.
“13 people were killed in those incidents. Among them, nine people were killed in train sabotage.”
Pointing that the country has efficient law enforcement agencies, judicial system and existing laws to identify and punish those involved in crimes like arson, vandalism, subversive activities, the Prime Minister said legal process is going on to take proper measures against those involved in subversive activities under the existing law.
Biden’s letter to PM Hasina: ‘What will BNP say now?’ asks Quader
In a significant gesture of international diplomacy, US President Joe Biden has extended a letter of commitment to work in unison with Bangladesh across various sectors, including the economy. This announcement has sparked a pointed query from Obaidul Quader, general secretary of Awami League and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, directed towards the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): “What will BNP say now?”
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During a press interaction at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, earlier today (February 05), Quader criticized the BNP leadership for their absence and evasion, questioning the source of their confidence in regaining power. He remarked, “The people have already distanced themselves from you. Your international allies have also turned their backs. The US has now pledged to work alongside Sheikh Hasina’s government. What hope does the BNP have for returning to power?”
Quader also expressed concern over the recent conflicts near the Myanmar border, where violence has forced citizens from several Bangladeshi villages to flee. The ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar, resulting in gunfire and mortar shells landing within Bangladeshi territory, has prompted communication between the foreign ministries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. “The conflict is Myanmar’s internal issue, but its resolution should ensure that the panic does not spill over to neighboring countries,” Quader added, mentioning the potential role of the United Nations in mediating a solution.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
Addressing the issue of the Rohingya refugees amid Myanmar’s continued unrest, the minister firmly stated that Bangladesh would not show leniency in accepting more refugees: “We cannot bear this burden anymore.”
In response to a question about negative activities within the student wing of the ruling party at Jahangirnagar University, Quader emphasized Awami League’s zero tolerance for misconduct. “Not everyone in a party can be virtuous, but we do not condone wrongdoing. Any criminal activity should be dealt with according to the law. No one has been spared for committing crimes while we are in power,” he asserted.
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The meeting was also attended by Awami League’s Organizational Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, and other central and metropolitan leaders.
BNP denounces move to double monthly rent for prepaid gas meters
The BNP on Wednesday denounced the government's decision to double the charge for residential prepaid gas meters, saying it is an unjustified and anti-people move.
“The rent of the prepaid meter has been doubled overnight from Tk 100 to Tk 200. It’s said that this decision has been taken by adjusting the cost of running and maintaining the meter. It’s an illogical move,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
He made the remarks while addressing a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
The BNP leader said the charge has been raised at a time when the gas supply situation at the residential level has already seriously deteriorated.
He said there is no gas supply in the houses most of the time, day and night, but the 'illegal government' is collecting money using various tactics from the gas users.
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“Doubling the meter charge without ensuring gas supply and putting the common people in misery (by suddenly raising the charge) is a manifestation of the government’s anti-people attitude. I, on behalf of BNP, strongly protest and condemn this anti-people decision.”
The state-owned gas distribution companies recently hiked the prepaid meter rent to Tk 200 from 100 without any prior notice.
In a statement on Monday, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited said the meter charge was increased as per the government’s decision to adjust the cost of the installation and maintenance of the meter.
Rizvi said the government has been plundering public money as it has no accountability to the people - since it was formed without a mandate from the voters.
“They (govt) know they won’t have to be accountable to people and they won’t have to go to people in another election or any election as they subdue the people with guns and the state’s all apparatus. So, they can take anti-people policies and implement them as per their whims,” he observed.
Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar
He alleged that the government has punished people by increasing the charge for residential prepaid gas meters for boycotting the 12th parliament election and silently witnessing the government's election ‘circus’ on 7 January.
Voicing concern that the dollar crisis has already badly affected export growth, the BNP leader opposed the government’s decisions not to provide cash incentives to the ready-made garments and textiles sector.
“The orders for RMG products from buyers have already halved. Cash incentives for leather, jute products, and agro-processing products have also been reduced a lot. So, the export of all these products will decrease drastically,” he said.
The BNP leader said the government is cutting funds from the export sectors only to continue the looting in the name of so-called development and mega projects.
He also slammed Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud for downplaying an open letter of 242 global leaders expressing alarm over the "continuous judicial harassment and potential jailing" of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
He also criticised the Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader for calling the TIB report on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) politically motivated.
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"Obaidul Quader yesterday (Wednesday) said corruption exists all over the world but only Bangladesh is vilified. We can say corruption may exist more or less all over the world, but we don’t know whether the Awami-styled corruption stain exists anywhere else in the world,” the BNP leader said.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
The government will not allow freestyle political programmes on the streets without permission, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday.
"BNP’s black-flag procession is illegal. There is no reason to think that they (BNP) will protest on the streets without taking permission and we will accept it," he warned.
Obaidul, also Awami League general secretary, was talking at a press briefing at the AL President's office in Dhanmondi this afternoon.
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Earlier, police did not allow the BNP to take out processions at seven points of the capital on Tuesday, the day of the 12th parliament went into its maiden session, citing a lack of permission for the street programme.
The BNP and like-minded opposition parties were supposed to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital on Tuesday demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
No one can oust constitutionally elected government: Quader
The AL general secretary said no one termed the 12th parliamentary election flawed, not even the United States.
After the results of the election, US Ambassador Peter Haas congratulated the Prime Minister and met with some ministers including the Foreign Minister.
Regarding price control of essentials, he said, the Prime Minister has given the necessary instructions to the ministries concerned and they have already started to work.
“The situation will not change overnight. The government is not just talking but it is in action,” he added.
“Stern action would be taken against the illegal hoarders and law violators,” the minister warned.
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Regarding the nomination of the Awami League for reserved women seats, the general secretary of the party said that Awami League will give importance and priority to those who have been tested and sacrificed for the party.
Among others, Awami League organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, and office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were present at that time.
Russian Ambassador dismisses claims made by BNP’s Gayeshwar
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky has categorically dismissed the allegations made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), affirming on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) that the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was democratically elected by the citizens of Bangladesh.
This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s claim. Gayeshwar had controversially stated that the current government was not chosen by the Bangladeshi people but was instead “installed by foreign powers,” specifically naming India, China, and Russia.
The Russian Ambassador emphasized that a significant 41 percent of the electorate participated in the last national election. He further asserted that Russia maintains a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
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The ambassador’s remarks followed his meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, where they discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest.
On Sunday, the Foreign Minister said the current government is a “people’s government elected by their votes.”
“It is a government elected by the people of Bangladesh,” he said when a reporter drew his attention to BNP’s remarks regarding the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted Bangladesh’s foreign policy ethos of “friendship to all, malice towards none,” underscoring the nation’s strong diplomatic ties globally, excluding Israel. “We maintain excellent relationships with major world powers including India, China, Russia, the US, UK, and the European Union, and enjoy good relations with all countries,” he added, further reinforcing the government’s international standing.
Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar
Black flag processions from BNP to mark opening of 12th Jatiya Sangshad
The BNP and like-minded opposition parties are set to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital on Tuesday, the first day the 12th parliament goes into session, demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
The programme will be observed in all metropolitan cities, districts, upazilas, thanans and municipalities also to demand the cancellation of the ‘illegal dummy’ parliament.
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Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their party’s all units have made all necessary preparations to observe the programme simultaneously.
He called upon people from all walks of life to make the programme a success with their spontaneous participation.
In the capital, BNP’s Dhaka south city unit will bring out the black-flag processions in front of Pirjungi Mazar, Jatrabari’s Kadamtoli Bus Station, New Market and Dayaganj intersection while the Dhaka north city unit in front of Suvastu Nazar Valley Shopping Mall at Shahjadpur, Uttara Section-12 Graveyard and near a mosque at Mirpur-6.
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Members of the party's standing committee, vice chairman and advisory council will lead these processions.
Apart from BNP, Ganatantra Mancha, 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Labour Party, Ganatantrik Bam Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonoforum and People’s Party and AB Party will also take out black-flag processions separately in different areas of the capital.
This will be the BNP's second street programme after the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7.
BNP to mark opening of parliament with black-flag procession
The 12th parliament is set to go into its maiden session on Tuesday. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will address the first session of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) starting at 3:00pm.
BNP relies on ‘other force’ to go to power: PM Hasina tells British parliamentary team
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said BNP always looks for other force to assume power rather than going through the democratic process.
“…whenever the election time arrives they (BNP) look for some other force who can put them in the power,” she said.
The prime minister said this while visiting British cross party parliamentary delegation led by Virendra Sharma called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
The other members of the delegation are: Paul Scully, Neil Coyle and Andrew Western.
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PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the call on.
Nazrul quoted Hasina as telling the delegation that whenever BNP finds no one to put them in power, they step back from participating in the election.
“BNP is a terrorist party. They always had come to power without a fair election. They always think that someone will put them in the power,” she said.
She said that not participating in the election was their choice.
She mentioned that BNP was founded inside cantonment by a military man and that person just polluted the election process and democratic system of the country.
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She said that undemocratic forces ruled Bangladesh for long 29 years.
“At that time there was no democracy in the country. As a result, no development was done in the country,” she told the delegation.
The prime minister said that BNP does not have any leadership and they usually get dictation from London.
“As a result, after 2008 they did not participate in any election sincerely. They boycotted the election in 2014.
Though in 2018 BNP decided to participate in the election the party nominated multiple candidates in one seat.
“At last they withdrew their candidatures whenever they had felt that they will not be able to win in the election,” she said.
She also said that there was a free and fair election under the military backed caretaker government in 2008.
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“There is no question about that election. In that election BNP-led 20-party alliance bagged 30 seats while AL won 233 seats. It proves that BNP does not have any base among the mass people,” she said.
She said that though BNP boycotted the election held on January 7 this year, people cast their votes with turnout reported at 41.8 percent.
“People rejected BNP’s appeal to reject vote,” she said.
'Black flag already shown to BNP': Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister and Bangladesh Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has said the people of the country have already shown a black flag to the BNP by participating in the January 7 national election and re-electing Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.
He made the remark when his attention was drawn to the BNP's latest programme - a black flag procession.
"Besides, before the elections, BNP had repeatedly knocked on the foreigners' doors. But they also sent observers to monitor the elections and praised the election procedures," said the foreign Minister.
The AL leader said the global leaders congratulated Sheikh Hasina's government and expressed interest in working together.
"That means the foreigners have also shown a red flag to the BNP," he said.
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The foreign minister was speaking at the 'Peace and Democracy' rally organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan South Unit Awami League in front of the Awami League's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Saturday afternoon.
Awami League General Secretary and Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader spoke as the chief guest.
This is practically the first meeting of Awami League after the election, and Hasan Mahmud thanked the people of the country for participating in the election and re-electing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.
At the same time, he warned the partymen, saying, "Like a rat peeps out of a hole, BNP is also peeping out of a hole now. They will again try to create unrest in the country. For this, the leaders and workers of the party have to keep a watchful eye."
The AL leader also said it should be remembered that Awami League is a party that emerged through its presence on the street and it will always be on the streets.
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The rally was presided over by freedom fighter Abu Ahmed Mannafi, President of Dhaka Metropolitan South Unit Awami League.
AL leaders Md Abdur Razzaque, Advocate Qamrul Islam, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Hannan Mahmud, Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, among others, spoke.
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BNP holds protests to denounce 12th national election in Dhaka
After staying into hiding for nearly three months to avoid arrest, thousands of BNP leaders and workers came out together and brought a black-flag procession in the capital on Saturday demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliament.
As part of the BNP’s programme in all metropolitan cities, the leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies gathered at Nayapaltan wearing black caps and holding black flags in their hands also to protest against the price hikes of essential commodities.
Many of them also carried placards demanding the release of the arrested party leaders, including secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
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After a brief rally, they took out the black-flag procession around 3:30pm that ended near Arambagh intersection via Nightengal and Fakirapool intersections.
They also chanted slogans disapproving the current government, parliament and the 12th parliamentary election.
This was also the BNP's first street programme after the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7.
As the government launched a crackdown on them arresting party senior leaders after October 28 following violent clashes between the police and the opposition activists, most of the party leaders and workers went into hiding to avoid arrest. They were hardly seen participating in the BNP’s hartal and blockade programme ahead of the national election.
BNP to mark opening of parliament with black-flag procession
Speaking at the rally before taking out the procession, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said that the current government is not elected by the people of Bangladesh as it has been installed by India, China and Russia.
“It’s the government of India, China and Russia, not the government of the people of Bangladesh. That is why we are not bound to obey this regime. We’re now in a struggle not only for restoring our right to vote, but also for restoring our democracy and protecting our independence and sovereignty,” the BNP leader said.
Claiming that the country’s people did not vote for the ruling party on January 7, Gayeshwar said the government is now collecting certificates from foreigners to justify its illegal power. “If people of the country don't give you (govt) the certificate, you have no chance to prove the legitimacy with the certificates of foreigners."
He urged the BNP leaders and workers to be more active to get success in their movement for the restoration of democracy.
Mirza Fakhrul turns 77; family greets him at Dhaka Central Jail
BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said they took to the streets with the procession holding black flags to register their protest against the government formed without the mandate of people. “The black-flag procession is recognised as a language of protest all over the world.”
He warned that the Awami League government will be forced to quit power as it has got isolated from people. “We’re on the streets, we will be there on the streets...we’ll continue this peaceful protest until the BNP and all democratic political parties of Bangladesh can bring democracy back to the country."
Mirza Fakhrul turns 77; family greets him at Dhaka Central Jail
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir turned 77 on Friday with birthday greetings by the family members at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.
Fakhrul’s wife Rahat Ara Begum along with his younger daughter Mirza Safaruh and sister Najma Kalam met him at the central jail at noon and greeted him with happy birthday there, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
He said the family members took Mirza Fakhrul's favourite food and a cake to the jail on his birthday. They spent around 45 minutes with the BNP leader in the jail.
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Contacted, Rahat Ara said they became upset after meeting Fakhrul as his health condition is not good.
“He lost five kg of weight as he is sick. So I feel sad to see him in such poor health condition,” she said.
Fakhrul’s wife urged the country’s people to pray for her ailing husband.
Fakhul has been staying in jail since he was arrested on October 29, a day after violent clashes between the police and BNP leaders and activists centring the party’s grand rally in the capital’s Nayapaltan area.
BNP, like-minded parties set to hold black-flag processions Friday, Saturday
Fakhrul was born on January 26, 1948 in Thakurgaon. His father late Mirza Ruhul Amin was a Muslim League leader and a minister of the Pakistan government.
Fakhrul, who had involvement with left politics during his student life, completed his graduation and post-graduation from Dhaka University's Economics department.
Later, he took up teaching as his profession through the BCS examination. Fakhrul quit teaching during the 80s and joined politics formally.
He was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 with BNP's ticket in 2001 and then made a state minister. He was also elected MP from Bogura-6 seat in the 11th parliamentary election. But he did not take oath yet as the BNP rejected the election results.
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Fakhrul was made acting secretary general of BNP after the death of the party's then-secretary general. Khandaker Delwar Hossain, in 2011. He was given the full charge of the party's secretary general position five years later in 2016.