Politics
Jamaat seeks reform first for successful elections
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday that their party proposed two distinct timelines -- one for implementing effective reforms and another for holding elections.
“There will be a roadmap on reforms and another roadmap will be on the election. If reforms are successful, elections will also be successful. That’s why we have put emphasis on these two issues. There will be more dialogues with them,” he told reporters after his party’s talks with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
The Jamaat Ameer urged all to wait as both sides will come up with details soon, adding that they are giving priority to reforms first.
Jamaat Amir calls for national unity
Regarding Puja celebrations, he said the government needs partnership with people to help the Hindu community celebrate Durga Puja in a festive way.
“There will be a need for partnership between the government and people. People’s engagement with the government is required. If the government, people of the country and law enforcement agencies work together, our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to celebrate the Durga Puja in an unprecedented way,” he said.
After BNP's dialogue with the interim government, a seven-member delegation of Jamaat, led by its Ameer held the dialogue with the chief adviser.
6 days ago
Actor Sohel Rana launches Bangladesh Justice Party
Eminent Dhallywood actor, freedom fighter and politician Masud Parvez, popularly known by his stage name Sohel Rana, has launched his new political organisation titled ‘Bangladesh Justice Party’ (‘Bangladesh Insaf Party’ in Bangla).
The formation of the party under the chairmanship of the veteran actor was announced after a meeting held in a city hotel in the capital on Thursday (October 3) evening.
The 51-member committee of the new party will be announced later this month or the first week of November. Pigeon, the symbol of peace, has been decided as the party's official symbol.
Dhallywood’s one of the most popular ‘Golden Era’ actors Sohel Rana has been involved in politics for a long time. During his student life in the Ananda Mohan College, Mymensingh, he was the president of the college Chhatra League.
Actor Sohel Rana shifted to ICU
He became the General Secretary of Greater Mymensingh Chhatra League in 1965, Assistant General Secretary of East Pakistan Chhatra League in 1966, and a member of the executive committee of the entire East Pakistan Chhatra League in 1968.
After the country's independence, Sohel Rana was elected Vice President of Iqbal Hall in 1972 while studying at Dhaka University. He joined the Jatiya Party in 2009 by accepting its praesidium membership and was appointed as an election advisor to the Jatiya Party chairman and former President of the country HM Ershad.
Also a veteran and acclaimed silver screen actor, Sohel Rana stepped into the country’s film industry immediately after the independence in 1971 by establishing Parvez Films as a producer.
Under the banner of this production house, the late eminent filmmaker Chashi Nazrul Islam made Bangladesh's first full-length film based on the Liberation War, ‘Ora Egaro Jon’ in 1972.
He started his career as an actor and director in 1973 with the film ‘Masud Rana’ where he portrayed the title character, based on a story from the late fictionist Qazi Anwar Hussain's famous fictional spy thriller series ‘Masud Rana’.
For his contribution as an actor, Sohel Rana achieved the National Film Award three times in his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
1 week ago
Govt will ensure ‘extremist’ Jamaat-Shibir cannot exploit legal loopholes to engage in politics: Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, on Tuesday (July 30, 2024) said that the government will thoroughly examine the legal aspects before banning Jamaat-Shibir to ensure this “extremist group” cannot exploit legal loopholes to engage in politics in Bangladesh.
Quader made this statement at a meeting held at Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital this morning. He also called on the Home Minister to ensure that no innocent person is arrested.
Jamaat-e-Islami to be banned by tomorrow: Law Minister
“The law enforcement agencies are identifying criminals based on footage. No innocent person is being detained. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed that general students should not be harassed. Yet, BNP Secretary General (Fakhrul) is shamelessly lying, claiming that innocent and helpless students are being detained,” said the Awami League General Secretary.
He further said that BNP-Jamaat used students as shields in their movement, adding, “The government is aware of the sources of their instructions, incitements, and funding. There is no longer any opportunity to confuse the nation with nonsense.”
The meeting began with prayers and a moment of silence in memory of those killed and injured in the recent violence across the country.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Awami League Presidium members Dr. Abdur Razzaq, Advocate Kamrul Islam, Dr. Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dr. Dipu Moni, and presidents and general secretaries of Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units of Awami League, Dhaka district Awami League, and affiliated organizations.
Decision to ban Jamaat-Shibir taken at 14-party alliance meeting: Obaidul Quader
2 months ago
No problem with student politics, concern is control of one student body: Gayeshwar
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday (April 01, 2024) said student politics on the university campuses is not the problem, the concern is over the control of a single student organision on the campuses.
“Buet authorities will take decision whether they will allow student politics on the campus or not. Because of that (Abrar Fahad killing) the Buet authorities had banned student politics on the campus, they will see whether such situation is still continuing or not and take decision accordingly,” he said.
He said these while talking to reports after visiting injured BNP Natore district unit’s join convener Dewan Shahin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Dewan Shahin recently got seriously injured in an attack allegedly by some Awami League men.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said the situation at Jahangirnagar University is worse where Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Manik had celebrated ‘rape century’. “It was stigma for the nation. But AL considers this shame as ornaments.”
Read more: Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates
They are behaving recklessly with the support of the administration, he alleged.
He said ruling Awami Legue (AL) is staying in power unleashing atrocities and by using muscle power against oppositions.
In the last 15 years Natore BNP leaders have been facing inhuman torture by AL men. “Despite oppression the leaders and activists did not leave BNP. The scenario of torture on BNP men across the Bangladesh is same to Natore,” he said.
Terming AL as an isolated political party, Gayeshwar said without terrorist activities they (AL) could not survive in politics.
Read more: BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campus
“In this situation we have to raise our voice and get ready to give reply to their brutality,”he said.
Responding to a question from reporters, the BNP leader said the government is waiting to hear the death news of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“I guess sweetmeat will be distributed at Gano Bhaban once they hear her death news.”
“We have nothing to expect from this government. But what they are doing with the BNP Chairperson will be considered as a planned murder,” he said.
Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future
6 months ago
Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates
In view of the High Court's statement that “There is no obstacle to student politics in Bangladesh University of Engineering (Buet), Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumdar today (April 01, 2024) gave a clear indication that student politics might be returning to Buet campus.
Speaking to the media at his office today, the Buet VC said, “We have to accept what the High Court says. Court order must be obeyed. To implement this, we have to go through some process.”
HC wants to know why ban on politics in Buet shouldn't be declared illegal; stays decision
The Vice-Chancellor said that in order to maintain discipline on the campus, students, teachers and the administration have to reach a mutual decision, and for this to happen, discussion is necessary.
“We will look into the matter based on discussion among teachers, students and the administration,” the Buet VC added.
Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future
6 months ago
HC wants to know why ban on politics in Buet shouldn't be declared illegal; stays decision
The High Court on Monday stayed the decision of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) authorities restricting politics on the campus.The HC bench of Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice KM Zahid Sarwar passed the order after hearing a petition filed by Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi, also a Buet student and a leader of Chhatra League, whose hall allotment was cancelled recently amid students’ protest against the gathering of some BCL leaders on the campus defying ban.
BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campusThe HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the decision of Buet authorities banning politics on the campus, taken in 2019, should not be declared illegal.Secretary to the Home Ministry, Buet Vice-Chancellor and its registrar were made respondents to the rule.Senior Advocate Shaha Manjurul Haque stood for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Samrendra Nath Biswas and assistant attorney general Abul Kalam Khan Daud represented the state.Advocate Manjurul said with this order there is no bar to continue student politics on the campus.On October 7, 2019, Abrar Fahad, a second-year student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, was beaten to death by a group of Chhatra League (BCL) activists at the university's Sher-e-Bangla Hall in the early hours.On October 11, same year, Buet authorities banned student politics on the campus. It also issued a notification in this regard.
Don’t want BUET to become a breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy: QuaderOn July 19 2023, the Buet authorities again issued a notice prohibiting students and teachers from participation in politics on the campus. They issued the notice following media reports about the names of the members of BCL Central Committee where some students of Buet also got some posts in the committee.On Thursday night , some BCL leaders including the president Saddam Hossain entered the campus, sparking anger among general students.The staged demonstrations the following day protesting bid to revive political activities of BCL. They also held a press conference in front of Buet Shaheed Mianr on that day and continued their demonstration till Friday evening after taking position in front of the office of Directorate of Student Welfare on the campus.Later, the authorities concerned cancelled the hall allocation of Imtiaz who allegedly played a vital role in facilitating the entry of the BCL men.
A probe body was formed in this connection and it was asked to submit its report within April 8.
6 months ago
Fakhrul, Khasru may walk out of jail this afternoon
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are anticipated to be released from Keraniganj Central Jail following their lawyers' efforts to withdraw the production warrants against them in all cases.
Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukdar, representing the BNP leaders, have initiated the legal process for the withdrawal of the production warrants. This comes after both leaders obtained bail in all cases, as confirmed by Sairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing, to UNB.
“The necessary legal steps are being taken following the provision that allows for the withdrawal of production warrants issued for the leaders to be presented in court while incarcerated,” the lawyers stated.
Read: Fakhrul, Khasru secure bail; no bar to walk out of jail
Work on withdrawing the production warrants has already begun, with expectations that if completed by noon today, the BNP leaders could be released. The documentation related to the withdrawal is hoped to be finalized by Thursday evening.
Advocate Masud mentioned that 13 production warrants had been issued against Fakhrul, highlighting the legal hurdles faced. However, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin assured that there are no obstacles to their release as bail has been secured in all cases.
The context for the anticipated release follows a Dhaka court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petition.
Read: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru, of vandalism and assault during the rally. In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to violence surrounding the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.
7 months ago
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Terming BNP a major political party till now, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said they are inactive now and made mistakes.
"They (BNP) are actually stuck in the quicksand of wrong politics," he said.
The minister made these remarks while talking to journalists at the Secretariat this afternoon.
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Regarding BNP's leaflet distribution programme, he said the BNP's politics is going deep into the ditch. "Before it was on the edge of the ditch but now it is going deep into the ditch," he added.
When asked about BNP's 15 leaders and activists dead in police custody, Obaidul Quader said: "Where and how did they die? Which prison or custody? Throwing stones in the dark will not make it happen."
Regarding Metrorail, Quader said initiatives are underway to reduce the movement frequency of metro rail in view of growing commuters' dependence on its service.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
He also said the coach numbers could not be increased due to technical reasons but the steps were taken to run a train every eight minutes while the current frequency is 10 minutes.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said increasing the number of metro coaches depends on technical matters.
"There is no metro rail in the world with more than 5 compartments but we have already been running with six coaches," he said.
The minister, however, said due to the increased demand, work is going on whether the frequency of the movement of metro rail can be reduced to 8 minutes from 10 minutes.
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
About the prices of essentials, the AL general secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already directed the authorities concerned to take effective steps to control the price hike.
"But the market cannot be controlled overnight. Many things depend on the world situation. The government is working by giving priority to public interest," he said.
Whether the size of the cabinet is expanding or not, Quader said the premier can say it but the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Culture may have ministers in the future.
He also said that winners from reserved women's seats can become ministers.
7 months ago
Independent candidates Azad, Nixon win Faridpur-3, 4
Two independent candidates from Faridpur -3 and 4 have unofficially elected in the 12th national election held on Sunday.
In Faridpur-3, Industrialist AK Azad won against Shamim Haque, the Awami League candidate for the seat.
Ferdous hits clean sweep in Dhaka-10 as debutant candidate from AL
He got 1,34,098 votes while his nearest rival bagged 75,089 votes.
In Faridpur-4, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, popularly known as Nixon Chowdhury, has won the election defeating his strong rival AL-backed candidate Kazi Zafarullah.
Mashrafe secures victory from Narail-2 again
Nixon with the Eagle symbol secured 1,48,035 votes while Zafarullah got 1,24,066 votes.
The AL winners from Faridpur 1 and 2 are Abdur Rahman and Shahadab Akbar Chowdhury respectively.
BNP salutes voters for making its boycott call a success
Faridpur Returning Officer Md Kamrul Ahsan Talukder announced the results around 10pm on Sunday.
He said that the polling in 654 centers of 4 parliamentary constituencies began at 8:00 am and concluded at 4pm without any break.
9 months ago
Ward Councillor fined for breaching electoral code in Sitakunda
A mobile court on Sunday fined Didarul Alam Apello, Ward Councilor of Chattogram's Sitakunda municipality, Tk 5000 for violating the electoral code of conduct.Md Alauddin, assistant commissioner (Land) and executive magistrate of the mobile court, slapped the penalty.According to mobile court sources, he was fined for miking in favour of AL candidate SM Al Mamun in front of the upazila complex, which is a violation of electoral code."No one will be spared for breaching the code of conduct and this kind of operation will continue until the polling day to conduct and complete the election properly,” said Executive Magistrate Mohammad Alauddin.
9 months ago