BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged party leaders and activists to brace for a relentless struggle to safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty, warning that conspirators at home and abroad are eyeing the country’s resources with "vulture eyes". “The conspiracy has not stopped. You have passed the test by fighting for democracy…But the exam is not over yet. There are more tests ahead. It is a struggle in favour of the people and democracy. It’s a war for independence and sovereignty. If we are to win this war, we must continue to fight,” he said while virtually addressing BNP workshops. “The workshops, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," were organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Munshiganj, Narsingdi and Manikganj districts. BNP welcomes HC verdict scrapping part of 15th Amendment Tarique said the conspiracy by mischievous elements, both within the country and abroad, against the BNP, its leaders, and the nation, does not stop. "Many are greedily eyeing the country’s financial and natural resources. If chaos can be stirred in the country, or if a weak government, lacking popular support and not representing the people, can be kept in power, then many will have the opportunity to loot the country's wealth," he warned. The BNP leader said the interests of the country and its people will remain secure if a public-supported, pro-people, and patriotic government is in power. “In such a case, those who eye the country’s money, wealth, and natural resources with vulture-like greed will think twice.” He once again urged his party leaders and workers to work on building the people’s confidence in the BNP and securing public support to win the next election. “We have no alternative but to stay with the people and engage with them constantly to overcome the hurdle of the election with their support,” Tarique said. Mentioning that BNP leaders and workers faced serious ordeals and challenges in their political journey, he urged them to use all their experience, knowledge, and prudence to win the people’s support. He said their party will gradually implement the 31-point proposal if it gets the chance to form the government with the support of people. CA’s election statement disappointing, says Fakhrul Tarique said the people of Bangladesh can play a crucial role in helping the BNP implement the 31-point outline, which was formulated in consultation with all the parties that waged the simultaneous movement against the Awami League regime. He said their party is open to accepting any better proposals from other parties or individuals for the welfare of the people and the country. The BNP leader believes that a positive change will come for the country and its people if the BNP can begin working on the implementation of the 31-point proposal. “We will only be able to implement the 31-point plan if we have the public's support. So, we must go to the people and gain their support at any cost. We must convince them by constantly engaging with them,” he observed.

The people of the country will see a political government next year, Planning and Finance Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud has said. "Personally, I believe we will see an elected government next year," he said while speaking at the opening session of the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) at a hotel in the capital on Saturday. Bangladesh "unfairly portrayed" in int'l media, parliamentary hearings in influential nations: CA's Press Secretary The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) organised the event.   Dr Mahmud, however, pointed out that income inequality remains one of the country’s most pressing concerns. "To tackle this disparity, quality education is paramount, an area where Bangladesh still has a long way to go," he said. Diplomats of 27 European countries to meet CA Dec 9 As Bangladesh transitions from its status as a Least Developed Country (LDC), Dr Mahmud referred to the ongoing efforts to retain some benefits associated with the LDC status. “We no longer have the option of remaining an LDC. Discussions to sustain certain privileges from developed nations are ongoing, with positive responses from many,” the adviser said. Homeless protesters block highway in Natore alleging corruption in housing allocation In a separate session, Indermit S Gill, Chief Economist at the World Bank, provided insights into how Bangladesh could escape the middle-income trap. Investment and job creation should be the focal points, he stated, urging the country to foster entrepreneurship and expand the use of technology.

Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said on Tuesday that the people of Bangladesh will decide whether the Awami League and its 14-party alliance should be allowed to contest in the national election. Speaking to reporters after a morning meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, the adviser underscored the public’s role in determining election eligibility for parties accused of blatant human rights violations. Search Committee for EC to be announced within a day or two: Asif Nazrul “It’s ultimately up to the people to decide whether this party that has shown no remorse for genocide, should be allowed to contest before facing justice,” he said in response to a question. The law adviser also noted that trial must precede any conclusive decision on Awami League’s eligibility for election.

Speakers at a seminar on Saturday stressed the need for an election-time neutral government system to make general elections fair, neutral and credible until the current political reality is changed. They suggested the reintroduction of the ‘no vote’ system, narrowing the scope of uncontested election, widening the scope for the government employees to play an impartial role during elections and for making them more accountable in the case of irregularities. Jamaat will wait for elections until reforms are completed, says Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman  Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) arranged the seminar titled ‘What Reform to the Electoral System is Desirable?’ at the city’s Cirdap auditorium. Textiles and Jute Adviser and also former election commissioner M Sakhawat Hossain, Chief of Electoral Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, political leaders, student representatives and journalists spoke at the seminar. Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said the Election Commission, the administration or the government, the political parties, media and civil society are important stakeholders to make an election fair and credible. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique Talking about the role of government, he said there was a caretaker government system, but it was scrapped in a quite unconstitutional and unjust way.   “An election-time neutral government system is needed no matter what we call it – it may be the caretaker government system or another system,” he said. Describing the election as a long-term process, Dr Majumdar said the process started from the preparation of electoral rolls. “This election process must be fair, impartial and credible. Otherwise the elections would be controversial and incredible in many ways if we keep our focus on just the Election Day. So, we need to review the whole process,” he said. Noting that democracy is a basic structure of the constitution, he said if the election does not make democratic system effective, it is a violation of the constitution. “We witnessed this violation in the past,” he said, expressing his optimism that there would be no such violation in the future. A political consensus and change of political culture are required over holding a fair election, he said, adding that the political parties had played the responsible roles during the 1991 general election, which is one of the best elections in Bangladesh. The chief of the Electoral Reform Commission asked the political parties to submit their election-related written proposals to the commission. Adviser Sakhawat Hossain recommended the effectiveness of the Election Commission’s (EC’s) actions against the government employees over election irregularities should be harsher. “If a government employee makes any deviation while working with the Election Commission for 15 days, the report of the Election Commission should be the final report for his or her career,” he said. If they (government employees) can be made accountable in this way, many problems would go, he added. The former election commissioner said the caretaker government won’t be required so much in case of a bicameral parliamentary system. “In that case, the EC will have to be given a kind of authority over the ministries during the elections.” He criticised the RPO amendment that reduced the EC’s authority over cancellation of an entire election.  Sakhawat said proportional representation (PR) can be introduced in the case of the election to 50 women reserve seats. BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon said a caretaker government or election-time government system should be introduced. “I think the caretaker government should be here for 100 years.” He said there should be no provision for uncontested elections. In case of a single candidate against a post, the polls should be rescheduled, he added. The BNP leader said the law regarding appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners undoubtedly needs to be amended. BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said as per his party's 31-point state reform proposal, if BNP is elected, it would form a national government with representatives of other political parties. “No one shall be the Prime Minister or the President for over two consecutive terms. It is a proposal of the BNP. There should be a balance between the authority of the President and the Prime Minister, which was included in the BNP's reform proposal,” he said. During the election time, no writ petition should be acceptable in any higher court or any other court without taking opinions of the Election Commission, said Moazzem. Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud said, “The caretaker government system should be reinstated permanently in the constitution.” He suggested EVM or DVM systems should be scrapped as the machines are used as tools to deceive people. The Jamaat leader also recommended making local government elections as non-partisan ones, cancellation of the political party registration system, introduction of PR system and withdrawal of the provision for an independent aspirant to collect the signatures of one percent voters. Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan Zonayed Saki said the next 3-5 general elections should be held under the non-partisan election-time government or the interim government. “The institutions won't be developed or the mindset would be changed immediately after the reform. So, the next 3-5 elections should be under an interim government,” he said. Saki said no hate speech should be allowed in the electoral campaign and the ‘No vote’ system should be reinstated. He said the provisions in the political party registration act should be eased to promote the formation of new political parties. President of Gana Adhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur said the local government elections need to be held in non-partisan manner. “A neutral administration and neutral government system will have to be ensured, if you want fair elections in future,” he said, adding that the PR will have to be ensured. Jatiya Party presidium member Shameem Haider Patwary said no more than 10 percent uncontested MPs should not be in an election and the PR system should be introduced. General Secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Ruhin Hossain Prince recommended restoration of election-time government, reinstatement of ‘No vote’ system, introduction of PR system and dissolution of Parliament ahead of election. Journalist Sohrab Hassan said the 15th amendment to the constitution needs to be cancelled first and women representation should be ensured through direct election. Besides, AB Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Manju and Nagorik Committee member and representative of the students Ariful Rahman Adit, and RFED general secretary Humayun Kabir also spoke at the function moderated by RFED president Akramul Hoque Sayem.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.