press briefing
Rizvi says ‘India out’ campaign people’s protest against the country’s influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape
In a fervent critique of the ruling Awami League (AL), BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, charged the government with sacrificing the nation's independence and dignity in exchange for support from the Indian government. Rizvi’s allegations were made during a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
Rizvi claimed that AL does not seek the mandate of the Bangladeshi people, instead “clinging to power through the backing of the Modi government and entering into bonds of subjugation.”
He further accused the AL of perceiving Bangladesh as a “dummy state,” alleging that the real power behind the AL is not the people of Bangladesh but India. By supporting the Awami League, India is exercising control over Bangladesh, infringing upon the rights of its citizens,” Rizvi added.
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Highlighting concerns over foreign influence, Rizvi said, “It is believed that India dictates the appointments of crucial positions like the chief of Bangladesh Police and BGB, undermining our sovereignty.”
Rizvi also pointed to statements made by Indian foreign ministry officials expressing support for the Awami League ahead of the January 7 national election. “The notion of our sovereignty is being compromised under the guise of stability under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,” he stated.
The BNP leader criticized the Awami League’s acceptance of India’s alleged dominance, declaring that “people of Bangladesh will never accept the supremacy of India, even if the AL leaders have.” He clarified that the BNP's dispute lies not with the people of India but with the Indian government’s policies towards Bangladesh.
Rizvi also said the “India out” campaign is gaining momentum in Bangladesh, saying that it is people’s protest against the country’s influence.
Addressing the Awami League’s reaction to the campaign, Rizvi mentioned that AL leader Obaidul Quader found the social media movement “not expedient,” implying discomfort within the ruling party regarding the public’s dissent towards India’s role in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
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Meat and eggs to be sold in trucks at fair prices in Dhaka during Ramadan
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell beef, chicken, and eggs in trucks in different spots of Dhaka city from March 10 on the occasion of the arrival of Holy Ramadan.
The mobile trucks will sell beef at Tk 600 per kg, goat/mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk 280 per kg, and eggs at Tk 10.50 per piece.
The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Abdur Rahman MP informed this to reporters in a press briefing on Monday.
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The minister spoke in a press briefing after the session with deputy commissioners on food, livestock, and fisheries held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday.
Abdur Rahman said, “We will strictly control the market in the month of Ramadan. This mobile vending program will help regulate the market during Ramadan.”
He said, initially, the products will be sold at 30 spots in Dhaka city. This is an interim initiative of the government. It will be inaugurated on March 10, and the program will continue until the day before Eid.
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In response to a query, the minister said this activity on the truck-sale program will be held in 30 places in Dhaka. The program will try to expand to more places according to the ability.
Bangladesh seeks extended credit terms from Saudi Arabia amid dollar crisis: Salman F. Rahman
During a recent trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Salman Fazlur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Private Industry and Investment, sought extended credit terms to alleviate Bangladesh's pressing dollar crisis. This request was made to facilitate longer payment periods for fuel imports from Saudi Arabia, a critical concern given the current financial constraints.
In a press briefing held on Tuesday (February 06, 2024) at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) building upon his return, Rahman shared insights from his three-day visit. “Currently, we have a 45-day window to settle payments for fuel imports from Saudi Arabia. Given the dollar scarcity, extending this to a year would greatly benefit us. The Saudi officials have agreed to consider this proposal,” Rahman disclosed.
Rahman represented Bangladesh at the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting, emphasizing Bangladesh’s firm stance against terrorism and the misuse of Islam to justify such acts. “Terror has no religion, and by fostering cooperation among Islamic nations through the IMCTC, we aim to combat the defamation of Islam by terrorism,” he stated.
Read: President urges KSA to invest more in Bangladesh
The advisor highlighted the unanimous condemnation of the ongoing crises in Gaza by meeting participants, alongside a collective call for resolution. The plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh was also addressed, with a commitment to seek solutions.
On the economic front, Rahman revealed Saudi investors’ interest in establishing a special economic zone in Bangladesh. “We are keen to allocate an economic zone to Saudi Arabia within Bangladesh. Their investment minister has shown enthusiasm for this project,” Rahman noted.
Additionally, plans are underway to bolster Bangladesh’s agricultural sector through the joint establishment of a urea fertilizer plant in Saudi Arabia. “This collaboration aims to ensure a steady supply of fertilizers, enhancing our agricultural output. The proposal has been warmly received, with a feasibility study due to conclude by March,” he explained, highlighting the opportunity for private sector involvement alongside government-to-government initiatives.
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BNP won’t join upazila polls under current govt: Rizvi
After boycotting the national election, BNP has now decided not to join the upcoming upazila parishad polls under the current government.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the announcement at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
"We have always said that any election under Sheikh Hasina will never be peaceful, credible and fair. So, BNP had taken a decision not to go to any election under her. BNP still stands by that decision,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, Awami League Central Working Committee at an emergency meeting decided not to field party candidates and allocate party’s election symbol “boat” in any local government polls, including the upcoming elections to city corporations, municipalities and upazila parishads.
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Asked what BNP will do if the elections are held without party symbols, Rizvi said, “We’re saying that the elections will not be fair under this government…we’re still stick to our decision of not going to any polls under Sheikh Hasina since no free and fair election can ever be held under her.”
Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman on Monday said the first phase of upazila polls can be held by April 30 considering the beginning of the SSC examinations in February and the fasting month in March.
Justifying their decision to boycott the upcoming upazila polls, Rizvi said the country’s people know how the 12th parliamentary election was held under Sheikh Hasina and what were the results and nature of that polls.
He said it was also proved through the national elections in 2014 and 2018 that credible polls are not possible under the Awami League government.
“Sheikh Hasina in no way believes in democracy, no matter what statements she makes. She doesn’t believe in the power of the people, the will of the people,” the BNP leader said.
He said the government conducted a strange and farcical election as per its master plan with the support of its masters as it is least bothered about democracy and public opinions.
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'BNP agent’: Quader calls TIB
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 18, 2024) said that the report of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is “one-sided and anti-government.”
“They (TIB) are agents of BNP,” he said at a press briefing at the Awami League president’s office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi this afternoon.
“TIB speaks in the tune of BNP. History says that they were always against Awami League. They speak for BNP. We could not find impartiality of their research,” said the AL leader.
“There are some organisations that talk about accidents. If a hundred die, they say five hundred died. TIB is like them. TIB and CPD said Padma Bridge is impossible. Filing a case doesn’t solve everything. Some are said for public perception. They will be dealt with politically,” he said.
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TIB in its report on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election was “not free and not inclusive.”
Quader acknowledged the existence of political tactics and conflicts within parties, asserting, “Conflicts are inherent in politics, and Awami League navigates through them under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The party remains united in addressing challenges wherever they arise.”
Addressing upcoming local government elections, Quader said, “Decisions regarding local government elections, including upazilas, and the use of party symbols will be finalized in the Awami League board meeting.”
When asked who would be the opposition party in the parliament, Quader responded, “Clarity on the opposition party will emerge once the session commences.”
Regarding commodity prices, Quader noted, “Sheikh Hasina has provided instructions on commodity prices. Ministries are formulating action plans based on the ground reality, including price control measures.”
Read more: Even if action can’t be taken now, strong measures will be taken after election: Quader on those whose wealth saw abnormal increase
The press briefing was attended by AL Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, among other leaders.
Dhaka Elevated Expressway to be completed in 2024, says Obaidul Quader
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s infrastructure, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 16, 2024) announced that the construction of Dhaka Elevated Expressway is set to be completed within this year. This statement was made during a press briefing at the Setu Bhaban earlier today, signaling a major stride in the country’s infrastructure network.
Minister Quader informed that 50% of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway’s construction work has already been completed. With traffic flow already operational from the Dhaka Airport to Farmgate, the project is progressing swiftly. The remaining construction work is anticipated to be finished by 2024.
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In an impressive revelation about the Padma Bridge, Minister Quader stated that it is generating a daily toll revenue of Tk 2 crore. The total toll collection so far has reached a substantial amount of Tk 1,252 crore. This income stream signifies the bridge’s crucial role in the nation’s economic activities.
Furthermore, Quader expressed optimism regarding the completion of the BRTA project in Gazipur by June of this year, marking another milestone in enhancing Bangladesh’s transportation infrastructure.
Responding to queries from journalists, the General Secretary of Awami League addressed political rhetoric, criticizing BNP leaders for their “nonsensical” statements. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the government’s efforts in national development instead of harboring envy over the country’s prosperity.
Earlier in the day, Minister Quader engaged in discussions with officials of the Bridge Building and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. He reviewed the progress of various projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure development across the country.
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Election 2024: Those trying to obstruct voters will be resisted, says RAB DG
M Khurshid Hossain, Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has said those trying to obstruct voters from casting ballots will be resisted as voting is a constitutional right.
Alongside other law enforcing agencies, the elite force will perform their duties in a coordinated way to ensure smooth movement of voters to the polling centers, he said while speaking at a press briefing held at Khulna RAB-6 office on Tuesday (January 02, 2024).
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RAB will remain in the field before, on election day and after to maintain law and order, he also said.
Besides, RAB is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any kind of sabotage or violence centering the election, said the RAB DG.
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BNP, like-minded parties to enforce 5th spell of 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
After giving a pause for a day, the BNP and like-minded parties will again enforce a 48-hour countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade beginning from Wednesday (November 15, 2023) to mount pressure on the Awami League government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a virtual press briefing on Monday afternoon.
He said the other opposition parties, who have long been carrying out the simultaneous movement with BNP, also observe a similar programme.
Read: BNP-Jamaat's blockade: 189 BGB platoons deployed across the country
Rizvi said the blockade programme will be observed from 6am Wednesday to 6am Friday across the country. It will be the fifth phase of the blockade programme of the opposition parties.
The BNP leader said their ongoing blockade was successful with the spontaneous support of the country’s people.
He thanked the leaders and activists of BNP and like-minded parties to make the blockade programme a success.
The fresh agitation was announced around 14 hours before the end of the opposition’s 48-hour nationwide blockade that was enforced at 6am on Sunday. The ongoing blockade has been marked by widespread incidents of violence, including torching and vandalising vehicles.
Read: The ones bearing the brunt of blockades
BNP and other opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have been enforcing blockades across the country in fourth phases since Oct 31.
They also observed a nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal on Oct 29 in protest against the attacks on BNP’s grand rally at Nayapaltan that ended amid the incidents of torching vehicles and clashes, leaving three people dead.
Half an hour into the start of BNP's much-talked-about grand rally at Nayapaltan on October 28, BNP leaders and workers locked in a clash with the ruling party activists and police at Kakrail. Soon violent clashes spread around Nayapaltan, foiling the rally midway.
Read more: Day 2 of 4th blockade called by BNP, Jamaat underway
'Operation Hillside' in Moulvibazar: 10 operatives of newly formed militant group detained, CTTC says
Members of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit have detained 10 suspected operatives of the newly formed militant outfit ‘Imam Mahmud’s Kafela’ after conducting ‘Operation Hillside’ at a hideout in a remote hilly area in East Taktiuli village under Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar on Saturday (August 12, 2023).
Three children were also rescued from the hideout during the drive.
The detainees are Shariful Islam, 40, his wife Amina Begum, 40, their 20-year-old daughter Habiba Binte Shariful, of Satkhira’s Tala upazila; Hafiz Ullah, 25, of Kishoreganj’s Itna upazila; Khairul Islam, 22 and his wife Meghna, 22, of Narayanganj’s Fatullah upazila; Rafiul Islam, 22, of Sirajganj’s Kazipur upazila; Shapla Begum, 22, wife of one Abdus Sattar of Pabna’s Atgharia upazila; Maisha Islam, 20, wife of Sohel Tanjim Rana of Natore; and Sanjida Khatun, 18, wife of Sumon Miah of Bogura’s Shariakandi upazila.
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He said the detainees are members of the newly formed militant outfit ‘Imam Mahmud’s Kafela’.
The CTTC chief said they have also recovered 2.5 kg of explosives, 50 detonators, training manual, combat boots, militant books, locally-made sharp weapons, Tk 3,61,000 in cash and ornaments from the hideout.
Asaduzzaman said they had information that a militant outfit had set up a hideout on one of the hills in the district and was recruiting new members.
The CTTC chief said they came to know the name of the mastermind of the militant group from the detainees and drives are now on to nab him.
Read: Training commander of Jamatul Ansar, 8 other militants arrested in Bandarban: RAB
Earlier on Friday night, the CTTC members accompanied by district police cordoned off a building in the village.
Later this morning, the CTTC unit initiated the operation to neutralize any potential risk stemming from the hideout.
Local Union Parishad Chairman Muhibul Islam said the detained suspected militants are residents of other districts and they have been living in the area for the past two months after constructing a house in the remote hilly area.
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‘Surongo’ to hit theatres in Saudi Arabia
Amidst the success of Bangladeshi films in theatres across the country on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, makers of Afran Nisho’s debut feature film ‘Surongo’ have said that the film is all set to make its global release across different continents.
However, a particular country being on that list sparked interest among film enthusiasts, as this is reportedly the first time a Bangladeshi film will hit theatres in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday (July 03, 2023), the film’s lead actors Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza, director Raihan Rafi, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony and Alpha-i Managing Director Shahriar Shakil addressed several issues regarding the film, including the global release details, to journalists during a press briefing at Star Cineplex in SKS Tower, Mohakhali, Dhaka.
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Addressing the media, Shahriar Shakil said, “As part of our global release, ‘Surongo’ will be released in seven countries in the Middle East in phases. This is most probably the first Bangladeshi movie to be released in Saudi Arabia, a country which has a great fanbase of Nisho among the expat Bangladeshi community.”
“We have also finalised Surongo's release in the United States, Canada, and Australia as well. It will be released on July 7 in six cities, including Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Darwin in Australia, and then on July 21 in New York, USA, and Canada. Then will be released in other states across the US from July 28,” Shakil added.
At the press briefing, the makers of ‘Surongo’ informed that the film is slated to be released by India's Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF) under import-export policy.
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SVF is one of the film conglomerates in India, and Surongo has already been sent to the Indian censor board for approval. If the film gets approved, it will be released across India on a large scale, makers of the film said.
In the Middle East, ‘Surongo’ is scheduled to be released with Arabic subtitles, they added.
Released on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, ‘Surongo’ has been successfully running at multiplexes and single-screen movie theatres across the country.
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