BNP Secretary General
US sanctions on RAB may have far-reaching impact: BNP
BNP on Wednesday feared that the US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its seven current and former top officials may have a negative impact on the deployment of peacekeepers from Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping missions.
“As Bangladesh has been identified as a big human rights violator by a superpower through the sanctions, it may influence the deployment in the UN peacekeeping missions in the future. It may also have a negative impact on our defence forces and law enforcers,” said party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also said the sanctions on one of the major law enforcement agencies of the country that exports RMG and other products, manpower and security service will have far-reaching impacts.
“It’ll also send out a wrong message to the world about our country and citizens which may disrupt foreign investment, economic assistance, and day-to-day cooperation. In particular, the image of Bangladesh will be dented severely to the international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and to the peace-loving countries,” the BNP leader opined.
Read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP’s rallies in 32 districts from Dec 22
He said there is no scope to deny that the US sanctions on allegations of 'grave human rights violations are strong messages from the global community to the current “anti-mass” and “anti-humanitarian” regime that the culture of impunity cannot continue in a democratic country.
“Such human rights are violated only under the rule of an undemocratic and authoritarian government…BNP thinks the government must shoulder all the responsibilities for the US sanctions on RAB. They (gov) are responsible for unlawfully using the law enforcement agencies to cement their power,” the BNP leader said.
He turned down the ruling party leader’s allegations that the BNP has hired lobbyists to impose the sanctions on the RAB and its officials, saying the government is now trying to shift the blame onto others after being identified as a human rights violator.
Fakhrul said there is no reason for the country’s people to be confused with the ruling party leaders’ such comments. “We don't run RAB. It’s the government that runs RAB and instructs them to carry out different acts. We’ve nothing to do here.”
He alleged that the Awami League government has forced the RAB to be a part of various anti-law cultures to perpetuate its undemocratic rule. “No institution of Bangladesh can be held responsible for such a functioning of a political government.”
The BNP leader, however, said those who have already played a role in introducing various forms of extra-judicial culture in order to protect the power of an “illegitimate” government must be brought to justice.
“As the government employees, the officials of police and other military and civilian forces of the state should be held accountable. It should not be forgotten that the Awami League is fully responsible for the US sanctions,” he said.
Sanctions “actually on govt”
Fakhrul said the US sanctions were extremely embarrassing and worrying, but such a move was inevitable.
“The current government has been using the law enforcers in carrying out extrajudicial killings for almost a decade and reports on it were published by the US and different other countries and organisations. But such crimes have been encouraged by repeatedly rejecting the reports by Bangladesh. In fact, the US sanctions are the result of the government's denial of extrajudicial killings,” he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has used the law enforcement agencies, including RAB, nakedly to continue the culture of election without voting and looting votes at the night before the voting day. “So, the government is responsible for the allegations raised against RAB, and the sanctions against RAB are tantamount to sanctions on the current government.”
Position on dialogue over EC not clear
Sought his comment about President Abdul Hamid’s talks with registered political parties on the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC), Fakhrul said they do not know anything about it.
Asked whether they will join the talks if they get an invitation, he parried the question saying they will talk about it later.
“The accountability to people is hampered at every step in a country that lacks democracy and which is now existing everywhere now in Bangladesh,” the BNP leader observed.
Under the circumstances, he said, it is now imperative to clear the way for holding a credible national election under a neutral government for establishing people's right to vote.
Read: Khaleda’s condition worsens again in hospital: Fakhrul
Asked whether the US sanctions will affect the next national election, Fakhrul said it will happen if the election is held under a neutral government in a fair and credible manner.
The United States on Friday imposed human rights-related sanctions on Benzir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director General of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and six other individuals on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
The US Department of State announced visa restrictions on Benazir Ahmed, which it says, due to his “involvement in gross violations of human rights” making him ineligible for entry into the United States.
RAB as an entity, Benzir Ahmed, and six other officials were designated by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme in connection with serious human rights abuse, said the US Department of State.
Khaleda being deprived of human rights: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that their party’s ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia is being deprived of her human rights.
“Our party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister, is now being deprived of human rights and her minimum right to receive treatment,” he told a seminar.
Fakhrul also bemoaned that BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been forced to remain in exile by “unfairly’ convicting him in different cases by the current government.
BNP’s National Committee on celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence arranged the programme at a city hotel marking the International Human Rights Day.
A book titled “Disenfranchisement under the Authorial Regime” was launched at the programme.
Many incidents of human rights violations in Bangladesh under the rule of the current government have been depicted in the book.
Some family members of the victims of the enforced disappearances joined the programme and expressed sorrow and agony for not being able to trace of their near and dear ones.
“The family members of the victims of enforced disappearances have shared their pains and ordeals here today (Friday). But we have been hearing their screams and that of their children for eight years. The children are still waiting to see when their fathers will return to them. We’re going through such a terrible and disturbing situation,” Fakhrul said.
He said human rights have been extremely violated in Bangladesh under the rule of the current government for lack of democracy.
“One thing is very clear that human rights and democracy are complimentary to each other. Without democracy, human rights can never be protected and without human rights democracy can never continue,” the BNP leader observed.
Referring to the statistics of different rights bodies, he said around 607 people were subjected to enforced disappearances while over 1,000 BNP leaders and activists were killed during the rule of the current government.
He said around 35 lakh leaders and activists of BNP have been implicated in many cases. “If you visit Dhaka or district courts you will find 90 percent of the total accused arrive there are BNP leaders and activists.”
Accusing the government of politicising the judiciary and administration, Fakhrul said the country’s people have no confidence in the judiciary as they are not getting any justice from there.
Read: Govt conspiring to "kill" Khaleda: Fakhrul
He said the government has snatched people’s rights to expression and established its full control over the media. “Those who now work for media have become helpless due to the Digital Security Act.”
The BNP leader called upon people of all works of life to forge strong national unity for the restoration of democracy in the country through a united movement.
Some foreign diplomats and the representatives of various international organisations joined the programme.
Ruling party’s demonstration
As BNP’s seminar began around 4pm at Lakeshore Hotel, a group of pro-ruling party activists under the banner of family members of the victims of BNP’s arson attacks and the victims of enforced disappearances and conspiracies during Zaiur Rahman’s regime gathered in front of the same hotel and staged a demonstration there.
They alleged that many incidents of serious human rights violations had taken place during Zia’s rule.
As long as the seminar continued, the demonstrators continued their protests standing on the footpath in front of the hotel.
Khaleda’s condition now better though rebleeds: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party chairperson Khaleda Zia, diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, rebled on Monday.
Fakhrul, however, said her condition is now better than it was last night as doctors tackled the danger.
“Dr Zahid (Khaleda’s physician) phoned me last night (Monday night) and requested me to be at the hospital immediately…I went to Evercare Hospital around 12am and saw that the 10 doctors involved in Madam's treatment were very worried. I also got sacred,” the BNP leader told a rally.
Fakhrul said he wanted to know from the doctors what actually happened to the BNP chief. “They replied Madam suffered what we had feared (Khaleda rebled. By the grace of Allah, the doctors could overcome the crisis as they did it thrice earlier through their tireless efforts.”
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
As part of its countrywide programme, BNP arranged the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office, demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
Fakhrul said Dr Zahid informed him this (Tuesday) morning that the BNP chief is now better than before. “But the doctors think the sign is not good at all. Because, they’ve clearly said there’s no treatment now here (Bangladesh) for the diseases she has been suffering from.”
He said doctors told them that the BNP chief must be sent abroad without further delay for her proper treatment.
Stating that Khaleda Zia has been fighting for life, the BNP leader bemoaned that a minister of the government said what the doctors narrated about Khaleda’s health condition at a press conference was taught by the BNP.
Hundreds of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies joined the rally.
Similar rallies were held in eight other divisional cities to mount pressure on the government to let Khaleda go abroad for advanced treatment.
Also read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP announces 8-day programme
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.
Her medical board members on Sunday said Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
They also said Khaleda bled thrice and the third time bleeding was severe, impairing her liver function.
On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.
Sending Khaleda abroad essential for peace, stability: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said it is essential to send their party chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment for the sake of peace and stability in the country.
"We’re placing our demand peacefully. We’ve been repeatedly calling upon you (govt) to send her (Khaleda) abroad for treatment. We don’t understand where’s the problem? You’re talking about the law and giving its wrong interpretation,” he said.
Speaking at a rally, he also said their chairperson needs treatment abroad as there is no such advanced centre in the country to treat her. “No one, except our leader Khaleda Zia, can bring peace, stability and restore democracy in the country. So, send her abroad for treatment.”
Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
About the BNP chief’s health condition, Fakhrul said she is still critically ill and doctors are working hard to save her life.
He said the government is not willing to allow Khaleda to go abroad as it fears she will again raise her voice against corruption, anti-people activities and work for establishing people’s rights returning home after her recovery from illness.
The BNP leader claimed that Khaleda was convicted in ‘false’ cases through staging a farce in the name of justice.
Fakhrul said there is no legal barrier for the government to send the BNP chief abroad for treatment. “As per section 401 (of the Criminal Code of Procedures) it is only the government which can send her overseas.”
He alleged that Law Minister Anisul Huq is confusing people by giving a ‘false’ explanation of section 401.
Also read: Khaleda needs to go abroad for immediate liver treatment: Fakhrul
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on 13 November, six days after she had returned home from the hospital.
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from liver, kidney and heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.
Let Khaleda go abroad or face oust-govt movement: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday threatened to wage a one-point movement seeking the fall of the government if Khaleda Zia is not allowed to go abroad for treatment.
“Our leader Khaleda Zia has been staying in a hospital with critical health problems. Doctors are saying it’s now essential for her to receive treatment abroad but that permission is not given,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader urged the government to take necessary steps so that the BNP chief can receive treatment in any advanced centre outside the country.
“We would like to say Begum Khaleda Zia be released immediately and given a scope to get treatment abroad. Otherwise, they‘ll have to face a one-point oust-government movement,” Fakhrul warned.
Read: No scope in law for Khaleda’s treatment abroad, says Home Minister
BNP’s national committee on celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence arranged the programme, marking the 45th death anniversary of great national leader Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.
Fakhrul recalled Bhasani’s lifelong struggle for ensuring the rights of common and working people and said Bhasani is also one of the key leaders who played a major role in liberating the country.
Speaking at the programme, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said people have been living in suffocating conditions. “People have got fed-up with the government as there is no democracy now and voting and other rights in the country.”
Read: Khaleda’s condition improves slightly: Physician
He alleged that Khaleda has been pushed towards death by sending her to jail “for no reason”.
The BNP leader urged all to get united for ousting the current government through a mass movement.
BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president ASM Abdur Rob, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Biplobi Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque, among others, spoke at the programme.
Khaleda critically ill, says Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday demanded the government immediately allow their party chief Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment on humanitarian ground as she is critically ill.
“Khaleda Zia is so ill that I can’t understand you. For the first time she sat in a chair from the bed at CCU (of Evercare Hospital) yesterday (Monday). She’s very weak,” he said.Speaking at a doa mahfil, he also said doctors advised sending her abroad as there is no advanced centre in Bangladesh for treating Khaleda’s multiple critical diseases.
“We demand the government immediately allow her to receive treatment abroad. You (govt) please do it on humanitarian ground in line with her family’s application,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Khaleda’s family seeks permission yet again to send her abroad
Stating that Khaleda is a leader of democracy, he warned that the government will have to shoulder all the responsibilities if anything bad happens to her for barring her from going abroad for treatment.
Fakhrul hoped that good sense will prevail upon the government to permit the BNP chief to go abroad for receiving treatment in any advanced centre.
BNP arranged the programme on the ground floor of its Nayapaltan central office seeking speedy recovery of Khaleda.
Referring to a fresh application to the government by Khaleda’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for treatment, Fakhrul said, “We’ve been repeatedly talking about the issue, but she's not given that scope.”
He alleged that the BNP chairperson was sent to jail by convicting her in ‘false’ cases as part of a plot to remove her from politics. “There’s now a plot to eliminate her life.”
“We pray to the Almighty Allah so that she recovers soon not only for BNP and her family but also for the country and its 16 crore democracy-loving people. She is the leader who struggled for democracy most of her life,” the BNP leader said.
On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on Thursday urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former Prime Minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on Saturday six days after she had returned home from the hospital.
Read: BNP’s countrywide doa mahfil seeking Khaleda’s recovery
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
A physician at her medical team said Khaleda is now suffering from a critical cardiac problem while her blood sugar is out of control and hemoglobin level in her blood has dropped.
The BNP chief’s family applied to the government twice in May and August earlier, seeking permission to take her abroad for better treatment, but the government denied it, saying that there was no scope for a convict to get such an opportunity.
Govt’s logic behind fuel price hike ‘unacceptable': Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the government's logic behind the increase in diesel and kerosene prices is ‘unacceptable’.
"How much irresponsible and isolated from people the current government is as it has taken such an inhumane decision (of increasing fuel prices). When the prices of diesel and kerosene were hiked in Bangladesh, neighbouring India has reduced their prices by Tk 5,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said increasing fuel prices on the international market is the reason the government showed behind its decision of raising the prices of diesel and kerosene.
“Why did you take the price of fuel higher when its price went down on the international market? You didn’t reduce the fuel price at that time as you stole that money. You’re again trying to make your pockets heavier by cutting the pockets of our people,” the BNP leader said.
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units jointly arranged the programme at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the second death anniversary of undivided Dhaka city mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.
Read: Fuel price hike to benefit “looters”: BNP
Fakhrul said the prices of diesel and kerosene were increased by Tk15 overnight. “This is the sign of misrule of the current government.”
He said the LPG price has also been increased while the power tariffs have been repeatedly hiked in a year. “The price of electricity has jumped three to four times in a year. If you go to a kitchen market you will find it difficult to buy any commodity as the price of everything has gone up. ”
Referring to the transport strike in protest against the fuel price hike, the BNP leader said the bus fares and truck charges will now be enhanced by the transport owners which will ultimately push up the prices of all essential commodities like rice, pulses and sugar, in the kitchen market.
“The government is destroying the economy of Bangladesh in a planned way. It has already destroyed the politics of Bangladesh and the future of people,” he observed.
Fakhrul said though BNP has not been there in the Union Parishad polls, around 87 people have so far died due to violence unleased by the ruling party leaders and activists. “The election system has been completely destroyed.”
Read: Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader
He recalled Sadeque Hossain Khoka’s outstanding contributions to the country and BNP. “He was a patriotic politician from head to toe.”
On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of the price hike of petroleum on the international market.
Meanwhile, the price of private operators' liquified petroleum gas (LPG) was also increased to Tk 1,313 per 12-kg container from Tk 1259 with effect from Thursday (4 November) at the retail level.
BNP has no interest in EC formation under AL govt
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party has no interest in the formation of Election Commission through a search committee under the current government.
“We don't have any interest in the EC formation as the electoral system has been completely ruined by the current government,” he said.
Talking to reporters at his residence in the district town, the BNP leader said the Election Commission cannot do anything if there is no polls-time neutral government in place.
He said they earlier boycotted and joined elections under the current government. “We also gave our opinions on the formation of the Election Commission through a search committee. But this government didn’t accept any of our proposals as they arranged everything in line with their plan to hold the election as per their desire.”
Read: Dhaka now a poisonous-gas chamber: BNP
“From our past experience, we now think there must have a caretaker government or a polls-time neutral government to hold a credible national election,” the BNP leader observed.
After the formation of a neutral government, he said it will constitute an acceptable election commission to hold the national election within 90 days.
Fakhrul said their party was against holding the local body polls in a partisan manner from the very beginning.
“If the local body polls are held with the symbols of political parties, it creates a division in society with limited choice for people. That’s why we’ve decided not to join the local body polls with our symbol. But we won’t obstruct if anyone from our party participates in the polls independently,” he said.
The BNP leader said their party welcomed the new political party, ‘Gono Adhikar Parishad’, formed under Dr Reza Kibria and former VP of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Nurul Haque Nur.
“We hope they will play a role in ousting the current fascistic regime and work for the restoration of democracy,” he said.
Fakhrul said they believe people will come forward to bring a change in the government through a strong movement.
As his attention was drawn to the Awami League general secretary’s comment that people do not consider BNP as an alternative to Awami League in power politics, he said, “Obaidul Quader should see his own face and that of his party in the mirror. He should also read the body language of people.”
Read: Harassment started ahead of election, alleges BNP
The BNP leader said Awami League completely deceived people by ‘usurping’ power through ‘snatching’ ballots the night before the voting day with the help of state machinery and law enforcers.
The BNP leader said the government has been following a ‘mysterious policy over the procurement of Covid vaccines.
“The government could still collect vaccines for the one-eighth of the population, but we need vaccines for 80 percent of the population. We asked them to prepare a roadmap and master plan for collection and distribution of vaccines, but the government did not do it for indulging in corruption,” he alleged.
Fakhrul said the government should intensify its efforts to collect the vaccines from the countries where the jabs are available.
No doubt govt behind communal violence: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that there is no doubt that the government incited the recent communal violence to make political gains.
“Let there be no doubt the government carried out the communal incidents through its agents. Awami League tried to make political gains with it,” he said.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion, the BNP leader also said there was surely a political motive behind the communal violence centring Durga Puja. “Those who have been illegally staying in power by force did it to perpetuate their power and win the game in the name of the next election.”
Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum, a platform of BNP, arranged the programme on communal violence at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).
Read: Now ‘extreme anarchy’ everywhere: Fakhrul
Fakhrul said their party’s two committees formed over the communal attacks visited the violence-hit areas and carried out an investigation into the incidents. “We’ve no doubt that the government is solely responsible for the violence.”
He also said the government carried out communal incidents to shift the blame on BNP and thus divert people’s attention to a different direction from the ongoing movement on different issues.
The BNP leader said a ‘mentally imbalanced’ man was used in a planned way to keep the holy Quran at a puja mandap in Cumilla and then Muslims were provoked to indulge in violence by circulating that Islam was attacked and ruined. “Police also opened fire in Hajiganj of Chandpur. So, it’s clear that the government incited the violence.”
He said two Chhatra League leaders--Saikat Mandal and Md Robiul Islam--led the arson attacks on Hindu houses in Rangpur in the presence of police.
Fakhrul said the leaders of Awami League and its associate bodies were involved in all communal incidents under the rule of the current government. “But none was punished and brought under trial. They (AL) want to use communal incidents as their weapons to resist and suppress those who have been in a movement to restore democracy and people’s voting rights.”
He said the country has been facing political instability and violence since 2012 as the government annulled the caretaker government system to cement its power.
“We would like to clearly say that no election can be held in a fair and credible manner under Awami League. Lack of democracy is the main cause behind all the problems in Bangladesh. We must restore democracy. Or else, we won’t get rid of the crisis,” the BNP leader said.
Read:Govt out to clear election field: Fakhrul
He said the country’s majority of people now want a change in power. “But the youths should come forward first to bring that change. The political parties must play their role, but the youths will have to work as the vanguard of the political forces.”
He said those who are destroying communal harmony in Bangladesh are working very cleverly to obliterate democracy and keep a party in power permanently. “So, we must have a goal to establish a pro-people government through a credible and acceptable election.”
Stating that their party has been on a movement to restore democracy, he said they are confident about the success as the people of this country never got defeated in the past.
“We believe we’ll be able to reach our target of building a democratic society and state through our movement and struggle by uniting people. We’ll surely turn victorious,” he added.
Now ‘extreme anarchy’ everywhere: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam on Saturday said an ‘extreme level of anarchy’ has been prevailing in all sectors for lack of good governance in the country.
“Seventeen files have gone missing from the Health Ministry's Medical Education and Family Welfare Division and a general diary has been filed with Shahbagh Police Station in this connection. This is the condition of the current governing system,” he said.
The BNP leader also said, “An extreme level of anarchy has been there not only in the health sector, but also in every sector and everywhere as their (ruling party leaders’) main goal is to make money.”
He made the remarks while launching a book on former Dhaka University VC Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury at a city hotel.
Fakhrul said when people were dying and passing through a horrible time due to the spread of coronavirus, the ruling party men and government employees were busy making a quick buck taking advantage of the situation.
Read: Govt out to clear election field: Fakhrul
“Even, a driver of the health directorate DG owns Tk 400 crore. This is the situation created in the country now,” he said.
The BNP leader said a Rajshahi University VC appointed 169 people in one night to make money. “It’s very difficult to expect anything good from the current society we’ve built.”
He said the government does not give adequate allocation for the development of the education sector as its main intention is to indulge in corruption by taking mega projects. “They make allocations for mega projects from which they can get commission and amass wealth.”