United News of Bangladesh

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, on Monday warned that it would take to the streets if the government fails to curb the growing violence against women and improve the law and order situation in the country. “We have not announced any programme so far that disrupts the activities of the interim government. But if such incidents continue, if violence against women persists and we do not get justice, we want to make it clear that Chhatra Dal will be forced to take to the streets very soon,” JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib said while addressing a human-chain programme. As part of their nationwide programme, JCD leaders and activists formed a human chain in front of the High Court to protest the increasing incidents of rape, online harassment and violence against women, as well as the deteriorating law and order situation and the lack of justice for victims of such crimes. Rakib expressed concerns over the unabated incidents of sexual violence and the prevailing culture of impunity. He urged the government to take immediate action and ensure the quick and fair trial of those responsible for the rape of Asia, the eight-year-old girl from Magura. JCD to form human chains Monday to protest violence against women “We urge you (the government) to understand the sentiments of the entire student community in Bangladesh and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are punished as quickly as possible,” the JCD president said. He said the government must take immediate steps to ensure the swiftest possible justice for rape and violence against women. “The law and order situation must be improved immediately. If this is not done, we will be forced to point fingers at you,” Rakib warned. He said that the growing incidents of snatching are also linked to the worsening law and order situation, with attacks on Dhaka University teachers and students. Rakib condemned the killing of a JCD leader in Narayanganj, who was stabbed to death by muggers. “Such incidents are increasing day by day. So, we are demanding urgent action to improve the law and order situation.” He also called for the faster completion of investigations into Achia’s rape case and for justice to be delivered to the victim. JCD questions source of funding for Chhatra Shibir's Iftar expenses Rakib also condemned the spread of violence against women on social media and called for the offenders to be brought to justice.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that the law and order situation in the country has collapsed as the law enforcers are being used to secure the ruling party’s interests. Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also bemoaned that at least 35 people lost their lives in road accidents during the Eid holidays only because of the negligence of the law enforcers. “The entire nation is suffering from insecurity as the armed terrorists are on the prowl amid the silent role of law enforcement agencies who are used in partisan activities,” the BNP leader said. AL's instigation behind attacks on BNP rallies: Rizvi He regretted that not only the common people but also the police members are being killed since the country has been turned into a safe haven for terrorists. “A member of police force was killed in a snatching incident yesterday (Saturday). Law and order situation has broken down so much that people's lives are in danger at every step,” Rizvi observed. He said though many people are getting killed in road accidents daily, the law enforcers can not take any action against the reckless drivers. PM’s Switzerland tour 'very mysterious': Rizvi The BNP leader said the ruling party-backed spoiled youth are creating public nuisance and indulging in various crimes across the country amid the growing social degradations. “These monsters are not sparing anyone, including the women, from their attacks…we’re passing through such a bad time that youth are being killed for seeking justice when their sisters are teased. Parents are losing their lives in the hands of terrorists while trying to save the chastity and dignity of their daughters,” he said. Referring to media reports, the BNP said a notorious gang named ‘009’ in Bhalo has been indulging in dreadful acts and serious crimes creating a reign of terror there. “Human rights are now at stake everywhere. Darkness of anarchy has descended on the society since the law enforcers have been used only to thwart the programmes of the opposition parties by carrying out violent attacks and arresting the opposition leaders and activists in false cases,” Rizvi said. Opposition increasingly suppressed as election nears: Rizvi   The BNP leader slammed the government for its failure to monitor the market and prevent the business syndicates from unusually hiking the prices of essential goods and kitchen items. “The godfathers, mafia and syndicates are making gains all around. This syndicate is very powerful as various ministers and influential ruling party leaders are involved,” he said. The BNP leader said the price of per kg green chili is Tk25 in India, but it is being sold in Bangladesh at Tk600 only because of the foul play by the syndicate. “In some places, it is being sold from Tk1100-1200 per kg. Such syndication is possible only under a corrupt and mischievous regime. They make fun of people's hunger.”