United News of Bangladesh

Highlighting the spirit of the Amr Ekushey, BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that people of the country will again take to the streets if any fascism and dictatorship arise. "The spirit of Ekushey February is an indelible consciousness that will never fade. If fascism or any form of dictatorship arises again, the spirit of February 21 will inspire the youth and the people of this country to take to the streets in protest," he said. He made the remark while talking to the media after placing a wreath in honour of the Language Movement Martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar. Rizvi said the spirit of February 21, which emerged from the Language Movement, is a revolutionary force that has been guiding them (nation) for generations. It cannot be destroyed or diluted. Remembering the history of Ekushey, the BNP leader said it was the first step towards national independence. The nation gradually moved towards the War of Independence through the language movement. He said, "Whenever we found ourselves under the grip of a dictatorship, country's people were deprived of democracy and lived in prisons, the year '52 inspired us, urging us to fight against tyranny. Over the past 17 years, we fought tirelessly, many leaders and activists were disappeared and many were killed in crossfire. Finally the people led by the youth emerged victorious, forcing the oppressive, corrupt government to flee." Reminding the responsibility of the interim government, Rizvi said holding a free and fair election is the responsibility of the current government. Hold national election without delay, Fakhrul urges govt  “Public must be assured, particularly the youth who have never had the chance to vote, that they will be able to cast votes. For 17 years, votes were manipulated by the past government. It is necessary to restore trust among the people by holding a transparent, universally acceptable election. This is the government's responsibility,” he said. The BNP leader prioritised the national elections over local government elections, saying that the interim government should focus on returning power to the people. "The people, through their free and fair vote, will decide when local government elections or other elections should be held," he said, emphasising that during BNP's tenure, fair elections were held as opposition candidates won in the city corporation elections in Chattogram, Sylhet and Dhaka. Rizvi also talked on rumours circulating on social media regarding BNP leadership. "Some people on Facebook are claiming that if BNP comes to power in the next election, Tarique Rahman will become the Prime Minister, and Begum Khaleda Zia will become the President," Rizvi said. Denying such remarks, he said this may be personal opinion but it is not the official stance of the BNP. Earlier, at around 6:30am, Rizvi led a procession from near the Balaka Cinema Hall in New Market to Azimpur graveyard where they paid their respects at the graves of the language martyrs. They placed wreaths and offered prayers before proceeding to the Central Shaheed Minar. The BNP leaders and activists wore black badges to show their solidarity. At the Shaheed Minar, Rizvi and other senior party members paid their respects by placing wreaths at the monument. Restore democracy, voting rights: Moyeen Khan to interim govt Among others, party leaders Aman Ullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Nazim Uddin Alam, Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu, Aminul Haq, Ishrak Hossain, Monayem Munna, Nurul Islam Nayan, and leaders from various affiliated organisations were present.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has warned that fascists will have the opportunity to return if the nation's unity is shattered. The Jamaat leader spoke about the importance of preserving national unity and building a humane Bangladesh, while speaking at a workers' rally organised by the district Jamaat at the Kurigram Government College grounds on Friday. India gave shelter to traitors: Jamaat leader He called for the cessation of extortion and land grabbing, stating, "Such activities must be stopped to protect our national unity. If unity is destroyed, the fascists will return." Shafiqur also criticised the Awami League, accusing it of embezzling a staggering Tk 26 lakh crore under the guise of development. "The fascists have no place in Bangladesh," he said, demanding justice for all the killings that have occurred during the current AL government's tenure. He made it clear that the struggle for a humane Bangladesh would continue until justice is served. "From January 10, 1972 to January, 24, 2025, all crimes, murders, and disappearances will be judged on the soil of Bangla. We demand the publication of a list of those who have tortured people, grabbed land, displaced families, and violated the dignity of others,” the Jamaat ameer also said. War against extortion, encroachment will continue: Jamaat Ameer Kurigram Jamaat Ameer Prof Abdul Matin Faruqi presided over the rally. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, Barrister Salehin, Prof Azizur Rahman Swapan, spoe at the rally, among others.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party, if voted to power, will prosecute the 'fallen fascists'. “BNP has been the major victim of fascism. The oppression, torture, and enforced disappearances we have faced, who else has faced it?.. We and Jamaat-e-Islami have been the most affected (by fascism)," he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while responding to a question at a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the torture by the Awami fascist regime was the most severe on BNP and its leaders and activists. "So, who else will try the fascists if not us if we come to power? The process of prosecution that has started, there is no way for anyone to back off from it. The trial (of the fascists) will surely be held," Fakhrul said. The BNP leader said a political government used to hold the trial of such matters. He, however, said there should not be any hasty trial so that no question can be raised about it. “Prosecution is a process, and it will continue... We will certainly complete that process and there is no doubt about it." No major difference among parties Fakhrul said there could be some differences of opinion among the political parties over the next election, as each political party has its own distinct characteristics and thoughts. He said BNP is advocating for an immediate election from its perspective, while Jamaat-e-Islami is also offering its opinion on the matter from its own viewpoint. Read: EU Ambassador Michael Miller meets Mirza Fakhrul The BNP leader said they have already spoken to the parties that participated in the simultaneous movement with them, and all of them advocated for a quick national election. “There is no disagreement among us on this matter. All the like-minded parties, including both left-wing and right-wing ones, have already talked about the prompt election,” he said. Fakhrul said the Communist Party of Bangladesh has also sought an immediate election. Even, he said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seem to have a significant difference with BNP regarding the election. “Just a few days ago, he (Jamaat Chief) said national elections are necessary and parliamentary polls should be held first. So, I don’t see any major difference.” Regarding the declaration of the July revolution, Fakhrul said they received a draft declaration from the interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam, and he requested BNP to give its opinions on the matter. “The matter is so sensitive and important that it cannot be done on a day’s notice. We have discussed this, we are discussing more… We also need to discuss it with other parties,” he said. Read more: Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul Besides, the BNP leader said they also need to talk to constitutional experts as there are many things in the declaration related to the constitution. “So, we need that time. We’re discussing it.”

Journalists directly linked to the deposed 'fascist' government and those who incited and supported the recent genocide will be brought to justice, said Nahid Islam, adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, on Sunday. He emphasized that if any cases are filed unfairly against individuals, a committee has been established within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to investigate such claims. He made these statements while distributing donation checks to those injured during recent protests at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Nahid Islam noted, "Financial assistance is being provided to those injured and to the families of those who lost their lives during the mass uprising through the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation." When asked about medical treatment for the injured abroad, he assured, "Necessary measures will be taken based on the recommendations of the relevant doctors." Mahmudur Rahman urges interim govt to keep spirit of July revolution alive Regarding the cases against journalists, he stated, "Those affiliated with the fascist government who instigated and supported genocide will face justice." He added, "If any journalist or their family feels they are being wronged by legal actions, we encourage them to reach out to us for support." Discussing the legal proceedings for the injured and deceased, he mentioned, "A legal team is currently working on this, and we will ensure these cases are resolved in the Special Tribunal. The individuals who were martyred and injured during the uprising are the heroes of our nation, and we honor the sacrifices made by leaders and activists from various parties." He urged, "Let us not divide the martyrs and the injured based on party lines or political banners. We should refrain from exploiting their sacrifices for political gain." Nahid Islam also confirmed that expenses for those who received treatment at different locations before arriving in Dhaka Medical would be covered as well. July Shaheed Smrity Foundation supports victim's father in returning to South Africa Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, secretary of the foundation, presented an account of donations to the injured from the July Foundation before journalists. He announced that a total of 122 individuals have received a total of Tk 1,22,64, 400, amounting to Tk 1 lakh each. Among these, 23 out of the 30 individuals currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College were issued checks for Tk1 lakh each. The remaining 7 individuals received their payments via BKash. Additionally, funds have been provided through BKash for 33 individuals being treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and 59 individuals at the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (Pangu Hospital). In total, the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has donated Tk 1,71, 42, 050 to 176 injured individuals so far.