Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday made it clear that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held under her Awami League government and it will be free and fair. “So under our government, definitely election will be free and fair,” she told a session titled "In conversation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina" of the Qatar Economic Forum at the Raffles Hotel here in Doha. Haslinda Amin, editor-at-large of Qatar Economic Forum anchored the session. The prime minister is now in Doha on a three-day official visit mainly to take part in the Qatar Economic Forum 2023.  Her assertion came as the opposition BNP and its allies have launched a renewed campaign of street protests asking her government to step down to pave the way for holding the next election under a neutral caretaker administration. Also Read: PM joins opening session of Qatar Economic Forum  Bangladesh is due to go to  polls by December this year or in the first week of next year.  Responding to a question, she said that after the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, military dictators jeopardised all election process.  “The election was just a game (then),” she said. She recalled that when the Awami League elected her as its president back in 1981 in her absence only then she could return to the country.  “Since then we started to struggle for restoring democracy and people’s right to vote. It was our struggle to ensure free and fair election. And we did it during our time in every election,” she said. Regarding the opposition BNP's demand, Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, said that in 2008 election nobody raised any question about it. “What was the result then? The party (BNP) which is raising the question now got only 29 out of 300 seats in the Parliament,” she said. Sounding firm the prime minister said that she is here to ensure people’s voting right, Because people should decide who will run the country.  “It is people’s power, I want to ensure people’s power. I am here not to grab power. Rather I want to empower our people that they should have their right to choose their government,” she said. Replying to a question, Hasina mentioned that now some parties said they will not participate. “How will they participate? Because during their time the country suffered a lot. Our people suffered. At their time terrorist activities increased. Everywhere there was corruption, nepotism and exploitation. They never bothered about the people. It was very difficult for our people to get one meal per day. That was the situation,” she said.   She said that after the Awami League came to power it has ensured everything for the people.   “It's the people’s right to vote in election. What we have done now the people understand that. If they vote for us I am here, if they don't, ok fine,” she said clearly. Also Read: PM reaches Doha for Qatar Economic Forum 2023 The PM said that during her tenure there had been many by-elections, local government elections, which were free and fair.  “You can see, who is creating problem. We are not. But in every election some incidents may take place,” she said. She also mentioned that the government has asked everybody to send election observers to Bangladesh for the next voting.  “So I can tell you I am here to ensure my people’s democratic right, voting right and it is our struggle," she stated. She said that she is here to serve the country and its people so they could live a better and prosperous life.  “Bangladesh should be a developed country, that is my aim. Why should I try to jeopardise people’s right that we have established. Definitely election will be free and fair.” She also termed BNP as a party of criminals and killers. “They (BNP) may not feel comfortable. But, there are other parties, those parties will participate in the election," she said.  Replying to a question IMF's recent loan to Bangladesh, PM Hasina said the IMF assists only the country that can repay the loan. In providing the loan, the IMF considered whether the country can pay it back or not, she said  "We'll definitely be able to pay it back," said the PM. The premier said Bangladesh has successfully  overcome the fallout of COVID-19 pandemic due to her government's pragmatic plans and steps.  

A case has been filed against BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Rajshahi district BNP convener Abu Sayeed Chand for making a “death threat” against Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina.  District Awami League General Secretary Shariful Islam Ramzan filed the case with Natore Police Station around 9:30pm on Monday (May 22, 2023). Abu Sayeed Chand has been made the main accused in the case. The BNP secretary general has also been accused in the case. Read more: AL files two cases against 450 BNP men over a clash in Patuakhali Top leaders of district and municipal Awami League were present. Nasir Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Natore Sadar Police Station, accepted the case. Citing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Rajshahi BNP leader Abu Sayeed Chand as traitors, the plaintiff said the “threatening remarks” made by the main accused towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has tarnished the reputation of the country. The remarks may deteriorate the law and order situation of the country, the case statement reads. Read more: People have no interest in upcoming city polls: Fakhrul Earlier on Friday afternoon, Abu Sayeed Chand threatened the prime minister at a public rally of metropolitan and district BNP at Shibpur High School ground in Puthia Upazila of Rajshahi as part of the central program. "No more 27- or 10-point demand, just one point now – send Sheikh Hasina to the grave! We will do whatever is necessary to get Sheikh Hasina to resign,” he said. Meanwhile, a video of the threat went viral on social media, triggering a storm of protests among Awami League leaders and supporters. Read more: Calling 2018 National Election ‘fair’ in the morning, BNP changed its tune in the evening: Sajeeb Wazed A case was filed against Abu Sayeed Chand with Puthia Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act in this regard.

At least 30 people, including activists of Awami League (AL), Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and police personnel, were injured in clash between the two parties over holding rally in Sadar upazila of Patuakhali today. Police used teargas to disperse the fighting groups while an additional number of law enforcers have been deployed in the area to avert any untoward incident. Local BNP leaders said there was a scheduled rally to press home their 10-point demand, including resignation of the incumbent government and holding the next parliamentary election under a neutral government, in front of the party office in Patuakhali's town's Banani intersection area at 10 am. BNP activists and leaders from different parts of the district started gathering with processions since early morning, they said, adding that they were barred by the ruling party activists on their way to the rally venue. A clash broke out between the activists of the parties when an AL procession was passing by, witnesses said. Brickbats were thrown targeting each other, while BNP’s district office was also vandalised. The rival groups chased each other several times in the area, causing panic among the commuters and locals. BNP Central leader ABM Mosharraf Hossain said at least 25 BNP activists were injured in the attack by AL men. Md Saidul Islam, superintendent of police (SP), said, the situation is now under control and an additional number of policemen have been deployed in front of the BNP office in the town. The SP said they used teargas to bring the situation under control but instantly could not inform how many rounds were used.   Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mainul Hassan said several policemen were injured in the clash.  Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md Moniruzzaman, said a process was underway to file cases against those who attacked law enforcers and tried to deteriorate the law and order situation. The district unit of BNP held an emergency press conference in favour of their 10-point demand and protested the "attack" on their rally at a hotel this afternoon. At the press conference, BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo said the next national polls won’t be free and fair without a caretaker government.  Meanwhile, local AL leaders and activists held a peace rally in the morning. AL's district unit President and freedom fighter Kazi Alamgir and Vice President Sultan Ahmad Mridha, among others, spoke at the rally. The district AL president said they will file a case against BNP men for "attacking" their rally.  

BNP Senior leader  Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currying favour with foreigners to hang onto power after getting isolated from the country’s people. “The Prime Minister is out on tours.  Those who are alienated from people are now seeking the favour of foreigners (to stay in power),” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said Awami League has got completely isolated from people and politically defeated.  “They have become dependent on certain apparatuses of the state and the are dependent on other forces to cling to power. So, they’re going from country to country and door to door seeking a favour. They have no connection with the people of Bangladesh,” he observed. Sher-e-Bangla Jatiya Jubo Smriti Foundation arranged the discussion meeting  at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 61st death anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to Tokyo on Tuesday at the start of her four-day official visit to Japan. Tokyo is the first stop during the PM’s two-week three-nation official visit that will also take her to the United States and the United Kingdom. Read more: People have given verdict for restoration of caretaker govt: Khasru Khosru said the Prime Minister will not be able to make any political gain, no matter how many countries she goes around with a stance against the people of Bangladesh. “You have to be defeated.  When the people of the country take a decision and take a political stance, no force can fight against them." He said their party’s ongoing movement for the restoration of democracy will surely turn out to be successful with the spontaneous participation of people. The BNP leader said the country’s people are closely observing everything they will also impose sanctions on the government and on those who were involved in vote rigging. BNP Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman, Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, and Legal Affairs Secretary Barrister Kaiser Kamal, among others, spoke at the programme.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked her party members to shun intra-party conflict and work together for the development of the country and welfare of the people. “No grouping and intra-party rivalry shall be allowed in the area.  Everyone has to work. I will give the nomination. Those who want to work in the area, must work together,” she said. She gave the instruction in a video call at the party's joint meeting held at the political office of the Awami League President in city's Dhanmondi. The Awami League president also directed the party leaders and activists to highlight the development activities of the government during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr vacation alongside looking after the beneficiaries of the government projects. She said that various types of allowances are being provided to women, men, children and the elderly persons through numerous schemes of the government. In this connection, she asked the party men to check whether these allowances are being received directly by the beneficiaries. Accirding to sources at the meeting  Hasina instructed the leaders and activists to stand by the helpless people on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitre to make the party more dynamic. She urged all to highlight the development activities of the government ahead of the upcoming general elections. She asked the AL members across the country to remain vigilant against arson attacks of BNP-Jamaat alongside making the people aware of such violence. Read more: Pressures on Sheikh Hasina won’t work: PM While talking to Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary  Abdus Sobhan Golap over phone, she also asked the party leaders to plant trees for developing sound environment in the country. Apart from giving instructions, she exchanged Eid greetings with AL leaders and activists and wished everyone a safe journey. Earlier, a joint meeting was held with Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader Obaidul Quader in the chair. AL presidium members and presidents-general secretaries of Dhaka City North and South units of AL and other allied organizations were present in the meeting. Talking to journalist, AL Office Secretary  Biplab Barua said that the PM asked all party members to raise public relations in view of the upcoming elections alongside exchanging Eid greetings.    

Ruling Awami League MP Meher Afroz Chumki today (April 09, 2023) said no one in Bangladesh is now starving. “People of the country do not want panta rice any more, they don’t go door to door and beg,” she said. The MP said this during a discussion on the 50th anniversary of the National Parliament. Chumki said that poverty has disappeared from Bangladesh.  Read More: Poverty forces Thakurgaon day-labourer to put 7-month-old baby girl up for sale  “We don't deny that prices have been going up. People are suffering all over the world. They are spending money after a lot of consideration. But is there any person in Bangladesh without food? We can proudly say that the people of Bangladesh are not going without food. People do not want panta rice any more, today they want good food and clothes.  The country is self-sufficient today,” she said. Saying that Sheikh Hasina is one of the top global leaders in women's empowerment, Chumki added that the prime minister has appeared for question and answer in parliament for bringing accountability. Expressing determination to move forward while facing conspiracy, Chumki said this is not 1975, this is 2023. “Country is on track to become Smart Bangladesh in 2041. No one can get away with conspiracy here. We will move forward.”  “Why do we need to seek votes? Because, after killing Bangabandhu, a generation grew up in Bangladesh with wrong and distorted history. They do not know the history of Bangabandhu, they do not know the history of this country,” she said. Read More: Bangladesh Poverty Watch Report 2022 launched; regular monitoring of progress emphasized She mentioned that some intellectuals have forgotten that on the eve of victory, intellectuals were killed by the Pakistani army and their collaborators so that this country fails to move forward.  The ruling party MP said that with “false information and exploiting a child by paying him just Tk 10, a section of people have mocked the independence of the country.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud called on Islamist parties that support the liberation war to fight against anti-national conspiracies. He made this call during his speech as the chief guest at a Discussion Meeting and Iftar Party organized by Bangladesh Islami Oikya Jote on Tuesday evening. The event was presided over by Chairman Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury of Islami Oikya jote. Hasan, also the Joint General Secretary of Awami League said, "Various conspiracies are going on in the country, and the time has come to unite with the Islamic parties that were with us in the 2008 elections. By doing so, it will be easier to deal with conspiracies and elect the government through voting with the participation of all parties in the next election.” Regarding the upcoming elections, Hasan Mahmud mentioned that the Bangladesh Awami League proposed using the EVM system in the elections, as in developed countries such as India and the USA. However, several other parties, including BNP, objected to EVMs, he said adding “It appears that the Election Commission has decided to hold elections through ballots in all constituencies, which is more like accepting the opposition's demands.” “So, I don't see any obstacle to participating in the next election, but actually, BNP is afraid of the election, so they want to stay away from it,” he said. Referring to the government's special initiative during Ramadan, the Information Minister said, “Consumer rights organizations have been active in dealing with price hikes, and for the convenience of people, the government has taken measures to provide daily commodities at low prices during Ramadan."

Nur-E-Alam Siddiqui, who served as convener of Swadhin Bangla Kendriya Chhatra Sangram Parishad during the mass upsurge of 1969 and the War of Liberation in 1971 has passed away. He was 82. He was a Member of Parliament and former president of Bangladesh Chhatra League (1970-1972). He died at 4:37 am Wednesday, confirmed his press secretary Aniket Rajesh. Siddiqui was one of the organizers of independence, also known as one of the four prominent student leaders who the mass movement of 1969. He was one of the leaders of Mujib Bahini. Siddiqui played an active role in all the political activities of the time, including participation in the six-point movement, the 11-point movement, the language movement. He was elected MP from Jashore-2 constituency as a candidate of Bangladesh Awami League in the first parliamentary election of 1973. He contested from Jhenaidah-2 constituency as a candidate of Bangladesh Awami League in the 7th parliamentary elections of 1996 and 8th Jatiya Sangsad in 2001.

Awami League has nominated Noman Al Mahmud as its candidate for the by-election to Chattogram-8 constituency. AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader revealed the matter at a press briefing today. Noman is the Chattogram organizing secretary of AL. Also read: By-election to Chattogram-8 constituency on April 27 The seat was left vacant following the death of Awami League MP Moslem Uddin Ahmed. By-election to the Chattogram-8 constituency will be held on April 27, 2023.

The main opposition BNP would not go to election under an Awami League government and no election will be allowed under the incumbent, said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday. “It is impossible to hold a fair election under a party involved in vote rigging in even the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) election and BNP will not participate in the next election led by the ruling party Awami League and it is final. Rather BNP with people of the country will resist the planned farcical election,” he said. Fakhrul came up with the remark while speaking at the biennial conference of Nilphamari district unit BNP at Syedpur municipality community hall on Monday. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman virtually joined the conference. “Awami League is involved in confusing the nation by creating a political crisis in a planned way and it also established ‘reign of terror’ after snatching the rights of people. The Awami League pushed the country into bankruptcy by smuggling several thousand crores of money abroad. As a result, people are bearing the brunt of the soaring price of commodities,” said Fakhrul. Also read: AL destroys electoral system by “so-called” SCBA polls, says BNP demanding fresh vote “People will not go for any election under Awami League and they will not be allowed to grab the power through the people of the administration they set in the administration. The rights to vote will be returned to the nation through the restoration of freedom and democracy under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Zia,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the leaders and activists of the party and people of the country to be prepared for this. The biennial conference of Nilphamari district unit BNP was held on Monday after seven years. A 151-member committee will be formed after the conference. Some 303 members of Syedpur Upazila, municipality and Kishoreganj upazila committee will exercise their franchise for election of president, general secretary and organizing secretary. Prof. Abdul Gafur Sarkar and assistant prof Shwakat Hayat Shah are vying for the post of district unit BNP President.   END/UNB/Corr/MAS/ssk