Awami League
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.
Read more: Law Ministry for extending Khaleda’s jail term suspension by 6 months
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.
Read more: BNP leader Amanullah Aman gets bail
Govt investigating whether BNP has connections with syndicates, hoarding: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday (March 14, 2024) said the government is trying to identify those who are involved in market syndicates and investigating whether BNP has any link to the syndicates and hoarders.
The AL leader said this while speaking at an opinion exchange meeting at the Awami League's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue.
BNP will get more isolated if it continues movement during Ramadan: Quader
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, expressed worries that such syndicates could attempt to destabilise the government and disrupt the progress of the elected government.
Regarding the surge in commodity prices, the minister said the governmen under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to bring the commodity prices within the reach of common people.
On the issue of commodity price control, Quader referenced his recent visit to Singapore, where he observed a significant rise in commodity prices.
“Efforts are being made to control prices in our country. The government is not inactive here. The Prime Minister is giving time to deal with the crisis. We have no negligence here. The whole world is facing the rise in gas, fuel and commodity prices. This crisis is also going on in the US, Europe, the other developed countries,” he said.
Responding to questions about the recent hijacking of Bangladeshi ship and crew in Somalia, the minister assured that the Foreign Ministry is engaged in securing their release.
He said 23 crew members have insurance coverage, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return.
Hasan Mahmud says Ganatantra Mancha attacked police to incite chaos
Regarding the negative impact on relation with the US over the conviction of Dr Yunus, the minister said,” Dr Yunus is a person. I want to who he is in the US. He is a citizen of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has its own law and court and law is equal for all.”
Awami League names reserved seat MPs
The ruling Awami League announced the names of the nominated candidates for the reserved women's seats in the 12th Parliament.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader announced the names of 48 candidates after the Parliamentary Nomination Board meeting held in Ganabhaban on Wednesday afternoon.
BNP to remain dysfunctional without change in leadership: Hasan Mahmud
The nominees are Rezia Islam-Panchgarh, Droupadi Devi Agarwar-Thakurgaon, Ashika Sultana-Nilphamari, Rokeya Sultana-Joypurhat, Kohli Quddus-Natore, Zebin Mahbub-Chapainawabganj, Runu Reza-Khulna, Farida Akhtar-Bagerhat, Farzana Sumi-Barguna, Khaleda Bahan-Bhola , Nazneen Nahar-Patuakhali, Farida Yasmin-Narsingdi, Umme Farzana-Mymensingh, Nadia Binte Amin-Netrokona, Mahfuza Sultana Molly-Joypurhat, Parveen Zaman Kalpana-Jhenaidah, Aroma Dutta- Cumilla, Laila Parveen-Satkhira, Begum Mannizaman Sufian-Khulna, Badhura Ahmed Salam-Gopalganj, Shabnam Jahan-Dhaka, Parul Akhtar-Dhaka, Sabera Begum-Dhaka, Shammi Ahmed-Barishal, Nahid Izhar-Dhaka, Jharna Hassan-Faridpur, Fazilatunnessa-Munshiganj, Sahida Tarikh Dipti-Dhaka, Anima Mukti Gomez -Dhaka, Sheikh Anarkali-Dhaka, Masuda Siddique Rozi-Narsingdi, Tarana Halim-Tangail, Begum Shamsunnahar-Tangail, Meher Afroz Chumki-Gazipur, Aparajita-Tangail, Hasina Bari Chowdhury-Dhaka, Najma Akhtar-Gopalganj, Aruna Chakraborty-Sylhet, Faridur Nahar Laili-Laxmipur, Ashrafun Nessa-Laxmipur, Kanan Ara Begum-Noakhali, Shamima Haroon Lubna-Chattogram, Farida Khanam-Noakhali, Delara Yusuf-Chattogram, Wasika Ayesha-Chattogram, Darthi-Rangamati, Sanjida Khanam-Dhaka, Nasima Zaman- Rangpur.
BNP's program is nothing but restarting an old car: Foreign Minister
There are 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament, allocated in a manner where each political party receives one reserved seat for every six general seats won.
According to the provision, the AL secured 48 seats based on its own and its independents' support.
The sale of application forms for the reserved seats began on 6 February at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office.
Quader anxious to restore party unity ahead of important AL meeting
The AL sold 1,553 nomination forms for its 48 reserved women's seats.
Obaidul Quader said that they will submit the nomination to the Returning Commissioner of the Election Commission on February 18.
Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that the Awami League government is showing its arrogance after usurping power through the last month’s ‘dummy’ election.
“They (govt) are now showing their arrogance after the farcical dummy election held on January 7 which was turned down by the country’s people. They’re also trying to flaunt the power they've usurped to people,” he said.
BNP leader Moyeen Khan meets Peter Haas
He came up with the remarks before distributing BNP’s leaflets in the city’s Fakirapool area as part of the party’s fresh programme demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliamentary polls and a fresh election under a non-partisan government.
The BNP leader said the country's people have woken up against the government to ensure its fall through a united movement.
“We all must take to the streets together in the movement to demand the cancellation of the dummy election...We have started the leaflet distribution programme with that goal,” he said.
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent comment that there were many crackdowns on the army and many were sent to the gallows during the tenure of Ziaur Rahman, Rizvi said their party founder did everything through a legal process against those who worked against the army.
“But you (PM) have made military officers disappear. Where is Brigadier General Abdullahil Amaan Azmi? He was subjected to enforced disappearance during the tenure of your government,” he said.
He said that the Awami League government killed about 20,000 leaders and workers of (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) JSD and other opposition parties and dissidents in 1972-1975. “Similarly, countless opposition leaders and workers have been killed during the tenure of this regime. Many people, including Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, have been made forcibly disappear."
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Later, Rizvi along with some party leaders and activists distributed leaflets among the pedestrians, shop owners, transport workers and rickshaw pullers in the area.
The leaflet titled 'Save the country, save the people' demanded the cancellation of the January 7 one-sided by-election, the resignation of the Sheikh Hasina government, and the establishment of an impartial election commission under a caretaker government, the release of jailed BNP leaders and activists, including its chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
As part of the party’s countrywide programme, BNP leaders and workers distributed leaflets in all metropolitan cities on Tuesday also to mount pressure on the government to reduce the prices of essential commodities.
BNP on Sunday announced a six-day fresh programme, including mass contact and leaflet distribution, across the country beginning Tuesday.
Publish list of loan defaulters who laundered money abroad in JS: AK Azad
Independent MP AK Azad on Monday (February 12, 2024) demanded a list of those who have laundered money abroad taking loans from banks be placed in Parliament.
Azad, who was elected MP for the first time, came up with the demand while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech.
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is totally against corruption and Awami League's manifesto also cited that.
“First of all, good governance will have to be established in the banking sector,” Azad said.
Read more: Bangladesh Bank sets an 11-point roadmap to realise default loans
Welcoming Bangladesh Bank's roadmap for reforming the banking sector, Azad, also President of Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), said the amount of defaulted loans in Bangladesh is around Tk 1,45,633 crore.
“But in reality, the amount is much more. But through write off, the amount of debt is shown less. Those who have taken loans and invested in factories and failed to repay, may be exempted subject to investigation,” he said.
He demanded to bring to justice those who did not invest loan money in any business, and instead laundered the money.
“They made home at Begum Para, and second homes. Their list should be published in the parliament,” he demanded.
Read more: Bank MDs working under increased stress due to default loans, board interference: Experts
He also commented that Bangabandhu's dream will not be realised unless they are brought under the law.
The independent MP said that those who looted banks are responsible for the rise in commodity prices and inflation.
Azad said that he wants to be accountable to the countrymen and voters through this parliament.
Azad also said he wants to make the parliament effective and lively through constructive criticism of the government.
He expected cooperation of the Speaker in this regard.
Read more: Businesses should get opportunities to turn around before wholesale declaration of loan defaulters: FBCCI President
Naogaon-2 election: Voting underway amid tight security
Voting in the election to Naogaon-2 constituency (Patnitala and Dhamoirhat upazilas), which was postponed following the death of independent candidate Aminul Haque, began amid strict security measures on Monday (February 12, 2024) morning.
The balloting began at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm without any break.
The Election Commission suspended the election due to the death of the independent candidate on December 29, eight-day ahead the 12th national election held on January 7 this year.
Visiting several polling stations, the UNB correspondent found a huge presence of voters.
Read more: BNP's program is nothing but restarting an old car: Foreign Minister
Abdullah Al Mamun, presiding officer of Puiya Government Primary School centre, said that they have taken all preparations to hold the polls in a fair and peaceful environment.
With the cooperation of the members of the law enforcement agencies, they will be able to hold the polls in a fair and peaceful environment, he hoped.
Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Golam Mowla said all security measures have been taken so that election can be held in free, fair and neutral manner.
There are 16 police and Ansar members in important centers each and 15 members in other centers each, he said, adding that on an average there is one police mobile team for every four centers along with a striking team and reserve team.
Read more: 15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Executive Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates are performing duty along with patrolling by members of the Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guard Bangladesh, he said.
A total of four candidates including one from the ruling Awami League and one from Jatiya Party are contesting the polls.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
The government will not allow freestyle political programmes on the streets without permission, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday.
"BNP’s black-flag procession is illegal. There is no reason to think that they (BNP) will protest on the streets without taking permission and we will accept it," he warned.
Obaidul, also Awami League general secretary, was talking at a press briefing at the AL President's office in Dhanmondi this afternoon.
BNP and Jamaat still haven’t uttered a single word against genocide in Palestine: Foreign Minister
Earlier, police did not allow the BNP to take out processions at seven points of the capital on Tuesday, the day of the 12th parliament went into its maiden session, citing a lack of permission for the street programme.
The BNP and like-minded opposition parties were supposed to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital on Tuesday demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
No one can oust constitutionally elected government: Quader
The AL general secretary said no one termed the 12th parliamentary election flawed, not even the United States.
After the results of the election, US Ambassador Peter Haas congratulated the Prime Minister and met with some ministers including the Foreign Minister.
Regarding price control of essentials, he said, the Prime Minister has given the necessary instructions to the ministries concerned and they have already started to work.
“The situation will not change overnight. The government is not just talking but it is in action,” he added.
“Stern action would be taken against the illegal hoarders and law violators,” the minister warned.
BNP can contest polls again after 5 years: Hasan Mahmud
Regarding the nomination of the Awami League for reserved women seats, the general secretary of the party said that Awami League will give importance and priority to those who have been tested and sacrificed for the party.
Among others, Awami League organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, and office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were present at that time.
'Black flag already shown to BNP': Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister and Bangladesh Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has said the people of the country have already shown a black flag to the BNP by participating in the January 7 national election and re-electing Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.
He made the remark when his attention was drawn to the BNP's latest programme - a black flag procession.
"Besides, before the elections, BNP had repeatedly knocked on the foreigners' doors. But they also sent observers to monitor the elections and praised the election procedures," said the foreign Minister.
The AL leader said the global leaders congratulated Sheikh Hasina's government and expressed interest in working together.
"That means the foreigners have also shown a red flag to the BNP," he said.
BNP to be restricted strictly if it commits violence in the name of movement: Quader
The foreign minister was speaking at the 'Peace and Democracy' rally organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan South Unit Awami League in front of the Awami League's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Saturday afternoon.
Awami League General Secretary and Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader spoke as the chief guest.
This is practically the first meeting of Awami League after the election, and Hasan Mahmud thanked the people of the country for participating in the election and re-electing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.
At the same time, he warned the partymen, saying, "Like a rat peeps out of a hole, BNP is also peeping out of a hole now. They will again try to create unrest in the country. For this, the leaders and workers of the party have to keep a watchful eye."
The AL leader also said it should be remembered that Awami League is a party that emerged through its presence on the street and it will always be on the streets.
Quader returns home from Singapore after routine health checkup
The rally was presided over by freedom fighter Abu Ahmed Mannafi, President of Dhaka Metropolitan South Unit Awami League.
AL leaders Md Abdur Razzaque, Advocate Qamrul Islam, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Hannan Mahmud, Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, among others, spoke.
Ershad, Khaleda rewarded main perpetrator of Ctg mass killings: Foreign Minister
BNP to be restricted strictly if it commits violence in the name of movement: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said the BNP will be resisted strictly if it creates violent situation in the name of movement.
He came up with the warning while distributing winter clothes among cold-stricken people in Dhandmondi of Dhaka on Friday morning.
The relief and social welfare affairs sub-committee of the AL arranged the programme.
Quader returns home from Singapore after routine health checkup
BNP has no hope at the moment, he said adding that they are now holding procession with black flags, this is a procession of mourning. “Thus they themselves are telling the nation that we are defeated,” he said .
Rejecting the BNP’s claim about the number of arrested party leaders and activists, the AL leader said who set fire to trains, buses, killed police by beating and attacked the residence of the Chief Justice are in jail.
Ershad, Khaleda rewarded main perpetrator of Ctg mass killings: Foreign Minister
He also asked the BNP to face it legally.
“In which country punishment is not given for committing crimes? Should we release them as per America’s advice,” said Quader.
Global leaders congratulating new govt is driving BNP insane: Hasan Mahmud
Chaired by AL Relief and Social Welfare Affairs Secretary Aminul Islam Amin, the party’s Organizing Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, lawmaker Ferdous Ahmed and members of the sub-committee were present on the occasion.
Global leaders congratulating new govt is driving BNP insane: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said BNP has gone “insane,” from global leaders congratulating the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“I had 17 bilateral meetings during my visit to Ugandan capital Kampala, though we were there for two days only. And I exchanged greetings with at least another 17 as we were in the same hall. Each and everyone has congratulated the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he told reporters in a post-visit press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister said BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi used to “talk nonsense” but now that has intensified even more.
Hasan Mahmud said all countries have expressed willingness to work together with the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Regarding Awami League Working Committee’s decision to not back candidates with the party's electoral symbol in the upazila elections, the AL joint general secretary said such elections were held in the past without party symbols, including after AL's return to power in 2009.
Hasan Mahmud returned home on Tuesday after attending the two-day 3rd South Summit that ended in Ugandan capital Kampala on Monday.
During his four-day visit, he also led the Bangladesh delegation in the 19th NAM Summit.
The Foreign Minister led the Bangladesh delegation in the third South Summit and delivered a national statement.
The South Summit is the supreme decision-making body of the Group of 77.
High-level representatives of nearly 100 countries and heads of United Nations agencies attended the meeting.
The Summit was held with the theme “Leaving No One Behind”.
The statements delivered by the member states emphasized trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and the digital economy in fostering South-South Cooperation and collaboration.
The member states including Bangladesh called for solidarity, unity, and complementarity in the Global South to achieve the ultimate goals of sustainable development.