Awami League
Election Commission issues show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan
The Election Commission (EC) today (November 30, 2023) issued a show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan, star cricketer and Awami League-nominated candidate for Magura-1 constituency, for breaching electoral code of conduct.
Shakib has also been asked to appear before the election search committee in-person tomorrow afternoon and reply to the notice.
Read: Mashrafe, Shakib, get Awami League nominations for 12th ...
The notice, signed by Joint District and Sessions Judge Satyabrata Shikder, who has been leading the Magura-1 election search committee, said, “You, Shakib Al Hasan, entered Magura city with a convoy from Kamarkhali area on November 29 after being declared as Awami League-nominated candidate from Magura-1 constituency.”
Read: 12th parliamentary election: Shakib gets AL nomination for Magura-1 constituency
The notice says that Shakib attended civic receptions, disrupting traffic on the road. Several media outlets reported on the incident.
“By doing so, you have violated the provisions of sections 6(d), 8(a), 10(a) and 12 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates,” according to the notice.
Shakib has been asked to reply in writing as to why legal action should not be taken against him for breaching the electoral code of conduct.
Read more: Magura district welcomes Shakib warmly as MP candidate
Following Sheikh Hasina’s guideline, no bar to fielding dummy candidates: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (November 27, 2023) said that permission for party leaders to run as independent candidates in the upcoming national election is a “strategic decision”.
“Awami League is moving forward, changing strategy as per the need of the hour. There is no bar to dummy candidates following the guideline of the party chief (Sheikh Hasina),” he said.
Obaidul Quader came up with the remarks after paying homage to Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon marking Shaheed Dr Milon Day on Dhaka University premises.
Read: 71 AL MPs fail to get party tickets to run election
He said that Awami League doesn’t need companions, as people are its strength. BNP needs accomplices for their misdeeds, said the AL leader.
People of the country have been eagerly waiting for the election along with party leaders and activists as election season has already started in the country, he said.
Read: AL nominates 9 new faces in Dhaka constituencies
Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said that the upcoming election has generated a massive tide of public support that can’t be foiled by sporadic bombings and arson attacks.
The Awami League general secretary also alleged that BNP is now hatching a conspiracy to foil the election after its movement failed.
Read more: AL picks actor Ferdous for Dhaka-10
Momen mourns death of AL’s Sweden unit President Jahangir Kabir
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday condoled the demise of Sweden unit of Awami League President Jahangir Kabir.
AL’s main task is to prevent propaganda, sabotage ahead of polls: Obaidul Quader
In a condolence message, the foreign minister said Jahangir played a very positive role to highlight the image of Bangladesh abroad.
14 leaders from 9 parties meet PM Sheikh Hasina to discuss polls
Momen prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy for the bereaved family members.
Jahangir Kabir breathed his last at a hospital in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, on Tuesday morning (November 21).
AL finalises candidates for 72 constituencies in Rajshahi, Rangpur divisions
14 leaders from 9 parties meet PM Sheikh Hasina to discuss polls
A delegation of top 14 leaders of nine political parties met Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Thursday evening.
At this time, the leaders discussed the various issues of the national elections with the premier.
If ‘one party’ joins election, may consider pushing back polls: EC Anisur
They thanked Sheikh Hasina for the various steps taken to conduct a free, fair and acceptable election.
The leaders also praised the comprehensive development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter.
JP remains unified under GM Quader, will contest all 300 seats: Chunnu
Later, the delegation presented a calligraphy to Sheikh Hasina.
The political parties are:- Bangladesh Islamic Front, Bangladesh Khilafat Movement, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Muslim League, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Bangladesh Supreme Party, Bangladesh Islami Oikya Jote, Ashekane Auliya Oikya Parishad and Jamiate Ulamae Islam Bangladesh.
BNP, Jamaat, like-minded parties threaten to resist ‘lopsided polls’
Consequences won't be good if BNP, Jamaat foil upcoming polls: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday reiterated that BNP and Jamaat are trying to foil the parliamentary elections scheduled for January 7.
“The consequences will not be good if anyone tries to foil the election,” she warned adding that the people are the strength of her party.
Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, was delivering her introductory speech at Awami League’s Parliamentary Nomination Board meeting held at its Dhaka district office at Tejgaon to finalise the party’s candidates for the 12th parliamentary elections.
She said that BNP- Jamaat alliance did not participate in the 2014 elections as they had no confidence about their win.
She also said that although BNP-Jamaat tried to malign the 2018 elections, they failed to show any specific evidence of irregularities to support their claim.
She said that Awami League wants democracy to prevail in the country and the political parties will continue their activities freely.
“But while BNP was in power Awami League did not get that scope. Some 21000 leaders and activists of Awami League were killed across the country during their regime,” she said.
Read: PM Hasina urges G20 leaders to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensure humanitarian relief
The AL chief ruled out any confusion regarding free and fair vote. “There is no doubt about free and fair elections”
She urged the people to exercise their voting rights with great confidence.
She said that Awami League government has made a law to make the Election Commission independent which was once under the office of the Prime Minister.
“By bringing 82 amendments, the government has made the law suitable for free, neutral and fair elections,” she said.
She mentioned that the Election Commission is now formed in the country under the law which was enacted by the government.
She said that after the assassination of the Father of the Nation, the people of the country were deprived of their democratic rights and right to vote.
Read: Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina
“Illegal power grabbers took off their uniforms and suddenly became politicians. Ziaur Rahman hijacked the democratic process and suspended the constitution and issued martial law,” she said.
She mentioned that the people have been cheated in the name of democracy during the regime of Ziaur Rahman.
Criticising the countries which are now talking about Bangladesh, she said, when the military dictators violated people's rights, where was their consciousness.
The ruling party president said that BNP leader Khaleda Zia had to resign on March 30 in 1996 for her crime of rigging votes.
She said that according to the manifesto announced by Awami League, the budget formulation and vision plans have been adopted every year.
“After Digital Bangladesh, Awami League now aims to create smart government and smart society by creating skilled smart population,” she said.
Pointing to BNP-Jamaat she said that no one can go to power by killing people and destroying people's lives.
Read: PM Hasina to inaugurate AL's selling of nomination forms Saturday
Hasina admitted that BNP's acceptance was increasing when it was holding peaceful rallies and doing healthy politics.
“But when they reverted to their old forms of violence, they again got isolated from the mass people,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina urged BNP to come to the polls although they had earlier resorted to ‘nomination business.'
“Awami League also wants to see whose strength is greater,” she said.
No scope for dialogue now: Quader acknowledges receiving Donald Lu’s letter from Peter Haas
As Election Commission will announce the schedule of the next general election of Bangladesh any time, no scope is left for dialogue now, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said today (November 15, 2023).
“We have urged BNP several times to consider dialogue with us, without any condition. But there is no scope right now,” he said.
The road transport and bridges minister came up with the remark while talking to reporters at the Secretariat.
Obaidul Quader condemns BNP for ‘spreading lies’ against PM
“We have received a letter from Donald Lu (US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs). US Ambassador Peter Haas was here to give us the letter this morning. We can respond (to the letter) after holding a discussion with the party chief, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the AL leader said.
“I have read the letter, and it is about holding free, fair and neutral election,” he added.
Responding to a question, Quader said, “Those who believe in democracy can’t avoid dialogue. The EC is set to announce the polls schedule, so now there is no scope to hold a dialogue.”
UN is useless, says Obaidul Quader
Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal is set to address the nation and announce the schedule for the upcoming general election at 7 pm today (November 15, 2023), Election Commission has said.
CEC set to announce general election schedule at 7 pm today: EC
Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast the CEC’s speech in the evening, EC Secretary Jahangir Alam said while briefing reporters this morning.
As another blockade begins, AL and associate bodies set to hold peace rallies in Ctg
Another 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties to press home their one point demand, began this morning (November 15, 2023) with traffic movement on the streets.
The latest blockade started at 6 am today and will end at 6 am on Friday.
Dhaka city is witnessing an increase in vehicular movement and commuters on the streets.
People were seen rushing to their respective destinations. Rickshaws are dominating the city roads.
48-hour blockade: Two buses set ablaze in Gazipur
Earlier on Tuesday, miscreants set four buses on fire in Dhaka’s Mirpur area ahead of the blockade called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Meanwhile in Chattogram city, Awami League and its associate bodies will hold peace rallies at 19 points against BNP-Jamaat’s blockade.
The points include Darul Fazal Market premises, Kathgarh, Saltgola crossing, Badamtoli, Bohaddarhat, Naya Bazar, AK Khan, City Gate, Wasa, Muradpur, Kaptai Road, Oxygen, Aman Bazar, Moti Tower, Bakolia Access Road, Natun Bridge, Andorkilla and Dewanhat intersection.
After a pause for a day, BNP and like-minded opposition parties called yet another 48-hour countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade beginning from Wednesday to mount pressure on the Awami League government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration.
228 BGB platoons deployed to beef up security across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's 48hr blockade
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a virtual press briefing on Monday afternoon.
BNP and other opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have been enforcing blockades across the country since Oct 31.
BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
BNP-led forces must be resisted and defeated: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said the BNP-led "communal forces" will have to be resisted and defeated to protect Bangladesh's democracy, the spirit of Liberation War and the country’s independence.
Describing BNP as the main enemy of the nation, Quader said, "Once again the party (BNP) has announced a blockade to commit vandalism and arson violence."
BNP leader Amir Khasru detained
Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, made the remarks after paying homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 this morning on the occasion of jail killing day.
The Awami League’s general secretary said, “24 journalists were brutally attacked on October 28. A policeman was killed, a hospital was attacked, and the chief justice's residence was attacked. They torched a parked bus, killing the sleeping helper inside.”
“How is it repressive to arrest those who led these misdeeds?” Quader asked.
“How can they escape responsibility after committing such violence? Won't there be justice?” Quader said while talking to reporters.
JP’s Chunnu wants dialogue, disagrees with BNP’s one-point demand
Replying to a question from journalists about BNP's announcement of a 48-hour countrywide blockade from Sunday, the AL leader said, "They can announce as many blockades as they want. They (BNP) have already become tired.”
About BNP Quader said, “Either they’ll be in jail or be on the run. They will probably watch Hindi(Indian) serials.”
Quader also accused BNP of hiring people to commit arson violence and vandalise vehicles on the road on behalf of them.
About the jail killing day, Quader said, "The November 3, 1975 killing of 4 national leaders were the continuation of the August 15 conspiracy (that killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family). Later, Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina was the main target of the grenade attack on August 21, 2004.”
EC going to stage mockery in the name of dialogue at govt’s behest: BNP
The ALo general secretary said the conspiracy of 1975 and post-1975 killings were perpetrated to avenge the defeat of 1971.
"That defeated force is repeatedly attacking the soul and spirit of the nation. They are spreading communal tension,” said Quader
He accused BNP of harbouring this communal evil force.
“BNP is the trusted allies of those who committed the brutal killings in 1975. On October 28, it was proven again. And that’s why they are the main enemies of the nation,” he said.
'Attacks on Saturday, Sunday were pre-planned by BNP': Obaidul Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader has said that the attacks on Saturday and Sunday are pre-planned by BNP to execute their planned conspiracy for seizing power by any means.
He said, "The attacks on Saturday and Sunday are pre-planned by BNP. They had been preparing for the attack for a long time."
The minister said these things at a press conference at the political office of the Awami League President office in Dhanmondi on Sunday (October 29) afternoon.
Fakhrul brought to DB office for questioning: DMP Commissioner
Obaidul Quader said, "When talking about democratic movement, BNP was secretly preparing to implement the terrorist style of their politics. They were taking time to get back to their old ways, their terrible politics. In time they chose the way to execute their planned conspiracy."
The minister said they had challenged the law enforcement agencies.
"The attack on the Chief Justice's residence is an insult to the country's judiciary," he opined.
BNP announces 3-day countrywide blockade from Tuesday
"What have they not done in the last two days? BNP is involved in the conspiracy to seize power by any means. The BNP-Jamaat alliance has once again indulged in brutal terrorist activities to disrupt the country's democratic process," he added.
Quader said BNP and their allies are destroying the fair and normal political environment as it does not believe in democratic ideals.
BNP man dies ‘while fleeing after attempting to set bus on fire’ in Dhaka
"Yesterday's brutal attack and killing of a policeman in broad daylight, attack on the residence of the Chief Justice, fire in the hospital were part of Tariq Rahman's 'take back' formula," he also said.
AL, BNP rallies: 3 vehicles vandalised in Dhaka
Miscreants vandalised three vehicles in Dhaka’s Kakrail area today, as both Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are set to hold their respective rallies.
Witnesses said miscreants from a procession vandalised two pick-up vans while passing through the Kakrail area, opposite to the residence of the chief justice around 11 am.
BNP’s grand rally underway at Nayapaltan with huge turnout
Later, they also vandalised a bus of ‘Boishakhi Paribahan’ in front of International Mother Language Institute in the area.
Police have arrested a person involved in the attack.
Leaders, activists have started gathering at Baitul Mukarram South Gate for AL’s Peace Rally
The identity of the arrestee could not be known immediately.
Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies have gathered in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office to attend the grand rally today (October 28, 2023) to mount pressure on the government to accept their one-point demand.
Thousands gather at Dhaka’s Nayapaltan for BNP’s grand rally
Meanwhile, Awami League is scheduled to hold its peace rally at Baitul Mukarram Mosque’s South Gate in the afternoon.