United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said there is no such thing as a “second independence” in a sovereign, independent Bangladesh. “Today’s celebrations would serve as evidence that the concept of a ‘second independence’ does not exist in the country,” he said after paying tribute to the martyred war heroes on the occasion of the 54th Independence Day at the National Memorial in Savar. The notion of a "second independence" was an attempt to undermine the significance of the country's hard-earned freedom from 1971, Abbas said. "Second independence": An Attempt to Undermine Original Freedom “Those who talk about a second independence want to undermine today’s Independence Day. In other words, they had no role in the independence of 1971,” Abbas added. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity He urged those propagating such views to show restraint and respect for the day, calling for the preservation of Bangladesh’s hard-won independence. “I would say they should remain quiet and respect Independence Day. Let’s make sure we can preserve this independence.” On National Unity and Political Diversity When asked about the current state of national unity, Abbas said there was no real disunity in the country. “There is no disunity; there is a place for interest. Every party has its own ethical stance and ideology. Each speaks from their perspective. I wouldn’t call this disunity.” He added that while different political ideologies may create the appearance of division, the country would unite when the need arose to protect its independence and sovereignty. “If a time comes, when national unity is required, we will all come together.” On Upcoming Elections Regarding the upcoming national election, Abbas expressed his confidence in the statement made by the chief adviser, who confirmed that elections would be held in December. “We want to believe in this, and we don’t want to change our faith.” Remembering Ziaur Rahman Reflecting on the legacy of independence, Mirza Abbas also remembered President Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence and fought for its freedom during the war. “Ziaur Rahman declared independence and fought for the country’s freedom.” Fakhrul to attend Bangabhaban reception today Abbas added that despite 54 years of independence, the nation had, at times, lost the true essence of freedom. However, recent movements, particularly the student-led protests on August 5, had revived hope and led to the removal of the "autocrat" prime minister Sheikh Hasina. “The people of the country have been freed once again from autocracy and oppression,” he added.  

BNP Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque has demanded that the interim government promptly announce the national election date by upholding the dignity of the July mass uprising. "I request the Chief Adviser of the interim government to immediately announce the election date without any further delay or wastage of time, in order to keep intact the honour of the second independence, earned at the cost of the blood of Abu Sayed and Mugdho," he said while addressing a rally on Friday. Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the announcement of a roadmap for the national election. Stay alert against rift over ‘July Declaration’: Salahuddin to govt Farroque, a former opposition chief whip, said the interim government should not waste unnecessary time holding the polls under the guise of reforms. "Reforms will continue, the election date will be set, and preparations for the election will also go on. I demand the immediate announcement of the election date," he said. The BNP leader recalled that former Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, who was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at that time, arranged a free and fair election in Bangladesh in 1991 within a short time after the fall of autocratic ruler HM Ershad. He said there is now no need for so many reforms to hold a free, fair and credible election like that of 1991. The BNP leader observed that the nation needs reforms that will provide relief to the people and allow them to purchase rice and other essential commodities at reasonable prices. He slammed the government for increasing value-added tax (VAT) and supplementary duty (SD) on nearly 100 goods and services, making life more expensive. EC waiting for final shape of reform proposal: Commissioner Masud “You came to power through the revolution of students and the masses. You are in government through the students' movement. So, why have you imposed VAT on the tiffin boxes of school students? Why have you immorally imposed VAT on all daily essentials?” Farroque said. He said the country’s common people are facing severe hardships due to the VAT and SD increases. “Where they earlier managed to live on Tk 10,000 a month, now they cannot even make ends meet on Tk 25,000.” He alleged that a syndicate is profiting by buying hundreds of tickets, holding them in offices, and selling them at inflated prices to people intending to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, only because of the government’s inaction. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul Farroque called upon the Civil Aviation Advisor to take proper steps to dismantle this unscrupulous syndicate so that people can buy tickets at fair prices to perform Umrah.