Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
BNP urges India to return Hasina for trial over mass killings
Stating that the UN fact-finding report rightly revealed Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in mass killings during the July-August mass uprising, the BNP has demanded that India return her to Bangladesh for prosecution.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the demand at a press briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka, James Goldman, on Thursday.
“I would like to thank the UN fact-finding committee for their report, which correctly states that the killings were carried out as per the orders of a particular individual, the fascist Hasina,” he said.
He said the report said the mass killings, all human rights violations, and the destruction of democracy and institutions were carried out by her orders.
People to decide on AL ban, says Fakhrul
"It has been proven that Hasina is a fascist who has tortured, persecuted and killed the people of this country. We are calling upon the Indian government today to immediately return her (Hasina) and her accomplices to Bangladesh and hand her over to the government for trial. This is our expectation,” Fakhrul said.
He expressed their party’s relief as the truth about the incidents that took place has now been uncovered through the UN report. “The problem is that when the United Nations speaks, we all believe it. But when we, the political parties, say it, many are reluctant to believe. Anyway, I would like to thank the UN team that came here and presented the report.”
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released its Fact-Finding Report titled 'Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh' on Friday.
Fakhrul also talked about the issue of enforced disappearances and the "Aynaghar torture cells," saying, it is a fact that the people of Bangladesh have been subjected to enforced disappearances and brutal killings.
"Enforced disappearances and killings are not limited to any particular party. The people of Bangladesh have been made to disappear here (in Aynaghar), and they have been brutally killed... These are the things we have been saying from the very beginning,” he said.
When the report on Aynaghar was released on Al Jazeera, the BNP leader said the Awami League government at the time had completely denied it, claiming that nothing like this was there. “But from the very beginning, these things were taking place."
BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists
He alleged that the Awami League regime used to pick people up and then falsely accuse them of being militants. Many people were repressed in torture cells to extract various confessions about their supposed involvement in militant activities, the BNP leader said.
“Some people were kept in the torture cells to create a fake narrative, using them to stage militant dramas at different times... they showed that militant training was happening in various houses and bombs were being made, all to demonstrate that militants were spreading. But today, it has been proven that the things we said were true,” he said.
Fakhrul said the Awami League government, at that time, deliberately violated human rights in Bangladesh, destroyed democracy, and targeted the opposition simply to remain in power.
1 day ago
Acting British high commissioner meets Fakhrul
Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka James Goldman met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday and discussed a range of issues relating to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and the current political situation.
The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, took place at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said foreign missions in Dhaka are keen to understand the latest political situation, political developments and incidents in Bangladesh.
Brazilian envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses elections issues
As part of this, he said the acting British High Commissioner met him to discuss the country’s current political situation and the steps being taken by the interim government.
The BNP leader said the British envoy also inquired about BNP's relations with other countries.
"They (UK) wanted to know when the election might be held. Even we are unclear about that, as it is still largely speculative," Fakhrul said.
Singapore’s envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses bilateral issues
He informed that British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, who is currently in London, would meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman later today (Thursday).
2 days ago
Fakhrul, Khosru, Zaima set to attend US National Prayer Breakfast
A three-member BNP delegation, including party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, is set to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, USA.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead the delegation, with Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury as the other member.
Contacted, Mirza Fakhrul confirmed that he, along with Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, will depart for Washington on Sunday evening.
“The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event in the United States. Our party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has also been invited to this event. As he is unable to attend, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, will represent him,” he said.
Fakhrul said Zaima will travel to Washington from London and join the event.
Congressmen invite BNP's top leaders to join ‘National Prayer Breakfast’
BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir Khan said Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khosru are scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for the USA on an Emirates Airlines flight at 6:30pm this evening.
The National Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for 5-6 February in Washington, D.C., is an annual event that serves as a platform for dialogue among national and international leaders.
The event is organised by the US Congress and invites global political and social figures for discussions on faith, leadership, and global issues.
US govt distances itself from IRF Summit, National Prayer Breakfast
On 11 January, the National Prayer Breakfast Committee extended invitations to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to participate in the event.
1 week ago
Brazilian envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses elections issues
Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed issues relating to the next national election and bilateral cooperation.
The over an hour-long meeting, which began at around 11 am on Tuesday, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed were also present at the meeting.
Briefing reporters about the outcome of the meeting, Khosru said, “We had an in-depth discussion on the current bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Brazil and the various possibilities for strengthening them further.”
In response to a question, he said they had also discussed Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election, with Brazil expressing its desire for the election to take place.
Khosru said they discussed Brazil’s cooperation in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, including cattle farming and increasing meat and milk production.
“Brazil holds a very strong position in agriculture, and we import many agricultural commodities from Brazil, including sugar,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Fakhrul meets UK minister Catherine West
He said Bangladesh exports garments and pharmaceutical products to Brazil, but they acknowledged there is potential to further enhance these exports.
Khosru mentioned that they had raised the issue of Brazil’s cooperation in improving Bangladesh’s sports sector, particularly football.
The meeting also covered expanding cooperation in the cultural sector and promoting cultural exchanges.
Khosru said trade between the two countries exceeds $2 billion, with the balance of payments currently in Brazil’s favour. “So, we need to increase exports to Brazil, particularly in garments and pharmaceuticals.”
He also urged the Brazilian envoy to lift the existing embargo on the export of Bangladesh’s jute to Brazil.
“If we can increase exports of garments, pharmaceuticals, and jute to Brazil, the balance of payments could either be balanced or shift in our favour,” the BNP leader said.
Khosru said they encouraged the Brazilian envoy to facilitate increased investment in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, especially in cattle and milk production.
Read more: Fakhrul discusses bilateral issues with Chinese ambassador
The BNP leader said Brazil is keen to export red meat to Bangladesh and set up a warehouse here to meet local demand at lower prices.
He also said Brazil is eager to transfer technology to help Bangladesh produce meat and milk more cost-effectively.
2 weeks ago
Fakhrul holding meeting with Islami Andolon chief Rezaul Karim
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sat in a meeting with Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) IAB Ameer Syed Md Rezaul Karim on Monday.
The meeting began around 12:15pm at the IAB’s central office in the capital’s Purana Paltan area.
Fakhrul along with BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu went to the IAB office around 12:05pm.
Read: Interim govt forgetting duty to transfer power after fair polls: Hafizuddin
IAB Senior Presidium Member Principal Syed Mosaddek Billah Al Madani, Secretary General Principal Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Presidium Member Professor Ashraf Ali Akon, Senior Joint Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman and Joint Secretary General Maulana Imtiaz Alam are also present at the meeting.
Earlier, on Jan 21, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and IAB Ameer Syed Md Rezaul Karim had a meeting at the Charmonai Darbar Sharif in Barishal.
2 weeks ago
No conflict between reform and election: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that reforms and elections are not mutually exclusive, as both can progress parallel without hindrance.
“There’s no conflict between reforms and elections. The reforms will continue, and so will the elections,” he said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary.
He said the party that wins the election and forms the government will carry forward the reforms.
“We can say it clearly, on behalf of our party, that we will take forward every reform (if we form the government),” the BNP leader assured.
Sought remarks on the submitted reports of the four reform commissions, Fakhrul declined to comment as their party has not yet received the reports.
He also mentioned that the government has said it will hold discussions with political parties after receiving the reports and would then make a decision on the reform proposals.
The BNP Secretary General, however, said no reform proposal will be accepted without consensus.
“On this day, we pray for stronger unity among all people and hope that we can soon return to democracy through an election, establishing a proper democratic system,” he said.
Read: Safeguard freedom of expression, voting rights to resist autocrats: Tarique
Earlier, Fakhrul along with BNP leaders and activists paid homage to its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, marking his birth anniversary.
Thousands of BNP leaders and activists, led by Fakhrul, placed wreaths at Zia's Sher-e-Banglanagar grave around 11:15am.
Read more: BNP promises to ignore loan defaulters in upcoming election
They later offered fateha following a special munajat seeking salvation of the departed soul of Zia.
BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, Chairperson's Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman, Zainul Abedin Farroque, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, central leaders Khairul Kabir Khokon, Abdus Salam, Kamruzzaman Ratan, Mir Sarafat Ali, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab, Dr Rafiqul Islam, Amirulzzaman Khan Shimul, Dhaka north city unit president Aminul Haque and south city unit president Rafiqul Alam Mojnu were, among others, present.
Leaders and activists of BNP's different units and associate bodies also placed wreaths at Zia's grave.
3 weeks ago
BNP pays homage to Zia on his birth anniversary
The BNP paid homage to its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman on Sunday on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary.
Thousands of BNP leaders and activists, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths at Zia's Sher-e-Banglanagar grave around 11:15am.
They later offered fateha following a special munajat seeking salvation of the departed soul of Zia.
BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, Chairperson's Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman, Zainul Abedin Farroque, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, central leaders Khairul Kabir Khokon, Abdus Salam, Kamruzzaman Ratan, Mir Sarafat Ali, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab, Dr Rafiqul Islam, Amirulzzaman Khan Shimul, Dhaka north city unit president Aminul Haque and south city unit president Rafiqul Alam Mojnu were, among others, present.
Leaders and activists of BNP's different units and associate bodies also placed wreaths at Zia's grave.
Read: Zia’s 89th birth anniversary Sunday
Ziaur Rahman was born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogura. He founded BNP in 1978 and became the country's seventh President.
To mark the day, the party hosted the party flag atop all BNP offices across the country.
BNP will also arrange a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the afternoon in memory of Zia.
BNP’s associate bodies are also observing the day with various programs, including discussions and warm clothes distribution, as part of the birth anniversary programmes.
The party’s city, district and upazila units are marking the day with different programmes.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion paying deep homage to Zia.
He recalled the BNP founder’s contributions to the Liberation War, country’s development and restoration of multiparty democracy.
The BNP leader also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Zia.
3 weeks ago
BNP promises to ignore loan defaulters in upcoming election
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has promised that their party will remain cautious not to nominate any loan defaulter in the upcoming national election.
"We’re committed to people that we’ll surely try to ensure that defaulters do not get nominations. We’ll be very careful in this regard," he said during a symposium titled "White Paper and Thereafter: Economic Management, Reforms and National Budget" at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital on Saturday.
Fakhrul made the remark in response to a question from noted economist Prof Rehman Sobhan, who asked whether the BNP would support the proposition that loan defaulters should be barred from contesting elections to curb the influence of money and muscle power.
He said their party is working on a future course of action to move the country forward, taking lessons from past experiences.
The BNP leader, however, acknowledged that it may not be possible to change everything overnight.
Announce election date to uphold dignity of 2nd independence: BNP leader to CA
He stressed the need for properly rebuilding the country’s institutions. “Our democratic institutions were destroyed over the past 15 years during the Awami League government. We believe in institutional settlement. What we need most now is to fix the institutions. Enough is enough. Let’s truly build Bangladesh as per our dreams and the desires of the people.”
In reply to a question about whether their party wants the fascist political party Awami League to participate in the election, Fakhrul said it is the people of the country who will decide on this matter. “As a political party, we’re not willing to make a decision on it.”
Asked why BNP is insisting on an interim government to hold the national election promptly, Fakhrul said they believe only an elected government can properly resolve the country’s problems. “Since the elected government comes to power with the public mandate, they have the authority to address the people’s issues.”
He said the interim government should arrange the election as soon as possible to establish an elected government as such an administration can implement all types of reforms through discussions in parliament.
BNP shifts focus, demands mid-year national election amid evolving situation
Fakhrul said BNP presented a comprehensive 31-point political and economic reform outline two years ago.
He said BNP prioritises political reforms, including limiting the Prime Minister to two terms, establishing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring that those who do not contest elections can still participate in governance.
Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s proposal for the formation of a national government after the election as the party wants to eliminate inequalities and take the country forward based on national unity.
In response to a question about whether BNP will be able to implement reforms if it comes to power, Fakhrul said it is incorrect to say that BNP will not be able to do so since the party committed to carrying out reforms as per their 31-point proposal.
He said many people hope an interim government will resolve all issues within six months, but he described this as unrealistic.
“That is why we are focusing more on the election. Democracy was not practiced in our previous parliaments. Let’s try and see if we can,” the BNP said.
BNP urges interim govt to hold national election by Aug
When asked about the Rohingya issue, Fakhrul said the Awami League had not taken proper steps to resolve the crisis, including holding talks with China and India, as it was not a priority for them.
He said if BNP returns to power, they will make their best efforts to find a suitable solution to the Rohingya crisis, just as they did in the past.
3 weeks ago
Fakhrul’s statement political, no distance with govt: Rizwana
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the recent comments made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir regarding the upcoming national election were political in nature and not indicative of any rift between the BNP and the government.
Responding to journalists’ questions during a press conference at the Secretariat on the progress of the "Natural Capital Mapping" initiative, Rizwana said that there was no gap between them.
Fakhrul had called on the interim government to take action for holding the national election between July and August.
DoE fines over Tk 24 lakh, closes 9 brick kilns for polluting environment
Rizwana said, “This is not a question of a gap. If you observe the whole process, the reform commissions are working, and all political parties, including the BNP, have provided written opinions. Therefore, they have accepted the idea of reforms. They have been saying from the beginning that reforms are necessary.”
She also said, “Any political party can make its political statement. They have an audience, and they will speak their mind. There is no issue of a gap here. The statements made by political parties are their political statements. There is no room for conflict here.”
The adviser added that decisions will be reached through discussions, and that Fakhrul's comments should be viewed as those of a political party spokesperson, while the government's stance was from their official position.
The adviser also said that discussions with political parties are expected to begin by mid-February. When asked about talks with the Jatiya Party, she mentioned that several issues, including reforms, the election roadmap, and the demand for justice, were being addressed concurrently.
Formal talks with political parties over reforms likely in Feb: Rizwana
Regarding Bangladesh's water rights, the adviser reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting its interests over shared rivers. With the Ganges treaty set to expire soon, she announced that efforts to extend it until 2026 were underway, with discussions planned with India.
On the matter of the Teesta master plan, Rizwana raised concerns about public understanding of the plan. She asserted that consultations with local people would be held starting next month to ensure their concerns were reflected in the plan, irrespective of its specific title.
Taskforce to work with time-bound action plan to address air pollution : Syeda Rizwana
Lastly, responding to a question about the ongoing efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back from India, Rizwana said that the Indian position, based on available information, indicated that she would not be returned. An official response will be provided once received.
4 weeks ago
BNP to prosecute ‘fallen fascists’ if voted to power: Fakhrul
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.”
1 month ago