President Abdul Hamid
President to hold dialogue with 2 more political parties Sunday
President Abdul Hamid will meet two more registered political parties on Sunday as he continues discussions with political parties on formation of the next Election Commission.
The tenure of the current EC is to expire on February 14 next year.
Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) has been invited to join the dialogue at 4pm on December 26 while Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) will meet the President at 6 pm the same day, President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Khelafat Majlish will participate in the discussion at 4 pm and 6 pm on December 27 respectively while Bangladesh Workers' Party is scheduled to meet the President at 4pm on December 28.
Read: President’s dialogue with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal in progress
On December 29, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) was invited to hold the dialogue at 4pm and Islami Oikya Jote will exchange their views with the President at 6pm on the same day.
On January 2, Goro Forum was invited to join the dialogue at 6pm while Bikolpadhara Bangladesh at 7 pm on the same day. And Gonotantri Party and Bangladesh Communist Party will participate in the discussion at 6 pm and 7 pm on January 3 respectively.
Hamid also met the leaders of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Inu) at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.
President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Hasanul Haq Inu led his party’s six-member delegation in the dialogue.
Earlier, the President opened the dialogue on December 20 with Jatiya Party (JaPa), the main opposition party in Parliament.
Read: Presidential dialogue on EC: Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal to meet on Wednesday
An eight-member JaPa delegation, led by its chairman GM Quader, joined in the discussion.
Now there are 39 registered political parties in Bangladesh, according to the EC website and nine of those only have representation in Parliament.
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.
Jasod backs EC formation through search committee
Taking party in talks with President Abdul Hamid, Hasanul Haq Inu-led Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) on Wednesday said the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC) through a search committee is relatively a good initiative in the absence of a law.
The party, however, requested the President to give the government necessary directions to establish a permanent legal framework for the formation of the EC.
Earlier, President Abdul Hamid sat with a delegation Jasad at Bangabhaban as he continued discussions with the political parties on the formation of the next Election Commission.
Read: Uncontested elections a concern for democracy: EC Mahbub
The current EC is scheduled to expire on February 14 next year.
Jasod President Hasanul Haq Inu led his party’s six-member delegation in the over hour-long talks that began at 4.15pm, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
President Hamid welcomed the Jasod delegation at Bangabhaban and thanked them for participating in the dialogue.
The President’s talks with the registered political parties over the formation of the new EC began on Monday with the first parley with the main opposition in parliament, Jatiya Party.
After the meeting, Inu said the formation of a commission through a search committee is a relatively good initiative, and they support this system in absence of a legal framework.
“According to the constitution, the President has the full authority to form the Election Commission. We appreciate him for initiating talks with Jasad and other political parties. This approach will help the President to present an acceptable and capable Election Commission," he said.
The Jasod chief said that their party thinks it is not appropriate to propose any name for the search committee.
Inu said they, however, proposed keeping a female and professor-level person in the search committee.
The Jasod chief said they told the president that it is necessary to include people who have honesty, integrity and acceptance in the committee.
He hoped that other political parties would also take part in the talks with the President and cooperate with him in reconstituting a capable EC.
Read: Presidential dialogue on EC: Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal to meet on Wednesday
The President said the opinions of the political parties can play an important role in the formation of the Commission since there is no law for reconstituting the Election Commission.
Hamid sought cooperation of all political parties in this regard.
The other members of the delegation are Jasad General Secretary Shirin Akhter, working President Rabiul Alam, member of Standing Committee Mosharaf Hossain, vice-presidents Mir Hossain Akhter, Shah Zikrul Ahmed, Rezaul Karim Tansen.
Secretary to the President Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Press Secretary Joynal Abedin and Secretary (attached) Wahidul Islam Khan were present.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) has been invited to take part in the dialogue at 4pm on December 26 while Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) will meet the president at 6pm the same day, Abedin said.
Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Khelafat Majlish will participate in the discussions at 4 pm and 6 pm on December 27 respectively while Bangladesh Workers' Party is scheduled to join on December 28 at 4pm.
On December 29, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) was invited to join the dialogue at 4pm while Islami Oikya Jote will exchange their views with the President at 6pm on the same day.
There are now 39 registered political parties, according to the EC website. But only nine parties have representation in Parliament.
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.
Presidential dialogue on EC: Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal to meet on Wednesday
President Abdul Hamid will meet the leaders of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Inu) at Bangabhaban on Wednesday as he continues discussion with the political parties on the formation of the next Election Commission.
The current EC is scheduled to expire on February 14 next year.
The dialogue, second in the series, is scheduled to be held at 4 pm, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
The president opened the dialogue on Monday with Jatiya Party (JaPa), the main opposition party in Parliament.
The eight-member JaPa delegation was led by its chairman GM Quader.
Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) has been invited to hold the dialogue at 4pm on December 26 while Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) will meet the president at 6pm the same day, Abedin said.
Read: President opens dialogue on new EC, meets JaPa delegation
Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Khelafat Majlish will participate in the discussion at 4 pm and 6 pm on December 27 respectively while Bangladesh Workers' Party is scheduled to join on December 28 at 4pm.
On December 29, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) was invited to hold the dialogue at 4pm while Islami Oikya Jote exchange will exchange their views with the President at 6pm on the same day.
Now there are 39 registered political parties, according to the EC website. But only nine parties have representation in Parliament.
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.
President’s dialogue on EC formation kicks off Monday
President Abdul Hamid will kick off the dialogue with registered political parties on Monday to discuss issues relating to the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC).
The dialogue is formally going to begin with the main opposition -- Jatiya Party -- in Parliament.
An eight-member delegation of Jatiya Party will participate in the dialogue with the President to be held at 4pm on Monday at Bangabhaban, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Read:EC formation: President to start dialogue on Dec 20
Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman GM Quader will lead his party’s delegation at the talks.
The parties that have representation in Parliament have already been invited to join the talks, Joynal said.
The five-year tenure of the incumbent Commission, led by Chief Election Commission KM Nurul Huda, will expire on February 14 next.
Now there are 39 registered political parties, according to the EC website. But only nine parties have representation in Parliament.
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.
One of the major parties, BNP, still did not make its position clear whether it will join the talks with the President or not.
A senior leader wishing anonymity said their party may not join the talks as they think the new EC will be formed as per the ruling party’s wish.
He said they have a plan to send a letter to the president giving their observations and recommendations on the reconstitution of the EC instead of joining the dialogue.
In December 2016, President Abdul Hamid had a series of talks with the registered political parties over the EC’s reconstitution that began with the first meeting with a delegation of BNP.
Read:Not right to enact EC formation law in a haste: Law minister
Later, a six-member search committee was formed to recommend names for the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners.
The search committee sought five names from every political party. The committee later submitted 10 names before President Md Abdul Hamid to appoint CEC and election commissioners among them.
The President finally formed the present commission-headed by KM Nurul Huda. Then the CEC and other commissioners took oath on February 15, 2017.
As per the constitution, the EC should be formed under a law, but this law has not been enacted yet in Bangladesh.
The new election commission will have to arrange the 12th national election within November 2023 to January 2024.
Bangladesh set to celebrate 51st Victory Day Thursday
The nation is set to celebrate the 51st Victory Day on Thursday, the most joyous day when the country was born at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of nearly half a million mothers and sisters, with elaborate programmes.
On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month-long war.
People from all walks of life will join various programmes on Thursday to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War 50 years back.
Read: Victory Day programmes: DMP commissioner stresses onus on security
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the day. Bangladeshis at home and abroad will also celebrate the day.
This year’s Victory Day has special significance as it coincides with the celebrations of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country's independence.
The day’s programme will begin with a 31-gun salute.
EC formation: President to start dialogue on Dec 20
President Abdul Hamid will start a dialogue with registered political parties on December 20 next to discuss issues relating to the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC).
“The President will hold talks with registered political parties before appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and commissioners," President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB on Tuesday.
The dialogue will formally begin on Monday (Dec 20) with the main opposition (Jatiya Party) in Parliament, he said.
The parties that have representation in Parliament will be invited first to join the talks.
The five-year tenure of the incumbent Commission, led by Chief Election Commission KM Nurul Huda, will expire in mid-February next.
Now there are 39 registered political parties, according to the EC website. But only nine parties have representation in Parliament.
Read:Not right to enact EC formation law in a haste: Law minister
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.
Contacted, Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu said their party still did not receive any formal letter for joining the talks.
He, however, said they came to know that the President will sit with Jatiya Party on Mandy afternoon.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they also still did not get any letter from Bangabhaban to participate in the dialogue.
“If we get any such letter, we’ll make a decision at our party forum whether we’ll join it or not,” he added.
As per the constitution, the EC should be formed under a law, but this law has not been enacted yet in Bangladesh.
The new election commission will have to arrange the 12th national election within November 2023 to January 2024.
Article 123 (3) of the Constitution states that a general election of the Members of Parliament shall be held- (a) in the case of a dissolution by reason of the expiration of its term, within the period of ninety days preceding such dissolution; and (b) in the case of a dissolution otherwise than by reason of such expiration, within ninety days after such dissolution.
On November 18 last, Law Minister Anisul Huq said it would not be right to enact a law for forming the Election Commission in haste.
READ: Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder boycotts meeting, again
Earlier, a representative team led by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of civil rights organization Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), handed over the copy of ‘Draft Election Commission Enrolment Law’.
The Law Minister said, “It won’t be right to put the law into practice sidestepping parliament,” as Dr Badiul Alam suggested promulgating an ordinance to enact the law.
However, the law minister on November 29 said a bill would be placed in parliament in any coming session to enact a law on the Election Commission formation.
BNP has long been demanding the formation of the EC after having in place a non-party polls-time government.
On November 2 last, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party has no interest in the formation of the Election Commission through a search committee under the current government.
He said the Election Commission cannot do anything if there is no polls-time neutral government in place.
In December 2016, President Abdul Hamid also held a series of talks with the registered political parties over the EC’s reconstitution and then formed a six-member search committee to recommend names for the CEC and election commissioners.
The search committee sought five names from every political party. The committee later submitted 10 names before President Md Abdul Hamid to appoint CEC and election commissioners among them.
The President finally formed the present commission-headed by KM Nurul Huda. Then the CEC and other commissioners took oath on February 15, 2017.
In 2012, then President Zillur Rahman constituted Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led Election Commission also through a search committee after holding meetings with political parties.
President's prescription: 'Boycott the corrupt'
"The society should boycott the corrupt" -- that's President Abdul Hamid's curt prescription to end corruption in Bangladesh.
"No man is born corrupt. Family, social and surrounding environment have the greatest impact on human life. So, corrupt people should be socially boycotted," he said at a programme on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9.
The programme was organised at the city's Shilapakala Academy this morning, where Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain also delivered his speech as the special guest.
Read:President signs resignation letter of Murad Hasan
Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy’s 58th death anniversary today
The 58th death anniversary of Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy is being observed in the country in a befitting manner on Sunday.
Different political and socio-cultural organizations have taken up elaborate programmes on the occasion.
The programmes include placing of wreaths at the grave of the great leader and discussions.
Read: Sufia Kamal’s 22nd death anniversary observed
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, the President said “The nation remembers with respect Suhrawardy’s contributions in flourishing democracy and improving the socio-economic condition of the people of this region.”
The President expressed hope that the life and works of Suhrawardy will encourage the future generation to devote themselves in people’s welfare.
In her message, the Prime Minister said Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy worked for establishing democratic rights of people and flourishing non-communal politics throughout his life.
Read: Maulana Bhasani's 45th death anniversary Wednesday
Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy was a veteran politician and a lawyer who served as the fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan from September 12, 1956 until resigning on October 17 1957.
Born into an illustrious Bengali Muslim family in Midnapore on September 8, 1892, Suhrawardy was educated in Kolkata and was trained as a barrister in Oxford where he practised law at the Gray's Inn in Great Britain.
He died on December 5, 1963 at Beirut in Lebanon.
Celebrating the Peace Accord in Hill Tracts
The 24th anniversary of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord was observed in the three hilly districts on Thursday.
A colourful rally, arranged by 11 ethnic groups in Bandarbans, was brought out from the local Jila Parishad office premises in the morning, following a discussion on the CHT treaty.
Brigadier General Md Ziaul Haque, Commander of the 69th Infantry Brigade, inaugurated the event in Bandarbans.
Read:CHT Peace Treaty: A chase of an illusion!
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday issued separate messages, marking the completion of 24 years of the treaty.
Degrees not enough, achieve global standards, President tells DU students
President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday asked every student to achieve international standards along with academic degrees.
"As the number of students in Dhaka University has increased over time, so has the scope of its infrastructure and educational activities," the President said.
"Competition has also been internationalised for the benefit of modern science and information technology. So, every student has to obtain international standards along with degrees," he said.
President Hamid was addressing the inaugural ceremony of Dhaka University's 16-day programme in celebration of the centenary of its founding. The programme will also mark the golden jubilee of the country’s independence.
Read: Bury differences for national unity to build Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla: President Hamid
Hamid, who virtually attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest from his official residence, said that the university authorities also need to consider world standards in determining curriculum and teaching.
The President said that parents and guardians send their children to university with high hopes and aspirations.
"Besides, the country and the people invest for educating them. The students have to acquire the ability to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the family, the country and the people," he added.
Hamid said that the expansion of infrastructure, faculty members, students, departments and institutes contributes to the development of a university but the quality of education and research is the key indicator.
"Higher education institutions, including universities, have to come forward to enhance the quality of education and the capacity of students, taking into account the needs and qualifications of the national and international labour market."