Police have arrested former lawmaker Barrister Sayedul Haque Suman from Mirpur. Officials said Sumon was arrested late Monday night by members from Mirpur Model Police Station. He has been taken to Pallabi Police Station as there was no proper facility to keep an accused in Mirpur Police Station which was damaged in an arson attack during the recent mass upsurge. Nazrul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Pallabi Police Station confirmed the matter. According to the OC, Suman was arrested for his alleged involvement in the killing of a student during the July-August anti-discrimination student movement. Man arrested for offensive post about Quran on Facebook  Before the arrest Barrister Suman said on his verified Facebook account, "I am going with the police. See you in court. Pray for me, everyone." Suman was elected as an independent candidate in controversial January 7 polls from Habiganj-4 constituency.

The Awami League on Wednesday accused the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, of attempting to erase the history of Bangladesh’s creation by “pressing the reset button.” In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page, the party claimed that the government had cancelled eight national days, including the March 7, which commemorates Bangabandhu’s historic speech that united the Bengali nation during the Liberation War. “They cancelled the National Day of Mourning on August 15, as their actions reflect the ideology of Bangabandhu’s killers,” the party further alleged. AL condemns move to cancel 8 significant national days The Awami League also condemned the cancellation of March 17, which is celebrated as the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and National Children’s Day. The party accused the interim government of not recognizing Sheikh Mujib as the Father of the Nation. Additionally, the party claimed that the Constitution Day of November 4, which embodies the aspirations of the Liberation War, had been scrapped by the interim government. “They even demolished murals and sculptures of Bangabandhu on August 5 because of his role in leading Bangladesh to independence,” the statement added. The Awami League strongly condemned the interim government’s actions, calling them an “audacity” and declaring that the people of Bangladesh are united in their opposition to these “illegal activities.”

Awami League greeted people of the country on the occasion of Sharadio Durga Puja. In its verified Facebook post on Thursday, Awami League said, “It is our belief that communal harmony will be reawakened in Bangladesh by breaking through the darkness.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (July 07, 2024) dismissed the movement against the quota system in the government jobs as irrational saying it's sub-judice. “I don’t think there is any rationality for what is being done today in the name of movement by wasting the study time,” she said.  The premier said this when the central leaders of Jubo Mohila League paid a courtesy call on her at Ganabhaban on the occasion of its 22nd founding anniversary. Jubo Mohila League, an associate body of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL), was founded on July 6, 2002. Referring to the recent judgment of the High Court against the abolishment of the quota system in the government jobs, Hasina said the it's not right to wage a movement against the judgment of the High Court and it is a sub-judice matter. “If the High Court delivers judgment on an issue, it (any change) will have to come again from the High Court,” she said. PM Hasina calls for enhanced trade and investment between Bangladesh and Spain The PM said the government earlier abolished the quota system (in 2018) but different districts, remote areas and even women have been deprived of getting jobs in the last few years. A large number of girls who used to get jobs due to the quota system in the past, did not get any opportunity in the past few years, she added. Criticising the girls who are participating in the anti-quota movement, she said “Here I’ve a question. It needs to find the calculation that how many of them (girls) who earlier joined the movement (in 2018) sat for the PSC examination and how many of them passed,” she said. The girls should prove first that a greater  number of them qualified the examinations, said the prime minister. Talking about the universal pension scheme, she said the government introduced it for all in accordance with Awami League’s  electoral manifesto. The PM asked all politicians including the members of the Jubo Mohila League to join the universal pension scheme for their safe old age life.  “If they join, they would not need to depend on others and they wouldn’t be a burden for their sons and daughters in their old age” she said. AL President Sheikh Hasina said Jubo Mohila League has been struggling for establishing the rights of the country’s people from the very beginning of its foundation.  “The people voted for the Awami League consecutively after 2008. So, we came to power time and again. We’ve been able to elevate Bangladesh to a higher position in every sector, including women empowerment,” she said. Govt modernised curriculum to flourish talents of students: PM Hasina She said Khaleda Zia was ousted from power on two occasions by the people for vote-rigging.  “Khaleda Zia said with pride that she came to power through a voterless election held on February 15, 1996. But the people of Bangladesh ousted the thieves of votes.   Within only one and half months — March 30, 1996, she had been forced to step down,” she added. The PM said BNP again were ousted (in 2006) from power as the people didn’t accept their conspiracy to rig vote and the election (January 22, 2007 election) was spoiled.    The AL president asked the members of Jubo Mohila League to raise the misrules of the BNP regimes before the people as well as to play a more active role so that their misrules can not return again in the country. Read more: Anti-quota movement: Students block Dhaka-Barishal Highway causing 5km tailback

A Dhaka court on Monday (April 29, 2024) framed charges against 33 accused in case over the killing of Awami League leader Zahidul Islam Tipu and a female college student in Shahjahanpur area around two years back. The trial in the case began formally through framing the charges. Dhaka Special Judge Court-Judge Ali Hossain passed the order after rejecting an appeal for excluding the names of the accused from the charges.   The court also set May 21 to record testimony of the witnesses in the case, public prosecutor Md Rafik Uddin said. On April 25, a hearing on the appeal for exclusion of the accused was held while the court set April 29 for framing the charges against the accused. 3 of a gang arrested for manipulating stock market: DB Dhaka Metropolitan South unit Organizing Secretary of Awami League Golam Ashraf Talukder, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) ward councillor and Awami League leader Maruf Ahmed Mansur, expelled president of ward No 10 Jubo League Maruf Reza Sagor, Motijheel Thana unit of Jatiya Party leader Juber Alam Khan Robin, former convenor of Habibullah Bahar College unit Chhatra League Sohel Shahriar, former general secretary of Motijheel Thana unit of Chhatra League Khairul Islam Matbor and former president of ward No-11 unit of Jubo League Kamruzzaman Babu, Sumon Shikder Musa, Masum Muhammad Akash were among the accused. On the night of March 24, Tipu, who was on a microbus, and Samia Afrin Priti, a 22-year-old college student, who was returning home on a cycle rickshaw were killed in firing in front of Islami Bank Hospital at Shahjahanpur in Dhaka. Tipu was a former general secretary of the AL Motijheel committee and Priti was a student of Begum Badrunnesa Government College. Tipu’s driver was also injured in the firing. They were all stuck in a traffic jam in the area when a biker wearing a helmet and a mask appeared from nowhere and fired at them. HC wants to know the number of Rohingya voters in Cox’s Bazar The next day, a case was filed against unidentified people over the double murder. On June 5 last year, the investigation office of the case submitted a charge sheet against 33 people.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday (April 01, 2024) said student politics on the university campuses is not the problem, the concern is over the control of a single student organision on the campuses.  “Buet authorities will take decision whether they will allow student politics on the campus or not. Because of that (Abrar Fahad killing) the Buet authorities had banned student politics on the campus, they will see whether such situation is still continuing or not and take decision accordingly,” he said. He said these while talking to reports after visiting injured BNP Natore district unit’s join convener Dewan Shahin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Dewan Shahin recently got seriously injured in an attack allegedly by some Awami League men. Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member,  said the situation at Jahangirnagar University is worse where Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Manik had celebrated ‘rape century’. “It was stigma for the nation. But  AL considers this shame as ornaments.” Read more: Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates They are behaving recklessly with the support of the administration, he alleged. He said ruling Awami Legue (AL) is staying in power unleashing atrocities and by using muscle power against oppositions. In the last 15 years Natore BNP leaders have been facing inhuman torture by AL men. “Despite oppression the leaders and activists did not leave BNP. The scenario of torture on BNP men across the Bangladesh is same to Natore,” he said. Terming AL as an isolated political party, Gayeshwar said without terrorist activities they (AL) could not survive in politics. Read more: BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campus “In this situation we have to raise our voice and get ready to give reply to their brutality,”he said. Responding to a question from reporters, the BNP leader said the government is waiting to hear the death news of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “I guess sweetmeat will be distributed at Gano Bhaban once they hear her death news.” “We have nothing to expect from this government. But what they are doing with the BNP Chairperson will be considered as a planned murder,” he said. Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future

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

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that the ruling party's business syndicates have become more desperate to indulge in looting by increasing commodity prices after the January 7 election. Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he said the country’s people are going through a serious ordeal to cope with the skyrocketing prices of essential items. BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday “The syndicates of the ruling party have become more reckless to plunder public money. The prices of daily necessities such as rice, pulses, oil, sugar, vegetables, fish and meat are increasing at an alarming rate,” the BNP leader said. He also said that no vegetables are now available below Tk 80 to 100 per kg in this peak season for winter vegetables. The BNP leader also bemoaned that fish and meat have gone beyond the purchasing capacity of the poor and ordinary people. AL has to pay for Jan 7 election: Farroque the rising commodity prices, the poor people are now buying pieces of sliced Pangasius fish from the market keeping meat and other fish out of their menu. “I have given an example of what terrible situation the low-income people and middle class are facing now…people are also buying chicken skin and legs to eat.”Rizvi said the government has increased the tariffs on gas, electricity and water several times illegally without considering the public interest. He said the landlords are increasing the rents of their houses at a geometric rate, leaving the middle class and working people in the lurch. India wants to see weak democracy in Bangladesh: Rizvi BNP leader said their party’s one-point movement demanding the resignation of the current government and an election under a non-party neutral government will continue.“The one-point movement is marching towards victory by ensuring the fall of the usurper Awami League government with the unity, determination and heroism of the people. Sheikh Hasina won’t be able to suppress the political awakening that has been created. The victory of the people is certain.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the absolute win of Awami League in the January 7 election was the victory of Bangladesh, its people, and continuation of democracy and development. The prime minister was addressing several hundred expatriate Awami League leaders from across the globe gathered at her official residence Ganabhaban to congratulate her on her party's fourth consecutive win in the parliamentary election Hasina, who is also the chief of ruling Awami League, said that her government has been able to ensure people's right to vote in this month's election.  “We have ensured the constitutional right of the people,” she said. She also said that the election was highly competitive as Awami League has opened the contest to all. Read: Don’t allow the ‘looters’ to come to power: PM Hasina tells Bangladeshi expatriates in South Africa “We have given our electoral symbol boat to our candidates and asked others from the party to participate in the election whoever were interested,” she said. Talking about BNP which did not participate in the election, she questioned how will they come to the election.  “In 2008 election BNP with their 20 party alliance got 30 seats only while AL alone bagged 233 seats,” she added. That election was held under a neutral caretaker government. In this connection, she mentioned that many people thought in 2008 that BNP is equal to Awami League considering the organisational strength.  “But it was proved wrong in 2008 election,” she said. Read: 1.49 crore Bangladeshi expatriates work in 176 countries After that, she said, BNP never wanted election. They insread unleashed arson attacks killing people and set fire to trains to foil the elections.  “The more they (BNP) unleash the arson attack the more people will reject them. They know that they were rejected by the people,” she said. The prime minister said that's  why  BNP does not want to participate in the election. “Rather they wanted to spoil the election and looked to the illegal way to be in the power,” she said. Also read: Expatriates send $1.65 bn in 26 days of May

The Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority for a fourth election in a row on Sunday (January 07, 2024), in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and a strong showing by independent candidates as predicted. Ruling party candidates won in 222 seats in Sunday’s election, while independent candidates — most of them belonging to AL — won 62 seats. Here’s the list of candidates from Chattogram division who won in the National Election 2024: Read more: Wait to know who will be the opposition: Anisul Huq