AL
General amnesty announced for AL rebel candidates
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Qauder on Saturday announced a general amnesty for rebel candidates of local government elections and those who were involved in anti-disciplinary activities of the party.
He said this to journalists after a meeting of the ruling party’s national committee at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government residence Ganababhan in the capital.
Read more: Chhatra League lifts suspension of Eden College committee
He said the general amnesty was for those breaching party discipline, contesting in local elections as rebel candidates and internal feud after over 100 applications were placed for the amnesty.
Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said the budget for holding the party’s council was fixed at Tk 3.13 core by reducing Tk 30 lakh in line with the austerity drive of the government.
Read more: BNP MPs' decision to resign a 'mistake': Obaidul Quader
Khosru on Shaheenbagh incident: Diplomatic corps’ security in Bangladesh ‘brought into question’
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that Wednesday's incident involving the US Ambassador, when he went to meet with the family of an enforced disappearance victim, has brought into question the security of the diplomatic corps in Bangladesh.
Talking to reporters at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday, Khosru also accused the government of trying to intimidate foreign diplomats "like it has the country’s people," to prolong power.
“This is a matter of deep concern. A diplomat went to a special programme and then a ruling party-backed group in the name of another organisation with their (AL's) help went there. It’s unlawful,” the BNP leader said.
He said everyone has the freedom to hold their own programmes. “But the process of going to another programme, disrupting that programme and diverting the programme in a different direction speaks of an undemocratic attitude.”
“The people of Bangladesh have been suffering from insecurity. It is also now being seen that the safety of the diplomats is becoming questionable,” the BNP leader said.
US Ambassador Peter Haas on Wednesday visited the Shaheenbagh residence of Sanjida Islam, sister of disappeared BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon, and coordinator of Maayer Dak (Mother's Call), an advocacy group of the families of enforced disappearance victims.
Read: Families of armed forces officers executed during Zia regime seek US ambassador’s intervention for justice
There however, he was intercepted and confronted by members of another organisation - Maayer Kanna (Mother's Tears) - a platform of family members of victims of earlier regimes, specifically the administration of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Sajedul Islam Sumon reportedly disappeared in 2013. Sanjida founded Maayer Dak in the vein of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, which was formed for the enforced disappearance victims of Argentina's last military dictatorship. Similar organisations exist in other countries around South America where significant numbers disappeared under military governments starting in the Seventies.
Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said this was not the first such incident as similar incidents happened in the past with the help of the government and the ruling party. “I think action should be taken against those responsible for this incident."
He recalled that former US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat's vehicle came under attack by the ruling party activists, he said, when she went to join a dinner party.
“No one was arrested and no one got punished after attacking Bernicat's motorcade. It has clearly manifested who was behind that incident and the government’s motive,” Khosru said.
He said the government wants this kind of incident to happen so that an atmosphere of fear and panic is created in the country.
Read: US Ambassador visits residence of the coordinator of ‘Mayer Dak’ in city
“The way they (govt) want to suppress the country’s people through intimidation, now the same way they’re trying cling to power by creating a different atmosphere of fear for the diplomats. The latest incident has proved it,” the BNP leader said.
The BNP leader said the same group of people, who tried to create trouble at the US envoy’s programme on Wednesday, also tried to obstruct BNP’s programme on human rights a few months back.
“Such efforts to impede various programmes with the help of the government have become a character of Awami League. They can hold their programmes, but it is illegal to try to create trouble at the programmes of others with the backing of the government,” he observed.
About Bangladesh’s relations with the United States, the BNP leader said, “We have very good relations with this country and we have trade and multilateral relationship with them and our ties with them are very important."
Khosru bemoaned the incident, saying it will 'seriously dent' Bangladesh’s image across the globe.
About the Foreign Minister’s remark that the US diplomat did not inform the government about the programme, Khosru said: “Does it mean diplomats can’t join any programme without informing the govt? Why were police roaming the area (Shaheenbagh) two days before the programme if the government was not aware of the event? There’s also a police team with the ambassador. So, the government was aware of it.”
Read: US ambassador didn’t go to the memorial on Martyred Intellectuals’ Day, he went somewhere else: Quader
He said it cannot be an excuse that the government could not ensure the safety of the US diplomat as he did not inform the government about his programme. “You will get security if you inform the government, otherwise you get your own security. The government’s attitude is reflecting the character of security of this country.”
Khosru warned that if this trend continues, the security of the people of the country as well as foreign diplomats will become questionable.
He said people belonging to Mayer Kanna did not face any action earlier as well for obstructing some BNP programmes.
“The government is supposed to take action against those who have created troubles in the US Ambassador’s programme. But we’ve so far not seen any such step… The government itself is exposing through their actions that they are behind it," the BNP leader observed.
He said it is clear from the ministers’ remarks that such an incident happened with the backing of the government. “They’re indirectly supporting the incident as it can’t take place without their help.”
Khosru said the government should take action against those involved in creating trouble in the US diplomat’s programme.
'Smart Bangladesh': Quader reveals AL's slogan for next election
Ruling Awami League's slogan ahead of the next election will reflect the country's development journey under it and portend the next stage in its evolution, according to the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
"We have accomplished the aim of Digital Bangladesh. We have four-lane highway, six-lane highway, metro rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Ruppur Nuclear power plant and Bangabandhu satellite. Now, our next aim is to accomplish 'Smart Bangladesh'. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has defined the slogan for Chhatra League and during its reign, it will be the main slogan of the next national election," Quader said.
He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the Dhaka University Chhatra League's annual council in front of the Oporajeyo Bangla monument today.
"All committees of Bangladesh Chhatra League including central Unit, Dhaka city north unit, Dhaka city south unit and Dhaka University unit will be declared together after the annual council of BCL which will be held on December 6," he said while speaking about BCL council.
Read more: Just wearing a Mujib coat doesn’t make one a true AL activist: Quader
"We have rescheduled the BCL annual council on December 6 to make a distance between BCL and BNP. BCL will not do anything to them," he added.
Regarding the BNP council on December 10, Obaidul Quader said, "We requested them to arrange their council at Suhrawardy Udyan but they do not like it. They like Paltan because they feel more safe there to create anarchy and to stock their bamboo and sticks."
“Suhrawardy Udyan is the place which is related to our independence and liberation but Fakhrul does not like it because it’s related to the liberation. Fakhrul addressed the Suhrawardy Udyan as a cage. Then why did Khaleda Zia attend programs at Suhrawardy Udyan during the previous Election?” he questioned.
He also said that Awami League does not fear Paltan but AL fears violence of BNP activists and leaders.
Read more: No transport strike during BNP’s Dhaka rally: Obaidul Quader
"If they try to break discipline and create anarchy we will not just see. We are ready to respond to them accordingly,” he added. "Whatever they do, the constitution will not be changed and caretaker government will not be allowed as it has been legally banned."
He also said that December is the month of victory and independence.
BNP to avoid AL's trap over December-10 rally: Gayeshwar
enior BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said on Thursday said their party will avoid the trap of inciting violence by the Awami League over the December 10 rally in the capital.
“As Awami League tried to provoke clashes everywhere during our seven rallies, I think it’s not unusual that they'll try to do the same in Dhaka on December 10…but I want to say clearly that we (BNP) won’t fall into the government's trap. We'll hold the rally avoiding conflict,” he said
The BNP leader alleged that the government made various efforts, using the administration and stopping bus services during the party's previous rallies in a bid to provoke the opposition activists to create violence.
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave together with the leaders of the party’s newly formed committee of Dhaka district unit.
Read more: BNP to launch one-point movement from Dec 10 rally at Nayapaltan
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said their party has already sought permission from the authorities concerned for holding the Dhaka rally at Nayapaltan on December 10.
“We’ll hold the rally there if even they (govt) are unable to give the permission. The rally on December 10 will be held atcvenue we have said. We won't wait for permission as we’ll arrange the rally whether we’re given permission or not,” he said.
Asked whether BNP will announce the final phase of movement for ousting the government from Dhaka rally, Gayeshwar said they will declare programmes depending on the government’s move.
“We’ll definitely give fresh programmes on December 10. We won’t say the game or our movement is over on that day. The government accept people’s demand or come up with a positive decision before December 10…” he said.
As part of the move to continue the pace of its ongoing movement, the BNP on September 27 announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities.
Read more: Economic, political crises push Bangladesh to serious trouble: Fakhrul
The party has already held seven rallies in Chattogram, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur, Barishal and Faridpur, and Sylhet while the eighth one will be held in Cumilla on November 26 while one in Rajshahi on December 23. The party will conclude the divisional rallies through a mass gathering in Dhaka city on December 10.
The organisers said the rallies are meant to denounce the price hike of daily essentials and fuels, the death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, and Jashore, and to ensure the freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
AL Advisory Council's meeting Saturday
The Advisory Council of Bangladesh Awami League will sit in a meeting on Saturday morning ahead of its 22nd triennial national council to be held in December next.
AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will chair the meeting to be held in her official residence Ganabhaban.
Read: Awami League never wasted a single taka of Bangladesh’s money: PM
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader asked the advisory council members to attend the meeting, following health protocols, said a press release on Friday.
The 22nd triennial national council will be held on December 24 to elect the party’s next leadership. The decision for holding the council was taken at a meeting of AL Central Working Committee on October 28 last.
One killed in AL infighting in Sunamganj
An activist of Awami League was killed and 40 others were injured in a clash between two factions of the party during its triennial conference in Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district on Monday.
The deceased was identified as Ajmal Hossain Chowdhury, 27, of the upazila.
Saiful Alam, officer-in-charge of Dirai Police Station, said the upazila unit Awami League organised a triennial conference at BADC field around 12:30 pm.
A tense situation has been prevailing in the area over the conference for the last couple of days.
Read more: At least 15 injured in Chhatra League infighting at Dhaka College
Read more: AL infighting leaves 2 dead in Natore
During the conference, two factions of Awami League engaged into a heated argument over failing to take position at the podium set up forr the conference.
Brick chips were hurled and a chase and counter chase took place during the incident.
At one stage, both groups attacked each other, leaving 41 people injured.
Later, police brought the situation under control after dispersing them.
Amir Hossain, an activist of Awami League was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the afternoon.
AL trying to snatch votes again, just like they did in 2014 and 2018: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their stance is clear that no election will be held under Sheikh Hasina; she has to resign and dissolve parliament.
“She has to hand over power to a caretaker government. That neutral government will hold a free and fair election,” he said while addressing the crowds at Bangabandhu Udyan during BNP’s Barishal Divisional rally.
He said that Awami League is trying to snatch votes again, like they did in the elections of 2014 and 2018.
“They are trying to show that the new Chief Election Commissioner is neutral who said the election will be held using electronic voting machines. But we have strongly opposed it,” he added.
Also read: BNP divisional rally begins at packed Barishal venue
He said the government keeps saying that Bangladesh is self-sufficient in food production and there is development everywhere.
“But the reality is 42 percent people in Bangladesh are still living under the poverty line,” said Fakhrul.
He said the ongoing movement of BNP is not only to save its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman or any leaders but also for saving the people of Bangladesh.
He acknowledged and praised party activists and leaders who started arriving to the venue from Thursday, defying all obstacles amid no vehicular movement.
Tens of thousands of BNP activists and leaders joined the divisional rally in Barishal city, demanding the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and national election under a non-party neutral government.
Also read: Ishraque says motorcade attacked on the way to BNP’s Barishal rally
The rally began around 11 am at the city’s Bangabandhu Udyan. The crowd spilled out onto the surrounding roads.
Saturday’s rally is be the fifth by the BNP at the divisional level. The first one was held in Chattogram, the second one in Mymensingh, and the third and fourth in Khulna and Rangpur, respectively.
Triennial conference of Cumilla city AL begins
The triennial conference of Cumilla city unit of Awami League (AL) began at the city’s Town Hall ground on Saturday.
The event was inaugurated by AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister.
Presidium member of the party Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim spoke as the chief guest while another presidium member Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya was present as special guest.
Mahbubul Alam Hanif, joint general secretary of AL, and Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan, organizing secretary of the party, among others, joined the council.
Read more: Dhaka AL Council: Benzir named president, Poniruzzaman GS
The committee of Cumilla city AL was announced for the first time on July 22, 2017, six years after the formation of Cumilla City Corporation (CCC).
The Committee consisted of 71 members. AKM Bahauddin Bahar, Member of Parliament (MP) from Cumilla Sadar constituency and Arfanul haque Rifat, current Mayor of CCC, were made President and General Secretary of the committee.
JCD behind the attack on ex-Judge Manik: Information Minister
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Hasan Mahmud claimed on Friday that the attack carried out on former Judge of Supreme Court AHM Shamsuddin Chowdury Manik was led by BNP’s student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).
Four JCD men were arrested in this connection, he informed.
The minister came up with the remarks while replying to questions from journalists about participation of BNP-backed lawmakers in talks on ‘National Jail Killing Day’ in parliament, at his government residence on the city’s Mintoo Road.
He said Judge Manik is a generous person who believes in democratic spirit. Besides, he is a strong voice in favour of liberation.
Read more: Attack on ex-justice Manik: 11 JCD activists put on 2-day remand
“Whatever we had been claiming that the BNP drew a scratch of sabotages across the country, it is proved,” the minister said.
“They (BNP) have been carrying out a failed effort to create anarchy in the country in the name of a movement which got exposed through the attack on Judge Manik,” he claimed.
Read more: Attack on ex-judge Manik: 50 BNP men sued
Mentionable, the attack on the judge was made from a procession of the BNP in Nayapaltan area on Wednesday afternoon when he was on his way to attend a TV talk show.
Declaring Nov. 3 as a national day of mourning is a matter of decision by govt’s high-ups, says Obaidul Quder
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said on Thursday that declaring ‘Jail killing Day’ as a national day of mourning is a matter of a decision from the government’s high-ups.
The ruling party is commemorating the Jail Killing Day on Thursday (November 3) to pay tribute to four national leaders and close aides of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who were killed inside Dhaka Central Jail in the old part of the city on the day in 1975.
Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman were murdered on the day while in state custody.
Following the military coup on August 15 in 1975, when Bangbandhu along with most of his family members were killed, a series of politically motivated killings took place amid a tumultuous political scenario.
On Thursday, Quader paid tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahmam at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital as part of the commemoration of the day.
Read more: Jail Killing Day to be observed Wednesday
About the demand from the assassinated leaders’ families to declare the day as a national mourning day, Quader said such a decision is a matter to handle from the government’s high-ups.
The ruling Bangladesh Awami League began the day by hoisting the national flag and party flag at half-mast at its central and district offices across the country at dawn.
Party leaders placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital at 7:00am to mark the day.
Wreaths were also placed at the graves of Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Mansur Ali at Banani graveyard around 7:30am while fateha, milad-mahfil and munajat were offered there.
Read more: Aug 15, jail killings prove conspiracy against independence, people: PM
Floral wreaths were also placed at the grave of AHM Qamruzzaman in Rajshahi where prayer sessions, offering fateha and milad mahfil were held, marking the day.
The ruling Awami League will hold a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital at 3:00pm when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will speak.