BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party leaders and activists have taken a fresh vow to resist the hegemonic forces in a bid to protect democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty. Talking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he also expressed the hope that the interim government would be able to arrange the national election within a proper and reasonable timeframe. “We made a vow on November 7, after paying homage to Ziaur Rahman, that we will resist fascism together with people. We will launch a strong movement, if necessary, to protect democracy and preserve the country's independence and sovereignty," Fakhrul said. He also expressed the confidence that the people of Bangladesh would unite to reinforce the spirit of the student-led revolution. Earlier, Fakhrul, accompanied by thousands of leaders and activists, placed wreaths and offered fathea at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. The day commemorates the ‘civil-military uprising’ of November 7, 1975. On this day in 1975, during a period of political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then-Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, clearing the way for him to assume power. Read: Stay alert against conspiracies, warns Fakhrul Fakhrul said the fascist Awami League government had repeatedly plotted and resorted to repressive actions to eliminate the BNP. He alleged that the Awami League had falsely implicated 60 lakh people, subjected around 700 to enforced disappearance and killed several thousand others in its efforts to establish a one-party rule and fascism. “But by the grace of Allah, fascism and hegemonic forces have been defeated for the third time in Bangladesh through the student-led mass movement in 2024,” Fakhrul added. In response to a question, Fakhrul said the interim government indeed played an effective role over the past three months. “They have done many things and continue to do so. If we all cooperate with them, they will be able to hold the election at the appropriate and logical time to meet the challenges facing the nation,” the BNP leader said.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (June 05, 2024) congratulated the winning alliance led by BJP and the people of India for exercising their democratic rights in the just-held election in India. The Foreign Minister also congratulated the Congress-led alliance INDIA. “We congratulate NDA, INDIA and the people of India for continuing the democratic trend. It’s an inspiration and example of democracy,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. The BJP emerged victorious on 240 out of 543 seats, while the Congress secured 99 seats. Despite the Lok Sabha having 543 members, counting was conducted for 542 seats following the uncontested election of BJP's Surat candidate, Mukesh Dalal. Hasan said a new government will soon be formed in India and hoped that the relations between Bangladesh and India will reach to a new height with deeper cooperation and expansion of people-to-people ties. Read more: PM Hasina to visit New Delhi June 21-22 and China July 9-12 “This is the choice of the Indian people. The same alliance will be in power. Our ties will continue. Our relationship with India is based on the spirit of 1971 Liberation War and bonded through shared sacrifice and blood,” said the Foreign Minister. He said opposition parties in India play a responsible role which is not seen in Bangladesh. Responding to a question on the water-sharing issue, Hasan said the government of Bangladesh deals with the central government of India and they will continue discussion on fair share of water of common rivers. “We have excellent relations with India. This special relationship cannot be compared to anyone else,” Hasan said. Read more: Dhaka's interest to join BRICS: Beijing assures its support to Dhaka

The United States has emphasized the critical role of civil society in nurturing a robust democracy and catalyzing positive societal changes. Following a significant meeting between US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter and key figures from Bangladesh's civil society, the US Embassy in Dhaka expressed satisfaction on Sunday. "Very pleased to meet today with courageous and committed figures in Bangladesh’s civil society to share views on its present state," the Embassy stated. Environment Minister inaugurates 2nd National Forest Inventory The US said it will continue to engage on democracy and human rights issues. "We call on the government of Bangladesh to do so too," the message shared by the US Embassy from its verified Facebook page said. Notably present at the meeting were journalist Zillur Rahman and Odhikar’s Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan. Meanwhile, a US delegation led by the USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Asia, Michael Schiffer, accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter met with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State guesthouse Padma to discuss issues for strengthening bilateral relations. Read more: US to work with Bangladesh to ‘enhance economic investment’ in next 50 years and beyond

BNP’s senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday unequivocally said that the opposition parties who have been on a movement will not leave the streets until democracy is restored. "We would like to say clearly that no other system except democracy will ever work in Bangladesh,” he said . Speaking at a mass signature collection programme arranged by Nagorik Oikya in the capital, the BNP leader also said that the current Awami League government is ruling the country by the power of guns after usurping the state power. Govt considering framework to hold those spreading disinformation accountable: Info State Minister “It’s not only us who are saying this now, look at media around the world and look at the statements issued by different countries about the farcical election held on January 7. They echoed what we, the democratic opposition parties, have been saying for last few years about the farcical elections,” he observed. Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, said that it is established at home and abroad that democracy is now dead in Bangladesh. He said their party’s only goal is to bring democracy back to Bangladesh. “Inshallah, our movement for democracy will continue...we won’t leave the streets until we can restore democracy and the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh.” The BNP leader expressed hope that every people of the country will join Nagorik Oikya’s mass signature programme against the farcical elections. He also urged the people  to reject the current regime. Ziaur Rahman’s 88th birth anniversary observed Nagorik Oikya launched the mass signature collection programme in favour of democracy and to disapprove the January-7 national election in front of the Jatiya Press Club. The organisers said the signatures of the people of all walks of life will be collected in various places of Dhaka city and in districts and upazilas, and internationally through online as part of the party’s move to turn down the 12th parliamentary election and to justify the opposition parties’ demand for the restoration of democracy through a fresh election under a neutral government. Nagrik Oikya  President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said Awami League arranged a lopsided farcical election on January 7 as it is not capable of contesting a fair and inclusive election. “That is why we have arranged this signature collection programme. We will try to reach not only 10 crore voters in Bangladesh, but also 17 -18 crore people of the country. Our  programme—mass signature for democracy—will continue both offline and online,” he said. TIB report on Jan 7 election mirrors public opinion: BNP leader Nazrul Manna said they will also organise cultural programmes across the country in favour of democracy and to condemn the government formed by deceiving the country’s people. Alongside the mass signature programme, he said their party together with other opposition parties will continue democratic programmes simultaneously on the streets. “There is no reason for anyone to think that we left the streets as were collecting signatures,” he said. "We are collecting signatures to strengthen the street movement. We are trying to build such a struggle that will force the usurper to bow down,” Manna said.

BNP Senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Thursday reaffirmed that their party will continue street agitation to restore democracy and people’s right to vote. “Our struggle is to restore democracy.  Democracy refers to a peaceful systematic social system. That is why in principle the struggle to restore that democracy must be peaceful and systematic,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said they will carry out the systematic and peaceful movement together with the unarmed people to face the government's guns and bullets on the streets. BNP leader Khasru secures bail in 4 more cases “We’ll thus defeat this regime. We take this vow on this day. We’ll bring democracy back to Bangladesh, and we will establish a people's government in this country,” he said. Starting that people are the strength of BNP, Dr Moyeen said their party will oust the current illegal Baksal-II government with that power, braving the powet of guns, the power of bullets, the power of tear gas and the power of water cannons or whatever power this regime has. Zia’s 88th birth anniversary Friday BNP arranged the discussion programme at the institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 88th birth anniversary of party founder Ziaur Rahman. Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, said their party does not do the politics of logi-baitha (sticks-oars). “Civilised people do the politics of BNP. This is the difference between Awami League and BNP.” How new MPs took oath when tenure of outgoing parliament not yet expired, questions BNP’s Farooque Claiming that there is no democracy in Bangladesh, he said it may take long-time to get the ultimate success, but they will not budge from their street movement for the restoration of democracy and people’s voting and other rights. Dr Moyeen urged the BNP leaders and workers to move ahead with the movement being imbued with ideal of Ziaur Rahman.

The government has said that Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments has been ensured without any undemocratic arrangement. "Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a briefing note shared with diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday. Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, the ministry conveyed to diplomats. In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision "ultra vires" (any deed performed beyond the scope of legal authority) and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy. Read more: Australia urges Bangladesh govt to prioritise strengthening its democratic institutions The Election Commission repeatedly called upon BNP to participate, and the EC was even willing to revise the election schedule if BNP joined. BNP made this "irrational demand" as its principal political capital and chose to destroy the lives and properties of people, holding them hostage, said the government. The state of horrific violence that BNP and its allies unleashed throughout the country is only a vivid reminder of their drills in 2001, 2013, 2014 and 2018, the ministry of foreign affairs said. Since October 28, 2023, they set ablaze nearly a thousand public and private vehicles and over 200 establishments including police hospital premises and ambulances, vandalized nearly a thousand vehicles and many establishments including the residences of Chief Justice and other judges, caused injury to around 1,500 police personnel and around 500 civilians, attacked reporters and camera personnel, killed 24 individuals including two police personnel – one of them mercilessly beaten to death in broad daylight, the foreign ministry observed. "They sabotaged our railway system, leading to tragic incidents claiming five precious lives including burning a mother and her 3-year-old son alive and leaving many others severely injured," reads the briefing note. In the lead-up to the election, BNP "geared up its violence" in its efforts to spread fear and terror. On the preceding day of the elections, they carried out arson attacks on polling centres with a view to intimidating the voters, the ministry conveyed to the diplomats. Read more: Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win BNP called for a 48-hour nationwide strike to cut off the communication system and obstruct voters from traveling to their constituencies to cast their votes, it said. The Benapole Express train was set on fire, killing four passengers, causing severe injuries to many, and burning the passenger train to ashes, it said. The 12th Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters. The people of Bangladesh as well as the international community have witnessed that the Bangladesh Election Commission, an independent and empowered constitutional body, supported by the incumbent government, can effectively conduct free, fair and credible elections, the ministry said. The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said. People of Bangladesh have demonstrated their unyielding resolve to a rule-based democratic system and peace, progress and stability through their active participation, the foreign ministry said. "The incumbent government also manifested its unprecedented political commitment to take forward the democratic process, uphold the constitutional mandate, and ensure people’s right to vote." Despite the calls to boycott, violence and persistent intimidation by the BNP, the people of Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to and aspiration for a peaceful and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision, said the government. "This is a new paradigm in Bangladesh’s electoral history within the constitutional framework, based on trust, credibility, and impartiality in the election process in line with people’s aspirations," it said. The Indian High Commission's representative, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present at the "meet and greet" where Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke briefly. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present. Read more: Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles

Canada has said it remains “committed to support” the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future. “Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy,” said the Canadian government in a statement. Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU Canada expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh. New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president Global Affairs Canada on January 9 issued the statement regarding the parliamentary election held in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024.  “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government. Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process The country extended sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred. Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh is a country where people sacrificed their lives for democracy and human rights, referring to the War of Liberation in 1971. “In 1971, people's legal demands were denied. When the torture and genocide started, the whole of Bangladesh jumped into the war to establish justice,” Momen said. The foreign minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at a 'Great Victory Day 2023' programme organized at the Dhaka Club on Saturday evening. Decorated freedom fighters Masroor-ul-Haque Siddiqui Bir Uttam, Mahbub Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, M Habibul Alam Bir Pratik, and undecorated ones like Waliul Islam, Shahidullah Khan, Nasir Uddin Yusuf and Mohammad Hamid recalled their memories from the battlefields during the War of Liberation at the programme. Member of Parliament (MP) Asaduzzaman Noor spoke on the occasion and recited poems. A special dance programme was presented by the artistes of Shilpakala Academy and a musical performance by the artists of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.

Prime Minister’s Adviser for Private Industries and Investment Salman F. Rahman and US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya have acknowledged that in a democracy, the only means to change the government is through elections.  Rahman reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's firm commitment to ensure that the upcoming national election of Bangladesh is held in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Under Secretary Zeya reaffirmed that the US does not support any particular political party, rather it is keen to see the continuation of democracy in Bangladesh. They held a meeting on Friday (October 27, 2023) at the US Department of State in Washington DC. Businesses to be challenged by interest rate hikes in future: Salman F Rahman "Vital conversation with Salman F Rahman, MP on US-Bangladesh partnership. Looking forward to continued engagement on shared concerns, including delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza; free & fair elections in Bangladesh; and Rohingya refugee support," Uzra Zeya tweeted after the meeting.  They discussed a wide range of bilateral issues including further enhancing the existing economic partnership between Bangladesh and the USA. BNP spreading lies about US visa policy: Salman F Rahman Adviser Rahman and Under Secretary Zeya also discussed recent conflicts in the Middle East, Rohingya issue and general election in Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.  Uzra Zeya praised Bangladesh’s generosity for hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya population and assured continued US support for them. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter and senior officials of Bangladesh Embassy and US State Department were present at the meeting. BNP will miss election bus if they stick to one-point demand: Salman F Rahman

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh Awami League’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections during a discussion with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. She also spoke about establishing an independent Election Commission, photo ID/biometric information-based voter list, and transparent ballot boxes. The issues were discussed when the European Commissioner for International Partnerships called on the prime minister at her hotel suite in Brussels. Also read: PM Hasina asks EU to extend GSP+ facilities for 6yrs to graduating LDCs like Bangladesh Urpilainen hoped that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair environment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The European Commissioner lauded the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership and expressed EU’s commitment to further deepen this relationship. Urpilainen also underscored potential areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development and decent work. Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in green transition, education and skill development. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, among others, were present at the discussion. Also read: Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President In a separate meeting, PM Hasina sought support of the international community, including the European Union (EU), for an “early, safe and sustainable” repatriation of the forcibly-displaced Rohingyas. The prime minister said the repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar, is required for the sake of “peace and stability” in the region. The issue was discussed when European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic met Prime Minister Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels on October 25. The PM thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s disaster management, particularly in earthquake preparedness. During the meeting, the European Commissioner lauded Bangladesh’s outstanding socio-economic development under the leadership of Hasina. Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’ He also lauded Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, including an early-warning system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. He commended Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the Rohingyas and announced an additional Euro 10.5 million assistance for the Rohingyas. Efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines On the other hand, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities. He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation. PM Hasina held a meeting with the European Investment Bank (EIB) president recently at her hotel suite in Brussels. She referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh. She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation. PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.