Fakhrul
Don’t antagonise people: BNP warns civil servants
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday warned the administration that the outcome will not be good if the people are made the opponents.
Speaking at a rally he also asked law enforcers not to violate human rights by shooting at peaceful programmes of the opposition parties if they want to avoid harsher measures such as sanctions by the international community.
"We would like to tell the administration very clearly, don’t make people your opponents. You have come from people and your salaries are given from the people's tax money on which you run your families. So respect people. Do not obstruct the peaceful programmes,” Fakhrul said.
He urged the members of the police and other law enforcement agencies not to open fire on opposition leaders and activists without any justification only to obey the illegal order of the government. “Sanctions have been imposed on RAB. Similarly, sanctions can be imposed on any force if it violates the law and violates human rights."
Read: EC out to arrange stage-managed election: GM Quader
As part of BNP’s plan to hold 16 rallies in the capital in the current month, Uttara east zone of its Dhaka north city unit arranged the programme on Uttara's Powell Convention Road in protest against the increase in prices of essentials, fuel and transport fares and killing of three opposition leaders in police firing.
Fakhrul bemoaned that there are no human rights in the country while people are shot and killed on trivial matters and picked up by law enforcers in plainclothes.
India would help restore democracy as it helped gain independence: Fakhrul
– BNP on Saturday voiced hope that as a friendly, neighbouring country India will support the people of Bangladesh to succeed in their struggle for democracy, just as they helped them gain independence during the Liberation War in 1971.
Speaking at a rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could not make any visible gain from her recent four-day India tour as India is no longer happy with Awami League (AL).
“We certainly hope that India will also support the struggle of the people of Bangladesh for democracy and a democratic system since it helped us in the Liberation War in 1971. We also expect the same thing from all the democratic countries,” he said.
Criticising the government for what he termed its repressive acts and failure to deliver, the BNP leader said the government cannot be given any more time to stay in power.
“They (AL) don’t want time from the people of Bangladesh. Going to our neighbouring country India, they sought more time and steps so that they can stay in power for one more term. I would like to say it clearly that no one can do anything here without the support and love of the people of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said.
The BNP Dhaka south city unit’s Motijheel, Paltan and Shahjahanpur zone organised the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the increase in prices of essentials, fuel and transport fares and the killing of three leaders of its associate bodies.
Fakhrul said their party wants to maintain friendship with all countries, including India: “We think that India is a friendly country to us.”
Read: BNP to intensify movement in Dhaka city with 16 rallies in September
He said they hoped that the Prime Minister would take steps to resolve the outstanding issues with India, including the sharing of waters of the Teesta and other common rivers and stopping border killings and reducing the trade gap during her visit. “They (PM and AL) also expected that India would give them everything, but it didn’t happen as India is also not happy with them.”
He alleged that the current government has ruined the country’s economy by indulging in 'widespread' plundering and corruption.
Referring to a report by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he said, Tk75,000 crores were siphoned off abroad from Bangladesh last year.
“They’re indulging in mega corruption in the name of mega projects. They’re looting from every project, but not doing anything for the common people. Most of the banks’ funds have now been depleted. So, our backs are pushed against the walls. We must wake up to remove this regime,” the BNP leader said.
Stating that Awami League has long been in power by force, he said a strong unity of people is now mandatory to restore democracy and establish a government ‘of the people’ by ousting the current regime.
Repression won’t help AL stay in power this time, Fakhrul says
Accusing the government of resorting to repressive acts to subdue opposition ahead of the next national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (September 10, 2022) warned that it will not help Awami League this time to “cling to power”.
Speaking at a discussion, he also questioned the justification of the government’s plan to build a flyover in the haor area.
“Several thousands of people have been injured and shot. They’re also filing cases (against BNP leaders and activists) in the same old style. But you won’t be able to stay in power this time by doing these things,” the BNP leader said.
He said the ruling party will no longer be able to fool the country’s people who are now putting up strong resistance against the government.
“The people of Bangladesh always established their rights and justified demands through struggles. That struggle has begun again and we believe they’ll achieve victory this time,” Fakhrul said.
Read: EC out to arrange stage-managed election: GM Quader
Eti Prokashon arranged the programme on the occasion of unveiling the book titled “Politics: East Pakistan and Bangladesh” at the Jatiya Press Club.
Fakhrul said Awami League is solely responsible for the current crisis in Bangladesh as it has destroyed democracy and the economy in the country.
“They (AL) have established a reign of plundering by ruining the economy and turning Bangladesh into a failed state. There’s no justice while the law enforcers have become a partisan force. It’s unimaginable that people are shot without any justification in a country that claims to be a democracy,” the BNP leader said.
About Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent India tour, Fakhrul said she went to the neighbouring country with “only the hope to take measures to retain power”.
“She brought nothing (from India). We can’t see anything except talking about 153 cusecs of water. A Bangladeshi boy was shot dead along the border the day those MoUs were signed. It happens often. But it (border killing) has not stopped till now,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Dipu Moni for participation of all parties in elections
He said their party wants India to have good relations with Bangladesh. “India is a friendly country to us. We are grateful for their support during our Liberation War.”
Fakhrul said they saw a picture of Sheikh Hasina dancing at Jaipur airport in India during her recent four-day tour. “The people of this country will never accept that you’re dancing at a time when the country is facing a dire economic situation.”
Referring to media reports, he said the government has allocated Tk 6,500 crore to build a flyover in the haor area. “We’ll see that it (allocation) will reach Tk 26,000 crore. But nothing has been mentioned about its requirements and how many vehicles may use it."
The BNP leader alleged that the government has been moving away from the main problems of the country by taking mega projects and unnecessary projects.
He said, around 42% of people still live below the poverty line and cannot afford two meals a day while most do not get proper health care in the country. “Youth are not getting jobs after passing BA and MA. They are being forced to ride-share motorbikes and pull rickshaws. But you (govt) are saying that Bangladesh has become a role model for development. This is deception with people.”
“Govt lacks public support, failed to resolve issues with India”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (September 6, 2022) said Awami League government has failed to resolve the outstanding issues with India as it lacks public support.
"The Bangladesh government has not been able to solve the outstanding issues we have with India, including sharing of common rivers’ water and the killings of Bangladeshi citizens along the border, since it doesn’t have public support,” he said.
The BNP leader also said the government has so far failed to strike a bargain with the neighbouring country for overcoming the problems as people are not with it.
He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath with leaders of the newly formed partial committee of Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal.
BNP announced a five-member partial committee of its voluntary wing, Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, making SM Zilani and Rajib Ahsan its president and general secretary, respectively on Sunday last.
About Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's current visit to India, Fakhrul said every time she went to India, she gave people a lot of hope about signing the Teesta treaty and other important deals, but that has not happened so far.
He said Bangladesh was supposed to get $8 billion from India under the lines of credit, but the country has received a part of this credit. “There’s no further progress in this regard. These things depend on people's power. Had people supported this government, every issue could have been resolved.”
Earlier on Monday morning, Sheikh Hasina went to New Delhi on a four-day state visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister had bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart today at the Hyderabad House and the two countries signed seven MoUs demonstrating cooperation in a number of areas including water sharing of the Kushiyara River.
Fakhrul criticised the government for not giving any appropriate response to Myanmar for repeated violations of Bangladesh's sovereignty. “Since this regime has been in power without people’s mandate, it’s very difficult for it to ink agreements with countries and protect the interests of Bangladesh. We have observed this in the case of Myanmar.”
As his attention was drawn to criticism on social media over PM being received by a state minister at Delhi’s Palam Airport, Fakhrul said, “The previous statements of the foreign minister here and the statements of most of the ministers of the government have demonstrated that they would go (to India) no matter how they’re received and they wouldn’t have a big problem with that.”
He said the Awami League government is a “subservient regime” and it is difficult for them to stay in power without the support of their friends. “So, they would like to fortify it (support) somehow before the next election.”
The BNP leader said their party believes that the governments of the democratic countries of the world will play their role in establishing the main demand of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic government and a fair and credible election.
Reiterating BNP’s position on the next election, he said a credible general election will not be possible in Bangladesh without a polls-time neutral government and a new, impartial Election Commission.
He also said their party’s only goal is to remove the “fascist” Awami League government and force it to hand over power to a neutral caretaker government by dissolving parliament.
Movement to continue until AL govt’s fall: Fakhrul
Denouncing the government’s ‘repressive’ acts to thwart their recent peaceful programmes, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said their movement will continue until the fall of the Awami League.
Speaking at a press conference, he also alleged that attacks are being made on their party leaders and activists in different parts of the country so that BNP cannot participate in the next general election.
“Our position is clear that this regime must hand over power to an impartial caretaker government by quitting power and dissolving parliament. Then, a new election commission will have to be formed to arrange the polls. We’re moving towards this goal," the BNP leader said.
Also read: BNP demands probe into illegal use of Chinese Rifle by N’ganj police
He said their party has scheduled programmes all over the country until September 10 and those will continue as usual. “After that, we’ll come up with new programmes. This movement will continue until the final victory.”
Besides, the BNP leader also said they have continued their discussions with different opposition parties to build a greater anti-government platform. "We hope to give it a final shape and present it before the nation in a short period of time."
Fakhrul narrated govt’s actions to suppress BNP’s programmes.
He said their party’s programmes have been attacked by police and ruling party activists in different districts, including Narayanganj, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barisal, Jhalkathi, Pirojpur, Thakurgaon, Gaibandha, Chattogram, Noakhali, Feni, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Narsingdi, Dhaka, Manikganj, Tangail, Munshiganj, Sirajganj, Laxmipur, Jashore, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, Magura, Narail, Khulna, Bagerhat, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Chandpur, Kishoreganj, Netrakona, Jamalpur and Mymensingh, since they waged a movement protesting the price hikes of fuel and daily essentials.
He said three leaders and activists of their party and its associate bodies were killed while over 2,000 others were injured in the attacks all over the country recently.
Also read: Get ready for final push against AL govt: Fakhrul to BNP activists
Besides, Fakhrul said around 200 BNP leaders and workers were arrested while 4,081 were implicated in different cases, and around 20,000 unidentified people were made accused in those cases from August 22 to September 1.
He also said section 144 was imposed in 20/25 places across the country and attacks on houses and business establishments were taken place in 50 places.”
Fakhrul urged the government to stop killing and arresting the opposition leaders and activists and common people. “We also demand an impartial investigation into the murder incidents and ensure exemplary punishment of the killers and attackers.
He also called upon the government to release those arrested unjustly and withdraw all the false cases. “The victims should be compensated."
The BNP leader said the members of the police are not obeying the international rules as they are opening fire at people without any justification.
Case in Narayanganj:
Fakhrul said they filed a case in Narayanganj over the killing of a Jubo Dal activist Shaon Prodhan on September 1.
He said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi filed the case against 22 people. “We'll definitely continue the legal fight against every murder and attack incident. On the one hand, we’ll intensify our street movement.”
He said Awami League started attacking the programmes of BNP out of their nervousness seeing a mass wave on the streets.
“Awami League's only means of staying in power is to create panic among people. They want to push BNP towards violence and they’re now suffering from mental pain having failed to take BNP in that direction,” the BNP leader observed.
Fakhrul said they would inform the United Nations about the incidents of oppression, attacks on rallies, killing in police firing and rights violations.
Govt resorted to 'blackmail' to send IGP to USA: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the government has resorted to 'blackmail' to send Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed to the USA in the name of joining the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS).
Speaking at a discussion, he also slammed the government for its repeated efforts to deny the incidents of enforced disappearance and rights violations in Bangladesh.
“What a drama they (govt) staged! The US imposed sanctions on RAB on charges of violating human rights…the current IGP’s name was there in the list of sanctions as he was the former RAB chief. But his name was kept in the delegation to join the UNCOPS with an aim to take him to America,” the BNP leader said.
As per its agreement with the UN, he said the USA is bound to grant visas to the persons invited by the UN. ”They (govt) took this opportunity and resorted to blackmail. Unfortunately, this incident has defamed the nation…it’s a shameful incident for Bangladesh.”
He said the government has sent Benazir to the USA in such a way since the incidents of enforced disappearance were carried out at its behest. “That’s why they resorted to such blackmailing.”
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its 30th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul said there is no point in denying the incidents of enforced disappearance as it will only tarnish the country’s image. “We know everything about who are responsible for the incidents of enforced disappearance and who gave orders."
He said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement on Tuesday clearly asked the government to acknowledge the incidents of enforced disappearance and human rights violations and take corrective measures accordingly.
Fakhrul urged the government to carry out an investigation to know the whereabouts of the missing people. “You’re saying the government didn’t pick them up. If so, then say where did these people go? It’s your responsibility to trace them out.”
He said the freedom fighters waged the Liberation War with a dream of establishing a democratic state, a democratic system and a safe and free society for the better future of the new generation. “After 51 years of independence, we now see our all hopes and aspiration have been dashed.“
Read: Fakhrul breaks down witnessing the cries of missing BNP leaders' children
Fakhrul said the freedom fighters did not liberate the country to see such a Bangladesh where the rulers outshined the Pakistani occupation forces in terms of repression and suppression. “Our boys are being picked up from their houses, our brothers are being killed and our children are being made disappear. We didn’t see it in that way even during the Pakistan rule."
He alleged that the current Awami League government has destroyed the soul of Bangladesh by annihilating democracy.
Referring to ministers’ comments that those who have been made disappear were accused in different cases, Fakhrul said 35 lakh people in the country have been made accused in 'false' political cases.
“Those who raised voices against the government and sought justice have been implicated in cases. Our over 600 leaders and activists, including former minister Salahuddin Ahmed and an ex-MP Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance,” he said.
Fakhrul breaks down witnessing the cries of missing BNP leaders' children
BNP secretary general of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir broke down in tears again on Tuesday, as he witnessed the crying children of the victims of enforced disappearance mostly belonging to the party at a human chain programme in the city.
Mirza Fakhrul could no longer keep his emotions in check when missing Bansghal thana unit Chhatra Dal leader Sohail's little daughter Safa and Paltan thana Chhatra Dal unit leader Parvez Raza’s daughter Hridi were narrating their pain.
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units arranged the programme in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Family members, including kids, of many leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, who have been subjected to enforced disappearance, also spoke at the programme.
They narrated the ordeals and mental trauma they are going through losing their near and dear ones and called upon the government to take steps for bringing the missing people back to their families.
Read: Fakhrul calls for ‘unbreakable’ unity to restore democracy
In a tearful voice, Safa said, “They (law enforcers) have taken away my father. I have never seen my father. I wish to see my father but I can't see him.”
She continued, "When I go to school, my friends come with their fathers. They ask me why my father does not come. I can't give them any reply. Please, return my father. I want to see my father."
Hridi said she has long been waiting to see her father. At one stage she directly addressed whoever Parvez Raza's captors might be and insisted: "Give me back my papa, please give me back my papa."
Screaming uncontrollably, Hridi said, "I want to hang out with my Papa, but I can’t do this. I feel pain as I can’t see him. Please, return my papa. No one tells me when my papa will come."
Fakhrul could not hold back his tears during the speeches of Safa and Hridi. It was seen that he took out a handkerchief from his pocket repeatedly to wipe his tears.
Tears were seen rolling down the cheeks of many other BNP leaders and activists as the two kids were screaming to get their missing fathers back.
Apart from Hridi and Safa, missing Saifur Rahman Sajib's father Shafikur Rahman, Salim Reza Pintu's sister Nadi, Sajedul Islam Samun's sister Sanjida Islam Tuli also spoke at the programme describing their sorrows and pains.
Over a hundred family members of the enforced disappearance victims participated in the programme carrying photos of their loved ones.
Several thousand BNP leaders and activists stood in a line on one side of the road from Fakirapool Intersection to the Nightingale Crossing, protesting the incidents of enforced disappearance.
They also carried various placards demanding an end to disappearances, extrajudicial killings and political persecution.
In the programme, BNP workers also staged enactments of scenes showing how state agencies execute enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Govt trying to create anarchy with relentless attacks on opposition: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the government is trying to create anarchy in the country by attacking opposition leaders and activists and their houses in different parts of the country.
, "The Awami League cadres have established a reign of terror across the country. They have added a new dimension to their terror activities now by attacking the houses of the leaders and workers. The armed terrorists of Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League are attacking our various rallies, party offices, business establishments and killing and injuring our leaders and activists and filing false cases against them,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference, Fakhrul said the current ‘illegal’ government has started to continue their suppression policy again by getting afraid of BNP’s countrywide movement that began on August 22 in protest against hikes in the prices of fuel and essential commodities.
“We have got an unprecedented response from the people for our protest programmes as lakhs of people are participating in our rallies,” he said.
Read: Fakhrul renews demand for ailing Khaleda's unconditional release
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent comment that opposition leaders and activists would not be obstructed from carrying out protest programmes, Fakhrul said the current government says one thing and does another.
“They’re now doing the opposite of what they have said. This is the character of Awami League. Their terrorist character has once again been exposed to the people of the country through the incidents. This is how they have destroyed democracy in this country and turned Bangladesh into a failed state," he observed.
Read: Stern action if anyone creates anarchy: Tajul warns
The BNP leader said their ongoing protests at upazila, thana, municipality and union levels will continue until September 10.
He said they will announce their next course of programmes after September 10.
Fakhrul said their party leaders and activists came under attacks in different districts, including in Jashore, Munshiganj, Tangail, Feni, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Chattogram, Bagerhat, Khagrachari, Rangamati, Thakurgaon, Laxmipur, Mymensingh, Magura, Gaibandha, Barishal, Khulna, Netrakona, Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Rajshahi, Noakhali, Bhola, Natore, Cumilla and Narail, by the ruling party ‘cadres’ and law enforcers centring their peaceful protest programmes.
"So far, more than 750 leaders and activists have been injured in these attacks. False cases have been filed against thousands of leaders and workers while around 60 of them have been arrested,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul renews demand for ailing Khaleda's unconditional release
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Islam Alamgir on Monday renewed the party's demand for the unconditional release of ailing chairperson of the party, Khaleda Zia , to ensure her advanced treatment abroad.
“You know our chairperson Khaleda Zia was admitted to a hospital again yesterday (Sunday) as her health condition deteriorated,” he told an event here.
The BNP leader said the party has long been on a movement demanding Khaleda's unconditional release and sending her abroad for advanced treatment, but the “unelected and irresponsible” government is not paying heed to it since it considers her as their main obstacle to staying in power.
Also read: Khaleda admitted to Evercare for tests
“We wish our leader Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery. From this programme, I also demand her (unconditional ) release,” he said.
A faction of the Jatiya Party (Zafar) arranged the program at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, marking the 7th death anniversary of its late chairman and former Prime Minister Kazi Zafar Ahmed, who died on August 27, 2015 at the age of 76.
Earlier on Sunday night, Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital for treatment and some more medical tests, just six days after she had several required tests in the same hospital.
Also read: Time for 'do or die' movement to ‘restore’ democracy: Gayeshwar
Khaleda’s medical team member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the BNP chief’s medical board advised her to get admitted to the hospital after reviewing her test reports. “She’ll undergo some more medical tests to determine her next course of treatment.”
Khaleda, a 77-year-old former prime minister, has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis.
Her family submitted several applications to the government seeking permission to send her to an advanced centre abroad for the treatment of her multiple health complications, but the government has rejected it every time as she was convicted of corruption by the court in two cases.
Govt scared of people's unity
Fakhrul said the nation has been going through a critical time due to the current government’s ‘misrule’.
He said Awami League has turned the country into a fascist and authoritarian one by destroying democracy and all the democratic institutions only to cling to power.
Fakhrul said BNP has launched a movement across the country since August 22 protesting the price hikes in fuel and essentials and people are participating in it with spontaneous support everywhere. “Getting afraid of the movement, the government has let loose the Awami League cadres to attack our leaders and activists and our peaceful programmes,” he alleged.
Besides, the BNP leader said police are firing on BNP leaders and activists and attacking them in different parts of the country, injuring many people. “It has once again exposed the government’s terrible terrorist face.”
“The biggest fear of the government is now that people have forged a solid unity. This unity of people will hasten the fall of the government", he observed.
Fakhrul hoped that there will be a unity of all political parties as well to establish a true government of the people removing the "current fascist and monstrous one.”
We must take control of streets as victory is inevitable: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the people, especially the youth, to get ready to intensify the movement against the current ‘fascist regime’ by taking control of the streets as their victory is inevitable.
“I would like to say drawing attention of students and the youth that when we’re young we waged a war and liberated the country…the youth have to now wake up once again to liberate the country afresh for ensuring our future safety, prosperity, justice, parity, social esteem and building a new Bangladesh,” he said.
Speaking at a huge public rally in the city’s Nayapaltan central office, he said their party has initiated a movement to save the 18 crore people of Bangladesh and protect the country from misrule.
Also read: AL can't be allowed to cling to power anymore: Fakhrul
“We all must get into this movement. We’ll have to take to the streets with fresh vigour and take their control to establish a government of people in the true sense by ousting the present fascist and monstrous regime. Our victory is inevitable,”
He also urged the government to step down immediately handing over power to a non-party neutral administration shouldering its failure to resolve people’s problems. “The parliament must be dissolved and the Election Commission has to be reconstituted for forming a new government and parliament of people through a credible election.”
Fakhrul said their party will spread their anti-government movement across the country’s villages and upazilas with programmes like rallies and demonstrations from August 22. “We’ll force this government to quit and arrange a fresh election under a non-party government through our movement by uniting people.
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units arranged the rally protesting the latest hike in fuel prices and the power crisis.
Thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies started to gather in the area since 10 am blocking both sides of the road stretching from Bijoynagar crossing to Fakirerpool, causing immense sufferings to commuters.
The rally was also meant for registering the party’s protest against the soaring prices of all essential commodities, ongoing load shedding and the killing of two leaders of its associate bodies by police in Bhola.
Also read: Fuel price hike: BNP’s huge protest rally underway at Nayapaltan
Besides, the party’s all metropolitan city and district units will arrange protest rallies across the country on Friday.
Fakhrul said people are going through a tough time as prices of all essentials, including rice, pulses and oil are going up. “On the other hand, the power crisis is deepening. “The common people are the worst affected by the fuel price hike as the prices of all essentials are increasing further.
The BNP leader said the government has not taken any step to explore gas in the country only to plunder public money in the name of importing LNG and LPG from abroad. “The power tariffs have been increased repeatedly because of the import of gas with their own people.”
Besides, Fakhrul said the government has been spending Tk28,000 crore on the quick rental power plants. “Already Tk78,000 crore have been siphoned off abroad from the country.”
Referring to the statistics of the Export Promotion Bureau, he said US$270 billion have been exported from Bangladesh in the last seven years. But the Bangladesh Bank is showing a figure of US$249 billion. Where did the remaining $30.40 billion go? The nation wants to know this.”
The BNP secretary general alleged that their many leaders and workers of the party were arrested and obstructed at different places on their way to Nayapaltan rally. “They (govt) fear even our peaceful rally as they have usurped power by force. As they have no legitimacy they are always afraid of facing a fall.”
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain alleged that the government has increased the fuel prices only to plunder public money. “The Prime Minister earlier said we don’t import octane and petrol. So, why did the government increase the prices of fuel?
He also alleged that the government has been giving people the wrong information about the country’s foreign currency reserves in a bid to mislead them. “The businessmen are facing difficulties to open LC to import food and other goods for shortage of dollars in the country. If the country has adequate reserves, then why the government resorts to load shedding and increases fuel prices.”
Referring to the remarks of Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard that the government did not seek information on the deposits of Bangladeshi money in the Swiss banks, Mosharraf said this government knows very well that their party leaders are involved in money laundering. “That’s why they did not seek information about it.”
He said there is now no alternative to waging a united movement to protect the country’s people from the hands of the current ‘despotic’, ‘looter’ and ‘fascist’ regime.
BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, vice chairmen Abdullah Al Noman and Abdul Awal Mintoo, among others, addressed the rally.