BNP senior leader
No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said there is no scope to carry out any reform or change in governance without parliament and the democratic process.
“A demon, fascist and autocrat emerged in the country for lack of accountability to people. They (AL) had taken the ownership of the country by depriving people of their voting rights,” he said while speaking at a discussion.
A group of leaders from BNP’s US chapter arranged the programme on the role of BNP’s overseas chapters in Bangladesh’s democracy and development at the Jatiya Press Club.
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Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said people’s rights to vote must be ensured first to restore their ownership of the country. Only an elected government and parliament can bring about any change in the country with the people’s mandate, he said.
“There’s no scope to bring any change or implement reforms bypassing the democratic process. Democracy is a correction and filtration process,” the BNP leader said.
He said no one has the right to implement any reform proposal without public mandate. “If you think you are eager to bring any special change, you have to have the mandate from people to do so. You have to place your proposal before parliament and pass it into a law through discussions and debate there. This is the process, and there’s no other way to do that.”
The BNP leader said 20 wise people cannot determine the future fate of Bangladesh and what the nation should do by sitting together without the mandate of the people.
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He also said the country’s people will not accept anything done sidetracking democracy and the democratic process, and warned that any move ignoring the democratic process will create doubt in the public’s mind.
The BNP leader said it will be difficult to ensure normalcy in the country without the restoration of the democratic order.
He said their party has been supporting and cooperating with the interim government to bring normalcy to the country.
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Khosru said a consensus has already been created on some issues, including limiting two terms for the Prime Minister, a bicameral parliament, and a caretaker government. “We can implement the basic things on which a consensus has been created. No one has the right to do anything without consensus.”
He said that if any undemocratic step is taken against the will of people, it will take the country towards the wrong path and pave the way for the revival of Awami fascism.
3 weeks ago
BNP to strengthen national unity against fascism: Salahuddin
BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said that their party’s acting Chairman has instructed them to make every possible effort to maintain national unity in order to resist the rise of fascist forces in the country.
He made the comments while speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after his return from London on Sunday.
In response to a question about the message Tarique Rahman sent through him, Salahuddin said, “Our acting Chairman has instructed us to make every effort to keep the nation united, as otherwise, we understand that fascist forces and their associates could be emboldened.”
He said the nation has already witnessed such activities by fascist forces.
“I believe our ultimate challenge should be to foster the anti-fascist national and mass unity that has developed in Bangladesh as a political culture. Otherwise, fascism could rear its ugly head again,” the BNP leader warned.
When asked about Tarique’s possible return, he said they had not yet been able to create the necessary environment for his return. “It will take some more time, but he will definitely return home,” Salahuddin said.
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He said the country’s people will turn down any ploy to delay the next national election. “So, I think we should focus on establishing a political government through a democratic process as soon as possible.”
The BNP leader said it may not take much time for the institutional, legal, and field-level reforms. “I call upon the interim government to give attention to completing the necessary reforms based on national consensus alongside taking election preparations so that we can proceed to the democratic process promptly.”
Replying to a question, he said the Chief Adviser just gave an idea about the election through his address to the nation on Victory Day, December 16.
Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said it would be best for the Chief Adviser to unveil a specific roadmap through discussion with all stakeholders, including political parties. “I don’t think it’ll be possible to satisfy all parties with a vague idea of time.”
Regarding the move by the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, he said their party will welcome the emergence of any new political party in the current context of the country. “But it shouldn’t be like the King’s Party with the support of the government. It would be better for them to come through a healthy political process.”
Responding to another question, Salahuddin said as a pro-election party, BNP is always ready to join the upcoming national election.
Regarding the demand for burying the Constitution, the BNP leader said the national charter cannot be buried, but it can be amended and upgraded.
Salahuddin returned to Dhaka on Sunday after a two-week visit to London.
He arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:50 pm, according to BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
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During his stay in London, Salahuddin met party acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political matters.
Besides, Sayrul said, Salahuddin spent some time with his daughter, who resides in London.
Salahuddin had left Dhaka for London on December 20.
1 month ago
People to get back their country’s ownership soon: Moyeen Khan
Stating that the new generation is eagerly waiting to exercise their right to vote, BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday hoped that people will get back their ownership of the country soon through a credible and impartial election.
“The new generation has not had the chance to vote (for a long time). They’re eager to cast their ballots. It is our moral duty to provide them with the opportunity to do so,” he said while speaking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
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Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, along with leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave, marking the 46th founding anniversary of the BNP student body.
He said reforms will continue and it will not be halted for arranging the election. “We believe that the most important reforms will be carried out, and preparations for the election will proceed through coordination. The (ownership of the country) will be returned to the people as soon as possible through a fair and neutral election.”
The BNP leader said their party has been consistently working to ensure essential reforms in administration, the police and the Election Commission.
“Reform is an ongoing process. Human civilisation has evolved through reforms, and they will never end. So, it’s not a meaningful question whether reforms should come first and election later, or election first and reforms later. Reforms will continue at all times, while elections will be held after every five years,” he said.
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Dr Moyeen said the common people, all democratic parties, and student bodies, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, participated in the July-August movement led by students to restore democracy, protect people’s democratic and voting rights and establish a government of the people through free and fair elections.
“We look to the new generation, as they will lead the country in the future. It’s a natural progression. We have confidence in them that they will return to their classes to complete their studies, be well-educated, and be prepared to play a significant role in running the country, pursuing the path of right, fairness and truth, with people’s votes,” the BNP leader said.
He accused the Awami League’s autocratic regime of destroying democracy, stripping people of their freedom of expression, and denying their voting rights by turning Bangladesh into a fascist state over the past 15 years.
Dr Moyeen said their party had carried out a long struggle against injustice and autocracy to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
He recalled how their party's rally on October 28, 2023 at Nayapaltan was foiled by the Sheikh Hasina-led despotic regime by establishing a reign of terror.
The BNP leader said the country was finally freed from autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, as Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh like a coward in the face of the student-led movement in July and August.
He also said students have played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements throughout the nation’s history, including the Liberation War, since the 1952 Language Movement.
1 month ago
Mirza Abbas slams calls to bury constitution, reminds of martyrs' sacrifice
Stating that the constitution was written in 1972 at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs, BNP Senior leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday criticised those who called for burying that national charter.
“As your seniors, we feel disappointed when you (leaders of the student movement) say that the constitution should be buried. If there is anything bad in the constitution, it can be amended,” he said while exchanging views with journalists.
The Dhaka South city unit of BNP organised the event at a community centre in the capital’s Nayapaltan area.
Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, observed that the Constitution is not a rough draft that can simply be discarded.
“As our children, I would like to tell the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement not to misunderstand us. When you say things like this, it sounds fascist. Because fascists used to say, ‘we will bury them, kill them, and cut them off,” he said.
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Pointing at the students, the BNP said, “The nation and the politicians are looking at you. So, we don’t expect such words from you."
“I am not a supporter of the 1972 Constitution, but I understand the connection between the Liberation War and it. The Constitution was formulated as a result of the Liberation War,” he explained.
Abbas said those who misused the Constitution should face consequences. “If you have a headache, cutting off your head is not the solution. So, take action against those who misused the Constitution. We are with you.”
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“That Constitution was written at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs of 1971. So it hurts us when you speak against it,” he said.
He also urged student leaders to refrain from making comments that people dislike and create division.
1 month ago
Anti-liberation party trying to fish in troubled waters: Rizvi
BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that not only India but also a few political parties, including those who opposed the Liberation War in 1971, are trying to fish in troubled waters to secure their own political gains.
“Now, not only a neighbouring country is spreading propaganda and misinformation and trying to stigmatise (the BNP), but also one or two political parties from within the country are trying to fish in troubled waters to make their political gains,” he said after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Rizvi spoke to reporters after placing wreaths at Zia’s grave, accompanied by the leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Rickshaw-Van-Auto Sramik Dal.
He said all democratic political forces should be united at this time, but a few parties are trying to divide these forces solely for their own political interests.
Rizvi criticised the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami for their remarks that one party of extortionists has escaped, and people do not want to see another party of extortionists.
“Don't we understand who you mean by this? The day after August 5, we saw how you took control of the Islamic banks .People witnessed it, but now you're talking tall,” the BNP leader said.
He said banks were looted during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, but many banks have also have been taken over by the successors of S Alam after August 5.
Rizvi said the followers of an Islamist political party grabbed Islami Bank following the political changeover in August this year."
In an indirect reference to Jamaat, he said the party is now attempting to defame BNP, even though its followers have taken control of various things, including terminals and CNG stands, and have been involved in tender manipulation.
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"I would like to say that political party is quietly indulging in all sorts of misdeeds. The people witnessed how you embezzled banks after the fall of Sheikh Hasina,” the BNP leader said.
He also said the people of the country are well aware of which party is associated with sharp weapons and the cutting of tendons.
“You opposed the Liberation War in 1971, but Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the Independence… You joined Ershad's elections with Sheikh Hasina in 1986, betraying people,” the BNP leader said.
Rizvi said Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin took over power following the political changeover in 2007 to destroy democracy and establish a harsh autocratic rule like Sheikh Hasina. 'You also forced (BNP) to join the election under their regime at that time,” he said.
“You (Jamaat) do politics in the name of Islam. But Islam does not condone repeated betrayal. BNP has never backed down from its commitment to people. From 1971 to August 5, BNP has never bowed its head down on the issue of democracy,'" he said.
Rizvi also criticised the Jamaat leaders for their comments about improving relations with India and pardoning Sheikh Hasina and her party.
“You want to improve relations with India. This neighbouring country was complicit in all the incidents of killing and enforced disappearances under Sheikh Hasina,” he said.
The BNP leader said key Jamaat leaders were removed from politic by the Hasina government through extrajudicial killings. “Even after that, you would forgive Sheikh Hasina and seek better ties with India. This shows that you care little about fairness and justice.”
He said Jamaat is offering forgiveness to the Awami League and expressing willingness to improve ties with India, even though neither has asked for it. “Doesn’t this amount to betrayal of your own blood?”
Rizvi said the July revolution was the result of 16 years of uninterrupted movement by BNP and other democratic parties.
He claimed that 97 workers were martyred during the July-August movement to oust Sheikh Hasina.
1 month ago
Rizvi accuses India of misleading world about Bangladesh
BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday accused India of trying to mislead the world by spreading lies about Bangladesh in its attempt to support the ousted Awami League government.
"Politicians, policymakers and many media figures in neighbouring countries—particularly those who compromise their integrity—are crying over the escape of the despotic ruler (Sheikh Hasina)," he said while speaking to reporters at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute Hospital.
"They’re trying to confuse the world by fabricating falsehoods, such as claims that Hindu homes are being torched and Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh. But, in this age of technology, their efforts are failing," Rizvi added.
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As part of the initiative by "Amra BNP Poribar", Rizvi visited patients at the hospital who had sustained injuries during the student-led mass movement.
He said the false propaganda being spread by India gives an impression that violent murderers and bloodthirsty people dominate the neighbouring country.
The BNP leader also alleged that India has been shedding "crocodile tears" for Sheikh Hasina since it used her to protect its own interests.
Rizvi said the interim government has arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das, who had previously been expelled from ISKCON, for his misdeeds. "It appears that there has been an outcry for him from Delhi to the very farthest corners of India. This situation can’t continue."
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Stating that Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign state earned at the cost of immense blood, he said that no one has the power to make the country bow down. "This Bangladesh cannot be subjugated through veiled threats or intimidation.”
He strongly condemned the disrespect of Bangladesh's national flag in India, as well as the recent attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala.
“They (Indians) have gone so far that they have torn down the flag of our independent beloved motherland. As per Vienna Convention, they have committed a terrible and serious international crime by raising their hands on our diplomatic officials,” the BNP leader said.
He also criticised India for failing to acknowledge the cruelty and violence that Sheikh Hasina has inflicted on the citizens of her own country.
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“The scene I witnessed in the burn unit is beyond words. I visited various hospitals, I have seen much, but nothing compares to the sheer brutality I observed today (Saturday). It was so heart-breaking that tears filled my eyes. It felt as if I were watching a scene from a horror film. Who will take responsibility for this? How will these people survive?” Rizvi said.
He said autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina, created such an atrocious situation before fleeing the country. “Those responsible for this carnage—from the ministers to all others involved in killing our people, crippling our brothers, and committing these heinous crimes—must be brought to justice in the International Crimes Tribunal.”
2 months ago
AL can’t stage a comeback in Bangladesh politics: BNP
BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday said the deposed Awami League will not be able to stage a comeback in Bangladesh politics if BNP and Jamaat and other parties remain united.
Speaking at a memorial meeting, he also said BNP is willing to rebuild the country together with its longstanding ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in the days ahead.
"We ousted the Awami League in the past… let’s strive to remain united at all times and work together to rebuild this country beautifully," the BNP leader said.
Abbas made the remarks during a discussion organised by the Dhaka south city unit of Jamaat at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of those killed on that day in 2006 with oars and sticks.
Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, recalled the severe repression and suppression faced by opposition leaders and workers during the Awami League rule.
“We endured many pains, but now we feel relieved that we reaped the results of our suffering and struggle on August 5," Abbas said.
He also said the nation achieved a Bangladesh without Hasina on August 5, after a long struggle and immense sacrifices over 17 years.
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“We now desire a Bangladesh without the Awami League... the Awami League and decent people, the Awami League and democracy cannot coexist. The Awami League is actually devil's friend,” he mentioned.
The BNP leader said that although the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina has fled the country to India, her associates remain here. "There’s no reason to be happy about the ousting of the Awami League, as their cohorts and supporters are still in the same positions throughout Bangladesh's politics, culture, Secretariat, police and BGB."
He emphasised that fully reestablishing democracy in Bangladesh will not be possible while Hasina's associates hold various positions, as they continue to devise different plots.
The BNP leader urged all democratic parties to unite and avoid making conflicting remarks to thwart plots of Hasina’s associates and the neighbouring country, India. "Otherwise, our neighbour will continue to manipulate us, and we can't allow that to happen in any way."
On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he extended greetings to the leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami.
Abbas said those who killed people with oars and sticks in 2006 must be brought to justice. "If the trial for the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman can be held after 40 years, the trial for these killings can be conducted even after 80 years."
He also prayed for salvation of the departed souls of Jamaat leaders, including Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, who, he said, were unjustly executed. "Those responsible for their deaths, including judges, police, and magistrates, should also be held accountable."
3 months ago
People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday (June 4, 2023) said the country’s people, not the Prime Minister, will decide whether they will go to the USA or not.
“It is her (PM’s) personal matter whether she will go to any particular country or not. It’s also a matter of their decision whether the 17 crore people of Bangladesh will go to that country or not,” he said.
Talking to reporters after a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said the people of Bangladesh will decide whether they will go to the USA for their personal, business, professional, family and educational purposes.
“The Prime Minister can’t take a decision in this regard,” Khosru, also the chairman of BNP’s foreign affairs committee, observed.
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Earlier on Saturday (June 3, 2023), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it does not matter at all if someone does not go to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey.
“There are other oceans and other continents in the world and we’ll make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she added.
The PM also said Bangladesh will run on its own feet and the government will build the country. “We will not be dependent on others, who will not give us visas, who will impose sanctions on us.”
Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the Prime Minister is not worried about the US sanctions or visa restrictions but a neutral election.
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“The Prime Minister becomes ill and suffers from headache when any country talks about fair elections under a neutral caretaker government,” he said.
Speaking at a food distribution programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal’s Dhaka south city unit on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office marking party founder’s 42nd death anniversary, Rizvi said the Prime Minister said it matters little if anyone does not go to the USA.
“Then why don't you keep your son in the country? Why do your sons and daughters live abroad? Why did you keep your son in the United States instead of any other friendly country of yours?” he questioned.
He said Sheikh Hasina will not take any steps for holding a fair election and establishing a caretaker government as she considers the country’s people as her enemies.
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“If an impartial caretaker government is established, the people of the country will be able to vote freely and fairly. She knows people won’t ‘vote for her party. So, doesn’t want a neutral caretaker government to come,” the BNP leader said.
1 year ago
BNP’s 27 points parts of anti-govt movement: Amir Khosru
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said their party’s 27 points for the state reform are 'parts of the ongoing movement’ to unseat the Awami League government.
“I have been saying repeatedly that these 27 points are parts of the ongoing movement. It's not different,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the philosophy behind the 27 points is to make the people understand what Bangladesh will look like in the future and also for encouraging them to involve with the current movement.
About the significance of the 27 points, he said it will not be possible to run the country in the future without implementation of these points.
“The country will be destroyed if we can’t reform it. So, we must implement these 27 points for the sake of the country,” the BNP leader observed.
Dhaka north city unit of Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and BNP Media Cell jointly organised the discussion titled “Explanation and Analysis of the State Structure Repair Framework” at the Jatiya Press Club.
Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said many people are asking as to why BNP has been discussing the 27 points when the party has been on a movement to oust the government.
Through the discussions on the 27 points, he said they are trying to give people an idea about what they will gain when the current “fascist, corrupt and usurper” regime is removed from power.
The BNP leader called upon the people who are still confused about the movement and its positive outcome to take to the streets reviewing the 27 points.
On December 19, BNP unveiled a 27-point outline of ‘Structural Reform of the State’ — proposing radical changes to the state system including balancing the executive powers of the president, prime minister and the Cabinet, and introduction of the upper house of legislature.
The outline of the ‘Structural Reform of the State’ has been prepared in line with the late president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's 19 points and BNP's 'Vision-2030'.
About Awami League’s “Smart Bangladesh” slogan, Khosru said smartness has both positive and negative meanings.
He said the ruling party’s smartness means how to steal professionally, loot banks, stock market and rig votes sometimes during the day and sometimes at night smartly.
"AL’s smartness also means to use the country’s people like subjects to plunder lakhs of crores of taka through mega projects. You must have the smartness to siphon off 10 lakh crores of taka abroad. We’re not talking about that smart Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said.
He said their party is focusing on the 27 points to bring Bangladesh out of the deep hole in which it is. “If you can get it out of that hole and put it on the tack, then you can run the country."
The BNP leader accused the ruling party of doing and promoting politics of corruption by establishing their control on the state institutions.
He said Awami League has created a group—comprising businessmen, corrupt politicians and government officials—to stay in power using money and muscle. “They all created the regime together. I do not call it the government since it’s not elected by the people.”
Khosru said this regime has created its own 'Awami model' of economy in the name of free market economy, “That is the economy of plundering. So, the country should be brought back on track through the implementation of the 27 points.”
2 years ago
It’s not administration’s duty to help govt to perpetuate power: Gayeshwar
Calling upon the public servants to discharge their duties neutrally, BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Thursday said it is not the responsibility of the administration to help an ‘anti-people’ government to perpetuate power.
"I would like to say to those who are in the administration or partners of the government or its partners of plundering and beneficiaries you won’t lose your job (if Awami League loses power). But from now on do only the normal work which is your duty,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader also urged the public servants both in uniform and plainclothes to stand by people before time runs out.
“If you work for protecting the government instead of taking people’s side, then the consequences won’t be good. You do your job…but if you play a role in prolonging the power of a government which people do not want, then there will be no scope to spare you, no matter who you may be,” he warned.
Swadhinta Forum, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club in memory of BNP Vice Chairman Shah Moazzem Hossain who died on September 14 last.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said their party has been working on waging a united movement by forging the unity of the political parties to protect people’s voting rights. ”We all are trying to work with a common goal to protect the country together.”
He said they will first realise their demand for holding a credible election under a non-party administration by ensuring the fall of the current regime through a united movement. “After that, we’ll form a government to be accountable to people and to repair the state through united efforts”
The BNP leader also recalled the colourful political life of Shah Moazzem Hossain and paid tribute to his memory.
2 years ago