United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has expressed the view that the first bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok was 'very important'. "This meeting is certainly very important. It (the meeting) was essential," he said while replying to a question from reporters on Friday afternoon at his residence in the city’s Shahjahanpur area. China visit a ‘major success’ for interim government: Fakhrul The BNP leader said the Bangladesh government was trying for this meeting on its own initiative. “A meeting was needed at this time,” he said. He said bringing Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh is the demand of the time and the people. “If there was talk only about the return of Sheikh Hasina in the meeting, then I would like to add a thing that those who are her (Sheikh Hasina's) allies and trying to destabilize the country should also be sent back with her," he said. ‘Trial of Sheikh Hasina is important’ “India should immediately send Sheikh Hasina back to face trial because it is very important that a fascist is tried. This is very important not only for Bangladesh but for the whole world. No fascist should ever go unpunished.” About the Teesta issue, he said the water of Teesta River must be shared with Bangladesh. Bangladesh should build the Teesta dam. “Bangladesh will not make any compromise on the Teesta and Farakka issues," he added. Mirza Abbas said it is essential to cancel the unequal agreements made with India by the previous Awami League government. The agreements that were not implemented yet should also be annulled, he said. Vested quarter deliberately misinterpreting statement of BNP on reforms: Fakhrul About the election and reform, he said some are trying to claim that BNP loses temper when the reform is raised.  "I have a strong objection here. BNP has never been against reforms, BNP has always been in favor of reforms, and at the same time, BNP is also in favor of election,” he said. The BNP leader said both reform and election are needed. But BNP is not in favor of the reforms that go beyond the interests of the people of the country and the rights of the people, he went on.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said there is no such thing as a “second independence” in a sovereign, independent Bangladesh. “Today’s celebrations would serve as evidence that the concept of a ‘second independence’ does not exist in the country,” he said after paying tribute to the martyred war heroes on the occasion of the 54th Independence Day at the National Memorial in Savar. The notion of a "second independence" was an attempt to undermine the significance of the country's hard-earned freedom from 1971, Abbas said. "Second independence": An Attempt to Undermine Original Freedom “Those who talk about a second independence want to undermine today’s Independence Day. In other words, they had no role in the independence of 1971,” Abbas added. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity He urged those propagating such views to show restraint and respect for the day, calling for the preservation of Bangladesh’s hard-won independence. “I would say they should remain quiet and respect Independence Day. Let’s make sure we can preserve this independence.” On National Unity and Political Diversity When asked about the current state of national unity, Abbas said there was no real disunity in the country. “There is no disunity; there is a place for interest. Every party has its own ethical stance and ideology. Each speaks from their perspective. I wouldn’t call this disunity.” He added that while different political ideologies may create the appearance of division, the country would unite when the need arose to protect its independence and sovereignty. “If a time comes, when national unity is required, we will all come together.” On Upcoming Elections Regarding the upcoming national election, Abbas expressed his confidence in the statement made by the chief adviser, who confirmed that elections would be held in December. “We want to believe in this, and we don’t want to change our faith.” Remembering Ziaur Rahman Reflecting on the legacy of independence, Mirza Abbas also remembered President Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence and fought for its freedom during the war. “Ziaur Rahman declared independence and fought for the country’s freedom.” Fakhrul to attend Bangabhaban reception today Abbas added that despite 54 years of independence, the nation had, at times, lost the true essence of freedom. However, recent movements, particularly the student-led protests on August 5, had revived hope and led to the removal of the "autocrat" prime minister Sheikh Hasina. “The people of the country have been freed once again from autocracy and oppression,” he added.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Thursday alleged that efforts are being made to create "artificial divisions" among political parties. “We, the leaders of different political parties, are sitting together for iftar. We’re all enjoying this moment together. If we can continue working in this way to build Bangladesh, where is the problem?” he told an iftar gathering. The BNP leader said their party sees no problem in working together with other parties to rebuild the country through united efforts. “But artificial problems are being created. Ill-efforts are there to divide us. Different parties are speaking out against each other, throwing accusations—that is not fair. If this continues, the victory we achieved on August 5 will be lost,” he warned. Public perception about ploy to delay election is valid: Mirza Abbas Gono Odhikar Parishad hosted the iftar event at Sky City Hotel at Malibagh in honour of political leaders. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the usual fears and uncertainties surrounding such gatherings in previous years were no longer present. "Last year, the year before that, and even the year before, we attended iftar events with concerns and apprehensions. But now, that fear is gone. There is now no persecution and we have come here peacefully and will leave peacefully. We achieved this state through the victory of our movement on August 5. We’re enjoying the benefits of that achievement," he observed. The BNP leader said just as they are sitting together at the iftar party, they want to remain united in all future activities, from elections to forming a government. He stressed the need to build a better country, asserting that hatred, jealousy, and envy could never contribute to the nation's well-being. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  The BNP leader urged everyone to hold themselves accountable to their conscience, ensuring that the sacrifices and struggles of August 5 were not rendered meaningless due to any conspiracy. Speaking at the event, another BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said it is now necessary to have a clear roadmap for the national parliamentary election. “Reforms, discussions, and proposals will continue, but we must make a decision regarding the national election. That is why we need a roadmap. We and the country’s people expect the government to present the election roadmap soon,” he said. Rizvi blames govt inaction for rise in rape and violence against women The BNP leader also said they had presented their concerns and demands to the Chief Advisor during their meetings with him, and he had assured them that an election roadmap would be presented.  “We just want clarity on one matter—that the Chief Advisor will soon provide a roadmap for the national election in line with the people's expectations,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Sunday warned that attempts are being made to create division in the country and urged Islamic scholars [ulama- mashayekh] to remain vigilant. "A new slogan has emerged recently. I will not criticise it, but I urge you to be cautious about those two slogans," he said during a brief speech at an Iftar event with orphans and Islamic ulama’s. He said, "I read in the newspaper this morning… I still don’t understand what 'Second Independence' or 'Second Republic' means. I don't know if you have understood it. It seems that a particular pretext is being used to create division among the people. Please be aware of this." The Iftar event, organised by BNP at Eskaton, Dhaka on the first day of Ramadan, was attended by BNP leaders, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and other standing committee members while the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined virtually from London. BNP’s Salahuddin warns against tactics that’ll delay democracy Mirza Abbas further alleged that a some people who dress like,Islamic scholars are pushing this agenda. "I request you to handle this situation carefully. Inshallah, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we will take Bangladesh forward together, united," he added. Congratulating the attendees, he said, "Some people, both from abroad and within the country, are trying to create a rift between BNP and the Islamic scholars. I just want to remind you that this division is not between BNP and the Islamic scholars." He warned that such divisions could create cracks through which foreign powers might intervene and attempt to destroy the country. Hundreds of students from Farmgate Islamia Mission Madrasa and Shantinagar Bazar Jatiya Muslim Madrasa participated in the event. Among the Islamic scholars present were Subhanbagh Jame Mosque Khatib Maulana Wali Ullah, Dhaka Residential Model College Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohiuddin, National Imam Association President Maulana Kazi Abu Huraira, and Mireswarai Darbar Sharif Pir Maulana Abdul Momen Nasser. BNP Standing Committee members Jamir Uddin Sarkar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salah Uddin Ahmed were also in attendance. Additionally, BNP’s Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Abdul Bari Danny, Nationalist Ulema Dal Convener Kazi Md. Selim Reza, and Member Secretary Kazi Mohammad Abul Hossain were present.

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. BNP leader Kaikobad returns home after 13 years in exile 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.” Secretariat fire part of a deep conspiracy: BNP’s Rizvi “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.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday described the High Court verdict in the August 21 grenade attack cases as 'good news of justice' in the month of victory. “I want to share a piece of victory news on the first day of Victory Month… the court has acquitted Tarique Rahman and others in the August 21 grenade attack cases, as they were not involved in it,” he said during a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. Bangladesh Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, organised a programme titled “Independence, Democracy and Voting Rights in the Current Context”. The BNP leader alleged that they had not received justice during the Awami League's rule. "We received our first piece of good news today (Sunday), on the first day of December... Insha Allah, we are hopeful of more good news in the future." BNP not an obstacle to AL ban, says Rizvi Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, mentioned that thousands of party leaders and workers are expecting 'justice' in the cases filed against them during the Awami League government’s tenure. Earlier in the day, the High Court (HC) overturned the verdict of a lower court in two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack, acquitting all those convicted, including BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar. An HC bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain delivered the judgement on Sunday. The court also declared the charge sheet in the case illegal. The grenade attack, a shocking incident, occurred on Dhaka's Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.   Foreign Conspiracy Abbas claimed that the August 21 grenade attack was masterminded by a foreign power as the BNP had never been involved in the incident. "A foreign power sought to frame our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and our BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman by orchestrating the misdeeds," he said. Later, Abbas said Tarique and several other BNP leaders had been convicted in false cases based on a fabricated story. "The court today (Sunday) delivered a verdict confirming that Tarique Rahman was not involved in it... he has been acquitted." BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf acquitted in graft case Tarique’s Return Abbas also mentioned that Tarique Rahman would soon return to Bangladesh in good health. “That is why Allah has healed him, kept him healthy, and acquitted him." He prayed to Allah to grant Tarique a long life so that he could continue to serve the people of the country. The BNP leader also recounted the repression Tarique had faced after his arrest during the 1/11 political changeover.    

Welcoming the formation of the new Election Commission (EC), BNP senior leaders on Thursday hoped that the new Commission will focus on restoring the voting rights of people. “BNP wants the new Election Commission to work for bringing back the people’s right to franchise, without bowing to anyone's influence,” said party standing committee member Mirza Abbas. Giving his initial reaction to the EC formation, the BNP leader said the country’s people want a free and fair election, where they will be able to freely cast their votes to elect their representatives. He hoped that the government would promptly complete the reforms related to the electoral process and arrange the election to establish an elected government and parliament. Another BNP standing committee member, Gayeshwar Chandra, said the country’s people have long been deprived of their voting rights. He said the new commission should work independently and prioritise the restoration of voters' rights. Earlier in the day, the government formed the five-member new Election Commission, appointing former Secretary AMM Md Nasir Uddin as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). The four other election commissioners are former Additional Secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, former District and Sessions Judge Abdur Rahman Masud, former Joint Secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmad and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah. President Mohammed Shahabuddin has appointed them following Section 118 (1) of the Constitution. According to sources at BNP, the party had proposed two names for the position of Chief Election Commissioner, one of which was AMM Nasir Uddin, who previously served as Secretary in the Ministries of Energy and Mineral Resources and Health. He retired in January 2009. The party also proposed the name of former Joint Secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmad for the appointment of commissioner. On November 6, the BNP submitted five names to the search committee formed by the interim government to appoint the next chief election commissioner and other commissioners. On October 31, the government formed the search committee for the formation of the Election Commission.  

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. Hasina trying to trigger violence in Bangladesh: BNP  “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."

The High Court (HC) on Wednesday granted  permanent bail to BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Mirza Abbas in a case over the clash between police and the party activists at Nayapaltan on December 7 last year that left one dead. An HC bench of Justice Md Selim Azad and Justice Md Riaz Uddin Khan passed the order after hearing a rule in this regard.   Advocates Jainul Abedin and Sagir Hossain stood for the BNP leaders while Additional Attorney General SM Munir and Deputy Attorney General SM Golam Mostafa represented the state. Terming the rule as absolute, the HC granted permanent bail to them, said counsel Sagir.    On the other hand, state counsel Munir said they would take a decision on appeal against the HC order after discussion. On December 9 last year, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of police picked up Fakhrul and Abbas from their homes in separate raids in the capital. Later, they were shown arrested in a case over the clash between police and the party activists in the capital’s Nayapaltan. A Dhaka court sent them to jail rejecting their bail pleas. On January 3, the High Court granted six months bail to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas in the case. Read more: State files petition challenging HC bail to Fakhrul, Abbas On the following day, the government filed a petition with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking stay on the High Court order granting bail to the BNP leaders in the case. On January 8, A four-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Hasan Foyez Siddiqui upheld the High Court order granting bail to the BNP leaders. Just after a month of their arrest, Fakhrul and Abbas were freed from jail on bail on January 9 evening.

The Appellate Division this morning (January 08, 2023) upheld the High Court order granting bail to BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Mirza Abbas in a case filed over the clash between police and the party activists at Nayapaltan on December 7 last year. A four-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Hasan Foyez Siddiqui passed the order disposing of the state’s petition challenging the HC order. The court also ordered to dispose of the High Court rule on a maintenance ground. Read more: State files petition challenging HC bail to Fakhrul, Abbas On January 4, Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Jahangir Hossain fixed today (Sunday) for the hearing of the petition at the full-bench of the Appellate Division. The petition was filed on the same day with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking stay on the High Court order granting bail to the two BNP leaders in the case. The High Court granted six months' bail to Mirza Fakhrul and Mirza Abbas, in the case on January 3. The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain why the two BNP leaders should not be granted permanent bail. Read more: Nayapaltan clash: Fakhrul, Abbas get 6-month HC bail On December 21 last year, Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Asaduzzaman rejected the BNP leaders’ bail petitions for the fourth time. On December 9, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of police picked up Fakhrul and Abbas from their homes in separate raids in the capital. Later, they were shown arrested in a case over the clash between police and the party activists in the capital’s Nayapaltan. A Dhaka court sent them to jail rejecting their bail pleas. Read More: With or without BNP, election to be held on time: Razzaque