United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said no imposed law, order or forced proposal can be allowed to interfere with the sovereignty of the National Parliament. “We do not want the sovereignty of the National Parliament to be undermined in any way. That is why we will not allow any imposed law, order or coercive proposal to interfere with Parliament’s sovereignty,” he said. Speaking at a pre-march silent rally at Shahbagh, Salahuddin said Parliament is the country’s only sovereign House, representing the people. “Only the members elected by the people can exercise that sovereign authority. In Bangladesh, he said, discussions or proceedings of Parliament cannot be challenged in court. “We repeat that no proposal or imposed measure can be allowed to dictate or undermine the sovereignty of that National Parliament.” Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said their party welcomes the proposal to hold a referendum on the same day as the next national election, saying it would save time and cost and allow greater voter participation. “But a referendum cannot be used to enact laws or amend the Constitution. For that, a National Parliament must be formed. We want the national election to be held in the first half of February. We want to exercise our right to vote, and the people of this country are eager to cast their votes freely and enthusiastically,” he said. Referring to the July National Charter, Salahuddin reiterated that BNP is committed to implementing the charter exactly as it was written and signed on October 17. The rally titled “Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: Conscious Society Ready to Resist” was organised by the Women and Children Rights Forum in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh. After the rally, women participants covered their faces with black cloths and held a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Salahuddin accused a certain religious political party of exploiting religion for political gain. “There is a party that does business in the name of religion, engages in political business, and wants to win votes by selling different kinds of ‘tickets to heaven’. Women are now being oppressed at their hands.” BNP thanks Prof Yunus for reaffirming Feb election, same-day referendum He said this party wants to confine women to their homes, keep half the population in darkness, and block women’s progress. “They are calling for reduced working hours for women, claiming it will prevent inconvenience in employment. But reducing working hours will actually harm women’s employment. If working hours are cut, many offices, institutions and factories will hesitate to hire women. Employment will decrease, not increase,” the BNP leader warned. Salahuddin said women must have the opportunity to work with dignity and prove their skills through full employment. “Those calling for reduced working hours have bad intentions. They want women confined. They do not want society to progress.” He observed that the country can move forward only if both men and women progress equally and if their safety, dignity and opportunities are ensured in all sectors. Salahuddin said BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for women based on its 31-point agenda, covering education, employment, security and housing. He strongly condemned the recent assault on BNP women activists in Rajshahi, who were allegedly beaten and humiliated by supporters of a religious party. The BNP leader also criticised the case filed against a teacher of Jahangirnagar University for comments made during a talk show. “Her words offended a fanatical group, and they filed a case. We want a society where everyone is equal, without divisions based on religion, ethnicity, caste, culture or language.” Salahuddin said ensuring equal rights for all citizens is the true spirit of democracy, independence and sovereignty. “Our only identity should be that we are citizens of Bangladesh. There should be no majority–minority divisions or cultural or linguistic discrimination.” Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin He said the July uprising and past movements were aimed at building such a Bangladesh, and the fight must continue to establish a strong democratic state free from discrimination. The rally was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member and Forum convener Selima Rahman and conducted by member secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Jahangirnagar University Professor Mehrin Islam Khan, PSC member Professor Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, former MPs Shirin Sultana, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Bilkis Islam and Mayer Daak platform coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others, spoke the programme.

Political parties across the spectrum reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty during a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Wednesday. “We may have political differences over elections, reform and other issues, but we all are united on the question of national independence and sovereignty,” Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna told reporters after the meeting. Entire world needs to know Bangladesh united: Dr Yunus The meeting was held at the Foreign Service Academy with the participation of representatives from various political parties including BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus delivered the opening remarks at the event that began at 4:00pm. Manna said they told the meeting that Bangladesh wants to stay independent with dignity, maintaining friendly relations with other countries, not bowing down to anyone. He said they also asked the interim government to review all the agreements signed with India and cancel the agreements that go against the national interest of Bangladesh. Junaid Saki, the chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, said they, the political parties in the meeting, reached a consensus to develop a national unity on the question of the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Tarique urges leaders, activists to avoid controversial activities “We told (govt) that all the people of Bangladesh – political parties, students and people from all classes and professions—will fight united to protect the existence, independence and sovereignty of this country,” he said. Noting that a fight of misinformation continues against Bangladesh from India and other places, Saki said, “We’ve told the government that we’ll have to fight misinformation with true information.” Saiful Islam, Ganatantra Mancha coordinator Saiful Huq, said India has remained seriously active against the interim government, the people of this country and the mass uprising since the fall of the fascists. They (India) are trying to create a communal tension between the Hindu and Muslim, he said. “We today said in this meeting that we, all political parties in Bangladesh, are beside the interim government and expressed unity over the question of our independence, sovereignty and national interest,” he said.   National Unity: CA’s talks with political parties underway Saiful Huq said they assured that the people of Bangladesh have today built a fresh unity over non-communal politics and cultures against communalism.  “The people of Bangladesh won’t step in any type of provocation,” he said. He said they asked the government to give a clear message that if India wants to destabilise Bangladesh and play with the security of Bangladesh, the security of India will also fall in risk. “We want to keep the friendly relationship with India and we want to resolve all disputes with India fairly based on just, equity and equal partnership,” he said.   “We, the people of Bangladesh won’t step in any provocation and will protect the national unity at any cost. Today the people of Bangladesh are united on the question of the national interest. And this unity can no way be weakened,” said Saiful Huq. Advisers Adilur Rahman Khan and Mahfuj Alam; BNP leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain; Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman; and Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan, among others, present in the meeting. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus The CA’s meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting.

China has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks against US sanctions were "not just the strong position of the Bangladeshi people, but also the mind of a large part of the international community, especially the developing world." Read: Bangladesh, Denmark launch action plan to strengthen partnership on green transition "We have noted the recent remarks by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Indeed, while turning a blind eye to its own racial discrimination, gun violence and drug proliferation problems, a certain country has long been interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh and many other developing countries under the pretext of democracy and human rights," said Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin, commenting on sanctions on Bangladesh. Read: Record 108.4 mln people forcibly displaced by end of  2022: UNHCR He said Bangladesh and China have been traditionally friendly neighbours. "We firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, upholding independent domestic and foreign policies, and pursuing a development path that suits its national realities," said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. Read: Japan provides critical funding to WFP’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingyas He said they stand ready to work together with Bangladesh and other countries to oppose all forms of hegemony and power politics, uphold the UN-centred international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) said security cooperation does not refer to any strategic alliance. He, however, said they have probably slowed down some of the major purchase plans due to current economic situation, which will continue until further improvement of the economic situation. "We do not want any war. But if the independence of Bangladesh is hurt, if the sovereignty is hurt, we will need tools to counter it," Shahriar said, adding that the government is focusing on further economic development. He was speaking at an interactive session titled "Bangladesh at the Crossroads" held in a hotel in Dhaka. Read more: Shahriar hopes US taking good note of BNP’s threat over election The Daily Ittefaq organised the event where its Publisher and Executive Director Tareen Hossain delivered welcome remarks. The State Minister said any defence agreement with any country does not mean that Bangladesh will get involved in war against any country. "We have to procure necessary equipment to defend our country. We have Forces Goal 2030," he said. The country's economic well-being is now the biggest priority, Shahriar said. Read more: President Erdogan and PM Hasina vow to take Dhaka-Ankara ties to new height "We are under no security threats," he said, adding that of course there is always the risk of extremism and Bangladesh will prevent it. Shahriar said Bangladesh has some strategic plans as part of Forces Goal 2030 and it will have to wait for some more time to be completed. Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Nahim Razzaq, diplomats from foreign missions stationed in Dhaka and journalists were present. Read more: Nothing to share yet regarding China’s GDI, says Shahriar Alam

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked Bangladesh Navy to stay prepared for dealing with any natural disaster as well as protecting the country’s sovereignty. “Being emboldened with the qualities of integrity, leadership and self-sacrifice, you’ll always have to remain prepared to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty as well as face any disaster, standing shoulder to shoulder with the members of the Army and Air Force. Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country,” she said. The prime minister was addressing the President Parade of the passing cadets of Midshipmen 2020 Alfa Batch and Direct Entry Officer 2022 Bravo Batch of Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) in Chattogram's Patenga. Read more: PM wants Bangladesh Navy to be commercial manufacturer of warships She said the Bangladesh Navy always stands beside the people during natural disasters and continues to conduct rescue operations competently. “I want our officers to do the work with utmost sincerity,” she said. Referring to the graduating officers, the PM said, “You are the future helmsmen of our Navy in protecting the country’s sovereignty and security.” She asked them to discharge the responsibilities towards the country, being imbued with patriotism, and equipped with the senses of discipline and integrity. Read more: PM commissions five modern Navy ships

Bangladesh always believes in peaceful coexistence with all neighbours, but it is also ever ready to protect its sovereignty from any aggressive attack, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.