BNP leader
Greater platform for movement in the offing, hints Mosharraf
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf on Saturday hinted that their party has been trying to float a greater platform of opposition parties to wage a strong movement for ousting the current government.
“We’ll create a greater united platform on one-point demand to restore democracy by ousting the current government through a strong mass movement,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said their one-point demand is the restoration of democracy and people’s voting rights and the release of Khaleda Zia. "Our only goal is to protect the rights and interests of the people of this country.”
Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), one of the components of the BNP-led 20-party alliance, arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club in memory of its late joint secretary general Mohsin Sarker.
Also read: Caretaker is a must, no more game: BNP
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said people are ready to wage a tougher movement to ensure the fall of Awami League government. “People are criticising us as we’re not taking to the streets to oust the government.”
He said it is now the responsibility of the political parties to protect the country and restore people’s all rights, including voting one, through a united movement.
The BNP leader said the fall of the current government through a movement will pave the way for holding a credible national election in the country under a neutral administration.
Also read: BNP won’t join election with AL in power: Abbas
He called upon the opposition political parties that are out of the 20-party alliance to come under a united platform for waging a mass movement.
"Here (in the discussion meeting) some of you have said our 20-party alliance has become inactive. It happened due to the coronavirus. Our party also kept all organisational activities suspended due to the same reason. But this situation won’t remain in the days to come,” he said.
‘AL-backed middlemen’ behind price hike: BNP
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday voiced deep concern over the price hike of essentials, and alleged that Awami League-backed middlemen are behind it.
"People have got unnerved with the growing hike in essential commodities, but the government has not been able to take any step to control it due to the middlemen belonging to their party,” he said.
Speaking at a human-chain programme, the BNP leader alleged that the ruling-party business syndicate is depriving farmers of the fair prices of their produce with the help of the administration. “The government is not willing to take any step to ensure fair prices for farmers as it just wants to benefit its cohorts.”
Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding fair prices for the produce of the farmers and reduction of the prices of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, diesel and electricity.
Read: BNP policymakers in another closed-door meeting
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said people are not getting any service from the administration due to its politicisation.
He said there is no point in making any demand to the current government and the administration for protecting the interests of farmers and the welfare of people. “There’s no alternative to dislodging the government to get rid of the current situation of the country.”
The BNP leader urged the leaders of their party and its associate bodies to take the responsibility for ousting the Awami League government as people do not want to see this party in power anymore.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to wage a mass movement by organising the people of the country under the leadership of BNP. In the face of the mass movement, this government of usurper will be forced to quit,” he warned.
Read: BNP plans series of party central leaders’ meetings
Mosharraf asked the BNP leaders and activists to get ready to take part in the movement and make it a success.
“I want to ask the government to step down immediately and take steps for holding the next general election under a non-partisan and neutral government as per the demand of the country’s people. The sooner this fascist government is removed from power, the better for the country.
Case under DSA: BNP leader Hafiz gets bail
A tribunal in Barishal on Tuesday granted bail to BNP Vice-Chairman Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in a case filed under the Digital Security Act(DSA).
Cyber Tribunal Judge Golam Faruk passed the order after hearing a petition in the case.
Read: HC grants anticipatory bail to 11 lawyers in a DSA case
According to the case statement, Faridul Haque, president of Badarpur union unit Awami League of Lalmohan upazila in Bhola district filed a case against seven people including the BNP leader on December 28, 2018.
The case was filed under the DSA as a phone conversation between the BNP Leader and Babul Hawladar, another accused in the case, was leaked where the BNP leader made derogatory remarks about the national election.
BNP calls for simultaneous anti-govt movement
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday urged the opposition political parties to reach a consensus on launching a simultaneous movement against the current government as they did in the 90s to ‘restore’ democracy.
“Our main task is now to restore democracy, but it won’t be possible as long as Sheikh Hasina’s government is in power. So, we must oust this autocratic regime to restore democracy and people’s rights,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader said the opposition political parties have different opinions and ideologies, but he thinks they do not have disagreement when it comes to ousting the Awami League government as people want to get rid of it.
Also read: Saifur behind macroeconomic stability in Bangladesh, claims BNP
“So, let’s either form a united platform or launch a simultaneous movement to restore democracy by ensuring the fall of this government. This is now a demand of the time. We also have the history of waging such a movement in the past (against HM Ershad),” he said.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its founding anniversary.
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said opposition political parties should now have only one target -- freeing people from the hands of the current 'autocratic' government. “Can’t we reach a consensus on the issue? I call upon all to get united as per people's aspirations.”
He alleged that the ruling party has been 'ruthlessly distorting' the history of the Liberation War and making 'false' comments on BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s role in the Liberation War and his grave and dead body to misguide people and hush up the truth.
“We believe that had there been a genuine democratic practice in the country, no government, party and individual could distort history this way,” the BNP leader observed.
Also read: Any plan to remove Zia’s grave to invite dire consequences: BNP
Speaking at the programme, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said any attempt to suppress the historic truth will turn futile.
He said the ruling party leaders are trying to create a controversy centring Ziaur Rahman as part of their move to divert people’s attention to a different direction from the country’s real problems.
Dhaka conveys protests to UK over human rights report
Bangladesh has protested to the United Kingdom that it was "grossly misleading" to use the words "house arrest" in reference to the current situation of BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday summoned British Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka Javed Patel to convey the government's views and disappointment with certain issues mentioned in the Bangladesh chapter of the Human Rights and Democracy Report 2020.
The report was released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) last Thursday.
It was clarified to the AHC that on the application of Begum Zia's brother, the government had - as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 - suspended her prison sentence and 'released' her in March 2020 on condition that she would receive medical treatment at home and would not travel abroad.
The government pointed out that the suspension of her sentence and release from prison, applicable for an initial six -month period, were subsequently extended twice in September 2020 and March 2021.
Also read: Media freedom in Bangladesh under “pressure”, political freedom “restricted”: UK
The AHC was told that it would be advisable to consult the concerned authorities of the government in case of any confusion over such legal issues.
It was further suggested that any official document of the UK government also refrain from using any form of insinuating and misleading statements about the Government of Bangladesh or the ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League.
Time not ripe yet to go for anti-govt movement: Fakhrul
Stating that the correct time has not come yet to go for an anti-government movement, BNP Secretary General on Monday said it will not be possible to stage a mass upsurge without the active participation of the young generation.
“Many of you ask why BNP is not calling for a movement? BNP will surely do it when the party thinks it is the right time for waging a movement,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, he said, “Students and workers must play a big role in the movement as they did in the past. A mass upsurge is necessary to defeat the current regime by organising the youth.”
Also read:Plot hatched to make Bangladesh 'subservient’ state: Fakhrul
Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 40th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Recalling the role of students and youths in ousting HM Ershad in the 90s, Fakhrul said people will get united if the young generation comes forward for bringing about a change in power.
He, however, said the reality in the 90s and that of in 2021 is not the same. “There’ve been lots of changes in the course of time. We’ve to move on with the trend of change. Or else, we’ll never be successful.”
The BNP leader said one thing is clear that no election can be held in a free and fair manner under the current government and the Election Commission. “So, they’ve to go…then there must come a change through an election under a neutral government and a neutral election commission. We the country’s people have to do this. Neither America nor China, nor India will bring this change for us.”
Fakhrul alleged that the ruling party leaders are indulging in widespread ‘plundering’ and they are buying houses and making shopping malls in different countries, including Canada, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. “No one keeps money in the country anymore as they know the time will come when everyone will be made accountable to people.”
Mentioning that the government has completely failed to deal with the coronavirus crisis, he said the government’s only goal is to plunder and steal public money through corruption.
He said Health Minister Zahid Maleque was present during the signing of a deal with Regent Hospital, but later only hospital chairman Shahed Karim was sent to jail for the Covid test scam. “When Shahed can be taken to jail, then why not the minister? He (minister) is equally responsible for it."
Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged ministers to make comments on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia maintaining decency and political etiquette.
“Khaleda Zia is a three-time former ex-Prime Minister who had restored democracy in the country through a long struggle for nine years. She’s now seriously ill. People, politicians and foreign missions here are worried about it,” he said.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader regretted that some ministers are unfortunately making very ‘objectionable and satirical’ remarks about her which are discourteous.
“In fact, they’re exposing their characters with the remarks. They’ve no sense of humanity and decency. I would like to request them to make comments about her by maintaining decency and political etiquette. You please refrain from making indecent comments and keep it in mind that people will not forget everything,” he said.
Replying to a question, the BNP leader said the process of taking Khaleda Zia abroad depends on the government's decision.
Fakhrul said the BNP chief tested negative for the virus and her condition is improving gradually.
“She’s been suffering from various diseases for a long time and those have been aggravated as she couldn’t receive treatment during her long stay in jail. In some cases, her age has become a big problem,” he said.
Besides, the BNP leader said, the post-Covid-complications can damage some of her organs, putting her in health risk.
He said the medical board formed in the Evercare Hospital has been providing Khaleda treatment sincerely. “The hope is that she’s showing a sign of improvement.”
Fakhrul said the BNP chief’s treatment now is not possible without keeping her at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
He urged all to pray for her speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
“Madam (Khaleda) underwent the Covid test on Saturday and her report came out negative,” the BNP chief’s medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told UNB early Sunday.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breathing last week.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
BNP leader Aman hospitalised with Covid infections
BNP Chairperson’s adviser Amanullah Aman was admitted to a hospital in the capital on Saturday with coronavirus infections.
Aman, a former vice president of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu), was taken to Square Hospitals around 1:30pm, said BNP vice chairman Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.
He said Aman underwent a Covid test on Friday and the result came out positive.
Zahid said Aman is doing fine as he has no major complications.
He said Aman was admitted to the hospital to receive the proper treatment of the deadly virus.
Aman was the VP of Ducsu during 1990 and he was later elected MP thrice from Dhaka-3 seat.
Fakhrul regrets BNP’s failure to revitalise organisations
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday bemoaned that their party has failed to strengthen its different bodies, including labour and student wings, to succeed in the anti-governmental movement.
“We’re now just doing some formalities by arranging milad, prayer sessions and remembrance meetings. How will we carry out the movement without invigorating our organisations?” he said.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader said their party must strengthen their two important wings -- Jatiaytabadi Sramik Dal and Chhatra Dal -- to ensure the fall of the current ‘fascist’ regime through a strong movement.
“We can’t build these organisations in that way. That’s our failure. So, I would request, let's all communicate with each other, let's discuss and try to figure out how to rebuild these organisations," he said.
Also read: BNP demands govt's immediate resignation
Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal arranged the programme marking the first death anniversary of ex-labour leader Zafrul Hasan.
Fakhrul said though the owners of different factories and industries are making huge money and accumulating assets both at home and abroad, their workers are passing through immense sufferings. “They live in slums and can't even manage two two-square meals every day. But no one raises voice over the matter.”
He said the politicians and labour leaders should talk about the rights and sufferings of the workers.
The BNP leader demanded the government provide the workers with subsidy as they are hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing lockdown.
Also read: BNP accuses govt of destabilising country
"Workers must be given subsidy during this Covid-19 period. Every labour leader and worker must get relief assistance from the government. This is the biggest demand at the moment,” he observed.
Fakhrul recalled Zafrul Hasan’s role in ensuring the rights of workers.
Noted labour leader Zafrul Hasan, an adviser to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and former general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, died on April 6 last year.
BNP leader Anee infected with Covid-19
BNP publicity affairs secretary Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee was infected with coronavirus.
Talking to UNB, Anee said he underwent Covid-19 test on Monday and his report came out positive on Tuesday.
The BNP leader said he has been suffering from fever, cough and sneezing for the last few days. “I’ve been receiving treatment as per doctor’s advice staying in isolation at my home.”
Also read: Covid-19: BNP’s Rizvi shifted to ICU
Anee urged all to pray for his speedy recovery.
Some other BNP senior leaders, including standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hessian and his wife, standing committee member Selima Rahman, vice chairman AZM Zahid Hossain and his wife, chairperson’s adviser Dr AKM Azizul Haq and senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi have been undergoing treatment at different city hospitals with coronavirus infections.