BNP
No problem with student politics, concern is control of one student body: Gayeshwar
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday (April 01, 2024) said student politics on the university campuses is not the problem, the concern is over the control of a single student organision on the campuses.
“Buet authorities will take decision whether they will allow student politics on the campus or not. Because of that (Abrar Fahad killing) the Buet authorities had banned student politics on the campus, they will see whether such situation is still continuing or not and take decision accordingly,” he said.
He said these while talking to reports after visiting injured BNP Natore district unit’s join convener Dewan Shahin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Dewan Shahin recently got seriously injured in an attack allegedly by some Awami League men.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said the situation at Jahangirnagar University is worse where Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Manik had celebrated ‘rape century’. “It was stigma for the nation. But AL considers this shame as ornaments.”
Read more: Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates
They are behaving recklessly with the support of the administration, he alleged.
He said ruling Awami Legue (AL) is staying in power unleashing atrocities and by using muscle power against oppositions.
In the last 15 years Natore BNP leaders have been facing inhuman torture by AL men. “Despite oppression the leaders and activists did not leave BNP. The scenario of torture on BNP men across the Bangladesh is same to Natore,” he said.
Terming AL as an isolated political party, Gayeshwar said without terrorist activities they (AL) could not survive in politics.
Read more: BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campus
“In this situation we have to raise our voice and get ready to give reply to their brutality,”he said.
Responding to a question from reporters, the BNP leader said the government is waiting to hear the death news of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“I guess sweetmeat will be distributed at Gano Bhaban once they hear her death news.”
“We have nothing to expect from this government. But what they are doing with the BNP Chairperson will be considered as a planned murder,” he said.
Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future
Rizvi says ‘India out’ campaign people’s protest against the country’s influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape
In a fervent critique of the ruling Awami League (AL), BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, charged the government with sacrificing the nation's independence and dignity in exchange for support from the Indian government. Rizvi’s allegations were made during a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
Rizvi claimed that AL does not seek the mandate of the Bangladeshi people, instead “clinging to power through the backing of the Modi government and entering into bonds of subjugation.”
He further accused the AL of perceiving Bangladesh as a “dummy state,” alleging that the real power behind the AL is not the people of Bangladesh but India. By supporting the Awami League, India is exercising control over Bangladesh, infringing upon the rights of its citizens,” Rizvi added.
Read more: Law Ministry for extending Khaleda’s jail term suspension by 6 months
Highlighting concerns over foreign influence, Rizvi said, “It is believed that India dictates the appointments of crucial positions like the chief of Bangladesh Police and BGB, undermining our sovereignty.”
Rizvi also pointed to statements made by Indian foreign ministry officials expressing support for the Awami League ahead of the January 7 national election. “The notion of our sovereignty is being compromised under the guise of stability under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,” he stated.
The BNP leader criticized the Awami League’s acceptance of India’s alleged dominance, declaring that “people of Bangladesh will never accept the supremacy of India, even if the AL leaders have.” He clarified that the BNP's dispute lies not with the people of India but with the Indian government’s policies towards Bangladesh.
Rizvi also said the “India out” campaign is gaining momentum in Bangladesh, saying that it is people’s protest against the country’s influence.
Addressing the Awami League’s reaction to the campaign, Rizvi mentioned that AL leader Obaidul Quader found the social media movement “not expedient,” implying discomfort within the ruling party regarding the public’s dissent towards India’s role in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Read more: BNP leader Amanullah Aman gets bail
Govt investigating whether BNP has connections with syndicates, hoarding: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday (March 14, 2024) said the government is trying to identify those who are involved in market syndicates and investigating whether BNP has any link to the syndicates and hoarders.
The AL leader said this while speaking at an opinion exchange meeting at the Awami League's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue.
BNP will get more isolated if it continues movement during Ramadan: Quader
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, expressed worries that such syndicates could attempt to destabilise the government and disrupt the progress of the elected government.
Regarding the surge in commodity prices, the minister said the governmen under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to bring the commodity prices within the reach of common people.
On the issue of commodity price control, Quader referenced his recent visit to Singapore, where he observed a significant rise in commodity prices.
“Efforts are being made to control prices in our country. The government is not inactive here. The Prime Minister is giving time to deal with the crisis. We have no negligence here. The whole world is facing the rise in gas, fuel and commodity prices. This crisis is also going on in the US, Europe, the other developed countries,” he said.
Responding to questions about the recent hijacking of Bangladeshi ship and crew in Somalia, the minister assured that the Foreign Ministry is engaged in securing their release.
He said 23 crew members have insurance coverage, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return.
Hasan Mahmud says Ganatantra Mancha attacked police to incite chaos
Regarding the negative impact on relation with the US over the conviction of Dr Yunus, the minister said,” Dr Yunus is a person. I want to who he is in the US. He is a citizen of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has its own law and court and law is equal for all.”
BNP delegation holds closed-door meeting with Afreen Akhter; Haas in attendance
A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, had a closed-door meeting with visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Afreen Akhter, on Saturday.
The hour-long meeting that began at 3pm was held at the Westin Hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas was also present at the meeting.
After the meeting, a post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka said, “We welcomed a fruitful discussion with BNP’s Secretary General about the current political landscape in Bangladesh and the thousands of opposition members in prison. Looking forward to continued engagement.”
It also said engaging in constructive dialogue is key to understanding different perspectives and finding common ground. The embassy also shared a photo of the meeting.
Read more: Bangladesh wants to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN by its next Summit in October
The other member of the BNP delegation includes party Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid.
Talking to reporters about the meeting, Amir Khosru said they joined the meeting at the invitation of the US and talked about various issues. “That's all I can say... I don't have anything more to say."
Asked what they discussed at the meeting, he parried the questions saying he is not willing to say anything about it.
Replying to another question about whether they talked about the last national election in Bangladesh, he also preferred to remain tight-lipped, saying he had nothing to say.
No one from the US side briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting.
Read more: Story of Bangladesh’s economic growth, development an inspiration for many countries: World Bank MD
This was the first meeting of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khusro with foreigners after being released from prison. Fakhrul and Khosru were arrested in connection with the violence on the streets ahead of the 12th National Assembly elections centring the party's grand rally in the capital on October 28. They were recently released on bail after spending three and a half months in jail.
Meanwhile, a three-member high-level US delegation arrived in Dhaka on a three-day visit on Saturday morning to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to "strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region."
Their visit will also include meetings with youth activists and civil society leaders, labour organizers, and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media, said the US Embassy.
After the January 7 election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties."
Read more: US to work with Bangladesh to ‘enhance economic investment’ in next 50 years and beyond
Fakhrul, Khasru may walk out of jail this afternoon
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are anticipated to be released from Keraniganj Central Jail following their lawyers' efforts to withdraw the production warrants against them in all cases.
Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukdar, representing the BNP leaders, have initiated the legal process for the withdrawal of the production warrants. This comes after both leaders obtained bail in all cases, as confirmed by Sairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing, to UNB.
“The necessary legal steps are being taken following the provision that allows for the withdrawal of production warrants issued for the leaders to be presented in court while incarcerated,” the lawyers stated.
Read: Fakhrul, Khasru secure bail; no bar to walk out of jail
Work on withdrawing the production warrants has already begun, with expectations that if completed by noon today, the BNP leaders could be released. The documentation related to the withdrawal is hoped to be finalized by Thursday evening.
Advocate Masud mentioned that 13 production warrants had been issued against Fakhrul, highlighting the legal hurdles faced. However, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin assured that there are no obstacles to their release as bail has been secured in all cases.
The context for the anticipated release follows a Dhaka court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petition.
Read: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru, of vandalism and assault during the rally. In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to violence surrounding the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.
Want BNP to straighten up after election: Foreign Minister
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has said BNP needs to straighten up now that the election is over.
"After the election, the BNP's posture crumbled. We want them to overcome their disappointment and stand straight," he said.
The minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after unveiling the covers of journalist and researcher Mizanur Rahman's 'Badaljata Bangladesh' and poet Rebecca Shilpi's fourth poetry book 'Bimurto' on the Suhrawardy Udyan premises of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela on Tuesday.
Publisher of the two books Shafique Rahman, Chairman of Nongor Prokashoni, President of River Safety Organization Nongor Sumon Shams, former Vice-President of Bangladesh Chhatra League HM Mehedi Hasan and other guests were present on the occasion.
Read more: BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
"We hope that BNP will engage in distributing leaflets and follow democratic procedures to overcome their disappointment. They will not succeed in manipulating public opinion with petrol bombs,” said the minister.
Before the book unveiling, Dr. Hasan remarked, "The Ekushey Boi Mela has become a festival of life, transforming into a meeting place for Bengalis. Young and old, children and adolescents, youth, adults, and the elderly all come to the fair to take a breath, turn the pages of books, and buy books. Our goal is to build a humane, socially responsible state, and we must work united towards that goal."
Describing the transformation of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Foreign Minister mentioned the significant differences between Bangladesh 15 years ago and today.
He also emphasized that there would be many differences in Bangladesh in the next 10 years. “From the Padma Bridge to the air conditioned metro rail, development through the riverine country and the tunnel under the river, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's Daughter, we have progressed relentlessly at an unstoppable pace.”
Read more: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that the Awami League government is showing its arrogance after usurping power through the last month’s ‘dummy’ election.
“They (govt) are now showing their arrogance after the farcical dummy election held on January 7 which was turned down by the country’s people. They’re also trying to flaunt the power they've usurped to people,” he said.
BNP leader Moyeen Khan meets Peter Haas
He came up with the remarks before distributing BNP’s leaflets in the city’s Fakirapool area as part of the party’s fresh programme demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliamentary polls and a fresh election under a non-partisan government.
The BNP leader said the country's people have woken up against the government to ensure its fall through a united movement.
“We all must take to the streets together in the movement to demand the cancellation of the dummy election...We have started the leaflet distribution programme with that goal,” he said.
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent comment that there were many crackdowns on the army and many were sent to the gallows during the tenure of Ziaur Rahman, Rizvi said their party founder did everything through a legal process against those who worked against the army.
“But you (PM) have made military officers disappear. Where is Brigadier General Abdullahil Amaan Azmi? He was subjected to enforced disappearance during the tenure of your government,” he said.
He said that the Awami League government killed about 20,000 leaders and workers of (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) JSD and other opposition parties and dissidents in 1972-1975. “Similarly, countless opposition leaders and workers have been killed during the tenure of this regime. Many people, including Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, have been made forcibly disappear."
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Later, Rizvi along with some party leaders and activists distributed leaflets among the pedestrians, shop owners, transport workers and rickshaw pullers in the area.
The leaflet titled 'Save the country, save the people' demanded the cancellation of the January 7 one-sided by-election, the resignation of the Sheikh Hasina government, and the establishment of an impartial election commission under a caretaker government, the release of jailed BNP leaders and activists, including its chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
As part of the party’s countrywide programme, BNP leaders and workers distributed leaflets in all metropolitan cities on Tuesday also to mount pressure on the government to reduce the prices of essential commodities.
BNP on Sunday announced a six-day fresh programme, including mass contact and leaflet distribution, across the country beginning Tuesday.
BNP leader Moyeen Khan meets Peter Haas
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday met US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
The meeting was held at the US Embassy in the city’s Baridhara area in the afternoon.
Dr. Moyeen Khan, a senior leader who has been pushed to the forefront of BNP activities since almost their entire leadership was put in jail in the post-October 28 scenario, entered the premises of the US Embassy at 2:40 PM and departed around 4pm.
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
A post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka confirmed the meeting between Peter Haas and the BNP leader. The embassy also shared a photo of the meeting.
The post reads, “Embassy Dhaka is committed to promote democracy, transparency, tolerance, good governance, and respect for human rights. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard. Pleased to meet with Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.”
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Contacted, Dr Moyeen Khan said it was a courtesy call with Peter Haas. “We discussed various issues relating to democracy, human rights and the current situation of the country at the meeting.”
This was the first direct meeting of any BNP leader with the US ambassador after the January 7 national election.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Terming BNP a major political party till now, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said they are inactive now and made mistakes.
"They (BNP) are actually stuck in the quicksand of wrong politics," he said.
The minister made these remarks while talking to journalists at the Secretariat this afternoon.
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Regarding BNP's leaflet distribution programme, he said the BNP's politics is going deep into the ditch. "Before it was on the edge of the ditch but now it is going deep into the ditch," he added.
When asked about BNP's 15 leaders and activists dead in police custody, Obaidul Quader said: "Where and how did they die? Which prison or custody? Throwing stones in the dark will not make it happen."
Regarding Metrorail, Quader said initiatives are underway to reduce the movement frequency of metro rail in view of growing commuters' dependence on its service.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
He also said the coach numbers could not be increased due to technical reasons but the steps were taken to run a train every eight minutes while the current frequency is 10 minutes.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said increasing the number of metro coaches depends on technical matters.
"There is no metro rail in the world with more than 5 compartments but we have already been running with six coaches," he said.
The minister, however, said due to the increased demand, work is going on whether the frequency of the movement of metro rail can be reduced to 8 minutes from 10 minutes.
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
About the prices of essentials, the AL general secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already directed the authorities concerned to take effective steps to control the price hike.
"But the market cannot be controlled overnight. Many things depend on the world situation. The government is working by giving priority to public interest," he said.
Whether the size of the cabinet is expanding or not, Quader said the premier can say it but the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Culture may have ministers in the future.
He also said that winners from reserved women's seats can become ministers.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that the ruling party's business syndicates have become more desperate to indulge in looting by increasing commodity prices after the January 7 election.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he said the country’s people are going through a serious ordeal to cope with the skyrocketing prices of essential items.
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
“The syndicates of the ruling party have become more reckless to plunder public money. The prices of daily necessities such as rice, pulses, oil, sugar, vegetables, fish and meat are increasing at an alarming rate,” the BNP leader said.
He also said that no vegetables are now available below Tk 80 to 100 per kg in this peak season for winter vegetables.
The BNP leader also bemoaned that fish and meat have gone beyond the purchasing capacity of the poor and ordinary people.
AL has to pay for Jan 7 election: Farroque
the rising commodity prices, the poor people are now buying pieces of sliced Pangasius fish from the market keeping meat and other fish out of their menu. “I have given an example of what terrible situation the low-income people and middle class are facing now…people are also buying chicken skin and legs to eat.”Rizvi said the government has increased the tariffs on gas, electricity and water several times illegally without considering the public interest.
He said the landlords are increasing the rents of their houses at a geometric rate, leaving the middle class and working people in the lurch.
India wants to see weak democracy in Bangladesh: Rizvi
BNP leader said their party’s one-point movement demanding the resignation of the current government and an election under a non-party neutral government will continue.“The one-point movement is marching towards victory by ensuring the fall of the usurper Awami League government with the unity, determination and heroism of the people. Sheikh Hasina won’t be able to suppress the political awakening that has been created. The victory of the people is certain.”