BNP
152 BGB platoons deployed across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's latest blockade
A total of 152 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order as the latest 48-hour countrywide blockade called by the BNP, Jamaat and likeminded opposition parties is underway.
Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) at BGB headquarters, confirmed the development this morning.
Today, on the first day of the 48-hour blockade, 27 BGB platoons were deployed in Dhaka and adjoining districts to avoid any untoward incidents.
Read: Garment workers' unrest: 44 BGB platoons deployed in Dhaka, nearby areas
Moreover, a huge number of BGB personnel were kept on standby to promptly respond to any emergency in the country.
Like the previous blockades, members of the frontier battalion have been performing their duties alongside police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar to ensure public safety and security in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Read: 48 BGB platoons deployed to beef up security for garment factories in Dhaka, nearby areas
For the fourth time, BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties have called a countrywide blockade of roads, rail lines, and waterways to press home their one-point demand ahead of the national election. A total of nine arson attacks were reported across the country from 8 pm last night to 6 am today, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence.
Read more: 228 BGB platoons deployed to beef up security across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's 48hr blockade
Fire Service records 9 arson attacks in the country in 10 hrs
A total of nine arson attacks were reported across the country from 8 pm last night to 6 am today (November 12, 2023), according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
Of these, 7 arson attacks were reported in Dhaka’s Jatrabari, Gulistan, Gabtoli, near Notre Dame College, Rupnagar, Sutrapur and Mirpur areas, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense Media Cell, this morning.
All the arson attacks in Dhaka were on buses ahead of the countrywide 48-hour blockade of roads, rail lines and waterways.
Read: Arsonists set fire to another bus in Dhaka's Mirpur
Moreover, the miscreants also set a pickup van and a bus on fire in Gazipur and Barishal respectively in the same period.
Supporters of BNP and its associate bodies brought out a procession in favour of the blockade this morning in Barishal city and they also burnt tyres on the streets.
Read: Fire Service records 15 arson incidents across country in 37 hrs till Thursday evening
At a virtual press briefing, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday called upon the country’s people and BNP supporters to observe the blockade and make it successful.
Read more: 13 arson incidents reported in 27 hours till this morning: Fire Service
Spate of bus burnings after dark in capital set the stage for tense blockade
After a day of relative calm in Dhaka, unidentified arsonists in the capital set fire to five buses in Jatrabari, Gulistan, Gabtoli, near Notre Dame College and Mirpur, all after 9pm ahead of the 48-hour countrywide blockade to be enforced by BNP and like-minded opposition parties from tomorrow (Sunday, November 12, 2023) morning.
Besides, a pick-up van was torched in Gazipur's Joydebpur area around 9:33pm.
On information, two firefighting teams from Gazipur Fire Station rushed to the spot and are trying to tame the blaze, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence's media cell.
Spate of bus burnings after dark in capital sets stage for tense blockade
A Shomoy Niyontron bus was torched in front of Sundarban Square Super Market in Gulistan around 9:00pm, he said.
Two firefighting units from Siddique Bazar Fire Station are working to put out the blaze, added the officer.
Meanwhile, a bus of Anabil Paribahan was torched in front of a fruit market in Jatrabari around 9:27 pm.
Two passenger buses set on fire in Dhaka on eve of fresh 48-hr blockade
Two firefighting units from Postogola Fire Station reached the scene to douse the blaze, added the official.
A Projapati Paribahan bus was set ablaze in Mirpur around 11.30pm. Two firefighting units from Mirpur Fire Station went to the spot to douse the fire, according to Talha bin Zasim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence (media cell).
Earlier, another passenger bus was set on fire in Gabtoli Bus Stand area, around the same time as the one near Notre Dame College.
One more bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Mirpur
Chinese envoy’s remark on polls doesn’t reflect people’s aspirations: BNP
BNP on Saturday (November 11, 2023) said the Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen’s recent comment on Bangladesh's next elections does not reflect the hopes and aspirations of people.
In a statement, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon China to shed light on the expectations of the people of Bangladesh and the issues relating to people’s interests.
“In fact, Ambassador Wen's comment that China wants to see the upcoming elections in Bangladesh as per the constitution does not reflect the will or aspirations of people,” he said.
The BNP leader said a large section of the people in Bangladesh have not had a chance to vote in the past ten years.
Read more: Our main goal is to hold fair and neutral vote: PM Hasina
“So, the country’s vast population wants a free, fair, inclusive and credible election not under the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina regime, but under a polls-time neutral government,” he said.
Rizvi said the Chinese ambassador's remarks come at a time when the entire nation in unison is demanding the installation of a polls-time impartial government by carrying out a peaceful movement in an effort to restore their voting rights and democratic values.
Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen addressing a programme said his country wants Bangladesh's elections to be held as per the constitution, and the relevant parties resolve their differences and maintain political and social stability.
Rizvi said Wen’s remark on the upcoming national election as per the constitution has attracted the attention of the BNP and the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh.
Read more: Chinese Ambassador hopes for stability after next election, continued cooperation with Bangladesh
“We welcome his concern about Bangladesh. At the same time, we would like to remind (him) that BNP, the party that introduced multi-party democracy and parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, is always committed to the constitution, which is approved and accepted by people,” he said.
The BNP leader also said it is regrettable that the ‘illegitimate’ Awami League government changed the constitution through controversial amendments in an attempt to retain power.
He also said the well-accepted and widely praised caretaker government system, established on the basis of national consensus, was abolished by the ‘fascist’ Sheikh Hasina government with a nefarious political motive.
US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’
Rizvi said two consecutive ‘farcical’ national elections in 2014 and 2018 clearly proved that no elections are possible under Sheikh Hasina. “Because, theElection Commission, and an identified section from administration, judiciary and law enforcement forces play the role of accomplices in state-sponsored criminalisation in the name of election.”
Stating that Bangladesh and China have long established friendly relations based on trade, commerce, knowledge and other bilateral interests, he said BNP believes that diplomatic success lies in establishing relations between the people of the two countries.
Rizvi urged China to give importance to the desires and interests of the people of Bangladesh.
He said their party also expects the full support of the international community in the ongoing struggle of the people of Bangladesh for a free, fair and participatory election.“BNP also wants to restore the basic foundations of democracy, so that the rule of law, human rights, labour rights and freedom of expression are re-established in Bangladesh."
Read more: People to foil AL's move to hold another lopsided election: Rizvi
Prolonged blockades cause visible slump in economic activity
The nationwide blockades for the past few days have dealt a severe blow to the business landscape of Bangladesh, leaving wholesale markets desolate and causing a week-long economic slump.
The impact has spread over areas like New Market, Chandni Market, Eastern Plaza, Elephant Road, Farmgate, Gulistan Market, Shantinagar, Kakrail, Mouchak Market, Rampura-Badda, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Gulshan-Banani, and Uttara in Dhaka.
Nawabpur, Chawkbazar, Islampur, Babubazar, Shankharibazar, Moulvibazar, and Bangabazar, also witnessed a decline in trade activities.
Economy buffeted by political unrest amid declining forex reserves: Analysts
Dewan Aminul Islam, President of Dhaka New Market Traders’ Association, said that sales were very low during the blockade.
“There are no buyers. Small traders are suffering more. If the blockade continues, then we will be the most affected,” he said.
Employees at Olympia Bakeryshop in the Baitul Mukarram area similarly report a decline in sales. They have resorted to a shift toward alternative sales strategies within familiar networks.
Sabuj, a tea vendor at Paltan intersection, said his shop faced a significant contraction in sales over the past week.
“I make TK10-12,000 per day. Now it’s Tk2-3,000," he said.
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Farooq Hasan, President of BGMEA, told UNB “The sector was already suffering from a shortage of buyers in the international market. Now, due to internal political instability, we have to face a more difficult situation. As a result, not only the export sector will be affected, but the entire economy of the country will be affected. It will also affect the reserves.”
Mohammad Hatem, Executive President of BKMEA, expressed concern over escalating losses among traders.
“The internal transportation of goods has been severely impeded. Industrial production witnessed a decline.Export sector is especially vulnerable to the ongoing blockade,” he said.
The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) President, Abdus Salam Murshedi, told UNB that due to the blockade, businesses cannot collect the raw materials stuck at various ports due to the transportation crisis.
Mahbubul Alam, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), called for a collective reconsideration of the ongoing strike blockade.
With economic diversification, transformation, Bangladesh holds potential to achieve more: Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli
“Such programs, if prolonged, may lead to a standstill in the wheels of the economy,” he said.
On October 29, a hartal was observed across the country called by BNP and other like-minded opposition parties. After the three-day blockade on October 31, the blockade continued on November 5 and 6, and after the two-day blockade, it continued on November 8 and 9 with a one-day break.
People to foil AL's move to hold another lopsided election: Rizvi
BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday warned that the country’s people would foil the Awami League government’s move to hold another 'one-sided' election by using all their strengths.
Speaking at a virtual press briefing, he also hinted that they would continue to enforce the blockade programme across the country for a long time.
"The Awami League has put the security of the entire nation at stake only to stay in power as it is heading for another one-sided election. But the deprived, distressed and oppressed people will not allow a one-sided election by employing their all strengths,” the BNP leader said.
Our main goal is to hold fair and neutral vote: PM Hasina
He said that the Awami government is taking the country to an uncertain destination by destroying the economy and politics.
The BNP leader said that the government adopted a serious suppressive policy to foil the opposition’s ‘peaceful’ blockade programme with the help of law enforcers. “They arrested many opposition leaders and activists arbitrarily...this blockade programme is meant for a free, fair and credible election. But Gestapo forces consisting of RAB-Police, BGB and Awami organisations are "violently behaving with the people.”
Rizvi said that over 365 BNP leaders and activists were arrested in the last 24 hours as of 4:30 pm on Thursday while 9,831 opposition leaders and workers had been arrested since the party’s October 28 grand rally.
Tangail BNP leader Farhad Iqbal arrested
He also said that the people would continue the blockade by creating human walls on roads and highways against the reckless Awami League government’s misdeeds. “The blockade will continue until our one-point demand--getting relief from Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian and dictatorial rule--is met. The blockade will continue until democracy is restored."
Rizvi also said the blockade will continue to press home their demand for the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and sending her abroad for better treatment and the release of the party leaders and activists, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The BNP leader said the ruling party is exposing its terrible form of fascism with their comments on top opposition leaders and even on foreign diplomats.
Two Swechchhasebak Dal activists arrested while preparing for arson violence in Moghbazar: Police
He said a ruling party leader threatened to physically abuse an ambassador while other senior leaders were continuously making ugly and terrible statements.
The BNP leader also deplored that the ruling party leaders have become so desperate that they are making unguarded comments against the United Nations, human rights groups, different individuals and institutions.
He also said the Awami League has turned Bangladesh into a 'rogue' state by using law enforcers to carry out serious repressive acts.
Two Swechchhasebak Dal activists arrested while preparing for arson violence in Moghbazar: Police
Two BNP activists were arrested on Thursday along with bottles of petrol, gas lighters and pieces of clothes while preparing to set vehicles on fire in Gabtola area of Moghbazar.
The arrestees were identified as Ebadul Bepari, 37, joint convener of Hatirjheel unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, and Sabuj Mia, 27, a member of Hatirjheel unit of Swechchhasebak Dal.
BNP, like-minded parties to enforce 48-hour countrywide blockade again from Sunday
Hatirjheel Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Sharif Miaji said leaders and activists of BNP took out a procession in support of the 48-hour nationwide blockade at Gabtola near Moghbazar intersection around 2 pm.
From the procession, they were preparing to set fire to vehicles, he said.
Play responsible role with courage following constitutional rules, President tells EC
“The police chased and arrested the two men along with the bottles of petrol and other stuff,” he said.
BNP and other like-minded opposition parties are enforcing a 48-hour blockade road-rail-waterways blockade across the country which will end at 6am on Friday.
EC ready to hold general election on time: CEC tells President Shahabuddin
Day 2 of 48 hr blockade underway with regular traffic movement on roads
The second day of the countrywide 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties, is underway.
The ongoing blockade will end at 6 am tomorrow (November 10, 2023).
The presence of public transport on Dhaka roads seemed usual despite heightened tension and fear of violence.
Guardians were seen rushing their children to respective schools safely as final exams are starting in many educational institutions.
Rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets while a few private vehicles are seen plying the streets.
In Chuadanga, leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies brought out a procession in support of the blockade on Chuadanga-Jhenaidah road at Rail Bazar area of the district town in the morning.
Blockade: Two vehicles torched in two districts
They also hurled brick chips targeting some vehicles passing through the area.
Multiple cases of arson violence were reported in places in Dhaka and across the country since Wednesday evening, on the first day of the 48-hour road-rail-waterways blockade.
On November 6, BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties announced the latest blockade across the country from Wednesday morning.
Another bus set ablaze in Dhaka’s Tantibazar amid blockade
The opposition parties gave a day’s break from its action programme on Tuesday as BNP observes November 7 as the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’.
The latest spell of agitation was announced on the last day of the opposition’s previous 48-hour nationwide blockade which was marked by incidents of violence, including clashes with police, vandalising and burning vehicles .
Bus set on fire in Gazipur amid blockade
Earlier last week, the opposition’s three-day countrywide blockade saw clashes and widespread burning and vandalising vehicles, leaving four people — three in Kishoreganj and one in Sylhet — killed and over three dozen vehicles either burned or vandalised.
Chhatra Dal leader arrested over arson attack on Gazipur garment factories
Police have arrested a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader who allegedly led vandalism and arson attacks on garment factories and other establishments in Gazipur.The arrestee was identified as Ripon Hossain, joint convener of Kaliakoir upazila unit of Chhatra Dal.A press briefing on the development was held at Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office earlier today (November 07, 2023).
Read: Case filed against 85 BNP leaders, activists over bus burnt in Khulna's RupshaGazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mahbub Alam said that after going over footage and photos, it was found that several garment factories in Shafipur and Konabari of the district were set on fire and vandalised under Ripon Hossain’s leadership.“Under his leadership, attempts were made to create an unstable environment by committing these crimes to implement the party's agenda in the name of demanding wage hikes for garment workers,” the Gazipur police commissioner said.
Read: US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’A police team arrested Ripon from Dhaka's Hazaribagh area yesterday.The Chhatra Dal leader will be sent to court and police will appeal for 10 days' remand for more details, the police official added.
BNP says jailed leaders, activists facing ‘humanitarian crisis’ in overcrowded jails
BNP has alleged that its leaders and workers in jails are facing a humanitarian crisis as the prison wards are already overcrowded, filled with over four times their usual capacity thanks to ongoing wholesale arrest.
Speaking at a virtual press briefing on Monday, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also said the government is concocting 'stories of arson violence' against the BNP to blemish its 'peaceful' movement and to arrest more opposition leaders and workers.
“The prisons are witnessing a humanitarian disaster. Lawyers and relatives are unable to know where the leaders and workers sent to Keraniganj jail are being taken away. The leaders and workers have been kept in heavily packed wards of each building inside the prison,” he said.
BNP postpones usual programme to mark Nov 7
The BNP leader said 40/50 prisoners are being kept in each ward, which cannot even accommodate more than 10/15 inmates.
“Even, the imprisoned BNP leaders and workers are not allowed to go out their wards both during the day and night,” he said.
Rizvi also alleged that the jailed opposition leaders and workers are being subjected to repression due to the political vendetta of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He also said more than 275 BNP leaders and activists were arrested across the country in the last 24 hours as of 4:30 pm Monday while nine more fresh cases were filed accusing 995 opposition followers.
BNP, like-minded parties to enforce 48-hour fresh blockade from Wednesday
The BNP leader claimed that law enforcers are daily raiding the houses of opposition leaders and workers to arrest them.
Besides, he alleged that the government started a game of torching vehicles to put the blame on the BNP and thus suppress the ongoing movement for the restoration of people’s voting rights. “There’re countless proofs of which are now in the hands of people.”
He said there is a video showing those who set fire to the bus running into the Awami League office. “Such scenes are seen every day in various incidents. The story of arson attacks against BNP is being cooked up and propagated only to tarnish the peaceful movement for democratic rights.”
BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
He said camera persons of some pro-government TV stations remain present where vehicles are torched. “It’s an indication to easily understand that arson attacks are part of a master plan.”
Rizvi, however, urged the party leaders and workers to take to the streets peacefully during their blockade programme without responding to any provocation.