BNP senior leader Mohammad Shahjahan on Friday urged the country’s people to get united to restore democracy in the country, by taking a lesson from the tragic incident of Karbala, commemorated on Ashura, that symbolises struggle against injustice and monarchy. "There’s now no democracy in our country. It seems we’re now under a monarchy. A system has been established in the country to plunder the resources of the state. The banks have already been depleted,” he said. Read: Easing lockdown, a wrong decision: BNP Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil, the BNP leader said the incident of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram was a fight for democracy against the monarchy. “This Ashura has taught us that we have to sacrifice for justice and truth, and we have to fight with courage for the restoration of democracy.” BNP arranged the programme at its Nayapaltan central office in observance of the Holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at the hands of Yazid’s soldiers on Karbala Maidan in Iraq. Shahjahan said a small number of people have now become the owners of the country by depriving the majority of people. “So, we the majority must get ready to wage a war against them like Imam Hussain. We’ll surely turn victorious and the wrongdoers will fall.”

Condemning the attack on the residence of Barishal Sadar Upazila UNO reportedly by BCL activists, BNP on Thursday alleged that the government has unleashed its reign of terror in the country. “The incident in Barisal has manifested that they (govt) have unleashed a reign of terror all over the country. Such incidents have been happening everywhere as the government has let loose the ruling party cadres,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He came up with the allegation while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave along with the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, marking its 41st founding anniversary. Read: Corruption amid pandemic making life miserable: BNP Fakhrul said the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists also padlocked the office room of Dhaka University Law Department Professor Asif Nazrul on the campus and threatened him with dire consequences. “Would you call it a civilised democratic country? It (current govt) is worse than Pakistanis.” Police allowed a small number of Sewchchasebak Dal leaders to enter the grave premises of Zia following Tuesday’s clash between the law enforcers and leaders and activists of BNP’s Dhaka south and north units in the same area over a similar programme. About Tuesday’s clash, Fakhrul said their party leaders and activists gathered in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area to peacefully place a wreath at Zia’s grave and offer fateha there marking the formation of new convening committees of BNP’s Dhaka north and south units. “Our leaders and activists went there with emotion following the formation of the new committees. But they (police) could not tolerate it. They attack with arms whenever they see any public gathering. They admitted to firing 187 rounds of bullets. Can’t we even carry out peaceful programmes in a democratic country? It can’t go on like this,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that the law enforcers and the ruling party ‘cadres’ are also obstructing BNP leaders and activists from distributing relief materials in different parts of the country. He said the government has been trying to suppress the opposition leaders and activists with repressive acts so that they cannot raise their voice in favour of the country’s people.  Read: BNP leader Fakhrul turns 73 Fakhrul said at least 25 leaders and activists of their party were detained as they came to pay homage to Zia today (Thursday) while many others were arrested earlier following Tuesday’s clash. He demanded the government to release all the arrested leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies and withdraw ‘false’ cases filed against them. The BNP leader said the government’s main target is to establish a one-party rule in Baksal style by eliminating all the opposition parties. Fakhrul warned that no fascist and authoritarian regime could hang onto power for a long time in the history of the world. “We must defeat this government together with people through a united movement.”

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia received the second dose of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, 30 days after taking the first one. She took the vaccine shot at Sheikh Russel Gastroliver Institute and Hospital in the city’s Mohakhali area around 4:15pm. Like the first dose, the BNP chief was given the second shot in her vehicle amid the gathering of BNP leaders and activists. Read: Khaleda takes 1st dose of Covid vaccine Earlier on July 19, Khaleda took the first dose of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at the same hospital. She registered online through Surokkha app for getting the vaccine on July 8. On April 11, the 76-year-old BNP chief tested positive for Covid-19 and she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Read: Khaleda to receive 2nd dose of Covid vaccine today On June 19, Khaleda Zia got back home from the hospital after 53 days of treatment for Covid infections and other physical complications. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP on Thursday alleged that the government is keeping the media busy staging various dramas in the name of recovery of liquors and drugs only to hide its failure to tackle the Covid satiation. “They (govt) are staging many dramas and our journalists and television channels and social media are busy with those. As if the recovery of liquor and Yaba pills from people's houses is now the major news amid the pandemic,” said BNP standing committee member Iaqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku. Read: Reopening factories a 'suicidal' decision: BNP He said, “The infections and fatalities caused by corona have spiked in the country. Many people are dying every day. So, they’re trying to divert attention by bringing the recovery of liquor bottles, Yaba pills and LSD and other drugs in the limelight.” Tuku came up with the remarks while virtually inaugurating BNP’s Covid-19 help centre in Thakurgaon district as the chief guest. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also joined the programme.  Fakhrul only thanked the leaders of his electoral areas instead of making any political statement. Tuku, the convener of BNP’s coronavirus monitoring cell, said some people have long been indulging in anti-social activities without any resistance. “Why have they not been able to detect these people for so long? Why’re these things coming to the fore sight at this time of corona crisis?” On Wednesday, Rapid Action Battalion members detained actress Pori Moni and film producer and actor Nazrul Islam Raz in separate raids on their flats in the capital. The elite force also recovered huge liquor bottles and drugs from the two houses. Meanwhile, police arrested two models Faria Mahbub Piasha and Mou Akter from their houses on August 2 with liquor, Yaba, and shisha. About Covid situation, Tuku said the Awami League government has completely failed to tackle the Covid situation and ensure proper treatment for people.  “People are now facing serious difficulties in receiving treatment in the overwhelmed hospitals across the country. “Patients are sent to Dhaka from rural areas as hospitals in districts are packed. There’re inadequate oxygen cylinders in districts hospitals,” he observed. Under such a situation, the BNP leader said, their party leaders and activists are standing beside people by opening Covid-19 help centres in every district across the country.

BNP on Thursday said there is no reason to seek clemency from the President by its chairperson Khaleda Zia since she did not commit any crime. "There’s no question of seeking pardon as she (Khaleda) has not committed any crime. The Law Minister’s remarks (on confessing Khaleda’s corruption offences) reflect the nefarious political motives of the fascist government, which is nothing but a foul play,” said party organising secretary Syed Emran Saleh Prince. Read: Khaleda temporarily released after over 25 months On Wednesday, Law Minister Anisul Haq in parliament said Khaleda Zia has to confess first to her corruption offences and then seek pardon from the President to go abroad for her treatment. Prince said the Law Minister’s comments on Khaleda also manifest the government’s political vengeance and an attempt to control and pollute politics. “We strongly protest the statements made by the law minister in parliament.” He said the BNP chairperson has been suffering from serious heart, kidney and liver complications, and receiving treatment at her Gulshan residence since she was discharged from Evercare Hospital in the capital. The BNP leader said the medical board formed at the Evercare Hospital for Khaleda’s treatment recommended sending her to an advanced centre abroad.  “We urged the government to shun political vengeance and not to create any barrier to sending three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment.” He also refuted the law minister’s comment that there is no scope to reconsider a fresh application of Khaleda’s family to send her aboard under Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) since it has been disposed of earlier. “The government can do it if it wants to under Section 401 of the CrPC.” Read: Khaleda subjected to “state repression”: BNP Prince alleged that the government has been trying to push Khaleda towards death by creating obstacles to ensuring her advanced treatment. "We would like to say the government has to shoulder all the responsibilities if anything bad happens to Khaleda Zia.” On June 19, Khaleda Zia got back home from the capital’s Evercare Hospital after 53 days of treatment for Covid infections and other physical complications. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Her family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down. 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 on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the office of the managing director (MD) of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa), protesting the increase in water tariff. BNP Dhaka south city unit president Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel and Dhaka north city unit senior vice-president Munshi Bazlul Basit Anju handed over the memorandum to the authorities concerned at Wasa Bhaban in the capital. Addressing the Wasa MD, the party mentioned in the memorandum that the decision to raise water tariff by Dhaka Wasa during the Covid pandemic that caused public sufferings in many ways is inhumane, undesirable, illogical, anti-people and it goes against the fundamental rights. “It seems to add salt to injuries.” Read: BNP seeks govt's prompt steps to send Khaleda abroad It also said the cost of living will increase along with the increase in public sufferings if the water tariff is raised during this difficult time of the Covid epidemic. “On behalf of the residents of Dhaka, BNP’s Dhaka south and north units strongly condemn and protest the hike in water tariffs and demand the immediate cancellation of this anti-people decision,” the memorandum reads. Read: BNP resorting to politics of violence, says Quader The party also demanded the Wasa ensure uninterrupted supply of safe and pure drinking water to all city dwellers by stopping corruption, plundering, irregularities and waywardness. In the memorandum, BNP said water tariff has been tripled in the last 13 years with 14th-time hikes, but it could not ease the suffering s of the city dwellers. In its 279th board meeting in March last, Wasa decided to increase the prices of water by 5% for residential and commercial uses which will be effective from July 1. As per the new decision, the prices of each unit (1,000 litres) of water will be Tk 15.18 for residential use and Tk 42 for commercial use. Dhaka Wasa also hiked water prices by about 25% last year.

BNP on Thursday urged the government to allow its Chairperson Khaleda Zia receive advanced treatment abroad shunning ‘political vengeance’ as she is in a vulnerable condition with various old health complications.  “Our chairperson is now seriously ill. As she couldn’t receive proper treatment over the last four years since she went to jail, she was affected with many diseases,” said party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Read: Khaleda still suffering from post-Covid complications: Doctor He said, “We urge the government to allow the great leader and three-time Prime Minister, who had struggled for a long time for democracy, made huge contributions to the development of the country, receive advanced treatment shunning political vengeance.” Fakhrul made the call while inaugurating a tree-plantation programme in the capital’s Beraid area arranged by Dhaka North City unit of BNP.  He said Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital after being infected with coronavirus and she has already beat the virus with the blessings of Allah. Read: No change in Khaleda's health condition: Doctor The BNP leader said their party chief has now been suffering from heart, kidney and liver problems. “She also had an old problem of Arthritis which is causing serious pain.  With all these diseases she is very ill and doctors are saying she is in a very vulnerable condition.” He said Khaleda’s family members had submitted an application to the government seeking permission to allow her to go abroad for treatment. “But the government didn’t allow her to go abroad due to political vengeance.” The BNP secretary general also demanded the government free her fully and called upon people to pray for the speedy recovery of Khaleda. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. 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. She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27, days after she had been infected with the deadly virus, but the BNP chief is still suffering from various comorbidities. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order on March 25 last year, suspending her sentences.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that a writ petition has been filed over the date of birth of party chairperson Khaleda Zia based on a ‘fake’ medical report only to confuse people. “The gentleman who filed the writ is not personally aggrieved. It’s not their responsibility to decide her birthday,” he said. Speaking at a press conference, the BNP leader said, “As there is no politics in the country now, their purpose is to confuse the nation by raising such (birthday) issues and try to divert people’s attention to a different direction from the main problems.” Read: HC summons relevant documents to verify Khaleda's date of birth Fakhrul said the writ was filed based on a fake and false report in the name of Evercare Hospital. “No such report has been made by Evercare. The date they put in the report has been done falsely. I don’t know how the court issued an order based on such a false report.” Earlier on Sunday, the High Court sought relevant documents from the government to determine BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's "genuine" date of birth following a writ petition. Fakhrul said the High Court’s such an order has manifested that the judiciary is not free as the country has been under ‘one-party rule’. “Judiciary shouldn’t have taken this issue into its account.” He said many people in Bangladesh have one genuine date of birth and another date of birth in the certificate. “The reason is that, especially during our generation, parents could not remember the date of birth correctly nor did they maintain the diary. It can’t be an issue.” Read: Khaleda turns '76' Saturday The BNP leader said the government can announce that no one can be born on a particular date. “You’ve to think about giving birth to a child by calculation. There’s no other way.” Fakhrul said their party standing committee members at their meeting on Saturday voiced deep concerns over the government’s move to shift all the services relating to National Identity (NID) cards from the Election Commission to the Home Ministry. “The Election Commission is an independent body while the Home Ministry is under the government. So, the minimum possibility of free, fair and credible elections will be destroyed if the authority over the NID card is transferred to the Home Ministry,” he said. The BNP leader said their standing committee thinks the minimum democratic space and the process of peaceful transfer of power will be ruined forever if the government’s ‘politically motivated' decision on the NID service is implemented.  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been suffering from recurrent fever due to her heart and kidney complications, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday. "As far as I’ve come to know from doctors, she (Khaleda) has a heart problem. The fluid accumulating in her lungs will not be stopped unless this complication is resolved.  What they (doctors) think is her kidneys and liver are not functioning properly,” he said. Read: Khaleda Zia suffering from fever Speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said, “That's why she has been suffering from recurrent fever. She had fever yesterday (Sunday), too.” Expressing gratitude to the doctors at Evercare Hospital, he said they are trying their best to ensure proper treatment to the BNP chief.  “What they (doctors) are repeatedly saying is that she (Khaleda) should be taken to an advance centre for treatment as our hospitals are not well equipped.” The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. Read: Khaleda Zia infected with Covid-19 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. She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus, but the BNP chief has still been suffering from various comorbidities. 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 MP Harunur Rashid on Monday demanded the culprits who allegedly assaulted and attempted to rape and murder popular cinema actress Pori Moni be brought to justice. He also called for an investigation to reveal the real cause of death of college student Mosarrat Jahan Muniya, the mistress of the scion of Basundhara Group in April. Harun made his demands on the parliament floor, while participating in the discussions on two different Bills. Read: Pori Moni files sexual assault complaint against ex-Uttara Club president Nasiruddin, 5 othersThe BNP MP elected from Chapainawabganj-3 said that if the accused persons in these two cases were general people, nothing would have prevented the law from taking its course against them.Pointing to Pori Moni’s incident, Harun said the renowned actress of Bangladesh has been seeking justice for four days following her attempted rape and assault at the Uttara Boat Club led by real estate businessman Nasir U. Mahmood.“All media have published news in this regard. Is it false?” he questioned. Read: Pori Moni's plea for justice from PM causes sensationHe drew attention of Home Minister (Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal), who was not in the House at that time."Persons involved in this incident must be brought to justice,” Harun said.Actress Pori Moni yesterday revealed the identity of the perpetrators who allegedly assaulted and attempted to rape her.Pori Moni in a press conference last night claimed that Nasir U Mahmud, a former president of Uttara Club Limited, and a businessperson named Omie wanted to rape and murder her at the boat club on the Turag."They physically assaulted me and tried to kill me. Omie was also involved in the whole setup," she added.Earlier yesterday, the actress posted about the incident on her verified Facebook page at 7:53 pm."To, the honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,I am Pori Moni. An obedient citizen of this country. I am a film actor by profession. I was physically abused. I am a victim of attempted rape and murder. I demand justice."Pori Moni also said she went to Banani Police Station to lodge a complaint but they took no interest in documenting the incident.On April 26, police recovered the body of the girl hanging from the ceiling fan in her bedroom. Her legs were touching the bed and both knees were a little bent.A day after her family sued Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir over abetting her death by suicide.