United News of Bangladesh

The BNP will observe the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman on Saturday. The party and its associate bodies have chalked out an eight-day programme to observe the death anniversary nationwide with due respect. The programmes began on May 25 and will continue until June 1. Ziaur Rahman, who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled Army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday morning, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their party is all set to mark the occasion with due respect and reverence. “Tomorrow (Saturday) marks the 45th martyrdom anniversary of statesman Ziaur Rahman. As part of our announced eight-day programme, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead party leaders and activists in offering Fateha and placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00am,” he said. Rizvi said party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country from 6:00am on the day. He said different associate bodies and professional groups of the party have taken various programmes, including discussions and photo exhibitions highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s life and works. The BNP leader also said party units across the country will observe the day with different programmes in memory of the party founder. He said Tarique Rahman will distribute clothes and dry food items among poor people at several spots in Dhaka after visiting the grave.“I think one spot has been fixed in each constituency under Dhaka North and South where clothes and dry food will be distributed,” said Rizvi, who is also the prime minister’s political adviser. He said the Prime Minister is also expected to distribute food among destitute people in front of the Nayapaltan central office in the afternoon as part of programmes to be organised by five associate bodies and one affiliated organisation. The BNP leader said milad and doa mahfils will also be arranged in observance of the day. He said BNP leaders and activists have been wearing black badges as part of the eight-day programme. Special supplements have also been published in national newspapers, marking the anniversary. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB that Tarique Rahman will attend all the food and clothing distribution programmes at 16 spots on Saturday as the chief guest. He said the Prime Minister will begin distributing food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 11:30am in front of Rajdhani High School on Manik Mia Avenue. Sayrul said Tarique Rahman will attend similar distribution programmes at 16 locations across the capital in phases during the day. Ministers, MPs and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will remain present at the programmes, he added. Besides, Sayrul said, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan will distribute relief items among poor people in front of FDC at Karwan Bazar at 11:20am. Rizvi will pay tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at 10:30am, along with leaders of the Association of Engineers, Bangladesh (AEB). Earlier at 10:00am, members of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will pay homage at the grave.Rizvi will later distribute relief items among destitute people in the High Court Mazar gate area at 11:20am under a programme organised by lawyers. BNP will arrange a discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31 in observance of the death anniversary of its founder.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that various conspiracies are underway against both the government and the BNP, aimed at destabilising the country, asserting that people will not allow these to succeed. “You may point out the government’s mistakes. But engaging in conspiracies, plotting and repeatedly hinting at conspiracies are things the people of this country have never accepted and never will,” he said. Rizvi, also prime minister’s adviser, was speaking at a press conference held at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He urged opposition parties to avoid the politics of conspiracies and instead engage in constructive criticism. The BNP leader warned that any broader conspiracy against democratic institutions or the political system will be dangerous for the state and the country. “The democratic process that has emerged through long struggles, sacrifices and bloodshed against fascism must be allowed to continue strongly and vibrantly,” he said. Rizvi said efforts are underway to strengthen democratic institutions, including the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and the administration, so that future elections remain free, fair and unquestionable. “We all must work within this framework so that no one becomes a victim,” he added. Quoting a statement by former US President James Madison, the BNP leader said, “If all men were angels, government would not be necessary.” He added that since not everyone in society obeys the law, maintaining law and order and ensuring justice remain key responsibilities of an elected and accountable government. Rizvi said the current government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken action whenever incidents of wrongdoing have occurred. Referring to the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi area, he said the Prime Minister personally took the matter seriously, visited the victim’s family and ensured that the accused was brought to justice. “The government has taken all necessary legal steps, and people believe that justice will be delivered swiftly,” he said. The BNP senior joint secretary general also highlighted various social welfare initiatives undertaken by the government, including the introduction of Family Card, Farmers’ Cards and upcoming Health Cards. He also announced BNP programmes marking the death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Rizvi said BNP leaders and activists, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will pay tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at 11:00am on Saturday. After placing wreaths, the Prime Minister will participate in food and clothes distribution programmes in different areas under the Dhaka North and South city BNP units. Another similar programme will be held later in the afternoon in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

The BNP will distribute food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 16 locations across the capital on May 30, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to attend all the programmes as the chief guest. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan told UNB on Tuesday that Tarique Rahman will distribute food items and clothes at the designated spots on the day. He said Dhaka North and South city units of BNP will organise the programmes in 15 constituencies of Dhaka and in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Ministers, MPs and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will remain present at the locations. Lawyers of the Supreme Court are also expected to arrange similar programmes this year. Earlier, BNP announced an eight-day programme from May 25 to June 1, marking the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. As part of the programmes, at 6:00am on May 30, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country. At 11:00am on the same day, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with party leaders and activists, will place wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman and offer prayers there. After visiting the grave, they will participate in a doa mahfil to be organised by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal on the mausoleum premises. As part of the observance, a discussion will be held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said Eid-ul-Azha promotes equality, generosity and mutual harmony, urging people to extend support to the poor and helpless during the festival. In a message marking Eid-ul-Azha, he also extended greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the world. “I wish all continuous happiness, peace and prosperity.” Fakhrul, also the local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, said Eid-ul-Azha, one of the two biggest religious festivals of Muslims, is known as the festival of sacrifice and it teaches devotion and obedience to Almighty Allah. He said the significance of Eid-ul-Azha lies in attaining closeness to Allah through sacrifice. The ministers said Muslims across the world unite in the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, while the sacrifice of animals symbolises the spirit of removing evil from the mind and leading a simple and modest life to attain the pleasure of Almighty Allah. “The noble lesson of sacrifice should inspire us to surrender ourselves to Almighty Allah and dedicate ourselves to the welfare of humanity,” he said. Fakhrul said the main lesson of Eid-ul-Azha is to show deep love and unconditional obedience to Almighty Allah. He said Eid-ul-Azha inspires Muslims to become devoted servants of Allah, while every festival helps expand human values and generosity beyond religion and race. The BNP leader also said festivals unite people in a strong bond of harmony and bring society from the darkness of division towards the light of humanity. “So, the festival of Eid-ul-Azha, illuminated by the glory of sacrifice, promotes equality, generosity and mutual harmony. Let us pledge to rise above selfish interests and extend our support to the poor and helpless on this occasion of joy, sacrifice and celebration,” he said. Fakhrul also prayed for peace, happiness and prosperity for all. “May Eid-ul-Azha make everyone’s life joyful.”

Dhaka North city BNP Convener and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Tuesday provided Eid assistance and gifts for the families of BNP leaders and activists who were victims of enforced disappearance, killing and martyrdom during political movements. The assistance and gifts were distributed at his political office in the Eastern Housing area of Mirpur in the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. At the programme, Aminul Haque spoke personally with the family members and listened to their current condition, family crises and various problems. He said the families of leaders and activists who made sacrifice for political movements will never be left alone and BNP will always stand by them. “Those who sacrificed their lives or became victims of enforced disappearance and repression during the movements for democracy and voting rights have families toward whom we have a moral responsibility,” the state minister said. “We organised this small initiative out of a sense of humanity so that the joy of Eid reaches their homes as well,” he added. Family members of the victims also expressed their gratitude for the sympathy and support extended to them.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the elected government has set a unique example of humane and people-oriented politics during its first 100 days in office and ensured the empowerment of the people. “After a long period of misrule, the bloody July mass uprising and 16 years of democratic struggle and sacrifice, the country, under the visionary and people-friendly leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has overcome deep crises and ensured the empowerment of the people,” he said. Mahdi Amin made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at Tejgaon, marking the government’s “100 days in office.” Following the BNP’s landslide victory in the February 12 general election, its Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17. The government will complete its 100 days in office on May 27. The PMO spokesperson said the visible steps taken by the Prime Minister during the first 100 days have brought positive changes to people’s lives. The press conference was organised by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing at the PMO’s Karabi Hall, where he presented a review of the government’s first 100 days. Mahdi Amin said the BNP secured an absolute majority in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 this year and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17. He said the government began taking “quick, visible and effective” steps from the very first day to implement its election pledges. “All ministries were instructed to prepare sector-based 180-day action plans.” Highlighting various initiatives, the PMO spokesperson said the government has strengthened women-focused social safety programmes through the introduction of the “Family Card” scheme. He said honorarium programmes for imams, muezzins, khatibs and other religious leaders have also been launched in line with election commitments. Mahdi Amin said extra monthly charges on prepaid electricity meters have been withdrawn, while agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for small farmers have been waived, including interest. He also mentioned the introduction of “Farmers’ Card” scheme to bring agricultural management under a digital framework. The PMO spokesperson said the nationwide canal excavation programme is expected to bring long-term positive changes to irrigation, agriculture and water management. He said the government has taken initiatives to implement the Padma Barrage project to improve agriculture, water and environmental management in the south-western region. On media freedom, Mahdi Amin said the government is working to ensure “maximum freedom” for journalists and media outlets, though he warned against “propaganda, hatred and divisive politics in the name of free speech.” Mahdi Amin said the BNP government has attached the highest priority to freedom of expression and media freedom, following the tradition of previous BNP governments, led by late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He, however, alleged that some people are misusing freedom of expression through character assassination, offensive behaviour and misinformation. “Traditionally, every elected BNP government under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia ensured the highest level of freedom of speech. Following that tradition, the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has also given top priority to freedom of expression and media freedom,” the spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, many people are misusing that freedom. Offensive behaviour, sensitive misinformation campaigns or character assassination should never fall under freedom of speech,” he added. Mahdi Amin said the government wants to ensure justice as well as protect the dignity and honour of every citizen. He said many people have become victims of character assassination, misinformation and disinformation. The spokesperson also alleged that senior state figures are being targeted with “poisonous propaganda and abusive politics”, which he said contradicts the spirit of the mass uprising. “As part of a transparent and accountable state system, if we want to protect people’s rights and freedom, the government must ensure safety not only in physical life but also in cyberspace and online,” he said. Mahdi Amin said the government is working on the issue and future steps may be taken through a consultative process involving stakeholders. “Many people are aware of propaganda being spread in the name of freedom of speech. Naturally, some legal reforms may be needed,” he said, adding that any future legal measures will reflect public expectations as people are the governments’ strength. The spokesperson claimed BNP governments never imposed laws from above, but rather reflected the aspirations of different sections of society. Referring to online harassment and cyber abuse, he said many people, especially women, want protection of their dignity and respect in cyberspace. On the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, the spokesperson said the government considers the case a priority. “The Prime Minister has spoken about this issue for a long time. As part of ensuring media freedom and journalists’ safety, we see this as a major concern,” he said. “We believe the trial of the Sagar-Runi murder should take place. It is one of our priorities. We said this during the election and we are still saying it,” he added. Asked about road accidents during Eid travel, Mahdi Amin said every death is tragic and the government’s top priority is to ensure safe journeys for people travelling home for Eid. “We are hopeful that visible improvements will be seen in the coming days before Eid. Let us all work together to build a prosperous, self-reliant and developed Bangladesh,” he said. He said the government has coordinated with banks, factory owners and labour organisations to ensure workers receive salaries, allowances and Eid bonuses before Eid-ul-Azha. Special trains and launch services have been introduced to ease Eid travel, while separate train coaches for women and a special monitoring cell have also been arranged, the spokesperson said. He said the government has instructed authorities to remove sacrificial waste within eight hours during Eid and ensure fair prices and proper preservation of rawhide. Mahdi Amin also said airfare for Hajj pilgrims has been reduced. He mentioned that preparations have begun for implementing an economic corridor from Teknaf to Tetulia. The PMO spokesperson said work on the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing with a target to inaugurate it by December 16 this year. Among other initiatives, he mentioned expansion of bank guarantee facilities for higher studies abroad, launching of high-speed free Wi-Fi at airports and trains, and introduction of sports and cultural programmes for youths. In the health sector, Mahdi Amin said, nearly all eligible children have been brought under measles vaccination coverage and maternity leave has been increased. The government is also moving to gradually allocate 5 percent of GDP to the health sector, he said. Referring to the murder of child Ramisa Akter in the capital’s Pallabi area, the spokesperson said the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Law Minister visited the victim’s family and assured them of speedy justice. He noted that in a separate child rape case in Meherpur, a court awarded the death penalty within 29 working days, calling it a rare example of swift justice. “Now victims no longer go to the Prime Minister; rather, the Prime Minister is reaching out to the people,” he said. Mahdi Amin also said initiatives have been taken to restore the phrase “except Israel” in Bangladeshi passports. He also said the government has set a target to turn Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. The spokesperson said assets worth Tk 4,264 crore belonging to S Alam Group have been seized, while agreements have been signed with several countries to bring back laundered money. He also said Bangladesh recorded the highest remittance inflow in its history last month, reaching around $3.75 billion. Mahdi Amin said the government has also initiated a “Probashi Card” scheme and plans to provide state identity cards to around 200,000 freelancers. He also touched on a special Tk 60,000 crore fund to reopen closed factories and generate employment opportunities. The spokesperson said the Prime Minister is proving himself not as a distant powerful figure, but as a representative of the common people and an ordinary member of society. At the beginning of the press conference, PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon highlighted several tree plantation initiatives taken by the Prime Minister, saying the BNP government is “a tree-loving government.” Prime Minister’s Speechwriter SAM Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony, Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu), Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud) and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, and Assistant Press Secretaries Asrofa Emdad, Md Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were present at the press conference.

Three leaders of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (DU) have been relieved of their organisational duties over allegations of assaulting a physically challenged student at Jagannath Hall. In a press release issued on Monday, the organisation said disciplinary action were taken against the leaders for violating organisational discipline. The accused are Chandan Das, Jhalak Das and Ripon Chandra Sarkar, joint conveners of Jagannath Hall unit JCD. According to the allegations, the incident took place on Sunday evening at a tea stall beneath Rabindra Bhaban of the dormitory. A dispute reportedly began after Avoy Kumar Singh was found sitting with his legs raised on a bench. Avoy, who has a knee problem, had been sitting that way due to his physical condition. Later, after he returned to his room, the accused allegedly entered the room and physically assaulted him. The victim, a student of the Department of Bangla in the 2020-21 academic session, later made a Facebook post, where he described the incident and demanded justice. Regarding the matter, Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal said he was informed of the incident on the same night. A six-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by House Tutor Prof Dr Shimul Halder, to look into the incident and the committee has been instructed to submit its report within the next 2-3 days.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to take the country forward, drawing inspiration from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to move the country toward development. Nazrul is the inspiration behind his work,” Rizvi said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the poet’s grave at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of Nazrul’s 127th birth anniversary. He also said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a major source of inspiration in the struggle against fascism. “When we were tortured in remand, Nazrul’s songs, poems and literary works inspired us to survive and resist,” he said. He said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains relevant in both national and social life. The BNP leader said the poet carried the banner of rebellion, equality and humanity, and people drew inspiration from his songs and poems during every national movement. “Kazi Nazrul Islam was the principal inspiration in the struggle against fascism.” Rizvi said Nazrul continues to inspire the implementation of the government’s electoral pledges and national vision. He further said Nazrul would be remembered throughout the year during the Nazrul anniversary celebrations.

The ruling party BNP remains confident that opposition lawmakers will eventually join the proposed special parliamentary committee on constitutional amendments, Chief Whip Nurul Islam said on Sunday. “We will work through discussions with them (the opposition). They will definitely join the special committee,” he told reporters after a meeting on renewable energy management at the Parliament. Asked about the source of his confidence despite the opposition’s current reluctance, the Chief Whip said his long parliamentary experience gave him assurance. “You may ask why I am so confident. I am confident because I have been in parliament four or five times before. I know that in the end they will join. Ultimately, this is what they will do. The issue will be resolved through dialogue,” he said. On April 29, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman proposed in parliament the formation of a 17-member special committee for constitutional reforms and requested the opposition to nominate five members. Responding to a question about the opposition’s delay in submitting names, Nurul Islam said the opposition MPs are first-time lawmakers and need time to understand parliamentary procedures. “Why are you asking whether they will give names or not? They certainly will. Most of the opposition MPs have never been members of parliament before. Since this is their first term, they need some timeto understand and adapt to the process. We should allow them that time,” he said. The Chief Whip also stressed that constitutional amendments are inevitable, noting that Bangladesh’s Constitution has already undergone multiple revisions. “There are 153 articles in the Constitution. Suppose we amend 50 of them — what will happen to the remaining 100? They will still remain in the Constitution. At the end of the day, amendments must be made. There is no alternative,” he said. He added that constitutional amendments are common around the world. “There is no example in the world where a constitution is simply discarded and replaced unless there is a revolution, a mass uprising, or independence. The constitutions of the United States and India have been amended many times. Bangladesh’s Constitution has also been amended 17 times, and this process will continue,” he said. Replying to another question, the Chief Whip said the current parliament would become “the best parliament in Bangladesh’s history.” On the repeal of 16 ordinances, including those related to enforced disappearances and human rights, issued during the tenure of the interim government, Nurul Islam said the ordinances would be revised and reintroduced in parliament. “The 16 ordinances will be brought back to parliament after further scrutiny and strengthening. Those that can be tabled during the current budget session will be presented now; otherwise they will be introduced in a later session,” he said. The Chief Whip also said discussions had taken place with the Prime Minister regarding the parliament’s sound system. “We will directly consult globally recognised suppliers so that a durable sound system can be installed. The arrangement will be made in a way that it can function effectively for at least 15 to 20 years,”he said, adding that the opposition leader would also be involved in the decision-making process. Highlighting the government’s renewable energy plans, Nurul Islam said the parliament complex had been selected as a pilot site for solar energy generation. “The Prime Minister has said parliament should become the centre of resolving all national problems. As a symbol of that commitment, we have chosen parliament as the pilot project for solar power generation by installing solar panels on its rooftop,” he said. He added that the government is increasingly focusing on renewable energy to achieve long-term energy self-sufficiency. “As part of this initiative, solar panels have already been installed at the parliament building. Gradually, solar panels will also be installed on all government buildings at district and upazila levels,” he said. The Chief Whip further said the government is considering limiting visitor access during parliamentary sessions due to security concerns. “It turns into a crowded marketplace here sometimes. Considering security issues, discussions are underway to limit the number of visitors during parliamentary sessions,” he said.

Delivering a stern message to the country’s engineers, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said people are no longer as simple as before and will not forgive mistakes made by those in authority. “People of the country now understand everything and are aware of everything. If we make mistakes today, the people will not forgive us either,” he said on Saturday. Strong social movement needed to prevent rape: Fakhrul He made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the 78th founding anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) and a reception for engineer members of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad at the IEB auditorium in Dhaka's Ramna area as the chief guest. Referring to the aftermath of the July mass uprising, Fakhrul said a new consciousness has emerged among the people, who now aspire to build a new and free Bangladesh. “They no longer want to see the old Bangladesh marked by corruption, enforced disappearances and repression,” he said. Alleging widespread corruption in development projects during the previous government’s tenure, he said, “We often see reports in newspapers about projects worth Tk 3500 crore in a district where no actual work has been done. These matters must be handled with utmost caution.” He said engineers are among the country’s most educated and privileged groups and therefore have a greater responsibility to meet public expectations. “The plans you formulate and the projects you implement must genuinely benefit the people,” he added. Mentioning the July movement and families affected by enforced disappearances, Fakhrul said there was a time when even speaking about disappearances was dangerous, yet some courageous individuals stood beside the victim families and raised the issue internationally. “The nation will never forget their courage and sacrifices,” he said. He also paid tribute to the youth who sacrificed their lives during the movement. “Our young people shed blood and gave their lives. They have created a new opportunity for Bangladesh. We must never betray that sacrifice,” he added. Mohammad Riazul Islam, president of the IEB and chairman of RAJUK presided over the discussion programme.