United News of Bangladesh

Am Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman on Monday proposed fixing garment workers' wages at an amount equivalent to the international market price of six shirts. He made the proposal in a post on his verified Facebook page. In the post, Tarek said his party had earlier proposed that workers receive wages equivalent to the price of at least six shirts in the international market during a previous wage movement. “Even if the price of six shirts in the international market is considered now, it will amount to around Tk 20,000 at Tk 3,500 per shirt. With overtime, a worker can earn Tk 25,000,” he wrote. Responding to questions about garment workers demanding Tk 30,000 a month despite some graduates earning Tk 12,000, the Am Janatar Dal leader said skilled workers should receive wages commensurate with the value they produce. “An electrician charges Tk 500 for an hour's work, while a sanitary worker charges at least Tk 1,000 for two hours. Those who produce value through their labour deserve proper remuneration if they have the required skills,” he said. Referring to the recent arson attacks on factories, Tarek said he did not believe any worker would set fire to their own workplace. He called for bringing those responsible to justice, saying the incidents had jeopardised the jobs of thousands of workers. The Am Janatar Dal general secretary also welcomed the government's formation of a minimum wage board, describing it as good news for workers. He said both workers and factory owners should have the opportunity to participate in the board's discussions and express their views. “Representatives of international buyers should also be included.”

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mirza Abbas on Saturday warned that there would be no place in the party for collaborators of the Awami League or those who maintain ties with its allies. “Strict organisational action will also be taken against anyone within the party who tries to shelter or protect them,” he said. Abbas made the remarks at an exchange of views meeting with leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations from the Dhaka-8 parliamentary constituency at Shahjahanpur in the capital. The BNP leader said they had received reports that several Awami League leaders had returned from India and were trying to take shelter in different areas of the country. “Some greedy people within our party are sheltering them in exchange for money. Let me make it clear: whoever is an enemy of BNP is also my enemy. If anyone inside the party helps them, inform us. Immediate action will be taken,” he said. Abbas said no criminal would be spared, even if the person was his relative or close associate. “Whether they belong to the Awami League or are conspirators hiding within our party, we will collectively resist them. Those who are trying to make money by any means must be boycotted immediately,” he said. He also alleged that so-called opposition parties were trying to embarrass the government and BNP. Describing BNP's public support and organisational strength as deep-rooted, Abbas said the party had not emerged out of nowhere and was neither Jamaat-e-Islami nor the Awami League. He said the BNP, backed by the people's strength, had the full capacity to confront any conspiracy on the streets. “Many people are thinking many things. But BNP has not yet taken to the streets. If BNP takes to the streets, they will find no way to escape,” he said. “Do not think that we fight only while sitting at home. We have strength in our legs and firmness in our resolve, and our foundation is extremely strong. By the grace of Almighty Allah, the ordinary people of this country are our main strength. Do not think BNP has emerged out of nowhere. It is not Jamaat-e-Islami or Awami League. It is BNP, and you must keep that in mind,” he added. Referring to an opposition party, Abbas alleged that a section of people, lacking their own organisational strength, were joining hands with the Awami League and trying to hold rallies and meetings at different places to create disorder in the country. “There is no restriction on democratic movements and struggles. You can do politics. But if you engage in misdeeds, BNP leaders and activists will not sit idle and watch. They will resist such activities with a firm hand,” he said. Taking an apparent swipe at new political parties and young leaders over their sudden lavish lifestyles, Abbas said some young people had seen an unusual increase in their wealth and stature following the change in political power. “Some young boys have grown abnormally in size, both in length and breadth, after the change of power. They are showing off in different areas in expensive cars. Where does this money come from? Whose cars are these, and who pays for their gas and fuel? The nation wants to know,” he said. He said BNP is ready to make its accounts public if asked and challenged others to demonstrate the same level of transparency. “If you ask for our accounts, we will make them public. But can you provide transparent accounts like us? Do not mislead the nation. Instead, cooperate in building the country,” he said. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam, Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal President Afroza Abbas and Dhaka South City BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin addressed the meeting as special guests. Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal Convener Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam, Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Saad Morshed Pappa Sikder and Dhaka Metropolitan East Chhatra Dal leader Sohag Bhuiyan, among others, were also present.

Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan on Tuesday alleged that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar held a secret meeting with a senior Indian intelligence official and released photo, video claiming to support his allegation. Rashed claimed that on October 16, after Maghrib prayers, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, party leader ATM Masum and one other person met a senior Indian intelligence official at a house in the capital’s Baridhara area. In another post on Tuesday night, Rashed claimed that the Jamaat delegation, travelled in the vehicle to Hotel Six Seasons to meet the Indian intelligence official before switching to another vehicle to leave the place. “I also have details of that vehicle,” he said. Referring to a statement issued by Jamaat in response to the allegation, Rashed said the party had issued a “light” rejoinder, prompting him to share a picture of the vehicle in response. “They (Jamaat) can come to me and collect the vehicle’s registration number and the house number as well, if they want,” he wrote. Jamaat’s statement said the party maintains diplomatic relations with foreign countries while upholding the dignity of the state. Questioning the statement, Rashed asked whether Jamaat was trying to portray the intelligence official as a diplomat to evade the allegation. He also questioned why Jamaat’s rejoinder was so weak, saying that if the party believed there was a conspiracy to tarnish its image and that of Mia Golam Parwar, it should file a defamation case against him. Earlier, Rashed shared the video on his Facebook account on Tuesday evening. In the accompanying post, he claimed that Mia Golam Parwar and other members of the Jamaat delegation were seen leaving in the vehicle after meeting the Indian intelligence official. “After the meeting with the Indian intelligence official, Mia Golam Parwar and the Jamaat delegation came out in this vehicle. I am saying again that Mia Golam Parwar can file a defamation case against me if he wants,” Rashed wrote. Rashed had made the same allegation in a social media post on Monday (Oct 26). Rashed questioned why Jamaat leaders, who publicly speak against India, would hold a secret meeting with an Indian intelligence official. He said a meeting with an Indian diplomat and one with a senior intelligence official were not the same thing. Addressing Jamaat leaders, Rashed said he hoped Mia Golam Parwar would clarify the alleged meeting if he believed in ethical politics. Otherwise, he said, the incident could create the impression that Jamaat was involved in a conspiracy against the state. Rashed also alleged that Jamaat is planning to launch a movement in collaboration with the Awami League.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque on Tuesday warned that the 11-party alliance would launch tougher programs if the government continued to show little willingness to cooperate with the opposition and address public demands. “We are playing a responsible role with a spirit of cooperation with the government, both inside and outside parliament. But we do not see any sincerity on the government’s part in accepting the opposition’s cooperation,” he said. He made these remarks at a press briefing following a meeting of the alliance’s top leaders at the official residence of the Opposition Leader on Mintoo Road in the capital. He urged the government to understand public expectations and take necessary steps to address their concerns. The alliance also expressed concern over the Election Commission’s neutrality ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Alleging that partisan considerations had influenced the appointment of the commission’s secretary, he said the move had raised questions about its impartiality. He also voiced concern over the commission’s role in the Thakurgaon-1 by-election. “The Election Commission must act neutrally. If there is any deviation in ensuring people’s voting rights, the 11-party alliance will not remain silent,” he said, adding that the alliance could announce major programs against the commission. The alliance called on people from all walks of life to join its Dhaka-Khulna-Kushtia long march on October 31, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, justice for the July mass killings, an end to corruption and extortion, control of rising prices and improvements in law and order. The march will begin with a rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka at 7am and conclude in Kushtia after programs at different locations along the route. He said the alliance had sought cooperation from law enforcement agencies and the administration to ensure the march proceeded peacefully, adding that the authorities had assured them of cooperation. The meeting was chaired by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, and attended by National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam and Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, among others.

National Citizen Party (NCP) senior joint convener and lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah has urged police officers not to carry out unlawful orders from senior officers for the latter's personal benefit or political interests. In a video message posted on his Facebook page, Hasnat made “a clear appeal to our brothers in the police force”, saying they were under no obligation to take any action that violates the law and established rules and regulations. “Do not become instruments for the personal gain of any ambitious, corrupt, or politically backed senior officer by carrying out their unlawful orders,” he said. He reminded them that they had not taken an oath to act against the public, violate citizens’ fundamental rights or take part in extrajudicial killings. “Their oath is to uphold the Constitution, the law and the security of the people,” he said, adding that it was not their duty to fulfil the political ambitions of any individual or protect the illicit empires and political agendas of senior officers. Hasnat also expressed respect for police personnel at the grassroots level who, through their hard work, intelligence and professionalism, were striving to restore public trust in the force, ensure public safety and rebuild the institution. He urged them not to let their efforts and sacrifices go in vain because of a few ambitious officers whom he called “new-age Benazirs”, in reference to ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed, who faces a raft of corruption charges. He urged them to remain aware so that the actions driven by the thirst for power and personal interests of a handful of officers should not tarnish the image of the entire police force.

Physician and former National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Tasnim Jara on Monday questioned Jamaat-e-Islami over its obstruction to the burial of freedom fighter Manik Pashari at his homeland in Pirojpur. “While in opposition, they are preventing someone from being buried at his own homestead. What will they do if all the powers of the state come into their hands?” she said. Tasnim Jara made the remarks on her verified Facebook page at noon. Freedom fighter Manik Pashari, the plaintiff in crimes against humanity case filed against late Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee, was buried at village Chitolia in Pirojpur Sadar upazila amid tight police security early Sunday, amid hindrance from local Jamaat leaders and activists. In the post, Jara wrote that Jamaat leaders and activists spoke as if they owned the land when declaring that Manik Pashari would not be allowed to be buried in Pirojpur, as though people needed their permission to be laid to rest in their own family graveyards. She recalled that Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir were once targeted with the slogan, “Jamaat-Shibir are Razakars (collaborators), leave Bangladesh right now,” and said they should know how unjust such statements were. However, she added, they seemed to have forgotten that injustice even while still in opposition, as soon as they gained some power. Jara also wrote that Jamaat, as a party, had opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Yet its leaders and activists were now seeking to decide who was a freedom fighter and who was not, who deserved state honours and where someone could be buried. “After death, all of a person's accounts are settled. What remains is for Allah to judge,” she wrote, adding that Manik Pashari could not even have his funeral prayer in his own village, while his family was denied the opportunity to seek forgiveness from the villagers. She accused Jamaat of invoking justice, human rights, due process and human dignity for its own leaders while failing to uphold those principles in its treatment of others, including a deceased person and his grieving family.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary on Monday said State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has become a victim of the home minister's failure, referring to his resignation from the cabinet. "The problem lies with the home minister. Ishraque has been caught up in this. The home minister commits the fault, but someone else has to pay for it," Nasiruddin said while talking to reporters after exchanging Durga Puja greetings at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital. He said Ishraque had entered politics with the intention of curbing drug-related activities, but got trapped due to the home minister's failures. “Ishraque's intentions were good, but he lost his ministerial post after falling into the trap.” The NCP leader also raised concerns about the safety of the country’s Hindu community, saying despite the BNP government’s reported pledge to ensure security for all, members of the community are “not feeling well”. "The BNP government has failed to provide them with proper security," he said, alleging that incidents of vandalism were reported in various places over the past three to four months. Referring to the cow-slaughter incident at Jagannath University, Nasiruddin urged the Muslim community not to do anything that could anger, sadden or hurt Hindus. He said no act should be committed that could hurt members of the Hindu community, suggesting sitting with them for discussions, if necessary.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shameen Haider Patwary on Monday demanded that the government arrest those involved in the “attack” on their party Chairman GM Quader’s Uttara residence within 24 hours. “If you do not arrest the perpetrators within 24 hours, Jatiya Party will launch a strong movement and protest,” he said, addressing a press conference at the party office in the city. Earlier in the day, GM Quader’s residence in Sector 7 of Uttara in the capital came under attack by a group of people. Describing the attack as a planned one, Shameen claimed that a group of people brought out a procession and attacked and vandalised the house. He said their party chief was at home with his family members during the attack, but they were safe. The attack took place because GM Quader had criticised the hike in the prices of essential commodities, the Jatiya Party secretary general claimed. “We are not a banned organisation. We will speak out and engage in politics. Jatiya Party is a legal and registered party, and it should be allowed to carry out its political programmes,” he said. Shameem said their party office was set on fire four times during the immediate past interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. “We do not want that horrific situation to return,” the Jatiya Party leader said. He urged the government to ensure political coexistence, saying their party had planned to organise a long march and procession on September 26 to protest soaring prices of essential commodities and fuel, but it did not get permission. A group of people under the banner of “Anti-Autocracy General People” staged a demonstration outside GM Quader’s residence on Monday, demanding his immediate arrest. The protesters staged a sit-in on the road in front of the house at 10:40am and chanted various slogans. According to witnesses, the protesters could not enter the residence but vandalised its windowpanes before leaving the scene ahead of the police’s arrival. CCTV footage showed some protesters demonstrating in front of Quader’s residence, throwing bricks and other objects at the house.

India’s youth-led “Cockroach” movement is preparing to stage another round of protests in New Delhi on Saturday, expanding a nationwide campaign against a controversial voter list revision that has sparked growing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and the country’s election authorities. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to gather at Jantar Mantar, the capital’s designated protest venue. However, authorities have introduced extensive security restrictions, including the suspension of mobile internet services. Police said on Friday that permission for the demonstration had been denied because the organisers submitted their application too late. The protest area has been surrounded by yellow metal barricades, with thousands of police officers deployed nearby. Disruptions to train services and metro stations were also expected to make it more difficult for demonstrators to reach the venue. The extensive security arrangements reflect the authorities’ efforts to contain a rapidly expanding protest movement that has attracted thousands of young people, gained support from opposition parties and increased pressure on Modi’s administration. The demonstrations come at a politically sensitive moment, just months after protests organised by the “Cockroach” movement over alleged examination paper leaks led to the resignation of Modi’s education minister in July. Voter list revision sparks concerns over election fairness The latest protests focus on the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, a process opposition parties claim has deprived millions of eligible citizens of their voting rights. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an end to the revision process, which has reportedly resulted in the removal of more than 130 million names from electoral rolls. The Election Commission and the government have rejected allegations of electoral manipulation, maintaining that the exercise is intended to remove duplicate registrations and the names of individuals who are no longer eligible to vote. The controversy has become a major political issue for opposition parties seeking to challenge Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Saturday’s planned demonstration follows several days of protests in New Delhi, where opposition lawmakers have intensified their campaign against the voter list changes. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained by police during one of the demonstrations. Gandhi and other opposition figures have accused the Election Commission of conducting the revision in a manner that favours the ruling BJP. They allege that voters more likely to support opposition parties have been disproportionately removed from the electoral rolls, while BJP supporters have been protected from deletion or added to the lists. Both the Election Commission and the government have denied these accusations. Youth movement expands its campaign against Modi For the “Cockroach” movement, the controversy over voter registration has created an opportunity to extend its campaign beyond education-related grievances and challenge broader government policies. The movement emerged online in May and gained momentum through street demonstrations, sit-ins and hunger strikes over alleged examination paper leaks. Its campaign culminated in the resignation of Modi’s education minister in July, marking an uncommon political setback for a prime minister who has maintained a strong grip on national politics for more than 12 years. The latest protests represent another challenge for Modi as he continues his third term in office. However, the extent to which the demonstrations will affect his political standing remains uncertain. India’s next national election is not scheduled until 2029. Nevertheless, state elections expected next year in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, and Gujarat, Modi’s home state, will provide important tests of the BJP’s political strength. The growing demonstrations could therefore become a significant political issue for the ruling party as it faces increasing scrutiny over electoral procedures and public concerns about democratic representation.    

The Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) suspended the membership of Md A Jasim Uddin, who contested against NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah in the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The party also issued him a show-cause notice asking why permanent organisational action should not be taken against him for 'breaching organisational discipline' and tarnishing the party’s image. The party’s central office issued the notice on Tuesday. The suspension was ordered by its President Nurul Haque Nur and Acting General Secretary Hasan Al Mamun. The notice, signed by GOP Office Secretary Syed Mahbubur Rahman, however, did not specify the allegations against Jasim Uddin. It just accuses him of a “serious breach of organisational discipline” and tarnishing the party’s image, to which he has been asked to submit a written response within five working days to the central office. The notice said permanent organisational action could be taken against Jasim Uddin if he fails to submit his response within the stipulated time or if his explanation is unsatisfactory. Multiple attempts to contact Jasim Uddin by mobile phone for his side of the story went unanswered. He has made himself unreachable amid the media circus surrounding the case. In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Jasim Uddin contested the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) seat with the Truck symbol representing the Gono Odhikar Parishad. He competed against NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah and secured 49,885 votes with the support of the BNP, who asked their own candidate to stand down in the constituency.