[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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২১ আগস্ট গ্রেনেড হামলা মামলায় সব আসামিকে খালাস দিয়েছে হাইকোর্ট

 

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Tarique’s acquittal proves cases were politically motivated: Fakhrul

Expressing relief over the High Court’s acquittal of Tarique Rahman in the August 21 grenade attack cases, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated on Sunday said this verdict has manifested all the cases filed against their party's Acting Chairman was politically motivated an

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique’s acquittal proves cases were politically motivated: Fakhrul
UNB
Published :
Dec 01, 2024 17:44
Updated :
Dec 01, 2024 17:44

Expressing relief over the High Court’s acquittal of Tarique Rahman in the August 21 grenade attack cases, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated on Sunday said this verdict has manifested all the cases filed against their party's Acting Chairman was politically motivated and conspiratorial.

“Tarique Rahman was acquitted by the High Court after legally facing the charges brought against him,” he said in a statement.

Fakhrul, now in London, issued the statement following the High Court’s verdict in the two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack. The judgement has shown that the Awami ‘fascist’ government accused Tarique Rahman in these cases with political motives, he said.

“Through this historic verdict, it has been demonstrated once again that all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman were political conspiracies,” Fakhrul said.

He expressed his gratitude to Allah for the verdict and called upon party leaders and activists across the country to pray for Tarique’s well-being.

Earlier, at a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed his satisfaction, saying that justice has been served as the High Court acquitted Tarique Rahman and the others convicted in the two cases.

Rizvi said when retired police officer Abdul Kahar Akhand was reappointed and made the investigation officer (IO) of the cases during the Awami League rule, it became clear to them that the government had malicious intentions.

The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League government had used state power to forcibly convict Tarique Rahman and other BNP leaders in the cases. “We have got the proper judgement from the apex court. Some of the justice for which we have been engaged in a long political struggle has been reflected in the verdict,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the High Court (HC) had overturned the verdict of a lower court in two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack, acquitting all convicts, including BNP’s Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar.

An HC bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain delivered the judgement on Sunday.

The court also declared the charge sheet in the case illegal.

The grenade attack, a shocking incident, occurred on Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.​

 

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BNP’s road march towards Indian High Commission Sunday

Three BNP associate bodies - Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal - will stage a road march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday to protest the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala and the desecration of the country's national flag. The programme

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP’s road march towards Indian High Commission Sunday
UNB
Published :
Dec 07, 2024 21:00
Updated :
Dec 07, 2024 21:00

Three BNP associate bodies - Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal - will stage a road march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday to protest the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala and the desecration of the country's national flag.

The programme is also intended to register protests against what the party describes as an Indian plot to incite communal riots in Bangladesh, said a party press release on Saturday.

The leaders and activists of the three organisations are scheduled to begin the march from BNP's Nayapaltan central office at 10am.

They will submit a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in this regard.​

 

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Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stated that the party's primary objective is to ensure accountability in Bangladesh, where everyone, from the Prime Minister to Union Parishad Members, is accountable to people for their actions. "We want to create an atmosphere of accountability

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members
UNB
Published :
Dec 07, 2024 20:58
Updated :
Dec 07, 2024 20:58

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stated that the party's primary objective is to ensure accountability in Bangladesh, where everyone, from the Prime Minister to Union Parishad Members, is accountable to people for their actions.

"We want to create an atmosphere of accountability in the country. As a political party, this is our main objective... From the Prime Minister to Union Parishad members, Upazila chairman, ministers, MPs, and all other levels, everyone must remain accountable," he said while virtually addressing a workshop in Faridpur.

At the same time, Tarique said everyone at all levels in government and semi-government offices and institutions must be accountable to the people.

"We must ensure accountability everywhere. It's not something that can be achieved overnight, but it is possible... If you think about your family, it thrives because of accountability," he said.

The workshop, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee at the Faridpur Sadar Upazila Complex.

Tarique said corruption, anarchy, breakdowns in law and order, and other misdeeds occurred during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina due to a complete lack of accountability.

He said the Awami League arranged one-sided elections repeatedly, while its leaders and workers indulged in widespread looting and siphoning vast amounts of money abroad-again, due to the absence of accountability to the people.

"So, we aim to address corruption, establish the rule of law, and strengthen the healthcare sector so that people can receive proper treatment. We also want to create an environment where students can access quality education in the country. As a political activist, I believe much can be achieved if accountability is established," the BNP leader said.

He said a free and fair election is essential to restore accountability, reclaim people's lost rights, and implement BNP's 31-point proposal for gradually building a desired Bangladesh. "It's only natural that a party like the BNP would call for a fair election. To make this happen, everyone has to play their part."

The BNP leader recalled how the people from all walks of life united to force the autocratic Awami League regime to flee the country. "Similarly, we must all unite to establish our rights."

"If we want to achieve our goals, I need cooperation from all leaders and workers. The first condition for this cooperation is maintaining people's confidence. To do that, we must act, speak, and behave according to the will of the people," he said.

The BNP leader acknowledged that some party leaders and activists might be making mistakes and must be corrected. "We must stay alert and warn them, and in some cases, we must take firmer action."

Tarique said people's confidence is the most precious asset of any political party, its leaders, and its activists. "We will lose everything if we lose the people's confidence. So, let's pledge to preserve it. If we sit idle at home thinking that people already trust the BNP, that confidence will gradually erode."

Correct Yourselves

Tarique called upon his party colleagues to correct themselves first to retain people's confidence and fight against extortion, corruption and immoral activities.

"Correct yourselves first and then tell others to amend them. Otherwise, there's no point of talking big (about eliminating immoral activities and extortion," he said.

Two leaders drew Tarique's attention to various immoral activities and extortion by some party leaders, and asked whether the BNP would take steps for forming a commission or a body to take action if the any of its leaders and workers indulge in inhumane, anti-social and extortion or other misdeeds using the influence of the party.

Responding to the question, Tarique, said. "If any of you has done such an immoral act, correct yourself first. We may have some bad people in our party, who are doing bad and immoral things. We have already taken action against many of them.

He said their party is taking all out organisational actions whenever it receives any such complaint against anyone.

Even the BNP leader said they are taking extreme measures by urging the administration with written complaints against those who belong to the BNP are doing excess. "The key is to correct you first, and then encourage others to do the same."

Tarique urged the party rank and file to refrain from doing anything that undermines the public confidence in BNP.

He said their party wants stability to restore in Bangladesh promptly so that the existing problems can be addressed properly.​

 

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BNP front wings march towards Indian mission, urge action

Police stopped the joint procession of the affiliated organisations of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party near Rampura Bridge on Sunday as it was marching towards the Indian high commission in Dhaka from the party’s central office at Naya Paltan...

www.newagebd.net

BNP front wings march towards Indian mission, urge action
Staff Correspondent 08 December, 2024, 12:19

The police stop the joint procession of the affiliated organisations of Bangladesh Nationalist Party near Rampura Bridge on Sunday while marching towards the Indian high commission in Dhaka, protesting against the recent anti-Bangladesh incidents in India. | Sony Ramani

Police stopped the joint procession of the affiliated organisations of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party near Rampura Bridge on Sunday as it was marching towards the Indian high commission in Dhaka from the party’s central office at Naya Paltan.

Several thousand leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal started the march at about 11:30am in front of the party’s central office at Naya Paltan.

With this large procession, the countrywide protests against the attack on Bangladesh assistant high commission in India’s Agartala rolled into the seventh consecutive day on Sunday.

Huge traffic congestions were created due to the march and people suffered immensely as the blockade near Rampura Bridge created backlog till Malibagh in the south and Natun Bazar in the north.

Later, a six-member delegation from the three BNP associate bodies submitted a memorandum to the Indian high commission at about 1:05pm to register their protests against the recent anti-Bangladesh incidents in the neighbouring country.

The delegation consisted of Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, Juba Dal central president Monayem Munna, its general secretary Nurul Islam Nayan, Swechchhasebak Dal president SM Jilani and general secretary Rajib Ahsan.

The demands in the memorandum include a thorough investigation into the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala and appropriate punitive measures against the perpetrators, to ensure safety and security of all Bangladesh diplomatic missions and personnel in India and stopping misinformation on Bangladesh by leveraging their media.

Members of Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, police and Coast Guard members were seen deployed in and around Indian high commission in Dhaka.

Law enforcers and security agency members block road at Bashtola area near Indian high commission and neither vehicle nor people were allowed on the road.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Gulshan Division deputy commissioner Mohammad Tareq Mahmud told New Age that they had increased the security in and around Indian high commission considering the BNP’s march.

‘We have been taking special security measures centering Indian high commission since Tuesday and it will be continued until further notice,’ he said.

Earlier, addressing a short rally in front of the BNP’s central office before the march, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that the Indian ruling party’s ploy to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh was nothing but direct aggression.

‘You [Indian government] do not like the people of Bangladesh. You do not respect the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh,’ he said.

Rizvi unequivocally said that 180 million people of Bangladesh were prepared to resist Delhi’s hegemony.

The Bangladesh mission in Agartala came under attack in the afternoon of December 2 by a group of Indians during their protests demanding the release of Hindu community leader in Bangladesh Chinmoy Krishna Das, now in jail in a sedition case.​

 

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BNP’s associate bodies submit memorandum to Indian mission

BNP’s associate bodies submit memorandum to Indian mission

The memorandum was submitted protesting the attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala

www.thedailystar.net

 

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https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/bnp-adopts-anti-india-stance-as-efforts-to-mend-ties-fail

BNP adopts anti-India stance as efforts to mend ties ‘fail’
UNB
Published :
Dec 09, 2024 19:13
Updated :
Dec 09, 2024 19:13

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, the BNP's attempts to improve ties with India apparently failed, prompting the party to adopt a stronger, openly anti-India stance, according to senior party leaders.

They said their party had to take this stance to retain its popularity, particularly in the face of widespread anti-Bangladesh propaganda and provocative statements from some Indian politicians and media outlets.

The BNP leaders said anti-Indian sentiment is growing in Bangladesh as Sheikh Hasina took shelter there escaping the country in the face of a mass uprising while the people believe that India is actively trying to create chaos in the country through various ways, including the use of the religion card.

“In such a situation, as the major and popular political party, the BNP cannot remain silent about what India is doing and the incidents happening there. If we stay silent, people will misunderstand us, and we may lose popularity as the Islamic party will take advantage of it. So, we’ve become vocal against India’s aggression,” said a BNP standing committee member, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

He said the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the national flag, anti-Bangladesh statements by Indian leaders, and the ongoing propaganda and misinformation spread by Indian media have sparked strong resentment both among the people and within the BNP.

“So, the anti-India position within the BNP has strengthened, prompting the party high command to instruct its three associate bodies to announce protest programmes against Indian aggression," the BNP policymaker said.

On Sunday, three BNP associate bodies -- Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—staged a march towards the Indian High Commission and submitted a memorandum there to register their protest against the recent anti-Bangladesh incidents in the neighbouring country and demanding an end to misinformation about Bangladesh and ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi missions in India.

They will also stage a long march towards Agartala from Dhaka on Wednesday to protest against Indian aggression.

Another BNP standing committee member said their party took the initiative to improve ties with the Indian government and political parties after the ouster of the Awami League regime, but they have yet to receive any reciprocal response from India.

He said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with their party leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on September 22, during which they outlined ways to bring positivity and strengthen the relationship between Indian political parties and the BNP as a political entity.

“We also tried to send a message to the Indian authorities to establish relations with the people of Bangladesh and the major political parties, urging them to move away from their exclusive ties with the Awami League. But we’re surprised that India has not budged even an inch from its position,” the BNP leader said.

He said they still want to maintain good relations with the Indian government, political parties and people. “Through our current stance, we mainly aim to exert pressure on India to reconsider its anti-Bangladesh position and exclusive ties with the Awami League. If they change their stance, we will reciprocate, as we believe that friendship with India is crucial for maintaining regional stability.”

The BNP leader said their party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman has been cautiously avoiding anti-Indian remarks as he is willing to mend ties with the neighbouring country and resolve past misunderstandings. “But now, it depends on India. If they don’t come forward, we will have to work out our strategy focusing on other regional partners, including China.”

He said although China supported the Sheikh Hasina government, it has already changed its position and is showing interest in warming ties with the BNP.

The BNP leader, however, said as a moderate democratic party, the BNP does not want to be either an anti-Indian or pro-Indian party. “BNP will remain open to fostering a friendly relationship with India through diplomatic efforts, while also being vocal against India’s negative activities.”

While exchanging views with local journalists in London on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said a political party devises its strategy based on the prevailing circumstances and ground realities and the interests of the country.

He said BNP is now vocal against India because some political leaders in the neighbouring country and its media are unfairly spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh to destabilise the country and the interim government.

When asked about Bangladesh's foreign policy towards India if BNP forms the government, he replied, "Our policy with India will depend on our needs and interests. But we won’t tolerate any assault on our sovereignty… We won’t accept any interference in our internal affairs."

BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said India should try to understand the pulse of the Bangladeshi people and adjust its position accordingly.

He said India has already strained relations with Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Pakistan. “Now they are turning against Bangladesh. India must consider how they will move forward alone if they lose relations with all the countries in South Asia.”

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said India is interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh. “They’re still backing Sheikh Hasina. The Indian politicians' statements and their media reports are spreading a kind of hatred against Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh are united against this hegemonic attitude of India.”​

 

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Pro-BNP orgs announce road march to Akhaura

Three BNP associate organisations -- Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal -- are set to stage a long march towards Akhaura from Dhaka tomorrow, protesting "Indian aggression"

www.thedailystar.net

Pro-BNP orgs announce road march to Akhaura
BNP concerned over India's ISKCON remarks

Three BNP associate organisations -- Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal -- are set to stage a long march towards Akhaura from Dhaka tomorrow, protesting "Indian aggression".

According to a press release, the march is scheduled to begin at 8:00am from the party headquarters in Nayapaltan.

Before the march, a brief rally will be held in front of the central office, where Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna will speak as the chief guest.

Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Zilani will address the gathering as the keynote speaker, while Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib will preside over the event.

The march will proceed through several points, with a scheduled roadside rally at Bhairab intersection. Leaders from the three organisations are expected to address participants.

Upon reaching Akhaura, a rally will be held. The leaders and activists are expected to walk around two kilometers before reaching the rally site in Akhaura.

Meanwhile, the march is being organised as a protest against the attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, desecration of the national flag in Kolkata, and an alleged conspiracy to incite communal unrest.​

 

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Respect our sovereignty

Bangladesh-India relations should be based on state-to-state interactions rather than influenced by individuals or organisations, BNP leaders said yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Respect our sovereignty
BNP tells India

Bangladesh-India relations should be based on state-to-state interactions rather than influenced by individuals or organisations, BNP leaders said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy urged India to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

"No nation's interference is desirable to the people of an independent country. Bangladeshis will decide who is competent for which roles; there is no need for external advice. If needed, we can bring in consultants," he said.

Gayeshwar emphasised the importance of mutual respect, saying, "India is a neighbour, and if our friendship is rooted in equality and shared interests, both nations will benefit."

However, he accused India of exerting influence over Bangladesh's internal matters in the past, claiming, "For years, India dictated key appointments — from bank managing directors to judges and ministers."

He said bilateral ties should prioritise country-to-country relations over party or personal affiliations. "If India acknowledges this, a stronger friendship will follow," he added.

Meanwhile, in Rajshahi, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi staged a symbolic protest by burning an Indian-made bedsheet during a "Boycott Indian Products" programme.

"This bedsheet from Jaipur symbolises the rejection of India's undue influence," he said.

Rizvi also accused India of spreading propaganda and undermining Bangladesh's communal harmony.

"If India claims Chattogram, we'll claim the Nawabi regime's entire Bangla, Bihar, and Odisha," he added.

"If our healthcare improves, no Bangladeshi will need to go to India for treatment," he said.​

 

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Khaleda, Tarique invited to president's Victory Day reception

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman have been invited to a reception hosted by the president on Victory Day..Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, the president’s military secretary, delivered the invitation letters to the BNP chairperson's office this evening.

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Khaleda, Tarique invited to president's Victory Day reception

Khaleda Zia, left, and Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman have been invited to a reception hosted by the president on Victory Day.

Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, the president's military secretary, delivered the invitation letters to the BNP chairperson's office this evening.

Photo: Collected

AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP standing committee, received the letters on behalf of Khaleda and Tarique.

Earlier, on November 21, Khaleda Zia attended a reception at Senakunja marking the Armed Forces Day.​

 

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BNP wings’ march vows to protect sovereignty

The long March by the associate bodies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party towards India’s Agartala from Dhaka protesting at the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala ended at the Akhaura land port in a rally on Wednesday...

www.newagebd.net

BNP wings’ march vows to protect sovereignty
Staff Correspondent 11 December, 2024, 10:20

Left, leaders and activists of three associate bodies of Bangladesh Nationalist Party attend a rally at Paltan in the capital before bringing out a long march towards Akhaura, close to India’s Agartala, protesting at the attack on a Bangladesh mission in India, and, right, members of Border Guard Bangladesh march in Akhaura Land Port area to keep law and order situation under control centring the long march from Dhaka on Wednesday. | Md Saurav / Focus Bangla photo

The long March by the associate bodies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party towards India’s Agartala from Dhaka protesting at the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala ended at the Akhaura land port in a rally on Wednesday.

The concluding rally, jointly organised by BNP’s three associate bodies— Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—was held in the afternoon on the day just about 250 metres away from the Bangladesh-India Operation Zero Line. Speakers at the event slammed the attack on Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala state and desecration of Bangladesh’s national flag.

Both the Indian and Bangladesh authorities tightened security measures over the long march with a huge number of Border Guard Bangladesh and police personnel in uniform and plainclothes deployed in the border areas to prevent any untoward situation, according to New Age correspondent in Brahmanbaria and the Indian media.

Retired police officials, meanwhile, brought out a protest procession and held a rally in front of the National Press Club in the capital on the day, protesting at India’s dominance and aggression in Bangladesh.

Leaders and activists of BNP’s associated bodies in many places, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Narsingdi and Narayanganj, joined the long march with over 2,000 microbuses and private cars.

After holding a short rally in front of the BNP’s central office in the capital’s Naya Paltan, the march began at about 9:10am and reached Akhaura land port via Motijheel, Mayor Hanif Flyover, Chittagong Road, Kanchpur, Tarabo, Madhabdi, Pachdona, Bholanagar, Marjal, Baroicha and Bhairab.

‘I strongly condemn the attack on Bangladesh mission in Agartala as the Indian authority failed to provide security,’ Juba Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna said, addressing the rally as chief guest at Akhaura land port.

He said that the country’s people would not compromise under the leadership of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman in the question of national sovereignty.

He also condemned the Indian government saying that it had patronised fascist Sheikh Hasina in the past over 15 years and the same government was also hatching a conspiracy against Bangladesh.

Protests spread in Dhaka as elsewhere across the country hours after the Bangladesh mission in Agartala came under attack by a group of Indians on December 2 during their protests, demanding the release of Hindu community leader in Bangladesh Chinmoy Krishna Das, now in jail in a sedition case.

The BNP bodies also held a rally at Bhairab before going to Akhaura land port while leaders and activists joined the long march in throughout the journey.

Addressing a short rally as the chief guest while inaugurating the long march in Dhaka, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvy said that India was trying to sustain the ‘lady vampire’, apparently speaking about the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.


‘We have bought the independence with blood sacrifice. We will not surrender our independence to India,’ he said.

He said that although India was a democratic country, it did not want democracy in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

‘Delhi wants to control the neighbouring countries,’ he added.

Bangladesh Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association brings out a procession, protesting at Indian aggression, on Topkhana Road in Dhaka on Wednesday. — New Age photo

The traffic around Nayapaltan remained halted for about two hours since 7:45am due to presence of several thousand leaders and activists of the party’s associate bodies.

BNP associate bodies started gathering at Naya Paltan with small processions since 7:00am.

Chairing the rally, Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib said that India kept continuing its conspiracies after Sheikh Hasina fled there on August 5 driven by a student-led mass uprising.

Juba Dal general secretary Nurul Islam Noyon said that his organisation was ready to resist India’s conspiracy.

Speakers also slammed Indian media outlets for spreading rumours about Bangladesh.

At the rally organised by the Bangladesh Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association, speakers said that India supported the fascist Awami League regime to take economic and political advantages and stood against the people of Bangladesh by providing shelter to fallen Hasina.

Retired inspector general of police AKM Shahidul Haque said that Indian dominance and aggression would not be tolerated.

‘We know how to fight for independence and sovereignty,’ said Shahidul.

The organisation’s acting president and retired deputy inspector general of police M Akbar Ali said that the people of Bangladesh had not fought in the War of Independence to serve Indian interests.

The protest procession began in front of the Rajarbagh Police Lines marched to the National Press Club parading through Shantinagar, Kakrail and Segunbagicha. The programme concluded with handing over a memorandum to the foreign ministry.

Besides, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party also organised a protest rally in front of the National Press Club slamming India’s malicious activities against Bangladesh.​

 

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BNP criticises Adviser Nahid over remarks on political parties

BNP yesterday slammed Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing political parties of trying to fail the interim government, warning that such inappropriate statements can create a rift in national unity

www.thedailystar.net

BNP criticises Adviser Nahid over remarks on political parties

BNP yesterday slammed Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing political parties of trying to fail the interim government, warning that such inappropriate statements can create a rift in national unity.

"I think he (adviser) should not have made such a remark. He didn't say the right thing. It may create a rift in national unity," said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi while speaking at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan office.

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He said it is the main responsibility of the interim government to hold a free, fair, and inclusive election within a short time, which is also the wish of the people.

"But if any contradictory or questionable statements come from their (government's) side, it'll harm national unity," the BNP leader observed.

He said the government can benefit from the criticism made by political parties. "Criticism is an essential element for strengthening democracy. You can't deny this element."

Rizvi also said country's democratic political parties have set an example of unity amid local and international conspiracies. "You (the government) must take this into consideration."

He said the political parties are urging the government to arrange elections after completing the reforms within a reasonable time.

"Is the election different from other elements of democracy? In fact, the election is the most important democratic practice," the BNP leader mentioned.

He said the government should not ignore the political parties' demand.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam reportedly said political parties are prioritising the election over reforms.

During a meeting at the Secretariat with a delegation from British Global Partners Governance (GPG), the adviser also mentioned that political parties are attempting to make the interim government fail.​

 

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Fakhrul asks Nahid to withdraw his comment on political parties

On Wednesday, the information adviser reportedly said political parties are trying to make the interim government fail

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Fakhrul asks Nahid to withdraw his comment on political parties

File photo

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today protested Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam's accusation that political parties were trying to undermine the interim government and demanded the statement be withdrawn.

"I don't know why or in what context he said this, or whether he understood the meaning of it. This is a dangerous statement. I strongly protest against it. I think he should withdraw his comment," he told a discussion.

The BNP organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day, set to be observed across the country tomorrow.

Fakhrul called upon the interim government to be cautious in making its statements. "Please don't make political parties your opponents."

He said the students, people, and political parties, including the BNP, have all entrusted the interim government with the responsibility to create an environment in which a fair election can be held and a people's government and parliament can be established.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam reportedly said political parties are prioritising elections over reforms.

During a meeting at the Secretariat with a delegation from British Global Partners Governance (GPG), the adviser also mentioned that political parties are attempting to make the interim government fail.​

 

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Let’s fulfil the martyrs’ vision

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday called for a pluralistic political system and restoration of democracy in the country in line with the aspirations of the martyred intellectuals who were killed ahead of the country’s independence in 1971.

www.thedailystar.net

Let’s fulfil the martyrs’ vision
Tarique calls on countrymen

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday called for a pluralistic political system and restoration of democracy in the country in line with the aspirations of the martyred intellectuals who were killed ahead of the country's independence in 1971.

In a statement on the eve of Martyred Intellectuals' Day, Tarique said, "On this day, we pay solemn tribute to the memories of the country's greatest sons who were martyred for standing up for freedom and justice."

He said the local collaborators of the invading army carried out the massacre to make independent Bangladesh meritless.

He lamented, saying that the country had veered away from its democratic aspirations post-independence.

"Just after victory, the undemocratic forces removed their masks and started undermining the universal democratic rights of the people one after another, as did the Pakistani occupation forces.

He said the undemocratic moves weakened the independence and sovereignty of the newly born country, which the people got in exchange for "a river of blood".

Tarique said following that tradition, the Awami fascists in the last 15 years sent democracy into exile and dashed the hope of a united nation by extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and sowing divisions among the people.

"Instead of fostering democratic development and transforming the country into a prosperous, self-reliant, and strong state, a system of one-party misrule was established," he said.

He urged all to unite and "practice real democracy" in the changed political situation after the ouster of the Awami League government.

"We have to restore the rule of law, establish an independent judiciary, and a pluralistic political system," he said, urging all to take inspiration from the martyred intellectuals.

"I call upon the countrymen -- let's work together to build a Bangladesh in line with the expectations of the martyred intellectuals," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Fakhrul urges govt not to make political parties opponents

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the government not to make political parties its opponents.

www.newagebd.net

Fakhrul urges govt not to make political parties opponents
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 14 December, 2024, 00:58

New Age photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the government not to make political parties its opponents.

He also protested information and broadcasting adviser Nahid Islam’s accusation that political parties were trying to undermine the interim government and demanded the statement be withdrawn.

‘I don’t know why or in what context he [adviser Nahid] said this, or whether he understood the meaning of it. This is a dangerous allegation. I strongly condemn and protest against it. I think he should withdraw his comment,’ he told a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

Fakhrul called upon the interim government to be cautious in making its statements. ‘Please don’t make political parties your opponents.’

He said that students, people, and political parties, including the BNP, had all entrusted the interim government with the responsibility to create an environment in which a fair election could be held and a people’s government and parliament could be established.

‘Political parties are supporting you [government], but you’re claiming they are working to make you fail. We have stated this countless times, and our acting chairman has also said that the failure of this government would mean the failure of people and us. So, why do you make such statements?’ the BNP leader asked.

He said that the government and democratic forces had to be very cautious with their words and actions.

‘We shouldn’t say anything that undermines our victory or destroys our achievements. This is the most critical time—one wrong step could lead to a setback, causing you to fall into a ditch,’ Fakhrul cautioned.

He said that the fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh and took refuge in India, was actively working against the interests of the country. The Awami League leaders and workers were continuously engaging in false propaganda and spreading misinformation against the country using social media.

The BNP leader urged his party colleagues to be active on social media, countering the misinformation with facts and intellectual discourse.

He said that BNP leaders and workers had to continue their efforts to institutionalise democracy and establish a healthy democratic political culture in Bangladesh.

‘There is still much work ahead of us. Many people believe their job is done now as Hasina has fled, but we have a long way to go before we can make democracy both a culture and a system. Let’s take an oath that we will build ourselves into worthy citizens of the country and dedicated democratic workers,’ Fakhrul said.

He said that democracy was not just a notion but a culture. ‘We must learn how to speak, how to behave, how to interact with our neighbours, and how to engage with our political opponents in a democratic way. Democracy does not mean cutting someone’s throat for supporting the Awami League or BNP. Democracy means absolute tolerance.’

Fakhrul also expressed concern over a current tendency to overshadow the 1971 Liberation War by glorifying the recent mass upsurge.

‘I believe this is part of a larger conspiracy to distance the nation from its original history. We see this as a distortion of history, and we must be careful about it,’ he added.​