[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

BNP unhappy as polls roadmap not included in Yunus’ address

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Monday expressed its disappointment over the chief adviser’s address to the nation as he did not unveil the election roadmap.

www.newagebd.net

BNP unhappy as polls roadmap not included in Yunus’ address
Staff Correspondent 18 November, 2024, 17:26

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses a programme, marking the 48th anniversary of death of veteran politician Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday. | Star Mail photo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Monday expressed its disappointment over the chief adviser’s address to the nation as he did not unveil the election roadmap.

The party also expressed concern over chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’ remarks during an interview with an international media outlet about his government’s tenure.

Expressing the frustration, the party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a programme at the National Press Club said that they expected an outline of the next general election from the Sunday’s address by the chief adviser.

The party organised the programme marking the 48th anniversary of the death of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.

‘I am a bit disappointed. I was hoping that the chief adviser, with all his wisdom, would identify the problems and give an outline for the election,’ he said.

He said that elections could solve half of the country’s problems, regardless of whether or not the BNP would come to power.

Fakhrul also said that those who wanted to harm and destabilise the country and lead the country into conflict would be forced to back down with a government elected to power with people’s support.

He urged the interim government to move forward with a people-accepted approach saying that ‘we have not created any obstacles so far. Rather, we are supporting you in every case.’

Fakhrul also questioned how the government would carry out reforms while aides of the previous autocratic regime stayed in their positions at the Secretariat.

He also said that it was a fact that the students finally played the key role in ousting Hasina’s regime, though the BNP had struggled for 17 years.

‘So we should not create any distance with the students. Students are saying many things, and they have that right,’ he added.

The BNP wanted reforms to be done within a reasonable time. Oherwise, people would get the impression that the government had intentions to stay in power for a long period, Fakhrul said, adding that elections should be arranged after the completion of the necessary reforms.

He also recalled Maulana Bhashani’s contributions to the nation as a patriotic politician saying that ‘His presence is felt in our entire existence.’

Born in an ordinary family, Bhashani was an exceptional and legendary national leader, he added.

According to a UNB report, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that the current interim government was formed with the support of BNP and others who had long carried out movement for the Hasina regime to step down.

Mentioning that they were still supporting the government, Rizvi said that the chief adviser’s remarks during an interview with an international media outlet about his government’s tenure for four years to carry out reforms were a matter of concern.

Rizvi came up with the remarks while addressing an event held by Amra BNP Poribar organisation at the National Press Club to distribute wheelchairs among 10 people who were maimed during the recent student movement against the Awami regime.

‘It’s a matter of concern for us. The country’s people want to know why four years will be necessary for the reforms and the election,’ he said.

Earlier, during an interview with Al Jazeera which, referring to earlier discussions, asked him whether his government might stay in power for four years, Yunus responded, ‘I didn’t say that I will be [in power] for four years. This is the maximum term. But that’s not our intention. Our intention is to get it [hold election] done as quickly as possible.’​

 

[Saif]

Tarique Rahman smells a conspiracy

He made the statement while speaking virtually at a workshop at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka on Tuesday.

en.prothomalo.com

Tarique Rahman smells a conspiracy
Special Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 19 Nov 2024, 22: 59

BNP's acting chairman Tarique RahmanFile photo

The acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, has urged leaders and activists of his party to remain cautious about potential conspiracies.

He made the statement while speaking virtually at a workshop at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The BNP leader said, “We often say that conspiracies have not stopped. From the recent reports, you have sensed it for sure that a conspiracy is underway somewhere. Therefore, the people must be made aware and brought to our side. We have to remain beside the people.”

Underscoring the need for an election, Tarique said, “Accountability is created through voting in a democratic and civilised country. Numerous leaders and activists have been subjected to forceful disappearance and killing while fighting for this right. The people’s right to vote must be established at any cost, with engagement of the people.”

He pointed out the lack of accountability and the people’s political rights and mentioned those as a priority task for his party.

If the politics of a country becomes sick, its economy is also bound to fall sick. If they both fall sick, then the education, health, judiciary, and administrative systems – everything of the nation will suffer, depriving the people of any benefits, he said.

Against the backdrop, he highlighted the need for establishing voting rights, saying, “Accountability must be established for fixing all these issues. And, it is possible only by establishing the people’s right to vote.”​

 

[Saif]

BNP will form ‘national govt’ if voted to power

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said his party, if voted to power, will form a “national government” with participation from all parties that supported them throughout.

www.thedailystar.net

BNP will form ‘national govt’ if voted to power
Says Fakhrul

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said his party, if voted to power, will form a "national government" with participation from all parties that supported them throughout.

"If we are elected, we will not run the country alone ... So, where is the problem? Where is the doubt?" he said at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Highlighting the need for holding an election swiftly to save the nation, Fakhrul asked the interim government to focus on specific reforms.

"The public has started doubting you [interim government]. The people in the government are creating confusion by making various remarks. Focus should be on fixing the Election Commission, administration, and the judiciary to prepare for elections. The remaining work will be done by those elected."

Mentioning the lack of political expertise in the current administration, he said, "Factories, which are major assets of our country, are being set on fire. Why can't they address this? … They lack the political strength."

"None of these people [advisers] have political experience. Politics involves specific calculations and equations, which only politicians understand," the BNP leader said, adding that delays in holding polls will only exacerbate existing problems and create new ones.

Referring to the recent protests by the students of Government Titumir College, Fakhrul questioned the interim government's preparedness.

"Were they not intelligent enough to foresee this? Why were preventive measures not taken?" he stressed.

Urging the government for an election roadmap, Fakhrul said, "We demand polls in the interest of the nation, not for BNP's benefit. We submitted reform proposals supported by 62 parties. Review them and decide on which ones will be implemented."

"Announcing an election roadmap will restore public confidence," said the BNP leader, adding that he wants the interim government to succeed in their endeavors.

"We don't want Hasina to return," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Election delay could lead to more conspiracies

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that a delay in holding the next general election will lead to “more conspiracies”.

www.thedailystar.net

Election delay could lead to more conspiracies
Says Tarique Rahman

Photo: Collected/File

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that a delay in holding the next general election will lead to "more conspiracies".

"The autocracy that was overthrown through a popular uprising is not sitting idle. They are continuously conspiring with their local and foreign masters," said Tarique, virtually addressing a programme held at Chuadanga town football field yesterday.

"The longer the delay in holding the election, the greater the problems will be in public health, education, farming, business, judicial system and administration –– problems that began during the autocratic rule," he said.

Speaking from London, Tarique highlighted the importance of a free and fair election held without any bias towards a particular group.

"Why are the BNP and other parties repeatedly talking about elections? Because we believe that today's interim government can hold a fair and impartial election. Only through such an election can the true representatives of the people be elected," he said.

Elected representatives can play a vital role in parliament and initiate steps for the country's welfare, he added.

"The interim government talks about reforms, but all reforms can only be implemented if true representatives are elected through polls.

"To change the fate of the nation, genuine public representatives are needed, and for that, elections are essential."

Speaking at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism about the party's leadership and future goals.

"We are waiting every moment for our leader [Tarique] to join us. Once our leader is with us, we believe no obstacle will stand in our way. We will overcome everything and be victorious," he said.

Calling on the youth to play a vital role in shaping the nation's future, Fakhrul said only a representative parliament can confront conspiracies and guide the country forward.

"Elections are necessary because conspiracies and plots are being hatched in all directions now. Only the people can confront these conspiracies," he said.

Fakhrul said his party is in favour of some immediate reforms in areas such as the electoral system, police, administration, judiciary, and economy.

"After the election, any reforms needed in the future will be ensured. After the election, we will form a government with those who were part of our movement, and carry out these reforms," he said.

"To make these reforms sustainable, we need the people's support. How will we see people's support? Only through a free and fair election held without any bias," he said.

Fakhrul added, "Some new leaders are saying there will be no election until all reforms are carried out. The BNP does not want elections for itself. It wants elections to save the country."​

 

[Saif]

If election delayed, conspiracy will intensify: Tarique Rahman

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said conspiracy will increase if the national election is delayed. He made this remark while addressing Chuadanga BNP’s council today, Saturday.

en.prothomalo.com

If election delayed, conspiracy will intensify: Tarique Rahman
Correspondent
Chuadanga
Published: 23 Nov 2024, 20: 48

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman addressed Chuadanga BNP's council on 23 November Collected

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said conspiracy will increase if the national election is delayed.

He made this remark while addressing Chuadanga BNP’s council today, Saturday.

Tarique Rahman said, “The longer the country’s elections are delayed, the more conspiracies will unfold. The dictatorship has been overthrown through a people’s uprising. The dictator against whom millions of people in the country had been protesting for more than a decade is still active. That dictator is hatching conspiracy with its domestic and foreign masters.”

“The longer the elections are delayed, the problems of the health sector of of the country, the education sector of the students of this country, the farmers of this country, the businessmen of this country, the judiciary of this country, the administration of this country, all the problems that this dictatorship has created, will increase. It is possible to gradually solve the problems of the country only through an election," the BNP leader added.

Commenting that the current interim government is capable of holding a fair election, Tarique Rahman said only if the interim government is able to hold a fair election, can real people get elected who will truly speak for the people and think about the interests of the people about solving the problems of each sector. This is only possible if real representatives are elected through a real election.

The BNP leader said the people of the country want to shoulder the responsibility of running the country to the BNP.

Urging BNP men of Chuadanga to understand the expectation of the people and act accordingly, Tarique Rahman said, “We must act responsibly if we are to take the responsibility. We have to make ourselves competent to take the responsibility.”

Tarique Rahman addressed the council of Chuadanga district BNP’s council held at Chuadanga Town Football Ground joining virtually from London.

He said real public representatives who will stand by the people and the country are exigent for changing the fortune of people.

"We have to unequivocally convey this message to the interim government and the people. Because, democratic countries of the world have gradually eradicated many problems through practicing democracy," the BNP leader added.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the council in the morning. The party’s cultural wing Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) rendered the party anthem.

Mirza Fakhrul in his welcome speech said, “Sheikh Mujib initiated fascism in this country. Sheikh Mujib killed democracy. Awami League is synonymous with theft and corruption. The previous Awami League government resorted to terror while using the police for killing and enforced disappearance. A new sun has risen in the hands of students. We must be enlightened by this new light.”

Among others, BNP vice chairman Shamsuzzaman (Dudu) and Nitai Roy Chowdhury, acting organising secretary Anindya Islam, assistant organising secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu, national executive committee member Azizul Bari, Chuadanga district BNP member secretary Sharifuzzaman, Meherpur district BNP president Masud Arun and general secretary Amjad Hossain, and Kushtia district BNP president Syed Mehedi Ahmed (Rumi) spoke at the conference.

District BNP convening committee member Waheduzzaman read out a condolence motion for the deceased leaders and activists of the party. A prayer was also offered for the martyrs of the student movement and BNP men.​

 

[Saif]

‘Cannot move forward with AL’s broken system’

Stressing the need for elections as soon as possible, BNP's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has said that the country cannot move forward with the “broken system” put in place by the Awami League regime

www.thedailystar.net

‘Cannot move forward with AL’s broken system’
Says Tarique stressing the need for elections soon

Stressing the need for elections as soon as possible, BNP's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has said that the country cannot move forward with the "broken system" put in place by the Awami League regime.

"The more we delay democratic elections taking place in Bangladesh, the more the broken systems instilled by the Awami League for their own gains will be exacerbated," Tarique wrote on his verified Facebook page last night.

"We cannot move forward in building a better Bangladesh when society-wide issues in public healthcare, education, difficulties faced by farmers, challenges for businesses, political biases in the judiciary and civil service exist."

Tarique said that only an elected government, chosen by the people through free and fair voting, can begin rebuilding the nation.

"The public's choice of representatives will be respected, and the representatives in turn must serve the public. Both sides must be involved actively in governance so that Bangladesh can ensure equality, inclusivity, and development for all," he wrote.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique Rahman, 32 others acquitted in explosives case

A Gazipur court today acquitted 32 people, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in an explosives case filed by Joydebpur police

www.thedailystar.net

Tarique Rahman, 32 others acquitted in explosives case
Tarique Rahman warns of conspiracy

Photo: Collected/File

A Gazipur court today acquitted 32 people, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in an explosives case filed by Joydebpur police.

Judge Bahauddin Kazi of the Special Tribunal-3 of the 2nd Court of the District and Sessions Judge of Gazipur gave the order after a long hearing, former president of the Gazipur Bar Association and senior lawyer Dr Shahiduzzaman confirmed to The Daily Star.

According to court sources, a parked bus was set on fire in the Khaspara area of Monipur in Gazipur Sadar upazila in January 2015.

Over the incident, Joydebpur Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Dilip Chandra Sarkar filed a case against 18 named and 40-45 unidentified accused.

In August that year, Sub-Inspector (SI) Emdadul Haque submitted a charge sheet to the court naming BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and Manjurul Karim Rony, son of former Gazipur City Corporation mayor and late professor MA Mannan.

After a long hearing, the court acquitted all the accused from the case on Sunday as the case was proven to be false.

No lawyer represented the state during the hearing.

However, many lawyers including Dr Shahiduzzaman, Mehedi Hasan Ellis, Anwar Hossain, Nasir Uddin, Shafiqul Alam Milu were present for the defendant.​

 

[Saif]

Why is BNP so hard-pressed for the election?

I read in the news that chief advisor of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that if the political parties do not want reforms, he will hold the election and step down. He may have said this in a miff or in anger.

en.prothomalo.com

Why is BNP so hard-pressed for the election?
Mohiuddin Ahmad
Updated: 24 Nov 2024, 19: 26

I read in the news that chief advisor of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that if the political parties do not want reforms, he will hold the election and step down. He may have said this in a miff or in anger.

My question here is, Professor Yunus is not the owner of this country, nor are the political parties. The people are the owners of this country. Each party has a different aim, objective and agenda. They speak in their political interests.

The toppled Awami League and its allies milked the liberation war to the extreme for their material benefits. That business is now gone and so they are deliberately twisting Dr. Yunus’ words

They voice their demands. There are many political parties in Bangladesh at present. There were 39 political parties registered during the last election. A few more gained registration after 5 August.

Anyway, while all the political parties may not sing in the same tune, there is a degree of similarity among some. BNP is the largest of these parties. A sort vacuum prevails in the political arena. Those who were with Awami League have fled, or have burrowed themselves into holes, gone into hiding. It is still not clear whether Awami League will campaign for the election. There are differences of opinion among the political parties as to whether Awami League will even be able to take part in the election. Certain parties, BNP in particular, want Awami League in the election fray. Why could they possibly be wanting that?

My feeling is that, what will Awami League's dedicated voters do if Awami League doesn't join the election? Will they refrain from voting? If they don't vote, then the majority of the remaining votes will fall into BNP's lot, it is expected.

If Awami League's blind supporters cast their votes, they will certainly not vote for BNP. If they vote for any other party opposed to BNP, then the election equation may turn around. So naturally BNP will want Awami League to contest in the election and that no other party clinches those votes. Perhaps that's the calculation that BNP is making.

If the election is held soon, then BNP stands to gain in the prevailing political vacuum. The later the election is held, the more slippery will it be for BNP. The signs are already visible. Awami League may not be there now, but the misdeeds that it would carry out remain in place. And many of those misdeeds are being carried out by BNP men.

The media reports that many BNP men at the local level are being arrested for extortion, forceful occupation and other misdeeds. Recently a member of BNP’s central committee was arrested on charges of murder. BNP has expelled him. There is no dearth of people to carry out misdeeds in Bangladesh. They do not belong to any one party, but are sheltered and condoned by various parties. Awami League would say infiltrators are responsible for such deeds. They would say this in order to shrug of liability. BNP may do the same. But people do not believe this.

Mugging, extortion and killing continue. This trend will increase. Along with that, BNP’s popularity will begin to gradually wane. BNP fears that the later the election is held, the political arena will grow more adverse for them.

In this country no one is in politics in the interests of the people to place a smile on the face of the people. Everyone has vested interests. They will proceed accordingly.

BNP is not directly talking about the election, but wants a roadmap. Roadmap means, fixing a schedule for the election in advance. An election roadmap wasn’t a priority on the interim government’s agenda. There are certain centres of power in the government. One of these comprises the coordinators of the Students against Discrimination Movement. They do not want elections at the moment. They want reforms. Their question is, did not many people lay down their lives, so many people get wounded, just to put one party in the place of another? The state system must be changed first.

At the outset Professor Yunus would also speak strongly about reforms. He had even said, “First we have to recognise what the students have said, that we have pushed the “reset” button. Everything is gone, the past has certainly gone. Now we have to build things anew.” The toppled Awami League misinterpreted this as a denial of the liberation war.

The toppled Awami League and its allies milked the liberation war to the extreme for their material benefits. That business is now gone and so they are deliberately twisting Dr. Yunus’ words. But to me, his words spoke of a complete change in the manner that the state had been run in the past, the manner in which politics has been run. In other, it meant a severance from the pre-5 August trend and building a new order.

What will the benefit be if politics continues in the manner as before? It will simply means a huge movement every few years, an uprising, more lives lost. Then back to square one.

The political parties that are eager for power are prone to say that reforms are not the mandate of this government. This government’s task is to hold the election. My point is, this government doesn’t even have the mandate to hold the election. The government and the political parties must be able to read what the people want. The political parties are failing to read what the people want. They are learning nothing. The political parties are not being able to keep pace with where the people’s aspirations have soared.

BNP is supposed to wait for the election. After all, they could not display the power to topple the government. We can look to two examples here. On the day that BNP’s chairperson Khaleda Zia was arrested in 2018, the police faced no obstruction in taking her to jail. When BNP held a grand rally on 28 October last year, the police and the intelligence agencies dispersed them with tear gas and sound grenades. The gathering at BNP’s rally had been huge.

The political parties are lucky that the students’ movement reached a certain outcome with the support of the people. A sense of fresh air blows across the country now. Everyone can speak out. They must realise that the July-August movement was not under the banner of any political party. Had it been under the banner of a political party, it would never have been successful.

We need to think extensively about the election. The commitment of the political parties will be required regarding the reforms that are being mulled over. The government says that once the reform commissions hand in their reports, these will be discussed with the political parties. The election road map will automatically emerge then. So, why all this hue and cry?

In this country no one is in politics in the interests of the people to place a smile on the face of the people. Everyone has vested interests. They will proceed accordingly. For the past 53 years we have heard that the political parties speak for the people. Actually they speak in the interests of the cronies, their party and their party leader.

Over here, the political parties are the middlemen between the people and the state. I am not using the term ‘middleman’ in a negative or positive sense. This is simply reality. Each and every political party is a syndicate. The bigger the party, the bigger the syndicate.

There needs to be public deliberations on where we want to see the Bangladesh state in five years, in ten years. This state is of 170 million people. We cannot yet again lease out this state to any vested group or political party.

* Mohiuddin Ahmad is a writer and researcher

* This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir​

 

[Saif]

Conspiracies still on: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said though the dictator has fled the country, her allies are still hatching a conspiracy. “Though the dictator has fled, allies are still in the country. Conspiracies are still going on,” he said while addressing virtua

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Conspiracies still on: Tarique Rahman
BSS
Published :
Nov 26, 2024 21:45
Updated :
Nov 26, 2024 21:45

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said though the dictator has fled the country, her allies are still hatching a conspiracy.

“Though the dictator has fled, allies are still in the country. Conspiracies are still going on,” he said while addressing virtually a day-long 3rd divisional workshop 2024 on “31 points for repairing state structure and public engagement.”

BNP’s divisional training affairs committee organised the event at the District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium in the city.

Tarique Rahman urged the party men to remain vigilant against the conspiracies, saying if the BNP gets harmed, the country will get harmed.

“If we can continue the democratic process, we can take the country forward and keep the people safe,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said the path of democracy in Bangladesh has been affected in various ways. In the past 16 years, many people have been victims of enforced disappearance and murders; he said more than 1,500 people were martyred in the mass-uprising of July-August.

Tarique Rahman said 31-point state reform proposals were declared on behalf of all the parties involved in the struggle to restore democracy in the country.

These 31-point proposals include the maximum ones for repairing the state structure, and if any more logical proposals are placed, those will be added, he said.

After holding talks on the 31-point at the division level, it will have to be taken to district, upazila, and union levels to allow the peopleto know about it, he said.

“Many things are written beautifully in books, but people have to implement them. So if we have good intentions, we can do something good,” he said.

“If accountability can be ensured, these proposals can be implemented. If the continuity of democracy is maintained, accountability will be created. For this reason, we will continue the democratic process at any cost,” said Tarique Rahman.

A question-answer session was held during the workshop as the BNP acting chairman replied to questions from the party men and audiences on the 31-point.​

 

[Saif]

It’s time to rebuild the nation

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said yesterday that it is time to concentrate on rebuilding the nation as the country is no longer under dictatorship.

www.thedailystar.net

It’s time to rebuild the nation
Says Tarique

File photo: Collected

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said yesterday that it is time to concentrate on rebuilding the nation as the country is no longer under dictatorship.

He made the remark while delivering his speech as the chief guest after the final match of the "Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament-2024" at the Shaheed Abul Kashem College ground in Barobari, Lalmonirhat Sadar, in the afternoon.

Highlighting the importance of nurturing talent across various sectors, Tarique said, "There are many talented doctors and engineers in Bangladesh. However, developing skilled professionals should not be limited to these fields. We must also cultivate skilled sportspersons and artistes. A well-rounded society needs individuals excelling in their respective talents."

He stressed that individuals should be identified for their specific aptitudes and supported to reach national and international standards. "By focusing on their strengths, whether academic, professional, or artistic, we can develop a skilled generation."

Reflecting on the legacy of his father, Ziaur Rahman, Tarique pointed out initiatives such as "Notun Kuri", a programme designed to discover talent in various disciplines. "If the BNP forms a government in the future, we will reinstate programmes like Notun Kuri to identify and train talented individuals to meet national and international standards."

Ensuring that players excel in international competitions, Tarique proposed focusing on honing their skills in their chosen sport.

He also emphasised the importance of skill development for future generations. "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman established the Shishu Academy to ensure a bright future for children. We must continue building on his vision to shape a skilled and capable generation that can contribute nationally and internationally."

The programme was presided over by former deputy minister and Organising Secretary of the BNP Executive Committee Asadul Habib Dulu. BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas and Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie attended as special guests.​

 

[Saif]

Fakhrul sees increased chance of fascism's return

He questioned why those who had fought against fascism are now creating division among themselves.

en.prothomalo.com

Fakhrul sees increased chance of fascism's return
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 28 Nov 2024, 20: 37

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks at a programme at the National Press Club in Dhaka on 28 November 2024.

The secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has expressed concern that recent developments in the country have heightened the risk of fascism re-emerging.

“A dire situation is being created in a planned way, while the movement (July-August) is being diverted to a different direction. Some activities are taking place that are increasing the possibility of fascism's return,” he said while addressing a programme at the National Press Club on Thursday.

The Jatiya Kabita Parishad hosted the view exchange meeting with focus on the role of writers and artists in reforming the state.

Mirza Fakhrul disclosed his observation on recent developments and said the fallen fascism is creating a dire situation in a planned way.

He questioned why those who had fought against fascism are now creating division among themselves. He also noted ongoing efforts to divert the entire movement to a different way.

The BNP leader expressed disappointment that the handover of state power has not been peacefull even after 53 years of the country’s independence. Fight and blood shedding are always taking place.

He warned of the looming risk of fascism's return, saying, "Unfortunately, we are doing some activities that heightened the possibility of a return to fascism."

Regarding questions over the BNP's stance on ISKCON, he explained that their (the critics) only question is about the BNP's actions concerning ISKCON. This is a deliberate question. They want to create a situation. After failing in the first round, they are now trying again.​

 

[Saif]

BNP iterates call for vigilance over recent incidents

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday called for a thorough review of the recent incidents, alleging that they were occurring behind the facade of religion, and urged all to remain vigilant.

www.newagebd.net

BNP iterates call for vigilance over recent incidents
Staff Correspondent 30 November, 2024, 17:28

Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. | File photo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday called for a thorough review of the recent incidents, alleging that they were occurring behind the facade of religion, and urged all to remain vigilant.

‘We must look deeply into the incidents happening in the name of religion. We need to be alert,’ BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said at the 7th National Council of Gonoforum, held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

Referring to recent developments in Chattogram and other parts of the country, the BNP standing committee member expressed his concern, terming the incidents totally unexpected.

Those who had not taken to the streets in the past 16 years were now staging demonstrations, he said, adding that other driving forces were behind them, and it should not be ignored.

Highlighting the challenges facing the country, Khasru stressed that moving towards a vision of a democratic and peaceful Bangladesh was imperative at the moment.

‘We need to take the country to the place we have always dreamt of. In the past, when this vision was not pursued, it gave rise to monsters. The only way forward is through a peaceful transfer of power,’ he said.

Khasru reiterated the need for democracy for restoring people’s ownership over the country.

He also pointed out that his party’s 31-point state reform outline was a significant contribution to future governance.

The BNP leader assured that after the next election and formation of a national government, implementation of the 31-point reform plan would be prioritised.

‘There is no need for others to worry about reforms,’ Khasru said, adding that the focus should be on electoral reforms to ensure the country’s return to its rightful owners—the people.​

 

[Saif]

২১ আগস্ট গ্রেনেড হামলা মামলায় তারেক রহমানসহ সব আসামি খালাস

 

[Saif]

Tarique acquitted in two sedition cases in Sylhet

A Sylhet court today dismissed two sedition cases against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, acquitting him of the charges

www.thedailystar.net

Tarique acquitted in two sedition cases in Sylhet

File photo

A Sylhet court today dismissed two sedition cases against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, acquitting him of the charges.

Sylhet Metropolitan Magistrate Court's Judge Sagir Ahmed dismissed the cases filed in 2014 by the then Chhatra League leaders, confirmed Sylhet District BNP General Secretary and lawyer Emran Ahmed Chowdhury to The Daily Star.

The court dismissed the cases as they were filed to politically harass Tarique, he added.

On December 22, 2014, two cases were filed against Tarique Rahman with the Sylhet Metropolitan Magistrate Court on charges of sedition.

The cases were filed by M Raihan Ahmed Chowdhury, the former general secretary of the Sylhet District unit of Chhatra League, and Shamim Mollah, the former president of the Sylhet Agricultural University unit of Chhatra League.

According to the case documents, on December 15, 2014, Tarique, while speaking from the UK, made defamatory remarks about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The court accepted the cases and instructed the police to investigate the matter.

Earlier in the day, the High Court acquitted Tarique, former BNP state minister Lutfozzaman Babar and all other accused in two cases over the August 21, 2004 grenade attack.​

 

[Saif]

Unite against politics of vengeance

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called for national unity to end the practice of political vengeance and pave the way for a new chapter in Bangladesh's history

www.thedailystar.net

Unite against politics of vengeance
Says Tarique after acquittal; BNP satisfied, AL protests

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called for national unity to end the practice of political vengeance and pave the way for a new chapter in Bangladesh's history.

"Let us unite to end political vengeance and open a new chapter in history, where no one's life or family will be destroyed because of political differences," Tarique said in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page last night.

He put up the post following his acquittal in the two cases related to the August 21 grenade attack.

"The beauty of truth is that it inevitably triumphs over propaganda and conspiracy, giving us faith that, eventually, justice and fairness prevail."

He also reiterated the BNP's commitment to fostering democratic values in the country, highlighting the need for diversity and inclusion.

"We pledge to uphold the spirit of democracy that thrives on diversity of faiths, beliefs, and ideologies, empowering the people of Bangladesh to define their own fate through electoral participation," he said in a statement.

Highlighting his vision for the nation, Tarique expressed his aspirations, saying, "In that journey, we aspire to establish the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression, safeguarding the rights and liberties of every citizen and building an inclusive, tolerant, and rules-based society."

BNP REACTION

The BNP expressed satisfaction over the High Court verdict acquitting Tarique and other accused in the August 21 grenade attack cases.

The party leaders also viewed this verdict as proof that all the cases filed against Tarique were politically motivated and part of conspiracies.

At a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi hailed the verdict, saying, "Justice has been served... Tarique and other accused in the two cases had been deprived of justice under the Awami League government."

Rizvi said that the cases were manipulated during the tenure of the Awami League, specifically accusing retired police officer Abdul Kahar Akhand, who was reappointed as the investigation officer, of having "malicious intentions."

Following the announcement of the verdict, party leaders and activists brought out a celebratory rally in the Nayapaltan area.

In a statement issued from London, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "Through this verdict, it has been proven that all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman were part of a political conspiracy."

In a separate programme, the party's standing committee Member Mirza Abbas said the grenade attack was a "planned act by a foreign power" and had no connection to the BNP.

"A foreign power carried out this heinous act to frame Begum Khaleda Zia and our leader, Tarique Rahman," he said in a programme at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

Abbas called the verdict "good news for justice" during the month of victory and expressed hope for Tarique's safe return to Bangladesh.

AWAMI LEAGUE PROTESTS

Mahbubul Alam Hanif, joint general secretary of the Awami League central committee, condemned and protested the acquittal of all individuals sentenced to death and life imprisonment in the cases.

"Today's verdict proves that the government has completely hijacked the judiciary," he said in a statement yesterday.

Hanif said, "We have seen the practical implementation of Dr Yunus's 'reset button' through this verdict. He wanted to erase everything from our memories. This is a part of the ongoing conspiracy to completely erase an incident like the horrific massacre of August 21."

"This farcical verdict is a disgrace to the nation, despite having clear and specific evidence. In November 2008, Mufti Abdul Hannan, a leader of Harkat-ul-Jihad, was arrested. In his statement presented to the court, Hannan confessed that with the assistance of top figures in the BNP-Jamaat government, he carried out the grenade attack on the Awami League rally," he said in a statement.

"Today's verdict once again demonstrates that this government has completely held the judiciary hostage. The culture of impunity and mob justice prevalent in the country will soon demand a heavy price," he added.​