United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Tuesday alleged that the government has kept the public and political parties in the dark about the humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State and warned that it could drag Bangladesh into a war. “We are deeply worried that the current government is talking about a humanitarian corridor (to Rakhine). We don’t know what kind of corridor it will be—the people don’t know, the political parties don’t know—what its purpose is. Are we going to get involved in a new war?” he told a discussion. On such a crucial issue, the BNP leader said the government should have discussed it with political parties. Reforms must be democratic, not imposed: Amir Khosru International Farakka Committee, Bangladesh, arranged the roundtable discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, commemorating populist leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani’s long march towards the Farakka Dam 49 years ago. Hafiz noted that the Foreign Affairs Adviser and the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary made conflicting statements regarding the corridor. “Someone said that an agreement has been made but its conditions cannot be disclosed. One of its advisers said they have not given a final opinion on the corridor. So, people are in the dark. What kind of government is this!” he said. Fakhrul off to Thailand for urgent eye treatment The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh ousted the mafia regime of Sheikh Hasina through a 16-year struggle for the restoration of democracy. “Why should we still remain in the dark? The most popular party, BNP, also does not know what kind of corridor it is or what will be done with it.” He said there is no alternative for Bangladesh but to gain strength by utilising its military and the younger generation. “Myanmar is a country of six crore people, while we are a country of 18 crore. What is the purpose of maintaining our large army? Will it only be used to rescue empty canals and rivers, distribute relief, and build bridges? Or is its main task to safeguard our independence by empowering the people? A state decision is needed on this matter,” the BNP leader said. He said strong unity among the people is essential, as Bangladesh has a very vibrant young population. “We, being imbued with nationalist spirit, must turn Bangladesh into a powerful country. We want to remain united; we will not be involved in any kind of aggression. Our goal is overall economic emancipation and progress. To achieve this, we need an elected government, discarding the current amateur one,” the BNP leader said. Speaking at the programme, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said India is unilaterally withdrawing water from many common rivers, violating the internal rules and norms. He criticised India for its aggressive attitude towards its neighbours stance and for depriving Bangladesh of its fair share of water from common rivers, including the Ganges, through the construction of the Farakka Barrage and other dams. Rizvi said Bangladesh did not take any side during the recent brief conflict between India and Pakistan. He, however, lamented that the Indian media launched various negative campaigns, attempting to associate Bangladesh with Pakistan.  

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said any reform in Bangladesh must be implemented through a democratic process and with public support, not through any unilateral or imposed initiative. “No matter how much you talk about reforms, at the end of the day, reforms must be implemented through a democratic process.  No reform can be carried out outside the democratic process,” he told a roundtable discussion. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have not transferred the ownership of the country to anyone who will carry out reforms for its future. “Reforms must take place with the support of people in a democratic manner. There is no scope for reforms beyond that.” Bhasani Janashakti Party and Bhasani Anushari Parishad jointly organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the third death anniversary of Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury. Mirza Abbas alleges systematic purge of pro-BNP officials from administration Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee Member, said his party has already made it clear that they are ready to implement any reform proposals that have been agreed upon through political consensus. “So, why is the delay? Why is it that we cannot know where the consensus stands?  We have all submitted our proposals. We are waiting to see where the consensus is. But we still cannot know where the consensus lies. Why the hesitation in stating that?” he said. The BNP leader said there will be no elections without reforms, but the government is not specifying where the national consensus lies or how those reforms will be implemented. “We have not given ownership of Bangladesh to anyone who will reform where there is no consensus. Where there is no consensus on the issue of reform, every political party has the right to go to the people and come to Parliament with the mandate of the people on those proposals. There is no room for other reforms beyond that,” he observed. BNP happy with ban on Awami League activities The BNP leader said if anyone thinks that Sheikh Hasina’s usurped ownership of the country has passed to someone else enabling them to dictate future reforms regardless of whether the people want it or not, no such ownership has been given to anyone. “The people of Bangladesh are the owners of the country, it is they who will decide what reforms should be undertaken where there is no consensus,” Khosru said. In a democratic process, he said, any future reform proposals where there is no consensus must be openly debated both inside and outside Parliament and then passed through the parliamentary process.  “There is no alternative to this. The only other path is authoritarianism—and that’s exactly what Sheikh Hasina has resorted to.” He accused former fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina of creating many small autocrats in the country over the last 15 years. “You cannot hold the people hostage and then talk about reforms solely to serve the interests of a select few. There is no longer any scope in Bangladesh to impose anything by force while excluding the people. That time is over,” Khosru observed. The BNP leader lamented that those who hid in fear of Sheikh Hasina are now lecturing others on reforms. He said BNP has long proposed reforms, including a 31-point state-overhauling outline and a 27-point Vision-2030, which aims to rebuild Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime. “Many of those now talking about reforms were never seen in movements. They hid when pressured and are now emerging to give us lessons,” he said. The BNP leader criticised the government for acting as if Bangladesh has become an investment haven, saying that investment has actually been falling over the past ten months. “They are putting on a show—a circus of investment. But people are not fools,” he said. He said no local or international entrepreneur will decide to invest in Bangladesh unless an elected government is in place and political stability is ensured. “Globally, investors look for political legitimacy. No one will take the risk of investing without an elected government in place. Investment is not a short-term matter, it is a long-term issue,” the BNP leader said. Khosru said the people of Bangladesh are now united in their demand for the restoration of democracy and democratic order, and for the establishment of a democratic government through a credible election. “Some people talk about division among the people. I don’t see any division or confusion among the people. They are united to be victorious in the democratic struggle and restore democracy through the election,” he observed.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went to Bangkok, Thailand for emergency  eye treatment early on Tuesday. Fakhrul, along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Bangkok at 2:45am on a Thai Airways flight, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP leader noticed a problem with his eyes on Monday morning and immediately visited United Hospital in Gulshan for treatment. After examination, Sayrul said, doctors at the hospital advised that surgery on the retina of one of his eyes is urgently required. "Following the doctors' advice, an appointment was promptly made at Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok for the necessary treatment," he said. On behalf of Fakhrul’s family members, Sayrul urged the country’s people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP Secretary General. 18 crore people of Bangladesh no longer want Awami League: Fakhrul Earlier, on April 6, Fakhrul and his wife travelled to Singapore for medical check-ups and necessary treatment.  

Gana Adhikar Parishad submitted a written letter to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday, demanding cancellation of the registration of Awami League, Jatiya Party and all components of the AL-led 14-party alliance. “Gana Adhikar Parishad is asking for bringing the main perpetrators of brutal brutality and continuous misrule in Bangladesh -- Awami League – and all its partners, leading to proper punishment by revoking their registrations and banning them on charges of genocide and treason,” said the letter. A seven-member delegation of the Gana Adhikar Parishad placed the letter before the CEC at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Later, Gana Adhikar Parishad senior joint secretary general Hasan Al Mamun read out the letter before the reporters. “We hope that the Election Commission, under your leadership, will take the necessary steps to quickly deregister the Awami League, the Jatiya Party, and their allies to alleviate public anger,” said Hasan Al Mamun. In the face of demands by the student leaders of the 2024 mass uprising and several political parties including the National Citizen Party-NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the interim government has decided to ban Awami League's activities. The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. On Sunday, the Council of Advisers approved the draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, incorporating provision to ban individuals or entities involved in terrorist activities and their operations. Gana Adhikar Parishad gets EC’s registration Gana Adhikar Parishad in the letter said the interim government had already taken a stance against Awami League.  Similarly, Jatiya Party and every component of the 14-party alliance took a stand on the side of the genocidal perpetrators, fully supporting the genocide committed against the people of Bangladesh. Besides, the parties were active as the collaborators and legitimizers of the one-party fascist rule that the Awami League established for the last 16 years by destroying the country's democracy, it claimed. Faruk Hasan said they demand the arrest of GM Quader and the 14-party alliance leaders for aiding Awami League in establishing one-party rule.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday alleged that a planned effort is underway to eliminate their party, saying pro-BNP officials are being replaced by those loyal to the Awami League or Jamaat-e-Islami in the administration and other key government offices. “What is happening inside the Secretariat? The cohorts of fascists remain untouched and in place. Those who should be in jail are now serving as secretaries. Many of them were secretaries during the Awami League regime and continue to hold the same positions,” he told a discussion. In contrast, the BNP leader said those who served in the administration during the BNP’s tenure and have not yet retired are now being sidelined and disregarded. Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu Smriti Sangsad organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 10th death anniversary of former BNP Organising Secretary Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu. Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, said this orchestrated sidelining of pro-BNP officials has begun, aimed at eliminating the BNP’s influence. “BNP-aligned officers are being excluded, while pro-Awami League or at least Jamaat-e-Islami loyalists are being given positions… This trend has now spread to police stations, courts, and all levels of the Secretariat. This BNP-cleansing move has begun.” As part of the consequences of such a plot against the BNP, he said former President Abdul Hamid, being an accused in a murder case, was allowed to leave the country through the airport. Rizvi urges govt to improve healthcare, curb overseas dependency “If the BNP can be eliminated, Bangladesh’s resources can be plundered like the Awami League did… The BNP is the only political party now standing against foreign influence and striving to protect the country from external masters. If there were any other patriotic party, they would have raised their voices by now,” he said. Abbas, however, reminded the current government that the previous Awami League government also tried to ruin the BNP, but failed. He criticised the government for allowing former President Abdul Hamid to leave the country gracefully using the VIP gate. “I read in the newspapers that he wore a lungi, a T-shirt, and a mask while leaving... but how did he get access to the VIP area? Unless you're a well-connected individual or a VIP, how is that possible?” the BNP leader said. He said though Hamid passed through the airport taking advantage of VIP privileges, the government pretended to know nothing. “Some 622 Awami League members also left the country, but the government said it knew nothing about it. It is necessary to know what you know.” Abbas alleged that for the past few days, the nation has been witnessing what looks like a circus, a drama of sorts unfolding in Bangladesh. “That’s how it appears to me. In the past, we noticed that whenever Sheikh Hasina was about to take some action, she used to carry out something shady elsewhere to divert our attention. Seeing such acts, we could assume she was going to carry out her agenda,” he said. Abbas also questioned why a sudden drama was unfolding at Shahbagh, as the area had previously been restricted for rallies and demonstrations. He alleged that, despite the ban, members of the ‘ruling’ NCP held rallies and brought out processions there under government patronage. “Their demand was for the banning of the Awami League. Who was stopping them (govt) from doing that? Was the BNP stopping them?” Mirza Abbas alleges influx of 'dubious foreigners' into Bangladesh Abbas said strong efforts were being made to accuse BNP of trying to rehabilitate the Awami League. “Why should we do it? They (AL) have taken 17 years of our lives. We’ve been separated from our families, suffered serious health issues, and none of our families have lived in peace. Not a single one of our activists has had a peaceful night’s sleep in 17 years. And now we are the ones who are supposed to foster and rehabilitate the Awami League?” He claimed that an unpopular party and certain quarters, envious of the BNP and unable to tolerate or accept the party, are deliberately attempting to malign the image of the party. The BNP leader also claimed that their party leaders, including himself, have been unequivocally talking about the trial of the Awami League in their speeches made on various occasions. "Those who claim that BNP wants to rehabilitate the Awami League are enemies of the nation.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday urged the interim government to take effective steps to improve healthcare services, aiming to reduce the need for people to travel abroad, particularly to India, for treatment and thus save foreign currency. “Why should we spend dollars going to India for treatment? Why should we give money to those who constantly create various narratives and spread propaganda against us?” he said at a discussion meeting. He suggested that the foreign currency spent by Bangladeshis in India could be invested in the country’s doctors and nurses to enhance the quality of healthcare services and strengthen the sector with necessary resources. Nurses Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club on the occasion of International Nurses Day. BNP’s Rizvi slams govt for silence over push-ins by India “If we receive good service from our own doctors and nurses, there would be no reason for us to go to India. This quality of service depends on how well-positioned and equipped our doctors and nurses are, and the level of support they receive from the state,” the BNP leader said. He said the interim government should have taken such measures by this time since it discusses various reforms. “You (govt) should take well-thought-out decisions, instead of being driven by emotions. Otherwise, it could lead to negative consequences. Decisions should be made with foresight, so that our education, healthcare and social welfare services can develop effectively,” Rizvi said. He also said the current government can set an example for future administrations by taking steps to modernise the health sector. “You talk about reforms, but why don’t you implement some while you are in power? You could take steps to ensure accommodation for at least two-thirds of nurses beside every health complex so that the people of the country can receive better services,” the BNP leader said. Stating that there is still a shortage of about 2.25 lakh nurses in the country, he urged the government to address the shortage of both nurses and doctors to improve the quality of healthcare services. Rizvi accused the previous Awami League government of destroying the health sector through fraud, corruption, money laundering and various forms of malpractice.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday alleged that many dubious foreigners are arriving in Bangladesh, accusing the interim government of serving the interests of others rather than the country's people. “We are observing that many suspicious foreigners are arriving at different times with various missions,” he said while addressing a discussion. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, believes the government is orchestrating various incidents to divert the public attention away from its various misdeeds. “I cannot consider this government as neutral at this point. They are serving someone else’s purposes. I would like to make it clear that, under no circumstances, this is a pro-people or patriotic government,” the BNP leader said. The programme was organised by the Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu Smriti Sangsad at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 10th death anniversary of former BNP Organising Secretary Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu. BNP happy with ban on Awami League activities Abbas said there are some advisers within the interim government who are not citizens of Bangladesh but are now ruling the country. “Sometimes I wonder, are we under colonial rule? I think we are not under the rule of the people of this country, but under colonial rule,” he said. Mentioning that he is a freedom fighter and patriotic person, Abbas raised several questions to the government, seeking answers. “Why can’t I go to Saint Martin’s if I wish? Why can’t I visit Sajek if I want? Why can’t I go to Baghaichhari if I desire? I want to know from the government whether we live in a dependent country or if we need a passport and visa to visit these places,” the BNP leader questioned. He said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman did not fight in the Liberation War to make the country independent to sell it to others. Abbas also criticised the leaders of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) for remaining silent on these issues. The BNP leader also slammed the interim government for its decision to provide a human corridor to Myanmar's Rakhine state. “There is no room for any corridor or passage within Bangladesh without the people's consent. A government elected by the people will decide what to do in this regard,” he observed. BNP activist killed in factional clash in Jashore, six held Abbas said no country in the world has achieved peace by providing such corridors. “Gaza is not at peace, Libya is not at peace, Egypt is not at peace, and Afghanistan is not at peace… we don’t want to turn Bangladesh into Gaza or Palestine.”    

BNP has expressed satisfaction over the interim government’s decision to suspend all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the completion of its trial, along with that of its leaders, at the International Crimes Tribunal. In a statement, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “We are pleased that, albeit delayed, the interim government decided last night (Saturday night) to ban the activities of the fascist party the Awami League and all organisations affiliated with it, in the interest of swiftly prosecuting those involved with the fascist regime for crimes against humanity and ensuring an unhindered trial process.” He also described as a correct decision the move to amend the relevant International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to facilitate the prosecution of the fascist party, was involved in enforced disappearances, murders, oppression and prolonged misrule against the people. “But had this decision been taken earlier as per our demand, the government would not have found itself in the embarrassing and undesirable position of acting under pressure,” the BNP leader said. He expressed the hope that the interim government will bear this in mind and proceed with due caution in its future actions. Fakhrul said that during their meeting with the Chief Advisor on 10 February this year, they gave him a letter demanding that the Awami League be brought under judicial proceedings as a political party for genocide and crimes against humanity. During their last meeting with the Chief Adviser on 16 April, he said they handed him over another letter reiterating their demand for the quick  prosecution of the fallen fascist party and those associated with it and its government, to cleanse the country’s political arena of filth. In discussions with the Chief Adviser, the BNP leader said they clearly stated that it is both possible and necessary to ban the fascist party, the Awami League, through a legal process. “We have repeatedly raised this demand in various meetings, rallies, and discussions. It is worth noting that we, as a matter of principle, oppose banning political parties through administrative orders. In line with that stance, the BNP protested the previous fascist government’s decision to ban Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami just before its fall,” he said. For 16 long years, Fakhrul said, the disenfranchised people of the country have been fighting for their right to vote and for the restoration of democracy—enduring disappearances, murders, imprisonments, and oppression—in their struggle to overthrow fascism. Yunus-Modi talks in Bangkok will benefit peoples of both countries, hopes Mirza Fakhrul “That demand has yet to be realised. We urge the interim government to recognise the growing public anger caused by the continued disregard of the demand for a clear roadmap towards the restoration of democracy,” he said. The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League—including in cyberspace—under the Anti-Terrorism Act, until the trial of the party and its leaders under the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. While briefing reporters in front of the State Guest House Jamuna, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of leaders and activists of the July Movement, and protect the plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the International Crimes Tribunal. Fakhrul off to Singapore for health check-up He said the meeting also approved an amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.  

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday that their party welcomed the government’s move to amend the International Crimes Tribunal Act, aiming to bring the Awami League to trial as a political party and to ban its activities until the trial is completed. “A historic event took place in the national life of Bangladesh yesterday (Saturday). I have already welcomed those who played the crucial role in this regard,” he said during a discussion. The BNP leader also said, “I also welcome the interim government's move to amend the International Crimes Tribunal Act to bring the Awami League in the trial process as a political party.” The discussion was organised on seven proposals of the Citizen Initiative, Citizen Coalition and Citizen Alliance for Reforming the Democratic Structure of the State at the auditorium of the International Mother Language Institute. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said he himself, on behalf of the party, placed the demand for the trial of Awami League for committing mass killings and crimes against humanity through the amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act on February 5. He said their party on different occasions also made the demand as per the desire of the country’s people.  “We also raised this demand as a party in many places and the people of Bangladesh wanted it. We met the Chief Adviser on 10 February and gave that proposal in writing,” Salahuddin said. He said had the Chief Adviser taken the matter into consideration at that time, it would not have led to the embarrassing situation of the last two days. The BNP leader said there are precedents in different countries of the world where all fascist parties were brought to justice as parties responsible for genocide and were banned. “There are examples of this all over the world. So, I welcome the announcement that the interim government will ensure the trial of the Awami League through legal processes, even if it is late,” he observed. As journalists sought his comments about the decision to ban the Awami League’s activities, Salahuddin Ahmed, emerging from the discussion, said, “We also welcome the government’s decision to ban their (Awami League’s) political activities until the judicial process is completed.” He said the government decided to ban the activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act. “I think the government will need to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act for this, as the law currently does not specify the banning of political activities; it only talks about banning political parties.” In response to a question, the BNP leader said, “Does the world still recognise the Awami League as a political party? Do the people of this country? The Awami League has become a fascist force… it has turned into a mafia entity. For years, it has practiced fascism and mafia-style rule over the people of Bangladesh.” He also said the Awami League itself had sealed its political demise through oppression, persecution, torture, and genocide. “It is no longer a political party. It is a mafia party, a mafia and fascist force. We do not consider it deserving of the label of a political party. Democracy doesn’t exist in the Awami League’s DNA—how can it then practise politics?” Salahuddin observed. When asked why the BNP was not joining the programmes of various political parties at Shahbagh demanding a ban on the Awami League, he said, “Why should we (BNP) go to Shahbagh? We placed our demands in writing to the Chief Adviser several months ago. We have spoken about it verbally, raised it in seminars, symposiums, and at various events.” Claiming that people across the country are eager to vote in the next parliamentary elections, the BNP leader said, “For that, we have called upon the Chief Adviser to announce a roadmap for the next election soon. Otherwise, such an embarrassing situation may arise again.” The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League—including in cyberspace—under the Anti-Terrorism Act, until the trial of the party and its leaders under the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. While briefing reporters in front of the State Guest House Jamuna, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of leaders and activists of the July Movement, and protect the plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the International Crimes Tribunal. He said the meeting also approved an amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday slammed India for pushing its citizens into Bangladesh and criticised the interim government for remaining silent, accusing it of following Sheikh Hasina's policy. “India is pushing its people through borders, including today’s Satkhira, Kurigram, Khagrachari and Moulvibazar. This is a great injustice being done by the neighbouring country,” he said while addressing a rally. The Bangladesh Nationalist Buddhist Forum organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, marking Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community. Rizvi, the BNP Senior Joint Secretary General, voiced concern that the government is not lodging a strong protest against the unfair move by India. “The interim government has not said a single word about this. Where is Khoda Bakhsh, where is the Home Affairs Adviser’s Office and where is the government? Why is the government not taking any action in this regard?” he said. The BNP leader questioned whether the interim government is making Bangladesh a weak nation, a country that was liberated through the sacrifice of 30 lakh lives and where 1,500 youth and children laid down their lives for the cause of democracy. “In that country, a neighbour is pushing its people through various borders as they wish, and you are silent and not making a sound. You are doing what Sheikh Hasina has done,” he said. During her rule, Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina would not have said a word if people were killed along the border. “But this interim government, which has been supported by all democratic political parties in the country, remains silent. How dare they push their people into our country through the border? I strongly condemn and protest it,” he said. Rizvi also criticised the interim government for its silence over holding a free and fair election as per the desire of people. He said the interim government was formed with high expectations from the people following the fall and fleeing of Sheikh Hasina in the face of a mass upsurge. “They (the government) have talked about reforms, and the people have accepted those reforms, urging the government to hold a free and fair election by carrying out reforms within a specific timeframe. BNP has said so, many others have said so, and even various cultural organisations have said this. But the government is silent and unresponsive on this issue. But why? What is their purpose? Now people are gradually suspecting various things.” Rizvi raised questions over the recent departure of a former president who is facing murder charges. “How did he manage to leave the country? Could he have done so without clearance from intelligence agencies like DGFI and NSI? He is someone who should be prosecuted for harming the environment of Bangladesh, as he built a massive road through a haor in Kishoreganj just to reach his home, destroying the ecosystem,” he said. He said the former president was a representative of fascism and operated under the same mindset as Sheikh Hasina. “Both shared the same authoritarian mentality—there’s no difference between them. So how did this person leave the country? He held a red (diplomatic) passport—was the government unaware of that? Why wasn’t the passport revoked? Didn’t NSI and DGFI know about it? Then how did he manage to leave?”