BNP
AL must be held accountable for its actions: BNP’s Salahuddin
BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) Standing Committee member and former state minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the Awami League (AL) must be held accountable as a political party for its actions.
“Since they have carried out a massacre through political decisions, indifference is not an option. The current government must establish the rule of law and remove those in the advisory council who are aligned with fascist interests,” he said while speaking at a rally in Feni on Sunday.
Addressing concerns over inflation ahead of Ramadan, Salahuddin Ahmed urged the authorities to increase the supply of essential commodities in the market to stabilise prices.
"People are more concerned about running their ‘Songsar’ [households] than about ‘Songskar’ [reforms]. Instead of discussing reforms, focus on controlling the market," he said.
Regarding the upcoming national election, he demanded that it be held in December this year without any delays. "Start working on election-oriented reforms and ensure the elections take place on time. We must investigate the motives of those who seek to delay the elections under the guise of local government elections," he added.
During his speech, Salahuddin also made a remark, calling former prime minister Sheikh Hasina a "UN-recognised killer."
Election only way to restore democracy: Fakhrul
The BNP organised the mass rally at Mizan Maidan in Feni as part of its central programme to protest soaring commodity prices, demand improved law and order, seek justice against the "fallen autocrat," and call for a roadmap to restore democracy through elections.
The rally was presided over by Sheikh Farid Bahar, convenor of Feni district BNP while Salahuddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest and BNP’s Chattogram Divisional Organising Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim as the keynote speaker.
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Election only way to restore democracy: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that holding free and fair elections is the only way to restore democracy in the country.
"There is no alternative to democracy. There is no alternative to elections for institutionalising democracy. Democracy can be freed only through elections,” he said.
Arrange election to thwart Hasina’s “dangerous plan”: Rizvi
Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks while inaugurating the Zia Memorial Football Tournament at the Thakurgaon Government Boys High School ground here in the afternoon.
The tournament, arranged by the BNP Thakurgaon district unit, features eight BNP’s district unit teams from Rangpur division.
The BNP secretary general said democracy is essential for the development in every sector including sports, culture and good governance. “And elections are the only way to establish democracy,” he said.
“We have gone through a terrible time for the last 15 years. The previous illegitimate fascist government was like a stone in our chest. Like a monster, they destroyed all our institutions and sports fields. Our cultural arena, including football, cricket and other sports were all devastated by them,” Fakhrul added.
BNP seeks 'minimum consensus' on state reforms as talks begin
The BNP leader described last year's student-led mass uprising as a political earthquake that shook the nation, paving the way for the emergence of a new Bangladesh.
“Through their mass uprising, a new Bangladesh has been created. A new Bangladesh has been created in all areas of our social life and political life. The students have given us the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. Therefore, we have to reshape the country," Fakhrul said.
BNP’s central sports secretary former national footballer Aminul Haque, BNP central rural and cooperative affairs secretary Farhad Hossain Azad, its central committee member and Thakurgaon district BNP general secretary Mirza Faisal Amin and former national footballer Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, among others, were present.
BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics
Earlier, local artists made a cultural presentation in the opening ceremony.
In the opening match, Dinajpur district BNP won 3(1)-2(1) against Panchagarh district BNP in a penalty shootout. The final of the tournament will be held on February 27.
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BNP’s extended meeting on Feb 27
BNP will hold its extended meeting on February 27 next with the participation of its central leaders as well as the presidents and the general secretaries of all the district, city and thana and upazila units, said party’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday.
He made the announcement during a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital.
Rizvi said the meeting will be attended by the BNP’s standing committee members, the vice chairmen and the advisory council members, the presidents and general secretaries of its district, city, thana, and upazila units, as well as its candidates who participated in the 2018 national election and the presidents and general secretaries of affiliated and associate bodies.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the extended meeting, a 27-member implementation committee has been formed, with Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as its convener.
The other committee members are Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul, Mahbuber Rahman Shamim, Advocate Syed Shahin Shawkat, Asadul Habib Dulu, GK Gous, Principal Selim Bhuiyan, Shariful Alam, Shama Obaed, Anindya Islam Amit, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ashim, Azizul Bari Helal, ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Rakibul Islam Bakul, Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Professor Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, Dr Rafiqul Islam, Rafiqul Alam Majnu and Aminul Haque.
The management committee for the extended meeting will be headed by Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, while the reception committee will be led by Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel.
The hospitality committee will be headed by M Rashiduzzaman Millat and the discipline committee will be led by Sultan Salauddin Tuku.
Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel will lead the media committee and Dr Rafiqul Islam will lead the medical services committee.
The press conference was also attended by BNP joint secretaries Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Syed Emran Saleh Prince and Abdus Salam Azad, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu and organising secretary Sayedul Alam Babul.
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Ayna Ghor was the biggest invention of fascist AL govt: Aman Ullah Aman
BNP Chairperson’s political adviser Aman Ullah Aman has said that the biggest invention of the fascist Awami League government was the ‘Ayna Ghor’ (colloquial name for Joint Interrogation Cells run by security agencies).
Aman Ullah Aman made these remarks while attending the final match of the Zia Memorial Cricket Tournament as the chief guest organized by Singashur Sporting Club in the Niltek area of Keraniganj Model Thana on Saturday afternoon.
He said, “Anyone who spoke against their corruption would be abducted, tortured in the Ayna Ghor, and subjected to inhumane treatment. Under the guise of development, they engaged in widespread looting. Elections were nothing but vote rigging, and those who resisted or protested ended up in the Ayna Ghor.”
Arrange election to thwart Hasina’s “dangerous plan”: Rizvi
“The autocratic Hasina used to proudly claim that Sheikh Hasina does not flee, but in a cruel twist of fate, they have been forced to flee the country. Oppressors can never hold on to power forever,” he added.
Aman Ullah Aman also said, “Khaleda Zia will form the government in the upcoming national elections in December. The BNP will establish a national government with representatives from all parties, excluding the fascist Awami League, to run the state.”
The event was presided over by Md. Zahirul Islam, member secretary of the Keraniganj Model Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal.
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Arrange election to thwart Hasina’s “dangerous plan”: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday urged the government to arrange the national election soon to thwart Sheikh Hasina’s “dangerous plan”.
“Sheikh Hasina is lurking with a dangerous plan. The national election must be held soon to thwart this conspiracy," he said.
Rizvi said this after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave along with party leaders and activists from various districts.
Claiming that the Yunus government is delaying the election, he said the nation is eagerly waiting for a free, fair, and neutral election.
BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics
The BNP leader said the demand for holding local government elections before the national election is an ill-motive behaviour from several political parties.
He said the government must be given a final deadline for elections to restore democracy for which so many lives were lost.
Rizvi said the necessary reforms should be completed quickly before the election.
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BNP seeks 'minimum consensus' on state reforms as talks begin
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed the hope that political parties will reach a ‘minimum consensus’ on state reforms through talks to facilitate the quick holding of the national election.
“There will be discussions on the reports provided by the reform commissions. The political parties will engage in talks with the commissions, and efforts will be made to reach a consensus,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, the BNP leader said political parties participated in initial discussions with the Consensus Commission. “Different political parties made various remarks there.”
"We (BNP) hope that a minimum consensus on this reform will be reached very soon and that the national elections will be held very soon based on that. This is our expectation,” he said.
Fakhrul said the chief adviser, along with the National Consensus Commission, held the first meeting with the political parties on Saturday and he talked about the necessity and importance of reforms. “In the meeting, he mentioned that political parties will discuss each of the reports submitted by the reform commissions in the coming days,” the BNP leader said.
Govt enters second phase as national consensus talks begin: Press Secretary
In response to a question, the BNP leader reiterated that they have already made it clear that the national parliamentary election must be held first, and then the local government elections will be held.
He, however, said they did not engage in any in-depth discussion about the elections during the meeting. "There was only a preliminary discussion today (Saturday)... You could say the discussion was introductory. Different political parties expressed different views, and that reflected their own opinions," Fakhrul said.
He also said there was no positive, constructive discussion in the meeting due to the lack of scope.
Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said they told the meeting that reforms are necessary and should be implemented first before holding the election.
"The chief advisor mentioned that the national elections will be held by December. We are observing how this progresses," he said.
The Jamaat leader said the members of the National Consensus Commission will hold separate discussions with different parties and stakeholders to implement the reforms.
“Jamaat-e-Islami will welcome all positive decisions…we have stated that the election will be held as soon as possible after the final decisions of the reform commission are made,” he said.
Amar Bangladesh Party (AB) Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said they informed the meeting that the government's authority in the administration has not yet been clearly established.
Political parties, National Consensus Commission to set Bangladesh's vision: Press Secretary
In such a situation, he warned, organising any election would be dangerous.
Meeting sources said some political parties, mainly the Islamist ones, emphasised the need holding the local body elections before the national election, but the majority of others opposed this proposal.
Earlier, major political parties, including the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, had begun their meeting with the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday.
The meeting began at 3 pm at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
This was the first meeting between political parties and the commission.
Delegations from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar), Nagorik Oikya, Islami Andolan, Khilafat Majlish, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonoforum, Biplobi Workers Party, Jagpa, NPP, Labour Party, BJP Bangladesh JSD and Jatiya Nagorik Committee participated in the meeting.
Around 100 politicians from 26 parties and alliances attended the meeting, with all invitees present.
A six-member BNP delegation, led by Fakhrul, attended the meeting. The other BNP delegation members were Jamiruddin Sircar, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
BNP, Jamaat, others start meeting with National Consensus Commission
A seven-member 'National Consensus Commission' was formed on February 12 under the leadership of the Chief Advisor. This was the first meeting of the commission.
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the interim government has entered its second phase with the start of the National Consensus Commission's meeting with political parties to discuss the future direction of the country, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Speaking to reporters outside the Foreign Service Academy during the Asr prayer break on Saturday, he said, “Today is a historic day as the meeting of political parties with the National Consensus Committee has begun.”
He said around 100 politicians from 26 parties and alliances attended the meeting, with all invitees present.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser said that the first phase of the government concluded after six months, and the second phase has now started. The government is working towards building a Bangladesh that enjoys the support of the international community, major global nations, the people of the country and even the full backing of the United Nations, Shafiqul Alam said.
The Chief Adviser also highlighted the findings of the UN Human Rights Commission’s report on the July mass uprising, which revealed the horrific killings that occurred and identified those responsible. The report, he stated, also exposed the human rights violations that took place at that time.
“The second journey of the government has begun today through this meeting and it will be decided through this meeting what kind of Bangladesh we want in the future,” the Press Secretary said.
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BNP looking forward to fruitful first meeting with Consensus Commission
The BNP is looking forward to a very fruitful first meeting with the National Consensus Commission, led by Interim Government's Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3pm at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Friday.
Sayrul said the BNP delegation would attend the meeting with Dr Yunus and the National Consensus Commission under the leadership of Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Earlier, on February 10, a three-member BNP delegation, headed by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, last met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics
Following the meeting, Fakhrul said the chief adviser informed them that his government is working to organise the next general election by December this year.
The BNP leader expressed hope that the government will present a roadmap to hold the election by December, as per the expectations of both the party and the public.
When asked about the timeline for the government’s announcement of the roadmap, Fakhrul replied that it would be determined by the government. “They will likely say something about it by February 15,” he added.
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BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday expressed concern that centrist politics might be faced with a crisis amid discussions on whether local or parliamentary elections should be held first.
"Those who are making such statements or being made to say them raise concerns about the future of centrist politics," he said.
He made these remarks while addressing a prayer gathering organized by BNP on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat at the party's Nayapaltan office on Friday, February 14.
"Dr. Yunus is an internationally renowned figure who has also been persecuted by Sheikh Hasina. He will act justly, and under his leadership, the interim government will make the right decisions and foster democratic political forces," Rizvi said.
Abbas calls out Jamaat's delaying tactics over next national election
He added, "Time and again, the people of this country have been deprived of their rights. The people will decide who will run the country and which politicians will come to power. The ongoing struggle is to restore these rights to the people."
The BNP leader stressed, "A free and fair election must be held where everyone can participate, and voters can go to the polling stations without fear to vote for their preferred candidates. Ensuring this will be a major responsibility of the interim government."
"BNP has always maintained that parliamentary elections are of national importance, as they determine which politicians will wield power. The source of power is the people. Returning that power to the people will strengthen democratic forces and facilitate other elections. This is the essence of depoliticization," he said.
Rizvi warned, "Distrusting politicians means depoliticization. Continuous efforts to depoliticize the country have shattered democracy, paving the way for fascism. Weakening political forces may lead to the rise of extremism. Extremism does not only stem from the left; it can emerge from the right as well. This must be kept in mind."
BNP leaders present at the event included Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Rangpur Division's Joint Organizing Secretary Prof. Aminul Islam, and Joint Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shaheen.
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Abbas calls out Jamaat's delaying tactics over next national election
BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Friday alleged that a certain political party is trying to confuse the government through various contradictory statements only to delay the national election.
"They talk about the election... sometimes they say they won’t participate, sometimes they say they will... sometimes they say they will join if certain conditions are met, sometimes they say they will if other conditions are met,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while inaugurating the membership renewal programme for the party's Dhaka South City unit at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
In an oblique reference to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders who were executed for crimes committed in 1971 at the International Crimes Tribunal, Mirza Abbas said due to this party's wrong decisions in 2008, BNP and its alliance partners participated in the election. "As a result, many prominent and well-known people in Bangladesh had to give up their lives at the gallows."
Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, urged Jamaat not to repeat the same mistakes.
"A single wrong decision can cost the lives of lakhs of people... So, do not prolong the election issue... Various political parties are making contradictory statements about the election, confusing the government and placing it in an unstable position," he observed.
Abbas called upon the interim government to hold the national election by December this year, as per its previous announcement. "We are always ready for the elections, Insh'Allah."
BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists
He said those trying to disrupt the election process and cast doubt on its integrity are, in effect, attempting to undermine the country's independence and sovereignty, depriving the people of their right to free speech and their voting rights. "Please, refrain from engaging in such activities."
Mirza Abbas also criticised the authorities for not arresting those involved in the Nabil Group's corruption, which resulted in the embezzlement of Tk 12,000 crore.
He pointed out that those associated with the Nabil Group seem untouchable due to their strong political connections with a particular political party.
The BNP leader alleged that a section of people are unfairly blaming BNP for various wrongdoings, while overlooking the party's efforts to maintain peace and tolerance.
He accused some political parties and politicians of supporting certain business groups that played a role in inciting violence during the July-August mass uprising, with promises to remain loyal to Sheikh Hasina until their deaths. “Despite their playing such role, they still did not face any consequences due to their political backing.”
Abbas claimed that a political party, which is now quick to criticise BNP, had allied with these business groups.
“From now on, our task will be to expose such hypocritical political parties, which try to falsely blame others, and to reveal their true nature to the public,” he stated.
Abbas cautioned BNP leaders and workers that those involved in anti-organisational activities or damaging the party's reputation should not be granted membership.
He also warned against opportunists, particularly from the Awami League, who might attempt to join BNP, asserting that such individuals would harm the party.
Abbas stressed the importance of quality over quantity, stating that the party values loyal and solid members over large numbers.
He voiced concern about rising commodity prices, noting that business syndicates are becoming more active as Ramadan approaches amid the government’s inaction.
2 days ago
People to decide on AL ban, says Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said it is up to the country’s people to decide whether the Awami League should completely be banned or barred from the upcoming national election as per democratic principles.
"I have said before that people will decide it. We have repeatedly said that we are a liberal democratic party… we believe in democracy, trust in the principles and practices of democracy, and adhere to them… we have done so in the past as well," he said on Thursday.
The BNP leader made the remarks at a press briefing as a journalist drew his attention to the UN human rights office’s request to refrain from banning any political party.
He said their party believes it is not their place to decide which party should be banned, which can operate, or which cannot. “People will decide. The people will determine which party will remain, which party will not, which party will participate in elections and which will not.”
BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists
When asked whether the BNP supports banning the Awami League, he replied, “We’ve already made it clear that the people will decide. Whether we are for or against is immaterial…it’s up to people the people, not us.”
The BNP leader held the press briefing at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office following a meeting with Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka James Goldman.
Earlier on Wednesday, a report from the UN Human Rights Office said Bangladesh’s previous government, along with security and intelligence services and violent elements associated with the Awami League, systematically engaged in various serious human rights violations during last year’s student-led protests.
The report also said former senior officials directly involved in managing the protests, along with other inside sources, described how former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior officials directed and oversaw a series of large-scale operations, during which security and intelligence forces shot and killed protesters or arbitrarily arrested and tortured them.
However, the UN Human Rights Office recommended against banning any political party in the interest of maintaining a multiparty democracy.
No to local body polls
Fakhrul said BNP is firmly against the introduction of proportional representation in upcoming general election.
“We strongly oppose it. We will not support any form of proportional elections because the people here are not accustomed to it. Such a question should not even arise,” he said.
BNP urges India to return Hasina for trial over mass killings
Fakhrul said they are also against holding local government polls before the national election. “We completely disagree with this. This is nothing but a plan to push the country into an even more fragile political position.”
The BNP leader said they believe the quicker the national election is held, the sooner politics will return to normal, allowing the people of Bangladesh to move towards a more stable situation. The national election is urgently needed in Bangladesh to restore stability and good governance, he said.
"Currently, governance is facing serious problems... once (good) governance is restored, you will see the economy improving, and the situation in society and the state will also improve… universities and colleges are not even now functioning properly… those systems will be fixed. Without an elected government, it will be difficult to manage these issues. Right now, we are in a totally unstable situation," Fakhrul observed.
In response to a question, he said he is uncertain about what the interim government will do on February 15.
Fakhrul, however, said the head of the government informed them they are trying to arrange the election by December this year.
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