Politics
BNP’s 44th founding anniversary observed amid clashes with cops
BNP and its associate bodies celebrated the 44th founding anniversary of the party across the country on Thursday amid sporadic clashes with police in different districts, leaving a Jubo Dal worker killed and many others injured.
BNP and all other units of the party across the country also marked the day by holding various programmes, including rallies and processions.
BNP leaders alleged that their peaceful programmes marking the founding anniversary were attacked by police and ruling party activists in different districts.
Read: BNP vows to avenge blood of its slain workers by ousting the govt
Shaon, 21, an activist of Jubo Dal, BNP's youth wing, was killed and at least 50 people were injured in a clash between police and the opposition party members in Narayanganj. The clash ensued as police obstructed a procession of the party.
Similar clashes broke out between the party activists and police in Netrakona, Sirajganj and Manikganj as BNP held political programmes to celebrate the founding anniversary.
On September 1, 1978, late President Ziaur Rahman founded the party with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh.
The party flag was hoisted atop its Nayapaltan central office and all other offices of BNP across the country at 6am.
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir together with party senior leaders placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of its founder Ziaur Rahman at 12pm, marking the day.
They also joined a special prayer (munajat) seeking the salvation of Zia’s departed soul and the good health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhur and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, were, among others, present.
The party brought out the rally from its central office in the afternoon, marking its 44th founding anniversary. Thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies holding banners, festoons and photos of the party's top leaders joined the rally.
BNP will also arrange a discussion on Friday in observance of its founding anniversary.
BNP vows to avenge blood of its slain workers by ousting the govt
Slamming the government for killing a Jubo Dal activist in Narayanganj by attacking a peaceful programme, BNP on Thursday vowed to launch a united movement to unseat the Awami League from power and avenge the blood of its all slain workers.
“Our Chhatra Dal leader Noor-e-Alam and Swechchasebak Dal leader Abur Rahim were killed in police firing in Bhola while observing a programme protesting the price hike of fuel and essential commodities. Our colleague Shaon was also killed in police firing today (Thursday) in Narayanganj,” said party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
In a brief address prior to bringing out a colourful rally at Naypaltan, he also said many leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies were suffered bullet wounds in different districts, including Netrakona, Sirajganj and Manikganj, as police attacked the party’s founding anniversary programmes.
Also read: Jubo Dal activist killing: BNP announces 2-day protest programme
“To avenge the blood of our brothers, we will defeat them (AL govt) through a united movement together with people. This is our oath on this day,” the BNP leader said.
The party brought out the rally from its central office, marking its 44th founding anniversary. Thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies holding banners, festoons and photos of the party's top leaders joined the rally.
The BNP followers started gathering Nayapaltan area since 11 am blocking both sides of the road stretching from Bijoynagar crossing to Fakirerpool, halting traffic in and around the areas that caused immense sufferings to commuters.
The rally began around 4pm from Bijoynagar crossing and ended in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Fakhrul said many BNP leaders and activists sacrificed their blood for establishing democracy and strengthening the party. “We remember with respect all of them.”
He alleged that the current government obliterated democracy and snatched people’s all rights in a planned way.
Also read: Jubo Dal activist killed in N’ganj clash
“Our leader (Khaleda) who has fought for democracy all her life is now under house arrest. Our acting chairman has been exiled abroad by sentencing him in false cases while our 35 lakh leaders and workers are being harassed by implicating them in false cases,” the BNP leader said.
As people have waged a movement to get their voting rights back, he said the government is trying to suppress it to hang onto power by resorting to repressive acts, enforced disappearance and killing. “But BNP was born to establish democracy.”
“We are loudly saying that we want to remove this fascist Awami League regime and establish a truly democratic government for the sake of democracy. Let’s all unite and defeat this government by taking over the streets,” Fakhrul said.
BNP pays tribute to Zia on its founding anniversary
BNP on Thursday paid homage to its founder and late president Ziaur Rahman, marking its 44th founding anniversary.
Party leaders and activists, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths at Zia’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar grave around 12 pm and offered fateha there.
They also joined a special prayer (munajat) seeking the salvation of Zia’s departed soul and the good health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhur and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, were, among others, present.
Read:“BNP will form commission to identify Zia’s killers if we return to power”
BNP and its associate bodies are celebrating the founding anniversary with various programmes across the country.
To mark the day, the party flag was hoisted atop the buildings of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office and other offices across the country in the morning.
The party is scheduled to bring out a colourful rally from Nayaplatan at 3pm today, marking the day. BNP will also arrange a discussion on Friday on the occasion.
Ziaur Rahman founded the party on September 1, 1978 with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. After his assassination on May 30, 1981, his widow Khaleda took over the party leadership.
The party had been in power four times and played the role of opposition twice. BNP has been out of power for nearly 15 years since the 1/11 political changeover in 2007.
“BNP will form commission to identify Zia’s killers if we return to power”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (September 1, 2022) said his party will form a commission to identify those behind the murder of its founder Ziaur Rahman and put them on trial if the party returns to power.
“I would like to say it clearly that if we come to power, we will form a commission for the trial of those involved in the murder of President Ziaur Rahman. We want to know who were behind the murder,” he said.
Read: Govt resorted to 'blackmail' to send IGP to USA: Fakhrul
Fakhrul made the remarks after paying homage to Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave, marking BNP’s 44th founding anniversary.
This announcement came a day after Law Minister Anisul Huq told parliament that the government was planning to form a commission by December next to identify those behind the killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League has let loose its “cadres” and law enforcers to thwart a justified movement of the people – protesting price hike of fuel and daily essentials.
He said police and the ruling party activists attacked their party leaders and activists in different parts of the country, leaving many injured.
Besides, the BNP leader said many leaders and activists of their party and its associate bodies were arrested and implicated in different cases.
“We’ve even heard that one of our workers was killed in Fatulla of Narayanganj today (Thursday). We strongly condemn this incident. We demand that the killers be brought to justice immediately,” Fakhrul said.
He warned the government that it will not be able to suppress a just movement for the restoration of democracy by resorting to killing, enforced disappearing, attacks and repression.
Fakhrul, together with senior party leaders, placed wreaths at Zia’s grave around 12pm and joined prayers seeking the salvation of the BNP founder’s departed soul.
Read: Khaleda being deprived of due treatment: Fakhrul
BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, were, among others, present.
Ziaur Rahman founded the party on September 1, 1978 with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. After his assassination on May 30, 1981, his widow Khaleda took over the party leadership.
Govt resorted to 'blackmail' to send IGP to USA: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the government has resorted to 'blackmail' to send Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed to the USA in the name of joining the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS).
Speaking at a discussion, he also slammed the government for its repeated efforts to deny the incidents of enforced disappearance and rights violations in Bangladesh.
“What a drama they (govt) staged! The US imposed sanctions on RAB on charges of violating human rights…the current IGP’s name was there in the list of sanctions as he was the former RAB chief. But his name was kept in the delegation to join the UNCOPS with an aim to take him to America,” the BNP leader said.
As per its agreement with the UN, he said the USA is bound to grant visas to the persons invited by the UN. ”They (govt) took this opportunity and resorted to blackmail. Unfortunately, this incident has defamed the nation…it’s a shameful incident for Bangladesh.”
He said the government has sent Benazir to the USA in such a way since the incidents of enforced disappearance were carried out at its behest. “That’s why they resorted to such blackmailing.”
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its 30th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul said there is no point in denying the incidents of enforced disappearance as it will only tarnish the country’s image. “We know everything about who are responsible for the incidents of enforced disappearance and who gave orders."
He said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement on Tuesday clearly asked the government to acknowledge the incidents of enforced disappearance and human rights violations and take corrective measures accordingly.
Fakhrul urged the government to carry out an investigation to know the whereabouts of the missing people. “You’re saying the government didn’t pick them up. If so, then say where did these people go? It’s your responsibility to trace them out.”
He said the freedom fighters waged the Liberation War with a dream of establishing a democratic state, a democratic system and a safe and free society for the better future of the new generation. “After 51 years of independence, we now see our all hopes and aspiration have been dashed.“
Read: Fakhrul breaks down witnessing the cries of missing BNP leaders' children
Fakhrul said the freedom fighters did not liberate the country to see such a Bangladesh where the rulers outshined the Pakistani occupation forces in terms of repression and suppression. “Our boys are being picked up from their houses, our brothers are being killed and our children are being made disappear. We didn’t see it in that way even during the Pakistan rule."
He alleged that the current Awami League government has destroyed the soul of Bangladesh by annihilating democracy.
Referring to ministers’ comments that those who have been made disappear were accused in different cases, Fakhrul said 35 lakh people in the country have been made accused in 'false' political cases.
“Those who raised voices against the government and sought justice have been implicated in cases. Our over 600 leaders and activists, including former minister Salahuddin Ahmed and an ex-MP Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance,” he said.
BNP’s 44th founding anniversary Thursday
BNP is set to celebrate its 44th founding anniversary across the country on Thursday amid various programmes.
On September 1, 1978, late President Ziaur Rahman founded the party with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh.
BNP and its associate bodies have taken up various programmes, including rallies and discussions, to mark the day.
As per the programmes, the party flag will be hoisted atop its Nayapaltan central office and all other offices of BNP across the country at 6am on Thursday.
Read:Investigate incidents of enforced disappearance under UN or face trial: Fakhrul to govt
Besides, BNP senior leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of its founder Ziaur Rahman at 12pm on the day.
Later, the leaders and activists of the party will take out a rally in front of BNP's Naypaltan central office at 3pm, marking the day.
The party will also arrange a discussion at 3 pm on Friday (September 2).
BNP's associate bodies and all their units across the country will mark the day with due respect by holding various programmes, including discussions and rallies.
In its 43 years' journey, BNP had been in power for four times and on the opposition bench twice. BNP has been out of power for nearly 15 years since the 1/11 political changeover.
BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in separate messages congratulated the people of the country, party leaders, workers and activists and well-wishers on the occasion.
BNP vice-chairman Mintoo among 354 sued in Feni
Two cases have been filed against 354 people, including BNP Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, in connection with Monday's clash between BNP activists and police in Sonagazi upazila of Feni..
Sourajit Barua and Main Uddin, two sub-inspectors of Sonagazi Model Police Station filed the cases against 94 identified BNP leaders and its activists on Tuesday.
Ripon, 28, an activist of BNP detained earlier, was shown arrested in the two cases.
Read: Fakhrul breaks down witnessing the cries of missing BNP leaders' children
On Monday, at least ten people were injured in a clash between police and BNP activists when they were holding a rally at Sonagazi zero point in the upazila, as part of their central programme protesting the price hike of daily commodities including oil, gas, and fertilizers, as well as the murders of Swechchasebak Dal leader Abdur Rahim and unit Chhatra Dal president Noor-e Alam in Bhola.
Police fired 60 rounds of bullets during Monday's violent clash.
A chase and counter chase took place during the melee.
Khaled Hossain, officer-in-charge of Sonagazi Model Police Station, said police arrested an activist of Jubo Dal.
Investigate incidents of enforced disappearance under UN or face trial: Fakhrul to govt
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday warned that the Awami League government must be brought to justice for indulging in enforced disappearances if it does not investigate such allegations under the UN mechanism.
“On this day, we stand with family members and children of the victims of enforced disappearances demanding that an independent and impartial investigation be carried out immediately under the United Nation,” he said.
Speaking at a human chain programme, he also said, “Or else, you will be brought to justice like the heads of the government in different countries who were tried for indulging in enforced disappearances and killings in the past."
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units arranged the programme in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Family members, including kids, of many leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, who have been subjected to enforced disappearance, also spoke at the programme.
They narrated the ordeal and mental trauma they are going through losing their near and dear ones and called upon the government to take steps for bringing the missing people back to their families.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League has established a reign of terror. “They’re running the country by resorting to intimidation, enforced disappearance and killing.”
He urged the party leaders and activists to get ready for making more sacrifices by waging an irresistible movement together with people to trace out the victims of the enforced disappearance and bring smiles to the faces of their children and other family members.
“They (govt) have already got afraid of our current movement and unleashed oppressive forces. No repressive acts will work this time as people have started waking up,” he said.
Govt trying to create anarchy with relentless attacks on opposition: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the government is trying to create anarchy in the country by attacking opposition leaders and activists and their houses in different parts of the country.
, "The Awami League cadres have established a reign of terror across the country. They have added a new dimension to their terror activities now by attacking the houses of the leaders and workers. The armed terrorists of Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League are attacking our various rallies, party offices, business establishments and killing and injuring our leaders and activists and filing false cases against them,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference, Fakhrul said the current ‘illegal’ government has started to continue their suppression policy again by getting afraid of BNP’s countrywide movement that began on August 22 in protest against hikes in the prices of fuel and essential commodities.
“We have got an unprecedented response from the people for our protest programmes as lakhs of people are participating in our rallies,” he said.
Read: Fakhrul renews demand for ailing Khaleda's unconditional release
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent comment that opposition leaders and activists would not be obstructed from carrying out protest programmes, Fakhrul said the current government says one thing and does another.
“They’re now doing the opposite of what they have said. This is the character of Awami League. Their terrorist character has once again been exposed to the people of the country through the incidents. This is how they have destroyed democracy in this country and turned Bangladesh into a failed state," he observed.
Read: Stern action if anyone creates anarchy: Tajul warns
The BNP leader said their ongoing protests at upazila, thana, municipality and union levels will continue until September 10.
He said they will announce their next course of programmes after September 10.
Fakhrul said their party leaders and activists came under attacks in different districts, including in Jashore, Munshiganj, Tangail, Feni, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Chattogram, Bagerhat, Khagrachari, Rangamati, Thakurgaon, Laxmipur, Mymensingh, Magura, Gaibandha, Barishal, Khulna, Netrakona, Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Rajshahi, Noakhali, Bhola, Natore, Cumilla and Narail, by the ruling party ‘cadres’ and law enforcers centring their peaceful protest programmes.
"So far, more than 750 leaders and activists have been injured in these attacks. False cases have been filed against thousands of leaders and workers while around 60 of them have been arrested,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul renews demand for ailing Khaleda's unconditional release
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Islam Alamgir on Monday renewed the party's demand for the unconditional release of ailing chairperson of the party, Khaleda Zia , to ensure her advanced treatment abroad.
“You know our chairperson Khaleda Zia was admitted to a hospital again yesterday (Sunday) as her health condition deteriorated,” he told an event here.
The BNP leader said the party has long been on a movement demanding Khaleda's unconditional release and sending her abroad for advanced treatment, but the “unelected and irresponsible” government is not paying heed to it since it considers her as their main obstacle to staying in power.
Also read: Khaleda admitted to Evercare for tests
“We wish our leader Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery. From this programme, I also demand her (unconditional ) release,” he said.
A faction of the Jatiya Party (Zafar) arranged the program at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, marking the 7th death anniversary of its late chairman and former Prime Minister Kazi Zafar Ahmed, who died on August 27, 2015 at the age of 76.
Earlier on Sunday night, Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital for treatment and some more medical tests, just six days after she had several required tests in the same hospital.
Also read: Time for 'do or die' movement to ‘restore’ democracy: Gayeshwar
Khaleda’s medical team member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the BNP chief’s medical board advised her to get admitted to the hospital after reviewing her test reports. “She’ll undergo some more medical tests to determine her next course of treatment.”
Khaleda, a 77-year-old former prime minister, has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis.
Her family submitted several applications to the government seeking permission to send her to an advanced centre abroad for the treatment of her multiple health complications, but the government has rejected it every time as she was convicted of corruption by the court in two cases.
Govt scared of people's unity
Fakhrul said the nation has been going through a critical time due to the current government’s ‘misrule’.
He said Awami League has turned the country into a fascist and authoritarian one by destroying democracy and all the democratic institutions only to cling to power.
Fakhrul said BNP has launched a movement across the country since August 22 protesting the price hikes in fuel and essentials and people are participating in it with spontaneous support everywhere. “Getting afraid of the movement, the government has let loose the Awami League cadres to attack our leaders and activists and our peaceful programmes,” he alleged.
Besides, the BNP leader said police are firing on BNP leaders and activists and attacking them in different parts of the country, injuring many people. “It has once again exposed the government’s terrible terrorist face.”
“The biggest fear of the government is now that people have forged a solid unity. This unity of people will hasten the fall of the government", he observed.
Fakhrul hoped that there will be a unity of all political parties as well to establish a true government of the people removing the "current fascist and monstrous one.”