Politics
Sitakunda Fire: GM Quader demands judicial probe
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday demanded a judicial investigation into the massive fire at BM Container Depot in Sitakunda to uncover the reason behind it.
In a statement, he said, “The nation has become shocked and stunned by such a terrible fire incident. Bangladesh's image in world trade has also been severely damaged.”
Also read: GM Quader expresses doubt about fair polls under ‘despotic’ govt
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said that it should be examined whether there is any negligence in the maintenance or the storage of the containers.
“Exemplary punishment should be ensured against those responsible for the blaze. A judicial inquiry committee should be formed to find out the real reasons behind the fire incident,” he observed.
The Jatiya Party chairman suggested enhancing Bangladesh's capacity to prevent fire incidents.
He expressed deep shock and sorrow over the huge casualties in the fire.
GM Quader prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls of the victims and conveyed his profound sympathy to the bereaved families.
He wished speedy recovery to the injured and urged the authorities concerned to ensure proper treatment of the injured.
Also read: Bangladesh has become a paradise for money launderers: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party chief also called upon the government to provide families of the injured and the dead with judicious compensation.
A deadly fire that broke out at BM Container Depot in Chattogram’s Sitakunda on Saturday night killed at least 49 people and injured more than 300 others.
Sitakunda fire exposes fragile state system
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the deadly fire at BM Container Depot in Sitakunda has exposed a very fragile state system in Bangladesh.
“No security measures were taken there. I am terrified to think a country that has been said to be a modern one like Singapore, has no minimum security of human life. This government is only making money indulging in stealing in the name of development,” he said.
Also read: Price Hike: BNP asks AL to learn from 1974 famine
The BNP leader was talking to reporters at the local press club in the district.
He said there were insufficient security measures in the container depot. “There’re no safety measures to prevent fire or any other accidents.”
Fakhrul also said the government has even failed to ensure proper treatment for the injured. “The Awami League government has completely failed to build a modern container depot which is really needed for the development of the country.”
A devastating fire that broke out at BM Container Depot in Chattogram’s Sitakunda on Saturday night killed at least 43 people and injured more than 300 others.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued from BNP’s central office in the capital, Fakhrul expressed deep shock and sorrow over the huge loss of lives in the fire.
He said disasters like fires and different accidents are increasing day by day due to the limitless failure of the ‘illegitimate’ government.
“This government has no accountability to people. So no matter how many accidents happen, no matter how many fatalities occur, they keep their eyes closed. People’s lives have no value to them,” the BNP leader said.
He alleged that the ruling party men are involved in every tragic incident in one way or another. “Had the government properly investigated the incidents and put the offenders under trial from the beginning, such incidents would not have happened again and again.”
The BNP leader lamented that so many people were killed in the blast and fire while many other people are fighting for life following the Sitakunda blaze. The government is responsible for this incident. It has also proved once again how failed this government is.”
Also read:BNP holds talks with Kalyan Party to wage greater movement
He also said though the present government talks about development, it has failed to provide security to the people. “So, Awami League can no longer be kept in power. Democracy and the country will be in danger if it can’t be removed from power.”
Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of the victims and conveyed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and demanded immediate medical treatment for the injured.
I meant spirit of Nov. 7 civil-military uprising: JSSD leader Jewel
Amid the uproar centering his “let the weapons of 1975 roar again” comment, Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal (JSSD) General Secretary Abdul Quader Bhuiyan Jewel on Sunday said it was just to evoke the civil-military uprising” on November 7, 1975’.
In a statement, Jewel also said he tried to invigorate their party leaders and activists to intensify their current movement for the restoration of democracy and unconditional release of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia by reminding them of the spirit of November 7, 1975.
Also read: BNP, other political parties to be invited to Padma Bridge inaugural function: Quader
“BNP believes in the spirit of November 7, 1975 as on that day martyred President Ziaur Rahman was released from captivity through the civil-military uprising,” Jewel said.
He also said an unprecedented example of solidarity was created in the politics of Bangladesh on November 7, 1975. “So, we consider that day of '75' as our political weapons.
“The main purpose of my comment on roaring the weapons of 1975 again, was to remind that political weapons or revolutionary spirit of November 7 for intensifying the movement for restoration of democracy and for the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia,” Jewel explained.
Also read:Getting rousing response to forge greater unity: Mosharraf
He bemoaned that a vested quarter has been trying to misinterpret his remark by involving it with the tragic assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975 with an ulterior motive. “It’s very sad. It’s nothing but making an effort to create a ground for political revenge.”
Jewel hoped that his explanation will help remove the confusion created by the vested quarter.
At a rally in the city on May 24, Jewel reportedly said they are ready to roar again as weapons of 1975 in the interest of democracy.
BNP, other political parties to be invited to Padma Bridge inaugural function: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said the BNP which opposed the construction of the Padma Bridge and other political parties will get invitation at the Padma Bridge inaugural function.
He said this at a programme in response to a question from journalists.
Responding to another question, Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said the BNP’s dream to come to power by threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will turn into a nightmare.
Also read: Price Hike: BNP asks AL to learn from 1974 famine
Referring to the BNP as a big party, Quader said, "We also want them to come to the polls. If they want change of power, there is no alternative to participate in the polls."
“The BNP is threatening to assassinate Sheikh Hasina at home and abroad. They are threatening to stage a repeat of August 15," he also said.
He called upon the BNP secretary general to control those who are making such statements.
Earlier, Quader was present as the chief guest at a certificate distribution ceremony among trained women drivers organized by BRAC.
Also read: Quader: BNP misinterprets PM’s Padma Bridge remarks about Khaleda
BRAC Executive Director Ashif Saleh presided over the event titled “Graduation of Women Drivers: A Step Towards Road Safety” at the BRAC Center in the capital.
Later, the minister distributed certificates among the women drivers trained at BRAC Driving School.
Getting rousing response to forge greater unity: Mosharraf
BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Saturday said their party is getting a very positive and rousing response from political parties and people to their initiative for forging a greater unity to restore democracy in the country.
“We’re trying to create national unity together with democratic and patriotic parties and individuals who do not support this autocratic regime. We’re glad as we are getting an encouraging response, he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said they are also receiving an overwhelming response from people to their efforts to unite people against the current government. “We just need to wage an effective street movement as people are eagerly waiting for that."
National People's Party (NPP) arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 41st death anniversary of BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman.
Read: BNP holds talks with Kalyan Party to wage greater movement
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said the country’s people have lost their full confidence in the current government due to its 'misrule'.
"People all over the country are angry with this regime. They want to see the fall of this government as soon as possible,” he observed.
Slamming the government for its failure to control the hikes in all essential commodities and food grains, including rice, Mosharraf said Bangladesh is now witnessing a silent famine.
"On the one hand, inflation is showing an uptrend, on the other hand, the value of taka is declining only for the misrule of this regime.” They have been in the government by force and by creating syndicates. Business is in the hands of their Awami syndicate that controls the prices of the commodities,” he observed.
The BNP leader said there is no alternative to waging a strong movement to get rid of the prevailing situation in the country.
Read: Price Hike: BNP asks AL to learn from 1974 famine
He also warned the ruling party that it may face mass protests in Dhaka like in Sri Lanka if it does not quits power immediately.
Mosharraf said it is now a proven fact that there will never be a free and fair election in this country if the Awami League government remains in power. “It’s proved through the previous election under the current regime. It’s also now internationally recognised. So, the election must be held under a non-party neutral government.”
Price Hike: BNP asks AL to learn from 1974 famine
Amid the soaring prices of food grains and the daily essentials, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asked the ruling party to take a lesson from the famine in 1974 and take effective steps.
"I would like to warn Mr Obaidul Quader (AL General Secretary) that you do not learn from history. There’s the famine in 1974 when the prices of food grains went up,” he said.
Also read:BNP, Biplobi Workers Party agree to oust govt thru movement: Fakhrul
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the prices of food grains are increasing now again and people are going through immense sufferings.
“At this time, you are not reading the writings on the walls and taking the necessary initiatives. There is now no point in saying all those contradictory things and making unguarded remarks," he said.
Fakhrul urged the government to return to the democratic system and create a democratic atmosphere to avoid possible public wrath. “Let the people speak up and exercise their rights. Otherwise, you’ll have to face its consequences. You are threatening us with terrible consequences, but you saw such consequences in the past.”
He also called upon the government to restore people’s rights, stop killings, forced disappearance, filing false cases and release Begum Khaleda Zia unconditionally.
“Otherwise you will never get relief… we know they (AL) will not pay heed to it, and that is why their fall is inevitable.”
Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) arranged the discussion programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 41st death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman and the 5th death anniversary of party founder Shafiul Alam Pradhan.
Fakhrul recalled that Awami League was there in power from 1972-1975 and that was the worst period in Bangladesh. “They never talked about their rule from 1972-75…hundreds of youth had to lose their lives at that time only for talking about democracy while there was widespread plundering and their failures led to a famine in 1974. They don’t talk about these things."
The BNP leader said In his book on Bangladesh’s 1974 famine, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen stated that there were sufficient food grains but the then government could not create the kind of administration and structure needed to manage the food grains and deliver those to people and save them from starvation and death. “The second reason was their greed as they indulged in corruption, plundering and black marketing even at that crisis period.”
“The same thing we’re seeing now. The minister himself is admitting that syndicates are raising the prices of essentials and food grains. Why are you there in the office when you can’t control the syndicates and take action against the corrupt persons?” he questioned.
Also read: BNP reaches consensus with Ganosanghati Andolan on 'simultaneous’ movement:Fakhrul
Fakhrul said the government is arresting the small wholesalers to stop hoarding of food and essential items, but the problem is not there.
“Newspapers have unveiled the real problems that the rice price is growing as the big corporate houses are buying a huge amount of rice. It’s never possible to do it without the government’s indulgence and help. That is why we have repeatedly said the prices of rice and commodities have gone up not only for the government’s maneuvering but also for its direct involvement (in the process),” he said.
Accusing the government of usurping power and hanging onto office by force, he said this regime will have to be ousted through united efforts.
He said their party has started a process of forging unity among the political parties to ensure the fall of the Awami League government.
Fakhrul said their party wants all the left and right-leaning political parties to get united to end the misrule of the current regime and restore democracy and people’s lost rights.
He also accused the current government of destroying the electoral system and politicising all the state institutions. "No election will be held under this regime. Awami League must step down handing over power to a neutral government."
BNP holds talks with Kalyan Party to wage greater movement
BNP on Thursday sat with the Kalyan Party, one of the components of the 20-party alliance, as part of its political parley aimed at launching a united anti-government movement.
An 11-member delegation of the Kalyan Party, led by its chairman Sayed Mohammad Ibrahim had talks with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office.
Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP standing committee member and 20-party coordinator, was also present.
Also read: Artificial food crisis created to raise prices: BNP
After nearly one and half hours of talks, Sayed Ibrahim said both parties agreed that removing the current 'autocratic' government is now a top priority in politics.
“We also think waging a movement together with other parties is necessary to implement it,” he said.
He said they told BNP that their party is ready to initiate a simultaneous movement with other parties if it is not possible to activate the 20-party alliance for any reason.
"We also said that we are ready to cooperate with BNP in activating the 20-party alliance or incorporating more parties into the alliance," the Kalyan Party chief also said.
Fakhrul said they reached an agreement with Kalyan Party on waging an effective movement against this government to force it to resign and hand over power to a non-partisan government.
He said they will initiate the movement also to force the government to dissolve the parliament with an aim to hold a credible and inclusive election to be conducted by a new impartial election commission.
On May 24, BNP formally began a dialogue with other opposition parties with the first meeting with Nagorik Oikya.
Three days later, the party also sat with Labour Party, another component of the 20-party.
Also read: BNP, Biplobi Workers Party agree to oust govt thru movement: Fakhrul
BNP also had talks with Ganosanghati Andolon on May 31 and Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party on June 1 and agreed to wage a simultaneous anti-government movement.
Artificial food crisis created to raise prices: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that an artificial crisis of rice and different food grains has been created to make a quick buck by raising their prices.
“The problem with the present government is that they want to make profits from everything, even from essential food items, illegally,” he said.
Talking to reporters in front of a hospital in the city, he said the famine Bangladesh faced in 1974 was caused by misrule and corruption, not by the food crisis.
"In the same way, they are now unjustly raising the prices after stockpiling the food grains that people need much. They are raising the prices in the market by creating an artificial crisis,” the BNP leader said.
Also read: BNP, Biplobi Workers Party agree to oust govt thru movement: Fakhrul
Fakhrul went to Health Aid Diagnostic and Hospital in the city’ Basabo area to visit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal senior vice-president Rashed Iqbal Khan, organising secretary Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya and Dhaka City north unit leader Shahabuddin Shihab, who were seriously injured in attacks by Bangladesh Chhatra League on May 24 on Dhaka University campus.
He voiced concern that the prices of wheat, flour, milk and bread have gone up alongside rice.
“What will our poor people do? Most of the rickshaw pullers eat a banana and bread from the footpath shops. The price of that bread has doubled. The price of rice has gone up by Tk 10 to 15 per kg,” the BNP leader said.
He said the government itself is playing the biggest role in raising the prices of essential and food items. “Their evil tricks are behind it, but people are going through immense sufferings.”
Fakhrul said Awami League government wants to hang onto to power by resorting to terrorism, not with the love of people. "This is their basic character. Not just this time, they have been trying to establish their politics in the country through terrorism since their inception.”
He alleged that the ruling party is now trying to cling to power by holding the next polls under it, terrorising and intimidating people. ”People of Bangladesh won’t give them a chance this time to make it happen.
Also read: BNP vows to overcome intimidation, repression: Fakhrul
The BNP leader said Awami League must step down from power and the election has to be conducted by a neutral election commission under a neutral government.
BNP, Biplobi Workers Party agree to oust govt thru movement: Fakhrul
BNP and Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party on Wednesday agreed to wage a simultaneous street movement to force the Awami League government to quit power.
“We believe we can end misrule if we can initiate a movement. The main thing is that we agreed to force the government to step down through a movement,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He made the remarks after holding a dialogue with Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party at its Topkhana Road office in the city.
Fakhrul both parties reached a consensus on a number of fundamental issues during the talks.
He hoped that they will be to resolve the remaining issues gradually through discussions.
“We have decided that those of us who are reaching a consensus will start a simultaneous movement from our respective position. The movement will determine its future shape and trend,” Fakhrul said.
READ: BNP reaches consensus with Ganosanghati Andolan on 'simultaneous’ movement:Fakhrul
He said the movements in the country turned futile in the past with the participation of political parties in the same way they are following now. “We believe that we all the political parties will be able to defeat the misrule and achieve a victory of people by working together.”
The BNP leader said they decided to wage a movement after discussing various issues, including the jailing of their party chairperson Khaleda, keeping their party acting chairman in exile, the filing of 'false' cases against their party’s around 35 lakh leaders and activists and the prevailing awful situation in the country.
“We’ve also reached a consensus that a new election commission will be constituted after the ouster of the government and the dissolution of parliament, and then a fresh election will be held with the participation of people and the political parties,” he said.
He said they will engage in talks further about the proposals of the Biplobi Workers Party for reforming the state, amending the constitution and strengthening the democratic institutions. “We’ll come up with a joint statement on the issues within a very short time.”
Replying to a question, he said their party has a plan to form the government with the parties that will join the movement for the restoration of democracy after winning the next election.
Earlier, a BNP delegation, led by Fakhrul sat in talks with Biplobi Workers Party around 1:20 pm.
Biplobi Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque led the eight-member delegation of his party.
Saiful said people want to see an effective unity among the opposition parties in a coordinated way to get rid of misrule.
“We’ve reached a consensus in today’s (Wednesday’s) discussion about a simultaneous movement. We’ll strengthen it in the future,” he said.
The left party leader said their party thinks it will not be possible to restore people’s voting and democratic rights and ensure a free, fair and credible election if the current government is not forced to quit power. “That’s why we agreed to wage a (simultaneous) movement through the talks.”
He called upon the country’s people to participate in the movement to be waged by the opposition parties in the future.
Saiful, however, said they don’t want to initiate the movement just for a change of the government or bringing a party into power by ousting another.
He said their movement is also meant for reforming the entire state and governance system and amending Article 70 of the Constitution. “A democratic reform is also necessary. In today's discussion, we have presented a 31-point proposal of our party to the BNP leaders to overcome the current political crisis.”
Earlier on Tuesday, BNP held talks with Ganosanghati Andolan and reached a consensus to wage a 'simultaneous’ movement to ensure the fall of the Awami League government and establish a polls-time neutral government.
On May 24, BNP formally began a dialogue with other opposition parties with the first meeting with Nagorik Oikya aimed at forging unity among opposition political parties.
Three days later, the party also sat with the Labour Party, one of the components of the 20-party alliance.
Quader asks BNP to shun undemocratic path, join polls
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday called upon the BNP leaders to return to the path of welfare-based politics shunning the undemocratic way.
He made the call in a statement condemning what he said the BNP general secretary's customary lies and malicious statements published and disseminated in the media.
Also read: Survey of Ctg Metro Rail is underway: Quader
The AL leader said those who had been ousted by a mass movement should not talk about staging a mass upsurge against the government.
In his statement, Quader said that anti-people forces have already been exposed to the nation. "We want to keep the people away from the shadow of this evil force," he said.
He denounced BNP’s claim that its founder Ziaur Rahman introduced so-called multi-party democracy in the country.
Zia, he said, was a military dictator who violated the constitution and destroyed democracy after the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family.
“In addition to politically reviving the anti-liberation and anti-communal forces, Ziaur Rahman made a mockery of the nation by introducing curfew democracy in the name of multi-party democracy,” he said.
He said BNP is still trying to create a so-called multi-party platform with anti-liberation forces, anti-independence political parties and leaders.
The Awami League general secretary also said that this platform of the so-called movement to liberate the corrupt leadership is basically a platform to disrupt democracy and peace and security of the people.
Quader said the government has not detained anyone except in specific cases and the independent judiciary has established the rule of law in the country.
Noting that Bangabandhu’s daughter did not use grenades against grenades as she was determined to establish the rule of law, the AL leader said even Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had given Khaleda Zia, convicted of corruption, the opportunity to receive advanced treatment at her own home.
Also read: Quader: BNP misinterprets PM’s Padma Bridge remarks about Khaleda
He said that the people think that the BNP is trying to create a new platform as per the instructions of the fugitive accused Tareq Rahman, the mastermind of the August 21 grenade attack.
Calling upon the BNP leaders to prepare for participation in the elections Qader said that they would be rejected by the people again as usual if they continue their current politics.