Politics
Minority community members moving out to India, alleges BNP
BNP on Thursday alleged that minority community members are moving out to India leaving Bangladesh due to torture under the current Awami League government.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also questioned as to why the government is not repealing the …‘Vested Property Act’ enacted during the Pakistan period.
"Why’re the minority people moving out to India although Awami League has long been in power? What’s the reason behind it? The reason is that the level of repression on them (minorities) has increased during this time with an aim to grab their property, loot their valuables and take other advantages,” Fakhrul observed.
Also read; BNP demands neutral probe into Sunamganj communal attack
He said Awami League used to say they want to protect communal harmony and the interests of minorities. “But the party has so far not revoked the Vested Property Act and ensured the fair rights the minority people have.”
He trashed Awami League leaders’ comments that the number of minorities left Bangladesh was higher during BNP’s rule in 2001.
“If you conduct an investigative report and see the media reports at different times, you’ll find the number of minorities going to India has increased these days,” Fakhrul claimed.
About the recent communal attack in Sunamganj's Shalla upazila, he said ruling party men carried out the incident with an aim to grab the lands and valuables of the minorities. “If you conduct research, you’ll see such attacks led by Awami League leaders were made after the Liberation War with the same motive.”
Referring to a newspaper report, Fakhrul said a ruling party MP occupied several hundred acres of land of minorities in his home district Thakurgaon two years back. “Minorities there formed human chains and took out processions, but didn’t get redress. Similar incidents happened in many other places, including in Faridpur. But it’s unfortunate that Awami League always tries to hide these incidents by shifting the blame onto others.”
He said though a Jubo League leader led the attack on Hindu community members at Shalla upazila and Obaidul Quader blamed BNP for it only to mislead people.
Also read: BNP demands prompt probe into Rohingya camp fire
“We want to make it clear that the Awami League has never been in favour of the minority community or they’ve never been in favour of communal harmony in the country. Rather, they’ve always occupied the property of the minorities resorting to terrorism.”
Speaking at the press meet, party vice-chairman Netai Roy Chowdhury, who visited Shalla upazila and talked to the victims, said the attack was premeditated one. “The houses and temples were vandalised and looted at the Hindu-inhabited village in Shalla upazila.”
“During our visit to the spot, we’ve witnessed indescribable destructions at the homes and worship places of the victims. The victims clearly told us that hundreds of people, led by local Juba League leader Swadhin Miah, came to the village and looted all valuables and furniture of about 60-70 houses, and destroyed windows, doors and fences of the houses. They beat men, women and the children,” he said.
The BNP leader said ‘Harmad Gang’ of Awami Jubo League, carried out extensive vandalism and looting at the Hindu houses and temples.
He alleged that the incident took place due to the negligence of the local administration and the help of the ruling party leaders. "Even after the incident, the administration didn’t take any immediate action. Two cases were later filed in the face of widespread criticism.”
Also read: Covid-19: BNP postpones Golden Jubilee progs until March 30
Netai Roy said 25 people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and most of them are the ruling party supporters.
"We strongly condemn and protest the heinous and cruel acts against the Hindu community at Shalla and demand the arrest and punishment of all those involved in the incident,” the BNP leader said.
He urged the administration to come forward to rebuild houses, temples and places of worship damaged during the attack, and ensure overall security to the Hindu-inhabited areas.”
Covid-19: BNP postpones Golden Jubilee progs until March 30
In the wake of a fresh spike in coronavirus transmission, BNP on Wednesday postponed its all the programmes chalked out to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of independence until March 30.
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, also the convener of the party's national committee on celebrating the Golden Jubilee, came up with the announcement at a press conference at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
“The Covid-19 situation in the country has now taken a dangerous turn. The number of coronavirus infections and deaths is surging seriously throughout this week,” he said.
The BNP leader said the risk of transmission of the virus has increased through welcoming foreign guests and holding various programmes.
Also read: BNP launches year-long Golden Jubilee programmes
“Considering the overall corona situation in the country and giving importance to the protection of public health and people’s worry about the rise in corona infection, BNP's Golden Jubilee programmes have been postponed till March 30.”
He said they will reschedule their programmes taken to mark the Golden Jubilee and implement those if the Covid situation improves.
Speaking at the press conference, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said as a responsible political party, BNP thinks all meetings and rallies should be postponed immediately due to the severity of corona transmission.
Also read: Bangladesh begins birth centenary, golden jubilee of independence celebrations
He urged all of their party leaders and activists across the country to wear masks and maintain safe physical distancing and health safety rules. “You please don't put yourself in danger by going to the crowded places and mass gatherings.”
Fakhrul also called upon the party leaders and workers to encourage people to abide by the health hygiene rules.
Earlier on February 24, BNP announced a 19-day programme for the month of March to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.
As part of the programmes, the party had plans to bring out a Golden Jubilee rally in the capital on March 26 and hold a grand rally on March 30 at Suhrawardy Udyan.
Also read: Bangladesh reports new high of 3,567 Corona cases; 25 more die
Fakhrul urged the government to take immediate steps to slow down the corona transmission by postponing all the state programmes. “We’re calling upon the government to stop all programmes and events by giving focus on Covid preventive measures,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the government has failed to involve people with the Golden Jubilee celebration programmes. “They’re holding various events in the name of the Golden Jubilee only to appease their foreign masters.”
BNP balms govt for virus surge
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the coronavirus transmission rate is increasing alarmingly in Bangladesh due to the government’s “failure” to take necessary measures to tackle it.
“Coronavirus has now been spreading fast, though the Prime Minister was awarded for containing it. The virus cases are increasing again as the government has not done all the necessary works to control it,” he said.
Also read: Media being regulated with various laws: Fakhrul
The BNP leader came up with the remarks at a discussion programme arranged by pro-BNP student leaders of Ducsu and All Party Students Unity (Apsu) of the 90s at the Jatiya Press Club, marking March 24 a ‘black day’ as military ruler HM Ershad grabbed power in a coup on that day in 1982.
Fakhrul said the Covid-infected people are struggling for treatment due to the crisis of ICU beds in hospitals. ”Why has such a crisis has been created? What have you (govt) done over the last one year?”
He also said people are not wearing masks and maintaining health safety rules as the government could not motivate them to do so through raising awareness.
"I went to Singapore for treatment a few days ago where people are not asked to wear masks. All wear masks there as they know they’ve to face a $500 fine for not using masks,” Fakhrul said.
He regretted that the people in Bangladesh are showing apathy to use the mask as the government has “failed” to make them aware of its importance through an effective campaign.
Also read: It's 'cruel mockery' with the nation, Fakhrul about election
The BNP leader said there are various speculations about the coronavirus vaccine. "But we’ve never said anything against the vaccine. We’re surely in favour of it as we know this virus can’t be prevented without the vaccine.”
About the recent communal attack in Sunamganj's Shalla upazila, he said the communal harmony has been ruined through the incident.
He slammed Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader for blaming BNP for the attack even after a Jubo League leader was arrested in connection with the incident.
“The communal riots and attacks and the destruction of communal harmony all these happened during the rule of Awami League,” Fakhrul claimed.
Voicing concern over the deadly fire incident in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp, it has become difficult for a country like Bangladesh to keep 12 lakh Rohingyas and feed them and keep them well.
He said their party has long been urging the government to resolve the problem, but the government is not sincere about it.
Also read:Govt celebrating Golden Jubilee without people: Fakhrul
Fakhrul urged the government to intensify its diplomatic efforts for sending Rohingyas back to their motherland in Myanmar.
BNP demands prompt probe into Rohingya camp fire
BNP on Tuesday demanded a speedy investigation into the deadly fire incident in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp.
In a statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also urged the government to make public the investigation report as early as possible.
He also urged the government to take effective steps quickly for sending Rohingyas to their motherland in Myanmar.
Also read: Rohingya camp fire: Death toll climbs to 11
Fakhrul called upon the government and international organisations to come forward with necessary cooperation for the rehabilitation of the fire-affected people who are now staying under the open sky losing their homes and valuables.
He slammed the government for what he said its failure to take any visible step over the last three and a half years to repatriate Rohingyas who left Myanmar in the face of persecution and mass killing.
Also read: Fire at Rohingya camp caused 'enormous devastation': UNICEF
The BNP leader expressed deep shock and sorrow over the casualties in the fire incident.
He prayed for the salvation of those who died in fire and conveyed sympathy to those who received burn injuries and loss valuables in the fire.
Also read: Fire breaks out at Rohingya camp in Ukhiya
Meanwhile, the bodies of 11 people, including that of three women and two children, were retrieved from the debris after a fire swept through Balukhali Rohingya camp in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar district on Monday.
Some 9,300 shanties, 136 learning centers and a police barrack were burnt into ashes, affecting over 45,000 people by the fire.
BNP for emergency steps to control corona transmission
Voicing deep concerns over the fresh upsurge in coronavirus transmission, BNP on Tuesday urged the government to take effective steps immediately to contain the pandemic.
“Covid cases are increasing alarmingly. The situation has turned so critical that many of our leaders have died of corona and many others are now receiving treatment for the virus infection. We think the government should take effective preventive measures on an emergency basis,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Also read:BNP's Rizvi hospitalised with Covid-19
The BNP leader said their party has long been urging the government to work out a plan and roadmap in consultation with political parties, other relevant organisations and NGOs to overcome the corona problem. “But they’re not paying heed to it.”
He came up with the comments while talking to reporters after visiting BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel at Holy Family Hospital in the city. Shoel has been receiving treatment at the hospital as he was injured during a clash with police in front of the Jatiya Press Club on February 28.
Fakhrul said the government is unable to tackle the Covid situation as its intention is not clear. “Their only aim is to steal public money. It’s not possible to resolve the problem, when there’s an intention to indulge in corruption.”
Also read:Govt took Covid as a means of business: BNP
He also alleged that the government has no sincerity and devotion to get rid of a dangerous problem like coronavirus which has turned out to be the biggest threat to mankind across the world.
Fakhrul said there are also various speculations about the vaccine as many people who received the jab earlier are now getting infected with the virus.
He said the government is not taking proper action and plans to motivate or force people to wear masks and maintain the health safety rules.
The BNP leader said hospitals lack adequate beds and proper treatment for Covid patients. “Why haven't you arranged adequate beds for so long? People’s sufferings are gradually growing.”
Asked whether a lockdown should be enforced to control the Covid transmission, he said the government should take a decision on the matter trough discussions.
Also read: BNP chalks out corona awareness programme
He regretted that though 50 years have elapsed since the country was liberated, people have lost their democratic and other rights. “The way the government is running the country is not conducive to democracy in any way. Even the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh is now at stake.”
Govt celebrating Golden Jubilee without people: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence keeping people and freedom fighters “away”.
“The government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee without people as it’s become isolated from them. The freedom fighters have no place in the government's Golden Jubilee celebration programmes. Even, political parties have no presence there,” he said
Also read:It's 'cruel mockery' with the nation, Fakhrul about election
The BNP leader said only foreign guests are coming to Bangladesh to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and they are being told and shown that the country is on the crest of development.
Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel at Holy Family Hospital in the city. Shoel has been receiving treatment at the hospital as he was injured during a clash with police in front of the Jatiya Press Club on February 28.
He said their party must welcome the foreign friends and heads of governments of five countries to Golden Jubilee celebrations.
But the BNP leader voiced anger as the government has “restricted” them from holding the programmes their party has taken to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Independence on the “pretext of foreign guests’ presence. People's movement is also being obstructed.”
Also read:Media being regulated with various laws: Fakhrul
The BNP leader questioned the purpose of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh.
“Is the Indian Prime Minister coming here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, or is he coming to carry out a campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections? We’re getting such an indication from Indian newspapers and our local newspapers,” he observed.
Referring to media reports, Fakhrul said the main purpose of his visit is to see the temples of their followers as part of a move to appease the voters in West Bengal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 26 on a two-day visit to join the celebrations of 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He is also scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Memorial in Tungipara and Orakandi, a sacred shrine of the Matua community in Gopalganj, and another temple in Sathkhira.
Fakhrul said their party has long been saying the unsettled issues, including a fair share of the waters of common rivers and border killing, should be resolved to improve further the bilateral ties with India. “It should also be clear to people about what we’re gaining from increasing the connectivity.”
The BNP leader said their party thinks border killings should be stopped immediately as it is an inhuman act. “The government cannot solve this problem though it says it has a very strong friendship with India.”
Also read: AL succeeded in 'depoliticisation' process: Fakhrul
He said the government has given India the share of water of the Feni River unilaterally, though it has failed to sign any deal over the sharing of water of the Teesta River. “A bridge is also being built for connectivity. But there’s no solution to our basic problems.”
Fakhrul said their party still hopes that the government will solve the problems of the country’s millions of people by presenting their demands in the right way.”
BNP relates Modi’s Bangladesh visit to West Bengal election
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday questioned whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Bangladesh as part of a campaign of West Bengal Assembly elections.
BNP demands neutral probe into Sunamganj communal attack
BNP standing committee has demanded the government identify the real offenders involved in the attack, vandalising and looting Hindu houses in Noagaon village of Sunamganj's Shalla upazila through a fair and neutral investigation.
AL succeeded in ‘depoliticisation’ process: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that the government has started the process of ‘depoliticisation by spreading panic and false propaganda' in the country.
BNP observed Mar 7 to belittle it: Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the BNP observed the historic March 7 this year to belittle the significance of the occasion.