Politics
Khaleda’s doctors to hold press conference on ex-PM's condition Monday
The medical board formed for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital will hold a press conference on Monday to inform the public of her health condition.
The press conference will be held at 9 am on the 11th floor of the hospital, said the BNP chief’s personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Sunday.
“Madam’s (Khaleda’s) condition is not good. The medical board will talk about her health condition tomorrow (Monday),” he said.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the 79-year-old former Prime Minister, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka under the supervision of a 15-member medical board, led by specialist doctor Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, since August 9.
She has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.
A medical board member, wishing anonymity, said they have already asked Khaleda’s family members and the BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that a liver transplant at an advanced center abroad is necessary to save her life.
He said the BNP chief’s heart and kidney problems are getting complicated due to liver cirrhosis. “Her condition is gradually deteriorating and it will be difficult to save her life without an immediate liver transplant.”
On September 5, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's brother Shamim Iskandar submitted an application to the government, seeking her unconditional release and permission to take her abroad for her treatment at an "advanced medical center" on an urgent basis to save her life.
However, the Law Ministry denied her permission to go abroad for better treatment, suggesting that she must first return to jail and then apply to the court to get permission in this regard.
On September 5, Khaleda's brother Shamim Iskandar submitted an application to the government, seeking her unconditional release and permission to take her abroad for her treatment at an "advanced medical center" on an urgent basis to save her life.
In response, Law Minister Anisul Huq said there is no chance to open the petition, which has already been disposed of as per Section 401 of the CrPC. “We gave the opinion that the petition disposed under Section 401 is a past and closed transaction. There is no other scope to open it," he said.
However, some legal experts and pro-BNP lawyers think the government can still let her go overseas for treatment using its discretionary power.
On October 3, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the incumbent ‘cowardly’ government wants to kill Khaleda Zia without allowing her to receive treatment abroad.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order by suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with the condition that she would stay at her Gulshan house and would not leave the country. Later, the government extended the suspension of Khaleda’s sentence eight times.
Voters' participation more important than political party: Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said the voters' participation in the election is more important than that of any political party.
“BNP did not participate in city corporation elections but more than 50 percent of the people voted there and the elections were acceptable to the people. If the BNP comes in next election, we welcome them. We want them to participate. But if they don’t join, there will be huge participation of the people and the election must be acceptable.”
The minister made these remarks while replying to journalists after unveiling the reprint of the white paper 'White Paper on Crisis of East Pakistan', originally published on August 5, 1971 by the Pakistan government at the Secretariat this afternoon.
Read: CEC working as govt’s tool: Khosru
Director General of Directorate of Films and Publications S M Golam Kibria, Director (Administration) Mohammad Ali Sarkar, Deputy Chief Information Officer of Directorate of Information Nasreen Jahan participated in the event.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister said the BNP Secretary General's statement proves that after so long they have realized that no one will put them in power by hand. “This is a good realisation,” Hasan remarked.
Hasan Mahmud said Mirza Fakhrul's cheerfulness is now slowly fading. Because they understood that elections will be held on time and no one will put them in power. Many political parties will participate in the elections. Many from BNP will also participate, some BNP leaders have already joined Trinomool BNP, he added.
Read: Next election to enjoy worldwide acceptance: Agri Minister Razzaque
"So I will request them to join the election by avoiding the path of disrupting the election process, and I will request them to accept the reality and follow the path of the election," said Hasan Mahmud.
In reply to a question over the size of the government during the election, the Information Minister said, "Look, this is the jurisdiction of the prime minister. According to the constitution, there is no obligation to shrink the government during elections. The Prime Minister can take any decision. Prior to the last 2018 election, no electoral government had been reduced."
Regarding the pre-election observation team from the United States, Hasan Mahmud said, "It is good. Because foreigners are interested in our elections. Our multifaceted relationship with the United States continues to grow. We have a cooperative relationship with the United States everywhere, in countering militancy and terrorism, in our development. The delegation they have come, I think it is good."
Read: Quader wants to know: ‘How to hold an election for which there is no constitutional provision?’
Earlier, when the reprinted white paper was unveiled, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Hasan said: "It will be understood who actually led the liberation war, who was surrounded by the liberation war. In 1971, the Pakistani government published the white paper titled "East Pakistan Crisis." This white paper makes no mention of Ziaur Rahman. However, there has been an effort in this nation to elevate criminals to heroic status."
CEC working as govt’s tool: Khosru
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said their party expects nothing from current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal as he is working as a ‘tool’ of the government.
“The statements he (CEC) is making manifest that he’s thinking of putting (Awami League) in power though stealing (votes) like in the past. So, there is no reason to expect from him,” he told a seminar.
Instead of focusing on the polls, the BNP leader also said the CEC has been making contradictory comments about the government’s assistance in holding the next general election.
“What this man (CEC) is doing now is his job since he was put there as a tool of the fascist regime. His task is to put Sheikh Hasina in power again by stealing votes in the next election. What do you expect from him? You can't expect anything from them,” he observed.
US pre-election monitoring team to meet BNP Monday
The seminar titled 'Acceptable National Elections: Election-time Neutral Government, Structural Reforms and the Role of Major Stakeholders organized by NDM’s Think Tank, 'Governance and Policy Research-GPR), at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity Office. Professor AKM Waresul Karim presented the keynote at the programme.
Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, also said no institution of the country, including the judiciary is now functional under the rule of the current regime.
BNP announces fresh programme with renewed focus on Dhaka
He said all institutions are now serving the ‘fascist’ regime while the media outlets are being regulated.
“The only way to get rid of this situation is to remove this regime through united efforts. This is not a single party's struggle as this is a struggle for the freedom of the country’s 18 crore people. Bangladesh became independent once through the Liberation War. It’s now the second liberation war for establishing democracy in the country,” the BNP leader said.
Khosru alleged that the Awami League government annulled the polls-time non-party government system, which was added to the constitution based on national consensus, as part of its plan to hang onto power. "The cancellation of this provision by the court was unconstitutional and illegal.”
BNP trashes Quader’s claim about ‘clandestine’ understating with US
He said their party has already presented a 31-point proposal to restore democratic politics and build the country through various reforms after the fall of the current regime.
The BNP leader said they their party wants the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government to restore true democracy, human rights, the rule of law, press freedom, and freedom of expression and ensure a level playing field and equal rights of all.
Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM chairman Bobby Hajjaj, BNP joint secretary general Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and AB Party member secretary Mujibur Rahman Monju, among others, spoke at the seminar.
US pre-election monitoring team to meet BNP Monday
The joint IRI and NDI pre-election assessment mission of the US will hold a meeting with a delegation of BNP on Monday to talk about the next national election in Bangladesh.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10am at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said party media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead the delegation at the meeting and present the party’s observations about the next general election to be held in Bangladesh either at the end of this year or early January next year.
The joint International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission (PEAM) arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday to follow electoral preparations and conduct an independent and impartial assessment.
From October 8 to 12, the six-member delegation will meet with a diverse group of election stakeholders including government officials, political party leaders, election authorities, civil society, and others.
The delegation is co-chaired by Karl F. Inderfurth, Former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs and Bonnie Glick, Former Deputy USAID Administrator. It also includes Maria Chin Abdullah, former member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia; Jamil Jaffer, former associate counsel to the President of the United States; Manpreet Singh Anand, NDI regional director for Asia-Pacific; and Johanna Kao, IRI senior director, Asia-Pacific Division.
‘Here to listen, support a transparent and inclusive electoral process’: NDI-IRI mission
The team had scheduled a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh today (Sunday).
The delegation will conduct its assessment in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh and consistent with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation which was signed in 2005 at the United Nations.
Following the conclusion of its activities, the delegation will release a statement of its key findings, analysis of the pre-election environment, and practical recommendations to enhance the credibility of the process and citizen confidence in the elections.
IRI-NDI pre-election assessment mission due to arrive Saturday
NDI and IRI are nonpartisan, nongovernmental organisations that support and strengthen democratic institutions and practices worldwide.
AL govt conspiring abroad to stay in power: Rizvi
The Institutes have collectively observed more than 200 elections in more than 50 countries over the last 30 years.
Next election to enjoy worldwide acceptance: Agri Minister Razzaque
Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque has said the next election will be free and fair, even beautiful, and it would be accepted by people all over the world.
"BNP is holding various agitation programmes and making various threats to foil the election. Ahead of the elections, BNP wants to create violence, fire terror and violence again like in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The law enforcement agencies of the country will deal with their efforts strictly. At the same time, Awami League will try its best to face the BNP politically,” he said.
Also read: Working to improve agriculture sector by increasing exports: Minister
The agriculture minister said this while unveiling a mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dokhala range of Madhupur National Park in Tangail on Saturday.
Tangail Forest Division organised the event.
“Bangladesh has all the strengths, including the economic capacity, to deal with any foreign power or country trying to sabotage the election. The people of the country are with us. We will deal with all domestic and international conspiracies with the people,” said Razzaque, also a presidium member of ruling Awami League.
Also read: News on ‘plastic rice’ baseless: Agriculture minister
Regarding the US government's visa policy, he said, "It is a country of 17 crore people. How many people go to America? What will they do with the ban? Even if one or two ministers cannot go, there will be no harm to the country."
He said they are even ready to go to jail, presumably to cling to power. "If we can't go to America with a visa - it doesn't matter.”
Also read: Commodity prices to decline in coming year: Agriculture Minister
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin addressed the function as a special guest.
Quader wants to know: ‘How to hold an election for which there is no constitutional provision?’
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday reiterated that the elections will be held as per the constitution of the country.
He would like his counterpart in the opposition BNP, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, to explain how an election lacking the requisite constitutional provisions could be held in a country.
Also read: Fakhrul finds Quader's allegation of stockpiling arms along border as part of plot to foil movement
“The elections will be held on time as per the constitutional provisions of the country. An identified section is obsessed with the dream of coming to power through unconstitutional means. He does not care about the sacred constitution and laws of his country. I want to ask BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in what way will the election be held without the provisions of the constitution?” the AL leader asked.
Quader in a statement, condemned the statement of Mirza Fakhrul as “distorted by reality”.
In the statement, Quader said AL under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, respects the constitution and law of the country.
Also read: Quader condemns Fakhrul's statement on judiciary
“Is there a snap election guaranteeing you're in power? An election to seize power by any means by selling the country's self to the benefactors? The people of Bengal will never allow it to happen again. BNP always indulges in the politics of cheating the people by taking away the voting rights of the people to grab state power in a different way,” said Quader.
“The Awami League implements the promises it makes to the people. That is why the people have repeatedly voted for AL and given the responsibility of running the state. The main goal and objective of Awami League's politics is the welfare of the people and the creation of a developed and prosperous peace and welfare state for the next generation,” he also said.
In the statement, Quader also said, “The corrupt leadership and the failed political party BNP do not accept the strong movement. Their so-called continuous movement, a strong movement, a one-point movement!”
Also read: Seeing people in comfort puts Mirza Fakhrul in discomfort : Quader
“Even after everything has failed, they are desperate and desperate to seize power. That is why BNP leaders are constantly making baseless statements without realizing the political reality. As their capacity in political movements and struggles declines, they are trying to mislead the people through lies and propaganda,” added the minister.
“The entire BNP team, except Khaleda Zia, who has been convicted for corruption, is spreading venom against the government in the field of politics and holding meetings freely across the country. Tarique Rahman, the fugitive convict of August 21, is continuously carrying out anti-national conspiracies and propaganda sitting abroad. We want to clearly say that strict legal action will be taken against them if they try to create anarchy and terror without believing in democratic spirit and values,” he said.
“BNP is trying to use Khaleda Zia's physical illness as a political tool as they do not have minimum respect for their leader. We urge the BNP leaders to refrain from creating physical and mental pressure on Khaleda Zia by playing politics over her illness,” added the AL leader.
Journalism now most challenging profession: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said journalism is now the most challenging profession as the nation has been passing through a critical time.
“When journalism is the most challenging profession at the bad time of the nation, it is important to continue professional activities with personal integrity. If we all can do this, then surely we’ll be able to overcome the current (political) crisis in the country,” he said.
The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a condolence meeting in memory of vernacular daily Jugantar’s senior reporter Habibur Rahman Khan who died on August 22 this year at the age of 42.
Friends and colleagues of late Habibur Rahman Khan arranged the programme at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).
Read: Journalism is no crime, nor is it propaganda: Hasan Mahmud
Addressing the programme, Fakhrul said it is hard to accept Habib’s demise at such a young age. “An outspoken journalist like him was much needed in the current context of the country.”
Describing Habib as a 'brave, patriotic, honest and professional reporter', the BNP leader expressed his profound shock at the journalist’s premature death.
He also conveyed his sympathy to the family and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul.
Read: Law protects non-disclosure of sources in investigative journalism: High Court
BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, party chairperson’s special assistant Shamshur Rahman Shimul Biswas, media cell convener Zahir Uddin Swapan, its member secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, party leaders Nasiruddin Awsim, Bazlul Chowdhury Abed, Tabith Awal, Jubo Dal leader Mahbub Hossain Bhuiyan, BFUJ president M Abdullah, DUJ president Shohidul Islam, general secretary Khorshed Alam, DRU president Morsalin Nomani, among others, addressed the programme.
Habib’s wife Farzana Mahmud Sonny also spoke at the programme, moderated by DRU joint secretary Moinul Ahasn and former joint secretary Moin Uddin Khan.
Read more: Rozina Islam: Journalism Vs the Colonial hangover of official secrecy
PM seems to be most fearful for US visa policy: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent ‘unguarded’ statements manifested that she is the most apprehensive about the US visa policy for Bangladesh.
Speaking at a teachers' convention, he also said their party would do whatever is necessary to remove the current Awami League government from power.
“Everyone is now scared of the (US) visa policy. Those who have committed corruption and indulged in injustice and extrajudicial killings, judges who conducted trials in a partisan manner and businessmen who were involved in theft and corruption are now terrified,” Fakhrul said.
“We can see the most fear on the face of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. The way she’s speaking seems like a wrong-headed person—described by Justice ATM Afzal in his verdict-- has become more wrong-headed...what’s called crazy.”
Shikshak Karmachari Oikya Jote arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking World Teacher's Day. Over 1,000 teachers and employees from all over the country participated in the convention.
Fakhrul came down hard on the prime minister for her comment that Khaleda Zia does not have time and there is no point in crying for her since she is close to 80 years old.
Read: AL won't be allowed to form govt through 'walkover' again: Fakhrul
“We would like to say, your (PM’s) time is up politically. You please quit with dignity. Otherwise, people will pull you out of power," he said.
Referring to the PM’s remark as to why the Western countries are bothered about Bangladesh’s election, Fakhrul said the US and European countries are talking about a credible election as they believe in democracy. “The Biden administration has clearly said they want to work with the countries where the democratic system is functional.”
“The prime minister in her press conference said she doesn’t understand why there are too much talks about the election when her government has been holding free, fair and good elections. Even, horses laugh hearing such remarks. It’s astonishing that a prime minister, no matter how she has been in power for 15 years, never thinks her comments will make people laugh,” he observed.
The BNP leader called upon people from all walks of life, including the teachers, to join their ongoing one-point demand that includes the resignation of the current regime and holding the next polls under a non-party neutral government.
Read: AL govt conspiring abroad to stay in power: Rizvi
He also said it won't be possible to remove the Awami League government from power by depending on the US sanctions and visa policy. “No one else will do it (oust the government). We have to do it. We have to do everything necessary to save the country from the grasp of the terrible monstrous regime. Inshallah m, we'll win.”
Fakhrul said Bangladesh is going through a political crisis as an undemocratic, fascist and looter regime has long been ruling the country unlawfully and unconstitutionally. “The situation has reached such a level that people no longer can tolerate this regime amid unusual hikes of prices of essentials and political and social disorder.”
He alleged that the government has destroyed the education sector and academic atmosphere in the educational institutions. “Teachers are being appointed based on bribe and political affiliation instead of considering their competence.”
The BNP leader alleged that VCs of the public universities are now indulging in corruption.
He said the government, which has no accountability to the people, has changed the state structure, destroying good governance and democracy.
Read more: BNP announces fresh programme with renewed focus on Dhaka
“People apply their power by casting their votes on a single day to elect their representatives. The government has also destroyed this scope by snatching the common people’s right to franchise,” Fakhrul said.
No effort to be spared in holding free, fair and peaceful election: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Saturday said the Election Commission (EC) will spare no efforts to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election with the participation of the people in a festive atmosphere.
The CEC was speaking at a meeting with the EC's field level officials at the city's Agargaon Election Bhaban this morning.
The meeting was held with 64 district and 10 regional election officials.
Read: EC will see whether election is legally correct: CEC
At the meeting, the Chief Election Commissioner wanted to know the experiences of the field level officials.
“I would like to know how successful the election preparations have been, whether there are any deficiencies,” he said.
"There was a view exchange meeting with the officials of 64 districts and 10 regional election offices regarding the national election. It was a preliminary meeting about the very basic matters like- instructions and queries regarding the voter list, polling station preparations, etc," said Ashok Kumar Debnath, additional secretary of the election commission.
Read: ‘Want to take up challenge of holding a credible election’: CEC
Ashok Kumar said that there was no discussion about the schedule announcement in the meeting, rather it addressed the relevant issues of different regions and the possible difficulties they might face during the polls.
“The field environment is still good and the EC officials mainly sought law enforcement agencies' cooperation,” he added.
Read: All parties never participate in elections: EC Alamgir
“We have training with DC, SPs. Necessary instructions will be given at that time,” the EC secretary informed.
Hasan Mahmud visits BCL leader who tried to kill himself after seeing father's photo at BNP rally
Awami League Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud on Friday visited Bangladesh Chhatra League leader Nirob Emon, who made headlines for trying to take his own life after seeing his father photographed at the BNP's Chattogram rally on Thursday.
The senior AL leader, also Information and Broadcasting Minister to the government, spent some time with Emon, 22, at Ward No. 13 of Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where he remains admitted.
During his visit, Hasan inquired about the treatment of the BCL leader from hospital authorities and also prayed for his quick recovery.
Read: Don’t need any lesson on how to hold free, fair elections: PM Hasina
He also handed over some financial assistance to the father for Emon's medical expenses and instructed the hospital authorities to take necessary measures.
Nirob is acting organising secretary of the Pomra Union unit of BCL. His father Mohammad Zahir, 45, is vice president of the local Juba Dal unit.
On Thursday, Md Zahir participated in the BNP road march in Chattogram city. Emon became very upset though, when he was shown a photo of his father at the BNP rally by some friends over Facebook Messenger.
Returning home, he got into an altercation with some family members, and at one stage took poison in an attempted suicide.
Emon was first admitted to Upazila Health Complex, but then he was sent to CMCH.
Dr. MA Sattar, head Of the Medicine Department of CMCH, said he would be kept under supervision for 48 hours. "Now he is improving and I hope that he can return home soon."