politics
BNP leader Ishraque comes under attack by BCL in city
BNP executive committee member Ishraque Hossain was attacked on Sunday allegedly by the activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League BCL) near Jagannath University (JnU) while distributing leaflets to drum up public support for the party’s December-10 rally.
Talking to UNB, Ishraque alleged that the BCL activists from Jagannath University carried out the attack at noon, leaving six-seven BNP leaders and activists.
The BNP leader said the BCL men first started throwing brick chips when he along with BNP leaders and activists were getting into his vehicle after completing the leaflet distribution programme.
Read more: BNP demands withdrawal of check post outside Khaleda’s house
“Later, they attacked us with rods and hockey sticks. They also vandalised my vehicle,” he said.
Ishraque, the son of late BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka, said four injured BNP activists were admitted to a hospital.
Contacted, JnU unit BCL president Ibrahim Farazi said they chased Ishraque and his followers as the BNP leader was making provocative remarks while distributing the leaflets
He claimed that some BCL activists were injured as the ‘cadres’ of Ishraque attacked them.
Read more: 75 sued over crude bomb blast in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office
Earlier on Nov 5, the motorcade of Ishraque came under attack by miscreants at Mahilara Bazar in Gouranadi upazila on his way to BNP’s divisional rally in Barishal.
A number of vehicles were vandalised while nine BNP activists were injured in the attack.
BNP demands withdrawal of check post outside Khaleda’s house
BNP on Sunday demanded the withdrawal of the check post set up by the police in front of party chairperson Khaleda Zia's house in the city’s Gulshan area.
“Police blocked the area by setting up a check post in the same style of keeping the sand-loaded trucks in front of our leader Khaleda Zia. This is another new level of oppression on her,” said party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also strongly condemned and protested such a bad attitude of the Awami League government.
Read more: 75 sued over crude bomb blast in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office
“I strongly demand the removal of the check posts and barricade immediately from in front of the house of Begum Khaleda Zia," the BNP leader said.
Earlier on Saturday night, Police put up a check post near BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s home at Gulshan in Dhaka.
Police authorities, however, said the check post was part of a special drive to arrest drug peddlers, militants, and criminals in the city.
Khaleda, a three-time former prime minister, has been staying at her Gulshan residence, Firoza, since she was freed on March 25, 2020, through an executive order by the government suspending her sentences in two graft cases.
Read more: No to Suhrawardy Udyan, but BNP will consider other rally venue suggestions from govt: Fakhrul
Fakhrul alleged that the government is constantly trying to kill a popular leader like Khaleda by keeping her imprisoned in ‘false’ cases and blocking all ways of treatment.
He also accused the government of violating human rights and keeping Khaleda under mental stress by blocking her residence and threatening to send her to jail.
75 sued over crude bomb blast in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office
A case has been filed against 75 leaders and activists of BNP and its associated bodies under the Explosive Substances Act over the crude bomb blast in front of the party’s Nayapaltan office.
Md Shamim Hossain, sub-inspector (SI) of Paltan Model police station, filed the case naming 15 BNP men, including Dhaka Metropolitan Jubo Dal (south) convener Golam Mawla Shahin, and 50-60 unnamed ones early Sunday.
Read more: Crude bomb blast in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office
According to the case, about 50-60 unidentified people suddenly started chanting various anti-government slogans with the intention of causing panic in public mind and damaging property in front of the party office in Nayapaltan on Saturday when the Paltan police were performing duty there.
Later, a crude bomb went off in the area.
Read more: 15 BNP men detained with crude bombs in C’nawabganj, say district police
Police detained three people from the spot while others managed to escape, said SI Shamim.
No to Suhrawardy Udyan, but BNP will consider other rally venue suggestions from govt: Fakhrul
Softening the party’s earlier position on holding its December 10 Dhaka rally at Nayapaltan, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said they will consider if the government offers them to hold the programme at any other suitable alternative venue to Suhrawardy Udyan.
Speaking at an impromptu press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, the BNP leader also accused the government of unnecessarily creating complications over a peaceful democratic programme.
“Our Dhaka rally will be the most successful and peaceful programme. We urge the government not to create any instability by trying to divert our programme to a different direction,” he said.
Replying to a question about where BNP’s rally will be held on December 10, Fakhrul said they have already said it will be held at Nayapaltan and urged the government to change its decision on Suhrawardy Udyan.
Fakhrul said their party standing committee member Mirza Abbas on Saturday called upon the government to come up with an alternative venue to Nayapaltan and Suhrawardy Udyan for holding the Dhaka rally. “Let it happen like that. If we get a proposal for any suitable alternative venue, then we will consider it. “
At that time, Mirza Abbas, the advisor to the party’s rally preparatory committee, said, “If they offer an acceptable alternative proposal, we’ll think of it. But it should not be Suhrawardy Udyan or on the Turag (river) bank,” he added.
Read: Successful divisional rallies show people turning around: Mirza Fakhrul
Responding to another question, Fakhrul said they will in no way hold the rally at Suhrawardy Uduan.
He also warned the government that it will be held responsible if any chaotic situation is created over the rally.
On November 29, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) permitted BNP to hold its rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on December 10 on 26 conditions. But the party turned down it saying it sought permission to hold the programme at Nayapaltan, not Suhrawardy Udyan.
As a political party, Fakhrul said they have the constitutional and democratic right to hold the rally anywhere in the country, but the government is trying to snatch that right by talking in advance about sabotage.
Read: BNP’s Rajshahi rally draws huge turnout
“I think everyone should play a role in creating a healthy atmosphere for keeping the existence of democracy in the country. The government has the most responsibility in this regard. I repeat again that our rally in Dhaka on December 10 will be completely peaceful," he said.
Fakhrul alleged that the government has established a reign of terror across the capital over the rally by issuing threats, filing cases and arresting and harassing the BNP leaders and activists.
He claimed that over 1,000 BNP leaders and activists have been arrested since November 30 in Dhaka division centring the rally. “Our leaders now can’t even stay at their homes due to the raids by police.”
The BNP leader urged the government to stop arresting BNP leaders and activists and release those who were arrested for creating a convenient and democratic environment.
Stating that their party has already held nine divisional rallies peacefully without any chaos despite various obstacles and provocations by the government and the ruling party, he said Dhaka’s programme will also be peaceful with the participation of lakhs of people.
"No one, but the government can only carry out subversive acts in Dhaka and it will be held responsible if anything bad happens here,” Fakhrul said.
He thanked the Inspector General of Police for his Saturday's remark that they have no information about any possible subversive acts centring BNP’s rally in Dhaka. “So, why are you filing cases (against BNP leaders and workers)?"
Fakhrul alleged that the government agencies are resorting to subversive acts like the explosion of crude bombs to destabilise the Nayapaltan area ahead of the rally.
On September 27, BNP announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities. The party will conclude the divisional programmes by holding its last rally in Dhaka on December 10.
Hasan Mahmud inspects Polo Ground ahead of hugely anticipated AL rally
Claiming that Awami League is the people's party, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Saturday said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always works to serve the people of the country.
The minister said this while briefing reporters after visiting the Polo Ground in Chattogram city, on the eve of the public rally to be organized by Awami League’s Chattogram city and Chattogram district north and south units on Sunday.
"Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina has taken Bangladesh to new heights in the last fourteen years," he said.
Replying to a question, he said, "Since we have come to power with the people's mandate, it is our duty to appear before the people. Where the country was before and where it has reached now, what we have done for the people, where we want to take the country - it is our responsibility as a people's party to present these before the people. Leader of the people, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will present these things to the people through the public rally on Sunday."
He said Chattogram's Polo Ground is a very big field. The father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina both held public meetings that witnessed huge gatherings at the venue, spilling over and forcing people to stand outside the field.
"As we can see the huge response, this time eight-ten times more people will have to stand outside the field," Hasan Mahmud added.
He then turned his attention to the BNP.
"Bangladesh is rapidly advancing to development. And BNP is the main patron of the anti-independence militant group. So the country cannot be handed over to the patron of terrorists. We will also present it in front of the people," he said, letting some insight into AL's strategy ahead of the next elections.
The Information Minister said, the government has given BNP permission to hold the December 10 rally at Suhrawardy Udyan based on their application.
“But, instead of Suhrawardy Udyan, they want to hold the rally at Nayapaltan, to create anarchy and destabilize the country,” he added.
Hasan Mahmud said that the government will not allow the “BNP-Jamat nexus to create any situation to destabilize the country.”
Chittagong South District Awami League President Moslem Uddin Ahmad MP, General Secretary Mofizur Rahman, Metropolitan Awami League Acting President Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, General Secretary AJM Nashir Uddin, North District President MA Salam, General Secretary Sheikh Ataur Rahman, Chittagong Zilla Parishad Chairman Awami League leaders including ATM Peyarul Islam were also present on the occasion.
Crude bomb blast in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office
A crude bomb went off in front of the main opposition BNP’s central office in the capital’s Nayapaltan on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred around 6:10 pm, Paltan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Salahuddin Mia told UNB.
Read more: AL having nightmares of losing power: Fakhrul
Some five to six people have been detained from the spot over the incident for questioning.
Additional police force has been deployed in the area to avoid any untoward situation, he said.
'Smart Bangladesh': Quader reveals AL's slogan for next election
Ruling Awami League's slogan ahead of the next election will reflect the country's development journey under it and portend the next stage in its evolution, according to the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
"We have accomplished the aim of Digital Bangladesh. We have four-lane highway, six-lane highway, metro rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Ruppur Nuclear power plant and Bangabandhu satellite. Now, our next aim is to accomplish 'Smart Bangladesh'. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has defined the slogan for Chhatra League and during its reign, it will be the main slogan of the next national election," Quader said.
He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the Dhaka University Chhatra League's annual council in front of the Oporajeyo Bangla monument today.
"All committees of Bangladesh Chhatra League including central Unit, Dhaka city north unit, Dhaka city south unit and Dhaka University unit will be declared together after the annual council of BCL which will be held on December 6," he said while speaking about BCL council.
Read more: Just wearing a Mujib coat doesn’t make one a true AL activist: Quader
"We have rescheduled the BCL annual council on December 6 to make a distance between BCL and BNP. BCL will not do anything to them," he added.
Regarding the BNP council on December 10, Obaidul Quader said, "We requested them to arrange their council at Suhrawardy Udyan but they do not like it. They like Paltan because they feel more safe there to create anarchy and to stock their bamboo and sticks."
“Suhrawardy Udyan is the place which is related to our independence and liberation but Fakhrul does not like it because it’s related to the liberation. Fakhrul addressed the Suhrawardy Udyan as a cage. Then why did Khaleda Zia attend programs at Suhrawardy Udyan during the previous Election?” he questioned.
He also said that Awami League does not fear Paltan but AL fears violence of BNP activists and leaders.
Read more: No transport strike during BNP’s Dhaka rally: Obaidul Quader
"If they try to break discipline and create anarchy we will not just see. We are ready to respond to them accordingly,” he added. "Whatever they do, the constitution will not be changed and caretaker government will not be allowed as it has been legally banned."
He also said that December is the month of victory and independence.
AL having nightmares of losing power: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that the government is having nightmares of losing power since it has no confidence in the country’s people.
'We want to hold a rally at Nayapaltan peacefully on December 10. But they (AL) have lost sleep in fear of losing their power. They themselves are saying that their thrones will be overturned,” he said.
Speaking at a massive rally, the BNP leader also BNP had many rallies at Nayapaltan, even in presence of party chairperson Khaleda Zia, earlier without any chaos.
“You (AL) know you’ve committed many misdeeds. You have no confidence in people. So, you are also sacred and having nightmares that Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman are coming (to power),” he observed.
Fakhrul said the government has been carrying out various occurrences and filing false and fictitious cases against the BNP leaders and activists.
“They’ve now started staging the drama of militants. They create militants for their own needs. They also set fire to buses and indulge in arson violence for their own interests. This is the Awami League.”
As part of the party’s divisional programme, BNP’s Rajshahi city unit arranged the rally on Rajshahi Madrasa ground in the city.
No polls without caretaker govt
Fakhrul categorically said the next national election must be held under a neutral caretaker government. “Otherwise, no election will be held in the country.”
Referring to Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader’s remark that the election will be arranged as per the constitution, the BNP leader said the ruling party has repeatedly amended the constitution to hang onto power.
Ctg Rally: PM Hasina to speak as chief guest on Sunday
Prime Minister and ruling Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will address a political rally in Chattogram on Sunday after a gap of ten years.
The port city looked festive on Saturday as the preparation for the rally was going on in full swing.
The Prime Minister is expected to deliver her speech from a 160-foot, boat-shaped stage. Chattogram City Unit Awami League has organised the rally at the Polo Ground, a major venue for a big gathering.
The second largest city is all set to welcome the AL chief amid festivity.
AL leaders said that arrival of Hasina has created excitement among the leaders and activists not only in Chattogram, but in the entire region.
Also read: BNP wants to hold rally in Nayapaltan with intention to create anarchy: Hasan Mahmud
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told reporters after visiting the rally venue on Saturday that it would be a huge rally.
General Secretary of Chattogram City Awami League and former city mayor AJM Nasir said Chattogram Awami League is fully ready to hold the public rally tomorrow when the party President will be present.
He said that Chattogram Awami League and the people are fully ready to welcome Hasina.
“The Chattogram city will turn into a human sea tomorrow,” he said.
He also mentioned that Chattogram AL would showcase its organisational strength from the rally and is prepared to face any evil forces.
Also read: Port City prepares for PM’s first AL rally in 10 years amid tight security
Talking about the development work under Hasina, he hoped that Chattogram will be turned into a world class developed city when all the development works are completed,
Leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associates bodies are in the final stage of preparation.
Colourful arches and gates have been constructed on various roads of the town with the posters and banners of the Prime Minister.
Leaders have hung billboards, banners, balloons, festoons and posters welcoming the Prime Minister and the party chief in city’s Jamal Khan, Kazir Dewri, Lalkhan Bazar, Tiger Pass, Dewan Hat, Kadamtali, New Market, Anderkilla and other areas.
Hasina plans to visit different districts in stages before the 12th national election. As part of this, the first public meeting was held at Jashore Stadium .
Through the public rally in Jashore, election campaign of the ruling party began.
On December 7, she will address as chief guest at another party rally at the Sheikh Kamal Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar.
In these public meetings, the party president gives new messages to the people as well as her party leaders and activists.
Hasina will arrive in Chattogram on Sunday morning on a day-long visit to attend several programmes.
During the visit, Hasina will attend the President Parade-2022 at Bangladesh Military Academy in Bhatiary. She will also take salute at the passing out parade at the BMA.
The government has taken massive development scheme for Chattogram which is now under implementation.
The projects include Bangabandhu Industrial park at Mirersarai, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel beneath the Karnaphuli river, China Economic Zone, Korean EPZ, four projects in Maheshkhali —- Economic Zone, LNG Terminal, coal-based power plant and deep sea port, rail track from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar, up gradation of Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar road into four lane, flyover on Lalkhan to airport road, bay terminal at Chattogram port.
Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has carried out beautification works on different roads ahead of the rally, including cleaning and painting footpaths, decorating flyovers with colourful lights and repairing dilapidated roads in different areas.
END/UNB/FF/JA
Locals complain of internet service disruption around BNP rally venue in Rajshahi
locals complained of internet service disruption at and around five km area of the BNP rally venue in Rajshahi city since Saturday morning.
Local people said that internet service in Pathanpara, Sipaipara, Laxmipur, Fire Service intersection, Bornali and Nagarbhaban areas of the city has been disrupted since 9:30 am today.
Sajal, a local internet service provider worker, said internet services were suspended from the main server.
BNP central leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu said, “The government is hindering our activities and suspension of internet services is one of them.”
Read: Locals complain of slow mobile internet amid BNP rally
BNP's divisional rally in Rajshahi began on Saturday morning, with the presence of thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies.
The rally began around 9:30 am at the city’s Haji Mohammad Mohsin School Ground.