politics
AL govt’s only success has been in money laundering: Moyeen Khan
BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Thursday said that the Awami League government has only two success stories: the oppression of the opposition parties and laundering the poor people’s money abroad.
“It has failed in every other sector,” he said while visiting the family of Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, jailed BNP's joint secretary general, at his Circuit House Road residence.
Dr Moyeen said since October 28, about eighteen leaders and activists of BNP have been killed and many more were made to disappear.
The senior BNP leader wondered how could the government file more than 400 cases against Habib Un Nabi.
“Those who challenge the government’s illegal activities and criticise them are often accused in false cases and subjected to imprisonment and inhuman torture”, alleged Moyeen.
He repeated the allegation that the government arrested 26 thousand BNP leaders and activists after the authorities foiled the grand rally the opposition party held in Dhaka on October 28 last year to demand a neutral caretaker government to oversee the national polls.
He denounced the parliament formed after the January 7 national election.
“The current parliament has been formed through an one-sided dummy election. It doesn’t represent the country’s people,” he said.
AL government has destroyed all institutions of the state like judiciary, civil administration, police administration and even the Election Commission, Moyeen claimed.
“Without reconstructing these institutions, the rule of law and an environment to hold a free, fair and participatory election won’t be possible. In this environment of hooliganism BNP won’t participate in any election,” he declared.
Not only has the government destroyed political stability and democratic process, it also has ruined the country’s financial system, said Moyeen.
He alleged that the banking sector is suffering from liquidity crisis as billions of dollars have been laundered abroad.
“They have established begum para in Canada, Gulshan 3 in Dubai, second home in Malayasia by looting poor people money,” he said.
Bank managers are now saying sorry to customers after failing to pay them, he said.
He further said the government has started playing a new game in the name of merging weak banks with so-called stonger ones.
Dr Moyeen said the government has failed to resolve Rohingya issue as they could not succeed to send a single Rohingya back in Myanmar.
However, Rohimgyas could be sent home by the governments of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and late president Ziaur Rahman, he added.
Fakhrul asserts national unity as sole path to overcome ‘extreme fascism’
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, addressing a gathering in Thakurgaon on Wednesday, depicted a grim picture of life under what he termed an "extreme fascist regime" in Bangladesh.
He emphasized the urgent need for national unity to combat the government's “authoritarian” policies, dismissing the significance of individual or party prominence over the collective fight for rights.
80 per cent BNP leaders, activists faced torture: Fakhrul
Speaking at an event organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers' Forum, he criticized the government's deviation from constitutional principles, highlighting rampant corruption and the politicization of state institutions as key issues plaguing the nation. The entire state apparatus has been transformed into a “party tool,” the BNP leader said, adding that it has led to a widespread sense of helplessness among the populace.
Fakhrul pointed to the loss of judicial independence and the biased nature of law enforcement agencies, accusing the current administration of converting the state into a “one-party” dominion and rendering elections “a mockery.” He further alleged that opposition parties were sidelined from participating in what he called "sham election," orchestrated solely by the ruling Awami League.
Fakhrul urges people to continue fight for voting rights, democracy
Reflecting on the historical context, the BNP leader recalled periods of one-party rule under the Awami League and lamented the ongoing struggles faced by political opponents, including the incarceration of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and “over 30,000” party leaders and activists on various charges.
The discussion was attended by notable figures from the legal and political communities, including Mirza Faisal Amin, Advocate Abdul Halim, Advocate Joynal Abedin, Advocate Mohammad Fazle Alam, and Advocate Sarwar Hossain, among others.
1971’s dreams now elusive, says Mirza Fakhrul ahead on Independence Day
Boycotting Jan 7 polls left BNP leadership in a state of helplessness
Foreign Minister and Awami League joint general secretary, Hasan Mahmud, expressed his views on Wednesday regarding the repercussions faced by BNP leaders for boycotting the January 7 polls. He highlighted that the decision has left the BNP leadership in a state of helplessness, prompting them to make unusual statements.
Mahmud's comments were in response to inquiries about BNP leader Dr. Moyeen Khan's recent remarks. He pointed out that the BNP is now grappling with the consequences of their election boycott, a strategic error that has led to their current predicament.
Don’t want BUET to become a breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy: Quader
Discussing the upcoming upazila election, the Foreign Minister clarified that these will be conducted without party symbols, maintaining an open candidacy approach. Mahmud emphasized that this method is not unprecedented in Bangladesh's electoral history, noting that upazila elections have previously been held without party symbols, except for the last instance when they were conducted with them.
He assured that the elections would be free from undue interference, underscoring the Awami League's commitment to fair electoral practices by not issuing party nominations to candidates.
BNP, Jamaat have become friends of Israel: Hasan Mahmud
Addressing the state of legal affairs in the country, Hasan Mahmud stated that the rule of law prevails in Bangladesh, referencing Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus's bail status despite his conviction.
BNP won’t join upazila polls under current govt: Moyeen Khan
BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday said BNP never told that they won’t join election, rather they said they won’t participate in ‘staged, one-sided, farce and deceptive’ polls under the current regime.
“The forthcoming upazila polls will not be very different from the previous elections. So, there is no possibility of BNP to contest the upazila polls,” he said after visiting Jubo Dal central committee’s former vice-president SM Jahangir at his Uttara residence. SM Jahangir Uttara residence recently freed from jail.
‘Mega corruption in the name of mega development’: BNP leader Moyeen Khan
“Awami League’s decision not to allow party symbol in upazila polls has proved that AL itself acknowledges that the people of the country have rejected the ‘boat’ symbol. Because, AL drowned boat themselves fearing defeat in upazila polls”, he said.
Moyeen Khan, a BNP standing committee member, said,” We want a free, fair and participatory polls. BNP had formed government several times by winning polls with people mandate. We don’t believe in ruling people but doing politics to serve them.”
AL govt tramples opposition voice: Dr Moyeen
The government will decide whether they will give back people the right to vote or not, he said.
Replying to a question about the outcomes of BNP’s movement, Dr Moyeen said, “If there were no outcomes of BNP’s struggle, why 95 per cent people boycotted the January 7 dummy election?”
AL is doing politics to stay in ower while BNP to serve people. BNP never thinks of grabbing power following illegal way which AL did, he added.
BNP believes in peaceful and structural politics, said Dr Moyeen further adding that they requested people of the country not to cat vote on January 7 election and they did that by boycotting the farce, staged and one-sided dummy election.
AL establishes oligarchs denying mass people’s demand, alleges Moyeen
There is no second example across the world where one lakh cases were filed against 50 lakh accused for their political belief, he said. “We know few autocratic countries where the suppression of oppositions is not worse than Bangladesh,” he said.
Bangladesh is being pushed to subordination of another country: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has pushed Bangladesh to cultural, political and economic subordination of a neighouring country.
He said this while distributing Eid clothes among the poor on behalf of BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during an event organized by Zia Projanmo Dal (ZPD) at the party’s Nayapalton central office.
“They are trying to repress whatever is our own and derives from our soil,” the BNP leader said.
Rizvi said those who can afford usually host Iftar parties to feed close relatives, poor and the needy people. This has been long-established culture and religious practice in the country, he said.
He, however, alleged that this year some organisations are not being allowed to hold Iftar parties on the university campus or outside.
“They (govt) don’t like it. They are attacking the cultural values of the country’s majority people”, he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the prime minister is doing this to fulfill her masters will.
“We could not realise it primarily. But if we think deeply, we understand how they are intervening into the cultural and religious beliefs of the country’s majority people”.
In this regard Rizvi defended his call to boycott Indian goods.
“Why shall we buy their share or toothpaste as they are not respecting our people and our values,” he said adding, “They kill our people along the border on regular basis.”
“There are treaties and protocol on border killing, but BSF doesn’t bother it. They are frequently killing our people in the border,” he alleged.
Referring to India the BNP leader said “they claim they are a democratic country. But they don’t recognise Bangladesh’s sovereignty, independence and democratic process. Nor do they respect Bangladeshi people. They stand only beside one political party helping it retain power permanently. They certified them, and lobbied worldwide for them (AL), Rizvi said.
He questioned why would people use their products since they don’t respect their will and ignore the other political parties for the sake of one party.
No problem with student politics, concern is control of one student body: Gayeshwar
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday (April 01, 2024) said student politics on the university campuses is not the problem, the concern is over the control of a single student organision on the campuses.
“Buet authorities will take decision whether they will allow student politics on the campus or not. Because of that (Abrar Fahad killing) the Buet authorities had banned student politics on the campus, they will see whether such situation is still continuing or not and take decision accordingly,” he said.
He said these while talking to reports after visiting injured BNP Natore district unit’s join convener Dewan Shahin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Dewan Shahin recently got seriously injured in an attack allegedly by some Awami League men.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said the situation at Jahangirnagar University is worse where Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Manik had celebrated ‘rape century’. “It was stigma for the nation. But AL considers this shame as ornaments.”
Read more: Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates
They are behaving recklessly with the support of the administration, he alleged.
He said ruling Awami Legue (AL) is staying in power unleashing atrocities and by using muscle power against oppositions.
In the last 15 years Natore BNP leaders have been facing inhuman torture by AL men. “Despite oppression the leaders and activists did not leave BNP. The scenario of torture on BNP men across the Bangladesh is same to Natore,” he said.
Terming AL as an isolated political party, Gayeshwar said without terrorist activities they (AL) could not survive in politics.
Read more: BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campus
“In this situation we have to raise our voice and get ready to give reply to their brutality,”he said.
Responding to a question from reporters, the BNP leader said the government is waiting to hear the death news of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“I guess sweetmeat will be distributed at Gano Bhaban once they hear her death news.”
“We have nothing to expect from this government. But what they are doing with the BNP Chairperson will be considered as a planned murder,” he said.
Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future
AL, associate bodies looted people’s money in the name of development: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said the Awami League and their associate bodies embezzled people’s money in the name of development like quick rental, Padma Bridge, Metro Rail and flyovers.
“Not only AL and their associate bodies -Chhatra League, Jubo League, but also those who have supported AL shamelessly and helped it to suppress opposition are part of this looting, “he said.
He said these at an Eid gifts distribution programme organised by BangladeshJatiyayabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) at BNP’s Nayapalton central office.
AL govt tramples opposition voice: Dr Moyeen
He strongly criticised former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s role during BNP’s movement as he (Benazir) had tortured opposition leaders and activists brutally.
“Today the nation has come to know he (Benazir) has built a haven on earth which beats the story of Alif Laila,” he said.
How he has gained such a huge amount of wealth? Rizvi questioned.
Ziaur Rahman can't be erased from history of Bangladesh: Gayeshwar
Pointing at skyrocketing prices of commodities, he said purchasing of rice, pulse, oil, salt, fish, and meat has become difficult for common people.
Even people can’t arrange a drink to break their fast as lemon’s price has gone beyond their buying capacity, he said.
It is unbelievable that per kilogram date is being sold at Tk750 which is absolutely impossible for a day labourer or rickshaw puller to buy, Rizvi said.
JCI Bangladesh hosts CSR Conclave and Iftar 2024, sheds spotlight on community empowerment
Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan while emphasizing the crucial role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh successfully hosted its CSR Conclave and Iftar 2024 on Saturday at Le Méridien Dhaka.
The event brought together approximately 100 underprivileged school students, who were accompanied by leaders from corporate and development sectors, civil societies and esteemed celebrities.
JCI 2024 Vice President Kohei Oya and prominent members of the other JCI units joined the event among the distinguished guests. JCI Bangladesh National President Senator Imran Kadir presided over the event while around 600 members, including National Officers and Local Presidents of JCI Bangladesh, participated, underscoring the organization's widespread impact and reach.
Don’t want BUET to become a breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that the government is closely investigating the recent incident at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), involving activists from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
Quader also expressed concerns over the potential for BUET to become a “breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy” if student politics are banned outright. “That day there were no political activities on BUET campus. And if I’m involved in politics, I can’t be on BUET campus — what kind of law is this?” — Quader stated during a dialogue with Chattogram division Awami League leaders and activists.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, made the remarks regarding the ongoing student protests at BUET. The situation intensified on March 28 when BCL president Saddam Hussain and others entered the campus, leading to the revocation of hall allocation for Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi, a BCL central panel member, by BUET authorities.
This incident underscores the tension following the tragic death of Abrar Fahad in October 2019, which resulted in a ban on student politics at BUET by the authorities.
PM Hasina seeks more support from ADB for socioeconomic uplift
Furthermore, Quader reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring that the upcoming upazila parishad election is conducted freely and fairly. He urged party members to act responsibly and adhere to party discipline, cautioning against remarks that could jeopardize the party's integrity.
In light of BNP leaders calling for boycotting Indian products and “restoration of democracy”, Quader dismissed these statements as empty rhetoric. “BNP is speaking the same language that Ayub Khan spoke in the Pakistan era. Now their issue is against India, and they’re trying to instigate an Indiaphobia.”
Take effective steps to address human rights violations in the country: President tells NHRC
In response to BNP’s statement about the reserves, the minister said, “When BNP left power, Bangladesh's reserve was $3.5 billion. Now they are talking about reserves, when the reserve has exceeded $21 billion. This will increase further on the occasion of Eid.”
Some BUET students raise alarm over increasing Hizb ut-Tahrir presence and email campaigns on campus
A number of students from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) are sounding the alarm over what they called a “worrying increase” in activities by the outlawed extremist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir. They reported a series of email campaigns throughout March, targeting hundreds of BUET students with what they described as “hate content.”
During a press briefing on the BUET campus on Saturday, a group identifying themselves as “general students” presented evidence of the emails. The content “decry the government as an obstacle to the establishment of Islamic rule,” and urge students to join efforts to overhaul the educational curriculum.
“These contents have been emailed to accounts of hundreds of current students in several phases throughout March, yet the issue seems to have been overlooked,” one of the students told media.
They highlighted the efficiency with which Hizb ut-Tahrir activists have accessed a vast number of student email accounts, criticizing the university authorities’ apparent inaction. “It is alarming how Hizb ut-Tahrir activists got hold of such a large volume of email accounts, yet authorities remain reluctant to take any action,” they stated.
Accusations have also been made against the Hizb-ut Tahrir and Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, for attempts to exploit student protests against campus politics for their gain. They referred to an earlier incident where some BUET students attended a secretive Islami Chhatra Shibir gathering in Sunamganj’s remote haor area, questioning the protesters’ silence on such matters.
They further referred to intimidation tactics along with criticism to alumni-led commemorative and national day tributes on campus, calling it a “biased stance”.
Engr Tonmoy Ahmed, a former BUET student and coordinator, Awami League Web Team, who survived a brutal attack reportedly by Shibir activists during the war crimes trial, said, “Such extremist and radical groups have long been active on BUET campus, and online space has been used by fanatics for spreading militancy.”