politics
AL leader calls for PM’s return at Chuadanga rally
Member of the Bangladesh Awami League's sub-committee on industry and commerce Dilip Kumar Agarwala said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina needs to return to power for the development of the region.
He said this on Sunday while addressing a gathering convened to ‘pray for the PM's good health and longevity’, ‘to thwart the perceived threats posed by the Jamaat-BNP’ and ‘various domestic and foreign conspiracies aimed at disrupting the upcoming national elections.’
“This mass meeting today is a concerted effort to counter the disruptive endeavors of the BNP and Jamaat. We are committed to ensuring the triumph of the boat symbol in the forthcoming elections by resisting all conspiracies,” said Agarwala.
He said that during the liberation war, Chuadangal did not witness the desired development and expressed his conviction that Hasina should return to state power for the region's future prosperity.
Approximately 25,000 Awami League leaders and activists from 15 unions of Alamdanga Upazila, including the municipal area, participated in the rally. As a symbolic conclusion, Dilip Kumar Agarwala donated Tk 1 lakh to the family of Imran, a leader of the Swechhasebak League, who lost his life to terrorist violence.
Comments of ministers, MPs on Khaleda’s treatment cruel: Ganatantra Mancha
Ganatantra Mancha, a political platform of some opposition parties and organisations, on Monday termed cruel and brutal the remarks of ministers and ruling party MPs over ailing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition and treatment.
At a meeting of the central steering committee of Ganatantra Mancha, it also voiced concern as the BNP chief is not given scope to go abroad for advanced treatment.
‘BNP now an old car with a weak battery’: Hasan Mahmud
“Receiving treatment is her civic and human rights. There is no scope for political bargaining over Khaleda Zia's treatment,” the meeting observed.
The Ganatantra Mancha leaders warned that the government will have to bear full responsibility for any health risk of the BNP chief for snatching her human right to medical treatment.
The meeting was held at the central office of Bhashani Onusari Parishad with its convener Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu in the chair.
The meeting also decided that Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rab will serve as the next coordinator of the Ganatantra Mancha.
Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosanghati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, JSD general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan and Rastro Sangskar Andolon’s Organisational Coordinator Imran Eamon, among others, were present.
Earlier on Sunday, Law Minister Anisul Huq rejected an application seeking permission for sending BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment.
Law Ministry rejects application on Khaleda’s treatment abroad
The Law Ministry gave this opinion upon receiving an application sent by the Home Ministry in response to the request of the family of the former prime minister.
Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday (September 30, 2023) said there are legal complications regarding allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to be taken abroad for treatment.
On September 24, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued an ultimatum to the government to take necessary steps to send BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for better treatment within 48 hours, or be held responsible should anything happen to her.
On September 18, the government once again extended the suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail term by another six months.
The Security Services Division under the Home Ministry issued a notification in this regard.
Khaleda has to return to jail first before taking treatment abroad, PM Hasina tells VoA
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has long been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, as she has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.
PM mourns death of B’baraia AL leader Al Mamun
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Chairman of Brahmanbaria Zila Parishad and General Secretary of Awami League Brahmanbaria district unit freedom fighter Al Mamun Sarkar.
In a condolence message, the premier said the people of Brahmanbaria has lost a people-loving leader with the death of Al Mamun Sarkar.
Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, prayed for the salvation of his departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.
On Monday morning, Al Mamun died at the age of 67 at a residence in Brahmanbaria town. He had been suffering from various health-related complications for a long.
He had engaged in the politics of Chhatra League during his student life and then he joined the politics of Bangladesh Awami League.
He was also chairman of Brahmanbaria Red Crescent Society and former mayor of Brahmanbaria municipality.
BNP plotting to form 1/11-like government: Quader
Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said that BNP is hatching a deep conspiracy to form an "abnormal government", indicating the military-backed caretaker regime following 1/11.
"And their (BNP) sole purpose is to oust Sheikh Hasina, " Quader said, at a joint meeting of the president-general secretaries of affiliated organizations at the central office of Bangladesh Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue at 3:30 pm.
Read: ‘Want to take up challenge of holding a credible election’: CEC
He said the Awami League did not come to power by floating in the air or raising the barrel of a gun. If Awami League is an illegal party then why permission is sought to release or send Khaleda Zia abroad, Quader questioned. “As a political party, BNP should follow the limits.”
Regarding Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad, he said, if Khaleda Zia wants to go abroad, she should go according to the court's decision following the prevailing laws of the country.
The facilities accorded to a convicted convict are rare in the world in terms of humanity, Quader said.
Read: People won’t leave streets until govt steps down: Moyeen Khan
The senior AL leader called on the party leaders and activists to respond when their leader calls.
He said that the BNP is trying to stymie the government through terrorism but they have to be resisted on the streets.
Awami League general secretary also urged the Awami League leaders and workers to refrain from campaigning by festooning billboards or posters.
Read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud
‘Want to take up challenge of holding a credible election’: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Sunday said they want to take up the challenge of holding the next national election in a free and neutral manner despite the trust deficit prevailing among the public regarding elections.
“There is a perception in the public sphere. There is no trust in us and in the government. Elections are not held in an impartial manner (people think). We want to take up this challenge that the next election will be free and fair and peaceful as well as transparent,” he said.
The CEC was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day training workshop arranged for Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO) and Upazila/Thana Election Officers ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections.
Also read: CEC replies to EU letter seeking cooperation in organising elections
Some 50 UNOs and 50 election officers participated in the workshop at the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) in the city’s Agargaon area.
Habibul Awal said they would ensure transparency in the election through their monitoring and media surveillance.
He asked the participant officers to work so that there would be no trust crisis regarding the next election.
“Those of us who will conduct the election --starting from the election officer to you-- will have to take the responsibility properly as per the RPO,” he said.
Also read: Powers of presiding officers have been enhanced through law to ensure that elections are fair: CEC
Noting that the magnitude of complaints or controversy regarding the next election is excessive, he said, “The pressure (liability) of 2014 and 2018 (elections) has fallen on us. So, we are working tirelessly.”
The CEC asked the officers to perform their duty properly during the elections. “We, from the Election Commission, will also strictly monitor,” he said.
He asked them to keep in mind that there might be various arguments and debates about the election as in the past: “It happened in the past as well. If we look at the history of the 50, 60 and 70 years, it had happened in some cases of the elections held during the British era……But the magnitude was lower to some extent.”
Also read: Dialogue among political parties needed to resolve crisis: CEC tells US Ambassador
Habibul Awal said there is a word called ‘credible,’ which remains in the laws of all countries. The international community also suggests that elections must be credible. “It would be credible only when we can ensure transparency through our performance,” he said.
Talking about propaganda, the CEC said the EC will strictly curb media propaganda regarding the parliamentary elections.
He said now a lot of propagandas is propagated through the media, which is called misinformation or disinformation. “We will strictly resist these things so that the elections are not affected negatively,” he added.
People won’t leave streets until govt steps down: Moyeen Khan
BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday warned that people will not leave streets until the government steps down.
He said this while addressing a brief rally prior to a scheduled road march in Bagar Bazar area in Trishal of Mymensingh on Sunday morning.
“Today we have taken to the streets, take oath…we won’t leave the streets until our leader Begum Khaleda Zia is released and the government now in power without people’s mandate quits,” he said.
BNP leader's house 'vandalised' in Chattogram's Mirsharai
The BNP’s senior leader claimed that the people of the country expressed no-confidence in the government and they (govt) don’t have right to stay in power. “The sooner they quit power; the better it will be for the country.”
Another standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the movement will intensify in the coming days. “Because people want to live, the poor people of this country have no way to live anymore. People will not be able to survive amid such hike in prices of essentials. ”
‘PM lied about Khaleda Zia out of political vendetta’: Fakhrul
“ So you(people) have to topple the government and establish a caretaker government once you want to exercise your franchise, lead a better life and live with dignity.”
BNP arranged the road march demanding resignation of the government, dissolution of the parliament, elections under neutral government, formation of new election commission and release of Khaleda Zia.
No escape if next election is rigged: Amir Khasru
Earlier, the party held a similar road march in Sylhet on September 21, on September 23 in Barishal and on September 26 in Khulna .
Chaired by Mymensingh south district unit BNP President Dr Mahbubur Rahman Liton, party’s Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Treasure Rashiduzzaman Millat, Organizing Secretary Syed Emran Saleh Prince and Assistant Organizing Secretary Shariful Alam, among others spoke at the brief rally.
Downfall of govt is inevitable: Nazrul Islam Khan
Law Ministry rejects application on Khaleda’s treatment abroad
The Law Ministry has rejected an application seeking permission for sending BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment.
The Law Ministry gave this opinion upon receiving an application sent by the Home Ministry in response to the request of the family of the former prime minister, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq told reporters at the secretariat on Sunday.
Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday (September 30, 2023) said there are legal complications regarding allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to be taken abroad for treatment.
Also read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud
The home minister said that Khaleda Zia was convicted in several cases and she had been in jail. But following the appeal of her relatives, the prime minister suspended her sentence and arranged treatment at home. Arrangements have been made for her to receive the best treatment possible, he said at an event at the Institute of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) building in Dhaka.
He said that Khaleda Zia’s brother made an appeal to take her abroad, but there are some legal complications.
On September 24, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued an ultimatum to the government to take necessary steps to send BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for better treatment within 48 hours, or be held responsible should anything happen to her.
Also read: Khaleda Zia again moved to CCU from cabin at Evercare Hospital
On September 18, the government has once again extended the suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail term by another six months.
The Security Services Division under the Home Ministry issued a notification in this regard.
Khaleda Zia has to take treatment from her Dhaka residence and she will not be allowed to go abroad during this period, said the notification.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, was transferred to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) from a cabin on Friday afternoon.
Also read: Application must be submitted to Home Ministry to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad for better treatment: Law Minister
"Khaleda Zia was transferred to the CCU in the afternoon as per the recommendation of her medical board,” said her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain.
The 78-year-old former prime minister has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.
Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Saturday said the government is sincere enough about Khaleda Zia's health.
He came up with the remarks while replying to a question on BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu's statement that the government was trying to kill Khaleda Zia after inaugurating a newly launched cable-car (ropeway) at Sheikh Russel Aviary Park in Rangunia of Chattogram on Saturday evening.
Also read: Khaleda Zia's illness is part of BNP's politics: Hasan Mahmud
"Every time Khaleda Zia has gone to the hospital, BNP has said Khaleda Zia's life is in danger and it will be difficult to save her if she is not sent abroad. But every time, by the grace of Allah, she returned home after recovering from the treatment and service of Bangladeshi doctors. The government is still doing whatever is necessary to ensure that Begum Khaleda Zia gets the best treatment,” said Hasan.
Also read: BNP leaders reluctant about Khaleda’s release: Hasan Mahmud
Presided over by Chattogram South Forest Division Conservator of Forests Bipul Krishna Das, the function was addressed, among others, by Project Director and Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Gobinda Roy, DFO of Chattogram South Forest Division Abdullah Al Mamun and Rangunia Upazila Chairman Swajan Kumar Talukder.
Also read: Political motivation behind demand for sending Khaleda abroad: Hasan Mahmud
Bangladesh not safe in BNP's hands: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Saturday that Bangladesh is not safe in the hands of the BNP.
“Democracy, vote, security, liberation war, nothing is safe in the hands of the BNP. They don't want seventy-one’s Bangladesh. They want murder and terror. They want corruption and dictatorship,” Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said while addressing at the grand rally organized by Bangladesh Krishak League in the capital’s Gulistan.
Read: ‘PM lied about Khaleda Zia out of political vendetta’: Fakhrul
Quader said that BNP will not get an escape route if it holds any rally without permission. Criticizing the 48-hour ultimatum given by BNP, he said that BNP had said it would send Awami League to the graveyard. Now it's time for BNP politics to go to the graveyard, he added.
Criticizing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam, he said that if the government is illegal, then why did you appeal to the illegal government for Khaleda Zia’s release?
Read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud
The permission of the government must be taken; otherwise, action will be taken, he warned.
Warning BNP, the senior AL leader said that those who come to vandalise, will be thrashed.
He urged party men to get ready. Democracy is not safe in Bangladesh without Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is very peaceful because of Sheikh Hasina. An honest leader like her is rare in politics, Quader said.
Awami League general secretary urged the party leaders and activists to remain vigilant and asked to respond when our leader called. Bangladesh would plunge into darkness again if power goes to the hands of BNP.
Read: No way to return to caretaker government, PM Hasina in VoA interview
Awami League presidium member Matia Chowdhury, Agriculture Minister Dr. Abdur Razzaque, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nashim, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash also spoke in the grand rally.
BNP leader's house 'vandalised' in Chattogram's Mirsharai
Miscreants vandalised the house of a local BNP leader in Chattogram’s Mirsharai upazila on Friday night.
The victim leader is Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, convener of Mirsarai Upazila BNP unit.
A group of youths attacked Shahidul Islam’s house around 9 pm on Friday, Zahidul Islam Chowdhury, younger brother of the victim, alleged on Saturday.
The criminals also vandalised lights, CCTV cameras and furniture of the house during the attack, he claimed.
Upazila BNP convenor Shahidul Islam Chowdhury said that the attack was carried out by the ruling party men who were afraid of the ongoing movement of BNP.
“My house was attacked several times and set on fire before. So, we are not afraid of these”, he added.