Awami League
Leaders, activists have started gathering at Baitul Mukarram South Gate for AL’s Peace Rally
Leaders, activists, and followers of the ruling party Awami league have started gathering at the South Gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque for the party’s “peace and development" rally.
Awami League has organised the rally on the same day BNP is holding its protest rally in Nayapaltan.
Stage set for Awami League's programme in Dhaka today
Visiting the rally area from, the UNB correspondent found hundreds of supporters and activists of the party around the stage, while singers were performing on stage on the occasion.
AL leaders are set to reach the venue after lunch. District-level leaders, activists and followers arrived in Dhaka last night.
Vote for Awami League in upcoming election to continue progress: PM Hasina
Party leaders informed that the “peace rally” will be one of the biggest gatherings in the country with huge participation.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader will deliver his speech as the chief guest while Dhaka north and south city units of Awami League are organising the programme jointly.
Awami League has lost the country and also foreigners: Amir Khasru
People from all walks of life will stand against lies, rumors, terrorism and anti-state conspiracy by joining Awami League's peace and development rally, the party hopes.
On the instructions of Jahangir Kabir Nanak, presidium member and leader of Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League, the party leaders marched in every ward of Dhaka city on October 26 and October 27 before the BNP program.
AL, BNP get conditional permission for rallies
Ruling Awami League and main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been given permission by police to hold their rallies in the capital’s Baitul Mukarram’s South Gate and Nayapaltan respectively on 20 conditions on Saturday (October 28, 2023).
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters issued separate letters to these parties in this regard tonight.
According to the letters, the Awami League got permission at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque while the BNP in front of their party office at Nayapaltan.
Read: Panic grips capital city as AL and BNP flex muscles ahead of Saturday’s rallies
The conditions state that DMP would only allow people to gather at the venues after 12:00pm, the rallies cannot go outside the allocated spaces, parties have to conclude the rallies within allotted time, no provocative or anti-state speeches should be given from the rallies, activists won't be allowed to carry sticks or rods in the name of carrying banners or festoons, organisers would be responsible if any untoward incident happen or law-enforcement situation deteriorated.
Earlier, AL and BNP submitted applications to the DMP for the permission of the rallies on October 20 and 21, respectively.
Hasina highlights AL’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh during discussion with European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh Awami League’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections during a discussion with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.
She also spoke about establishing an independent Election Commission, photo ID/biometric information-based voter list, and transparent ballot boxes.
The issues were discussed when the European Commissioner for International Partnerships called on the prime minister at her hotel suite in Brussels.
Also read: PM Hasina asks EU to extend GSP+ facilities for 6yrs to graduating LDCs like Bangladesh
Urpilainen hoped that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair environment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The European Commissioner lauded the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership and expressed EU’s commitment to further deepen this relationship.
Urpilainen also underscored potential areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development and decent work.
Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in green transition, education and skill development.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, among others, were present at the discussion.
Also read: Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
In a separate meeting, PM Hasina sought support of the international community, including the European Union (EU), for an “early, safe and sustainable” repatriation of the forcibly-displaced Rohingyas.
The prime minister said the repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar, is required for the sake of “peace and stability” in the region.
The issue was discussed when European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic met Prime Minister Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels on October 25.
The PM thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s disaster management, particularly in earthquake preparedness.
During the meeting, the European Commissioner lauded Bangladesh’s outstanding socio-economic development under the leadership of Hasina.
Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
He also lauded Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, including an early-warning system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
He commended Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the Rohingyas and announced an additional Euro 10.5 million assistance for the Rohingyas.
Efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines
On the other hand, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation.
PM Hasina held a meeting with the European Investment Bank (EIB) president recently at her hotel suite in Brussels.
She referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh.
She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.
Bangladesh's dependence on India, China could increase if western pressure continues: Int'l Crisis Group
Bangladesh's dependence on India and China will increase if the United States and potentially other Western countries go for further pressure and sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials, the International Crisis Group has said.
"It could also cause the government to increase its dependence on India and China, as the US (and potentially other Western countries) will probably respond with sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials," according to the October 2023-March 2024 edition of "On the Horizon" report of the Crisis Group.
The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies aiming for a more peaceful world.
BNP has declared October 28 for a movement to topple the government and the ruling party Awami League says BNP's downfall will start on that day.
Read: Free, fair, peaceful elections incredibly important: Afreen Akhter
So far, a peaceful atmosphere prevails in the country.
A disputed election could trigger fierce anti-government protests, according to the International Crisis Group.
Election-related activities, such as campaigning and voting, could become flashpoints for violent attacks; spillover could also increase from restive states in India’s northeast, it said.
Read: Bangladeshis will decide how election will be held in the country: India
What to watch for in the coming weeks and months as mentioned by the Crisis Group
1. A high-stakes and potentially violent election in January 2024.
2. The ruling Awami League is expected to ignore calls for it to step down and hand power to a caretaker government that would oversee the election.
3. Rival supporters could clash in street battles or attack party offices or candidates.
4. Islamist groups could become more active in opposing the government.
5. Facing the prospect of a disputed poll, the opposition will probably boycott the election and could become radicalised, adopting more violent tactics.
6. Lack of hope, insecurity and poverty threaten to create a vicious cycle in which desperate Rohingyas – particularly young men – could join criminal gangs and armed groups, further fuelling the violence.
Read more: Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
BCL dissolves its CU unit committee
Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, has dissolved its Chittagong University (CU) unit committee.A press release signed by BCL president Saddam Hussain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan was issued in this regard on Sunday.
Also read: JCD condemns police 'assault' on BCL leadersThe decision was taken at an emergency meeting of BCL, it said.
Also read: BCL rally disrupts life on DU campus
AL launches district and city level training for trainers and field-level campaigners in Mymensingh
The training programme for district and metropolitan city level trainers and field-level campaigners of Bangladesh Awami League was launched on Tuesday in Mymensingh, following the special initiative of the party to disseminate the message of the government’s development programmes and future plans to every voter’s doorstep ahead of the next national election.
A press conference was held at 11 am at Mymensingh city’s Green Point Community Center. After that, a formal inauguration and campaigner training workshop was held at Advocate Tarek Memorial Auditorium at 12 pm.
Awami League announces 12-day programme from September 23
Kabir Bin Anwar, Chief Coordinator of AL’s National Election Administration Committee, inaugurated the program. Mymensingh city unit Awami League President and city Mayor Md. Ikramul Haque and General Secretary Mohit Ur Rahman Shanto; Mymensingh district Awami League President Ehteshamul Alam and General Secretary Advocate Moazzem Hossain Babul were present at the programme.
AL govt won’t be ousted through movement: Razzaque to BNP
The training programme was conducted by focal point of “offline campaign”, Sufi Faruq Ibne Abubakar, and assistant focal point Syed Imam Baker.
Awami League had undertaken a special initiative to disseminate the message of the government’s development programmes and future plans to every voter’s doorstep ahead of the next national election. As part of this initiative, Awami League will form a “master trainer” group with university teachers who will go to each upazila and provide training at the upazila-level.
AL launches special program to disseminate message of dev and future plans door to door ahead of nat’l election
No country spoke of humanity after Bangabandhu was killed along with his family: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday blasted countries around the world for not speaking up after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the members of his family on August 15, 1975.
"When the conspirators killed Bangabandhu and other members of his family on August 15, 1975, no country in the world spoke of humanity. They didn't even send condolence messages about their deaths. Nowadays, many countries around the world keep singing the song of humanity. But they were silent when Bangabandhu and his family were killed," he said.
Read : Metro Rail and Padma Bridge prove AL believes in deeds, not words: Quader
Momen was addressing a discussion and Doa mahfil organised by the Bangabandhu Foundation on the occasion of National Mourning Day at Tejgaon College Auditorium in the capital on Thursday afternoon.
Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury was present as the chief guest.
Referring to the infamous Indemnity Act, the foreign minister said, "There was a black law that prohibited the trial of Bangabandhu's murderers. Nowhere in the history of the world that I am aware of has there been such a "black law" that prevents the prosecution of murderers."
"Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, freed the country from the stigma by bringing the killers of her father and family members to justice after coming to power following 21 years of struggle," the minister said.
Read : Will fight back if our movement is obstructed: Gayeshwar
Referring to the assassination of four national leaders inside Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975, Momen said the aim of the killers was to completely root out those who believed in the spirit of freedom.
Drawing attention to a troubled period during the BNP-Jamaat government from 2001 to 2006, Momen detailed the rise of militancy and terrorism across the country around that time.
"With the support of the government, notorious terrorists like Siddiqul Islam, alias Bangla Bhai, emerged. Sixty-three of the 64 districts of Bangladesh were bombed simultaneously. People were killed by bombing in courts during trials," he said.
A foreign diplomat went to a shrine in Sylhet and was targeted in a grenade attack that killed three people, including police. More than 50 people, including the ambassador, were injured."
Momen cautioned that national and worldwide conspiracies similar to the one that occurred on August 15, 1975, were still being planned.
Read : Attack by post-deprived Jubo-Swechasebak Dal activists leaves 12 hurt in N’ganj
Referring to the August 21 grenade attack against Sheikh Hasina, the foreign minister expressed his determination not to return to a time of fear and insecurity when citizens were afraid to leave their homes or send their children to school and college.
He urged support for Hasina's government, emphasising the collective responsibility to secure a better future for Bangladesh.
Executive President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, Advocate Dr Mashiur Malek, Principal of Tejgaon College, and Vice President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, Dr Harun-or-Rashid, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Metro Rail and Padma Bridge prove AL believes in deeds, not words: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday said the Awami League government has already proved that it believes in deeds and not words by implementing metro rail and Padma bridge.
“Due to the government's development programmes for the country, AL's public support has increased more than before,” he said this while visiting the old trade fair ground on the eve of the inauguration of the Kaola- Farmgate section of Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
Read : BNP tries to shift blame of enforced disappearances, killings to government: Quader
PM Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the expressway on Saturday. It will then be opened to commuters on Sunday, according to project officials.
“AL government has proved through development activities that it keeps its words,” added Quader, also the General Secretary of the ruling party.
Read : BNP’s 45th founding anniversary Friday
"Far from toppling the government, the BNP is worried about its own existential crisis," the AL leader said.
“Awami League is on alert to protect the lives and property of the people against terrorism or violence in the name of movement,” he said.
Read : Conspirators getting ready before next election: Obaidul Quader
BNP leaders and workers do not have faith in the party’s programmes. It is not possible to wage a movement with black flags, added Quader. "It becomes a mourining procession."
Some big global powers want in Bangladesh a govt loyal to them: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (August 30, 2023) said some major powers of the world want to establish a loyal government in Bangladesh because of importance in its geographical location.
“Actually, due to the geographical location of Bangladesh, some big countries want that there will be a government here (in Bangladesh)which will just lick their feet,” she said.
The premier said this while addressing a discussion on the occasion of National Mourning Day.
Read more: PM Hasina’s participation at G20 Summit to add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties: Momen
Dhaka City Awami League North and South units organised the discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
She alleged that big countries always have their big brotherly attitude.
“If they become friends of anyone then there is no need for any enemy,” she said without mentioning any country’s name.
In this connection she said that Ukraine has been their friend.
“What is the condition of Ukraine today. Women and children there are facing untold miseries. Their country has been demolished for this kind of friendship. That is the reality,” she said.
Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, came down on these countries for their unnecessary nose poking in the country’s election.
“There are some countries which are searching democracy all the time,” she said.
In this regard, she said that Awami League always struggled for establishing democracy and voting rights of the people in the country.
Read: Some foreign powers are taking interest in Bangladesh's election to hinder progress: PM Hasina
“Leaders and activists of this party gave their blood to establish democracy. And now, we have to listen from some countries which are searching for democracy and rights for casting votes,” she said.
The PM said that people of the country laid their lives and gave blood to attain independence under the leadership of father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“This sacrifice and blood must not go in vain, we will not allow that,” she said.
Talking about BNP’s demand for democracy, sheikh Hasina said she gets surprised when she hears them talking about the democracy.
She said BNP was born through killings, coup and conspiracy, established by the illegal power grabber and its journey began through snatching away people's right for voting and the vote rigging. "So the word democracy does not go with them,” she said.
She also alleged that BNP has some masters who "are saying that democracy has to be established in Bangladesh".
She questioned where were they while Ziaur Rahman ( BNP founder) killed the father of the nation, imposed martial law and grabbed the state power. And when HM Ershad grabbed the power by proclaiming martial law.
Read: Foreign powers can be friends but can’t bring election win: Quader
“At that time we struggled and fought to establish democracy, but did not saw them,” she said.
South and North City Corporation Mayors Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Atiqul Islam, addressed the function.Dhaka North City Awami League President AKM Bazlur Rahman presided over the discussion while Dhaka South City AL President Abu Ahammed Monnafi spoke at the discussion while its General Secretary Humayun Kabir conducted it.
Dhaka North City AL Vice Presidents, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Sadek Khan,MP, and Abdul Kader Khan, Joint General Secretary Motiur Rahman Moti, Organising Secretaries AKM Mazhar Anam and Md Azizul Haque Rana, Family Affairs Secretary Meherunnesa Mery and Dhaka South City Awami League Vice Presidents, Dr Dilip Kumar Roy, Mizbaur Rahman Bhuiyan Ratan and Sajeda Begum, Joint General Secretary Qazi Morshed Kamal, Organising Secretaries Akhter Hossain and Golam Sarwar Kabir, among others, also spoke at the discussion.
At the outset of the meeting, one minute silence was observed to show respect to the martyrs of the August 15, 1975 carnage and August 21,2004 grenade attack.
Read more: No concern among US businessmen about upcoming elections: Salman F Rahman
BNP initiated politics of murder and conspiracy in Bangladesh, resist them: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday (August 08, 2023) said that the “evil force” called BNP must be resisted to keep the values of Liberation War and democracy safe in Bangladesh.
Quader made the remark after paying tribute to Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib on her 94th birth anniversary at Dhaka’s Banani graveyard this morning.
Read: AL delegation to leave Dhaka for New Delhi on Sunday
The road, transport and bridges minister said, “Politics of murder and conspiracy started in the country since the brutal assassinations of Bangabandhu on August 15 and four national leaders on November 3 in 1975. The grenade attack on August 21, 2004, primarily targeting Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina, was a continuation of that.”
“Twenty-three lives were lost, including Ivy Rahman, in that grenade attack. BNP was behind this history of bloodbath. This party initiated the politics of murder and conspiracy in Bangladesh,” Quader added.
Read: AL can achieve the impossible if it stays united: Information Minister
Obaidul Quader also said Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib is one of the most remarkable women in Bangladesh’s history. “From Sheikh Mujib to Bangabandhu, from Bangabandhu to the Father of the Nation – Begum Mujib was not only Bangabandhu’s wife, she was also a dedicated partner in all the struggles,” he said.