BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the incumbent ‘cowardly’ government wants to kill Khaleda Zia without allowing her to receive treatment abroad. “The people of the country have burst into anger as the current unelected and anti-mass regime wants to kill her without giving her any scope for treatment,” he said. Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said the government is resorting to deception and giving wrong interpretation of laws to mislead people in a bid to kill Khaleda without treatment. “They’re scared and cowards. They know that if Khaleda Zia recovers and returns among the people their throne will collapse,” he observed. Also read: Law Ministry's announcement closes chapter on Khaleda going abroad for treatment:  Home Minister Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan Central Office, demanding the release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia from ‘unjust’ captivity, resignation of the current regime and holding the next election under a non-party neutral government. Fakhrul said the government is showing various laws regarding Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad though Awami League President Sheik Hasina went to the USA from jail for the treatment of her ear problem during the 1/11 political changeover. “So, why are you saying these things now when Begum Khaleda Zia is on the crossroad of life and death,” he said. The BNP leader said the government is unwilling to allow Khaleda to receive treatment abroad out of political vengeance. Also read: Comments of ministers, MPs on Khaleda’s treatment cruel: Ganatantra Mancha “They don't want Begum Zia to recover and they don’t want to allow her to do politics. The main goal of the Awami League is that there will be no opposition party in this country. Only they will run the government in this country. Their statements give an impression that they are the only owners of this country and we all are their subjects,” he said. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since August 9 as she has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems. On Sunday, Law Minister Anisul Huq rejected an application seeking permission to send 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. Also read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud On September 18, the government once again extended the suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail term by another six months. Fakhrul slammed the ruling party leaders for what he said making unguarded comments against US Ambassador Peter Haas ignoring the diplomatic norms as they are angry with him. Even, he said the television channels subservient to the government are spreading lies involving the US ambassador. “They (govt) are so irresponsible that they have created a problem with the country where we export the most goods and RMG products.” About the significant decrease in remittance flow in the last month, the BNP leader said the Bangladeshi expatriates living in different countries are sending less money to Bangladesh as they lost confidence in its economy. Fakhrul once again urged the government to quit with dignity and dissolve parliament to hold the next election under a non-party neutral administration, paving the way for a credible election in the country. Otherwise, he said the people of the country know how to eliminate the dictatorship and fascism. “We don’t have any other alternative to ousting this regime.” The BNP leader also urged the government to wake up and put up a strong resistance against the current government. He alleged that the farmers are not getting the fair price of their produce due to corruption and plundering by the government. Fakhrul alleged that ruling party leaders are amassing huge wealth and siphoning off money abroad by indulging in plundering in the name of mega projects.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday said that there is no scope of changing the decision about sending BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment after the law ministry's opinion. “As there are legal complications in this regard, I sent the letter to the law ministry to know their opinion…Law Ministry informed us that it is not possible. I don't think there's anything else we can do now,” he said. Home minister said this while replying to questions from journalists at the secretariat on Monday. Earlier on Sunday, the Law Ministry opined that Khaleda Zia cannot be sent abroad for treatment. Read: Comments of ministers, MPs on Khaleda’s treatment cruel: Ganatantra Mancha “Our legislative and judiciary departments are completely independent. We don’t have any authority there. I just informed you about the opinion given by the law ministry in response to their petition,” he said. Responding to a question about the allegation that some Awami League leaders including Haji Selim have taken this facility (treatment abroad), the minister said that Haji Selim is not convicted. His trial is going on. While asked about BNP’s comment that they won’t take permission from the police to hold next programs, Asaduzzaman Khan said, “They carry out many things that are not legal and create public sufferings. You people have already witnessed that. Krishak Dal held a rally in front of Abudharr Ghifari College blocking all roads without taking permission from the police.” Read: Law Ministry rejects application on Khaleda’s treatment abroad “Our advice will be that everyone obey the law. If we do not follow the law, it will cause public suffering. And if public suffering increases, our law enforcement team will do what they should do,” he said. Mentioning that people have not forgotten violence carried out by BNP in 2014 yet, the minister said that if they want to do it again, the people of the country will do what they should. Read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud Asked if he had received any list of those included in the US visa policy, the minister said, "We have not received such a list. The ones that are being heard seem to be all exaggerated, not facts.”

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said that human rights stand weaponised by some countries in today's world, to be used against those they oppose. It is needed to stop doing business and using human rights as arms in home and abroad, he said. The minister said this while addressing a human chain organised by ‘Mayer Kanna’, a platform of family members of victims of enforced disappearance during Gen Ziaur Rahman’s regime, in front of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Monday. “Human rights are today weaponised by some developing and advanced countries. Human rights are now used as arms to oppress people,” he said. Hasan Mahmud, also joint general secretary of Awami League (AL), said those who dislike continuation of advancement under leadership of Premier Sheikh Hasina, first bring human rights under several guises and then talk about a fair election. Clarifying the government’s stance about the upcoming national election, the AL leader said, “An internationally recognized election in participation with people will be held in a smooth, fair and neutral manner in our country.” Read: US being profoundly vocal on human rights should hand over Bangabandhu’s self-confessed killer: Shahriar Alam The government will cooperate with the election commission by all means, he assured.Pointing to democratic backsliding in the US itself, he reminded that Donald Trump is yet to accept his defeat. But most of the defeated candidates in Bangladesh concede, the I & B minister asserted. “Please don’t come to teach us democracy, nobody is subjected to killing through attacking our parliament bhaban and cordoning it off,” the ruling party’s senior minister said, adding that democracy is absent in most of the countries who want to teach them (Bangladesh) democracy. “Please don’t come to teach us democracy to those who topple elected governments in countries in the name of human rights and democracy,” he said. Regarding treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Zia abroad, the information minister alleged that BNP is using Khaleda Zia as a guinea pig for political interest. He said BNP has been saying for a few days that their chairperson’s rights are being violated and her life is in danger and will die if she is not taken abroad. But she has recovered and gone home every time. Read: EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda The AL leader said the government has sincerely been working to ensure best treatment of the former prime minister and taking Khaleda Zia abroad is a court’s jurisdiction. Don’t politicise Khaleda Zia’s abroad treatment as she won’t go abroad without order from the court, he said. Hasan Mahmud warned that any attempts to create anarchy like 2013, 2014 and 2015 in the country will be resisted strictly. Chaired by Mayer Kanna’ president Karmruzzaman, AL’s Organizing Secretary Sujit Roy Nandy, former Statement Minister Tarana Halim and relatives of the victims spoke at the human chain. Read more: Uzra Zeya’s visit: Rohingyas, labour and human rights, election on agenda

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.    

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.