Expressing serious concern over the loss of more than 200 lives to dengue, the BNP urged the government on Monday to take urgent measures to contain the outbreak of this Aedes mosquito-borne disease and protect people’s lives. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned that public disappointment could escalate and confidence in the government may diminish if it fails to effectively address the worsening dengue situation. “The advisers are discussing various measures to prevent dengue. But there are no visible efforts in place to protect lives from this disease, which is truly unfortunate,” he said. According to official statistics, the BNP leader stated that more than 200 people have already lost their lives to dengue, which is deeply disappointing. “We strongly urge the government to take immediate steps to contain the dengue prevalence and save people’s lives.” . BNP slams govt for failure to arrest AL cadres involved in student shootings Rizvi stated that the government needs to intensify efforts to eliminate mosquitoes, target dengue hotspots, and eradicate the larvae of Aedes mosquitoes. He also said the government needs to increase the availability of essential medicines and the number of hospital beds, especially in Dhaka’s hospitals, to prevent the loss of lives. The BNP leader said that the interim government should have taken proactive measures in advance to check dengue. He said dengue, a tropical disease, is preventable and it tends to outbreak during the rainy season. “So, the government should have implemented necessary preventive measures earlier to save lives. This is not the government of Sheikh Hasina. It’s a government supported by the people.” Rizvi emphasised that dengue could continue to spread until November, urging the government to prioritise this issue and take every possible step to halt the outbreak of the deadly disease. He said the BNP has undertaken coordinated efforts to raise awareness among the public as part of a strategy to address the dengue situation, following a directive from party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The BNP leader said their party leaders and workers will continue their efforts to save lives as long as dengue cases persist. He mentioned that they have established a hotline and a website to facilitate communication between those in need of blood and those willing to donate. 'As a political party, we are striving to support the people, but the government must implement effective measures at the macro level.”

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will visit Evercare Hospital in Dhaka this (Monday) evening for a health check-up. "Madam [Khaleda] will be taken to Evercare Hospital in the evening for health check-ups as per the advice of her medical board," BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB. He said Khaleda will undergo some necessary medical tests at the hospital. On July 8, Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital six days after she had been discharged from the same hospital with various ailments. A group of specialist doctors, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, successfully installed the pacemaker in Khaleda Zia’s chest on June 23. Khaleda has long been battling various ailments, including livercirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes and issues related to kidneys, lung, heart and eyes. Khaleda donates Tk 2 lakh for flood victims The BNP chief’s doctors have long been recommending sending her abroad since she was diagnosed with livercirrhosis in November 2021. On October 26 last year, three US specialist doctors completed the hepatic procedure known as the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS procedure) to stop water accretion in Khaleda Zia's stomach and chest, and bleeding in her liver. She was placed in Old Dhaka Central Jail on February 8, 2018, after a special court sentenced her to five years in prison in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. On October 30, 2018, the High Court raised her punishment to 10 years. Later, she was convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case. Khaleda returns home from hospital Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail after 776 days through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with conditions that she would stay in her Gulshan house and not leave the country. On August 6, Khaleda Zia was completely freed by an order of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The President passed the order under Article 49 of the Bangladesh Constitution, according to a gazette issued by the home ministry on August 6. Article 49 states that "The President shall have power to grant pardons, reprieves, and respites and to remit, suspend, or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal, or other authority."

Some senior BNP leaders visited Hosna Ara Hossain, the mother of senior journalist Suman Mahmud, at a hospital in the capital on Saturday. BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, and Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam went to Square Hospital around 5:30 PM. They spoke with the on-duty physicians to inquire about Suman’s mother's treatment and also expressed their sympathy to the family members present. Hosna Ara Hossain, the mother of Suman Mahmud, a special correspondent of bdnews24.com, has been undergoing treatment at the hospital for the past two weeks due to various age-related complications. She was moved to the CCU from a regular cabin earlier today. Previously, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who is currently in Australia, spoke with Suman over the phone to inquire about his mother’s health condition.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed grave concerns over the government's failure to arrest the ‘cadres’ of the Awami League and its associate bodies, who were involved in shooting students during protests against Sheikh Hasina’s regime. "Why have the Chhatra League and Jubo League cadres and activists, who shot at students, still not been arrested?" he questioned the interim government on Sunday. Talking to reporters at the BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, the BNP leader said it is incomprehensible why the government is unable to track down those responsible for the deaths of Abu Sayed, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho and many other innocent students. The BNP leader warned that if the culprits involved in the mass killings during the student-led uprising are not brought to justice, they may resort to even more destructive acts of sabotage. Rizvi, accompanied by MA Malek, the President of the UK chapter of the BNP, who returned home after a long time, visited Zia’s grave and placed a wreath there, paying homage to the BNP founder. They also offered Fathea and a munajat seeking the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. Rizvi noted that many influential Awami League leaders crossed into India after the mass uprising without facing any challenges or barriers at the border. Rizvi questions speed of Saber Hossain’s bail “India did not check their passports. They didn't even need visas. But the ordinary people of Bangladesh need passports and visas when they go to India,” he observed. The BNP leader recalled that BNP leader Salauddin Ahmed was illegally dropped by the RAB and Police on India territory after making him disappear for nearly two months. “He (Salahuddin) had to face the case there and had to go to jail.” He questioned whether India, as a close neighbour and a democratic nation, sees Bangladesh through a biased lens. “They ignore the people of Bangladesh and its independence and sovereignty, choosing instead to accept the world’s most repressive and murderous politician, Sheikh Hasina, as a guest.” Rizvi said the celebration of the Hindu Community’s largest religious festival Durga Puja ended smoothly in such a beautiful calm manner as the government was sincere and democratic parties, especially BNP, guarded the puja mandaps day and night. “But the Indian media was spreading false propaganda in various forms, though to no avail. Bangladesh has been an exceptionally peaceful country with a long history of communal harmony. It’s only Sheikh Hasina who has tarnished the nation’s image by repeatedly attacking temples through her agents,” he alleged. The BNP leader said Indian policymakers often echo the rhetoric of the Awami League, giving an impression that they do not need the friendship of the people of Bangladesh. “They rely on the friendship of Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader to maintain their dominance over Bangladesh. Now let the people of India see how the people of Bangladesh peace-loving democracy are. MA Malek, the President of the UK BNP and advisor to the party chairperson, returned home on Sunday after long 19 years.

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Sunday insisted that the student-led mass uprising has resulted in no significant changes other than a shift in government. “If all the cases against the Awami League could be withdrawn during the 1/11 (political changeover in 2007), then why are our cases not being lifted now?” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said the members of the interim government had previously acknowledged that false cases were filed against opposition leaders and activists and current Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus was humiliated with false allegations during the Awami League regime. “Then why are so many instances of torture and false cases against us not coming to your attention?” he asked, pointing at the government. Gayeshwar said that their party has been empathetic towards the false cases against Dr Yunus and has been vocal in condemning them. “But after you took over, our cases remain the same as before and we still have to go to court just like before. That’s why I said, while the government has changed, you and I are still the same…The government has changed, but you and I are unchanged, just as we were before,” he observed. The BNP leader stated that the fate of Bangladesh—and of all those who have sacrificed blood, endured repression, and become victims of enforced disappearance, as well as those who have lost children, fathers, mothers, and everything else over 16 long years in the struggle to restore people's rights—has not changed. “Only Sheikh Hasina is not there in power, but everything else continues just as it was before.” BNP’s Farroque demands white paper on those who fled country The Jatiyatabadi Prochar Dal organised a discussion meeting titled ‘Role of BNP in Disaster Mitigation’ at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. A documentary showcasing BNP's efforts in addressing natural disasters in Bangladesh was screened at the programme. Gayeshwar said the government still has not reconstituted the Election Commission, which is essential for conducting elections in accordance with the people's wishes. “How can we believe that you will arrange an election when the Election Commission has still not been formed?” He said the government has been forming commission after commission for the reforms of the state. “I think discussions with political parties (over reforms)… Just time killing, nothing more.” The BNP leader urged the government to arrange the election as soon as possible, emphasising that people are eager to exercise their right to vote and elect their representatives. He noted that discussions on state reform are gaining momentum, akin to the period following the 1/11 political changeover, as part of an agenda for depoliticisation. “After 16 years of countless sacrifices, the people now have only one demand: a fair election. They have no other demands. You (the interim govt) simply need to conduct a good election,” the BNP leader said. He said their party has already mentioned that the student-led mass uprising will be in vain if the interim government fails. “We want to see you succeed. We are providing you with our full support and will continue to do so. But please clearly clarify when you will conduct the elections. You must specify the timeframe”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said Awami League (AL) men should be tried under the ‘black laws’ they formulated over an extended period. “We do not want any injustice and oppression on anyone. Let them be tried under the black laws they had formulated over a long period,” he said. The Jamaat chief said this while addressing the member (Rukon) council of Jamaat’s Dhaka north city unit at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center in the city’s Sher-e Bangla Nagar area. He mentioned that the AL leaders used to claim that the law is equal for everyone and that the judiciary is independent. “Don’t they deserve the same rights and benefits under equal laws? They should receive what is rightfully theirs to ensure they are not deprived,” he said. On October 28, 2006, the humanity and democracy of Bangladesh, the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh were slaughtered in the rampage of Logi-Baitha (sticks-oars), said Dr Rahman. Bangladesh truly lost its way that day. In exchange for many sacrifices for 17 and half years, it got back its own way on August 5, 2024, he said. “All the killers from October 28, 2006 to August 5, 2024 will have to be tried,” said the Jamaat Ameer, adding that the killers of the recent mass movement will have to be tried on priority basis. Citing that no one wants to utter the name of Awami League anymore now, he said, “Now nobody dares to mention their names. Even their party men do not want to utter the name of their party. Why should we, the oppressed people, mention their names?” Credit for August 5 uprising belongs to students, not any party: Jamaat Ameer Dr Rahman said they (AL leaders) have a history of banning their own party. When they had established a one-party system, they banned all parties, including their own one. This time people have banned their party with the help of Allah, he added. “Being ashamed for their misdeeds and seeking apology to the nation, they could have found a way. Not doing so, they are trying to return in the name of Ansar League, Judiciary league and this demand league and that demand league,” he said. The Jamaat chief said they (AL) now send a message to the world that they (AL government) didn’t allow the rise of extremism in Bangladesh, but there is extremism in Bangladesh as they are no longer in the country. He said the biggest extremists were the ones who gave hammers to their children and helmets on their heads. No bigger extremists and terrorists than them were born in Bangladesh, he added. "They committed terrorism. We will not do so. We hate terrorism. We have assured the nation that we will not take any revenge by taking the law into our hands,” said the Jamaat Ameer. He said they (AL) have made people suffer and tortured them by taking laws into their own hands. “But we will not do it. We must seek justice for oppression under existing laws.” Pointing at the leaders and activists, the Jamaat top leader said, “We want to build a united nation in future. So, we have to show limitless patience.”  Jamaat Dhaka north city unit president Mohammad Selim Uddin presided over the council.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his party aims to create a collective community 'shield', setting a precedent for ensuring the safety of all, regardless of their caste or creed. He made the pledge in a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, extending his wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.  The BNP leader also included a photo of the Hindu goddess Durga with his post. “I believe every Bangladeshi citizen must enjoy equal rights, freedoms, and protection without any distinction between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian,” he said. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique Tarique said, “Our country belongs to all Bangladeshis, and as a united nation, we stand to form a collective community 'shield' and set an example by ensuring the safety of everyone, regardless of their identity or background.” He extended warm greetings to all those celebrating this joyous Durga Puja.  “May this festival bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to every household, and foster cohesion and togetherness among all communities,” Tarique concluded.  Durga Puja, the most significant festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, is in full swing, having begun on October 9 with Maha Shashthi. The celebration will culminate on October 13 with the immersion of Durga idols in rivers, marking the conclusion of the Sharadiya Durgotshab.

 Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the credit for the August 5 mass uprising does not belong to any political party, but rather to the students and the people. He remarked that the nation has been freed from fascism through the bloodshed and sacrifices of the youth and the general public. "We seek to earn the genuine love of the people through our work. We do not want divisions between the minority and the majority. We envision a society where temples, like mosques, do not require security. If anyone attempts to disrupt our harmony, we must unite to resist them," he said. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at a workers' conference organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat, held on Friday at 3:30 PM at the Kushiyara International Convention Hall in South Surma, Sylhet. The event was presided over by Muhammad Fakhrul Islam, a member of Jamaat's Central Executive Committee and Ameer of Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat, and conducted by Secretary Muhammad Shahjahan Ali. Several thousand workers from the city attended the conference. In his address, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman added that during the regime of the 'fallen fascist', Jamaat-e-Islami suffered the most oppression. "Our top leaders were executed on charges of crimes against humanity, and they were martyred. Today, history has marked them as the real perpetrators of crimes against humanity," he concluded.  

AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized that people's voting rights and fair elections cannot be achieved without national reform. He stressed the importance of prioritizing electoral reform first. Azad noted that the interim government is currently working on these reforms, and Jamaat-e-Islami is willing to wait until the process is complete. Jamaat proposes 41 reforms, calls for judiciary and electoral system overhaul He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a conference of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held at the AK School auditorium in Barishal town on Friday. Hamidur Rahman, a former lawmaker from Cox's Bazar-2, said that the effectiveness of the July-August movement hinges on achieving sustainable reforms in the country, along with necessary changes to the electoral law. He also accused the ousted Awami League government of committing acts of genocide at Shapla Chattar. Jamaat Amir calls for national unity When asked about the rising prices of commodities, Rahman emphasized that economic stability is essential to manage inflation, highlighting that time is needed for recovery. The conference was presided over by Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar, a member of the Barishal Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami and attended by over five hundred leaders and activists.

BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday demanded the government publish a white paper on those who fled the country following the student-led mass uprising. “The government must publish a white paper on those who have left the country, particularly explaining how individuals responsible for the deaths of many mothers' sons in Bangladesh managed to escape to India,” he said. Speaking at a rally, he noted that telephonic conversations involving the deposed ruler Sheikh Hasina have gone viral on social media, in which she mentioned her intention to re-enter the country from India suddenly. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique “I would like to say it wouldn’t be that easy for you to enter the country crossing the border as you fled Bangladesh to India. The border is currently tightly secured by the BGB under the government of Dr Muhammad Yunus, not by the Awami League,” the BNP leader asserted. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, also alleged that India tried to subdue Bangladesh with the help of Sheikh Hasina. “But the people of Bangladesh have bigger  hearts, and they ousted the Awami League through years of agitations and struggle, as well as through the student-led mass revolution. Democracy must be restored and voting will no longer be held at night. This movement won’t be in vain,” he said. Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all the false cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other opposition leaders and activists. Farroque said the current interim government was put in place to make sure the country operates according to the constitution, not under the armed cadres of the Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League. Hasina's cohorts spreading rumours to create chaos: BNP He said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election where the country’s people will be able to freely exercise their right to franchise. The BNP leader said the people of the country now expect the Dr Yunus-led government to fulfill their desire by announcing a date for the next national election within a reasonable timeframe. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of 40 lakh cases filed against BNP and opposition party leaders during the previous government's tenure. “The people are now asking why these 40 lakh cases have not yet been withdrawn as per the President's orders.”