Politics
BNP initiates 'national unity' movement with aim to oust AL govt
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday announced the formation of a national unity movement bringing together opposition political parties and political and social organizations on a single platform to press for the government's resignation.
“At this critical moment of the nation, we call upon all the democratic political parties, social and cultural organizations, individuals and forces of the country to unite for the formation of a national unity based one-point demand, with the aim of restoring the looted democracy and voting rights, liberating the disenfranchised people and in the greater national interest,” Fakhrul said.
The senior BNP leader made this call through a statement bearing his signature on the party letterhead, that was sent to the media on Friday night.
“We call for national unity among the parties and alliances engaged in the simultaneous movement under BNP's leadership, as well as other left and right-wing political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other religious and Islamic political parties and organizations. This historic declaration and document of national unity will, Inshallah, expedite the nation’s emancipation,” he said.
The statement adds that parties and organizations wishing to join the call for national unity may indicate their consent through a simple statement, given time and communication constraints.
A joint statement signed by all those who express their consent will be issued soon, Fakhrul added.
'BNP-Jamaat' and their allies responsible for recent mayhem: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday reiterated that 'BNP-Jamaat', a hyphenation favoured by the ruling party to lump together their political opponents, are fully responsible for the recent mayhem across the country, with help from their allies. He also scoffed at the BNP's suggestion for an impartial international investigation into the deadly violence.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said they are only looking to evade their own responsibility. He made the remarks at a press conference at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi in the capital today.
Quader said his BNP counterpart Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir is demanding an international investigation regarding the recent violence as they do not trust the country and its people.
"This time too, as their terrorist character has been exposed, they are seeking the intervention of foreigners to get rid of this responsibility," he added.
Quader said BNP-Jamaat's involvement in the violence that rocked the country particularly since July 16 is being uncovered through the investigation of the law and order forces.
"Their attempt to oust the government won't succeed," Quader vowed."This evil plot will fail inshallah. BNP-Jamaat carried out looting and killing in the manner of Pakistani invaders in 1971. Domestic and foreign circles are still active in trying to overthrow the government."
"Every death is unwanted. Every murder will be judged. Action will be taken against those involved in violence." The people of the country will not accept the violence that has been carried out around the movement for quota reform in government jobs, he said.
"The situation in the country will be normal soon," he hoped.
He also urged party leaders and workers to present the destructive actions of the perpetrators of violence through social media and reveal the truth to the nation.
"Attempts to stand general students against Awami League will not succeed," he said.
Among others, AL presidium members Dr Abdur Razzaque, Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, organising secretaries Ahmad Hossain, BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, SM Kamal Hossain, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, office secretary Biplab Barua were also present.
‘AL govt has lost moral right to stay in power’: Mirza Fakhrul
Describing the killing of student protesters by law enforcers as ‘mass murder’, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday demanded the army be returned to the barracks, lifting of the curfew that has now been imposed for a week, and asserted the present government has lost the moral right to rule.
In a statement, he also demanded that the government release accurate statistics on the number of innocent individuals killed, maimed, and injured in recent days.
“It’s never acceptable to use the army to suppress a justified movement of students and people. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the curfew and the taking of the armed forces back to the barracks,” the BNP leader said.
He claimed that the Awami League has always come to power walking over dead bodies. “The mass killing and gunning down of innocent students and people like birds in the past few days to retain power evokes memories of the Pakistani invasion."
Fakhrul said the country’s people need to know the amount of ammunition, tear shells, and sound grenades bought with public money and used on the students.
He warned that the government will one day be held accountable by the people for the killings carried out ‘using helicopters purchased with state funds’.
“A government that can brutally kill innocent people to stay in power and cannot provide security to state assets and establishments has no moral right to stay in power,” the BNP leader said.
He also asked the government to resign immediately by handing over power to a non-partisan, neutral government to hold an impartial election and ensure the safety of people's lives and property.
"BNP is calling on all patriots, political parties, students, teachers, farmers, workers, and professionals to unite to protect the country's independence and sovereignty, to defeat the terrible fascist ruling quarter, and launch a fierce movement to restore the people's democratic governance system,” Fakhrul said.
He alleged that the Awami League regime has become desperate to arrest BNP leaders, workers, and students by unleashing all the state forces and ruling party cadres.
As per the government’s statistics, Fakhrul said at least 3,000 people were arrested in connection with the student movement. “It’s very unfortunate and shameful for the nation.”
He claimed that the opposition leaders are being produced before the court four to five days after being picked up and repressed, which is a gross violation of law and human rights.
The BNP leader said the government is trying to spread fear in the minds of the people by continuing the horrible culture of enforced disappearance. “I urge the government to stop such heinous activities.”
He said the brutal precedent of casualties set in history by the joint attack of ruling party cadres and law enforcement agencies on the students has outshined the ruthless cruelty of all the dictators at home and abroad.
Fakhrul alleged that the government is indiscriminately arresting opposition leaders, activists, and ordinary people to cover up its terrorist activities and failures.
He also said the law enforcers have continued raiding the houses of BNP leaders and workers across the country. “Even today (Friday), law enforcers have raided the residences of many senior leaders, including our party vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo. The arrests, imprisonment, and persecution of common people continue."
The BNP leader called for the withdrawal of the ‘false’ cases filed against all the arrested opposition leaders and their immediate unconditional release.
27 AL committees dissolved for failure to tackle movement
The Dhaka North Metropolitan Awami League has dissolved 27 of its ward committees due to failure and inactivity in responding to the quota reform protests.
The decision was made at a consultation meeting held on Thursday night at the Suchana Community Centre in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur.
The meeting, which lasted for five hours, was attended by leaders from various wards under Mohammadpur, Adabor, and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police stations of the Dhaka-13 constituency. Jahangir Kabir Nanak, lawmaker for Dhaka-13 and presidium member of Awami League, was present at the meeting.
Following the meeting, Sheikh Bazlur Rahman, president of Dhaka North Metropolitan Awami League, confirmed the dissolution of the committees.
"We are not finding them in movements and struggles. Many are inactive. Hence, we have dissolved a total of 27 unit committees," he stated.
The decision comes in the wake of recent attacks on local offices of the ruling party in various areas of the Dhaka-13 constituency. Despite party directives, leaders and workers were noticeably absent during these incidents.
Local Awami League leaders believe that organisational weaknesses allowed the opposition to gain dominance. There were also allegations that the presidents and general secretaries of the affected units did not actively participate in efforts to counter the movement.
Fakhrul demands impartial, international probe into killings during quota protests
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday demanded an international probe into the casualties of the Anti-Discrimination Student movement, saying the judicial investigation formed by the government is an attempt to cover up the bloodshed.
In a statement, he also demanded proper compensation for the families of those who were killed, including members of the police and Ansar, during the movement.
The statement was issued condemning the arrest of some more opposition leaders, including Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman and former MP Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho.
Fakhrul alleged that innocent BNP leaders and workers have been arrested, and their houses raided by law enforcers as part of the government’s ‘evil efforts’ to cover up state-sponsored terrorism and shift the blame for violence onto BNP.
He also accused the law enforcers of arresting family members of BNP leaders in their absence, mistreating them, and vandalizing their furniture and valuables.
“Some members of the law enforcement agencies are falsely blaming BNP and opposition party leaders en masse for playing a role in the movement. If so, why were they not arrested on the spot? That is the question of the people. It proves that neither BNP nor opposition parties are involved in the movement,” the BNP leader said.
He said several hundred innocent students were killed by the law enforcers and the ruling party ‘cadres’.
Fakhrul said a judicial inquiry committee was formed at the behest of the government solely to investigate the killings of six people. “It’s tantamount to concealing the entire killings. So, the people demanded an international investigation into all the incidents and murders.
Otherwise, he said the country’s people think the government should immediately resign taking full responsibility for its failures.
The BNP Secretary General expressed sorrow over the killings of members of the policemen and Ansar in the student movement and conveyed deep sympathy to their family members.
He said the Home Ministry has provided the family members of the slain police and Ansar personnel with Tk 2 lakh in cash and eight lakh in savings vouchers. But several hundred innocent and tender students were shot dead like birds in a massacre witnessed by the country’s people.”
Fakhrul demanded bringing those involved in the killing of students to justice.
He also urged the government to release the arrested leaders and workers of BNP and other opposition parties unconditionally after immediately withdrawing the politically motivated cases filed against them.
A quarter still plotting behind the scene to destabilise the country: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday said that the political situation in the country may worsen as a quarter is “still plotting behind the scene to destabilise the country.”
He expressed this concern at the Dhaka district Awami League office in Tejgaon during a meeting with leaders of the party.
Obaidul Quader also alleged that BNP had already executed the blueprint of the attack during the quota reform movement.
The AL leader said, "The blueprint of violence during the movement was prepared in advance… who will attack in a planned way, and who will cooperate from the back."
He also said that Mirza Fakhrul is again instigating students by presenting false information during his press conferences.
The Road Transport and Bridges Minister said, "The plan of bringing Tarique Zia back from London and placing him in power has been exposed in front of the nation today. “
Saying that people of the country are united under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina to maintain peace and stability, Quader assured that Awami League is ready to deal with any conspiracy against Bangladesh.
2 more BNP leaders, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho held
Three more BNP leaders, including Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, have been arrested.
Law enforcers arrested BNP joint secretary general Anee from the capital’s Elephant Road area on Thursday afternoon, said his brother Happy Chowdhury.
A team of the detective branch (DB) of police arrested Andaleeve Rahman Partho, a former MP and son-in-law of Awami League MP Sheikh Helal, from his Gulshan residence early Thursday, said Monirul Islam, deputy commissioner (DB) of Gulshan Division.
Later, a Dhaka court placed Partho on a five-day remand in a case filed over vandalising and setting Setu Bhaban in Dhaka on fire on July 18.
Another team of DB arrested the BNP voluntary wing Swecchashebok Dal’s Dhaka South unit general secretary, was picked up on Wednesday night from Khilgaon area, said BNP chairperson’s media wing member Shamsuddin Didar.
Besides, BNP’s health affairs secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, national executive committee member Tariqul Islam Tenjing, BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu's son Saniat (who is not involved in politics) were arrested from different parts of the capital earlier as part of arrest spree across the country over quota movement.
In statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir strongly condemned the arrest of the opposition leaders and workers.
He also urged the government to release the arrested leaders and workers of BNP and other opposition parties unconditionally after immediately withdrawing the politically motivated cases filed against them.
Students’ 8-point demands must also be met: Fakhrul
The BNP on Wednesday called upon the government to lift the curfew and meet the outstanding demands of the students to restore peace in public life.
“We have been saying since day one that we want the curfew to be lifted. Curfew must be withdrawn in the interests of peace of the people,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He said they are still supporting the anti-discrimination movement waged by the students. “Their (students’) demands have not yet been fulfilled. They have an eight-point demand.”
"Not only the quota reform, the other demands must be met by the government," the BNP leader said.
He said the government is trying to divert the students’ movement and bypass the main demands of the movement.
Fakhrul also said the government still did not sit with students and other stakeholders to resolve the problems. He said had the government talked to students at the beginning the situation would not have reached such a level.
He said the biggest problem of this government is that it has no relationship with the people.
“They have no accountability to the public. That's why they can never understand the language of people's eyes, the language of people's minds. That's why they have no choice but to stay in power by resorting to force and torture,” the BNP leader said.
He said the way the government has suppressed the movement, it has now become clear to the global community a completely undemocratic and fascist government has been established in Bangladesh.
“This regime has no responsibility to the people and commitment to democracy. The photos of the people killed in the movement have gone abroad...the leaders of the democratic countries will speak about it," the BNP leader said.
He also slammed the government for accusing Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus of giving anti-state statements.
“They (govt) have long been trying to tarnish his (Yunus’) image and defame him. They filed cases against him…He will inaugurate the Olympics on August 14...He is so respected in the whole world. But is being told he has given a seditious statement,” Fakhrul said.
“If you speak the truth, you become an anti-state and anti-people element. Awami League is the real anti-state (party). Everything they have done for the last 15 years has gone against the country and against the people," he concluded.
Movement won’t end without political solution: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the ongoing movement will not end unless there is a political solution to the persisting political crisis in the country.
Speaking at a press conference, he also said the common people joined the student movement in an outburst of their pent-up anger.
“It (the movement) has not stopped…If you look at the history of the Pakistan period, you would find the movements had abated at one stage, but later gained momentum again. This movement was an eye-opener,” the BNP leader said.
He said the government could stop the movement temporarily by resorting to repression and using law enforcers and deploying the army. “But it’ll never end if the problem is not resolved politically.”
When asked what he meant by the political solution, Fakhrul said, “The political solution is that the government must resign and an impartial election has to be arranged under a neutral administration.”
The BNP leader said the ordinary people and even the teenagers took to the streets during the student movement as the government has failed to run the country ensure job and sources for people and control the growing hikes in essential commodities.
“On the one hand, there was the quota movement of the students, on the other hand, the extreme failure of the government in all areas, including reviving the economy and curbing corruption...They have completely failed to establish good governance. That is why the pen-up anger of the people has been exposed during this movement,” he observed.
Fakhrul alleged that the government has tried to malign the BNP leadership by blaming them for the violence and killing only to divert people’s attention.
He said the government’s statements involving BNP and other opposition parties with the violence are “baseless, misleading and politically motivated.”
The BNP leader said the government is not talking about people's problems and the casualties as it is only highlighting the attacks on some government establishments. “They (govt) are not saying anything about this movement that claimed several hundred lives.”
He said the government has used extreme force to suppress a movement of students by killing people and enforcing curfew and deploying army. “This has not happened in recent times. It has been proved that the government has failed. The government has carried these incidents (of violence) in a planned way."
Citing a report from a leading newspaper, Fakhrul said a Sramik League leader gave a confessional statement before a judicial magistrate court in Chattogram that he was given money to torch a BRTC bus.
He also slammed the government for not fully restoring the internet service, depriving people of getting proper information.
2000 opposition leaders, workers arrested: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday claimed that at least 2,000 opposition leaders and activists were arrested across the country following the violent student movement.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, he demanded immediate release of their arrested leaders and activists.
“So far we have come to know that around 2,000 of our leaders and activists were arrested,” said Fakhrul.
He, however, said they don’t still have the exact information about the arrestees and casualties as the communication system has been closed by the government
“We’ve got isolated and we can’t contact with our leaders and workers as the government has kept the communication system shut,” said the BNP secretary general.
He also said they are still unable to resume their political activities since their party’s Nayapaltan central office was locked by the law enforcers following a raid there. “You saw how our office was raided and everything was taken away.”
Fakhrul said their party’s senior leaders, including standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gono Odhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur, Jamaat leaders Golam Parwar and Abdullah Mohammad Taher are among the arrestees.
About the casualties, he said the government is not giving information about how many people were killed and injured as it wants to mislead the nation.
The government is only trying to highlight the attacks and vandalism during the movement dropping the issue of casualties to shift the blames on BNP.
The BNP leader also said the government wants to completely exclude the issue of the movement and casualties only bring forward the incidents of attacks and vandalism in government buildings as it wants to put the blame on BNP.
He dismissed the government’s allegations involving BNP with subversive activities as baseless.
Fakhrul said they were with the movement but it does not mean that they patronised sabotage. They (govt) incited the violence and invited the problem.”
He claimed that BNP never carried out attack on state establishment in the 40-year history of the party’s political journey.