Politics
Bangladesh is being pushed to subordination of another country: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has pushed Bangladesh to cultural, political and economic subordination of a neighouring country.
He said this while distributing Eid clothes among the poor on behalf of BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during an event organized by Zia Projanmo Dal (ZPD) at the party’s Nayapalton central office.
“They are trying to repress whatever is our own and derives from our soil,” the BNP leader said.
Rizvi said those who can afford usually host Iftar parties to feed close relatives, poor and the needy people. This has been long-established culture and religious practice in the country, he said.
He, however, alleged that this year some organisations are not being allowed to hold Iftar parties on the university campus or outside.
“They (govt) don’t like it. They are attacking the cultural values of the country’s majority people”, he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the prime minister is doing this to fulfill her masters will.
“We could not realise it primarily. But if we think deeply, we understand how they are intervening into the cultural and religious beliefs of the country’s majority people”.
In this regard Rizvi defended his call to boycott Indian goods.
“Why shall we buy their share or toothpaste as they are not respecting our people and our values,” he said adding, “They kill our people along the border on regular basis.”
“There are treaties and protocol on border killing, but BSF doesn’t bother it. They are frequently killing our people in the border,” he alleged.
Referring to India the BNP leader said “they claim they are a democratic country. But they don’t recognise Bangladesh’s sovereignty, independence and democratic process. Nor do they respect Bangladeshi people. They stand only beside one political party helping it retain power permanently. They certified them, and lobbied worldwide for them (AL), Rizvi said.
He questioned why would people use their products since they don’t respect their will and ignore the other political parties for the sake of one party.
No problem with student politics, concern is control of one student body: Gayeshwar
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday (April 01, 2024) said student politics on the university campuses is not the problem, the concern is over the control of a single student organision on the campuses.
“Buet authorities will take decision whether they will allow student politics on the campus or not. Because of that (Abrar Fahad killing) the Buet authorities had banned student politics on the campus, they will see whether such situation is still continuing or not and take decision accordingly,” he said.
He said these while talking to reports after visiting injured BNP Natore district unit’s join convener Dewan Shahin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Dewan Shahin recently got seriously injured in an attack allegedly by some Awami League men.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said the situation at Jahangirnagar University is worse where Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Manik had celebrated ‘rape century’. “It was stigma for the nation. But AL considers this shame as ornaments.”
Read more: Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates
They are behaving recklessly with the support of the administration, he alleged.
He said ruling Awami Legue (AL) is staying in power unleashing atrocities and by using muscle power against oppositions.
In the last 15 years Natore BNP leaders have been facing inhuman torture by AL men. “Despite oppression the leaders and activists did not leave BNP. The scenario of torture on BNP men across the Bangladesh is same to Natore,” he said.
Terming AL as an isolated political party, Gayeshwar said without terrorist activities they (AL) could not survive in politics.
Read more: BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campus
“In this situation we have to raise our voice and get ready to give reply to their brutality,”he said.
Responding to a question from reporters, the BNP leader said the government is waiting to hear the death news of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“I guess sweetmeat will be distributed at Gano Bhaban once they hear her death news.”
“We have nothing to expect from this government. But what they are doing with the BNP Chairperson will be considered as a planned murder,” he said.
Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future
AL, associate bodies looted people’s money in the name of development: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said the Awami League and their associate bodies embezzled people’s money in the name of development like quick rental, Padma Bridge, Metro Rail and flyovers.
“Not only AL and their associate bodies -Chhatra League, Jubo League, but also those who have supported AL shamelessly and helped it to suppress opposition are part of this looting, “he said.
He said these at an Eid gifts distribution programme organised by BangladeshJatiyayabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) at BNP’s Nayapalton central office.
AL govt tramples opposition voice: Dr Moyeen
He strongly criticised former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s role during BNP’s movement as he (Benazir) had tortured opposition leaders and activists brutally.
“Today the nation has come to know he (Benazir) has built a haven on earth which beats the story of Alif Laila,” he said.
How he has gained such a huge amount of wealth? Rizvi questioned.
Ziaur Rahman can't be erased from history of Bangladesh: Gayeshwar
Pointing at skyrocketing prices of commodities, he said purchasing of rice, pulse, oil, salt, fish, and meat has become difficult for common people.
Even people can’t arrange a drink to break their fast as lemon’s price has gone beyond their buying capacity, he said.
It is unbelievable that per kilogram date is being sold at Tk750 which is absolutely impossible for a day labourer or rickshaw puller to buy, Rizvi said.
JCI Bangladesh hosts CSR Conclave and Iftar 2024, sheds spotlight on community empowerment
Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan while emphasizing the crucial role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh successfully hosted its CSR Conclave and Iftar 2024 on Saturday at Le Méridien Dhaka.
The event brought together approximately 100 underprivileged school students, who were accompanied by leaders from corporate and development sectors, civil societies and esteemed celebrities.
JCI 2024 Vice President Kohei Oya and prominent members of the other JCI units joined the event among the distinguished guests. JCI Bangladesh National President Senator Imran Kadir presided over the event while around 600 members, including National Officers and Local Presidents of JCI Bangladesh, participated, underscoring the organization's widespread impact and reach.
Don’t want BUET to become a breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that the government is closely investigating the recent incident at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), involving activists from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
Quader also expressed concerns over the potential for BUET to become a “breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy” if student politics are banned outright. “That day there were no political activities on BUET campus. And if I’m involved in politics, I can’t be on BUET campus — what kind of law is this?” — Quader stated during a dialogue with Chattogram division Awami League leaders and activists.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, made the remarks regarding the ongoing student protests at BUET. The situation intensified on March 28 when BCL president Saddam Hussain and others entered the campus, leading to the revocation of hall allocation for Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi, a BCL central panel member, by BUET authorities.
This incident underscores the tension following the tragic death of Abrar Fahad in October 2019, which resulted in a ban on student politics at BUET by the authorities.
PM Hasina seeks more support from ADB for socioeconomic uplift
Furthermore, Quader reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring that the upcoming upazila parishad election is conducted freely and fairly. He urged party members to act responsibly and adhere to party discipline, cautioning against remarks that could jeopardize the party's integrity.
In light of BNP leaders calling for boycotting Indian products and “restoration of democracy”, Quader dismissed these statements as empty rhetoric. “BNP is speaking the same language that Ayub Khan spoke in the Pakistan era. Now their issue is against India, and they’re trying to instigate an Indiaphobia.”
Take effective steps to address human rights violations in the country: President tells NHRC
In response to BNP’s statement about the reserves, the minister said, “When BNP left power, Bangladesh's reserve was $3.5 billion. Now they are talking about reserves, when the reserve has exceeded $21 billion. This will increase further on the occasion of Eid.”
Some BUET students raise alarm over increasing Hizb ut-Tahrir presence and email campaigns on campus
A number of students from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) are sounding the alarm over what they called a “worrying increase” in activities by the outlawed extremist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir. They reported a series of email campaigns throughout March, targeting hundreds of BUET students with what they described as “hate content.”
During a press briefing on the BUET campus on Saturday, a group identifying themselves as “general students” presented evidence of the emails. The content “decry the government as an obstacle to the establishment of Islamic rule,” and urge students to join efforts to overhaul the educational curriculum.
“These contents have been emailed to accounts of hundreds of current students in several phases throughout March, yet the issue seems to have been overlooked,” one of the students told media.
They highlighted the efficiency with which Hizb ut-Tahrir activists have accessed a vast number of student email accounts, criticizing the university authorities’ apparent inaction. “It is alarming how Hizb ut-Tahrir activists got hold of such a large volume of email accounts, yet authorities remain reluctant to take any action,” they stated.
Accusations have also been made against the Hizb-ut Tahrir and Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, for attempts to exploit student protests against campus politics for their gain. They referred to an earlier incident where some BUET students attended a secretive Islami Chhatra Shibir gathering in Sunamganj’s remote haor area, questioning the protesters’ silence on such matters.
They further referred to intimidation tactics along with criticism to alumni-led commemorative and national day tributes on campus, calling it a “biased stance”.
Engr Tonmoy Ahmed, a former BUET student and coordinator, Awami League Web Team, who survived a brutal attack reportedly by Shibir activists during the war crimes trial, said, “Such extremist and radical groups have long been active on BUET campus, and online space has been used by fanatics for spreading militancy.”
AL govt tramples opposition voice: Dr Moyeen
BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday alleged that the ruling Awami League doesn’t allow any opposition voice in the country.
He said this while visiting the family of Rabiul Islam Nayan, jailed member secretary of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal Dhaka Metropolitan South, at his Moghbazar residence.
He said that it is natural that some people in Bangladesh will support Awami League, some will work for BNP or any other party.
Ziaur Rahman can't be erased from history of Bangladesh: Gayeshwar
“Bangladesh has fought for democracy, but it is now absent in the country. In these circumstances how shall we survive?," asked Moyeen Khan.
He explained how Nayan's wife and his family members are being harassed for his political belief.
The family is not being allowed to move out elsewhere and police are constantly threatening them, said the BNP leader.
80 per cent BNP leaders, activists faced torture: Fakhrul
“We are urging the government to stop repression of opposition members," said Moyeen Khan.
The people are now striving for democracy, right to vote and freedom of speech, he said.
"We demand that the government steps down paving way for holding a free, fair and participatory polls and ensure people's basic rights in the country," said the BNP leader.
He said the people of Bangladesh rejected the January 7 national polls as they did in 2014 and 2018.
Fakhrul urges people to continue fight for voting rights, democracy
If AL wants to retain power by having people's love they have to ensure democracy, freedom of speech, right to vote for which the freedom fighters had sacrificed their lives in 1971, he added.
“We want to live in a free society for which we got separated from Pakistan. This is what the people of Bangladesh want," he said.
Replying to a reporter's query Dr Moyeen said BNP is fighting to go to power with popular votes, and not with backing of foreigners.
‘Mega corruption in the name of mega development’: BNP leader Moyeen Khan
Ziaur Rahman can't be erased from history of Bangladesh: Gayeshwar
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday said that the history of Bangladesh can't be written without Ziaur Rahman, founder of the opposition party.
“The history of Bangladesh without Zia will not be complete as he had taken a place in history for his contribution and work for the nation," he said.
Gayeshwar said this at a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Role in War of Independence and Today's Bangladesh” at Jatiya Press Club.
The BNP leader said Zia's life and his contribution to the country can't be discussed in one or two hours. His dedication to the country was unprecedented.
“Ziaur Rahman's name and fame in the country is well known. He remains permanently in the hearts of the people for his work which will never fade and not possible to be wiped out by anyone," the BNP leader said.
Gayeshwar said how brave Major Zia was as being a medium range army officer he revolted against a powerful regular Pakistani army. There is not a single person in Awami League to understand Major Zia’s courage.
Ziaur Rahman was not the reader of the war of Independence script but the announcer and he called upon the mass people to join the liberation war, he added.
“Making Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman great is not possible by undermining Ziaur Rahman. No one in the country use unpleasant word about Bagabandu," said Gayeshwar.
When people of the country were awaiting to join the war of independence, Ziaur Rahman's declaration influenced them and they participated, he added. Gayeshwar said Zia could understand the people's language and mind.
80 per cent BNP leaders, activists faced torture: Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said 80 per cent of BNP leaders and activists faced torture unleashed by the ‘fascist’ Awami League government.
“They can’t retain power without unleashing torture and suppressing people. Their first victim of suppression is BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and she is fighting for,” he said.
BNP, Jamaat have become friends of Israel: Hasan Mahmud
Mirza Fakhrul said these at a programme of distribution Eid gift among families of the victims of enforced disappearance on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman organised by Aamra BNP Paribar (We are BNP Family) held at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He said when BNP started movement against the fascist government or one-party rule or one woman’s rule, aiming to establish people’s right and democracy, they started repression on the BNP men.
“They have created such an environment of fear where no one can talk, write freely,” he alleged.
The fascist regime’s repression reached such a level that the opposition leaders and activists’ family member including father, mother, son, daughter and wife were not spared.
After getting bail, the victims shared the experience of inhuman torture in prison like uprooting their nails, breaking their legs and so on. The most pathetic was they could not get any treatment, he added.
BNP main barrier to implement democratic ideals: Quader
Urging unity of all forces BNP secretary general said, “As a democratic political party we are doing more than our capacity to free the country from this horrible situation.”
There is no alternative to forge unity like 1969, 1971, 1990 where people fought against fascist, autocrat regime to restore democracy, he said.
BNP, Jamaat have become friends of Israel: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister and Awami League joint general secretary Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said BNP and Jamaat have become friends of Israel and they must be identified for their silence amid killings in Gaza.
"There are protests against the killings in Gaza all over the world and BNP-Jamaat has not uttered a single word against the killings," he said.
India to help Bangladesh in importing hydropower from Bhutan: Hasan Mahmud
The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the Iftar organized by Islamic Front Bangladesh at a hotel in Paltan.
He said more than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces, most of them children and women.
Dhaka, Delhi cooperation must continue: Hasan Mahmud
"People have protested against these killings in many places of the world including London, Washington, Sydney and even in Israel's Tel Aviv. However, BNP-Jamaat has not uttered a single word against Israel in its desire to come to power and fear of displeasing any big power. Today, they have become friends of Israel," Hasan said.
He said BNP-Jamaat thought that a big country would bring them in power by feeding them feeders. "But it didn't happen. Like the Israeli army, they attacked the police hospital in Dhaka. And now they walk and distributes leaflets. Let them do it, but let them not commit arson as before. If they do so, the people will teach them the right lesson."
500 acres of land transferred to Chittagong Port Authority for expansion: Hasan Mahmud
Highlighting the government's contribution to the welfare of Islam, Hasan said Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has done what no other government has done for the welfare of Islam and Muslim society.
Chairman of Islamic Front Allama Bahadur Shah Mojaddidi, Vice Chairman AAM Ekrmul Haque and Principal M Ibrahim Akhtari, Joint Secretary General Mosharraf Hossain Helali and SM Hamed Hossain, Professor of Arabic Department of Dhaka University Abdullah Al Maruf Azhari and others spoke.