Awami League
PM: AL comes to power through election, not by back door
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday categorically said that her party Awami League comes to power always through election and never by the back door.“We want the democratic process to continue. The Awami League came to power with mandate from the voters in the elections and it never used the back door,” she said.Hasina, chief of the ruling party, said this in her introductory speech at the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting, which she chaired at her official residence Ganobhaban.The prime minister thanked the people of the country for repeatedly voting her party to power.“Due to this the country witnessed huge development in the last 13 years leading to their rising living standard,” she said adding, “Awami League is the party of people and land of this country.”She also put emphasis on the continuation of the pace of the development.
Also read: PM: Bangladesh Railway is now a profitable organisationOnce again Hasina questioned about the existence of the leadership of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). “Where is their leadership?,” she wondered.
“Rightists, leftists and extreme leftists have now joined with them,” she said.Hasina criticised a section of erudite people who always look to others to get some power for them.“They defame the country from abroad as if foreign powers will put them in the state power,” she said.She underscored the need for strengthening her party further as the election is coming nearer.
She mentioned that Awami League always holds its council regularly.“The next council is knocking at the door. We have completed many of the tasks as pledged in our election pledges,” she said adding, “We have to more tasks to do.”Talking about the move of the BNP-Jamaat clique and their alliances to oust the government she once again questioned the logic behind it.
“What is the fault of the Awami League? In which area we have failed,” she questioned.The PM said that his government has put importance on the development of the rural areas since 2009.“As a result, the infrastructures of the rural areas have improved a lot and people could go to their village homes smoothly,” she said.In this connection, she mentioned that this year people could go their villages hassle free to meet their loved ones during the Eid-ul-Fitr festival. She thanked the communications minister for this.“This type of public movement (from cities to villages) increased money circulation in the rural areas which is beneficial for the economy of the country,” she said.
Also read: No one to stay homeless in Bangladesh, PM declares after providing homes to about 33,000 destitute familiesShe said that Bangladesh has now become the role model of the development in the world. “We will follow our own path to develop the country and will move around the world keeping our heads high,” she said.Referring to the gifting some 33,000 houses to homeless people, the prime minister reiterated that her government will ensure that no one remains homeless in the country.
Gaibandha AL: Body to probe Jamaat intrusion in local committee
In response to allegation over “intrusion” of a Jamaat sympathizer's son into Palashbari upazila unit Awami League, a five-member inquiry committee has been formed, said a party source on Wednesday.
Gaibandha district unit Awami League has formed the committee headed by advocate Sultan Ali Mondol that is expected to submit the report soon, extending time due to Eid.
The controversy erupted over Mohibul Hasan Mukit’s inclusion as the organising secretary of Palsahbari upazila unit committee, a section of senior leaders from the same unit raised the issue over “long coveted nexus Mukit’s parents nurtured with Jamaat”.
Also read: Jamaat leader's son in Palashbari AL, claims local leader
A written complaint was submitted by the former cultural secretary of the upazila unit of Awami League Md Aminul Islam with the central party office claiming that Mukit is the son of the former acting ameer of Gaibandha.
“Before Eid we already visited palashbari, spoke to senior local party activists, leaders over his (Mukit’s) father’s Jamaat link” said Sultan Ali Mondol.
The connection of Mukit’s parents - both father and mother - with Jamaat dated back to pre-Liberation era, said Saifullah Rahman Tota Chowdhury.
AL has friends, no masters abroad:Quader
The Awami League has foreign friends only, but no masters, the party's general secretary Obaidul Quader said on Sunday.
Quader said this at a programme to distribute gifts among the destitutes on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
Also read: Roads better than ever, BNP lost their way: Obaidul Quader
It was organized by the party's relief and social welfare sub-committee at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue on Sunday.
He claimed that oppsition BNP has instead have masters abroad.
Also read: Mobile courts to prevent charging extra fares: Quader
AL Presidium member Matia Chowdhury, Central Working Mommittee member Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, Agriculture and Cooperatives Affairs Secretary Faridunnahar Laili, Health and Population Affairs Secretary Dr Rokeya Sultana and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.
Muhith: His footprints traverse the journey of Bangladesh
One of the country's longest-serving finance ministers, the only one who commanded the economy for 10 consecutive years, and the principal architect of the Awami League's era of development, AMA Muhith, breathed his last in the early hours of Saturday.
Muhith, 88, passed away at a city hospital at 12:56am – technically in the wee hours of Saturday – his brother Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told UNB.
He had been keeping unwell for quite some time. In July 2021, Muhith tested positive for Covid, but fought that back.
Then in March, he was hospitalised again as he became enfeebled in his old age.
Muhith's first janaza will be held at the Gulshan Azad Mosque at 10:30am on Saturday, followed by the second at 11:30am at the Parliament premises, Momen said.
Afterwards, his body will be taken to Central Shaheed Minar at 2pm for the public to pay their respects to one of the giants of Bangladesh's political arena, whose role stretches through the entire history of independent Bangladesh.
After that, it will be off to Sylhet for burial in ancestral surroundings for one of the region's proudest sons.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who entrusted him with authoring the Awami League's manifesto as the party charted its comeback ahead of the 2008 election, expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Muhith.
That manifesto underpinned the AL's era of unprecedented dominance, and his entire spell as finance minister, the most influential portfolio in the cabinet. For ten years, his seat was reserved to the immidiate right of the prime minister at weekly cabinet meetings.
As the finance minister of the Awami League government, he presented the budget in parliament for 10 years at a stretch. He had also presented it in an earlier era, as finance minister in the early days of the Ershad-led administration.
Muhith left his mark in the deliberate and strategic move towards expansionary fiscal policy, reflected in the burgeoning of the budget under his watch – from Tk114,000 crore in 2009-10, the first under the newly elected AL government, to Tk464,000 crore in his last, for the 2018-19 fiscal.
At first, his critics said he was overambitious with his budgets. His retort was that he would rather be that, than fall short on ambition. It set the tone for the AL's blueprint of governance in many ways, and continues to define it to this day.
Muhith retired from politics after serving as the finance minister of Sheikh Hasina's government from 2009 to 2018.
Birth and Early life
Muhith was born on 25 January 1934 in Dhopadighi, Sylhet.
He was the third child of Advocate Abu Ahmad Abdul Hafiz who was a leader of the Pakistan Movement and the founder of the then Sylhet District Muslim League.
His mother Syed Shahar Banu Chowdhury was also active in politics and social work.
He secured first place in the intermediate examination in the province in 1951 from Sylhet MC College.
Muhith stood first class first in BA in English Literature in 1954 from Dhaka University and passed his MA with credit from the same university in 1955.
During his service period, he studied at Oxford University from 1957-58 and received an MPA degree from Harvard University in 1964.
After joining Pakistan Civil Service in 1956, he served in different capacities in the East Pakistan government, the central government of Pakistan, and then Bangladesh.
During his service as the chief and deputy secretary of the Pakistan Planning Commission, he made a report on the disparity between East and West Pakistan in 1966 and that was the first report submitted on that issue in the Pakistan National Assembly in fulfilment of the constitutional obligation.
Liberation War and beyond
He was the counsellor (economic) at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC when he joined the Liberation War effort as the first in his station to defect for Bangladesh and inspired many others to join him later on.
After retiring early from government service in the early Eighties, he embarked on a decades-long career as a consultant on economic and development matters at the Ford Foundation, IFAD, UN, UNDP, ADB and World Bank.
Muhith was also a pioneer of the Bangladesh environment movement and was one of the founders as president of BAPA in 2000.
He joined Awami League in 2001 and was elected a member of parliament in 2009 from his home constituency in Sylhet, after an earlier foray with the Gono Forum fizzled out without notable success.
Muhith was awarded the highest civil award Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award) in 2016 for his contribution to the Liberation War and devoted record of public service.
He was equally gifted as a writer and published 35 books on different subjects, including the Liberation War, economic development, history, public administration and political problems.
AMA Muhith: The architect of AL's era of development no more
One of the most formidable figures in the country’s political arena, one whose legacy still steers the country’s journey, and as the holder of the most important portfolio in the cabinet for 10 years at a stretch, the architect of the Bangladesh economy as it stands today, AMA Muhith, son of Sylhet, has passed away.
He – an economist, diplomat, freedom fighter and language veteran – passed away at a city hospital in the wee hours (12:56am) of Saturday, his brother Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told UNB.
Muhith, 88, had been keeping unwell for quite some time. In July 2021, he tested positive for Covid, but fought that back.
Then in March, he was hospitalised again as he became enfeebled in his old age.
Muhith's first janaza will be held at Gulshan Azad Mosque at 10:30am Saturday and the second at 11:30am at the Parliament premises, Momen said.
Afterwards, his body will be taken to Central Shaheed Minar at 2pm for public homage and after that to Sylhet for burial.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed their grief at the death of Muhith.
Foreign Minister Momen Saturday expressed deep shock at the death of his brother.
In a condolence message, he prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Momen fondly remembered Muhith's extraordinary personality, human qualities, patriotism and contribution to the welfare of the country and the people.
In a separate message, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam also expressed his grief at the death of Muhith.
Muhith, as the finance minister of the Awami League government, presented the budget in the parliament for 10 years at a stretch.
It was during his tenure that the size of the budget expanded.
On January 6, 2009, Muhith took oath as the finance minister of Bangladesh.
He retired from politics after serving as the finance minister of Sheikh Hasina's government from 2009 to 2018.
Muhith was born on 25 January 1934 in Dhopadighi, Sylhet.
He was the third child of Advocate Abu Ahmad Abdul Hafiz who was a leader of the Pakistan Movement and the founder of the then Sylhet District Muslim League.
His mother Syed Shahar Banu Chowdhury was also active in politics and social work.
Muhith had been a recognised figure in the World Bank, IMF, IDB, ADB and different organisations of the United Nations for quite a long period.
He secured first place in the intermediate examination in the province in 1951 from Sylhet MC College.
Muhith stood first class first in BA in English Literature in 1954 from Dhaka University and passed his MA with credit from the same university in 1955.
During his service period, he studied at Oxford University from 1957-58 and received an MPA degree from Harvard University in 1964.
After joining Pakistan Civil Service in 1956, he served in different capacities in the East Pakistan government, the central government of Pakistan, and then Bangladesh.
During his service as the chief and deputy secretary of the Pakistan Planning Commission, he made a report on the disparity between East and West Pakistan in 1966, and that was the first report submitted on that issue in the Pakistan National Assembly in fulfilment of the constitutional obligation.
Muhith was the first diplomat of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington who transferred his allegiance to Bangladesh in June during the Liberation War of 1971.
He was appointed as the secretary of planning in January 1972 and secretary of the External Resources Division of the Finance and Planning Ministry in May 1977.
Muhith went for early retirement in 1981 from his service and started the second chapter of his career as a consultant on economic and development matters at the Ford Foundation, IFAD, UN, UNDP, ADB and World Bank.
He was finance and planning minister from March 1982 to December 1983.
Muhith was also a pioneer of the Bangladesh Environment Movement and the founder and president of BAPA established in 2000.
He joined the Awami League in 2001 and was elected a member of parliament in 2009 from his home constituency in Sylhet.
Muhith was awarded the highest civil award Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award) in 2016 for his contribution to the Liberation War and devoted record of public service.
He was equally gifted as a writer and published 35 books on different subjects, including the Liberation War, economic development, history, public administration and political problems.
Awami League carrying out 'totalitarian aggression': Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday accused the Awami League government of carrying out a "totalitarian aggression” to hang onto power.
“The aggression of this government is now everywhere. It is distorting our history and completely destroying the economy and making it dependent on others,” he told a discussion meeting at the Jatiya Press Club.
The BNP leader said Awami League has turned the country into a fascist state by taking the politics completely into a one-party system, deviating from the basic democratic spirit.
“This regime is doing it in a 'planned' way not just to stay in power but to establish it philosophically,” he observed.
Fakhrul alleged that the government had destroyed all state institutions, including police administration.
READ: BNP won’t join any polls under AL govt: Fakhrul
He said police filed cases against BNP leaders and activists in connection with clashes in the New Market area and arrested and remanded a BNP leader though the media are unveiling that Chhatra League ‘cadres’ were mainly responsible for the violence.
The BNP leader also opposed the government’s move to set up a police station occupying a playground in the city’s Kalabagan area.
“There are now many such incidents. There is now no security of the people in Bangladesh while the incidents of harassment of people are taking place.
On the occasion of the death anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, the discussion meeting titled 'Relevance of Sher-e-Bangla in Today's Context' was organised by Sher-e-Bangla Jatiya Jubo Smriti Foundation.
Fakhrul alleged that the Awami League has really taken a stand against the people, against politics and against the independence of Bangladesh. “That is why Sher-e-Bangla AKM Fazlul Haque is more relevant to us now.”
AL’s character to blame BNP for its own misdeeds: Mirza Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that Awami League’s real character is to shift blame onto others after committing misdeeds itself.
"A courier service employee, Nahid, was killed in the New Market violence as he was beaten and hacked by the helmet-wearing terrorists…journalists investigated and found three helmet-wearing terrorists are the activists of Chhatra League,” he said.
Speaking at an iftar party, the BNP leader said police arrested BNP leader Mokbul Hossain and filed a case against 24 other leaders and activists of BNP and Chhatra Dal. “This is the real character of Awami League. They will go to the burnt house with relief materials for the sick widow after killing her husband and burning their house.”
Also read: BNP's politics of propaganda target erasing Liberation War memories: Speakers
Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) arranged the iftar party at Dhaka Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton area.
At least 40 people were injured as a group of Dhaka College students and shopkeepers in the New Market area fought pitched battles Tuesday following a brawl at a fast food shop on Monday night.
Later, two injured people—Nahid Hasan and Morsalin--died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Tuesday and early Thursday.
Four cases were filed in connection with the violence while police on Friday arrested former New Market thana BNP President Makbul Hossain in one of the cases on charges of obstructing police in performing duties, assaulting law enforcement officers, and damaging property during the clashes.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League blamed BNP in the past after carrying out terrorist incidents. ”They (AL) indulged in the incidents of terrorism, arson attacks and vandalism earlier, but blamed BNP and thus filed numerous fictitious cases against us.”
Also read: Police out to hush up its failure, BCL’s involvement in New Market violence: Fakhrul
Fakhrul also said Awami League is staying in power by resorting to false cases, enforced disappearances, killings and tortures with the help of state machinery, including law enforcers, bureaucrats, administration and the judiciary.
He alleged that the health sector of the country has collapsed due to widespread corruption by the government as Tk 23,000 crores were plundered in the name of tackling Coronavirus.
Quader leaves for Singapore for health check-up
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader left for Singapore on Friday morning for a routine health check-up.
Awami League office secretary Biplob Barua said that Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, left Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 8.30am.
Also read: Padma Bridge to be opened to traffic in June, Quader reiterates
"He has gone for a routine health check-up at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. For a long time, he was unable to travel to Singapore for a follow-up checkup due to the Covid outbreak. He will return soon," said Biplob.
The 69-year-old AL leader has been suffering from chronic heart and lung problems for a long time. In 2019, three blockages were found in his coronary arteries.
Also read: Uphold non-communal spirit of Liberation War, says Quader
AL bins BNP’s bid to form alliance with other political parties
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said that BNP is now trying to tie up with other political parties after losing its ability to move alone.
“Those who don’t have unity in their own party, how will they unite with others? The distance between BNP and its allies is more visible than unity,” he told reporters at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday.
Also read: Uphold non-communal spirit of Liberation War, says Quader
Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said that the public memory is still fresh about what happened with the so-called unity between BNP and its allies.
He expressed the hope that no progressive political organization in the country believing in the spirit of liberation war would fall into the trap of this conspiracy of BNP.
The BNP is now in a deep crisis, he said trashing BNP’s oft-repeated allegation that Bangladesh, under the rule of Awami League, has plunged into crisis.
The AL general secretary said his counterpart in BNP should realise that the party is now like an aimless pedestrian after losing both in movement and elections.
In response to the BNP secretary general's allegation that the government has kept Tareq Rahman in exile, Quader countered by saying that Tareq instead fled abroad on a bond saying he would not do politics again.
Also read:BNP passing hard times: Quader
The AL leader said that no conscientious, well-informed and pro-democracy patriotic leader would support the extremist communal forces led by the killer of democracy and added that they have lost the ability to understand this issue.
Quader once again made it clear that the next parliamentary elections will be held under the newly formed neutral election commission. There is no room for doubt about this.
BNP passing hard times: Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said on Monday that it's BNP that is going through bad times, not the country.
“Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is trying to scare the people of the country by talking about bad times. In fact, there are no bad times in the country; bad times are going on in BNP politics,” he said.
The road transport and bridges minister made the remarks in reply to the BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul's recent comments that a suffocating situation has been prevailing in the country due to repression and misrule of the current government.
“Over 600 of our leaders and workers have been made to disappear and over a thousand others killed. Our 35 lakh leaders and activists have been implicated in false cases,” Fakhrul alleged.
Also read: BNP urges ACC to probe ruling party’s alleged corruption
Responding to the allegation Quader said BNP leaders and activists are now aimless travellors. They now want to get rid of the failed leadership of the top leaders of the BNP. People want to forget the misrule of the BNP era.
“As a result, the people have repeatedly chosen the Awami League and as always, the people will choose the Awami League in the next election. Realizing that, the BNP is now suffering,’ he also said.
In the statement, Quader said BNP leaders have repeatedly said that a fair election is not possible without a caretaker government. There is no point in raising an issue that has been settled by the country's highest court.
Also read: No need to appease any one to stay in power: Quader
He emphasized that the election will be held under a neutral election commission. The government will only cooperate with it.
“So I will tell the BNP if you believe in the election, if you have confidence in the people, then avoid the path of conspiracy and prepare for the next election. Hopefully, good sense of the BNP will prevail,” he said.