Awami League
Traffic jam may spread to upazilas thanks to development: Minister
If Awami League remains in power for another five years, you will see traffic jam even in upazilas, said LGRD Minister Md Tajul Islam on Wednesday.
Since the Awami League came to power in 2009, the country's economic development has been going on and so private cars have increased on the roads, he said.
He came up with the remarks in response to a criticism of BNP MP Harunur Rashid over traffic congestion in the capital.
Participating in the discussion on the Zila Parishad (Amendment) Bill-2022, Harun said, “Dhaka has become a static city at present. You (Awami League) is in power for fifteen years in a row, but Dhaka city is now in a sorry state. ”
He said Dhaka city has become an unlivable city due to noise pollution, air pollution, water pollution, mosquito menace and catastrophe in waste management.
READ: Subways to be built in Dhaka to ease traffic jams: Obaidul
He said unplanned urbanization is going to turn not only Dhaka but the whole of Bangladesh into an uninhabitable country.
Harun said that it takes three hours to go to the Secretariat from home. Fasting people cannot come to their homes to break their fast during Iftar time due to huge traffic on roads.
“When Tarabi's prayers are offered in the mosques, the prayers are being interrupted due to bite of mosquitoes.”
Harun wanted to know what steps the government has taken to reduce such sufferings of people.
“If Allah saves Awami League for another term, then you will see that there will be traffic jam even in the upazilas,” he expressed his high hopes.
Tajul Islam said that everyone is moving to Dhaka as people are becoming self-sufficient financially. This has happened all over the world including in London, Tokyo and Kolkata.
“They have managed it. We are also working on it. The Prime Minister has given instructions. I was made the president of Detailed Area Plan. I am considering many issues there.”
Only verified social media accounts represent AL in virtual sphere: Biplab Barua
Barrister Biplab Barua, the ruling Awami League's office secretary, has said only the verified social media accounts of the party represent Awami League in the virtual sphere.
“There is zero possibility of carrying out any social media activity of the party from any unverified account,” he said on Saturday referring to English editor of Netra News David Bergman’s recent claim in his twitter handle.
Barua said the ID Bergman is referring to is not the official account of Awami League. “He (Bergman) made a hilarious claim.”
Also read: None can defeat a united AL: Obaidul Quader
A brief tour in the ID mentioned as Awami League Media Cell will suffice for anyone to understand that this is an “unofficial” account, which has nothing to do with the official Twitter activism of Awami League, said the AL leader.
Bergman, the son-in-law of Dr Kamal Hossain, has made a tweet claiming AL’s “media and publicity cell” Twitter handle liked a story shared by Netra News’s official handle.
The AL sources said it is a bizarre show of “unsubstantiated campaign against the AL government and a “fake” Twitter handle “purportedly affiliated with Awami league has been attributed to justify a campaign against Awami League.
Referring a to that unverified account “Media and Publicity Cell Bangladesh Awami League”, Bergman posted on his Twitter “Glad to see the media cell of Bangladesh’s ruling party, the Awami League, liking Netra news story on torture in Bangladesh.”
Also read: Subways to be built in Dhaka to ease traffic jams: Obaidul
Before making a claim as such, a journalist should check its authenticity, said Awami League sources, adding that Bergman came to the limelight for his “controversial statements” regarding the war crimes trial.
Awami League’s verified account is https://twitter.com/albd1971/status/1509568707013476358?s=21
AL appeals for global recognition of 1971 genocide
The ruling Awami League has again urged the international community to recognize the brutal massacres by Pakistani army on unarmed civilians in 1971 as 'genocide'.
The 'appeal for justice' was made in a post, shared from AL verified account on Facebook, accompanied by a video provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Sampriti Bangladesh demands global recognition of 1971 genocide
"Bengalis wanted to be heard, to be recognised as equal to the West Pakistani rulers. Instead, they were killed mercilessly in their sleep," the post said.
"On 25th March, Yahya Khan's sidekick Tikka Khan mobilized death squads to initiate 'Operation Searchlight'. They killed 7000 Bengalis in a single night. From that day till the end of the Liberation War 1971, Pakistani soldiers raped more than 200,000 women and killed more than 3 million people," reads the post.
This massive genocide displaced 30-40 million Bengalis and more than 10 million people took refuge in India.
The Hamoodur Rahman Commission's report is the most critical piece of evidence of the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide.
Read: One-min blackout to mark Genocide Day tonight
This report found the Pakistani military deployed in East Pakistan guilty of widespread atrocities, serious acts of human rights violations, other abuses of power, it said.
"Then PM of Pakistan ZA Bhutto ordered to burn every copy of this report. These heinous crimes are yet to be universally recognised as genocide. Not recognising the events of 1971 as genocide will not just be severe injustice done to the memories of the victims of genocide, it will be an injustice done to history itself," the Facebook post reads.
30 people injured in AL infighting in Kushtia
At least 30 people were injured in a clash between two factions of local unit Awami League over establishing supremacy in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia district on Monday. Quoting local people, Kamruzzaman Talukdar, officer-in-charge of Kumarkhali Police Station, said Zahid Hossain Zafar, senior vice-president of district unit Awami League and Samiur Rahman Mia, general secretary of Panti union unit Awami League had been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy. An election of the board of directors of Panti High School was held on Sunday and the group panel of Samiur Rahman clinched the victory in the election. As a sequel to the rivalry, an altercation ensued between Golam Nabi, winner of the election and Dulal, a supporter of Zahid group at Sandiara Bazar on Monday morning. Later, the supporters of Zahid beat up Nabi, a supporter of Sumon, leaving him injured.
READ: Now election means murder, horror: GM Quader
A tense situation was prevailing in the area over the issue. In the afternoon, a supporter of Sumon group urged his fellows to gather at Bashigram Bridge area with lethal weapons through the loudspeaker of the local mosque. Responding to the call, the supporters of Sumon gathered in the area where the supporters of Zahid group were also present, triggering a chase and counter chase. At one stage both groups attacked each other, leaving 30 people injured. A number of houses, shops and business establishments in the area were damaged during the hour-long melee. On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The injured were taken to a local hospital. Police detained three people for interrogation.
25 injured in clash between factions at AL conference in Rajshahi
At least 25 people including police members were injured during a clash between two factions of Awami League during the party’s tri-annual conference at Bagha upazila in Rajshahi on Monday.Some of the injured are MSA Reza, press secretary of an AL leader, Abdur Kuddus Sarkar, president of AL municipal faction, Shahriar Hossain, Sirajul Islam, Saifur Islam, Murad Hossain, Liton Bhiyan, Golam Hossain, Sujon Ali, Tyab Ali, Sub-Insector of Bagha police station, Sajdar Rahman, Assistant Sub-Inspector, and police members Shahjahan Ali, Tajul Islam, Motiur Rahman and Moni Hossain.
READ: Youth stabbed on eve of wedding in Shariatpur: Accused injured in mob beating
Of them Saiful Islam, and Sirajul Islam were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital while others at the upazila health complex.The incident occurred around 11am at Shahdowla Government College premises in the upazila.According to witnesses, after the guests took their seats on the stage supporters of Akkas Ali, former municipal mayor and member of district AL started giving slogans chanting his name in front of the stage.After that, supporters of Ashraful islam Babul, general secretary of upazila committee of AL and Akkas Ali locked in an armed clash forcing all to leave the programme.Sazzad Hossain, officer-in Charge of Bagha police station, said police members were forced to use tear gas as the two groups became violent at the program.The program resumed after police took control of the situation, said the OC.Meanwhile,former municipal mayor Akkas Ali claimed that at least 15 of his supporters were injured during the clash.
AL leaders behind price hike: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that those who belong to Awami League are hiking the prices of essentials to make a quick buck.
"The prices of rice, oil and onion are going up as you (govt) are indulging in plundering, stealing and robbery. Those who’re rising prices all members of Awami League and people of Awami League,” he said.
Read: Silent ‘famine’ stalks country: BNP
The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club arranged by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal protesting the soaring prices of essential commodities.
He said the lower middle-class, middle- and lower-income people have become helpless as the prices of all essential commodities have gone beyond their buying capacity.
“This government doesn’t care about anything. Their ministers, dressed in beautiful clothes, sit in beautiful places with flowers are making statements that the prices are growing all over the world, and so is our purchasing power," Fakhrul said.
He said people are struggling to cope with the unusual prices of all necessary items. “The purchasing capacity of those who buy and do shopping in Singapore, Bangkok, Toronto and New York have increased, but not that of our helpless people, farmers, the peasant, workers and hardworking masses.”
The BNP leader also slammed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her comment that the prices are shooting up due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. “Isn’t it another lie as the prices have been increasing before the war?
Fakhrul said the Awami League government does not care about its criticism since its skin is thicker than that of a “rhinoceros”. “This government is anti-independence, anti-people, anti-farmers, anti-workers and anti-people one. They have no obligation to the people.”
Read:Corruption only reason behind price hike: BNP
He criticised Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader for his remark that BNP will sink in deep water if it does not go to the polls and continues to talk about the caretaker government.
"I would like to ask Obaidul Quader why are you so afraid of a neutral and caretaker government? Hold the election under a neutral government during the polls period and then you’ll see whether Awami League will sink or BNP… Awami League is a party of liars, deceivers and traitors,” the BNP leader observed.
He said the government is resorting to information terrorism to mislead the country’s people as its all statistics including on GDP, inflation and per capita income, are fake.
Fakhrul called upon the government to step down by handing over power to a neutral government for holding a credible election. “Quit power immediately -- enough is enough!”
10 hurt in Bogura AL factional clash
At least 10 people were injured in a clash between two factions of Awami League (AL) in Dhunat upazila of Bogura on Wednesday.
According to locals, there was a long-standing rival between two AL factions, one led by district AL president Mojibur Rahman Majnu and the other by Habibur Rahman, MP from Bogura-5 constituency.
Upazila AL president Tariq and general secretary Khokon who were Manju’s supporters arranged a ward conference at Dhunat Sadar Union Parishad premises around 11 am where leaders and activists of the rival group attacked, they said.
Injured Selim Talukder alleged that supporters of the MP attacked the conference in front of police with sticks, rods and weapons.
READ: AL leaders ‘get share’ from market manipulators: BNP
Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kripa Sindhu Bala said that rival group attacked the AL ward conference at Dhunat Sadar Union Parishad and vandalized chairs.
Police later brought the situation under control.Additional police have been deployed to avert further trouble.
READ: Awami League expels Gazipur mayor Jahangir
AL chalks out seven-day programme to mark Bangabandhu’s birthday
The Awami League will launch a seven-day programme on March 17 in Tungipara in celebration of the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The programme was announced at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi on Wednesday afternoon by AL presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim after a meeting held on Wednesday.
Read: 7th March speech of Bangabandhu an eternal source of inspiration, says Bangladesh envoy to Australia
Sheikh Selim said the current generation is lucky to see the celebration of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary. It will not come again, he said.
The seven-day programme in Tungipara includes a wreath-laying by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu’s portrait at Tungipara on the morning of March 17, where President Abdul Hamid is expected to be present.
Sheikh Hasina will be present in the discussion meeting at 3 pm.
Discussion meetings will be held on March 18 at the initiative of Awami League, March 19 by Chhatra League, March 20 by Labor League, March 21 by Krishka League, March 22 by Juba League, March 23 by Juba Mahila Awami League, March 24 by Mahila Awami League and March 25 by Swechchhasebak League.
Besides, a week-long free medical camp will be held from March 19 to 25 at the initiative of Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip).
Besides, national and party flags will be hoisted at the central office of Awami League, district and upazila office at Dhaka and all over the country on March 17 in the morning.
Read:Bangabandhu was a great strategist: Energy Advisor
Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami League joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, cultural secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, office secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, members-Anwar Hossain Faraji, Sahabuddin Faraji among others were present.
Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee Member Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Juba League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Swechchhasebak League President Nirmal Guha and general secretary Afzalur Rahman Babu, Women's League President Safia Khatun and general secretary Mahmuda Begum Krik, Jubi Mohila League President Nazma Akter and general secretary Apu Ukil were also present.
AL turned Bangladesh into 'hell': BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that the Awami League government has turned Bangladesh into a 'hell'.
"When I go to court, I don’t find any other people rather than our party’s ones. Many of them aren’t even our leaders. They’re only our supporters but there’re many cases against them,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said their party leaders and followers have also been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and various repressive acts.
“They (BNP followers) are being picked up and then either shot dead or maimed…The country where people remain satisfied with little things has been taken to an awful suffocating situation,” he lamented
Jatiyatabadi Help Cell arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) to provide financial assistance to the family members of some victims of enforced disappearance.
Besides, 'Shaheed Nurul Alam Stipend' was given to the children of 15 families of those who were made disappeared, abducted and tortured during the rule of the current government.
Also read: Let Khaleda come out of home if have courage: Fakhrul to govt
Fakhrul hoped that the current situation will be over very soon. "I hope this darkness will be removed as people are waking up.”
He also believes that the young people will come forward to bring back a truly democratic system ending the darkness within a very short time.
“Let's move forward towards that goal by forging unity and uniting people. We’ll surely be able to establish the government of people by defeating the current authoritarian and fascist regime,” the BNP leader said.
He warned that those who were involved in the enforced disappearances and unlawful killings will be put on trial someday. "Every person of the Awami League who are responsible for creating the horrible situation in the country will be identified and tried. People will bring them to justice.”
Fakhrul said repressive and unlawful acts continue to happen in a country where there is no democracy. “So, we have to bring back democracy. We must get rid of this situation in the interest of the country and its people."
Pointing to the missing family members, the BNP secretary general said in an emotional voice that he feels guilty seeing the plight, mental trauma and financial hardship of them and their children. “There're families that are facing difficulties to pay for their children's education and treatment as we couldn’t stand by their side in that way."
Also read: New CEC a staunch Awami Leaguer, claims BNP
He urged their party leaders to take the issue seriously and create a special fund for bearing at least the education cost of the children of those who fell victims to enforced disappearance.
Some family members of the victims of enforced disappearance also spoke at the programme narrating the sufferings and ordeals they are going through losing their near and dear ones.
They are weeds of land, PM says about critics who dismiss country’s achievements
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that those who fail to appreciate the country’s achievements are the “weeds of the land” and the people have to think what they would do with this section.
“The Father of the Nation used to say one thing, the land of the country is so much fertile that there are plenty of crops along with weeds. This is the reality, these weeds will remain, Bengalis have to think what they will do with these weeds,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a discussion organised by Awami League at its central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
She said that all have to remain alert on one issue, whenever Bengalis achieved something or attain dignity or are advancing towards development and prosperity many conspiracies started brewing.
Read: Subsidy on gas and electricity should end in phases, PM tells an Ecnec meeting
“There are some vested quarters among the Bengalis to whom these achievements are nothing to feel proud. They like to remain under the chains of subordination,” she said.
She said that there is one section of people, they never know how to live with the self-dignity, they get satisfaction thorough selling out their dignity.
“That class still remains in our society…….even the whole world appreciates Bangladesh some people of our country remains blind and they never see the developments,” she regretted.
She said that this section of people feel embarrassed while talking about these achievements.
She said she does not understand why this section keeps such a mentality.
The PM briefly described the role and contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Language Movement pointing out that a section of intellectuals tried to erase his name from the history of the Language Movement.
“It’s a matter of regret that this intellectual section of the country never gave proper credit to these contributions (of Bangabandhu),” she said.
She mentioned that the role of Bangabandhu was unearthed from the Intelligence Branch reports of the then Pakistan.
“There were attempts to erase the truth, this is highly unfortunate, but I always believe that truth can’t be kept under cover, one day truth shall come out with its own glory, and that becomes reality now,” she said.