AL
Padma Bridge has overshadowed BNP’s movement of 14 years: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the Padma Bridge has "overshadowed" BNP’s movement of last 14 years.
“The Padma Bridge, a symbol of Bangladesh's capabilities, has expanded the horizon of the country's economic potential,” he said at a press briefing at the Setu Bhaban in the capital this morning, marking the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of the bridge.
The road, transport and bridges minister said Tk 798.23 crore was collected as toll from the Padma Multipurpose Bridge in one year since its inauguration.
Also read: Padma bridge project cost increased further by Tk 1,117 crore
“Since the inauguration of the bridge, a total of 56,75,000 vehicles have used the bridge till 12 am today,” he said. “On an average, 15,500 vehicles use the bridge daily.”
The minister hoped the amount of toll collection would hit Tk 800 crore by this afternoon.
Calling the bridge a “national treasure,” Quader called on everyone to protect and preserve it.
Also read: Padma Bridge loan: Bridges Division pays 316.02 crore as 2nd two installments
He said the Bangladesh Bridge Authority will have to repay the loan in 35 years.
“Around Tk 632.94 crore in loan have already been repaid in four installments,” Quader said.
Bridges Division Secretary Manzoor Hossain, Padma Bridge Project Director Shafiqul Islam, and senior officials of the Bridges Division, Bridge Authority, and Bridge Construction Project were present at the press briefing.
Also read: Sheikh Hasina ignored all the conspiracies to build Padma Bridge: President Shahabuddin
‘Does BNP want to come to power by selling St. Martin’s island?’ — PM Hasina asks
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday questioned if opposition BNP wants to come to power by giving guarantee to sell Saint Martin’s island.
“BNP came to power in 2001 by giving undertaking to sell gas. Now they want to sell the country. Or do they want to come to power by undertaking to sell St. Martin’s island?” she said.
The premier was addressing a press conference arranged at her official residence Ganabhaban over the outcomes of her recent visits to Switzerland and Qatar.
Hasina said she is the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and doesn’t want to come to power by selling any resource of this country.
“Now if I say that I will lease out St. Martin’s island or our country, there will also be no problem for me to stay in power. I know that,” she said.
Read: PM says recent visits to Switzerland, Qatar will accelerate multi-dimensional relations
But the PM said she would not allow anyone to play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of Bangladesh. “We’ll not allow any act like carrying out terrorist activities in any place or attacking anyone by using the land of my country,” she added.
“We believe in peace. We believe in peaceful cooperation,” said PM Hasina, adding that Bangladesh didn’t engage in quarrels with Myanmar even after some 11 lakh Myanmar refugees took shelter in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh continues negotiation with Myanmar on the issue, she said, adding that her government believes in the policy ‘Friendship to all and Malice towards none.’
“We didn’t go for engaging in fights or quarrels with them (Myanmar),” said the prime minister.
Hasina visited Qatar from May 22 to 25 to attend the Qatar Economic Forum-2023 and visited Switzerland from June 13 to 16 to join the "World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All," a summit of ILO.
Read: Coast Guard to be built as a modern force: PM Hasina
Replying to a question on election-time government, the prime minister said there is no constitutional scope to hand over power to an unelected government.
She said there is a judgment of the higher court that an elected head of government shall be replaced by another elected head of government. And the constitution was also amended accordingly, she added.
“Everybody knows it. Why are they trying to create a constitutional crisis even after knowing it? What is the motive? It means to destroy the democratic process,” said the premier.
She said the motive to create a constitutional crisis is to destroy the ongoing democratic process and socio-economic progress, which has been continuing for the last 14 years.
Now it is up to the people of the country whether they want the continuation of democratic trend, economic development and the welfare of the people or they want again the situation Bangladesh faced during the last caretaker government, she said.
Noting that the BNP and some other parties have taken to the streets, the PM wondered what their problem is and where the sources of their finance.
She said the upcoming general election will be held on time as per the Constitution and the electoral laws.
In reply to another question, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh will join BRICS in order to reduce dependency on a single bloc in the international stage.
Read: DSCC Mayor Taposh urges all to complete animal sacrifice within 2 days of Eid-ul-Azha
“We’ll join BRICS as we’ve been engaged since the preparation of its formation. But we could not be a founding member of it. Now we’ve sought to be its member. We want so as we won’t remain dependent on any single one in the international stage,” she said.
She said Bangladesh doesn’t want to remain dependent only on dollars, rather it wants to carry out purchasing goods with other currencies as well.
Responding to a question regarding inflation and illegal hoarding of goods, the PM said the government is trying to contain inflation to ease the sufferings of the people.
She said the government is taking actions against those who are engaged in illegal hoarding of goods, which led to the price-hike of commodities.
Answering a question, PM Hasina said the government has taken a decision to provide free foods to 10 million people ahead of the Eid-ul Azha.
In reply to a question regarding a campaign over repression toward monitories, the PM said a propaganda started in this regard, which may increase further ahead of the next election.
Mentioning that communal harmony prevails in Bangladesh, she asked the people of the country not to pay heed to the false propaganda.
Sylhet city polls: Jatiya Party’s mayoral candidate Babul says agents being booted out of centres
Jatiya Party's mayoral candidate for Sylhet City Corporation election, Nazrul Islam Babul, has alleged that BCL and Jubo League leaders and activists are booting out agents for the ‘plough’ symbol from various centres.“I have been getting repeated calls from different centres that ‘plough’ agents are being thrown out from centres and not allowed to enter many centres,” he said.
Read: 100% hopeful about victory, says Sylhet's AL-backed Mayor Candidate Anwaruzzaman
He made the allegation while talking to reporters after casting his vote at Ananda Niketan School in the city at 9:30 am on Wednesday (June 21, 2023).“I have been saying from the beginning that attempts are being made to influence the election. I have come to cast my vote at Ananda Niketan School. Muscle strength is being demonstrated here,” he said.“I just got the news that all the agents of ‘plough’ have been booted from Sylhet Government Pilot High School centre by the goons of Chhatra League and Jubo League. I strongly condemn this. I'm going to the centre right now. I will file a written complaint with the Election Commission,” said the Jatiya Party leader.
Read: Sylhet city polls: Voting peaceful so far"The EVM did not work for an hour in the morning. It could also be part of the plot. The Election Commission, the administration, and the returning officers are all in the pockets of the ‘boat’ candidate,” he added.
AL-backed mayoral candidate Abul Khair Abdullah wins Barishal City Corporation election
Awami League-backed mayoral candidate Abul Khair Abdullah (Khokon Serniabat) won the Barishal City Corporation election with 87,807 votes, according to unofficial results of all the 126 centres.
Humayun Kabir, returning officer of the Barishal City Corporation election, unofficially announced the results at the district's Shilpakala Academy at around 9:45pm.
Abul Khair defeated his nearest rival, Islami Andolon Bangladesh candidate Mufti Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim (Handfan), by 53,979 votes. Mufti Faizul Karim bagged 33,828 votes.
Also read: AL-backed mayor candidate Talukder Abdul Khaleque wins Khulna City polls
Meanwhile, Abul Khair said he will implement the promises made in the election manifesto in phases.
Among other candidates, Jatiya Party’s mayor candidate Engineer Iqbal Hossain Taposh (Plough) got 6,665 votes, independent mayor candidate (Table clock) Md Kamrul Hassan Rupon bagged 7,999 votes, Zaker Party candidate (Rose) Md Mizanur Rahman Bachhu got 2,546 votes.
A total of 142,177 voters -- among 276,297 eligible voters – casted their ballots in Barishal city polls.
Also read: Islami Andolan Bangladesh rejects Barishal, Khulna city polls results
The voter turnout in Barishal was recorded at 51.46%, according to the returning officer.
Voting in the BCC election began at 8 am and continued till 4 pm without any break. Electronic voting machines were used at all the centres to cast votes.
Seven mayoral candidates, 119 general councillor candidates and 42 reserved councillor candidates participated in the Barishal city polls.
Also read: Barishal city polls: Woman says Islami Andolon supporter attacked her over recording video
About 4500 members of law enforcement agencies, 10 platoons of BGB, 30 executive magistrates, and 10 judicial magistrates performed duty during the polls.
Khulna city polls: Jatiya Party's mayor candidate says agents barred from entering polling stations
Jatiya Party (Ershad)-backed mayoral candidate Md Shafiqul Islam Madhu has alleged that his agents are being barred from entering polling centres by supporters of Awami League (AL) candidate as Khulna City Corporation (KCC) election is underway.
He made the allegation while talking to the media after casting his vote at the Collegiate School centere, under ward 17 in Sonadanga Residential Area of Khulna city, around 10:30 am.
Also Read: Khulna, Barishal city polls: Voting begins amid much enthusiasm, long queues of voters
Expressing doubts about a fair election, the Jatiya Party-backed candidate said that a fair election under the current government is not possible, UNB's Barishal correspondent reported from the spot.
He said the process to vote was slow at the polling stations, and the environment was not festive.
Asked about his next course of action, Md Shafiqul Islam said, “I will officially inform you (journalists) about my stance after visiting a few more centres."
Voting in the KCC election began at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm without any break. Electronic voting machines are being used at all the centres to take votes.
Also Read: Barishal city polls: Clash between AL, Islami Andolon supporters leaves several injured
Five candidates are vying for the mayoral post, 136 for councillors in 29 general wards, and 30 for reserved seats.
Awami League-backed candidate Talukder Abdul Khaleque cast his vote at Pioneer Secondary Girls School centre on the city’s South Central Road around 9:10 am.
After voting, the mayoral candidate said the election is being held in a free, fair manner.
Also Read: Barishal city polls: Voters being barred from coming to polling stations, say 2 mayoral candidates
“I will accept whatever result coming from the voters,” he said, hoping that people will vote for him for continuation of the development.
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are carrying out their duty to ensure security in the KCC election along with 8,080 members from police, Ansar and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Barishal city polls: Clash between AL, Islami Andolon supporters leaves several injured
Several supporters of mayoral candidates backed by Awami League (AL) and Islami Andolon Bangladesh were injured in a clash over entering a polling centre, as Barishal City Corporation election is underway today (June 12, 2023).
Islami Andolon candidate Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, who is contesting the election with the ‘hand fan’ symbol, alleged that several of his supporters as well as he were injured in an attack by AL men when they were about to enter the Kawnia Secondary Girls School centre.
He said voters and his agents were forced to leave the Kawnia centre and Manik Miah centre.
“Activists of the AL mayoral candidate barred me from entering the Kawnia centre when I tried to lodge a complaint with the presiding officer,” the Islami Andolon candidate told UNB Barishal correspondent.
“I, along with several of my supporters, was injured in the attack,” he said.
Read: Barishal city polls: Voters being barred from coming to polling stations, say 2 mayoral candidates
Denying the allegation made by the Islami Andolon candidate and supporters, AL activist Biddyut said they only told them that they "should not enter the polling centre with such a big crowd."
“Rather they (Islami Andolon activists) carried out an attack on us with knives, leaving several men injured,” he said.
US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (June 5, 2023) alleged that the US visa policy for Bangladesh is the outcome of Awami League’s misrule and mischievous activities.
Speaking at a seminar, he also said that democratic countries are creating various pressures on the current regime to restore democracy as it has destroyed all democratic institutions.
“The USA has imposed sanctions and announced visa policy. It’s a matter of shame for us, not a matter of joy. A country has imposed (visa) restriction on an independent and sovereign country, because of this Awami League government’s misrule, mischievous activities and plundering,” the BNP leader said.
Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
Fakhrul said the Awami League regime has destroyed all the democratic systems, and institutions, including the judiciary, to cling to power by any means.
“They've (govt) politicised the parliament and the administration, dashing the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic state and a democratic society. So, the democratic world is not seeing any other measures rather than imposing restrictions on Bangladesh for the restoration of democracy as the current regime has taken the country to such a bad situation,” he observed.
Fakhrul said they together with people and all democratic forces and parties must carry out the movement to restore democracy, give it an institutional shape and build a democratic free society.
Red more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
“We have to build a democratic country in a true sense through a united movement. We want to take this vow on the occasion of the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman," he added.
BNP arranged the seminar titled 'Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the promoter of multi-party system in Bangladesh' at a city hotel, marking the 42nd death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Professor Kamrul Ahsan of Jahangirnagar University's Philosophy Department read out the keynote paper at the programme, depicting the different good initiatives taken by late President Zia for the development of Bangladesh and the welfare of its people.
Read more: BNP’s plot to boycott election failed for US new visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Fakhrul said the Awami League government has now become completely isolated from the country's people and it has no relation with democracy.
He said the ruling party tries to brand Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established one-party Baksal rule destroying democracy against the will of the people as the greatest democratic leader in the world.
The BNP leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is called by her party followers a daughter of democracy has annulled the caretaker government system unilaterally by force also against the will of people and the all political parties.
Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
He said the country’s people had accepted the caretaker government as a good system for ensuring free, fair and credible national elections in the country, but the Awami League government revoked it to cling to power by force.
“So, we’ve now only one way which is to wake up people as Ziaur Rahman did to liberate the country through the war,” Fakhrul said.
He said their party’s many leaders and activists were killed, repressed, made disappear, arrested and jailed in the ongoing movement for the restoration of democracy. ‘We have to make more sacrifices for the sake of the country and win the struggle to bring back democracy.”
Read more: Kader Siddique calls US visa policy a disgrace for Bangladesh
AL govt has freed the country from lawlessness of BNP rule: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (June 5, 2023) said the Awami League government has established the rule of law in the country, ending the culture of lawlessness that existed during the rule of BNP.
The premier made these remarks when the newly elected leaders of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher briefed reporters after the meeting.
She congratulated the newly elected leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
She said BNP introduced the culture of forced disappearance, killings and lawlessness through the indemnity ordinance proclaimed after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.
Also Read: Plant trees to shield Bangladesh from climate change: PM Hasina
Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, said did not have right to seek and get justice after the assassination of the Father of the Nation. “It was a gross violation of human rights. Today, we’ve been able to free the country from the phenomenon of not getting justice. The Awami League government always believes in justice,” she said.
She said the AL government has made arrangements for people to get justice. “Our government has digitized the judicial system so that people can get justice in a short time without facing sufferings,” she said.
The PM said her government has made it (trial proceedings) virtual during the Corona pandemic so that people can get justice in a short time, staying at home.
Also Read: Volatile global situation likely to worsen further: PM Hasina tells parliament
Noting that the people are suffering due to electricity amid the ongoing heat wave, she said, “We’ve trying out best and taking necessary measures in this regard.”
Hasina said Bangladesh has witnessed impressive development thanks to the continuation of democracy for the last 14 and half years in the country.
She said Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country due to dedicated efforts of the Awami League government. “We’ve been working to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country,” the PM said.
Also Read: PM Hasina slams critics and vows to implement the budget for FY23-24
Law Minister Anisul Huq and AL advisory council member and senior lawyer Yusuf Hossain Humayun were present at the meeting.
Among the newly elected leaders of Supreme Court Bar Association, its President Advocate Md Momtaz Uddin Fakir, Secretary Abdun Noor Dulal, vice presidents Mohammad Ali Azzam and Jesmin Sultana, Treasurer Masud Alam Chowdhury, Sr. assistant secretaries A.B.M. Noor-A-Alam (Uzzal) and Mohammad Harun-ur-Rashid, members Mohiuddin Ahmed (Rudra), Shafique Raihan Shawon, Safayet Hossain (Sajeeb), Delowar Hossain, Mohammad Najmul Huda and Suvas Chandra Das were present.
In March last, pro-Awami League lawyers panel Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad won all the 14 posts of executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the annual election.
BNP wants to portray AL as aggressor to foreigners: Quader
Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday (May 28, 2023) said that BNP wants to paint , as the aggressor to foreigners but Awami League will not do that under any circumstances.
At the same time, he also warned that no concession will be given if any attacks are made on them.
He gave this warning at a joint meeting at Awami League central office this afternoon.
Obaidul Quader said Awami League will hold peace rallies across the country till the next general election for peaceful voting. “If necessary, programs will be given down to the ward level.”
Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Responding to a question on the new US visa policy specific to Bangladesh, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister said there is no reason for the government to be unhappy over it.
“Bangladesh has no lord abroad, it has friends,” he said.
The minister said, “We don't have any headache about that. We have started the process of a free and fair election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made the Election Commission independent by law. We are preparing the ground for a free, fair and neutral election.”
Al Joint General Secretaries AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dr Dipu Moni, Organizing Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, among others, were present at the meeting.
Read more: Police, BNP clash in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi; One vehicle torched
AL files two cases against 450 BNP men over a clash in Patuakhali
Two cases were filed against 450 leaders and activists of BNP, including the district presidents and general secretaries of Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Sramik Dal, in relation to a recent clash between Awami League and BNP in Patuakhali.
The clash occurred during a peace rally organized by the Awami League at the Muslimpara intersection in the municipality.
Two Awami League leaders filed the two cases at the Sadar police station.
Also Read: AL-BNP clash leaves 30, inclucing policemen, injured in Patuakhali
No arrests have been made thus far by the police.
AL leader Raihan Hossain filed a written complaint on the night of May 20.
According to the complaint, while the peace rally was underway, BNP supporters allegedly ambushed the participants, vandalizing houses and shops, resulting in several activists being injured and subsequently admitted to the hospital.
The main defendant, in this case, is Monir Munshi, the General Secretary of the district Sramik Dal, along with 29 other leaders and workers. Additionally, 150-200 unidentified individuals have been named as defendants.
In another case filed at the same police station on May 21, District Jubo League Joint General Secretary Nasir Uddin, the plaintiff, stated that Jubo Dal members had launched an attack during their peace rally at the Muslimpara intersection, causing similar damages.
District Jubo Dal President Monirul Islam was made the main defendant in this case, listing 16 individuals by name and 200-250 others as unnamed defendants.
Md. Moniruzzaman, the Officer-in-Charge of the Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, said that both plaintiffs had made identical complaints.
He said, "The accused are currently evading arrest. Our efforts to arrest them are ongoing."
District Juba Dal President Monirul Islam Liton expressed that the BNP would also file a case against the Awami League attackers at the police station. He further stated that if the police failed to take action, they would approach the court.
A rally held in front of the Patuakhali district BNP office on Saturday morning, demanding the government's resignation, was disrupted by an attack from Jubo League and Chhatra League members.
The clash escalated into a violent confrontation, with both sides engaging in brick-throwing and vandalizing the BNP offices. Police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the activists from both parties.
District Chhatra Dal president Ujjal Talukder and 30 leaders and activists from the BNP and Awami League reportedly sustained injuries during the clash.