BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Unity of all is a must for prosperity: BNP
Stating that vested quarters sometimes make efforts to create divisions using religion, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said a strong unity of all Bangladeshis is a must to take the country forward and ensure its prosperity.
“Communal violence is almost zero in Bangladesh. That’s the reality. But there’re some vested quarters who sometimes try to create divisions using the religion,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks at the funeral of Suddhananda Mahathero, the principal of the Buddhist Monastery in Basabo.
He said those who live in the country all are Bangladeshis and they may have different religions and different thoughts. “This is the philosophy of Bangladesh advocated by Ziaur Rahman.”
Read: New CEC a staunch Awami Leaguer, claims BNP
Fakhrul said their party does not do the politics of divisions as it believes that it is possible to unite the entire nation following the philosophy of Bangladesh.
“We always do the politics of unity. If Bangladesh is to prosper and take forward, then there must have a strong unity among all Bangladeshis,” he observed.
BNP not to join polls under AL: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday reaffirmed that their party will not join the 12th general election under the Awami League government.
"As we said before, we’re least bothered about the new Election commission. Our main worry is about the election-time government,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader said it is certain that there will be no election in the country if Awami League is there in the government.” Because they’ll (AL) try to snatch the election results in their own style again and we’ll have to just watch it sitting at home. So, we won’t join that type of election.”
Read: AL 'helping big power' make Bangladesh a subservient country: BNP
Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Oikya Front arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) protesting the reported communal remarks by Keraniganj Police Station OC Abdus Salam and an attack on BNP leader Nipun Roy Chowdhury.
Fakhrul reiterated that BNP’s only demand is for holding the general election under a non-party neutral or caretaker government. “Our demand is not for the formation of the Election Commission (EC) and the search committee. “
He said the Awami League government must resign handing over power to a non-partisan government. “Then the non-partisan government will form the Election Commission to hold fair elections and establish the rights of people."
Earlier on Saturday, President Abdul Hamid appointed former defence secretary Kazi Habibul Awal as the new Chief Election Commissioner.
Based on the search committee’s recommendations, he also appointed Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan (retd), former district and sessional judge Begum Rashida Sultana , former senior secretaries Mohammad Alamgir and Anisur Rahman as the four other commissioners of the new EC.
The tenure of the immediate past EC, led by KM Nurul Huda, expired on February 14.
Fakhrul alleged that the current government has destroyed the EC like other state and constitutional organisations.
He said the Election Commission, a constitutional body, has a sacred responsibility to ensure the voting rights of the country’s people so that they can vote.
The BNP leader said it is also the responsibility of the EC to help form a parliament and a government that truly represents people through holding representative elections. “But this system was destroyed since Awami League came to power.”
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League revoked the caretaker government system as it knew it would not able to come to power with people’s votes. “The caretaker government was their (AL’s) demand. We accepted that as it was a desire of the country’s people…there were four unquestionable elections under caretaker governments.”
He said the people of all walks of life and all professions have got fed up with the ‘fascist’ rule of the Awami League government.
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The BNP leader said people are waiting to get rid of the Awami League’s ‘misrule' and repression.
Criticising the communal remarks by Keraniganj OC Abdus Salam, he said police dared make such remarks as Awami League has used them to stay in power.
“I express my hatred towards the OC and also the government for giving him the scope to say such things. Where do the police get the courage to talk so much? Because you (govt) used the police in snatching votes from people at night. Also, you have been using the police for 14 years to suppress and repress those who have been fighting for democracy,” the BNP leader said.
He also alleged that Awami League has been repeatedly trying to destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh for making its political gains.
BNP shows no interest in new EC
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party has no interest in the new Election Commission (EC).
"We’ve no interest in the new Commission. We also don’t have any curiosity about who the new CEC or commissioners are. We don't want to talk about it," he said.
In their immediate response to the new EC, the BNP leader also said no EC will be able to hold a neutral and credible election if Awami League remains in power during the election period.
"It has been proved through the elections in 2014 and 2018 and local government ones that polls can’t be fair and acceptable under a partisan government.
He said the EC under the Awami League government becomes obedient to the ruling party and works at their behest. “So, elections won’t be neutral in any way if Awami League stays in power. This is the undeniable truth.”
Read: Pension scheme a ploy to plunder public money: BNP
Fakhrul said the general election must be held under a non-party neutral government. "BNP won’t go to polls under a partisan government."
Earlier in the day, President Abdul Hamid appointed former defence secretary Kazi Habibul Awal as the new Chief Election Commissioner.
He also appointed Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan (retd), former district and sessional judge Begum Rashida Sultana, former senior secretaries Mohammad Alamgir and Anisur Rahman as the four other commissioners of the new EC.
The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard.
Read: AL 'helping big power' make Bangladesh a subservient country: BNP
On Thursday, President Abdul Hamid received the names of 10 individuals recommended by the search committee to be appointed in the next five-member Election Commission at Bangabhaban.
This is the first time an election commission was formed under a law mandated by the constitution.
The tenure of the immediate past EC, led by KM Nurul Huda, expired on February 14.
Get ready, hit the streets: Fakhrul asks BNP followers
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged their party leaders and activists to get ready to take to the streets.
"Time is running out fast. We’ve to organise ourselves in no timey. We must take to the streets together with people fast,” he told a discussion meeting.
The BNP leader also said the existence of Bangladesh will be at stake if the current ‘atrocious’ government stays in power for a longer period. “Bangladesh will become a failed state if they remain in power anymore.”
Read: BNP expels ex-MP Akhtaruzzaman
BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.
Fakhrul called upon the people of all walks of life to wage a fierce movement being imbued with the spirit of the Language Movement of 1952 and the 1971 Liberation War to restore their voting rights by ensuring the next polls under a non-party neutral government.
He also said there is no alternative to holding the next national election under a non-party government to overcome the country’s political crisis.
“We need to be more united to get out of the current crisis. We’ve to forge unity with all the political parties to wage a strong mass movement. Through this mass movement, we’ll be able to defeat them (AL) and establish a people's government,” the BNP leader said.
Paying deep homage to the memory of the language martyrs, Fakhrul said the Language Movement was the first foundation of building the Bangalee nation.
He also said Bangladesh was liberated in 1971 with the spirit and aspiration of the Language Movement to build an independent, healthy, democratic free society. “But that spirit and aspiration have been destroyed now by Awami League.”
Read: ‘Ruling party syndicate’ behind price hike: BNP
The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League government is deliberately destroying the distinct entity and identity of Bangladesh. “It has now turned Bangladesh into a truly subservient state.”
He said the current government has destroyed the country’s democratic and electoral system by snatching people’s voting and other basic rights. “They’ve turned the entire country into a den of plundering. They’ve destroyed the education system and the health sector and turned the economy into a looting one.”
Fakhrul also accused the government of harassing BNP leaders and activists again with ‘false’ and ‘fictitious’ cases.
Search committee activities nothing but a joke: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday described the activities of the search committee as a 'joke', and said it is 'meaningless' to send names to the search panel for the formation of the Election Commission.
“There's nothing but a joke in its (search committee's) activities. The sole purpose of it is to confuse people and mislead them. It’s completely an eyewash," he said.
Read: Momen accuses BNP of destroying caretaker government system for lust of power
Speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, Fakhrul also said it was proved through the national elections in 2014 and 2018, and the local government polls that a credible election is not possible under the Awami League government.
"So, BNP thinks sending names to the search committee and forming the Election Commission are completely pointless," he said.
The BNP leader said the new Election Commission will be formed like the last two ones through the search committee giving the ruling party a scope to control the elections in the same style as it did in the past. "BNP thinks a neutral, fair and acceptable election is not possible under any circumstances under the illegitimate Awami League government which has been in power without peopel's mandate," he observed.
Fakhrul said their party thinks the transfer of power to a neutral government for holding an inclusive and acceptable election through an impartial election commission and thus establishing a representative parliament and government is the only way to overcome the current crisis in the country.
On February 5, a six-member search committee was formed under the "Appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act-2022". The search committee will propose 10 names to the President for appointing the new CEC and the Election Commissioners.
Referring to a liked telephonic conversation between Law minister Anisul Huq and the Prime Minster's adviser Salman F Rahman about government projects, Fakhrul said, “As the Law Minister has acknowledged the authenticity of the conversation, it's essential to unveil the truth through a fair and impartial investigation."
Read:Search committee working to form another 'subservient' EC: BNP
The BNP leader urged the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct an impartial inquiry and take effective action in this regard.
He said their party standing committee at a meeting expressed deep concern over the growing prices of essential commodities like rice, pulses, oil and the gradual increase in the prices of fuel oil, gas and water. "The middle-class, lower-income people and workers are going through serious ordeals due to the hike in essential prices and the tariffs of utility services."
He demanded the government take immediate steps to reduce the prices of essential commodities and stop the move to raise the tariffs of water, gas and oil.
BNP leader Fakhrul, wife contract Covid
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum have tested positive for Covid-19.
“The BNP secretary general and his wife have been diagnosed with the coronavirus,” BNP chairperson’s media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB on Tuesday.
Read: Ex-CJ Khairul Haque to face trial for “killing” democracy: Fakhrul
He said the BNP leader was infected with the virus nearly a week back after he had received the third dose of the Covid vaccine.
Contacted, BNP vice-chairman Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said Fakhrul and his wife have been feeling unwell for a few days.
He said the couple underwent the Covid tests on Sunday and their reports came positive.
Zahid said the couple has been receiving treatment in isolation at their Uttra home under the supervision of Square Hospital’s medicine specialist Dr Raihan Rabbani.
Read: Movement to continue until govt falls: Fakhrul
He said both are suffering from coughing, but their overall conditions are good.
Zahid urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP secretary general and his wife.
Fakhrul last joined a rally arranged by Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum, a platform of BNP, in front of the Jatiya Press Club on January 8.
All in govt to face ‘murder charge’ if anything happens to Khaleda: BNP
BNP on Wednesday warned that everyone in the current Awami League government will be charged with “murder” if any accident happens to its Chairperson Khaleda Zia for lack of advanced treatment abroad.
“They (govt) are hatching a plot knowingly as part of their premeditated plan to kill our leader Khaleda Zia. They want to kill her,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a human chain programme, he also said when people, irrespective of their party and opinion, want Khaleda to be sent abroad, the current government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are not allowing her to go there for treatment out of serious political 'vengeance'.
“We would like to clearly say if any accident happens to Khaleda Zia for lack of advanced treatment, then each of them (in the govt) will be tried making them accused of a murder case,” the BNP leader said.
Also read: Khaleda’s condition worsens again in hospital: Fakhrul
As part of their countrywide programme, BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units arranged the human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club, registering their protest against the ‘unilateral’ 10th parliament election held on January 5, 2014.
Fakhrul said the Awami League government sent Khaleda to jail by convicting her in “false” cases as part of its “blueprint of depoliticisation and eliminating the BNP chief”.
He said Khaleda Zia is now fighting for life in a hospital in the capital with a very critical health issue.
BNP to hold talks with political parties
As the party is determined to boycott the ongoing dialogue on the reconstitution of the Election Commission, BNP has now decided to hold talks with all political parties to discuss the country’s overall political situation.
A virtual meeting of the party standing committee, the highest policymaking body, on Monday took the decision, said a press release signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday.
“The meeting discussed the dialogue between the political parties and the President on the formation of the Election Commission. In the overall political context, a decision has been taken to exchange views with all political parties.”
However, the party did not mention when the talks may start.
Read:BNP’s nationwide human chains Wednesday
Last week, the BNP policymakers decided not to take part in the talks with President Abdul Hamid as it thinks it will be a ‘pointless’ exercise.
President Abdul Hamid began talks with registered political parties over the formation of the new Election Commission on December 20.
The tenure of the current EC, led by KM Nurul Huda, is to expire on February 14 next year.
As per the constitution, a new Commission must be formed before the expiry of the present EC.
Rallies to continue
The BNP policymakers also decided to hold rallies in the rest of the districts from January 12 as part of their movement for allowing their party chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad.
The meeting entrusted the BNP Secretary General with the task of working out detailed programmes in this regard.
Earlier, the party arranged similar rallies in 32 districts across the country from December 22 to December 30 last.
The BNP standing committee crticised the ruling party for attacking their party’s peaceful rally in Sirajganj on December 29 and spraying bullets on the party leaders and activists and common people, leaving many of them injured.
They voiced anger that police neither filed any case nor arrested any ruling party cadres although their photos with firearms were polished in national dailies and on social media. “Rather, a reign of terror has been established there by filing false cases against BNP leaders and arresting them and raiding their houses. “We strongly condemn and protest it.”
The BNP policymakers demanded immediate arrest of the identified Awami ‘cadres’ and legal action against them.
Read: Govt filing fictitious cases again, alleges BNP
They also alleged that the government filed cases against BNP leaders and activists in some other districts including Habiganj and Patuakhali, in the same style by attacking their rallies.
The BNP standing committee urged the government to withdraw the ‘false’ cases filed against BNP leaders and activists and release those arrested.
Concern over killing by “RAB”
The BNP standing committee meeting also expressed deep concern over the media reports on the recent killings of two peoples -- one in Tongi and the other in Chattogram -- by members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
They urged BNP human rights affairs secretary Asaduzzaman to collect necessary information on the killings.
Govt filing fictitious cases again, alleges BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that the government has started filing fictitious cases against the leaders and activists of their party again as it got scared seeing the mass wave of people in their recent programmes.
"Awami League and the current unelected government have started attacking democratic forces, shooting them and filing fictitious cases against them being afraid of the process of peaceful programmes we’ve initiated to realise our demand,” he said.
Read: Movement to continue until govt falls: Fakhrul
Through their various programmes, the BNP leader said it has been proved that people do not want the unelected government to remain in power and destroy democracy. It has also been proven that people want Khaleda Zia to be released immediately and sent abroad for treatment.”
He came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
The BNP secretary general narrated how their party followers came under attack and faced the wrath of law enforcers and ruling party leaders and activists in different districts, including in Sirajganj, Habiganj, Tangail, Thakurgaon, Gazipur and Jhenaidah, during their public rallies from December 22 to 30 demanding Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
He said the ruling party and law enforcers have become worried seeing people’s spontaneous participation in all rallies of BNP. “They tried to obstruct our every programme and suppress our movement by attacking our leaders and activists”
Fakhrul warned the government that people have started waking up and they will realise their demands and restore democracy through a street movement.
He said their party standing committee will work out the next course of action to push for their demand for Khaleda’s treatment abroad at their virtual meeting on Monday.
Ominous sign
Referring to ‘BNP’s rally attack in Sirajganj by ‘armed ’ruling party ‘cadres’ on December 30 last, Fakhrul said armed people have begun coming out in public. “This is an ominous sign.”
Read: Dialogue on EC formation ‘pointless’: Fakhrul
The BNP leader alleged that Awami League is basically a terrorist party and it has not been able to survive without resorting to terrorism since its inception.
Fakhrul said Chhatra League and Juba League activists attacked their rallies brandishing arms, but no case has been filed against them. “They’re indulging in terrorism, but shifting the blame on opposition ladders and activists.”
He demanded the government arrest the armed people and bring them to justice.
2021 in review: BNP failed again to impress people
Unlike previous years, BNP put in greater efforts in 2021 to make people feel its presence, but Khaleda Zia’s party still faces an uphill task to cast any impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2023 national election, according to political analysts.
As the nature of the game has changed, they said, BNP must have a strategic plan to make a turnaround.
“BNP should have done something that would have surprised people instead of only focusing on sending Khaleda abroad for medical treatment. People want a strong movement, BNP should concentrate on it,” said Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury.
Professor Ali Riaz, a distinguished professor of political science at Illinois State University (USA), said BNP needs to bring its house in order and develop a strategy for the future.
Read: Get ready for movement with shrouds on heads: BNP to followers
‘Nothing tangible’ in 2021
On the first day of 2021, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had said they were taking a fresh vow to completely free Khaleda Zia from jail and ‘restore’ democracy in the country through a mass upsurge by uniting the country’s people and political parties, but the party could not do much to live up to its pledge.
The party held various street programmes, including rallies and human chains, in protest against the price hike of essentials, a flawed election system, different incidents, demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad all over the year.
The party marked the seventh anniversary of the 10th parliament election day-- January 5, 2014 -- by hoisting flags at its offices across the country.