United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Saturday said no one has the power to prevent the upcoming national election if BNP takes to the streets. “Elections must be held… no one has the power to stop the election, if we take to the streets. Those who say we could not achieve anything in 16 years, I would like to tell them, we can now achieve it in 16 days…but we won’t show that,” he said while addressing a rally in Keraniganj, demanding an early election. Referring to the government’s commitment to holding elections in time, Gayeshwar said they are patiently waiting with the expectation that the gentleman (Chief Adviser) will keep his promise and arrange elections in time. Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Jamaat has taken control of both the education and health sectors… There is no room left for anyone else. Some people often talk about Indian agents, but those who truly act as India’s agents are the ones working for India.” This veteran politician said those opposing elections or delaying the process in the name of reforms are the real agents of India, and they have inducted “notorious” Awami League members into their parties. BNP slams Jamaat for trying to 'fish in troubled waters' Speaking about the recent abduction of Porag Mandal, he said, “You all know who abducted Porag Mandal… I hear he is now a leader of Jamaat.” Mentioning that there is a pretext being used in the name of reform, this BNP standing committee member said BNP supports reform but does not and will not accept superstition. Addressing students, Gayeshwar said, “Students have every right to do politics. We also did student politics. Your contributions will be written in golden letters in history. But if you try to foil the election through conspiracies, your reputation will be tarnished and you will face public outrage.” Speaking as the chief guest, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said other political parties are using similar demands as BNP's to delay the election. “An Islamic party has now become ‘Shahid Mubarak’ just to contest elections alongside Awami League. In the past, they collaborated with Awami League by conspiring with India. They helped legitimise the illegal election and now they are giving big speeches at the reform commission,” he added. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Organising Secretary Shama Obaid also addressed the rally as special guests.

Accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to fish in troubled waters, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday alleged that a party which had taken part in the 1986 election under an autocratic regime is now questioning the electoral atmosphere under the interim government. “Some people are now trying to fish in troubled waters and saying there is no proper environment for the election,” he said while inaugurating a football tournament at the Dhanmondi Sports Club ground. BNP’s Dhaka North City unit organised the event as part of the party’s month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. Throughout world history, Rizvi said people have gained their rights through movements and struggles. The BNP leader said an elected parliament with public representatives, who are accountable to people, is essential to speed up political progress. BNP sees February polls as chance to restore democracy “But instead of supporting such elections, you're trying to delay them under the pretext of political rhetoric. You're questioning the election atmosphere, but we know your history. You had no hesitation in joining an election under an autocrat, following Sheikh Hasina’s footsteps,” he said. Earlier on Friday, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said a neutral election is not possible in Bangladesh under the current circumstances. “Under the current circumstances, a neutral election is impossible. We must first create an environment for credible elections, and that requires fundamental reforms,” said Shafiqur while addressing a rally in Rangpur. Rizvi said the Jamaat Ameer sounded like a green activist, raising concern about the election environment. “Suddenly, you have become an 'environmentalist'! If you are so concerned about the environment, then work on the global environmental decline we are all witnessing.” He said the country now needs an elected government to restore people’s rightful political, democratic and human rights. “That is why we are calling upon the interim government to arrange a free and fair election by completing the necessary reforms within a very reasonable timeframe,” Rizvi said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London has caused ‘heartburn’ among various political parties. “Many parties couldn’t accept it. Some even expressed resentment. This meeting caused heartburn among many political parties. Brother, why are you so upset? What is your purpose?" Rizvi said while addressing a rally in the Bhawanipur area of Gazipur. Gazipur district unit BNP organised the programme on the premises of local Muktijoddha College to launch the party’s new membership form distribution and membership renewal campaign. In an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rizvi said some political parties are upset over the revised election timeline. The BNP leader said some political parties claimed the interim government's neutrality had been compromised by the London meeting. Rizvi questioned when those parties had ever conducted themselves with genuine impartiality and suggested they should first reflect on their own history. Prof Yunus-Tarique London meeting raises hope, shows democratic direction: Dudu “They (Jamaat) stood against people in 1971, joined hands with Hasina in the 1986 election… After August 5 (2024), they talked about forgiving the Awami League and deepening ties with India. What kind of politics is this?” he questioned. The BNP leader said Jamaat’s politics is full of contradictions, while BNP’s politics is positive and constructive. He observed that there is no more suitable time than the first or second week of February next year for the national election. “There is a tradition of holding national elections during this period,” he said. On the contrary, Rizvi said, April is not favourable for voting due to extreme heat, storms and the season of Hajj and Qurbani preparations. “Can election campaigns even be conducted during Ramadan?” He said the first or second week of February will offer a window with good weather, no Ramadan, and no academic exams – making it the ideal time for elections. Slamming Sheikh Hasina, Rizvi said the deposed former Prime Minister had carried out many propaganda campaigns against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, but she never fled the country nor bowed down to Hasina’s injustice. He accused Hasina of destroying the Election Commission and stifling people’s democratic rights. The BNP leader also criticised India for continuing to push its citizens into Bangladesh through various borders. “India is trying to provoke conflict through the incidents of push-in. If this continues, they must face the consequences.” Meanwhile, traffic movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway was disrupted in the afternoon near the Bhawanipur area due to the BNP rally, causing immense suffering to Eid holidaymakers returning to Dhaka.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Friday alleged that a certain political party is trying to confuse the government through various contradictory statements only to delay the national election. "They talk about the election... sometimes they say they won’t participate, sometimes they say they will... sometimes they say they will join if certain conditions are met, sometimes they say they will if other conditions are met,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while inaugurating the membership renewal programme for the party's Dhaka South City unit at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. In an oblique reference to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders who were executed for crimes committed in 1971 at the International Crimes Tribunal, Mirza Abbas said due to this party's wrong decisions in 2008, BNP and its alliance partners participated in the election. "As a result, many prominent and well-known people in Bangladesh had to give up their lives at the gallows." Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, urged Jamaat not to repeat the same mistakes. "A single wrong decision can cost the lives of lakhs of people... So, do not prolong the election issue... Various political parties are making contradictory statements about the election, confusing the government and placing it in an unstable position," he observed. Abbas called upon the interim government to hold the national election by December this year, as per its previous announcement. "We are always ready for the elections, Insh'Allah." BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists He said those trying to disrupt the election process and cast doubt on its integrity are, in effect, attempting to undermine the country's independence and sovereignty, depriving the people of their right to free speech and their voting rights. "Please, refrain from engaging in such activities." Mirza Abbas also criticised the authorities for not arresting those involved in the Nabil Group's corruption, which resulted in the embezzlement of Tk 12,000 crore. He pointed out that those associated with the Nabil Group seem untouchable due to their strong political connections with a particular political party. The BNP leader alleged that a section of people are unfairly blaming BNP for various wrongdoings, while overlooking the party's efforts to maintain peace and tolerance. He accused some political parties and politicians of supporting certain business groups that played a role in inciting violence during the July-August mass uprising, with promises to remain loyal to Sheikh Hasina until their deaths. “Despite their playing such role, they still did not face any consequences due to their political backing.” Abbas claimed that a political party, which is now quick to criticise BNP, had allied with these business groups. “From now on, our task will be to expose such hypocritical political parties, which try to falsely blame others, and to reveal their true nature to the public,” he stated. Abbas cautioned BNP leaders and workers that those involved in anti-organisational activities or damaging the party's reputation should not be granted membership. He also warned against opportunists, particularly from the Awami League, who might attempt to join BNP, asserting that such individuals would harm the party. Abbas stressed the importance of quality over quantity, stating that the party values loyal and solid members over large numbers. He voiced concern about rising commodity prices, noting that business syndicates are becoming more active as Ramadan approaches amid the government’s inaction.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also president of the Awami League, today vehemently criticized BNP-Jamaat for inciting a wave of terrorist and militant activities against citizens of the country. This campaign, she asserts, aims to disrupt the upcoming national election scheduled for January 7, 2024. She accused the BNP-Jamaat of acting on directives from London, asserting that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate such crimes. Asserting the constitutional right of citizens to vote, Sheikh Hasina declared that no one should obstruct or harm others for exercising their voting rights. Her comments came during interaction with reporters following her visit to Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine in Sylhet. The Prime Minister emphasized that Bangladesh rejects all forms of militant and terrorist acts. She expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh would eventually reject those responsible for such actions. PM Hasina visits shrines of sufi saints in Sylhet at start of polls campaign Addressing the recent arson attacks on trains, she issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, emphasizing that such criminal acts would be met with decisive action. Sheikh Hasina criticized the BNP-Jamaat clique’s attempts to derail the election and prevent voter participation but noted the public's overwhelming support for the electoral process. “People are not responding to BNP’s strikes. What will they gain through such destructive activities? Rather, people will hate them ultimately,” she said. Highlighting her party’s past successes, she recounted the Awami League’s election victories in 2009, 2014, and 2018, attributing them to the party’s commitment to meeting the people’s basic needs. “Rest of the needs will be fulfilled Inshallah, if in the January 7 election people of Bangladesh cast their votes for the ‘boat’ symbol, and if we can from the government again. We will ensure a developed and prosperous Bangladesh. And no one will be without an address, home, and land,” she said. Sheikh Hasina also touched on her government’s goal of bringing happiness to the impoverished, in line with the vision of the Father of the Nation, and mentioned the country’s recent elevation to developing nation status. PM Hasina condoles loss of lives in China earthquake Regarding BNP’s decision to abstain from the election, she questioned the necessity of resorting to violent tactics like arson attacks, which she labeled as “terrorist and militant activities.” She condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance’s history of violence, including recent attacks on civilians, police, and journalists. Emphasizing the democratic process within the Awami League, she stated that the party allows all members to participate in elections, leaving the choice of MPs to the electorate. She emotionally condemned the tragic deaths of a mother and child in yesterday’s arson attack on a train in Dhaka, questioning the morality of such violence. “There is nothing more painful... How can a human being do this to another?” AL upbeat as PM Hasina to launch election campaign from Sylhet Wednesday She reiterated her stance against fear tactics used to disrupt elections, referring to similar unsuccessful attempts in 2013 and 2014.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (July 20, 2023) said the government has no intention to obstruct the political programmes of BNP-Jamaat, but won’t spare them if they repeat any destructive activity. “We will not obstruct them in doing politics and are not doing so as well. But they won’t get spared if they set fire to rails again or make any damage to the people,” she said, referring to the violence unleashed by the BNP-Jamaat  during the 2013-2015 period. The premier made the warning while opening train movement on the newly constructed 72-km dual-gauge double rail line, which was built under the Akhaura-Laksam Double Track Project. Also read: Efforts on to bring home money laundered by BNP leaders: PM Hasina She joined the inaugural function at Laksam in Cumilla through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban. With the newly constructed 72-km dual-gauge double track, the entire 321-km Dhaka-Chattogram corridor has turned into a double lined one increasing its operational capacity, which will save travelling time by 30 minutes to one hour on this route.  Hasina said there will be cameras everywhere and the culprits will be identified and punished properly in case of any destructive activity. Also read: Staying away from corruption can make possible the impossible: PM Hasina tells govt officials Terming BNP and Jamaat the terrorist parties,  Hasina said they know how to destroy but they don’t know how to create anything or serve the people. “They know how to plunder, commit corruption and make self-gains,” she said. The prime minister asked the people of the country to remain alert so that they can stay protected from the hands of terrorist BNP-Jamaat. “We want the country to be protected from their hands,” she said. Also read: Need to transform education system to build Smart Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells educators The PM said that BNP-Jamaat set fire to railways in 29 places during their arson violence unleashed to thwart the 2014 general election. She said many train operations were suspended during the BNP-Jamaat regime, but the AL government took massive steps to improve the sector considering that train journeys are comfortable and cheap for the common people. PM Hasina said her government formed a separate ministry for railways in order to increase allocation to the sector. “In the last 14 and a half years, we constructed 740 km new rail lines, converted 280 km meter-gauge rail tracks into dual-gauge ones, and reinstalled or reconstructed 1,308 km rail lines reinstalled,” she said. Also read: Govt is always with you: PM Hasina tells businesspeople Besides, the AL government constructed 126 new station buildings, reconstructed 223 stations buildings, constructed 732 new railway bridges, reinstalled or reconstructed 774 railway bridges in the time, she added. The PM said her government collected 111 locomotives, 588 passenger carriages and 516 wagons (for carrying goods) since 2009. “We’ve commissioned 143 new trains on different routes,” she said. She said the government is implementing several mega projects in order to enhance the regional and local railway communication and networks. Also read: Reach sewage treatment facilities outside Dhaka too: PM Hasina directs authorities “We’ve taken initiative to collect 46 new broad-gauge locomotives, 460 new broad-gauge passenger carriages, 150 new meter-gauge passenger carriages, 125 new modern luggage vans, 1,310 new wagons,” said the premier. Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan chaired the event from Laksam end, while LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Tazul Islam (local MP from Laksam-Monohorgonj) and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq (local MP from Akhaura-Kashba) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director for Bangladesh Edimon Ginting spoke on the occasion. PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin conducted the function and Railways Secretary Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome speech. Also read: PM Hasina inaugurates South Asia's largest STP in Dhaka's Dasherkandi  

Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader has said that a number of BNP leaders are busy taking secret preparations to run in the election. He came up with the remarks at a rally organized by Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League against the "anti-state conspiracy of BNP-Jamaat" in the capital's Mirpur this afternoon (June 16, 2023). He said many parties will participate in the election. Read: Fakhrul must apologise for derogatory remark on election: Obaidul Quader "There will be no shortage of political parties to join the polls. No matter how BNP conspires, the election will be held in this country," Quader added. Quader said BNP fears losing in the next election. He said that the election of Bangladesh cannot be prevented by anyone's visa policy and sanctions. "We do not interfere with anyone so we do not want interference from any foreign country in our elections. We are going to hold the elections as per law. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will remain the head of the government during the elections," he said. Read: BNP would only say election was fair if AL gets defeated: Quader Quader said the country's people have confidence about the elections and they will not be confused by BNP's statements over elections. "The BNP is now holding a road march after getting imbalanced and this road march will finally turn into a fall march," he said, adding that the BNP has no path. The AL general secretary said BNP has no control over its own party men while its activists became candidates in many city elections ignoring the command of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Read: Participate in election to see whether you even get 10% votes: Information Minister to BNP "Now many of BNP leaders have started running from here and there to participate in the upcoming national elections," he said. Among others, AL joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organising secretary Afzal Hossain, Dhaka North City AL president Sheikh Bazlur Rahman, general secretary SM Mannan Kochi and Swechchhasebak League president Gazi Mejbaul Hossain Sacchu, spoke at the rally.

A group of around prominent 200 Bangladeshi Americans have said the recent letter from six US congressmen to President Joe Biden – demanding stricter sanctions against the Bangladesh government – contains “false and misleading information.” The claim in the congressmen’s letter, “Since Sheikh Hasina’s rise to power, the Hindu population has been halved,” is categorically false and hides the real reasons behind the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, they said. In particular, the letter ignores the October 2001 post-national election violence unleashed on the Hindu community by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami led coalition, the Bangladeshi Americans said. Also read: State of Christians in Bangladesh: Archbishop Emeritus Patrick D'Rozario rejects 6 US congressmen’s letter to Biden The congressmen’s letter also contains “incorrect information” about the persecution of the Christian population in Bangladesh under the current government, they observed. “We, the undersigned Bangladeshi Americans, request the congressmen to withdraw the false information from the letter,” they said. The wrong information would not only undermine the credibility of the congressmen’s stance on minority rights in Bangladesh but also jeopardize the security and safety of the undersigned Bangladeshi Americans, according to their statement. Also read: 6 congressmen’s letter to Biden a ‘false projection’ of the state of Bangladesh’s minorities, community leaders say Noted Bangladeshi Hindu, Christian and Buddhist leaders have already rejected the claims about the state of minority communities in Bangladesh made in the congressmen’s letter as categorically false. They also indicated that false claims hide the real culprits behind minority persecution in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad leader Rana Dasgupta said that the congressmen’s claim of Hindu population being “halved” under Sheikh Hasina’s rule is a “travesty of truth.” “We understand that the US elected representatives sign many statements. But false information in congressmen’s letter to President Biden is concerning and detrimental to the Bangladeshi minority communities,” wrote the Bangladeshi Americans. Also read: Letters from 6 MEPs and 6 US congressmen: Netizens point out curious similarities, including misspelling Bangladesh PM’s name “We again request the congressmen to withdraw the false and misleading information from the letter for the security, safety, and wellness of the Bangladesh minority and undersigned Bangladeshi Americans who have been actively fighting for minority rights in Bangladesh for decades,” they said. The signatories are: 1. Dr. Nuran Nabi, Councilman, NJ 2. Prof. ABM Nasir, Professor, NC 3. Abu Ahmed Musa, Councilman, MI 4. Rana Hasan Mahmud, Engineer, CA 5. Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Professor, PA 6. Shikrithy Barua, IT Engineer, NY 7. Abul Khan, State Representative, NH 8. Mahbubul Alam Taiyab, Milborne City Mayor, NH 9. Nurul Hassan, Councilman, Milborne City, NH 10. Dr. Sufian A Khandakar, Scientist 11.Dr. Ashraf Ahmed, Scientist and Writer 12. Dr. Joti Prakash Dutta, Writer, FL 13. Prof. Abu Naser Rajib, CA 14. Morshed Alam, Activist, NY 15. Ahad Ahmed, Engineer, MI 16. Dr. Baman Das Basu, Scientist, MA 17. Safeda Basu, Activist, MA 18. Dr. Khondoker Mansur, Community Leader, NY 19. Dr. Mohshin Patowari, Professor, NY 20. Jamal Uddin Hossain, Cultural Personality, AL 21. Dr. Mohshin Ali, Writer, NY 22. Dastagir Jahangir, Journalist, VA 23. Fahim Reza Noor, Activist, NY 24. Dr. Zeenat Nabi, Scientist, NJ 25. Hassan Ferdous, Columnist & Writer, NY 26. Maj (retd) Manzur Ahmed, Community Leader, NY 27. Dr.Pradip Kar, Scientist,NY 28. Dr. Protap Das, Physician, NY 29. Kowshik Ahmed, Editor, NY 30. Lovlu Ansar, Editor,NY 31. Rafayet Choudhury, Activist, NY 32. Abu Taher, Activist, PA 33. Soud Choudhury, Activist, NY 34. Dr. Mizan R Miah, Professor, IL 35. Dr. Jamil Talukdar, Professor, WI 36. Dr.Shahadat Hossain, Professor, NY 37. Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Professor, NJ 38. Dr. Khandakar Monsur, Scientist, MD 39. Dr. Syed Abu Hasnat, Teacher, MA 40. Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, Businessman ,GA 41. Tajul Imam, Artist, NY 42. Abdur Rahim Badsha, Businessman, NY 43. Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Scientist 44. Abdul Qader Mia, Community Leader, NY 45. Zakaria Choudhury, Community Leader, NY 46. Bedarul Islam Babla, Commuinity leader, NY 47.Mintu Rahman, Community Leader, GA 48. Nadira Rahman, Community Leader, GA 49. Arefin Babul, Community Leader, GA 50. Dr.Shahab Siddique, Scientist, GA 51. Mohammed Ali Babul, Lawyer, NY 52. Mohammad Mowla, Community Leader, GA 53. Jharna Choudhury, Theater Artist, NY 54. Lutfun Nahar Lata, Artist, NY 55. Dr. Faruk Azam, Physician, NJ 56. Mian Helal, Businessman, NJ 57. Shamsun Nahar Helen, Technologist, NJ 58. Iqbal Yousuf, Community Leader, MA  59. Atiqur Rahman, Community Leader 60. Rumi Kabir, Writer, GA 61. Ali Ahmad Farish, Businessman, MI 62. Rashed Ahmed, Community Leader, NY 63. Sitangshu Guha, Journalist, NY 64. Dr. Dilip Nath, Teacher, NY 65. MA Salam, Community Leader, NJ 66. Fakir Ilias, Poet, NY 67. Mishuk Selim, Poet, NY 68. Khaled Sharifuddin, Poet, NY 69. Abu Sayeed Ratan, Poet, NY 70. Hassan Al Abdullah, Poet, NY 71. Mithun Ahmed, Cultural Activist, NY 72. Minhaj Ahmed, Cultural Activist, NY 73. Shakawat Ali, Community Leader, NY 74. Dr. Abdul Baten, Scientist, NY 75. Dr. Hasan Masud, Teacher, NY 76. Shahid Hasan, Artist, NY 77. Rathindra Nath Roy, Artist, NY 78. Istiaq Rupu, Poet, NY 79. Gopal Sannal, Community Leader,NY 80. Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Tuku, Businessman, NY 81. Dr. Nahid Banu, Scientist, NJ 82. Mahbub Reza Rahim, Community Leader, AZ 83. Dr. Monowar Hossain, Scientist, NJ 84. Golam Faruk Bhuyan, Businessman, NJ 85.  Rehan Reza,Community Leader, KS 86. Dr. Hasan Mamun, Teacher, NJ 87. Zahedul Mahmud Zami, Community Leader, CA 88. Towfik Solaiman Khan, Community Leader, CA 89. Nazrul Alam, Community Leader, CA 90. Saifur Rahman Osmani, Broadcaster, CA 91. Dr.Golam Mostofa, Professor, PA 92. Rabiul Karim Belal, Businessman, PA 93. Dr. Ahsan Choudhury, Engineer, TX 94. Hashmot Mobin, Community Leader, TX 95. Shah Halim, Community Leader, TX 96. Maggie Halim, Community Leader, TX 97. Dr. Anisul Aslam, Physician, CA 98. Mohammad Billah Rana, Businessman, CA 99. Hadi Billah Roba, Businessman, NV 100. Quazi Shahraiar Rahman, Engineer, CA 101. Karimul Haque Chowdhury, Businessman, CA 102. Bashir Ather, Scientist, CA 103. Tapan Mondol, Social Worker, CA 104. Shah Alam, Community Leader, CA  105. Maminul Haque Bachchu, Sr. Community Leader, CA 106. Tasnim Salam Aslam, Engineer, CA 107. Abed Mansur, Community Leader, CA 108. Habib Ahmed Tia, Community Leader, CA 109. Mofazzal Hussain, Community Leader, CA 100. Mohammad Hossain Rana, Community Leader, CA 101. Abul Hasnat Rayhan, Community Leader, CA 102. Asaduzzaman Bachchu, Businessman, MI 103.  Dewan Zamir,Engineer, CA 104. Belal Beg, columnist, NY 105. Nini Wahed, Journalist, NY 106. Dr.Farjahan Rahman Shawon, Professor,NC 107. Dr.Khondoker Mansur, Community Leader, NY 108. Khurshid Anowar Bablu, Community Leader, NY 109. Hassan Al Abdullah, Writer, NY 110. Syed Abu Hasnat, Professor, MA 111. Dr.Delwar Hossain, Professor, AL 112. Iqbal Yusuf, Director, Intl.Sustainable Development 113. Atiqur Rahman, Businessman, FL 114. Hassan Jahangir, Businessman, FL 115. Junaid Akhter,Community Leader, FL 116. Dr. Hemayet Ullah, Professor 117. Dr. Mahbub Pramanik 118. Dr.Purobi Bosu, Writer, FL 119. Farhana Iliyas Tuli, Poet, NY 120. Syed Mamunur Rashid, Poet, NY 121. Swapnil Firoze, Poet, NY 122. Liton Ahmed, Activist, NY 123. Golam Mohiuddin, Musician, GA 124. Nazrul Islam, Community Leader, GA 125.Farque Ahmed, Community Leader, GA 126. Mohin, Community Leader, FA 127. Abul Hassan, Community Leader, GA 128. Ahmadhur Parvez, Community Leader, GA 129. Dr. Mohammed Nasim, Community Leader, GA 130. Mahmud Abbas, Community Leader, GA 131. Mohammad Akbar Khan, Community Leader, GA 132. Reza Karim, Community Leader, GA 133. Ali Hosen, Community Leader, GA 134. Pintu Yusuf, Community Leader, GA 135. Nurul Kabir Nahid, Community Leader, GA 136. Mojammel,Community Leader, GA 137.Moshiur Rahman, Businessman, GA 138. Russel Bhuiyan, Businessman, Ga 139. Arefin Pial, Teacher, GA 140. Mahrufur Bhuiyan, Businessman, GA  141. Borhan Uddin, Community Leader, GA 142. Rashedul Karim, Businessman, GA 143. Bindu Hossen, Singer, GA 144. Rezaul Bari, Activist, NY 145. Abul Bashar Chunnu,Activist,NY 146. Nabendu Dutta,Professor, NY 147. Siraj Ahemd Sohag, Community Leader, NY 148. Shyamal Chakraborti, Community Leader, NY 149. Pranobondhu Chakraborti, Engineer, NY 150. Mohammad Fazlul Haque, Community Leader, NY 151. Parimal Karmakar, Community Leader, NY 152. Jhorna Chowhdury, Artist, NY 153. Syed Rashid Ahmed Karmani, Businessman, NY 154. Ruksana Karmani, NY 155. Farque Ahmed, Businessman, NY 156. Dilara Ahmed, Activist, NY 157. Touqid Chowdhury, Activist, NY 158. Saniyet Ahmed Chowdhury, Engineer, NY 159. Toujiat Chowdhury, PhD student, NY 160. Alim Khan Akash, Businessman, NY 161. Sabita Das, Activist, NY 162.Abul Bhashar Bhuiyan,NY 163. Shareb Ahmed,NY 164.Rontu Lal Das,NY 165. Harun Chowdhury, VA 166. Santosh Barua, Poet, VA 167. Nupur Chowdhury, VA 168. Gourab Golpo, Artist, VA 169. Nasrin Ahmed Munna, Artist, VA 170. Dr.Monowar Hossain, Scientist, NJ 171. Nahid Chowdhury, Businessman, NJ 172. Mir Chowdhury, Community Leader, NJ 173. Rafiqul Islam, Businessman, CA 174. Tasnim Salam Aslam ,CA 175. Mizanul Kabir, P.O., CA 176. Abul Hasnat Rayhan, Community Leader, CA 177. Asaduzzaman Bacchu, Community Leader, CA 178. Masud Chowdhury, Community Leader, CA 179. Mohammed Hossain Rana, Businessman, CA 180. Ruhul Amin, Businessman, MI 181. Abdul Muhit Mukta, Businessman, MI 182. Mohoshin Uddin Tipu, Businessman, MI 183. Md. Sirajuddin Tipu, Community Leader, MI 184. Dr.Adnan Morshed, Professor, WA 185. Dr.Atiar Rahman, FDA statistics, VA 186. Dr. Sadek Chowdhury, VS  187. Alauddin Ahmed, Community Leader, VA 188. Dr.Zahed Chowdhury, Software Engineer, VA 189. Nizamuddin Ahmed, CEO, Huge Network, VA 190. Saleh Ahmed,Activist, VA 191. Swapnik Khan,Activist,TX 192. Redwan Chowdhury, Community Leader, D.C. Read more: China says PM Hasina's remarks against sanctions reflect a ‘large part of int'l community's mind’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that those who were involved in the killings of hundreds of Bangladesh Air Force members through illegal court martial in 1977 are getting punishment for their crimes. Punishment is also being meted out to the perpetrators of arson violence and terrorism carried out in the name of movement launched by BNP and Jamaat during 2013-15, she said. “Those who were involved in injustice got punishment, getting punishment and will get punishment,” she said at an event at her official residence Ganobhavan. The prime minister was talking to the family members of Bangladesh Air Force personnel who had been sentenced to death through illegal court martial in 1977 during the regime of then military ruler General Ziaur Rahman. Also Read: 2002 attack on Hasina's motorcade: 4 get life imprisonment, 44 others 7 years’ jail Victims and relatives of arson terrorism by BNP-Jamaat nexus in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were also present there. Hasina said that she is empathetic to the family members of the victims as she and her younger sister lost father, mother, brothers, sister-in-laws and other family members in a day on August 15 in 1975 when Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated. She said Bangabandhu endured life-long sufferings for Bangladesh and its people. “My only aim is to ensure that people of this country remain in good shape,” she said. She regretted that arson terrorism and fire incidents at market places are taking place causing immense miseries to the innocent people at a time the country is moving towards economic prosperity. “Those who are doing this are incurring hatred of the whole nation. I think that Allah will also not tolerate this,” she said. She said that BNP-Jamaat’s activities had been as barbaric as was done by Pakistani military.  “Ziaur Rahman used to write the verdict of capital punishment while smiling,” she said. She said that after that Zia’s wife and then their sons resorted to arson terrorism as they do not want any good for the country and its people. She mentioned that she can understand the pain of the family members and relatives of the victims. “I am always beside you, I share your pain,” she said. Nurunnahar Begum, wife of victim Sargent Delwar Hossain, and Maksuda Parvin, daughter of Sargent Morshedul Alam, also spoke at the programme. A heart-rending situation prevailed while the relatives spoke. A visibly moved PM consoled them with motherly affection. Victim of arson terrorism Sub Inspector Moqbul Hossain and Mohammad Salauddin Bhuiyan expressed their feelings in the programme. Two separate documentaries on these subjects were also screened at the programme. The prime minister presented Eid gifts to the victims and relatives.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the authorities concerned to investigate whether opposition BNP and Jamaat, who had unleashed a campaign of terror and arson attacks during 2013-14, are involved in the recent fire incidents in the country. “It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire and cripple the economy,” she said. The prime minister said this while speaking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Ganabhaban. Her call came even as another massive fire broke out in Dhaka's New Super Market gutting scores of shops early Saturday. Also read: Intelligence agencies urged to probe if sabotage is behind frequent fire incidents: Fire Service DG Hasina, also the president of Awami League, asked to investigate whether the fire incidents in various markets were conspiracy or sabotage to hurt the economy. She asked to increase surveillance in important markets across the country. “Everyone should be more aware. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to guard (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue,” she said. She also said that unwanted crowds must not be allowed to gather during the fire fighters' battle to control the blaze and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter. The PM said that when the first fire incident occurred it was thought to be an accident. “But after the couple of other fire incidents at the same time of the first one… the fire incidents are taking place after 6am. Surveillance should be increased and other markets have to remain alert,” she said. She also mentioned that it has been noticed that when the fire service comes they face obstacles by some people. “Why will they face obstacles and while they tried to douse the fire some people with sticks and blunt instruments attacked the fire fighters. Who are these people?, " she wondered. She said that a careful study of the four recent fire incidents at shopping malls in the city suggests these have been either planned or manipulated. “We know that some political parties are there to wage movement after Eid, cripple the economy and oust the government. Yes, you can oust the government, but what are the faults of these common people and businessmen,” she asked. She said that businesspeople have been the worst sufferers as fire incidents hit them at a time when they looked for brisk business. “This will not be spared easily, and we have increased our surveillance in this matter,” she said. She also urged the people to remain alert. Recalling the arson terrorism by the BNP-Jamaat clique in the recent past, she suspected that they might resort to another path aimed at hurting the economy. "It should be properly investigated," she asserted. “In the past they burnt the common people and now wonder whether they have taken a different path to cripple the economy. We have to unearth this mystery,” she said. She requested all to remain alert regarding BNP-Jamaat’s change of strategy of taking to arson terrorism in another form. “We have to keep this under watch,” she added.