Jamaat
PM says BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities being tried
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that some 1,241 people were sentenced to different terms as trial of 1,967 cases were completed so far filed in connection with the BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities in between 2012 to 2015.
She said this in reply to a question of ruling Awami League MP elected from Madaripur-2 Shajahan Khan during the PM’s question-answer session.
Khan wanted to know what measures have been taken against those involved in the subversive activities of the BNP-Jamaat in the name of the so-called democratic movement from 2012 to 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 this year.
The Prime Minister in her reply said a total of 188 people died while 4,973 others were injured in the hands of the BNP-Jamaat’s terrorists during their so-called democratic movement between 2012 and 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 national election.
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“A total of 8,105 cases were filed against those involved in these acts of sabotage. Of these, trial of 1,967 cases have been completed and 1,241 people have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.”
The premier also said investigation is going on regarding the cases filed between October 28, 2023 and January 7 this year.
Sheikh Hasina, who is also the leader of the House, said the BNP and its allies have indulged in the evil game of arson-terrorism, killing innocent people and members of the law enforcement agencies through irrational movement in the name of resisting the elections.
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In response to a query of AL MP Md Abdullah elected from Laxmipur-4, the Prime Minister said that in the recent times, the BNP-Jamaat and their allies have been trying to disrupt the 12th national elections by destabilising the country in the name of arson attack, hartals and blockades.
“They caused huge damage to people's lives and property by setting fire to trains and killing innocent people, uprooting train lines and damaging track plates, vandalising various public and private buildings and vehicles including the Chief Justice's residence and Razarbagh Central Police Hospital.”
She said that from October 28, 2023, more than 600 vehicles were vandalised across the country through violent activities.
Besides, 328 vehicles including 184 passenger buses, 48 trucks, 28 covered vans, 3 CNGs, 4 private cars, 11 pickups, 5 trains, 15 motorcycles, 3 lagunas, 1 ward councilor office, 1 auto rickshaw, 1 high school, 12 primary schools, 4 homes, 1 Buddhist temple and 1 boat were set on fire.
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Sheikh Hasina also said many people including drivers, helpers, police, BGB, workers, freedom fighters were killed, injured or crippled during their blockades and hartals.
“13 people were killed in those incidents. Among them, nine people were killed in train sabotage.”
Pointing that the country has efficient law enforcement agencies, judicial system and existing laws to identify and punish those involved in crimes like arson, vandalism, subversive activities, the Prime Minister said legal process is going on to take proper measures against those involved in subversive activities under the existing law.
BNP-Jamaat acting on directives from London: PM says in Sylhet
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.
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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.
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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?”
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She reiterated her stance against fear tactics used to disrupt elections, referring to similar unsuccessful attempts in 2013 and 2014.
Cops, journalists among 10 injured during BNP-police clash in Sunamganj
At least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing amid the 48-hour hartal being observed by the party and like-minded opposition parties.
Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets.
Also read: 11 arson attacks reported in 15 hours: Fire Service
A clash broke out when police barred the BNP men from marching forward, they said.
At one stage of the altercation, the picketers hurled brickbats targeting the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas shells, they said.
Rajan Kumar Das, additional superintendent of district police, said they used tear shells and opened blank fire to control the situation.
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Ten people, including three policemen, were injured in the clash, he said, adding that the situation is now under their control.
Local BNP leaders could not be reached over the phone for comments in this connection.
Also read: RAB arrests 4, including Sramik Dal leader, from Dhaka's Jatrabari in sabotage case
48-hour hartal called by BNP, others begins amid fear of violence
A 48-hour hartal — called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties — protesting the general election schedule announced by the Election Commission (EC) is underway from this morning (November 19, 2023) amid fear of violence.
This is the first hartal being observed by the opposition parties since the EC announced the polls schedule.
BNP, Jamaat and other opposition parties called the hartal after they had earlier observed five countrywide blockades of roads, rail and waterways. The blockades were marked by frequent burning of vehicles, particularly buses, in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
The presence of law enforcement personnel at several points in Dhaka is higher today compared to the previous blockades.
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Number of public transport on Dhaka streets was fewer than that during the blockades. Many were seen heading towards their destinations on foot amid heightened tension and fear of violence.
Rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets while a few private vehicles are on the road.
Unidentified arsonists set seven vehicles on fire, including a passenger train, in Dhaka and across the country between 7 pm last night and 6 am today, ahead of the 48-hour countrywide hartal.
Three buses were torched in the capital’s Gulistan, Dhanmondi and Mirpur areas last night.
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One bus each in Cumilla and Chattogram and a pickup van in Joypurhat were also set on fire ahead of the hartal.
Arsonists set three compartments of ‘Jamuna Express’ train on fire in Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur early today.
Miscreants exploded three crude bombs in front of the residence of Dhaka University vice chancellor last night, spreading panic among students.
At a press briefing yesterday, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon people from all walks of life and opposition leaders and activists to observe the hartal peacefully and make it a success.
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As another blockade begins, AL and associate bodies set to hold peace rallies in Ctg
Another 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties to press home their one point demand, began this morning (November 15, 2023) with traffic movement on the streets.
The latest blockade started at 6 am today and will end at 6 am on Friday.
Dhaka city is witnessing an increase in vehicular movement and commuters on the streets.
People were seen rushing to their respective destinations. Rickshaws are dominating the city roads.
48-hour blockade: Two buses set ablaze in Gazipur
Earlier on Tuesday, miscreants set four buses on fire in Dhaka’s Mirpur area ahead of the blockade called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Meanwhile in Chattogram city, Awami League and its associate bodies will hold peace rallies at 19 points against BNP-Jamaat’s blockade.
The points include Darul Fazal Market premises, Kathgarh, Saltgola crossing, Badamtoli, Bohaddarhat, Naya Bazar, AK Khan, City Gate, Wasa, Muradpur, Kaptai Road, Oxygen, Aman Bazar, Moti Tower, Bakolia Access Road, Natun Bridge, Andorkilla and Dewanhat intersection.
After a pause for a day, BNP and like-minded opposition parties called yet another 48-hour countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade beginning from Wednesday to mount pressure on the Awami League government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration.
228 BGB platoons deployed to beef up security across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's 48hr blockade
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a virtual press briefing on Monday afternoon.
BNP and other opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have been enforcing blockades across the country since Oct 31.
BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
Over 9 arson attacks reported every day on average since Oct 28: Fire Service
On average, more than nine arson attacks have been reported across Bangladesh every day between October 28 and November 13, Fire Service and Civil Defense said today (November 14, 2023).
"A total of 154 arson attacks were reported across the country during this period, leaving 5 people injured,” said Talha Bin Jashim, station officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence's media cell.
Of these, 82 arson attacks were in Dhaka city, he added.
Read: Fire Service records 9 arson attacks in the country in 10 hrs
According to the fire service, out of 154 arson attacks across the country, 116 incidents occurred in Dhaka division, 14 in Chattogram, 9 in Rajshahi, 6 in Barishal, 6 in Rangpur, 2 in Khulna and 1 in Mymensingh division.
No arson attacks were reported in the Sylhet division during this period.
A total of 94 buses, 3 microbuses, 2 private cars, 8 motorcycles, 13 trucks, 8 covered vans, 1 ambulance, 2 pickup trucks, 2 CNG-run autorickshaws, 1 human hauler, 1 Laguna, 1 fire service water truck, 1 police van, 5 BNP offices, 1 Awami League office, 1 police box, 1 councilor office, 2 electricity offices, 1 bus counter, and 2 showrooms were burnt during this time, according to fire service.
Read: Two passenger buses set on fire in Dhaka on eve of fresh 48-hr blockade
According to the statistics, the highest, 29, arson attacks happened on October 28.
Analyzing the incidents, the fire service found that there were more arson attacks during the night (6 pm to 6 am) compared to daytime.
Between October 28 and November 13, 61 fire incidents occurred during the day and 93 during the night.
BNP, like-minded parties to enforce 5th spell of 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
After giving a pause for a day, the BNP and like-minded parties will again enforce a 48-hour countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade beginning from Wednesday (November 15, 2023) to mount pressure on the Awami League government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a virtual press briefing on Monday afternoon.
He said the other opposition parties, who have long been carrying out the simultaneous movement with BNP, also observe a similar programme.
Read: BNP-Jamaat's blockade: 189 BGB platoons deployed across the country
Rizvi said the blockade programme will be observed from 6am Wednesday to 6am Friday across the country. It will be the fifth phase of the blockade programme of the opposition parties.
The BNP leader said their ongoing blockade was successful with the spontaneous support of the country’s people.
He thanked the leaders and activists of BNP and like-minded parties to make the blockade programme a success.
The fresh agitation was announced around 14 hours before the end of the opposition’s 48-hour nationwide blockade that was enforced at 6am on Sunday. The ongoing blockade has been marked by widespread incidents of violence, including torching and vandalising vehicles.
Read: The ones bearing the brunt of blockades
BNP and other opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have been enforcing blockades across the country in fourth phases since Oct 31.
They also observed a nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal on Oct 29 in protest against the attacks on BNP’s grand rally at Nayapaltan that ended amid the incidents of torching vehicles and clashes, leaving three people dead.
Half an hour into the start of BNP's much-talked-about grand rally at Nayapaltan on October 28, BNP leaders and workers locked in a clash with the ruling party activists and police at Kakrail. Soon violent clashes spread around Nayapaltan, foiling the rally midway.
Read more: Day 2 of 4th blockade called by BNP, Jamaat underway
BNP-Jamaat's blockade: 189 BGB platoons deployed across the country
A total of 189 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order as the fourth countrywide blockade called by the BNP, Jamaat and likeminded opposition parties is underway.
Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) at BGB headquarters, confirmed the development this morning.
Read: 152 BGB platoons deployed across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's latest blockade
Today, on the second day of the 48-hour blockade, 25 BGB platoons were deployed in Dhaka and adjoining districts to avoid any untoward incident.
Moreover, an adequate number of BGB personnel were kept on standby to promptly respond to any emergency in the country, he added.
Like the previous blockades, members of the frontier battalion have been performing their duties alongside police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar to ensure public safety and security in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Read: Two passenger buses set on fire in Dhaka on eve of fresh 48-hr blockade
For the third week, BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties have called a countrywide blockade of roads, rail lines, and waterways to press home their one-point demand ahead of the national election.
A total of three arson attacks were reported in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Savar on Sunday night.
152 BGB platoons deployed across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's latest blockade
A total of 152 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order as the latest 48-hour countrywide blockade called by the BNP, Jamaat and likeminded opposition parties is underway.
Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) at BGB headquarters, confirmed the development this morning.
Today, on the first day of the 48-hour blockade, 27 BGB platoons were deployed in Dhaka and adjoining districts to avoid any untoward incidents.
Read: Garment workers' unrest: 44 BGB platoons deployed in Dhaka, nearby areas
Moreover, a huge number of BGB personnel were kept on standby to promptly respond to any emergency in the country.
Like the previous blockades, members of the frontier battalion have been performing their duties alongside police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar to ensure public safety and security in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Read: 48 BGB platoons deployed to beef up security for garment factories in Dhaka, nearby areas
For the fourth time, BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties have called a countrywide blockade of roads, rail lines, and waterways to press home their one-point demand ahead of the national election. A total of nine arson attacks were reported across the country from 8 pm last night to 6 am today, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence.
Read more: 228 BGB platoons deployed to beef up security across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's 48hr blockade
Prolonged blockades cause visible slump in economic activity
The nationwide blockades for the past few days have dealt a severe blow to the business landscape of Bangladesh, leaving wholesale markets desolate and causing a week-long economic slump.
The impact has spread over areas like New Market, Chandni Market, Eastern Plaza, Elephant Road, Farmgate, Gulistan Market, Shantinagar, Kakrail, Mouchak Market, Rampura-Badda, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Gulshan-Banani, and Uttara in Dhaka.
Nawabpur, Chawkbazar, Islampur, Babubazar, Shankharibazar, Moulvibazar, and Bangabazar, also witnessed a decline in trade activities.
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Dewan Aminul Islam, President of Dhaka New Market Traders’ Association, said that sales were very low during the blockade.
“There are no buyers. Small traders are suffering more. If the blockade continues, then we will be the most affected,” he said.
Employees at Olympia Bakeryshop in the Baitul Mukarram area similarly report a decline in sales. They have resorted to a shift toward alternative sales strategies within familiar networks.
Sabuj, a tea vendor at Paltan intersection, said his shop faced a significant contraction in sales over the past week.
“I make TK10-12,000 per day. Now it’s Tk2-3,000," he said.
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Farooq Hasan, President of BGMEA, told UNB “The sector was already suffering from a shortage of buyers in the international market. Now, due to internal political instability, we have to face a more difficult situation. As a result, not only the export sector will be affected, but the entire economy of the country will be affected. It will also affect the reserves.”
Mohammad Hatem, Executive President of BKMEA, expressed concern over escalating losses among traders.
“The internal transportation of goods has been severely impeded. Industrial production witnessed a decline.Export sector is especially vulnerable to the ongoing blockade,” he said.
The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) President, Abdus Salam Murshedi, told UNB that due to the blockade, businesses cannot collect the raw materials stuck at various ports due to the transportation crisis.
Mahbubul Alam, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), called for a collective reconsideration of the ongoing strike blockade.
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“Such programs, if prolonged, may lead to a standstill in the wheels of the economy,” he said.
On October 29, a hartal was observed across the country called by BNP and other like-minded opposition parties. After the three-day blockade on October 31, the blockade continued on November 5 and 6, and after the two-day blockade, it continued on November 8 and 9 with a one-day break.