United News of Bangladesh

Newly elected BNP MP from reserved seat Nipun Roy Chowdhury on Tuesday said women lawmakers will not remain symbolic figures in Parliament but will actively represent people’s concerns and work across multiple sectors to rebuild the country. “We are not going to Parliament as ornaments. We are going to speak for the people and bring their real-life issues to the House,” she said after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Zia Udyan in the capital. BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy was also present. Nipun Roy said many women, especially those who are poor, oppressed and vulnerable, continue to face serious challenges, adding that lawmakers must not only highlight these issues but also ensure sustainable and legal solutions. She emphasised the importance of legal awareness from an early age, saying initiatives will be taken so that children can understand the language of law and the Constitution. “We will prove that women are not limited to women’s issues. We will speak on education, healthcare, administration and local government. We will be part of decision-making and help rebuild the nation,” the women MP said. Expressing gratitude, Nipun Roy said she felt honoured to be entrusted with such responsibility and thanked party leadership, including Chairman Tarique Rahman, for their confidence in her. She said she was inspired by the ideals and political guidance of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, particularly their roles in movements against authoritarianism. Nipun Roy also congratulated those elected in the West Bengal assembly elections. She added that Bangladesh’s future politics should be guided by people’s interests and national priorities. “We believe BNP will not take any decision against the interests of the people of Bangladesh. That is where our confidence lies,” she added. Leaders of Dhaka district and Keraniganj BNP, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and other associate bodies were present on the occasion.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday voiced deep worries over the growing price hike of essentials and alleged that a government-backed syndicate is behind it. "We’re very worried that the prices of essential commodities, including rice, pulses and salt, have already gone up ahead of the Ramadan,” he said at a virtual press conference. The BNP leader said, “The government has failed to control the market as it’s involved with the syndicate that raises prices. The government-backed people have made the syndicate for increasing the prices.” Also read: Prices in kitchen markets on the up ahead of Ramadan Fakhrul alleged that BNP leaders and activists are being arrested and implicated in cases as part of a ruling party plot to eliminate the party and thwart its ongoing movement. He also presented statistics on the filing of cases in different places against BNP leaders and activists over the last few days. The BNP leader criticised the government for arresting their party executive committee member advocate Nipun Roy charge of involvement in the recent violence. “Nipun Roy is a working lawyer, an active human rights activist and a conscious politician. She can’t have any involvement in any terrorist activities. It's a completely conspiratorial and fabricated and false charge,” Fakhrul said. Also read: BNP leader Nipun Roy arrested in city He demanded the withdrawal of the case filed against opposition leaders and activists and the release of those arrested. He alleged that the government has failed to raise awareness among people to encourage them to maintain health safety rules to contain the surge in coronavirus infection. The BNP leader said though the ruling party leaders are keeping themselves protected from the deadly virus staying at their homes, they are pushing the common people to get out of their houses.