Parliament
Ban politics of BNP-Jamaat nexus: Sheikh Selim
Awami League MP Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim on Monday demanded that authorities ban the politics of the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami and called them a radical, terrorist and anti-independence force.
“They are the enemies of the state, enemies of freedom. Communalism is the enemy of democracy. I demand the authorities ban the terrorist, militant and anti-independence force BNP-Jamaat,” he said while speaking in Parliament taking part in the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech.
Selim, elected from Gopalganj, drew attention of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take action in this regard.
He said that Bangabandhu banned the politics of anti-independence forces in the country.
“As a daughter of Bangabandhu, only you can do it. Bangabandhu's soul will rest in peace if anti-independence force--BNP-Jamaat—is banned,” he said.
Selim, a member of the Awami League’s Presidium, said that everyone must be united to protect the independence of Bangladesh.
“I am making this demand so that no anti-independence forces can do politics in Bangladesh. They should be banned. They should not be able to kill, unleash terror and anarchy in Bangladesh in the name of politics. Legal action should be taken against whoever could be caught. No scope for mercy,” he said.
He said that the BNP is not a political party. This are a militant, terrorist group and anti-independence force.
“They have no right to do politics in this country. They do not show respect to the constitution,” he said.
He proposed to form a commission to find the responsible people behind the assassination of Bangabandhu.
Mentioning that the conspiracy against the country is continuing, he said that the BNP-Jamaat forces have started conspiracy again.
Bringing up the topic of Bangabandhu's murder, Selim said that after independence when Bangabandhu moved towards the path of economic emancipation, the ultra-revolutionary, counter-revolutionary forces started conspiring against independence.
“International conspirators were involved in this,” he added.
Selim alleged that the BNP-Jamaat had committed acts of sabotage one after another to halt the January 7 elections. He mentioned that sitting in London, Tarique Rahman called for a non-cooperation movement.
“The people have replied to the call through the January 7 election,” he said.
Junior commerce minister 'hopeful' about market conditions of essentials ahead of Ramadan
State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam (Tito) on Sunday issued a warning against hoarders and market manipulation.
He also hoped that the government will be able to ensure adequate supply of food items in the upcoming Ramadan.
“If any hoarding or manipulation is attempted, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
He said this in response to a question of the Independent MP elected from Habiganj, Syed Sayedul Haque Suman, in Parliament.
The state minister said that the prime minister gave instructions in the first cabinet meeting.
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“We are working through an inter-ministerial committee. The Prime Minister gave instructions yesterday (Saturday) so that there should be no hindrance at the level of transport and in market management,” he said.
He also mentioned that continuous and coordinated monitoring is going on.
“Hope to be able to ensure the supply of food in next Ramadan. If any kind of hoarding or manipulation is attempted, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
Replying to a supplementary question of ruling party MP elected from Jhenaidah-3 Constituency Md. Salah Uddin Miyaji, Tito said that the Prime Minister has given some guidelines in the first cabinet meeting to control the commodity prices.
“One of them is that a taskforce has been formed in coordination with three ministries: of agriculture, food and fish, and the ministry of commerce.”
He said that a hotline is in operation to monitor the price of each product at the import and production stage through the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection.
“If consumers are cheated or overcharged, we take immediate action. In the future, we are launching a hotline 333 before Ramadan. If any agricultural product is sold at a price higher than the reasonable price, they will take action as soon as they receive the call.”
The Minister said that the government is working to stabilise the market by not only policing the market but also ensuring adequate supply.
“On the occasion of the upcoming Ramadan, the amount of daily essentials required so far has been imported in sufficient quantity and is stocked. There is ample supply of any daily essentials starting from rice. If we can get it down to the consumer level now through fair market management we hope no hoarder will get a chance to manipulate,” he said.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
In response to another supplementary question of Awami League MP from Laxmipur Anwer Hossain Khan, the state minister said that the government has communicated with neighbouring country India regarding onion and sugar ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.
“And the export of these two products was prohibited, considering Bangladesh as a friendly neighboring country, we hope they will give permission to export onion and sugar before this Ramadan.”
He also mentioned that the foreign minister has visited India. From there he was assured that the process was underway.
“Hopefully we will try to ensure supply by bringing onions from India and alternative sources before the start of Ramadan.”
Shamim Osman wants new structure naming it "6-point" building in Narayanganj
Ruling party MP from Narayanganj AKM Shamim Osman on Sunday demanded authorities construct a new building at the Zia Hall land of Chashara in Narayanganj and name it as the "6-point" building.
Osman made this demand in a supplementary question during a question-and-answer session.
Drawing the attention of the prime minister and senior leaders of the Awami League, Osman said that the father of the nation went to Narayanganj as part of his campaign and announced six points there.
“It was a field called Balur Math. He (Bangabandhu) was arrested after holding a rally regarding six points there," he said.
He said that when Ziaur Rahman came to power and built an auditorium named Narayanganj Milanaytan.
“When Khaleda Zia came to power she renamed it as Zia Hall,” he added.
He said that this place is under the Deputy Commissioner. The people of Narayanganj claimed that the footprints of the father of the nation were there.
“The 6 points were the charter of our independence,” he added.
Osman drew the attention of the minister and said that there should be a building there in Narayanganj under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, and that building should be named as the "6-point" building.
Local Government Minister M Tajul Islam said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the founder of Bangladesh and he dreamed of a developed Bangladesh.
“All the places where the memories of Bangabandhu remain are touching and dignified to all of us. As a political worker, as a soldier of the ideals of the father of the nation, if we see the slightest disrespect to Bangandhu anywhere, the whole nation will not tolerate it.”
“I will collect all the information about the matter...necessary steps must be taken quickly for uplifting the status of Bangabandhu in that area,” he said.
There’ll be no violation of law if upazila parishad election is held sans party symbol: LGRD Minister
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam on Tuesday said there will be no violation of the law if political parties do not nominate candidates with their symbol in the upazila parishad elections.He made the remark while talking to reporters at the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat.Asked about Awami League’s yesterday decision not to nominate any candidate with boat symbol and whether it is possible under the existing law, the minister said,” The way the law has been enacted, the elections can be held with party symbols or without party symbols.”
"If any party nominates someone and provides a symbol, the election will be held with the party symbol. There are other options as well. One can contest the election independently. I've seen the law, the law is fine," the LGRD minister added.
He said there is no need to amend the existing law.
Govt not waiting for recognition from anyone, Obaidul Quader says
In an address today at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, General Secretary of the party and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, dismissed the notion that the government is desperate for validation. “There’s no reason to believe that the elected government is in a desperate situation, waiting like a Chatok bird for someone’s recognition,” Quader declared.
Ailing BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf to be taken to Singapore again Sunday
He also criticized the opposition party, BNP, for their conduct. “BNP is burning in frustration and hatred, because a vast number of people have elected Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, despite the party boycotting the election. Now, they are envious,” he added.
Regarding the government’s actions, Quader stated, “As a patriotic government, the Awami League is proactively managing commodity prices.” He warned against the BNP’s approach to protests, asserting, “If BNP resorts to violence under the guise of protest, our law enforcement agencies are prepared to act, and politically, we are ready to confront them.”
Quader also commented on the BNP’s recent activities: “BNP’s so-called movement is unclear and has become a laughing stock both domestically and internationally. We view their actions as attempts to undermine our democratic culture.”
He concluded with a stern warning: “While the BNP has the right to peaceful political activities, any acts of terrorism or public disruption will be met with appropriate legal action.”
Opposition will not leave streets until democracy is restored: BNP
The briefing was attended by other notable Awami League leaders including Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque and Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, highlighting the united front of the party in addressing current political challenges.
World Bank to continue to help Bangladesh in economic development: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday said that the World Bank is ready to continue its help Bangladesh.He was talking to reporters after a meeting with World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck in his office at the Secretariat. The finance minister said, “The president of the World Bank visited to the Rohingya camp. I took him there. The Rohingyas have not yet left, which is why there is that relationship. The World Bank works for Bangladesh. They want to help Bangladesh.”Reply to a query about the fact that the World Bank wants reforms in the economy of Bangladesh, Ali said that they want reforms which are definitely needed.However, he did not comment when asked where assistance was needed.The finance minister said, “Let's see. Let's start working. We have a great relationship. They will continue to do so.”Earlier, Abdoulaye Seck said that since the independence of Bangladesh, the World Bank provided USD $52 billion.Another $16 billion in aid has been pledged. This assistance will be provided in various fields including education, health, energy and technology.
Govt to go tough on price hike and hoarding: State Minister of Commerce
State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu on Thursday called upon the businesses not to increase prices of essentials, especially oil and sugar, during holy Ramadan by creating an artificial crisis and hoarding.
He also warned that the government would not hesitate to be strict on those who try to raise the prices of goods by hoarding ahead of Ramadan.
He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the TCB product sale programme for the month of January among one crore family card holders from low-income group across the country.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) organized the programme in Mohammadpur of the capital on Thursday.
The state minister said that the government won’t allow creation of an artificial crisis in the market by keeping illegal stocks of products. The government will take strict action against those who will try to destabilize the market by unfairly increasing the price of goods in the pursuit of higher profits.
Titu also said, “It is not our intention to intimidate or fine. Our objective is to ensure that all products reach to consumers easily from the manufacturers and exporters through the retailers.”Establish a smart market management and those who do honest business will be given all kinds of support by the government, he said amid a warning that action will be taken against traders who take advantage by price hikes.
Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce spoke as a special guest on the occasion. In addition, TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md Ariful Islam and Councilor of ward no 29, Dhaka North City Corporation Salim Ullah (Salu), among others, spoke at the function.
Every possible thing will be done for farmers: Agriculture Minister
The utmost importance will be given to increase crop production and control syndicates, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Abdus Shahid said on Sunday.
Every possible thing will be done for the betterment of the farmers, he said.
The minister made the remarks during an exchange of views with officials in the conference room of the ministry on Sunday morning.
The minister said that production is the biggest challenge in the agriculture sector.
“If we can't produce enough then how to capture the market and control the prices. So, we have to increase the production by executing all opportunities to meet the demand and manage the supply chain,”
“We will work to bring every inch of land under cultivation keeping in mind the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina”, he said.
Regarding syndicates, the minister said that they exist everywhere. First of all, they have to figure out and control them through legal action, he said.
He said that the current government led by Hasina is a farmer-friendly government. "We will do whatever is necessary...for the further development of farmers and agriculture."
The minister said that there is a huge scope of work in this ministry. "If the officials and employees of the ministry, and the entrepreneurs work together, we will certainly get a good result."
“We will also be able to face challenges in the field of agriculture.”
He also directed the officials to work with sincerity and dedication to increase the production of crops.
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhtar, officials of the ministry and heads of 18 organisations under the ministry were present in the meeting.
Economy to fare better amid challenges: Finance Minister Mahmud Ali
New Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has pledged to tackle economic challenges of the country and overcoming the first test in controlling prices of essentials in the upcoming Ramadan."There are challenges in the economy and we will work together on the challenges," Ali said after taking charge of the office in the Secretariat on Sunday.“We all know about the challenges. Now these (challenges) have to be resolved. But we have to take up the task of price control during the fasting month as a priority,” he pointed out.Journalists asked that since the commerce ministry monitors the market then how they will coordinate the work with the finance ministry. Mahmud Ali said, “We must work together; The Ministry of Finance cannot do it alone”.Regarding the prevention of money laundering and the depreciation of local currency, the finance minister said, "Let's see what can be done about this."Ali said, "I see the problems, I am trying to understand it, I will try to solve it; I am not a sitting person”.“There is a major devaluation of the currency in many countries; We didn't have that much. But taking action on these issues will take time; I will solve all the problems with responsibility and no work will remain pending,” Ali said.
New Cabinet to take oath on Jan 11
Following Awami League’s victory in the 12th National Parliamentary Election, the oath-taking ceremony of the newly formed cabinet will be held on Thursday (January 11) evening at Bangabhaban.
President Md Shahabuddin will administer the oath-taking ceremony to the prime minister, ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 7 pm Thursday, said Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain.
It’s a vote robbery in name of election, says Oli Ahmed in rejecting Sunday’s vote
On Sunday, the Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority in the fourth election in a row, in 299 out of 300 constituencies where voting was held, and a strong showing by independent candidates, as predicted.
The ruling party candidate has won 222 seats, while independent candidates (most of them also belonging to AL) won in 62 seats.
Foreign powers to show 'red card' to AL govt after election: Manna
Besides, Jatiya Party secured 11 seats and three candidates from three parties -- Bangladesh Workers’ Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod and Bangladesh Kalyan Party -- secured victory in their respective constituencies.