Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Saturday said the government is sincere enough about Khaleda Zia's health. He came up with the remarks while replying to a question on BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu's statement that the government was trying to kill Khaleda Zia after inaugurating a newly launched cable-car (ropeway) at Sheikh Russel Aviary Park in Rangunia of Chattogram on Saturday evening. Also read: Khaleda Zia's illness is part of BNP's politics: Hasan Mahmud "Every time Khaleda Zia has gone to the hospital, BNP has said Khaleda Zia's life is in danger and it will be difficult to save her if she is not sent abroad. But every time, by the grace of Allah, she returned home after recovering from the treatment and service of Bangladeshi doctors. The government is still doing whatever is necessary to ensure that Begum Khaleda Zia gets the best treatment,” said Hasan. Also read: BNP leaders reluctant about Khaleda’s release: Hasan Mahmud Presided over by Chattogram South Forest Division Conservator of Forests Bipul Krishna Das, the function was addressed, among others, by Project Director and Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Gobinda Roy, DFO of Chattogram South Forest Division Abdullah Al Mamun and Rangunia Upazila Chairman Swajan Kumar Talukder. Also read: Political motivation behind demand for sending Khaleda abroad: Hasan Mahmud

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Saturday that Bangladesh is not safe in the hands of the BNP. “Democracy, vote, security, liberation war, nothing is safe in the hands of the BNP. They don't want seventy-one’s Bangladesh. They want murder and terror. They want corruption and dictatorship,” Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said while addressing at the grand rally organized by Bangladesh Krishak League in the capital’s Gulistan. Read: ‘PM lied about Khaleda Zia out of political vendetta’: Fakhrul Quader said that BNP will not get an escape route if it holds any rally without permission. Criticizing the 48-hour ultimatum given by BNP, he said that BNP had said it would send Awami League to the graveyard. Now it's time for BNP politics to go to the graveyard, he added. Criticizing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam, he said that if the government is illegal, then why did you appeal to the illegal government for Khaleda Zia’s release? Read: Govt sincere to ensure Khaleda Zia gets best treatment: Hasan Mahmud The permission of the government must be taken; otherwise, action will be taken, he warned. Warning BNP, the senior AL leader said that those who come to vandalise, will be thrashed. He urged party men to get ready. Democracy is not safe in Bangladesh without Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is very peaceful because of Sheikh Hasina. An honest leader like her is rare in politics, Quader said. Awami League general secretary urged the party leaders and activists to remain vigilant and asked to respond when our leader called. Bangladesh would plunge into darkness again if power goes to the hands of BNP. Read: No way to return to caretaker government, PM Hasina in VoA interview Awami League presidium member Matia Chowdhury, Agriculture Minister Dr. Abdur Razzaque, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nashim, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash also spoke in the grand rally.  

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman has said BNP has failed to meet their one-point demand because the people are not with them. He advised BNP to withdraw from one-point demand and catch the election bus, according to a press release. Salman was addressing an exchange meeting with the members of the center-based election management committee of Dohar Upazila Awami League at Joypara Pilot High School ground in Dohar on Saturday morning, it said. Mentioning that BNP's one-point movement has failed, Salman F Rahman MP said, "The movement you have started will never succeed because the people are not with you.” Salman said BNP was busy spreading propaganda on social media taking advantage of the gift “Digital Bangladesh” given by the prime minister. He urged everyone to be aware of rumours. “According to the constitution, the next election will be held under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, if no one participates, the election will not stop. The only wish of foreigners is that the elections in Bangladesh should be free, fair and peaceful. Their wants and the government's demands are the same. The Independent Election Commission is also committed to providing free and fair elections,” said the AL leader. BNP is protesting on Facebook and YouTube. Propaganda is being spread about Bangabandhu's grandson Sajeeb Wazed Joy. But their conspiracy has been foiled, he added. Highlighting the development of the present government in the last 15 years, Salman said the government has provided electricity to every household in the country. “So we have to move forward over time.”

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday said that elections would be conducted in line with the constitution.Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said that the focus should not be on who participates in the elections or who does not as the Awami League is committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Also read: General Election to be held as per constitution: Obaidul QuaderHe made the statement during an inaugural meeting of the party’s election manifesto committee held at the central office at Bangabandhu Avenue on Thursday morning."We must follow the path of democracy in the light of reality. We have to overcome difficult challenges in the days ahead,” he said. Also read: Game to be played in October, December, and in first week of January: Obaidul QuaderReferring to Joe Biden's statement that he would contest the elections because the democracy in the United States would be in jeopardy if Trump returns to power, Quader said that age should not be a concern in such matters."I say today that we must empower Sheikh Hasina to protect Bangladesh's democracy. If BNP comes to power democracy will be in danger. We must take action,” he said. Also read: Conspirators getting ready before next election: Obaidul Quader“By 2026, we need to uplift our underdeveloped country. Above all, we must set our sights on 2040. We've achieved a Digital Bangladesh, now it's time to make it a Smart Bangladesh,” he said.Awami League presidium member Dr Abdur Razzaque and its Information and Research Secretary Dr Selim Mahmud, among others, attended the meeting.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said that no conspiracy could foil the election and it would be held on time. The minister, also Awami League’s joint general secretary, spoke about the upcoming national parliamentary election during a peace rally organised by the Rahmaniya Mainavia and the Bangladesh Supreme Party at the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH). Also read: ‘BNP now an old car with a weak battery’: Hasan Mahmud "Various conspiracies are being hatched regarding the upcoming election. Attempts to disrupt the election and form a 'Hamid Karzai' type government by manipulating the election will never succeed in this country,” said Hasan. “In 2014, there was a conspiracy regarding the election, and it was said that the government would not survive. Our government ran the country for a full five- year term. In 2018, there was also a conspiracy, and once again, we are completing five years,” he said. Also read: BNP’s uproar like empty vessels make the most noise: Hasan Mahmud "No matter how much the BNP and Jamaat conspire to hand the country over to the world's villains, the election will take place on time. Whether the BNP comes or not, along with the Supreme Party and many other political parties and the participation of the people a fair and impartial election will be held,” the minister said. Also read: BNP should take part in elections if it's a responsible party: Hasan Mahmud

Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Thursday said that BNP leaders’ claim that foreigners do not want to see the current government in power in the future is nothing but gossip. "Elections will be held in accordance with the constitution; if anyone refrains from participating, elections will not be postponed for them,” he said. “Most parties are prepared to take part in the upcoming election." Also read: Bangladesh will return to darkness unless AL remains in power: PM Hasina warns The PM’s advisor made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and workshop with the members of the central election management committee at Nawabganj Pilot High School in Dhaka's Nawabganj on Thursday as the country gears up for the 12th parliamentary election. "The only thing foreigners want is for upcoming elections in Bangladesh to be free, fair and peaceful. Their demand aligns with the government's desire. The current government is also committed to conducting unrestricted and fair elections,” Salman said. Also read: Downfall of govt is inevitable: Nazrul Islam Khan He called on the leaders and activists of Awami League to reach neutral people in order to shore up support for the upcoming election. “For the upcoming election, Awami League workers should not only reach out to Awami League supporters but also extend their outreach to neutral voters. Even those who will not vote for Awami League should also be reached out to," he said. Highlighting the various development scenarios of the country, he directed the leaders and activists of the party to seek votes in favour of ‘boat’ – the election symbol of the ruling Awami League. Also read: BNP’s uproar like empty vessels make the most noise: Hasan Mahmud

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said that the warning statements Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and their leaders are making are hollow. “After the 2018 election, they said they would pull this government down. But now BNP’s rope has been torn. What Mirza Fakhrul and his leaders are saying now is like empty vessels make the most noise,” Hasan Mahmud, also the ruling Awami League’s joint general secretary. Also read: ‘BNP now an old car with a weak battery’: Hasan Mahmud The minister said this while addressing a peace and development rally of Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League on the road adjacent to Mirpur 10 roundabout on Wednesday afternoon. He said that the ruling party is ready to face the opposition BNP. Also read: BNP leaders losing their mind over world's praise for Bangladesh: Hasan Mahmud "Today I saw that BNP leaders have said the government will be brought down by besieging Dhaka and Narayanganj. We are ready. We will besiege the BNP,” he said. Regarding the US visa policy, the information minister said, "Mirza Fakhrul said that their movement has been accelerated by the visa policy. He knows that the visa policy states that this policy will be applied to those who obstruct elections.” “Mirza Fakhrul does not know that the leaders of the opposition parties are among those facing risks under the visa policy. If he knew, he wouldn't have said that,” he added. “We have a very good relationship with the United States, and this relationship is getting closer day by day,” the minister said. Also read: BNP shown red flag by people: Hasan Mahmud The minister also said that it is up to the US to fix who will get a visa and who will not. “They have had this visa policy for a long time.” Awami League Dhaka North Unit President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman presided over the rally while presidium members Faruk Khan and Shajahan Khan, former general secretary of undivided Dhaka City Awami League Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, state minister for industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder, among others, addressed the rally.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday that the ruling party would play the game in October and December, and also in the first week of January.  Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, made the statement in response to warning by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that they would take to the streets to remove the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina if she does not step down willingly. Also read: No ban can stop Sheikh Hasina: Quader The BNP has been warning that the party and its allies will occupy the streets of Dhaka ahead of the election as it wants a caretaker government to oversee next elections expected to be held by January next year. “Time will say who will occupy Dhaka. Fakhrul (BNP secretary general) has been crying lately. You could not agitate even for 48 minutes for Khaleda Zia,” he told a peace rally of Awami League as the chief guest at the Tongi Government College ground on Wednesday afternoon. Also read: General Election to be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader Gazipur City Awami League President and Gazipur Development Authority Chairman Advocate Azmat Ullah Khan presided over the rally. Referring to the United States, he said, “Take care of yourself first. You can't even handle Trump; how do you want to handle us then?” Quader said the Bangabandhu Tunnel will be inaugurated on the 28th of this month. He sought everyone's support to make the Awami League victorious in the upcoming elections. Also read: Not leaving the country in the hands of Pakistan’s friends: Quader AL presidium members Abdur Rahman and Simin Hossain Rimi, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, among others, addressed the rally as special guests.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday blamed the Awami League government for the US visa restriction on Bangladesh and said is not a matter of joy, rather a shame. "In this visa policy, our journalists will also be included…Why this nation has to go through this? We are in a very terrible situation. There are so many people who are very happy. It's not matter of joy, it's a shame,” he said. The BNP secretary general made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting at the Abdus Salam Hall of the Jatiya Press Club on the occasion of the 7th death anniversary of the late brigadier general Asm Hannan Shah. US sanctions made govt lose its sanity: Fakhrul Fakhrul said, "We are in a terrible situation, the state of the country is horrible. If we do not get out of that situation, the existence of the entire nation will be in danger,” he said. Today, this danger, this crisis is not only for BNP, this crisis is for the entire nation, Mirza Fakhrul said. He said, "Everything depends on the next few days--whether we will remain independent in the future, whether we will have independence, whether we will have sovereignty, whether my country will become a vassal state, whether I will have democratic rights or whether I can elect my representative as per my choice” US visa restrictions: State Dept spokesperson refrains from mentioning media "People have made a decision. People want free and fair elections under a neutral government with the participation of all parties. They don't want any alternative to these,” he added. Fakhrul said, "We are fulfilling our responsibility as a political party. We have been on the streets for almost a year, in which 22 of our young leaders have been killed by police on the streets, we have had numerous cases, we have been jailed many times. Even then they could never suppress us, they will not be able to.” What could be the possible reasons to apply US visa restrictions against someone? "Many of our intellectuals don't come to television talk shows anymore. What's the reason? They are threatened that if you go and speak against the government, you will be in danger…..We live in this state,” he said. Presided over by Gazipur district BNP president Fazlul Haque Milon and moderated by member secretary Mujibur Rahman, the discussion was addressed, among others, by BNP vice-chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, joint secretary general Khairul Kabir Khokon, liberation war affairs secretary Joynal Abedin, assistant organizing secretary Benazir Ahmed Titu and labour affairs assistant secretary Humayun Kabir Khan.     

A ‘smart corner’ was inaugurated at the party office of the ruling Awami League (AL) in Panchagarh Sadar upazila to create smart and skilled activists to tackle anti-county propaganda. With this, a total of 39 smart corners have so far been opened in the country. Also read: AL issues 36-day ultimatum to BNP to shun 'negative politics' Chief coordinator of the AL’s national election administration committee and former cabinet secretary Kabir Bin Anwar inaugurated the corner office located at the Zero Point of the district headquarters on Monday. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for building a smart Bangladesh and the smart corner will materialise the dreams of Smart Bangladesh. Recalling the 2008 electoral manifesto of the AL, the chief coordinator said the premier now wants to turn Bangladesh into a smart country from a digital one. He said Bangladesh Awami League will play a pioneer role in building ‘Smart Bangladesh’ and works are on to make each party office digital and smart. As a continuation of it, the smart corner here was inaugurated. Also read: Youth killed, 50 injured in AL-BNP clash in Laxmipur The former cabinet secretary said the smart corner will be set up at every upazila in phases to convey messages of development at each corner of the country. Taking training from the corner, the skilled activists will resist the anti-country propaganda and the corner will implement the road to smart Bangladesh, he said. Also read: Over 200 injured as AL-BNP engage in clashes in Habiganj Local leaders and activists of the party were present at the inaugural ceremony.