Awami-League
'BNP-Jamaat' and their allies responsible for recent mayhem: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday reiterated that 'BNP-Jamaat', a hyphenation favoured by the ruling party to lump together their political opponents, are fully responsible for the recent mayhem across the country, with help from their allies. He also scoffed at the BNP's suggestion for an impartial international investigation into the deadly violence.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said they are only looking to evade their own responsibility. He made the remarks at a press conference at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi in the capital today.
Quader said his BNP counterpart Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir is demanding an international investigation regarding the recent violence as they do not trust the country and its people.
"This time too, as their terrorist character has been exposed, they are seeking the intervention of foreigners to get rid of this responsibility," he added.
Quader said BNP-Jamaat's involvement in the violence that rocked the country particularly since July 16 is being uncovered through the investigation of the law and order forces.
"Their attempt to oust the government won't succeed," Quader vowed."This evil plot will fail inshallah. BNP-Jamaat carried out looting and killing in the manner of Pakistani invaders in 1971. Domestic and foreign circles are still active in trying to overthrow the government."
"Every death is unwanted. Every murder will be judged. Action will be taken against those involved in violence." The people of the country will not accept the violence that has been carried out around the movement for quota reform in government jobs, he said.
"The situation in the country will be normal soon," he hoped.
He also urged party leaders and workers to present the destructive actions of the perpetrators of violence through social media and reveal the truth to the nation.
"Attempts to stand general students against Awami League will not succeed," he said.
Among others, AL presidium members Dr Abdur Razzaque, Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, organising secretaries Ahmad Hossain, BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, SM Kamal Hossain, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, office secretary Biplab Barua were also present.
Govt closely monitoring pension, quota movements: Quader
The government of Bangladesh is closely monitoring the ongoing movements of the university teachers and the students against a new pension scheme and quota in government jobs respectively, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
Quader, also Road, Transports and Bridges Minister, made the remark while talking to reporters at the conference room of the secretariat in Dhaka on Sunday (July 7, 2024).
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He said, "We are observing closely. I believe the issues will be resolved. The issue for which the students are in movement is not a decision of the government; it is a court ruling. This is under court's jurisdiction."
Quader said he has been in touch with the teachers but couldn’t specify when a meeting would be held.
In response to a question over the wealth statements of government employees, he said there should be no objection to submit wealth statements. “Why objection? If I work honestly, what is the issue with disclosing assets?"
Read more: Pension scheme a ploy to plunder public money: BNP
BNP envious seeing good relations with other countries under AL: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Saturday that they want to take the country forward by maintaining good relations with everyone and Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina has been following that policy very successfully.
"Seeing the country's good relations with other countries, BNP feels jealousy,'" he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a Journalist Conference and Cultural Program organized by BFUJ-Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Chittagong Division at Bangabandhu Hall of Chittagong Press Club on Saturday night as the chief guest.
He said after the PM's recent visit to India, BNP started saying that AL had sold the country to India. Now after coming from China, they might say, she has sold the country to China too.
Now my question to BNP is how many times can the country be sold?
None of the corrupt under scrutiny now to face punishment: GM Quader
Dr Hasan Mahmud said the main motto of our diplomacy is friendship to all, malice to none, and we have been doing that very successfully."
"Our Prime Minister visited India recently and now she is going to visit China. We have very good relations with China just like India. Just as we have a very good relationship with Russia, we also have very good relations with the United States," he stated.
He said that as we are maintaining good relations with our close neighbor India who contributed to our great liberation war, those who were not with us during the liberation war are also helping us, maintaining good relations with us, and contributing to our development.
"This is the success of our foreign policy. Many people including BNP pretend not to understand this," Hasan Mahmud added.
He said that Sheikh Hasina and her government do not bow down to anyone, this should be remembered. It doesn't matter what Rizvi Saheb said in a sullen mood, Gayeshwar Babu said in a relaxed mood, and Mirza Fakhrul Saheb spoke like an illiterate despite being educated.
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"We want to take the country forward by protecting the dignity of the state, maintaining good relations with everyone and the Prime Minister is doing so," he further stated.
Stating that the media plays a vital role in managing the state and society, he said journalists act as the conscience of society and open the third eye of society so that society can lead in the right direction. So, the development progress and prosperity of Bangladesh, the improvement of the standard of life of every person, should be reflected in the media.
Central BCL forms probe comittee over JnU BCL's controversy
The central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) formed a two-member comittee to investigate the recent controversy of Jagannath University Chhatra League, including alleged question paper leaks, tender business, and extortion of the unit Chhatra League.
On Thursday, the information was circulated in a press release signed by BCL Office Secretary Meftahul Islam Panth.
According to the press release, the probe body includes Vice President Tahsan Ahmed Rasel and Joint General Secretary Abdullah Hil Bari of the central body of BCL. The committee has been directed to submit the investigation report to the orgnisation's office cell within the next 7 days.
Meanwhile, Awami League Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Nashim said that since the central leaders of the Chhatra League have learned about the matter, they will investigate and take action. The claim must be verified. If there is truth, action must be taken against the Chhatra League leader who did it.
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He also said, "No party or organisation is responsible for an individual's fault. If there is a crime, it is his fault. No Chhatra League leader can ever be associated with the tender trade. The Chhatra League will do student politics. We will do politics as per the rules."
Earlier, SM Akter Hossain, general secretary of Jagannath University Chhatra League, was accused of leaking medical question papers in the messenger. The other allegations against the JnU unit are: failure to form a full-fledged committee in two and a half years; keeping control of all tenders at Jagannath University under the president Ibrahim Farazi and general secretary Akter Hossain; and extortion at Sumona Hospital in the Sadarghat area.
Case filed over BCL man's murder in B'baria
Hasan Mahmud reflects on AL's journey of 75 years at seminar held in city
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has said that all of Bangladesh's achievements have been made possible through the efforts of Awami League - calling it a party that has consistently stood against autocracy and oppression throughout its 75-year history.
Hasan Mahmud, himself a senior AL leader, made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled 'Glory, Heritage, Struggle, and Success of Bangladesh Awami League and Bangabandhu' held on Saturday (June 29).
He recounted historical challenges, mentioning, “After Pakistan's martial law under Ayub Khan, many Awami League leaders and activists, including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were arrested. The persecution continued after the 1970 election, with leaders and activists enduring torture. Numerous Awami League members sacrificed their lives during the War of Independence. Even after independence, figures like Ziaur Rahman and Ershad subjected Awami League to severe persecution.”
Reflecting on more recent political dynamics since 2007, the Chittagong-7 MP noted, “In 2007, intellectuals introduced new individuals into society, leading to the actual start of military rule. Corruption and misrule under the BNP regime plagued the country. The rulers of the time initially talked about arresting Begum Khaleda Zia but instead arrested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina first. Throughout these challenges, Bangabandhu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the leadership of Awami League have consistently defended democracy and resisted authoritarian forces.”
Addressing recent statements from BNP leaders, the foreign minister said, “During the Prime Minister's recent visit to India, agreements were initialed and renewals made, but no final agreements were signed. All decisions were made in the best interest of the country. It is perplexing that educated BNP leaders are misrepresenting these facts.”
Touching on regional connectivity initiatives, the AL joint secretary general highlighted, “We have signed agreements to import electricity from Nepal through India, and discussions are ongoing with Bhutan. These efforts aim to enhance regional connectivity for mutual development and economic prosperity. Unfortunately, BNP's remarks are spreading confusion about these positive initiatives.”
Quader urges youth to come forward to defeat evil forces
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday called upon the young generation of the country to come forward to resist all evil forces.
Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, made the call while opening a colourful cycle rally, marking the 75th founding anniversary of the AL and Cycling For Health campaign, organised by Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam on Manik Mia Avenue.
The rally, in participation with around 1, 500 cyclists, started from the avenue and ended at Dhanmondi 32 after parading several roads.
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Awami League is a party of workers, BNP of internal conflicts: Hasan Mahmud
Awami League Joint General Secretary and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, has described the AL as a "party of workers" and BNP a "party of internal conflicts and midnight appointments."
"The Awami League is not a party of leaders but of workers. This internal democracy sets us apart," he said addressing a discussion at the National Press Club on the occasion of the Awami League's 75th founding anniversary on Monday.
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Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance organized the programme.
Hasan further noted that whenever Sheikh Hasina was arrested, it was the ordinary workers who launched into movements, showcasing their commitment and solidarity.
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He criticized BNP for lacking internal democracy and being riddled with internal conflicts. "BNP talks about democracy, but there is no democracy within their party. Their birth itself was undemocratic.”
The AL leader accused BNP of making decisions influenced by external forces and engaging in secretive appointments and nominations. Highlighting a recent instance, he mentioned the headlines about BNP's search for a secretary-general and the emotional images of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, which he suggested were indicative of deeper issues within the party. "They say Fakhrul's tears are due to Begum Zia's illness, but she has been ill for a long time," he added.
Hasan recalled the efforts by Ziaur Rahman to divide the Awami League post-1975 and praised Sheikh Hasina's leadership in keeping the party united and steering it to power five times, including four consecutive terms. "Sheikh Hasina has provided extraordinary leadership for the past 43 years, elevating the country to a unique stature on the world stage," he said.
“Zia killed democracy and in turn was killed by his people”: Hasan Mahmud
The foreign minister also urged the media to be cautious in their reporting on corruption to avoid making anyone an "innocent victim" or unnecessarily questioning any institution. "Our government's policy is zero tolerance against corruption, but labeling someone as corrupt before an investigation is inappropriate," he advised.
The discussion was presided over by Vice President of Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance and artist of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury, and conducted by General Secretary Arun Sarkar Rana.
Among the participants were National Press Club President Farida Yasmin MP, former General Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League Shahe Alam Murad, and other notable figures from various sectors.
Make party well-organised, gain public trust to foil conspiracy: PM tells her party members
Awami League President and Prime MInister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked her party leaders and activists to work for making a well-organised party and gain the trust of the people to thwart all sorts of conspiracies.
“I would like to make an appeal to every leader and activist that you will have to make the party well-organised and stronger ... .If the organisation is strong and the support of the masses can be gained, all sorts of conspiracy can be foiled,” she said.
Hasina made this call while addressing a discussion arranged in the city’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan, marking the 75th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Awami League.
AL leaders and activists uphold the organisation with their hard works, defying a lot of sufferings and repeated blows, said Hasina,
She also asked her party men to gain trust and confidence of the people simultaneously as these are main sources of their power.
The AL president said the people voted for her party repeatedly because they were able to gain this trust and confidence (of the people). Since the democratic process continues, today Bangladesh is progressing socio-economically, she added,
Focusing her government’s success in different sectors, she said, “Bangladesh has been moving forward in every field.”
She said Awami League alone secured 233 seats (out of 300) in the 2008 general election as the people of Bangladesh kept their trust in her party.
“Then the people of Bangladesh didn’t need to look back anymore and it was the turn for Bengalis to move forward.,” she said.
The PM said her government successfully transformed the country into a Digital Bangladesh as per their commitment made before the 2008 election.
She said the AL has also reduced the poverty rate. “Today’s Bangladesh has gained dignity in the world as we worked for the improvement of the fate of the people,” she added.
The AL president depicted the present stance of Bangladesh in different sectors and social indexes, drawing a comparison between the fag end of BNP regime in 2006 and AL present regime.
She said they reduced the poverty rate to 18.7 percent now from 41 percent in 2006, while the extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent from 25.1 percent. “Inshallah, there will be no extreme poor in Bangladesh,” she said.
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the AL president formally opened the anniversary day’s programmes by hoisting the national flag amid playing of the national anthem, while AL general hoisted the party’s flag at the venue.
Then Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader released pigeons and balloons during the inauguration.
The AL general secretary on behalf of their party greeted Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina with flowers on the auspicious occasion.
A cultural presentation was done at the outset of the programmes, which was moderated by AL cultural affairs secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil.
The Opposition Leader in Parliament and also Jatiya Party chairman, leaders of AL-led 14-party alliance and foreign diplomats, among others, were present
Suhrawardy Udyan turns into a sea of supporters for AL’s 75th anniversary
Historic Suhrawardy Udyan was transformed into a sea of supporters today as hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate the Awami League’s 75th founding anniversary.
In a grand rally, attendees donned colorful attire and marched to the venue, showcasing their unwavering support for the party. People from all walks of life expressed solidarity, creating a massive turnout in support of Awami League, Bangladesh’s oldest and largest political party.
Awami League at 75: Bangladesh’s oldest and largest political party celebrating founding anniversary with nationwide events
Participants at the rally took a firm resolve to serve the people and contribute to building a "Smart Bangladesh."
The enthusiastic crowd displayed their commitment to their leader, Sheikh Hasina, and vowed to uphold the founding principles of the party.
BNP’s appeasement of anti-independence, communal forces hindered Bangladesh's progress: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today said that Bangladesh would have achieved greater progress during Awami League's 75-year journey if the BNP had not appeased anti-independence and communal forces.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized the Awami League's pivotal role in the nation's development.
In celebration of Awami League's 75th founding anniversary, the party's Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud said that under the government of the Awami League, with the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as President, the great Liberation War of 1971 took place. “All sector commanders and Ziaur Rahman were employees with a salary of Tk 400,” he said.
Awami League at 75: Bangladesh’s oldest and largest political party celebrating founding anniversary with nationwide events
He lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership. "Bangladesh has become a global role model for development, transitioning from a low-income to a middle-income country," he stated.
Highlighting agricultural achievements, Mahmud said, "Bangladesh is second in freshwater fish production, third in rice and vegetable production, and ranks among the top ten countries globally for 14 agricultural products."
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Expressing regret over ongoing challenges, he remarked, "Even half a century after independence, the Awami League still faces anti-national, anti-independence, and communal forces. If the BNP had not appeased these forces, the country would have progressed much further."
On corruption allegations against NBR official Matiur Rahman, Mahmud confirmed, "He has been removed from his post and is being removed from the Sonali Bank Board of Directors. An investigation is ongoing."
Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to India, Mahmud described it as "excellent, fruitful, and full of goodwill," adding that the Prime Minister will soon provide detailed information on the visit's outcomes.
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