Jatiya-Party
Ex-president Ershad’s 5th death anniversary observed
The fifth anniversary of the death of former president and Jatiya Party founder Hussain Muhammad Ershad was observed on Sunday amid various programmes.
The leaders and activists of the party and its different associate bodies placed wreaths on the portrait of Ershad in the morning on the premises of the party’s Kakrail office.
Jatiya Party to observe Ershad’s 5th death anniversary Sunday
A doa mahfil and memorial meeting was held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) with the Jatiya Party Chairman and leader of the opposition in parliament, GM Quader, in the chair.
The Jatiya Party flag was kept at half-mast atop all the offices of the party across the country.
Besides, all divisions, districts, cities, upazilas, thanas, and union units of JaPa also marked the day with various programmes, including discussion meetings and milads, doa mahfils, and food distributions in observance of the day.
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In Rangpur, Jatiya Party leaders and activists offered fateha at the grave of Ershad and paid homage to him by placing wreaths. A doa-mafil-cum-discussion was also held at Ershad's residence "Palli Nibas".
General Ershad, who was ousted in 1990 after his nine years of autocratic rule, died on July 14, 2019, at the age of 89 while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka.
Amid political turmoil following the assassination of Ziaur Rahman in a military coup, Ershad took over state power from then-President Abdus Sattar on March 24, 1982, as the Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA).
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He formed the Jatiya Party in 1986 and was elected president of the country for a term of five years that same year through the third parliamentary election, triggering huge protests by other political parties.
Amid a fierce combined movement by the opposition parties, he was finally forced to step down on December 6, 1990.
Jatiya Party to observe Ershad’s 5th death anniversary Sunday
The fifth anniversary of the death of former president and Jatiya Party founder Hussain Muhammad Ershad will be observed on Sunday.
The Jatiya Party and its associate bodies have taken up elaborate programmes to mark the anniversary with due respect.
As part of the programmes, the leaders and activists of the party and its different associate bodies will place wreaths on the portrait of Ershad at 9am on the premises of the party headquarters at Kakrail.
A doa mahfil and memorial meeting will be arranged at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at 3pm, the party said in a press release.
Jatiya Party Chairman and leader of the opposition in parliament, GM Quader, will preside over the meeting.
The Jatiya Party flag will be kept at half-mast atop all the offices of the party across the country.
Besides, all divisions, districts, cities, upazilas, thanas, and union units of JaPa will hold separate discussion meetings, milads, and doa mahfils in observance of the death anniversary of their former chairman.
In Rangpur, Jatiya Party leaders and activists will offer fateha at the grave of Ershad and pay homage to him by placing wreaths on Sunday morning.
A doa mahfil-cum-discussion meeting will also be held on the grave premises of Ershad.
General Ershad, who was ousted in 1990 after his nine years of autocratic rule, died on July 14, 2019, at the age of 89 while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka.
Amid political turmoil following the assassination of Ziaur Rahman in a military coup, Ershad took over state power from then-President Abdus Sattar on March 24, 1982, as the Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA).
He formed the Jatiya Party in 1986 and was elected president of the country for a term of five years that same year through the third parliamentary election, triggering huge protests by other political parties.
Amid a fierce combined movement by the opposition parties, he was finally forced to step down on December 6, 1990.
None of the corrupt under scrutiny now to face punishment: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman and leader of the opposition GM Quader on Saturday predicted the corrupt people currently under scrutiny would get away with their crimes, saying that none of them will face any punishment.
“We've seen this before with the casino cases—lots of noise, but no real penalties. It's all just a show, a drama. Some individuals have even been allowed to legalize their illicit money under the guise of amnesty, all while being threatened for more money to run the government," he said.
The opposition party leader came up with the remarks while addressing the biennial conference of the Gazipur district unit of the party as the chief guest.
The conference, held at a convention center in Telipara area, was presided over by freedom fighter Abdus Sattar Mia and conducted by municipal councillor Kamrul Islam Mandal while party’s General Secretary Mujibul Haque Chunnu was the key speaker.
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Criticizing the current state of the country, GM Quader said everyone except Awami League supporters agrees that the current situation of the country is not good.
Ordinary people are struggling; many can't even afford an egg. It is happening due to the government's flawed policies and corruption. Billions of Taka have been laundered from the country due to corruption in the gas and electricity sectors, he alleged.
"The government is reducing imports in various ways due to the dollar crisis. Our exports and foreign earnings are declining. The government can't maintain reserves, and it's unable to import essential medicines like insulin. Children are dying because of counterfeit drugs. The economy is leaking, and everything is flowing out through these holes," he said.
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Regarding the anti-quota movement, the JaPa leader said, "University students are now protesting against the quota system. This quota system is unconstitutional. There is no way to legalize it according to the constitution. So why does the current government need this quota?”
This government has divided society and treats the country as personal and family property. This quota system is maintained for loyal administration and law enforcement. They want a merit-based administration, he said.
Other speakers included Presidium members Sherifa Quader, Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan, Zahirul Islam, Vice Chairman Arifur Rahman Khan, Advisor Khalilur Rahman Khalil, and Vice Chairman Jasim Uddin.
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Followed by the addressing, a new committee for the Gazipur district was announced, with freedom fighter Abdus Sattar Mia and Kamrul Islam Mandal president and general secretary respectively.
GM Quader describes freedom fighters quota as 'unconstitutional'
Opposition Leader GM Quader on Wednesday criticised the government for retaining the freedom fighters quota in government jobs. He was referring to a High Court ruling last month that declared the government's 2018 decision to cancel the 30 percent quota reserved for the freedom fighters' children in the civil service of ninth to 13th grades (first and second classes of jobs) was illegal.
“Not all valiant freedom fighters are underprivileged, this is unconstitutional,” he said.
GM Quader said this in his closing speech as leader of the opposition in the budget session of the 12th parliament.
Opposing freedom fighter’s quota in jobs, the JP chairman said that making the freedom fighters’ quota permanent to a large extent destroys the main purpose of the spirit of independence.
He said that earlier there was a 56 percent quota for government jobs, leaving just 44 percent to be recruited on merit. In 2018, all quotas were canceled in the face of student agitation.
“As a result of a court ruling, the students have again taken to the street,” he said.
Highlighting the various statements of students agitating against the quota system, GM Quader said: “It destroys this main purpose of creating a society based on justice without discrimination."
Saying that the demand of the students was to cancel the 30 percent freedom fighter’s quota, the opposition leader said that due respect will be given to the freedom fighters.
“But there is a different opinion among the students about the matter that all their (Freedom Fighters) successive generations including grandchildren should enjoy such advantages. Students don't agree with this," he said.
GM Quader said that the constitution talks about equality in terms of opportunities. The constitution says that there will be equality of opportunity in getting employment. No one shall be disqualified for employment in the republic on account of religion, caste and place of birth.
"If the constitution is to be obeyed then it must be obeyed. Not all the freedom fighters are underprivileged. So, looking at the issue (freedom fighter quota) in that way is not constitutional.”
Quota can be kept and if there are no candidates in different quotas then freedom fighter quota can be given, Quader suggested.
He also put emphasis on searching for talents first.
"We need talent first. The country must move forward. If merit is not given priority first, then on what basis will we compete.”
Quader also addressed the movement of university teachers over the universal pension scheme during his speech.
He said that such a situation has been created due to lack of trust in the government.
He said the people lack confidence that the government will be able to deliver on its commitment, i.e. whether the people will ultimately receive a payout or not.
“It reflects a large lack of confidence. It is not good for us, or for anyone in the government.”
Bangladesh will face significant economic crisis after this budget: GM Quader
Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman GM Quader on Thursday said that Bangladesh will face a significant economic crisis after the newly proposed budget for the FY2024-25 and it cannot be called people-friendly.
“Due to indirect taxes, the tax burden on people will increase, leaving no escape for the public. The lack of a conducive environment will not attract foreign investment, and thus job opportunities will not be created. Bangladesh will face a significant economic crisis after this budget,” he said following the announcement of the budget.
He described the budget as conventional, and said, “The budget mirrors previous years with nothing exceptional. The country is grappling with an economic crisis, marked by rising inflation and daily increases in the price of essentials. Unemployment remains a critical issue. Our foreign exchange earnings are insufficient compared to our expenditures, and reserves are depleting daily, devaluing our currency. No steps or initiatives to address these issues are evident in this budget.”
He also pointed out that 62 percent of the revenue comes from direct taxes, with the remainder from indirect taxes, increasing the tax burden on mass people. "There is no prospect of reducing inflation. Income tax is only 36 percent, import duty 10.3 percent, VAT 38.1 percent, and supplementary duty 13.8 percent. Even rickshaw pullers and beggars have to pay these. We do not see any initiatives to protect the poor," he stated.
He said that the losses faced by the public are being portrayed as gains. "Not everyone has access to electricity and gas. The government has emphasized gas imports but has not taken initiatives to produce it, leading to a huge financial loss. Our energy security is under severe threat," he added
He also criticized the government’s claim of achieving 30,000 megawatts of electricity production capacity, saying, "In reality, only 13 to 15,000 megawatts can be utilized. Load shedding occurs when 15 to 16,000 megawatts are needed. Despite not producing the additional 15,000 megawatts, capacity charges are being imposed.”
AL ruling country like demon of Sindbad: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday alleged that the Awami League government is ruling the country like the mythical demon of Sindbad by suppressing people's freedom of expression.
“The present government has seized control of the country through sheer power. Now, the voices of people hold no weight; instead, they are compelled to adhere to the government's dictates. It behaves akin to the demon of Sindbad sitting on the shoulders of people,” he said.
Addressing a views-exchange meeting at the Jatiya Party Chairman’s Banani office, GM Quader also said the country’s people don't have the freedom of expression and they have to face many kinds of problems if they raise their voices.
He said the nation is now going through a very critical time.” The depth of the crisis is increasing day by day.”
The Jatiya Party chief said most of the people in the country are now unable to run their families with what they earn as the prices of commodities are increasing every day.
GM Quader, also the leader of the opposition in parliament, said the dollar price has increased due to the devaluation of the taka, surging the inflation rate.
He said people are losing jobs as many factories are being shut as the government squeezed imports due to the dollar crisis.
“Overall, the country is witnessing an economic recession and most of the people are not getting work and managing food to eat. In such reality, a group of people is leading life in European style as they amassed huge wealth in completely unfair ways,” the Jatiya Party chief said.
According to the surveys of international organizations, he said the disparity between the rich and the poor is increasing in Bangladesh. “A section of people survives with half-starvation. Many are unable to get treatment due to lack of money. Frustration is growing among people due to this discrimination”
GM Quader said the nation achieved independence in 1971 to establish a country of their own where everyone would enjoy equal rights and to build a society based on justice without discrimination.
He said the freedom fighters liberated Bangladesh so that people could be owners of the country and run the country through a government of their choice by eliminating discrepancies. “We have lost that achievement of independence as has been lost the common people's ownership of the country has been snatched.”
Rail fare hike illogical, inhumane: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday expressed deep concern over the increase in rail fares, saying it is an irrational and inhumane move.
In a statement, he also slammed the government for its decision to withdraw the rebate facility for train passengers.
"Rail is the mode of transportation for the poor and downtrodden. Rail fares are comparatively affordable…any increase in rail fares at this time will create a disproportionately negative impact on the lives of the poor and ordinary people,” GM Quader said.
He urged the government to maintain the previous fares of the trains, revoking its latest decision.
The Jatiya Party Chairman said rail passengers have long been enjoying a rebate facility of 20% for a journey of 101-250 km, 25% for a journey of 251-400 km and 30% for a journey of more than 400 km.
“The fare has now increased from Tk 20 to Tk 400 on rail routes due to the withdrawal of the rebate facility. People are already in dire situation amid the growing price hikes in commodities,” he observed.
GM Quader, also the opposition leader in parliament, said the normal income of people is being adversely affected by the extreme heat waves. “In such a reality, increasing rail fares is illogical and inhumane.”
He said the increase in rail fares may also create unbearable hardships for ordinary people in their travel on railways. “At the same time, with the increase in rail fares, the cost of commodities will go up further. So, those who do not travel by rail will also be affected by this move.”
GM Quader hoped that the government would make rail travel affordable for ordinary people by keeping the rebate facility for them and maintaining the existing fares.
Raushon announces JP's national council to be held Mar 9
Amid escalating internal discord within the party, Jatiya Party's Chief Patron Raushan Ershad, who earlier declared herself its chairman, announced on Sunday that the party's national council will be held on March 9.
She came up with the announcement at a press conference at her Gulshan residence, saying the move was taken to reorganise the party and come out of the extreme disaster it faces now.
Speaking at the press conference, Raushon, the widow of the party founder HM Ershad, said the main area of practising democracy in a political party is holding the regular national council of the party.
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“The term of organising the party’s council has expired long ago…as per the demands of the leaders and workers of the party, I am announcing to hold the 10th council of Jatiyo Party in March,” she said.
To ensure the successful completion of the event, Raushon mentioned the formation of a council implementation committee, with Kazi Feroz Rashid as the convener, Syed Abu Hossain Babla as the co-convener, Golam Sarwar Milon as the joint-convener, and Safiqul Islam Sentu as the member secretary.
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Ahead of the January 7 election, a new split emerged in the Jatiya Party over the nominations of party candidates to contest the national polls. Raushon, the leader of the opposition party in the last parliament, did not participate in the election due to a disagreement with her brother-in-law and party chief GM Quader.
The party also reportedly did not nominate any leaders loyal to Raushon.
In the circumstances, Raushon expressed her determination to restore strength to the Jatiya Party through a successful council.
Meanwhile, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader relieved the party’s co-chairman Syed Abu Hossain Babla from the party apparently for lending his support to Raushon.
The action was taken against Babla by issuing a press release by Mahmud Alam, joint office secretary of the GM-Kader-led Jatiya Party, soon after Raushon's announcement to hold the council.
GM Quader also removed earlier some party senior leaders, including co-chairman Kazi Firoz Rashid and presidium member Sunil Suvho Roy from the party following a conflict with Roshan Ershad over the leadership of the Jatiya Party.
Earlier on January 28, Raushon Ershad declared herself as the chairman of the party, relieving the current party chief and secretary general from their posts, amid growing resentment among the party rank and file over its debacle in this month’s parliamentary election.
She also appointed Jatiya Party praesidium member Kazi Mamunur Rashid as the secretary general of the party.
Raushon made the decision at a views-exchange meeting in her Gulshan residence with a section of the party leaders who were relieved or voluntarily resigned from the party recently.
“According to Article 20-1 of the party's constitution, I have relieved GM Quader and Mujibul Haque Chunnu from the posts of party Chairman and Secretary General respectively at the request of the party leaders and workers to overcome the ongoing crisis (within the party)," she said justifying her move.
Take JU rape case seriously: Chunnu
Opposition chief whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu on Monday asked the government to take seriously the recent rape incident in Jahangirnagar University.
He made this demand while participating in an unscheduled discussion in the parliament.
Referring to the rape incident, the Jatiya Party secretary general Mujibul Haque said that such incidents had happened in Jahangirnagar University and such incidents in higher education institutions is just degradation of an educational institution.
“Due to various reasons such cases are not prosecuted at the right time,” he said.
He requested the education minister to look into whether the academic environment is good or not.
“Are the students of this university not whipped?” he questioned.
“The Education Minister should look into why such incidents took place in the Jahangirnagar University,” he said.
He also asked the home minister to arrange proper trial with strict measures at the right time.
Can the new Parliament perform its role perfectly, wonders GM Quader
Leader of the opposition GM Quader on Tuesday said that he has doubts about how the 12th Parliament will be able to perform its duties perfectly.
He said 75 percent of the seats in this parliament belong to the ruling party, while the independent MPs – mostly linked to Awami League – comprises 21 percent.
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The opposition accounts for only 3-4 percent of the seats and so “It will be tough to find the whole nation reflected in this parliament. This parliament will not be able to perform its duties perfectly,” he feared.
The opposition leader made the comments this while participating in a discussion to thank Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the newly elected speaker of the House.
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GM Quader described his experience as a Member of Parliament since 1996 and expressed hope that the speaker would play a neutral role in conducting the businesses of the House.
On the question of the speaker's responsibility, he said that even though she was a speaker with party loyalty, she tried to play her role impartially.
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“I expect you to maintain that impartiality,” he said.
Referring to the Treasury bench on the right side of the speaker and the seats of the Opposition party on the left side, GM Quader said they wanted to see the both sides having equal numbers.
He said that one is the government party, the other is the Opposition.
Referring to the results of the January 7 national election, the leader of the opposition said that the national parliament is a meeting place for all parties.
Referring to the colour of national flag red and green, GM Quader said that, it is not only red not green. If the government party is called red, then this parliament is completely red.
“The green is just a splash. It will be difficult to find the picture of the whole nation in this parliament. How far the present parliament will be able to represent the nation is a matter of apprehension,” he said.
He mentioned that if the gap between the activities of the two parts can be reduced, the parliament will be considered effective.
“This apprehension is not unrealistic,” said GM Quader, the leader of Jatiya Party which won only 11 seats in this month’s election. The opposition to the government can or will play a more active role, he said.
He placed some suggestions to make the parliament more effective.
He hoped that the speaker will give opportunity to the opposition members in the House to express their opinion.
“We will continue our efforts to reduce the imbalance in parliament. So we expect cooperation from the speaker,” he added.