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Reforms first, free and fair election later: Jamaat Ameer
Necessary reforms to the country's overall structure must be carried out first, followed by a free and fair election, said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public rally organized by Narsingdi district Jamaat at the grounds of Satirpara Kali Kumar Institution School and College on Friday afternoon.
"There will definitely be an election in this country, but it cannot be held in any haphazard manner. We want a proper election, a fair election. But before the election, the voter list must be revised. Fake voters must be removed, deceased voters' names must be excluded, and all eligible individuals must be included," he said.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "You have noticed that from the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to district, upazila, and union-level offices, all have been locked down. Jamaat is the only party whose registration has been revoked. It is unfortunate that fascism has seemingly stepped back, yet we have not regained our registration. We are still continuing the legal battle to reclaim it."
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He further said, "Many leaders arrested in false cases have been released one by one. However, it is regrettable that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's then Acting Secretary ATM Azharul Islam is still in prison. The public demands his immediate release."
The Jamaat Ameer also said, "Every perpetrator of genocide must be apprehended and handed over to a tribunal, whether they are at home or abroad."
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated, "This is the month of the Language Movement. We remember with deep respect those who gave their lives this month. May Allah accept them as martyrs.”
The public rally was presided over by Narsingdi district Jamaat Ameer Prof. Md. Moslehuddin. Special guests at the event included Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Working Committee members AFM Abdus Sattar, Abdul Jabbar, Maulana Abdul Mannan, and Advocate Mashiul Alam.
169 minutes ago
Venezuela sends 2 planes to US to return migrants, signaling a potential improvement in relations
Two Venezuelan planes flew to the United States on Monday and returned home with deported Venezuelans, signaling a possible improvement in relations between longtime diplomatic adversaries and a victory for President Donald Trump in his efforts to get more countries to take their people back.
The U.S. and Venezuelan governments separately confirmed the flights by Venezuelan airline Conviasa without saying how many were aboard or disclosing their routes.
“Flights of Illegal Aliens to Venezuela Resume,” the White House said in a post on the “X” platform, saying they were overseen by Richard Grennell, a top Trump adviser who recently traveled to Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government confirmed the flights in a statement that took issue with an “ill-intentioned” and “false” narrative around the presence of members of the Tren de Aragua gang in the United States. It said most Venezuelan immigrants are decent, hard-working people and that U.S. officials sought to stigmatize the South American country.
Deportation flights from the U.S. to Venezuela were halted for years but restarted for a short time under the Biden administration in October 2023 when a jet transported about 130 migrants home. Venezuelans began showing up at the U.S. border with Mexico in large numbers in 2021 and are currently one of the largest nationalities entering illegally.
Monday's flights came days after the first flights of immigrants to a U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala for those countries to take people who were not their citizens.
A federal judge in New Mexico on Sunday preemptively blocked the transfer of three Venezuelan men to Guantanamo Bay. In their request for a temporary halt, lawyers for the men said their clients “fit the profile of those the administration has prioritized for detention in Guantanamo, i.e. Venezuelan men detained in the El Paso area with (false) charges of connections with the Tren de Aragua gang.”
Trump wrote after Grennell's visit that the Maduro government had agreed to receive "all Venezuela illegal aliens who were encamped in the U.S., including gang members of Tren de Aragua," and pay for their transportation. Six Americans held in Venezuela were released at the time.
In its statement Monday, the Venezuelan government didn't comment on any future flights.
3 days ago
Future Bangladesh to ensure justice, equal rights: Jamaat Ameer
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said the future Bangladesh will be built on justice and free from discrimination, ensuring people's right to express their opinions freely and enjoy their fair rights.
“We had been unjustly banned, and our leaders and activists subjected to inhumane torture. Even performing religious rituals had become difficult in a Muslim-majority country,” he said while speaking at a members' conference (rukon) organised by Sylhet District Jamaat on Sunday.
He said that through the July uprising, a new Bangladesh free from tyranny had emerged and urged all to work together to build the nation.
Ghulam Azam was victim of AL tyranny: Jamaat Ameer
“This progress cannot be halted by creating divisions. If necessary, we must be prepared to make more sacrifices for the country and remain united against all forms of discrimination and injustice,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of balancing emotions with conscience, saying, “We may not have control over everything, but we must strive for the truth with all our abilities. Moderate emotion is a big strength.”
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The conference, held at an indoor venue in Sylhet city, was presided over by Sylhet District Ameer and Central Majlis-e-Shura member Maulana Habibur Rahman.
Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Central Working Committee member Prof Fazlur Rahman and District Secretary and former Upazila Chairman Md Joynal Abedin also addressed the event.
War against extortion, encroachment will continue: Jamaat Ameer
4 days ago
Ghulam Azam was victim of AL tyranny: Jamaat Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has claimed that former party chief Ghulam Azam died as a victim of oppression by the fallen Awami League government.
Addressing a party rally in Narayanganj’s Osmani Municipal Stadium on Friday, he also criticised former local MP Shamim Osman, calling him a ‘godfather.’
Election environment not possible without reforms: Jamaat Ameer
Shamim Osman put up a 72-foot-long banner in Narayanganj barring the entry of Ghulam Azam in the district when he was a lawmaker, he said.
In the presence of the then deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, the godfather issued a threat to Ghulam Azam saying, ‘File a murder case against me in advance.’
But in the end, Ghulam Azam suffered and died under the tyranny of the fallen Awami League government, the Jamaat Ameer claimed.
Jamaat pledges to honour student sacrifices: Dr Shafiqur Rahman
He questioned where that godfather is today? He is no longer in Narayanganj.
Narayanganj district and metropolitan units of Jamaat-e-Islami organized the rally for the first time since the fall of the Awami League on August 5 last year.
Chaired by Narayanganj city Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon (Dhaka South), Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam, Dhaka South Jamaat Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Selim Uddin, and Jamaat Central Executive member Mobarak Hossain, among others spoke at the rally.
1 week ago
BDP finally gets EC registration, joins Bangladesh’s political arena
Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) led by Chairman Anwarul Islam Chan has been registered as a political party with the Election Commission (EC).
The party received its registration certificate from EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed at the EC headquarters on Monday morning.
Speaking to the media, BDP Chairman Anwarul Islam said his party is committed to doing politics based on the spirit of the Liberation War and the July Revolution.
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He said his party will align with those who uphold the spirit of 1971 and 2024 so that another July revolution does not occur. The party is working for fielding candidates in all 300 parliamentary constituencies in the next election, he added.
BDP’s registration number is 54, and its election symbol is ‘Cauliflower.’
BDP had initially applied for registration as a political party on October 26, 2022 but its application was rejected by the Election Commission on April 10, 2023.
The practice of political party registration was introduced ahead of the ninth parliamentary election in 2008.
So far, 53 parties have been registered with the EC, but five—Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, United Citizens’ Movement, PDP, and JAGPA—lost their registration due to non-compliance with conditions or court directives.
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After the fall of the Awami League government following a mass uprising, the EC granted registration to several new parties including AB Party, Nurul Haque Nur’s Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Mahmudur Rahman’s Nagorik Oikya and Gonosonghoti Andolon.
1 week ago
New party Democratic Power unveils itself
A new political party, ‘Bangladesh Democratic Power,’ has emerged with a commitment to protecting the country's sovereignty and contributing to national reconstruction, rather than seeking power or elections.
The party's convener, Major General Mohammad Ehtesham-ul-Haq, stated, “We have not come for elections or power. We have come with the pledge to play a leading role in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, and rebuilding the state.”
He remarked those at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
Ehtesham-ul-Haq further emphasized, "The name of our apolitical movement is Sovereignty Movement, which represents the students, the people, and various sections of society. The movement is not about elections or power, but rather about playing a pivotal role in protecting the nation's sovereignty, state reconstruction, and national development, with unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people and the country."
2 weeks ago
War against extortion, encroachment will continue: Jamaat Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that the war against extortion and encroachment will continue until justice is established in the country.
The Jamaat leader made the remarks while speaking at the workers' conference organised by the district and metropolitan Jamaat at the historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi on Saturday.
He also highlighted the sacrifices made by many people in the country’s history, particularly those who laid down their lives in the fight against misrule and corruption.
Won't stop until misrule-free Bangladesh is established: Jamaat Ameer
"Why did our children give so much blood? Because they wanted to bury all kinds of misrule and corruption in this society," Dr Rahman said.
He also honoured the sacrifices made by the martyrs, acknowledging the debt owed to them. "We are indebted and grateful to those who gave their blood for today's environment. We will have to repay this debt for the rest of our lives.”
“Many bodies had been made disappeared during the last days of the July-August uprising, with piles of bodies thrown onto trucks, set on fire. We will never be able to repay their debts," he added, referring to the brutalities of the past.
Regarding the number of martyrs from his party, he said, "We are the party of those who have been martyred. They are national assets, and we want to keep them above our heads. No conspiracy will succeed against this nation if we have such brave people."
3 weeks ago
Won't stop until misrule-free Bangladesh is established: Jamaat Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh will not cease its movement until a misrule-free Bangladesh is established, said the party Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday.
He mentioned the party's unwavering commitment to achieving an equitable and corruption-free Bangladesh during a workers' conference in Chuadanga.
The Jamaat ameer began by highlighting the years of oppression faced by Jamaat-e-Islami, saying that the party’s leaders had been falsely accused and sentenced to death in fabricated cases, and thousands of activists had been killed under the Awami League’s rule.
Awami League and its allies had looted religious institutions and carried out widespread destruction across the country, he also said.
“Until we establish a corruption-free and misrule-free Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami will not stop,” Shafiqur also said, asserting reinforcing the party’s stance on continuing its movement for justice and fairness.
Referring to the Awami League’s violent tenure, the Jamaat leader accused the AL of killing intellectuals, educators, and experienced citizens to maintain power. He also denounced the torture, abductions, and violations carried out under their governance.
4 weeks ago
All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has said all political parties have reached a consensus about an inclusive “July Declaration” recognising the contributions of all parties and forces that participated in the recent mass uprising.
Briefing reporters after the meeting in front of the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday, he also said a work plan would be chalked out soon regarding the formation of the July Declaration based on consensus.
“A consensus has been reached on the formulation of a declaration for the July mass uprising in the meeting. Everyone agreed that such a declaration is necessary, but many suggestions have been given in this regard,” the adviser said.
He said the major suggestions include ensuring everyone’s contributions are properly acknowledged in the declaration and that continuity is appropriately reflected.
Besides, Dr Asif said, a suggestion has also been made to clarify the political and legal nature of the declaration.
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“What has been emphasised as most important is that this declaration should be formulated based on consensus through more intensive discussions among all political parties, forces, students, the masses, and their various forums who were in favour of the July mass uprising,” the adviser said.
He said the participants in the meeting also agreed that as much time as necessary should be given to prepare the declaration. “But, efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays or wastage of time. Everyone is unanimous that the declaration should be prepared on the basis of intensive discussions.”
Dr Asif said everyone had expressed optimism that efforts to formulate the declaration based on consensus would be successful.
“Today's meeting ended with the hope that we will be able to formulate a narrative of unbreakable unity through which we could ensure the fall of a fascist and mass-killer regime of Sheikh Hasina during the mass uprising,” the adviser said.
Interim Govt to hold all-party conference over July Proclamation Thursday
Replying to a question, he said almost all participants in the meeting agreed that the time needed to prepare a document based on unity and consensus should be taken. “There should be no rush and no unnecessary delays.”
Asif said some leaders had proposed that a committee be formed to conduct the discussions in an organised manner to formulate the declaration.
Responding to another question, the adviser said there was no division among political parties over the declaration, only differing opinions had emerged regarding the process for holding the discussions. “We welcome diverse opinions. We didn’t see any disunity among the parties… rather, it will be more conducive to stronger unity.”
“We’ll actively consider everyone's opinions carefully and decide on a course of action very quickly based on their suggestions,” he said.
Dr Asif said leaders of all political parties and forces involved in the July mass uprising, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefajat-e-Islam, Ganatantra Mancha, the Anti-Discrimination Movement, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yuns at the Foreign Service Academy.
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BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties joined the nearly two-hour long meeting that began around 4:20pm.
Earlier, the interim government initiated the process of preparing a declaration on the July uprising, based on a national consensus.
4 weeks ago
DU Chhatra Shibir demands DUCSU election roadmap announcement by Jan
The Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir has demanded the announcement of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election roadmap by the end of January and submitted a 9-point proposal for amending the DUCSU constitution.
It has also said that if the university administration requests additional time for the DUCSU election, they must provide valid reasons for the delay.
SM Farhad, President of DU Chhatra Shibir, made the remarks during a press conference held at Madhur Canteen on Monday.
At the press conference, General Secretary of the organization, Mohiududdin Khan, presented the 9-point proposals for amending the DUCSU constitution.
Farhad said, “We are suggesting reforms, and other organizations will also do the same. Among these, reasonable reforms must be ensured through the Syndicate meeting, and DUCSU election roadmap must be announced by January. However, if the administration requests additional time for the elections, they must provide valid reasons.”
He further added, “This might be the first time in Dhaka University’s history where the negative culture of things like ‘Gonoroom’ and guest rooms has been abolished. If DUCSU election is delayed, this old culture might resurface.”
When asked about the possibility of conflict with other student organizations around the election, Farhad replied, “DUCSU is a competitive space. We do not want to present it as a conflict but as a competition. Moreover, if elections are held regularly, no organization will engage in conflicts prematurely. If anyone does, students will not vote for them.”
Under the current DUCSU constitution, the president has authority over all meetings, executive committees, and subcommittees. The president has the power to take necessary steps in case of emergencies, disruptions, or rule violations and can dismiss committee members or cancel a committee entirely, among other powers.
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Chhatra Shibir argued that the president, despite being unelected, holds unlimited powers, which they believe is fundamentally contradictory to democratic values.
The organization has proposed reducing the president's powers and turning the president's position into a ceremonial role with no executive powers.
According to the revised DUCSU constitution of 2019, there are 14 positions, including the positions for common room and cafeteria affairs. Shibir has proposed separating these into two distinct positions: “Library, Reading Room, and Common Room Affairs Secretary” and “Cafeteria and Canteen Affairs Secretary.” They also proposed merging the “Literature Secretary” and “Culture Secretary” into one position titled “Literature and Culture Affairs Secretary.”
Furthermore, Shibir has proposed creating two new positions: “Women and Equality Affairs Secretary” and “Religion and Harmony Affairs Secretary.” Regarding the creation of these positions, SM Farhad said, “Since all our halls have places of worship and students of all religions are enrolled at the university, we want to ensure that interfaith harmony and the proper protection of religious rights are maintained.”
Shibir has also proposed changing the “Liberation War and Independence Movement Secretary” position to “Liberation War and Democratic Movements Secretary,” emphasizing that the role should include all democratic movements such as the Anti-Colonialism struggle, the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the Anti-Autocracy Movement, the Safe Roads Movement, and the July Uprising, aiming to preserve the country's sovereignty, basic rights, democratic values, mutual harmony, and the spread of Bangladeshi nationalism.
Additionally, the organization has proposed that the Election Commission for DUCSU should be formed within 30 days of the end of the committee's term, in contrast to the current rule where it was allowed to take up to 90 days.
Shibir has proposed that the Election Commission should be established within 30 days after the end of the DUCSU committee's term, and it should hold elections within 90 days. They have also suggested that the power to amend the DUCSU constitution should be shifted from the Syndicate to elected representatives and that the requirement for the president's approval to discuss any agenda should be removed.
1 month ago