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Quick Elections Needed to Resolve All Crises: Tarique Rahman
Rtv News
23 Nov 2024, 16:49
Photo: Collected
Tarique Rahman stated about the election in Bangladesh. He said that the more the election is delayed, the more conspiracies will increase. Quick elections are needed to resolve all the crises of the country including establishing human rights and economic liberation.
He stated this while addressing the district BNP conference in Chuadanga on Saturday (November 23) afternoon.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be virtually present at that conference from London. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will inaugurate the conference, while BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu will be present as a special guest.
Stating that reforms are an ongoing process, Tarique Rahman said that elected public representatives are needed to make the reforms sustainable that are undertaken by the interim government. Public representatives elected by the people sitting in parliament will work to fulfill the expectations of the people.
Tarique Rahman warned the BNP leaders and activists that they must remain united to cross the slippery path of the election.
Advising the leaders and activists to behave more responsibly, he said that our behavior will be according to the expectations of the people.
Tarique Rahman said that the previous authoritarian government had destroyed all the institutions of the country. To re-purpose them for the welfare of the people, qualified representatives must be elected through the votes of the citizens. The only goal of the BNP is to change the fate of the people of this country. Our goal is to take the country forward.
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Sheikh Hasina Housed in Delhi Safe Zone, Reports Say
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and left for India on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising, has been the subject of speculation regarding her whereabouts. There were even rumors that she had left India for a third country. Amid such uncertainty, Indian news outlet The Print has reported her "exact location."
According to the report published on Thursday (October 24), Sheikh Hasina has been staying for more than two months under strict security at a safe house in the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone in New Delhi.
The report mentions that a bungalow, typically allocated to ministers, senior MPs, and top officials, has been assigned to her. However, for security and privacy reasons, the exact address and street details have not been disclosed.
Sources revealed that Sheikh Hasina occasionally takes walks in Delhi's Lodhi Garden with appropriate security measures. She is guarded around the clock by plainclothes officers, ensuring her safety as a high-profile individual. All necessary arrangements have been made for her stay in the area, where she has been residing for over two months.
According to sources, on August 5, Hasina and a few close aides landed at India’s Hindon Airbase after stepping down amidst the mass protests. Within two days of her arrival, she was relocated to another location. Upon reaching the airbase, she met India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top military officials.
Another source stated that Hasina did not stay long at the airbase, as it lacked adequate security arrangements. As a result, she was transferred to a secure area within days and has since been housed in a high-security zone in Lutyens’ Delhi.
The report notes that the area where she is currently staying is a high-security zone, home to many former and current members of India’s Parliament. When asked if she goes out, the source mentioned that any such movements are coordinated with her primary security team to ensure her safety.
BNP to Decide on President’s Removal After Internal Talks
The BNP has not yet reached a final decision regarding the removal of the president, following a meeting with leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens' Committee.
Confirming this on Saturday night (October 26), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told the media, "We listened to their concerns but did not make any decisions. The matter will be discussed within the party's Standing Committee, and we will announce our stance afterward."
The meeting, held at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, was attended by eight leaders from the student movement and citizens' committee, along with a three-member BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul.
After the two-hour discussion, Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told reporters, "BNP heard us out and will announce their decision after internal discussions. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan have already called for the president’s removal."
Abdullah added that the discussions also included two additional topics: the proclamation of a Second Republic and ways to govern while maintaining national unity.
Nasiruddin Patowari, convener of the National Citizens' Committee, emphasized, "There is no set deadline for the president’s removal, but he must step down, and a declaration of the Second Republic is essential."
He further stated, "We will continue to press for the president’s removal in response to public demands. The student movement’s demand has our full support, and we will stand by them."
BNP and Allies Demand Election Roadmap by December
The BNP and its allied political parties have called for the announcement of a roadmap for the national parliamentary elections by December. They also expect the interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, to organize free, fair, and impartial elections as soon as possible.
The discussions took place on Saturday, October 26, at the BNP Chairperson's political office in Gulshan, during separate meetings between BNP’s liaison committee and allied groups.
Representing the BNP were Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku, along with Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu.
The first meeting began at 3:30 p.m. with leaders from NAP Bhashani, including Chairman Azharul Islam, Vice Chairman Tajul Islam, and Youth NAP President Md. Al-Amin. This was followed at 4:10 p.m. by a discussion with the Democratic Left Alliance, represented by its coordinator Harun Al Rashid Khan and other leaders.
Later, at 4:40 p.m., the BNP delegation met with the Bangladesh People's Party, led by Chairman Mohammad Babul Sardar Chakhari. The final meeting at 5:00 p.m. involved representatives from the Bangladesh General Students' Rights Council.
During these meetings, the parties agreed on the implementation of a 31-point agenda and received BNP’s assurance of their valued role if the coalition comes to power. Additionally, BNP pledged to prioritize young candidates in upcoming elections.
Tarique Rahman Congratulates SAFF Champion Women’s Team
BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has congratulated the Bangladesh National Women’s Football Team for winning the SAFF Championship. On Wednesday night (October 30), he extended his congratulations.
Rahman stated that Bangladesh won its first SAFF Championship two years ago. Today, the indomitable red-and-green women’s team retained the title by defeating host Nepal 2-1 in the SAFF Women’s Championship.
He added that this victory is a historic achievement for football in Bangladesh. Led by Sabina Khatun, our team has not only won a major title but also defended it successfully. I personally, and on behalf of the team, extend my heartfelt congratulations on this achievement.
In his congratulatory message, the BNP Acting Chairman expressed hope that Bangladesh will continue this momentum and achieve even greater success, and that players and officials will play a constructive role in restoring the glory of Bangladeshi football.
In a separate message, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also extended warm congratulations to the Bangladesh Women’s Football Team for becoming SAFF Champions.
12 Cases Against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Dismissed
The High Court has dismissed a case filed against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at Darus Salam Police Station in Dhaka on charges of incitement. The High Court issued this order on Thursday, October 31.
On Wednesday, October 30, the High Court bench of Justice A.K.M. Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain dismissed ten other cases against the BNP Chairperson filed at various police stations, including Darus Salam and Jatrabari, on similar charges.
Barristers Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Kaiser Kamal represented Khaleda Zia in court. Senior lawyers Zainul Abedin, Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajol, Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim, Advocate Zakir Hossain, and Advocate Siddiq Ullah Mia were also present.
On the same day, the High Court also dismissed a treason case filed against Khaleda Zia for allegedly making disparaging remarks regarding the number of martyrs in the Liberation War.
In this case as well, Barristers Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Kaiser Kamal argued on Khaleda Zia's behalf. Senior lawyers Zainul Abedin, Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajol, Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim, and Advocate Zakir Hossain were present in court.
The court noted, "Permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs is required to file a treason case against anyone. In this instance, no such permission was obtained."
In December 2015, a case was filed at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court accusing Khaleda Zia of making comments questioning the number of Liberation War martyrs. Advocate Moshiur Malek, president of the Bangabandhu Foundation, filed the case under Section 123(A) of the Bangladesh Penal Code, alleging that her statements amounted to defamation of the state and undermined its sovereignty.
The case was filed at the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Atikur Rahman, who, after hearing the complainant’s statement, emphasized the need for a lawful investigation given the sensitive nature of the allegations. However, he noted that authorization from the government is essential before proceeding under Section 123(A). Therefore, Shahbagh Police Station was directed to conduct a lawful investigation with an officer ranked Inspector or higher.
The complaint states that on December 21, 2015, Khaleda Zia claimed during a discussion at the Bangladesh Engineers Institution that "Bangabandhu did not want Bangladesh's independence; he wanted to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It was Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman who declared independence. There is much debate today over the number of martyrs." This statement was widely reported in the press the next day. Her remarks allegedly demeaned the martyrs of the Liberation War and questioned Bangabandhu's role, thus constituting an offense under Section 123(A) of the Penal Code.
Following recent political developments, the High Court has now dismissed the treason case filed against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Sohel Taj Announces Program with Three-Point Demand
Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj, son of Tajuddin Ahmad, Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister, and former State Minister for Home Affairs, has announced a program with a three-point demand, including the observance of Jail Killing Day as a state event. He stated that on November 3, he will submit a memorandum to the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, regarding these demands.
On Friday, November 1, Sohel Taj announced the program through a post on his verified Facebook page.
In his Facebook post, Sohel Taj wrote, "November 3 is the disgraceful Jail Killing Day. It's been 49 years, yet the four national heroes who successfully led the Liberation War and under whose leadership Bangladesh emerged as an independent sovereign state have not received any state recognition. This is unacceptable!"
He then outlined his three demands:
Since the first government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was formed on April 10, 1971, through the Declaration of Independence, Bangladesh was born as an independent sovereign state (republic). Therefore, this day should be declared "Republic Day."
Jail Killing Day, observed on November 3, should be declared a National Mourning Day and observed at the state level.
The names, contributions, and biographies of the four national leaders, as well as all civil and military organizers, directors, immortal martyrs, and heroic freedom fighters of the Liberation War, should be included in textbooks and curricula at all levels with appropriate honor and emphasis on the full and accurate history of the Liberation War.
In his post, Sohel Taj wrote, "I believe these three demands are just and logical and reflect the heartfelt desires of everyone who supports independence and the Liberation War. In line with this, my next program will be to stage a sit-in in front of Hotel InterContinental on November 3 at 3:30 PM, followed by a march to submit the memorandum to the Chief Advisor."
He further wrote, "From the front of Hotel InterContinental, I will begin walking toward the State Guest House Jamuna at 4 PM. I strongly urge everyone who believes in the spirit of independence, the Liberation War, and opposition to discrimination to join this gathering."
BNP Opposes Banning Any Political Party: Mirza Fakhrul
BNP's Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has stated that the BNP is not in favor of banning any political party in the country. He also mentioned that efforts are being made to create unnecessary issues to instigate a state of disorder.
He made these remarks on Saturday, November 2, during a memorial meeting for former advisor to BNP Chairperson, Sabih Uddin Ahmed, held in Mohakhali, Dhaka.
Mirza Fakhrul said that various conspiracies are being devised around Bangladesh, and the people need to remain vigilant to combat these schemes.
He added that the late Sabih Uddin Ahmed dedicated his life to the nation, the people, and democracy. Mirza Fakhrul further commented that he would have been very pleased to see a Bangladesh free from fascism.
