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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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Take Firm Control or Risk Public Intolerance: Tarique Rahman
BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated, "I urge the interim government to take firm control of the situation. The accomplices of the fugitive autocrat are waiting for the public to become intolerant. If the government fails to demonstrate competence, public impatience may escalate." He made these remarks in a statement on Wednesday (November 27) night regarding the current political situation. The statement was issued through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Tarique Rahman noted, "After the autocrat’s escape, post-uprising Bangladesh has been grappling with turmoil. On one hand, the long-standing grievances of people deprived of rights for over a decade and a half, and on the other, the flames of revenge stoked by the fugitive autocrat, have created a murky scenario. Over the past 15 years, the fugitive autocrat built mountains of irregularities in various sectors and stripped the people of their rights. Now, people from all walks of life are coming to the streets to demand the restoration of those lost rights and the dismantling of those irregularities in a tyranny-free environment."
He added that the accomplices of the fugitive autocrat, who lost their illegal power and privileges, are attempting to exploit the people's legitimate movement to destabilize the government. "By blending with the protesters, conspirators are engaging in attempts to create anarchy in the country," Tarique Rahman claimed.
He emphasized that conspirators are weaving webs of plots around issues related to people’s rights, and there is a visible attempt to create orchestrated chaos across the country. "Signs of public impatience are becoming evident. The incidents that occurred in Dhaka and other parts of the country in recent days cannot be viewed as isolated. The activities of those attempting to destabilize the state’s stability have become alarming."
Calling on law enforcement to investigate whether sabotage is being carried out under the guise of public movements, Tarique Rahman said, "Students who played a courageous role on the frontline of the people’s movement against the mafia government—why have they suddenly turned so vindictive against one another? This question looms large. Why would students engage in vandalism or arson after such a successful public uprising? These incidents must not be taken lightly. Vigilance must be increased."
He further urged the interim government to prioritize addressing people's daily hardships, stating, "The interim government must remember that due to the current market conditions, millions of families are forced to compromise daily between their desires and means. Under such dire circumstances, prioritizing 'reforms' over 'subsistence' is not unusual for many."
Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of market regulation, warning, "If essential goods are not brought within the purchasing power of the public, conspirators might exploit this sensitive issue to destabilize the government. The accomplices of the fugitive autocrat are waiting for such an opportunity. The interim government must act urgently to ensure political and economic empowerment of the people, secure public trust, and maintain public confidence."
He advised the government to proceed cautiously, ensuring that its actions or words do not disrupt the unity forged by the sacrifices of countless students and citizens against autocracy. "The government must exercise prudence to ensure that nothing it does undermines the unity of the people and students."
Addressing the people, Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, "The right to protest is a constitutional right of the people. However, everyone must remain alert so that anti-national forces and the fugitive autocrat do not derail the purpose of the public uprising. It is crucial to ensure that the vested interests do not divert the rightful demands of the people to serve their own agenda. Both the government and the people must stay vigilant against disruptive elements hiding at home and abroad."
To the interim government, he remarked, "This government has taken charge in an extraordinary situation. While trying to maintain stability in a fragile state left behind by the fugitive autocrat, any public grievances must be presented to the government in an orderly manner to prevent conspirators from exploiting the situation. Every democracy-loving and freedom-loving citizen must play a responsible role to establish equality, human dignity, and social justice in a mafia-free Bangladesh achieved through the sacrifices of countless martyrs."
Tarique Rahman concluded by calling on the people to show patience, saying, "Give the government a little more time. Stay calm and keep a vigilant eye on the situation. Regardless of party, faith, or background, we must all remember that any failure to overcome conspiracies with wisdom on the path to establishing democracy could cost freedom-loving people dearly."
Khaleda Zia's Overseas Treatment to Begin After Performing Umrah
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been invited by the Saudi Arabian government to perform Umrah. She is expected to perform the pilgrimage in mid-December before proceeding abroad for advanced medical treatment. Following her visit to Saudi Arabia, she is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom and later to the United States.
According to members of the medical board overseeing her treatment, Khaleda Zia may require treatment in two or three countries, including the United States. Preparations are underway for her travel, and if all goes as planned, she may commence her journey on December 12 or 13. She will be accompanied by 17 individuals, including doctors, and plans to perform Umrah en route to her treatment destination.
On Wednesday (November 27), Khaleda Zia visited the U.S. Embassy from her Gulshan residence, “Firoza.” She was welcomed by the acting U.S. ambassador and embassy officials. Accompanying her were BNP Standing Committee member Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain, Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid, her private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, and personal physician Mohammad Mamun.
Her doctors confirmed that she is physically fit for air travel but emphasized precautions, with six doctors joining her on the journey. While her U.K. visa has already been obtained, her U.S. visa application is still being processed.
Khaleda Zia, sentenced in the Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust corruption cases, was imprisoned on February 8, 2018. After more than two years of incarceration, her sentence was suspended by the government through an executive order on March 25, 2020, granting her conditional temporary release. The suspension was subsequently extended every six months upon application by the BNP.
On August 5, following the fall of the Awami League government amid mass protests, Khaleda Zia was released unconditionally via executive order. Since then, BNP has been working to arrange her overseas treatment.
The 79-year-old former prime minister suffers from liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung complications, arthritis, kidney issues, diabetes, and other complex conditions. She has undergone prolonged treatment at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital under a medical board comprising specialist doctors, often requiring ICU care. After the government’s fall due to a student-led mass movement, she was discharged from Evercare Hospital on August 21 after a month-long stay and has been under preparation for her foreign medical treatment.
Take Action Against National Interest Violators: Jamaat Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that measures must be taken against anyone acting against national interests, not just ISKCON.
He made this statement on Thursday (November 28) night after meeting Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that differences in political affiliations, opinions, or religions may exist, but unity on matters of national interest is essential. He noted that all parties, including the BNP, are in agreement regarding national unity.
He further said that those who disrupt the peace and order of the country must be brought under the law and given exemplary punishment.
In addition, he mentioned that the meeting included extensive discussions on elections, controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, and finding solutions to problems through united efforts.
He also stressed the need to implement minimum reforms promptly to ensure elections take place.
Earlier, on Wednesday (November 27) evening, a five-member BNP delegation visited Dr. Yunus at Jamuna.
Following the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the country must avoid division. He emphasized that national unity is crucial at this moment to resolve the ongoing crisis. "We are facing significant challenges, and to overcome them, we need to foster national unity," he said.
He added that the delegation had informed the Chief Advisor about public suffering, particularly regarding high commodity prices. They urged him to work towards reducing prices and expanding TCB’s truck operations.
The BNP leader also mentioned that they requested Dr. Yunus to complete reforms quickly and provide an election roadmap as soon as possible, highlighting the urgency of such a roadmap.
Mirza Fakhrul Heads to London for 10-Day Visit
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left Dhaka for London today on a ten-day visit. He departed with his wife on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG 201) on Saturday morning, November 30.
Earlier, on Friday, November 29, Fakhrul’s personal assistant, agronomist Yunus Ali, informed the media that the BNP Secretary General would leave Dhaka at 8:20 AM on a Biman flight with his wife. During his stay in London, Fakhrul is expected to attend BNP events and hold a private meeting with the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman.
Sources indicate that Fakhrul’s visit will focus on key issues, including the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, plans for Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, promoting and implementing BNP’s 31-point reform framework for rebuilding the state structure with consensus from all parties, and strategizing ways to strengthen the party’s organizational momentum amid the current political situation.
The UK BNP is prepared to welcome Fakhrul. The organization’s general secretary, Koysor M Ahmed, announced that they will greet the BNP Secretary General at the airport. On December 3, the UK BNP will organize a discussion titled “The Significance of Bangladesh’s Victory Day and Recent Developments” at the Royal Regency, where Tarique Rahman will attend as the chief guest and Mirza Fakhrul as the keynote speaker.
It is noteworthy that Fakhrul last visited London twice in 2018, ahead of the 11th national parliamentary elections. This marks his first trip to London since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government and the subsequent political shift on August 5.
Mirza Fakhrul: Only the 'Wrong-Headed' Claim to Be PM Now
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “A long time ago, the Chief Justice of Bangladesh referred to Sheikh Hasina as ‘wrong-headed.’ Now, only a wrong-headed person can claim to be the Prime Minister.”
Mirza Fakhrul made this remark while responding to a journalist's question regarding Sheikh Hasina presenting herself as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh during a UK Awami League meeting.
He shared these comments during a discussion with journalists from the UK print and electronic media on Saturday (December 7) at 6 p.m. local time in the UK.
Key Points from Mirza Fakhrul's Speech:
Criticism of Sheikh Hasina:
Mirza Fakhrul claimed that Sheikh Hasina ignored her party's struggles and fled when difficulties arose. In contrast, he highlighted that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was repeatedly asked to leave the country but refused, declaring Bangladesh as her home.
BNP's Struggles:
Fakhrul alleged that 600,000 cases have been filed against BNP supporters and 20,000 people have been killed during the regime's crackdown on opposition.
He reflected on the hardships faced by BNP members, stating, "There wasn’t a single year when we weren’t sent to prison. It felt like police and courts were competing over how much they could oppress BNP members."
Democracy Under Threat:
He argued that Bangladesh's progress towards democracy under the caretaker government was destroyed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
Fakhrul criticized the Cyber Security Act and the suppression of independent media, accusing the government of promoting a culture of sycophancy and favoring certain media outlets.
Responsibility of the Media and Diaspora:
He urged journalists and expatriates to counter misinformation and uphold accurate reporting to protect the nation’s interests.
On Foreign Dependence and Democracy:
Fakhrul emphasized that democracy in Bangladesh cannot be achieved by relying on foreign powers, asserting that the responsibility lies with the people. He noted ongoing diplomatic engagement on various issues.
State Forces and BNP:
Fakhrul claimed BNP has no fundamental problem with state forces, though efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the alleged persecution of Tarique Rahman.
Expatriates' Concerns:
UK BNP President M.A. Malek highlighted grievances of expatriates, accusing Sheikh Hasina’s regime of illegally occupying their properties over the last 17 years. He assured that expatriates' contributions would be valued, as stated by the BNP’s acting secretary general.
The meeting, presided over by M.A. Malek, also featured speeches by UK BNP General Secretary Koysar M. Ahmed and other leaders.
BNP’s Three Affiliates to Hold Long March Toward Agartala Today
In protest of the attack and vandalism at the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala, India, as well as the lowering and tearing of the national flag and alleged conspiracies to incite communal riots, three affiliates of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) will hold a long march toward Agartala today, Wednesday (December 11).
This announcement was made during an emergency press conference held on Monday (December 9) at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan by the Jubo Dal (Youth Wing), Swechhasebak Dal (Volunteer Wing), and Chhatra Dal (Student Wing).
At the event, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna stated that the leaders and activists of the three organizations would jointly march from Naya Paltan to the Akhaura border.
He alleged that the silence of Indian law enforcement during the violent incident at the High Commission indicates tacit support from the Indian government. He also criticized some media outlets for spreading misinformation, claiming it disrupts communal harmony. Munna added that violent attacks on diplomatic missions are equivalent to assaults on sovereignty and independence.
Calling India a "haven for criminals," Munna accused the country of fabricating baseless rumors. He noted that many members of the Sanatan community were victims of massacres during movements against discrimination under Hasina, yet India remained silent.
Munna further stated that by providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina, India is embarrassing Bangladesh’s interim government. He argued that India has no moral right to comment on Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
The Jubo Dal president announced that the long march against Indian aggression would take place from Dhaka to the Akhaura border on December 11, vowing to remain vocal against any conspiracy against Bangladesh’s territorial integrity.
The press conference also urged students, youths, and volunteers from all walks of life in Bangladesh to participate in the program.
Earlier, on Sunday (December 8), the same three organizations held a march toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Starting from Naya Paltan, thousands of leaders and activists participated in the program. The march ended in Rampura following a request from the police, after which a six-member delegation submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Baridhara.
Khaleda Zia Returns to Public Stage After 7 Years
After nearly seven years, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is set to deliver a speech from a public platform once again. On December 21, she will join a Freedom Fighters' Rally as the chief guest at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The rally is being organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters Association to commemorate Victory Day. Preparations for the event have been completed, and Khaleda Zia has already been invited. However, her attendance will depend on her physical condition, according to sources.
The last time Khaleda Zia addressed a public gathering was on November 12, 2017, at Suhrawardy Udyan on the occasion of "National Revolution and Solidarity Day." Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, she attended a reception at Senakunja on Armed Forces Day, November 21, but did not deliver a speech.
