Dhaka,   Wednesday 02 July 2025

Tarique Rahman calls for staying united for national interests

Tarique Rahman calls for staying united for national interests

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today urged all political parties to stay united for national interests. "The national unity of political parties will remain unbroken, keeping in mind that the evil forces of subjugation cannot raise their heads," he said while virtually addressing a discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center here. BNP organized the discussion titled "Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Movement" and a special program in honor of the martyrs` families marking the first anniversary of the July-August Mass Uprising. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia spoke as the chief guest at the program while families of the July martyrs, injured leaders and activists, as well as top leaders of 63 political parties involved in the "anti-fascist movement", intellectuals, senior journalists and people from various walks of life also joined it. The families of the martyrs were given crests and honors. A documentary of the uprising was screened. Tarique Rahman said, "Just as people did not forget the freedom fighters of the 1971 war of independence, the nation will not forget the fighters of 2024. If BNP comes to power, we have the idea of naming various establishments after the martyrs." Noting that he is raising some ideas for those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and the people, the BNP acting chairman said, "We want to put the country on a permanent foundation, where all power will be in the hands of the people. Only then, I believe, political corruption and corruption will decrease." The BNP Acting Chairman said many people were victims of enforced disappearances and murders in the one and a half decade movement against the Awami League rulers. In the July movement alone, at least 1,500 people from different classes and professions, including 422 BNP members, were martyred while more than 30,000 people were injured and over 1,000 were paralyzed and even children were not spared from being martyred, he mentioned. In every chapter of Bangladesh`s history, many people like martyr Abu Sayeed, Wasim and Mughdha have given their lives in this way, he said. "The question of the people is - will people continue to give their lives like this?" he said. Commenting that 54 years is not a short time for a country, Tarique Rahman said, "We do not want to forget the sacrifices of people during this time." Tarique Rahman outlined some plans to build the country coping with modern world in the future. BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, also convener of the `July-August` Mass Uprising, Mourning and Victory Anniversary Celebration Committee, chaired the event while the committee`s member secretary and BNP`s mass education affairs secretary, Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan gave welcome address. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas and Salahuddin Ahmed, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Jatiya Party (Zafar) Chairman and Head of 12-Party Alliance Mustafa Jamal Haider, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Barrister Andalib Rahman Partho, Gano Sanghati Andolon leader Jonayed Saki also spoke. NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, Labor Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, National Gano Front Coordinator Tipu Biswas, Biplabi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, NCP Joint Member Secretary Ariful Islam Adib, NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka Metropolitan City President Maulana Jonayed Al Habib, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Secretary General Manjurul Islam Afendi, Bangladesh JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan, Khilafat Majlis Nayeb-e-Amir Ahmed Ali Qasemi, Gano Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Muhammad Rashed Khan, Syed Ehsanul Huda of the 12-party alliance, Shahadat Hossain Selim, and Mohiuddin Ikram of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam spoke at the program moderated by Dhaka University Professor Abdullah Al Mamun. BNP standing committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, central leaders Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Amanullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Professor Sukomal Barua, Ismail Zabihullah, MA Malik, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Abdus Salam Azad, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Nazrul Islam Azad, Mir Newaz Ali Newaz, Barrister Mir Helal, Miftah Siddiqui, Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, Dr. Mahdi Amin and others. Injured persons, martyred families and their family members from different parts of the country were present. Among the professionals and dignitaries present were economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, Dainik Jugantor editor poet Abdul Hai Shikder, Sangram editor Azam Mir Shahidul Ahsan, Chairman of the board of directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Anwar Aldin, Professor Dr. Shamsul Alam, Amirul Islam Kagoji, Syed Abdal Ahmed, Dr. Abdul Hai Siddiqui, Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam, Professor Lutfar Rahman, Engineer Md. Mostafa-e Zaman Selim (CIP), Engineer AKM Amirul Momin Bablu.

EC to hold fair election with people’s support: CEC

EC to hold fair election with people’s support: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin today said the Election Commission (EC) would be capable of conducting a free and fair election with the support of the people. "If the people of the country stand with us, we will be able to ensure fair elections, InshaAllah," he said, while talking to journalists at the Election Building in the capital`s Agargaon. "You will get the election date and schedule in due time. And you will know it from the EC. We will definitely inform you about it. But you will have to wait a little for that," he added. Referring to his meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the CEC said, "During the meeting, he (Chief Adviser) inquired me about the preparations for the elections. I informed him that the preparations for the elections are going on in full swing." He added, "I understood at the courtesy meeting with the Chief Adviser that he is very sincere about holding a fair election in the country and transferring power democratically. His sincerity in this regard is unquestionable." "Our sincerity is also unquestionable. We are now on the same wavelength to make the election fair, acceptable and neutral," he continued. He said, "What we understand from the Chief Adviser`s words is that he sincerely wants to present a free, fair, acceptable, credible and neutral election to the nation." Responding to a question from journalist, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) said, "We are currently focused on preparations for the national election, you can see the work underway is entirely centered on that goal." He added, "If local government elections are to be held, we would need to reconsider the use of the existing voter list. But for now, our priority remains the national election, as the Chief Advisor has only mentioned national polls, not local ones." In reply to another question, he said, "We are preparing for the elections considering February and April. Whenever the government wants to hold elections, we can do so." Mentioning that he has been physically unwell for the past two days, Nasir Uddin said, "There is a hadith of our Prophet (PBUH) that advises us not to act based on assumptions. Yet in this case, I`ve seen that some people have assumed I resigned, while others claim I fell ill after giving a speech." He said, "Meeting the Chief Adviser alone does not represent communication with the government. Engagement must occur at various levels. I had a courtesy meeting with him last Thursday, during which it was decided that I would go to the hospital for treatment. Prior to that, I had no formal meeting with him. At present, he is neutral, and so are we. We are striving to work with fairness, within the bounds of law and regulations." The CEC further said, "Typically, the CEC`s direct communication with the head of government takes place when a political party government is in power. In this case, both the Chief Adviser and I are neutral." He added, "My recent meeting with him was purely a courtesy visit. Still, one might question whether it was just that, especially as elections are currently the primary topic of national discussion. Naturally, the meeting becomes a subject of discussion, but I did not engage in any formal agenda (with him)." The CEC continued, "The Chief Adviser simply wanted to know if we are prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. I assured him that our preparations are in full swing. Despite various challenges, we are working diligently so that whenever the election is scheduled, we will be ready." In response to a journalist`s question about possible restructuring of the Election Commission, he said, "No such message has been conveyed to me. And why would there be? Have we conducted any election yet? Have we shown biasness toward anyone? Have we taken the chair forcefully? We assumed our roles through a legal process - not arbitrarily." On the issue of the arrest of two former Chief Election Commissioners, he remarked, "That matter is sub judice, and I cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings."

Quota reform movement stirs students countrywide on July 2

Quota reform movement stirs students countrywide on July 2

The quota reform movement has swayed the students across the country on the July 2 last year as they perceived that reinstating of quota in government jobs by a court order is apparently a discrimination for meritorious students, hinting a growing wave of resistance. On the second day of the student-led demonstration, demanding the reinstatement of the 2018 circular abolishing quotas in first- and second-class public service recruitment, the capital`s Shahbagh intersection once again turned into an epicenter of mass protest as demonstrators occupied the area. The second day of the last year`s July uprising unfolded with a massive leap in scale as the anti-discrimination student movement, initially centered around Dhaka University, transformed into a coordinated national protest for abolishing quota system. Students and job seekers on July 2 brought out a massive protest rally and occupied the capital`s Shahbagh with a vow to remain on the streets until their demands are fulfilled, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing movement against what they termed a discriminatory quota policy. The rally began in front of the Dhaka University Central Library around 2:45pm with thousands of demonstrators from different universities and colleges, and marched towards Shahbagh through Nilkhet, Science Lab, and the Bata Signal. The procession turned into a mass sit-in as protesters blocked the key intersections, halting vehicular movement and drawing attention to their core demand-the immediate reinstatement of the 2018 circular that ensured merit-based recruitment in government services. The protesters carried placards and chanted slogans including "No quota, only merit," "Reinstate the 2018 circular," "Down with quota discrimination," and "Students will build a merit-based Bangladesh." The slogans echoed throughout the Shahbagh area as students stood in unity, demanding the government overturn the High Court`s verdict which declared a portion of the 2018 circular illegal and thus paved the way for returning quota system. Speaking at the demonstration, Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said the protest was not merely about jobs or university students, but a matter of national concern. "This is not just a movement of students and job seekers. This is a movement to uphold the ideals of the Liberation War. The quota for freedom fighters is being misrepresented. The spirit of the Liberation War is not hereditary-it is a value, a principle that belongs to the nation. As young citizens, we carry that spirit forward, and that is why we are standing against inequality," he said. Nahid, now National Citizen Party (NCP) chief, further announced that the demonstrators would stage another sit-in at the same location on July 3 at 2:30pm and called upon students of all colleges and universities across the country to organize similar programs simultaneously. "This is a united movement. We want every campus to raise the same voice at the same time," he added. Student leaders stated that the protest would continue until July 4, the date of the next hearing on the High Court ruling. Abdul Kadir, a student of Sociology, said during the protest that the students were determined to continue their movement regardless of weather or obstacles. "This is a just and peaceful movement. We will not leave the streets until the demands of the student community are met. We will endure the burning sun and rain if necessary," he said. Simultaneous protests were held at several universities across the country. At Jahangirnagar University, students brought out a rally from the central library premises and marched through campus before blocking the Dhaka-Aricha highway for about 25 minutes. The demonstration ended with a gathering at the university`s main gate, where speakers reiterated their demand and the elimination of what they called `illogical and discriminatory` quota benefits. At Islamic University in Kushtia, general students held a protest rally around 11am under the banner of "General Students." The rally began at the Jhal Chattar and marched through the main roads of the campus before ending at the same point. During the programme, students reiterated their opposition to the reintroduction of quota-based recruitment and reaffirmed their commitment to a merit-based system. The core demand of the movement is the reinstatement of the circular issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on October 4, 2018, which had abolished the quota system in government jobs, ensuring merit-based recruitments. Protesters also urged the government to form an independent commission to ensure that no unjust or discriminatory quota systems remain in place in any grade of public service, except disadvantaged communities as their rights are ensured by the Constitution. They also demanded that no candidate can use quota privileges more than once and the seats reserved for quotas remained vacant then those seats will be filled with merit-based candidates to ensure efficiency and fairness in recruitment. Furthermore, they called for effective measures to build a transparent, corruption-free and merit-based civil service. Before the 2018, 56 percent of posts were reserved under various quotas: 30 percent for children of freedom fighters and their grandchildren, 10 percent for women, 10 percent for district quotas, five percent for ethnic minorities, and one percent for persons with disabilities. The decision to abolish quotas in the first- and second-class public jobs came in response to a countrywide student movement demanding reform of quota system, leading to the issuance of the 2018 circular by the government. However, quotas were retained in third- and fourth-class positions. The 2018 decision effectively ended a 46-year-old quota system in higher public service. But in 2021, a group of descendants of freedom fighters filed a writ petition challenging the cancellation of the freedom fighter quota. On June 5, 2024, the High Court delivered a verdict that declared a section of the 2018 circular illegal, prompting a fresh wave of protests led by students and job seekers demanding the full reinstatement of the abolished system. The agitating students promptly took to the streets against the restoration of the quota system considering it a deprivation for meritorious students. The people of the country even never imagined the quota reform movement which started getting momentum on the first July eventually to be evolved into "July Uprising" participated by student-mass people, ending the almost 16 years autocratic rule of AL. The student movement spiralled into uprising as the government wanted to harshly tackle the protesters unleashing security forces and pro-AL cadres on them, killing at least 1400 and injuring approximately 20000 leaving the whole country in a pool of blood. Bangladesh witnessed a barbaric crackdown on unarmed protesting student-people after the Liberation War which many people perceived that the July uprising was so terrible and intensive in the context of violence, ensuring the AL government`s fall after it came to power in 2008.

Khaleda Zia calls for maintaining unity to institutionalize democracy

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia today called for maintaining unity to institutionalize democracy. "We must ensure that this stream of blood of July uprising heroes (martyrs) and the stream of tears of mothers do not go in vain. Unity must be maintained. Let us all together realize the dream of Shaheed Zia by building a new Bangladesh," she said. Khaleda Zia was virtually addressing a discussion marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising organized by BNP at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center here. The discussion titled `Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Movement` and a special program in honor of the martyrs were held. BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman also addressed the programme virtually. She said, "We must ensure the security of the people. Above all, we must protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh". The BNP chief said the Awami League wanted to destroy democracy and perpetuate the one-party rule through the brutal oppression, torture, arrest, murder and murder of the fascists during its over 15 years rule. "The fascists have fallen through the collective uprising of the student masses. An opportunity has been created to build a new Bangladesh," she said. Paying tributes to martyrs and expressing sympathy to injured, Khaleda Zia said the nation will remember their sacrifice forever. "A list of those who have been victims of disappearances, murders and extrajudicial killings must be prepared. Arrangements must be made for speedy trial of the criminals. Every victim family and their rehabilitation and a safe future must be ensured," she said. At the beginning of the program, a documentary titled `National Unity and Democratic Movement` based on the July-August mass uprising was screened. Various political leaders and martyr family members also spoke.

Observe July Uprising each year to check autocracy’s reemergence: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the country`s people to the July Uprising every year to resist reemergence of autocracy. "We will observe this (July Uprising) every year so that we do not have to wait 16 years for another uprising again. We will do this every year so that we can destroy it immediately if there is any sign of dictatorship," he said while inaugurating a month-long programme at his office here, commemorating the July Uprising. Professor Yunus said: "This is very important. So that we can catch it before it even shows its first leaf. So that we do not have to wait 16 years." Mentioning that today is a glorious moment in the history, the Chief Adviser said a year ago, in this July, the movement that the students started gave the people a taste of freedom by creating an unprecedented mass uprising. The July was an unforgettable call, an awakening of the people in the struggle to restore democracy in the country, he said. Prof Yunus said the essence of that movement was - "Build a new Bangladesh by eliminating fascism, return the state to the hands of the people". "Today, we have taken up the programme to commemorate the July Uprising. This is not just a matter of emotion; it is not a matter of expressing anger." The immediate target of the mass uprising was fulfilled but there was a great dream behind it - to reconstruct a new state system and build a new Bangladesh, he said. In his speech, Prof Yunus remembered with deep respect all those who took to the streets and held the flag of democracy high, and became the symbols of courage, sacrifice and determination during the uprising. He said the month-long programme beginning today is not just a remembrance, but a new oath. "We want the unity that was created among people of all classes, professions and ages of this country in July last year to be consolidated again this July," the Chief Adviser said. He said the main goal of the programme is to make the people aware of their democratic rights, demand political accountability, and not to miss this opportunity for reforms obtained at the cost of blood. "The path ahead of us is very difficult, but there is also great potential. History testifies that when the people wake up, no force can resist them," Prof Yunus said. With that belief, the Chief Adviser called upon all to make this July the month of mass awakening and unity. Through this programme, throughout the month of July-August, he said, they will revive every day of the last year for which the young students, commoners, rickshaw pullers, and workers were martyred and injured, and they will take a new oath to implement that goal. "And we will do this every year, so that dictator cannot raise its head again in any way," Prof Yunus said. He inaugurated the month-long programme to commemorate the July Uprising and wished the programme a success. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Education Adviser CR Abrar also spoke. On the occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus unveiled the QR code of the programme. He also handed over scholarship cheques to three National University students.

‘Govt has no role in ACC probe into NBR officials’

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said there is no government interference in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) probe into some officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) involved in recent protests. Salehuddin made the statement while responding to questions from journalists on Monday at the Secretariat after announcing the new budget framework for 72 state-owned and autonomous institutions. Journalists pointed out that in the past, the government has used the ACC as a tool and asked if the investigation into six NBR officials is a continuation of that approach. In response, the finance adviser clarified: "The Ministry of Finance does not issue any directives in this regard. In the past, governors often acted as government representatives, but that practice has now changed.” He added: “Some may wonder why the investigation has begun now. But due to issues related to the NBR and port shutdowns, traders came to me daily with complaints—files are stuck, losses are high, etc. This is completely unacceptable.” The adviser firmly said that essential national services cannot be halted. “Whether it is the NBR or the ports, these are not personal properties. These are government institutions that generate revenue. If you unilaterally halt services, it goes against public interest.” However, he acknowledged that the situation at the NBR has improved. “The government is pleased that a solution has been found. We are now moving toward a rational resolution,” said Salehuddin. To the protesting officials, he urged: “Do your job well.

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Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The proportional electoral system, which has come in the spotlight amid discussions of constitutional reform, is not possible in the context of Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said today (13 November). Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Thakurgaon`s Kalibari, he said, "We have rejected this electoral system. This system is not possible in the context of the country." Bangladesh currently uses the First Past the Post, or FPTP, system, where the candidate with the highest votes in an electoral constituency wins. The other system is the Proportional Representation system, where there are no constituency-based candidates. Voters cast their votes for party symbols, and the number of seats a party receives in parliament is determined in proportion to the percentage of votes it secures. At the conference, Fakrhul also urged for patience and unity among the people following AL`s "successful attempts to create divisions". "We want a united nation by removing this division. In a democratic society there can be different opinions. But there must be unity on the basic issues of Bangladesh`s independence — sovereignty, democracy, human rights. "As a nation, we must not be intolerant. It is not possible to remove the garbage of 17 years in 17 days or even 17 months. So, this government should be given time." Fakhrul said, "We have verified that the people want an impartial election with the participation of all. We think that all kinds of reforms are necessary to make this election fair. So we have been saying that elections should be held within a reasonable time. And this roadmap should be given to the government." On the issue of reforms, he said the government would not have to do most of those. "It will be done by a parliament which has been elected." At the conference, Fakhrul also warned that India`s continuous campaign against Bangladesh can pose a great danger. "Now a trend has started on social media. Some are trying to destroy the achievements of Bangladesh. We have to be careful as we cannot meet another disaster right now. There is danger over our heads as the mastermind of fascism is staying in India," he said. After the fall of the Awami League administration, several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have called for the introduction of the PR system in the national parliamentary elections.

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