Category: Politics

After regaining party registration through a High Court order, a JAGPA delegation met with Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin. Led by President Tasmia Pradhan, they urged the EC to simplify registration rules for unregistered political parties. Pradhan emphasized their desire for free and fair elections without foreign interference. The party’s registration had been revoked in 2021 but was restored following a court ruling on March 19.READ FULL

After meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that his party wants election-related reforms completed before holding swift elections. Fakhrul noted that while reforms are necessary, they should be implemented quickly, with additional reforms possible through parliament later. The UN chief did not comment on reforms as it’s Bangladesh’s internal matter, but the UN has suggested all parties work together to hold elections aligned with citizens’ wishes.READ FULL

Former planning minister MA Mannan, 78, was released yesterday after receiving bail in a case related to attacks on protesters during student-led demonstrations in Sunamganj. Mannan, who was receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Medical College Hospital for various health conditions including hypertension, heart problems, and diabetes, was discharged after the bail order reached authorities. His condition is now reported stable.READ FULL

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has proposed implementing a proportional representation system in national elections, where parliamentary seats would be allocated based on parties’ total vote share. During a presentation of “state reform proposals,” the party also advocated for reinstating the caretaker government system, eliminating electronic voting machines, and introducing multi-day voting. Additional recommendations were made for reforms in judiciary, administration, law enforcement, and education sectors.READ FULL

Veteran actor and freedom fighter Masud Parvez, known as Sohel Rana, has launched a new political party called “Bangladesh Justice Party”. The 51-member committee will be announced in November, with a pigeon as its symbol. Sohel Rana has a long history in politics, previously affiliated with Chhatra League and Jatiya Party. He is a renowned actor in Bangladesh’s film industry and a three-time National Film Award winner.READ FULL

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman urges Bangladesh’s interim government to engage with all stakeholders for reforms and hold elections within a reasonable timeframe. He calls for inclusion of Alia and Qawmi scholars in the education reform commission and demands justice for past killings, including the 2009 BDR mutiny. Rahman criticizes the Awami League’s 15-year rule, claiming it led to widespread oppression, and attributes the July uprising to public discontent. He emphasizes that politics should reflect people’s aspirations, not external influences.READ FULL

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health remains poor after returning home from Evercare Hospital, according to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. She had a high fever recently and is not currently fit for air travel, delaying plans for overseas treatment. Khaleda is battling multiple ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, and complications in her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. She recently had a pacemaker installed and underwent a TIPS procedure. Doctors have recommended treatment abroad since 2021, but her condition has hindered these plans.READ FULL

Shahabuddin Ahmed, the 65-year-old president of Awami League’s Madaripur district unit, was detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) while attempting to illegally enter India. He was apprehended near Bibi Bazar in Cumilla due to suspicious activities in the border area. During questioning, Ahmed admitted his intention to cross into India illegally. The BGB has stated that legal proceedings against him are underway. This incident involving a senior local political figure has raised concerns about illegal border crossings.READ FULL

A defamation case has been filed against three journalists of Weekly Amod in Cumilla, Bangladesh. BNP leader Fazlul Karim filed the case, accusing the journalists of falsely reporting that BNP leaders helped AL MP AKM Bahauddin Bahar escape to India. The accused are Editor MA Rabbi, Managing Editor Mohiuddin Molla, and reporter Taybur Rahman Sohel. The complainant claims the report tarnished BNP’s reputation. Molla stated the report was based on sources and didn’t mention names. The court has ordered PBI to investigate and submit a report.READ FULL

The Awami League, recently ousted from power in Bangladesh, has issued instructions to its members via Facebook. The party urges leaders to connect with grassroots supporters, avoid social media provocations, and document recent attacks on party offices. They aim to inform the public about alleged violence against the party since late July. The AL emphasizes gaining public trust and calls for the current government to prosecute those responsible for attacks and compensate victims.READ FULL

Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti, a student organization, has dissolved all its activities, as announced by its founding convener Akhter Hossen. This decision comes a week after the formation of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, which aims to fulfill the goals of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that led to the Awami League government’s fall. Several key members of Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti have taken roles in the interim government or become inactive, prompting the organization’s dissolution. The group was formed in October 2023 by former members of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad.READ FULL

BNP has postponed its “World Democracy Day” rally scheduled for Sunday due to poor weather conditions. The event will now take place on Tuesday, September 17. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain announced the change at a press conference in Dhaka. The party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will deliver a virtual address from London as the chief guest at the rescheduled rally. READ FULL

A Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal leader, Shawkat Ali Didar, was killed and 50 others injured in an alleged attack by Awami League members in Gopalganj town, Bangladesh. The incident occurred when BNP’s motorcade was intercepted at Ghonapara while heading to Tungipara. BNP claims 200-300 AL supporters attacked them, while AL denies the allegation, stating that BNP activists provoked the conflict by tearing down banners. Police intervened to control the situation. 21 injured were admitted to the local hospital, with four referred to Dhaka for treatment.READ FULL

Sagor Mridha, a student leader of the anti-discrimination movement at BM College in Barishal, and two friends were attacked and injured by a group of miscreants led by Kala Masud on Tuesday night. The victims were hospitalized. Masud, who has 21 pending cases against him, fled when locals responded to the victims’ screams. Police are investigating the incident and searching for Masud, who has multiple arrest warrants. Locals claim Masud continues criminal activities openly despite his criminal record.READ FULL

BNP initiated talks with allied parties to maintain unity developed during the simultaneous movement. Meetings were held with Gonoforum, Bangladesh People’s Party, and NAP Bhashani at BNP’s Gulshan office. Discussions covered the country’s situation, efforts to create unrest in industries, 31-point reform proposal, and upcoming elections. BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the need to counter conspiracies and work together for a stable country. Allies expressed commitment to national unity and upholding the spirit of the liberation war.READ FULL

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s central committee has filed a case against Obaidul Islam Saikat, the expelled convener of its Kalabagan Thana unit, for defaming the party. Saikat was previously expelled on charges including extortion. On September 2, Saikat and his associates allegedly attacked a business establishment, ‘Chandpur Store’, looting 60,000 taka and assaulting the owner. The party immediately expelled Saikat following these criminal activities, acting on instructions from Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The case was filed at Kalabagan police station by a senior party official.READ FULL

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman called for an end to the “minority card” game in Bangladesh politics, urging unity to preserve religious harmony. Speaking virtually to party members, he criticized attempts to exploit minority-majority divides for political gain. Rahman emphasized that all Bangladeshis share a common identity, regardless of religion. He called for resistance against those who use religion for political purposes and questioned Bangladesh’s identity globally. Rahman expressed optimism about BNP’s future but cautioned against complacency, stressing the long road ahead for the party.READ FULL

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed willingness to reinstate the caretaker government system for elections in Bangladesh. He accused the current government of depriving people of voting rights by removing this system. Rahman outlined BNP’s political objectives, including ensuring citizens’ security, upholding freedom of speech, and establishing rule of law. He warned against tolerating actions that damage the party’s image and called for identifying and expelling such individuals.READ FULL

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left for Singapore last night for medical treatment. He departed from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55pm. Fakhrul is scheduled to consult two specialist doctors for various health issues, including a neck blockage. He’s expected to return on September 7. This is his second medical trip to Singapore this year, following a 19-day visit in March. Fakhrul has been receiving regular treatment in Singapore since 2015 for an internal carotid artery problem.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dissolved its Chattogram South District unit’s convening committee. This decision follows show-cause notices issued to three top leaders of the unit for their alleged involvement in moving 14 luxury vehicles belonging to S Alam Group Chairman Saiful Alam Masud. The BNP had given the leaders 24 hours to explain their actions. A video circulating on social media showed BNP members overseeing the relocation of these vehicles from a warehouse in the Kalurghat industrial area.READ FULL

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in a video message marking the party’s 46th anniversary, urged members to win people’s trust through justice, not intimidation. He advised against seeking revenge for past injustices and encouraged legal recourse instead. Rahman criticized the previous government’s 15-year rule, calling for the Gono Bhaban to be turned into a museum commemorating victims of alleged atrocities. He also highlighted the country’s current transitional period and called on party members to support flood victims and participate in rehabilitation efforts.READ FULL

The High Court of Bangladesh summarily rejected a writ petition seeking to ban the Awami League political party. The petition, filed by Arifur Rahman Murad Bhuiyan of Sarda Society, cited alleged killings during recent protests. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman urged dismissal, stating the government supports freedom of organization. He argued the petitioner lacked standing and that political issues should remain in the political arena. The court agreed, rejecting the petition which also sought changes to the interim government’s tenure and return of allegedly laundered funds.READ FULL

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held a telephone conversation, focusing on revitalizing bilateral relations. Sharif congratulated Yunus on his new role and expressed interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation. Both leaders discussed the need to resume diplomatic mechanisms and reinvigorate SAARC. Yunus emphasized holding regular SAARC summits and strengthening economic ties. Sharif offered support for Bangladesh’s flood victims and stressed the importance of regional cooperation for mutual benefit.READ FULL

Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to discuss Bangladesh’s current situation, upcoming elections, and bilateral relations. BNP leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining strong relationships with all countries, including Russia. They discussed potential areas for cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The BNP expressed support for the interim government and plans for electoral reforms. The meeting, described as cordial, covered various aspects of Bangladesh-Russia relations and the BNP’s stance on foreign policy. READ FULL

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will celebrate its founding anniversary on September 1 on a small scale due to recent floods in southeastern Bangladesh. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced this decision, stating that only wreath-laying and prayers will occur. The party is providing flood relief and warned against unruly activities. Fakhrul called for cooperation with the interim government to ensure fair elections and urged dialogue with political parties. He also expressed support for allowing all pro-independence parties to engage in politics. READ FULL

The interim government in Bangladesh has decided to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir. This reverses the previous Awami League government’s decision to ban these organizations as political entities under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009 on August 1. The ban cancellation is awaiting approval from the law ministry. This follows Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as prime minister on August 5 amid mass protests against her government. READ FULL

A case has been filed against former Minister Dipu Moni, her brother, and over 1,500 others for allegedly attacking the residence of Chandpur District BNP President Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik. The incident, which occurred on July 18, involved vandalism, looting, and arson by a large armed mob. The case, filed by a local Jubo Dal leader, accuses current and former Awami League leaders. Police are proceeding with the investigation while cautioning against harassing innocent individuals. dhaka tribune

BNP has expelled Md Abul Hasim, the convener of its Habiganj district unit, from his position and party membership due to misconduct. Hasim allegedly appointed his nephew, an Awami League leader, as caretaker of a local market, which was deemed inappropriate. The expulsion, announced by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, reflects the party’s strict stance against wrongdoing, as directed by the acting chairman. dhaka tribune

India had urged the US to ease pressure on former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, citing security concerns. The US reduced criticism and sanctions against Hasina’s government before the January election. However, mass protests led to Hasina’s resignation and flight to India on August 5. The US and India now face criticism for mishandling the situation. Both countries have expressed readiness to work with Bangladesh’s new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. dhaka tribune

BNP adviser Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu threatened to burn media outlets that show pictures of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a sit-in in Natore, he demanded a ban on Awami League, comparing it to Jamaat’s ban for genocide. Dulu claimed Hasina is plotting a counter-coup but asserted she has no chance of returning to power. He warned that students and citizens would resist any such attempts.

Miscreants attacked a Jubo Dal leader’s home in Jashore, shooting his mother Nasreen Akhter through a window. She was hospitalized but is out of danger. The attack, believed to be politically motivated, targeted Rubel Hossain and Rupam Hossain, both local opposition party leaders. Police have not received an official complaint but said they will investigate the incident.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may soon visit Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The invitation came during a phone call where Yunus, recently appointed as Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, sought to strengthen bilateral relations. Ibrahim congratulated Yunus and expressed Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh. They discussed potential increases in Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. The two countries currently have $2.7 billion in bilateral trade, with Bangladesh exporting $370 million to Malaysia. Approximately 800,000 Bangladeshis work in Malaysia. Daily Star

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has suspended Bilkis Jahan Shireen, an organizing secretary for Barisal Division, from her position and all political activities for allegedly breaching party discipline. The suspension follows accusations of Shireen encroaching on a pond in Barishal. Shireen, a former lawmaker, denies the allegations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy against her. She maintains her commitment to the party and dismisses the encroachment report as baseless. Daily Star

Former MP Abdul Latif, an Awami League member, was taken into custody by the army in Chattogram’s Madarbari area. He had been hiding at a relative’s house since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on Monday. The arrest occurred around 6:30pm when BNP activists were allegedly attempting to attack him. Latif previously represented the Chattogram-11 constituency in parliament. Daily Star

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan discussed the interim government’s plans after their first informal meeting. They aim to address law and order, protect minorities, meet with families of deceased students, and review controversial laws. The government will focus on reform, involving various sectors of society. They plan to tackle corruption, prioritize people’s livelihoods, and involve students in ministry operations. The tenure of the interim government remains undetermined pending a reform agenda. Daily Star