Category: Politics

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir termed the proposed national budget for 2024-25 as “anti-Bangladesh”, alleging it contains new schemes to facilitate embezzlement by ruling party-backed looters. He criticized the lack of plans for job creation and warned the expenditure-revenue gap will increase public suffering. Fakhrul also questioned the provision for whitening black money and alleged widespread corruption, saying the budget lacks accountability as it was passed in a “dummy parliament”. File photo

A felon former president, Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 counts, but remains a strong contender for the 2024 US presidential election. Despite his conviction, he maintains significant support within the Republican Party, setting the stage for an unprecedented and highly polarized election against incumbent Joe Biden, whose stance on the Gaza conflict has antagonized key Democratic voter groups. PHOTO: REUTERS

Obaidul Quader clarified that former IGP Benazir Ahmed and ex-army chief Aziz Ahmed were appointed based on merit and seniority, not political links. He warned of trying them if found involved in misdeeds. Quader accused BNP of corruption, claiming evidence against Tarique. He questioned the neutrality of watchdogs TIB and SHUJAN, suspecting opposition ties. The ACC is probing Benazir’s wealth accumulation, while the US imposed sanctions on Aziz over corruption allegations. photo: prothom alo

Narendra Modi is widely expected to win a third term as Indian Prime Minister on Tuesday, leading the world’s most populous nation and fastest-growing major economy. The 73-year-old Hindu nationalist has strengthened ties with the US and Europe as a counterweight to China while maintaining relations with Russia. Modi aims to secure a permanent UN Security Council seat and expand India’s global influence through major events. However, his rule faces concerns over rising authoritarianism and discrimination against minorities. photo:reuters

Amidst the Gaza carnage, an unexpected standoff has erupted between US President Joe Biden and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, despite Biden’s long-standing support for Israel. The large-scale killing of Palestinians and pro-Palestine protests seem to have stirred Biden’s conscience or reminded him of potential political consequences. After seven months of destruction, Biden urged restraint just as Netanyahu planned a fresh assault on Rafah, where displaced Gazans have taken refuge, straining the traditionally “ironclad” US-Israel ties. PHOTO: AFP

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader dismissed BNP leaders’ claims as “absurd comments” stemming from “mental trauma.” He refuted BNP’s allegation that Awami League supporters didn’t vote in elections, citing EC data on voter turnout. While acknowledging BNP’s right to protest, Quader warned against arson attacks, stating the government and Awami League would take appropriate actions. Daily Star

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain, son of former mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, has been ordered to be sent to jail by a Dhaka court in a sabotage case filed with Paltan police station. His lawyer confirmed that while Ishraque surrendered seeking bail in 12 cases, the court rejected his bail plea in the Paltan case but granted bail in the remaining 11 cases. Ishraque was previously arrested in April 2022 in another case but was later released on bail.

Obaidul Quader, Awami League General Secretary, accused BNP of having workers’ blood on their hands, claiming they lack public support. He praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for raising minimum wages and called for unity against alleged conspiracies to destroy the garment industry by instigating workers. Quader stated BNP is responsible for its own downfall.

BNP, the main opposition party in Bangladesh, organized over 1,100 iftar gatherings across the country during Ramadan to engage with its leaders, activists, and supporters. The initiative aimed to provide support and boost morale among party members who faced arrests and repression. BNP claims the iftar programs were successful in revitalizing the party network, despite criticism from the government that the events were lavish rather than focused on helping the poor. The party says the iftar distribution and mass gatherings were funded by contributions from its own members and supporters.(photo/ Suvra Kanti Das)