Reza Mahmud and Abu Jakir :
Following their failed attempt to resist the January 7 general election, which was boycotted by the main opposition BNP, the party now strategizes to wage a joint movement with its alliance partners, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. According to BNP leaders, this movement aims to compel the Awami League government to arrange fresh elections with the participation of all political parties.
Anticipating BNP’s street protests, the ruling Awami League plans to announce counter-programs. AL leaders and workers vow to occupy city streets to prevent BNP leaders and activists from creating what they call “anarchy” in the country.
BNP insiders indicate that the party will soon intensify its anti-government efforts. Over the past five days, BNP has conducted continuous meetings with top leaders
of various allied parties and coalitions. These meetings focused on setting new agendas and discussing several key proposals. Many BNP allies strongly advised including Jamaat-e-Islami in the movement, and opinions were also raised about involving right-wing, left-wing, and other Islamic parties and coalitions.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami is also interested in participating in a joint movement. Jamaat’s top leaders view the proposals from BNP’s allies positively. The BNP’s response to these proposals is also favorable. Although BNP leaders have not publicly commented on these suggestions and proposals, they have indicated that discussions are ongoing within the party. Regardless of whether the coalition expands or not, responsible leaders from various parties and alliances have stated that a new outline for the movement with unified demands may emerge soon.
BNP leaders say that they are calling for a national unity that includes all those who boycotted the one-party election on January 7, in order to restore democracy. When asked whether there have been discussions with Jamaat regarding this national unity, no responsible leader was willing to comment; instead, they have maintained a distance from Jamaat as a political strategy. Last Thursday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at an event, “We have no other option. We must come together, putting aside all differences, to remove this government. We have to do it ourselves; no one will do it for us.”
When contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy told The New Nation, “The people are extremely angry with the government. The rising prices of essential commodities, the suffering of the large number of unemployed youth, and the struggles of those without work are causing widespread unhappiness. Everyone is with us. The BNP will launch a strong agitation alongside the people.”
The BNP senior leader said that the Awami League is conducting business under the guise of politics. He claimed that all the syndicates are formed by members of the ruling party, so the people will not tolerate them any longer.
Speaking with The New Nation, BNP Vice-Chairman Barkatullah Bulu said, “We will strengthen our movement with massive participation from the people.” He added that the past agitations will guide the BNP’s next course of action.
Meanwhile, speaking on the issue, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated that they will remain active in the field to resist BNP leaders and workers from engaging in subversive activities under the guise of a movement.
“If Awami League leaders and workers don’t stay in the field, BNP will carry out terrorist activities in the name of a movement,” he said. “BNP’s rallies mean arson attacks, disorder, and bloodshed. Allowing BNP to carry out their activities across the entire capital would endanger people’s lives and properties. That is why we must stay in the field,” he added.
When contacted, AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim said, “We are ready to resist BNP’s plan to create anarchy in the country under the guise of a movement. If BNP leaders and workers attempt any subversive activities in the name of rallies or movements, they will be given a fitting response this time as well.”
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami is also interested in participating in a joint movement. Jamaat’s top leaders view the proposals from BNP’s allies positively, and the BNP’s response to these proposals is also favorable. Although BNP leaders have not publicly commented on these suggestions, they have indicated that discussions are ongoing within the party. Responsible leaders from various parties and alliances have stated that, regardless of whether the coalition expands, a new outline for the movement with unified demands may emerge soon.
2 UPDF members
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Two people were killed on the spot, he said.
He claimed that Larma had ordered the killings in order to curry favour from the Bangladesh government, engage in a conspiracy to scrap the UPDF-led CHT Regulation, 1900, and create obstacles to the ongoing movement against the oppression and persecution of the Bawm ethnicity in Bandarban.
Efforts were made to contact several leaders in the Jana Samhati Samiti for comment, but they could not be reached. Police have confirmed that two people have been killed, said Mir Abu Towhid, superintendent of Rangamati police.
As the scene of the attack is remote, it will take time for the police to reach the spot and more details will be made available once the police return from the scene, he said.