AL must stop obstructing the opposition’s right to free assembly

As the recent BNP rallies drew huge crowds in different cities, the Awami League is now preparing to hold rallies and other programmes across the country from next month apparently to show its strength.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said the people have woken up and the Awami League government that has established “autocracy” would be washed away by the strong wave of their movement.

Mass arrests and police raids of opposition party members’ homes raise serious concerns about violence and intimidation ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh due next year, Human Rights Watch said today (October 10, 2022).

The ruling Awami League and its arch-rival the BNP are working to bring like-minded political parties into their fold ahead of the next parliamentary election.

Considering its recent demonstrations “a success”, the BNP now plans to hold public rallies in 10 divisional headquarters from October 8.

The BNP has finalised the draft of a nine-point demand, aiming to wage a “simultaneous movement” with different opposition parties and platforms to force the government to step down and pave the way for a free and fair election.

Can citizens be told that their rights are now available because the executive branch of the state is offering them as a gift?

It is apparent, from what has transpired in the last fortnight, that any attempt to exercise political rights, and to seek space, will be curbed by force.

Where is the level playing field promised by the EC?

US does not favour any particular political party, Ambassador Peter Haas said today (August 10, 2022).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (August 1, 2022) criticised BNP leaders for their protests against the government’s initiative to “save power and energy to protect Bangladesh from future risks”.

The income of ruling Awami League in 2021 was Tk 21.23 crore, which was Tk 10,33,43,533 in 2020.

Writers and intellectuals are obligated to stir moral indignation at gross injustices and the plight of the masses.

It is time to ensure demographic and occupational diversity across our political system.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today questioned how Tarique Rahman can lead BNP when “he can’t dare to return home”.

Former Ducsu vice-president Nurul Haque Nur has been sued in a case under Digital Security Act in Chattogram – for allegedly making “derogatory remarks” about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel.

A Dhaka court has issued summons against three BNP leaders, including its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, asking him to appear before it on July 14 in a case filed on charge of instigating students for creating anarchy during movement for road safety in 2018.

BNP is holding a rally in front of Jatiya Press Club, demanding immediately allowing her to go abroad for better treatment.

A Dhaka court today set September 20 for hearing on charge framing against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in 11 cases, including one filed over sedition.