Detail - The bangla Herald

BNP wants unleashing terrorism on HR day: Quader

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

BSS, Dhaka

Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader today said Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants to carry out terrorist activities in the name of countrywide programme on the day of Human Rights Day tomorrow.

He came up with the comments in a press conference at political office of the party’s President at Dhanmondi in the capital this afternoon.

Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, urged the people as well as the party men to remain alert against any possible terrorist activities of the BNP.

Conspiracies are being hatched at home and abroad centering the forthcoming national polls scheduled for January 7, he said adding even evil efforts are on to create a famine in the country.

“But the AL is not anxious at all as the party has political strength and steadfastness to face any such conspiracy,” he said.

Obaidul Quader said the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formulated the National Human Rights Commission Act in 2009 with a view to establishing democracy and rule of law. The commission is working independently and neutrally, he said.

Since its inception AL leaders Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman struggled for establishing human rights of people and now Sheikh Hasina as their successor has been continuing the struggle, he said.

AL has been continuing to take steps to establish all kinds of constitutional rights of the people, said the party’s general secretary.

Referring to US sanctions against 37 individuals of 13 countries Obaidul Quader said they imposed the sanctions for obstructing or trying to hinder election process.

“But, we don’t find any logical ground for such sanction against us. It may apply against those who would obstruct holding free and fair election and unlash terrorism to foil the poll,” Quader said.

The minister said the electoral process of Bangladesh founded on strong democratic base and the present government is continuing its tireless efforts to make it more consolidated.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina repeatedly stated her firm commitment to hold a free, fair and neutral election, he mentioned.

Quader said Bangladesh experienced the cruelest human rights violation on August 15 in 1975, when Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed with his wife, children and family members.

“Even the killers didn’t spare minor children and pregnant woman. But, advocates of human rights remained silent at that time. Rather we have seen many local and international HR organizations to promote them, he lamented.

AL presidium members Advocate Qamrul Islam and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organizing secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam and Sujit Roy Nandi, office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, agriculture and co-operatives secretary Faridunnahar Laily, education and human resources affairs secretary Shamsunnahar Chapa, executive members Shahabuddin Farazi, Anwar Hossain and Merina Jahan were present.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Business Lead left

FBCCI chief urges political parties to refrain from ‘intolerable programs’

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka

Mahbubul Alam, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), urged political parties to refrain from ‘intolerable programs’ ahead of the national polls to keep the wheels of the economy rolling.

In his speech at the federation’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Dhaka on Saturday, he urged the business community to remain united under the theme “Politics for individuals, economy for all” and propel the economy towards prosperity.

The apex trade body chief emphasised that there is no alternative to ignoring political violence as well as differences and taking the economy forward.

Describing businesses as the heart of the economy, Mahbubul Alam lauded the crucial role that businessmen played in the country’s economic advancement.

He said, “Traders want to operate their businesses in a proper way. A business-friendly climate is imperative for the expansion of trade and investment in the country.”

The economic crisis triggered by global geopolitics has already begun affecting overall economic activities in Bangladesh, with businesses suffering the most in the aftermath, he added.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

2nd lead 1

Barrister Mainul Hosein passes away

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

The TBH Desk

Former adviser to the caretaker government Mainul Hosein passed away at a private hospital in the capital at around 6:00pm on Saturday. He was 84.

Mainul Husein’s nephew Muhibul Ahsan confirmed this.

He said Mainul Hosein had been suffering from cancer. His first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Baridhara mosque at 10:30am on Sunday and second namaz-e-janaza will be held at the Supreme Court premises after Zuhr prayer.

However, the decision over burial ceremony has not yet been taken.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Lead left

UN has no special position on the election of Bangladesh

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

Diplomatic Correspondent, Dhaka

The United Nations (UN) has not taken any separate or special position on the twelfth national parliament election of Bangladesh. As the general elections are held in other democratic countries of the world, the United Nations is looking at this election of Bangladesh from the same point of view. As a result, the organization is not sending any observers to the Bangladesh elections following its normal practice.

UN does not send observers to inspect any elections and will follow the same policy during the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for UN secretary general António Guterres, made the disclosure in response to a question at a press briefing on Friday.

This is the second time for the UN spokesmen convey the same message towards the upcoming election of Bangladesh.

Citing the government’s commitment to holding a free, fair, and inclusive election, a reporter sought to know if the UN is planning to send observers to Bangladesh during the upcoming polls. In response, the spokesperson said, “No. The United Nations in very recent.. . I mean, my memory, without a specific mandate, no longer sends observers.”

The reporter earlier asked about the UN’s stance on recognising the genocide during the liberation war in Bangladesh in 1971.

The spokesperson, however, declined to comment on an event that took place long ago. He also clarified that it is not for the UN secretary general to designate an event as genocide; rather, it is up to competent judicial authorities.

Meanwhile, another journalist sought to know about the government’s recent letter to the UN seeking its support and whether the secretary general is aware of the government’s preparation for another ‘one-sided election.’

Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said he is yet to see the letter and, at the same time, reiterated optimism for a free, fair, and credible election in Bangladesh.

Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, an international relations expert, feels that the UN has made it very clear time and again that they have no particular agenda regarding the Bangladesh elections. They are also talking about staying within the general policy. This means that they are not giving any negative message about Bangladesh election yet.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Business

‘Evolving global order brings risks and opportunities for Bangladesh’

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

UNB, Dhaka

The evolving global order and changing geo-economic landscape present both challenges and opportunities for developing countries, as highlighted by renowned economist Wahiduddin Mahmud.

He shared his insights during a public lecture titled “Evolving Global Order and Geo-economics: Implications for Less Developed Countries” at the annual BIDS (Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies) conference in Dhaka.

The session, moderated by Policy Research Institute Chairman Zaidi Sattar, featured discussions with key figures including Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM (South Asian Network on Economic Modelling), and Dr. Binayak Sen, Director General of BIDS.

Mahmud emphasized the significance of strong public support for governments to align political and foreign economic interests effectively. He pointed out that this support is crucial in tackling the exploitation of developing countries by multinational companies. He also noted the distinct nature of the current geopolitical tensions between superpowers, particularly the US and China, compared to the Cold War era.

Discussing the economic strategies of Vietnam and China, Mahmud illustrated how government involvement in privatized sectors can yield benefits.

Zaidi Sattar reflected on the shift from globalization to economic nationalism, observing that even advocates of globalization are adopting protectionist policies. This, he suggested, requires deep consideration by developing countries in crafting their economic strategies.

Selim Raihan commented on Bangladesh’s historical non-involvement in geopolitics and its emerging role as a significant player amidst global power conflicts.

Overall, the discussions at the BIDS conference underscored the need for developing countries like Bangladesh to carefully navigate the new global order, balancing internal economic policies with external geopolitical pressures.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Lead left

President calls for vigilant anti-corruption efforts to foster development

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

UNB, Dhaka

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, on Saturday, emphasized the importance of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) role in ensuring the protection of innocent individuals from wrongful actions or decisions.

He made the remarks during a discussion at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day observed on Saturday. This global observance aims to increase awareness about corruption.

Highlighting the ACC’s critical role, President Shahabuddin stressed the need for it to evolve into a modern, professional, and effective institution. He underscored the importance of impartiality and professionalism in upholding fundamental rights and democratic values. Furthermore, he called for the ACC to become a trusted and reliable entity for the public.

In his speech, President Shahabuddin proudly referenced significant national achievements, including the construction of the Padma Bridge with domestic funding, the Metro Rail, the Elevated Expressway, and other mega projects like the Payra Deep Sea Port, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. He identified corruption as a major barrier to desired development and asserted that effectively implementing the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption would accelerate progress.

President Shahabuddin also highlighted Bangladesh’s membership in the elite satellite club following the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1. He expressed optimism that if current sustainable development trends continue, Bangladesh will be recognized as a developed and advanced nation by 2041.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on corruption, he affirmed that all measures taken to prevent corruption are beneficial for the country and its people. He stressed that corruption is a global issue and noted that Bangladesh’s tolerable corruption level has facilitated the implementation of major projects.

The President concluded by stating that corruption knows no party or principles, and anyone guilty of such acts should be held accountable under the law.

ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah formally inaugurated the event, which was part of a broader series of programs organized across the country, themed ‘United Against Corruption for Development, Peace, and Security’.

International Anti-Corruption Day activities were observed in all eight divisions, 64 districts, and 495 upazilas of Bangladesh. The day serves as a reminder of the universal responsibility to fight corruption, involving states, officials, civil servants, law enforcement, media, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public, and youth. It underscores the vital connection between anti-corruption measures and the attainment of peace, security, and development.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Lead left

BNP disappointed with new US sanctions on Human Rights Day

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

The TBH Desk

The United States has imposed new sanctions and visa bans on dozens of people from different countries on the occasion of the World Human Rights Day, but the list does not include the name of Bangladesh or any person from the country.

The US State Department announced a new declaration on Friday, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Foreign Minister Anthony Blicken said, this step has been taken keeping in mind the global commitment to protect human rights.

And this time, the Ministry of Finance (Department of the Treasury) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (State Department) have jointly imposed sanctions and visa restrictions. Two days before World Human Rights Day, 37 officials from 13 countries have been subject to sanctions and visa bans for alleged human rights violations.

The 13 countries subject to the new US sanctions and visa ban include China, Russia, Iran, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Congo, Haiti, Liberia, South Sudan and Sudan, Syria, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Among them, 20 people from 9 countries have been sanctioned by the US Finance Ministry. These countries are Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Congo, Haiti, Iran, Liberia, China, South Sudan and Uganda.

BNP and Jamaat supporters have been campaigning that US sanctions on Bangladesh are coming around December 10 World Human Rights Day. But after the list of sanctions and sanctions came out, it was found that there is no name of Bangladesh.

The 12th National Assembly election will be held on January 7. A few days before this, the US sanctions and sanctions are being discussed, the new announcement has given relief to the poll-bound Bangladesh.

The BNP-Jamaat alliance is already trying to heat up the political field of Bangladesh by using US sanctions and visa ban as a tool.

The US administration announced a new visa policy for Bangladesh last May to encourage democratic processes and elections. The United States said that those who obstruct the free, fair and impartial election process will be subject to the visa ban. The new visa policy says that if anyone from the government as well as the opposition obstructs the election process, they will also come under the ban.

But the BNP-Jamaat alliance is continuing the violent movement by boycotting the upcoming polls. They hoped that around the World Human Rights Day, the United States would impose economic pressure on the government of Bangladesh and bring about a change of power. But the leaders, supporters and workers of BNP-Jamaat are practically disappointed as that hope was not fulfilled.

The United States Ministry of Finance has said that the ban on entry of people under the sanctions to the United Kingdom and Canada has also started. These individuals cannot dispose of their assets in the United States and cannot withdraw money held in any US bank.

Apart from this, people under sanctions and sanctions cannot do any kind of business and transactions with US citizens.

Regarding the sanctions, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that the sanctions reflect the United States’ commitment to ensuring accountability for human rights abuses and keeping the US financial system safe from human rights abusers.

The United States Department of Finance (Department of the Treasury) says that the United States has imposed these sanctions targeting terrorist organizations, criminal activities, suppression of LGBTQ+ individuals, international repression, environmental crimes and human rights violations related to degradation.

The ban will also be against those who violate and abuse human rights, including repression of journalists, members of civil society and those protesting injustice.

Besides, those involved in violence against civilians, arbitrary detention, abduction, gender-based violence and sexual sexual violence will also be under the ban.

The U.S. Treasury Department says the U.S. will continue to hold people accountable for human rights violations and abuses.

Iran’s top two intelligence officers are on the sanctions list. They are Majid Dastjani and Mohammad Mahdi Khanpur Ardestani. It has been said about the charges against these two officials that they were planning surveillance and attacks on various US bases in the Middle East to avenge the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in 2020.

Several leaders of the hardline Islamist Taliban group, which rules Afghanistan, are on the sanctions list. Basically they have been accused of suppressing women, young girls and teenagers. More allegations against Taliban leaders, they are involved in murder, kidnapping, whipping and beating.

Two officials of China’s security forces are under sanctions and sanctions. They are Gao Qi and Hu Lian He. Both are middle-ranking officers of the government security forces in the northern Chinese province of Xinjiang. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on the Uyghur Muslim minority in the province.

Two people from the country have been sanctioned for the ongoing unrest in the Central African Republic. They are Jean-Francis Boziz (Boziz) and Mahamat Saleh (Saleh).

In addition, the United States has imposed sanctions on five people from Congo for sexual violence, rape and involvement in terrorist organizations, four people from Haiti for murder and drug violence, one person in Liberia and three people in South Sudan for allegations of systematic rape and human rights violations.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Business Lead left

Onion production in the country increases by more than 40% in three years

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

Special Correspondent, Dhaka

Onion production in the country has increased by more than 40 percent in the last three years. With this production, the country has overcome the single dependency on Indian onion.

The annual demand of onion in the country is 25 lakh tons. According to the information of the Department of Agriculture Extension, in the fiscal year 2021-22, the production of the product in the country was 36 lakh 41 thousand tons. At the same time, the amount of arable land and productivity of the product has increased.

In the fiscal year 2017-18, onion has been cultivated in 2 lakh 12 thousand hectares of land in the country. In the financial year 2021-22, its amount stands at 2 lakh 59 thousand hectares. During this period the productivity of the agricultural product increased from 11 tons per hectare to 14 tons.

As the local production is sufficient, the impression of the instability of the international market was not visible in the onion market in the country during the first half of the year. In some countries, the price of the product was several times higher than normal, but it was decreasing in Bangladesh.

Pabna district produces the most onions in the country. In the current season, onion is being cultivated on a total of 53 thousand 320 hectares of land. Meanwhile, cutting of 90 percent of tubers or root onions planted in the last season has been completed. Onion was cultivated on 8 thousand 510 hectares of land in the district. Production has been 1 lakh 9 thousand 355 tons. Local farmers said that they are getting relatively good prices due to the reduction of imports from India.

Wahida Akhter, secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, said, “There used to be instability in the market due to the high dependence of onion on imports. But farmers have always requested us not to import. The shortage that used to occur during the summer onion production season is not happening now. Farmers are now producing much more. They are being given various incentives.”

Despite of the increased production, after a sudden call from India on export ban, the price of onion has become double overnight.

It is being said on behalf of the government’s commerce ministry that there is sufficient stock of imported onions in the country. As a result, India’s export ban will not have much impact.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

Lead left

Onion price nearly doubles overnight, consumers blame the dishonest business people

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka

Following India’s extension of export restrictions, the price of onions in Bangladesh nearly doubled overnight.

On Saturday morning, local onions were being sold at Tk220 in the capital, which was Tk140 a day before.

Meanwhile, imported or Indian onions were Tk200 this morning, up from Tk120-140 on Friday.

According to a notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Thursday (7 December), the country announced an extension of onion export restrictions – minimum export price at $800 and 40% export duties – until 31 March next year.

This decision aims to bolster domestic availability and regulate prices, as stated in the notification’s rationale.

The notification outlines three conditions under which consignments of onions can be exported.

But, before the decision takes effect in the market, the people of the country is observing the sudden price hike.

‘Which is actually very illogical and unfortunate,’ told Nahida Shabnam, who came to the market to shop the commodities.

She says, ‘It’s absurd that without a reason the price can be doubled over night. It’s the dishonest business people who are creating unusual profit by this mean. They should be punished first.’

‘Our political parties are busy with the fight for power. They even come up with blockade like program, which can effect the price hike. But they even don’t dare to raise voice against these dishonest business strategy,’ told Raihan, who was in the market of Mohammadpur for his daily shopping.

Meanwhile, several teams of the Directorate General of Consumer Rights Protection starts their operation in the onion markets. Saturday morning a team starts their activity in Karwan Bazar of the capital.

According to the press release of consumer rights, from December 9, operations will be conducted to control the onion market by the National Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection across the country including Dhaka city. Four separate teams headed by four officials of the Directorate will conduct the market campaign in Dhaka. Besides, all the departmental and district offices of the country will conduct the campaign across the country.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

2nd lead 1

BNP to hold human chain, targeting Int’l Human Rights Day

by The Bangla Herald December 9, 2023

written by The Bangla Herald

The TBH Desk

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to hold party gatherings after 43 days and will hold a human chain programme in the capital and district towns across the country on International Human Rights Day on Sunday, 10 December.

Family members of the missing leaders and activities of the party will join the human chain while other political parties and alliances waging anti-government movements will also be on the streets with similar programmes.

People concerned said this time BNP sees the human chain on the International Human Rights Day in a bit different way considering the prevailing situation and other issues.

In Dhaka, the human chain will be held at 11:00am in front of the National Press Club on Sunday.

This the first gathering the party has announce so far since their leaders and activists went into hiding in fear of arrests after the party’s grand rally was foiled in Naya Paltan on 28 October.

BNP, and other parties and coalitions have so far enforced 10 spells of blockades for 20 days and three spells of stikes (hartal) for four days since 29 October demanding the resignation of the government, election under a neutral government and cancelation of the polls schedule.

BNP leaders think parties that waging anti-government movement have been focussing this year’s International Human Rights Day ahead of the 12th parliamentary election. The BNP aims to bring back its leaders and activists to the streets centring the human chain on 10 December, and to observe the activities of the government and the police. The party will then set its next course of action.

Several leaders of BNP and other parties waging anti-government movement think since major political parties including BNP are not joining the next election, so this type of ‘one-sided’ polls will not be credible to international democratic community including the US. Considering all political issues, the programs on the Human Rights Day is very important to the opposition parties including BNP.

Sources said various human rights organisations are likely to be invited in the human chains along the relatives of the jailed party leaders-activists.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Ahmed Rizvi called the party men to make the human chain a success as symbol of protest overcoming all barriers. At a virtual press conference on Friday afternoon, he instructed the party leaders and activists to bring the family members of people who become victim of torture, killing and enforced disappearance to human chains. Not only BNP leaders and activists, rights activists, journalists and protesting people also face torture and oppression of the government.

On 10 December, Ganatantra Manch will hold a protest rally on the road in front of the office of the National Human Rights Commission in Karwan Bazar on 11:00am. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said they would also hold human chain and discussion. The party, however, did not disclose the venue to the media.

Jamaat central assistant secretary general Abdul Halim said they would observe their announced programmes.

In the meantime, people from the government top level to the ministers have spoken of possible sanctions by the US ahead of the International Human Rights Day. Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said at a press conference in the capital’s Dhanmondi they are not concerned over any sanctions. He said, “We are marching toward a peaceful, fair and free election under an independent election commission abiding by constitution. Why would the sanction be imposed here?”

The US released the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, also known as the Human Rights Reports, every year. The US imposed sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion and seven former and current officials on allegations of human rights violation on 10 December 2021. On 25 May this year, the US announced visa restrictions for Bangladeshi people who is believed to hamper the electoral process, and applied the visa policy.

People concerned said there are discussions in any announcement on stern action by the US against the government will boost the opposition’s movement, and if no announcement comes the movement may take a negative turn.

December 9, 2023 0 comment

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