BNP to work with India in friendship in post-Hasina era, says senior party leader Kayser Kamal
"BNP is a party which believes in friendship to all, enemy to none. This is our ideology, which was introduced by former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman: Friendship to all, enemy to none. India is our big neighbour. So, BNP loves to work with everyone ... with integrity and dignity and with friendship," Kayser Kamal, legal affairs secretary of BNP, told ANI in an interview.
Despite the mutual distrust among political parties in Bangladesh, BNP still believes that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus will be able to hold free, fair and inclusive elections, a senior BNP leader said on Tuesday.
"Dr Muhammad Yunus is running the government in support of all political parties. After August 5, when Hasina fled the country, all political parties reached a consensus and requested him to join the government as head of the executive. Therefore, we can presume that the political parties, including BNP, have confidence in him that he will conduct an election which will be credible, participatory, and inclusive," he said.
"At the same time, Dr Yunus categorically stated many times that this upcoming election will be an example for the country. Therefore, we firmly believe he can conduct an election which will be free, fair and credible," Kamal added.
BNP's legal affairs secretary also said that his party believes in a multi-party system despite the ban on Awami League activities by the executive decision of the interim government.
"Actually, Awami League activity is currently postponed. Awami League is not banned as far as I know. Their activity is currently postponed. It is the executive decision. As a political party, BNP always believes in democracy and believes in multiparty in the country," Kamal, a Barrister, said.
Explaining BNP's policy, he said, "As you know, the founder of BNP, Shahid President Ziaur Rahman, established and introduced the multi-party democracy, multi-party government. The father of Sheikh Hasina, while he was in power, made a one-party system. But Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman came into power and introduced multi-party democracy. Therefore, BNP always believes in multi-party democracy".
"However, considering the prevailing situation, the executive took the decision that activities of the Awami League are postponed," he said, without further elaboration.
Regarding Khaleda Zia's health and legal status, Kayser Kamal said, "BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia always is in the heart of BNP. Under her leadership, BNP has grown in such a way that it is not only in the country but also around the subcontinent; BNP is one of the biggest political parties. Her health so far, considering her age and previous diseases and everything - a doctor is in a better position to say about her health."
"Her legal position is quite good. She was unfortunately illegally convicted due to the personal grudge of Sheikh Hasina. After the 5th of August, through the court of law, she is now free. There is no case pending," he added.
BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Hasina ordered the killing of the civilians and urged her to face the trial.
"This is not only BNP; all the people of Bangladesh want Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and face the charges that were brought against her. Of course, under her leadership, under her direction, I mention Hasina; 2,000 innocent civilians were killed brutally, which was a targeted killing under the direction of Sheikh Hasina. Therefore, she must face the justice in the judicial system and face the allegations brought against her," he said.
"In that view, BNP always wants to prevail in the justice system and believes in the rule of law. Therefore, we want Sheikh Hasina to return back and face the music," he said.
Kayser Kamal believes that Hindus were more vulnerable during the Awami League regime.
"The level of minority atrocities, whatever it is stated, is not the case. When the Awami regime was in power, minorities were rather more vulnerable than now. So, some of the Hindu leaders not only belong to the Awami League; they are leaders of the Awami League. They have done many wrong things, so people are angry and frustrated with them, just like other Awami League leaders. They are not regarded as Hindus. They were regarded as Awami League leaders," he said.
"For example, in my constituency, there are mostly five per cent Hindus. You can not give a simple example where none of the minorities were being harassed. Across the country, there were some, I believe, but those incidents were political matters, not a Hindu-Muslim issue," Kamal said.
Earlier in June, Yunus hinted that national elections would be held in early February the following year. In June, Muhammad Yunus held talks with Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the elections be held before the fasting month of Ramadan next year in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year. After Sheikh Hasina's fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate.
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Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Bangladesh's situation tense, volatile and unpredictable, says Jatiyo Party Secretary General
Dhaka: The third-largest political party in Bangladesh, Jatiyo Party, has expressed serious concern over the country's deteriorating political climate following a violent incident in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's hometown, Gopalganj. The party claims that there is no level playing field for the upcoming general elections, and no visible preparations are underway for the polls scheduled in February. "The situation is very tense, obviously. It's not stable at all, very volatile and unpredictable. I think if the country is going for an election in February, I don't see any symptoms that the machinery of government and the political parties are genuinely preparing themselves for the election. Instead, what they are propagating at some point in time, I think it's violence," said Shameem Haider Patwary, Secretary General of the Jatiyo Party, in an interview with ANI on Friday. Founded by former military ruler General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, the Jatiyo Party had previously formed a "Grand Alliance" with Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. Patwary believes tensions escalated when the National Citizens Party (NCP), a group that led a movement to oust Hasina, entered the Awami League stronghold of Gopalganj. "It is axiomatic. If NCP goes to Gopalgonj and they shout slogans against Sheikh Hasina or Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it will agitate the people. Initially, it was for their July movement, but for Gopalgonj, it was renamed "March Gopalgonj". There was a theory that the feelings on that day, at the graveyard of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, could have been demolished. So that created an assumption of protection measures among the locals," he explained. Patwary added that certain regions in Bangladesh are strongholds of specific political parties and should be approached with political wisdom. "I think there are certain pockets in Bangladesh where certain parties are extremely popular, like Bogura, where BNP is popular; Rangpur, where Jatiyo Party is popular; and Gopalgonj, where Awami League is very popular. It is not wise to go there and create anarchy. I think it was a politically unwise decision to go to Gopalgonj at this point. It was unnecessary, excessive, and disproportionate. Earlier, many state leaders avoided visiting or meeting in Gopalgonj to avoid the bloodshed," he added. "At least six to seven people died; some say more than that because of the visit. So I think when the election is knocking at the door, everybody should prepare for peaceful coexistence; at this moment, this struggle and civil war-type situation are very dangerous for democracy and inclusive voting," he warned. He also alleged that properties of the Jatiyo Party have been targeted. "Yes, our party office had been burnt down; the central office and some of the local offices had also been demolished. Not only that, our Chairman's personal residence in Rangpur has been set on fire. These factors indicate that there is currently no level playing field. So fairness is quite utopian at the moment, and also if you think inclusively by a temporary order until the court verdict," he said. Patwary pointed out that the Awami League's activities have been temporarily banned and its registration as a political party has been suspended while court proceedings are ongoing. "Till the court case is ongoing. Awami League (activities) is banned primarily and temporarily, and also Awami League registration as a political party is suspended. So the government is heading towards the election without the Awami League. All parties are heading towards an environment that is congenial for some and completely uncongenial for others. So, there is no level playing field at all," the Jatio Party leader said. He further alleged bias in the administration's conduct. "The administration is led by certain ruling parties. Additionally, when you see the NCP people moving, they receive full government support, local administration support, and everything else. If the government favours one party, the government automatically disfavours the other parties, creating an uneven field for the election. Obviously, it will create political enmity among the parties and erode the government's trust. Many parties soon will start believing that a fair election is not possible with this government," said Patwary, a barrister by profession. Regarding Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, Patwary said, "As an asylum or as a refugee to save life, anyone can stay in any country. I don't see any illegality in that." The Jatiyo Party leader emphasised the importance of people-to-people relations with India. "Obviously, India is our only neighbour, practically. Myanmar is a civil war state. But the only neighbour we have at this moment is India. We have thousands of kilometres of borders with India. More than a million people go to India for low-cost, high-quality medical treatment. It is not easily possible to create a substitute for these patients. We have a dependency on India for essential commodities. India also has some dependencies. If Bangladesh is unstable, it will automatically create tensions among the seven sisters," he stated. He cautioned that instability in Bangladesh could affect India's northeastern region, known as the Seven Sisters. "After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, a group of people started shouting against India and started misquoting India. They create a new map sometimes. Sometimes, they said the seven sisters will be disturbed. These unnecessary comments from the government level of Bangladesh or this government have created tensions between India and Bangladesh. Patwary also noted that Indian leaders have acknowledged the political shift in Bangladesh. "Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, at a certain point, said yes, the government changed. Sometimes it changed metrically; we have to accept it. Vikram Misri, the Indian Foreign Secretary, met with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh during his visit. Later, there was a meeting between Narendra Modi and our Chief Adviser. We have to accept that we are neighbours. We have to work together. No country has the right to comment on matters that affect another country's sovereignty or security. Regional security is a big concern at the moment. The Jatiyo Party wants dignified relations with India and a dignified friendship. In 1971, India provided us with significant assistance. We have to remember that. Relations should have been people-to-people, not only government-to-government. Earlier, for some reason, it was only government-to-government. Now, steps should be taken for people-to-people relations. We do not have enough alternatives. India also lacks sufficient alternatives. We are surrounded by India. These vice versa dependencies we have to acknowledge from both sides," he noted. On allegations of minority oppression in Bangladesh, Patwary admitted, "Some of them might be true. However, whenever a power shift in this country or a transition occurs, it is always the minority who feel apprehensive and scared. Because we do not have enough institutional protections for them. The institutional structure that can protect minorities from any atrocities, civil war situations or any riot. The police are not currently functioning. If anything wrong happens to them, who will protect them? That protection machinery at the moment is missing."
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Bangladesh's situation tensed, volatile and unpredictable, says Jatiyo Party Secretary General
Dhaka: The third-largest political party in Bangladesh, Jatiyo Party, has expressed serious concern over the country's deteriorating political climate following a violent incident in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's hometown, Gopalganj. The party claims that there is no level playing field for the upcoming general elections, and no visible preparations are underway for the polls scheduled in February. "The situation is very tense, obviously. It's not stable at all, very volatile and unpredictable. I think if the country is going for an election in February, I don't see any symptoms that the machinery of government and the political parties are genuinely preparing themselves for the election. Instead, what they are propagating at some point in time, I think it's violence," said Shameem Haider Patwary, Secretary General of the Jatiyo Party, in an interview with ANI on Friday. Founded by former military ruler General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, the Jatiyo Party had previously formed a "Grand Alliance" with Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. Patwary believes tensions escalated when the National Citizens Party (NCP), a group that led a movement to oust Hasina, entered the Awami League stronghold of Gopalganj. "It is axiomatic. If NCP goes to Gopalgonj and they shout slogans against Sheikh Hasina or Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it will agitate the people. Initially, it was for their July movement, but for Gopalgonj, it was renamed "March Gopalgonj". There was a theory that the feelings on that day, at the graveyard of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, could have been demolished. So that created an assumption of protection measures among the locals," he explained. Patwary added that certain regions in Bangladesh are strongholds of specific political parties and should be approached with political wisdom. "I think there are certain pockets in Bangladesh where certain parties are extremely popular, like Bogura, where BNP is popular; Rangpur, where Jatiyo Party is popular; and Gopalgonj, where Awami League is very popular. It is not wise to go there and create anarchy. I think it was a politically unwise decision to go to Gopalgonj at this point. It was unnecessary, excessive, and disproportionate. Earlier, many state leaders avoided visiting or meeting in Gopalgonj to avoid the bloodshed," he added. "At least six to seven people died; some say more than that because of the visit. So I think when the election is knocking at the door, everybody should prepare for peaceful coexistence; at this moment, this struggle and civil war-type situation are very dangerous for democracy and inclusive voting," he warned. He also alleged that properties of the Jatiyo Party have been targeted. "Yes, our party office had been burnt down; the central office and some of the local offices had also been demolished. Not only that, our Chairman's personal residence in Rangpur has been set on fire. These factors indicate that there is currently no level playing field. So fairness is quite utopian at the moment, and also if you think inclusively by a temporary order until the court verdict," he said. Patwary pointed out that the Awami League's activities have been temporarily banned and its registration as a political party has been suspended while court proceedings are ongoing. "Till the court case is ongoing. Awami League (activities) is banned primarily and temporarily, and also Awami League registration as a political party is suspended. So the government is heading towards the election without the Awami League. All parties are heading towards an environment that is congenial for some and completely uncongenial for others. So, there is no level playing field at all," the Jatio Party leader said. He further alleged bias in the administration's conduct. "The administration is led by certain ruling parties. Additionally, when you see the NCP people moving, they receive full government support, local administration support, and everything else. If the government favours one party, the government automatically disfavours the other parties, creating an uneven field for the election. Obviously, it will create political enmity among the parties and erode the government's trust. Many parties soon will start believing that a fair election is not possible with this government," said Patwary, a barrister by profession. Regarding Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, Patwary said, "As an asylum or as a refugee to save life, anyone can stay in any country. I don't see any illegality in that." The Jatiyo Party leader emphasised the importance of people-to-people relations with India. "Obviously, India is our only neighbour, practically. Myanmar is a civil war state. But the only neighbour we have at this moment is India. We have thousands of kilometres of borders with India. More than a million people go to India for low-cost, high-quality medical treatment. It is not easily possible to create a substitute for these patients. We have a dependency on India for essential commodities. India also has some dependencies. If Bangladesh is unstable, it will automatically create tensions among the seven sisters," he stated. He cautioned that instability in Bangladesh could affect India's northeastern region, known as the Seven Sisters. "After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, a group of people started shouting against India and started misquoting India. They create a new map sometimes. Sometimes, they said the seven sisters will be disturbed. These unnecessary comments from the government level of Bangladesh or this government have created tensions between India and Bangladesh. Patwary also noted that Indian leaders have acknowledged the political shift in Bangladesh. "Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, at a certain point, said yes, the government changed. Sometimes it changed metrically; we have to accept it. Vikram Misri, the Indian Foreign Secretary, met with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh during his visit. Later, there was a meeting between Narendra Modi and our Chief Adviser. We have to accept that we are neighbours. We have to work together. No country has the right to comment on matters that affect another country's sovereignty or security. Regional security is a big concern at the moment. The Jatiyo Party wants dignified relations with India and a dignified friendship. In 1971, India provided us with significant assistance. We have to remember that. Relations should have been people-to-people, not only government-to-government. Earlier, for some reason, it was only government-to-government. Now, steps should be taken for people-to-people relations. We do not have enough alternatives. India also lacks sufficient alternatives. We are surrounded by India. These vice versa dependencies we have to acknowledge from both sides," he noted. On allegations of minority oppression in Bangladesh, Patwary admitted, "Some of them might be true. However, whenever a power shift in this country or a transition occurs, it is always the minority who feel apprehensive and scared. Because we do not have enough institutional protections for them. The institutional structure that can protect minorities from any atrocities, civil war situations or any riot. The police are not currently functioning. If anything wrong happens to them, who will protect them? That protection machinery at the moment is missing."
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
"We would welcome holding of inclusive elections": India on Bangladesh
New Delhi: India on Thursday reiterated that elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for April 2026 should be credible, democratic, peaceful, and all-inclusive. Responding to a query on Bangladesh general elections after former Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year, Ministry of External Affairs ofiicial spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in weekly media briefing said, "You know our point of view. We have said that as a democracy we would welcome holding of elections, that is inclusive and includes everybody in its fold." This comes after the recent agreement between the Chief Executive and a major political party on holding early elections and India welcomes such efforts to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh. Earlier in July, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed the law-enforcing agencies to complete all preparations by December for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Around 8 lakh law enforcement members will be engaged, and they will further be trained before the election, reports United News of Bangladesh (UNB). The Chief Adviser instructed to take preparation for bringing some 16,000 vulnerable polling stations throughout the country under CCTV monitoring network to ensure peaceful balloting in the upcoming national election. The measures that are being considered also include installation of cameras on the body of police members in the vulnerable polling stations, he added. Besides, this time the members of police and other forces will be deployed for seven days instead of the tradition of five days during the election in a bid to resist any sort of violence ahead of the vote and prevent the deterioration of law and order after the vote, said the press secretary. Jaiswal also stated that India follows developments in Bangladesh closely and takes cognizance of incidents like the recent violence in Gopalganj. The situation in Bangladesh is being monitored, and India will take action if required, he said. "We want a positive and constructive partnership with the country. We have had engagements at the leaders' level. We also had Foreign Secretary visiting Bangladesh. We have had meetings between our External Affairs Minister and his counterpart, and you know there are several areas of cooperation between the two countries that are ongoing including development partnership. So, that is the context in which you must look at how we want to approach India-Bangladesh ties," said the MEA spokesperson. At least four people were killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and Awami League (AL) supporters in Gopalganj on Wednesday, following tensions over a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP). The clashes were triggered after the violence broke out in the wake of a pre-scheduled NCP rally at Poura Park in Gopalganj town, which was opposed by AL supporters despite a recent government ban on all political activities of the Awami League. The Interim Government of Bangladesh has established a committee to investigate the acts of violence and deaths that occurred in Gopalganj on July 16, the Chief Adviser's press wing said in a statement on Thursday. The committee will be chaired by Nasimul Ghani, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He will be joined by two additional secretaries, one from the Ministry of Public Administration and another from the Ministry of Law and Justice, it added. This committee has been mandated to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit its findings to the Chief Adviser's Office within two weeks, the statement said. India and Bangladesh have several areas of cooperation, including development projects. India's High Impact Development Projects (HIDPs) in Bangladesh aim to enhance bilateral relations and promote economic development. On the issue of the upcoming first anniversary of the interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus, and on being asked about an update on India's High Impact Development Program in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said, "We want a positive and constructive partnership with the country. " He highlighted the several engagements which the neighbours have had in recent times. Jaiswal also spoke on Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry issuing a press release regarding Satyajit Ray's ancestral house, which India has taken note of. "We follow all developments in our region closely and take cognizance of what is happening there, and accordingly we take action if required on our side. Regarding Satyajit Ray's building, yes, we have seen a press release issued by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry," said Jaiswal. Earlier on Thursday, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement and posted on X, "Detailed inquiry into archive/records in #Bangladesh reconfirm: the building being demolished in #Mymensingh district has no historical/familial link to iconic Bengali filmmaker #Satyajit Ray or his ancestors." The Indian government expressed regret on Tuesday over the reported demolition of the ancestral property of celebrated filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in its restoration. "We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," the Ministry of External Affairs said. "The Government of India is willing to cooperate with the Government of Bangladesh for the repair and reconstruction of the ancestral property of Satyajit Ray," MEA added. India had emphasised the significance of the property as a cultural landmark and urged reconsideration of the demolition plan. Jaiswal also mentioned that India is issuing medical visas to Bangladeshi citizens, but did not provide exact numbers. India has a well-established system for issuing medical visas, and the process is streamlined to facilitate travel for medical treatment. "With Bangladesh, we have been issuing visas to Bangladesh for various reasons, for various travels, medical emergency included, students, so on and so forth. We are issuing substantial visas. Exact number... on that, I will have to come back to you," said Jaiswal.
