Latest news with #Gopalganj
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Politics
- 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
4 days ago
- Politics
- 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."
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Has Bangladesh's post-Hasina transition hit a violent roadblock?
A violent clash in Bangladesh on Wednesday between a student-led political movement and supporters of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has exposed deep political fault lines, with analysts warning of further unrest. At least four people were killed and dozens injured when members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) – formed by student activists – marched on Gopalganj district, a traditional stronghold of Hasina's Awami League and the site of a mausoleum dedicated to her father, independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Analysts say the incident signals the emergence of a new political bloc – comprising the NCP and the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami – that may be positioning itself against both the Awami League and its long-time rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The clash also reflects growing unease within the two mainstream parties over the rise of the student-led NCP, which is widely seen as enjoying support from the interim government and may seek to sideline them ahead of elections expected next year. Bangladesh's army personnel patrol a street in Gopalganj on Thursday. Photo: AFP
CNA
6 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Bangladesh police arrest 20 after deadly clashes in ousted prime minister's hometown
GOPALGANJ, Bangladesh: Bangladesh police said on Thursday (Jul 17) they had arrested 20 people, a day after clashes between supporters of ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, and security personnel killed at least four people. The clashes erupted in Hasina's hometown of Gopalganj on Wednesday after members of her Awami League party tried to foil a rally by the National Citizens Party (NCP), made up of many students who spearheaded the uprising that toppled her government last year. Bricks, stones and shattered windows littered the area where the clashes occurred. More than 1,500 police, as well as soldiers and border guards, have been deployed in the district to enforce a curfew. "The law and order situation in Gopalganj is currently under control and remains peaceful," the police said in a statement on Thursday. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president of Bangladesh, hailed from Gopalganj and Hasina, his daughter, also contested elections from the district. Jibitesh Biswas, director of the Gopalganj District Hospital, said on Thursday that four people "were brought in dead" after the clashes. Biswas said shots were also fired in front of the hospital and that at least 18 wounded people were also brought in. "Three of them are in critical condition with wounds to the chest, back of the head, and leg," he said. Ramjan Sheikh, an 18-year-old mason, died of bullet wounds, his family told AFP, blaming the military for his death. "They trampled on his chest ... We rushed to the hospital only to find his lifeless body soaked in blood," Mohammed Kalim Munshi, Ramjan's uncle, said. AFP could not independently verify the claim. The Bangladeshi army said its soldiers intervened, along with the police, to control an "unruly crowd". "In response, the crowd grew more aggressive, threw molotov (cocktails) and brickbats compelling the Army to use force in self-defence," it said in a statement. A 24-year-old Gopalganj resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the NCP should have understood that the town would not "accept any disrespect" towards Rahman. "But their leaders continued rants against Mujibur (Rahman)," the resident said. Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra said "the application of excessive force on people in Gopalganj and shooting at them blatantly violates human rights standards and the constitution".
CNA
6 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Bangladesh police arrest 20 after deadly clashes in ousted premier's hometown
GOPALGANJ, Bangladesh: Bangladesh police said on Thursday (Jul 17) they had arrested 20 people, a day after clashes between supporters of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and security personnel killed at least four people. The clashes erupted in Hasina's hometown of Gopalganj on Wednesday after members of her Awami League party tried to foil a rally by the National Citizens Party (NCP), made up of many students who spearheaded the uprising that toppled her government last year. Bricks, stones and shattered windows littered the area where the clashes occurred. More than 1,500 police, as well as soldiers and border guards, have been deployed in the district to enforce a curfew. "The law and order situation in Gopalganj is currently under control and remains peaceful," the police said in a statement on Thursday. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president of Bangladesh, hailed from Gopalganj and Hasina, his daughter, also contested elections from the district. Jibitesh Biswas, director of the Gopalganj District Hospital, said on Thursday that four people "were brought in dead" after the clashes. Biswas said shots were also fired in front of the hospital and that at least 18 wounded people were also brought in. "Three of them are in critical condition with wounds to the chest, back of the head, and leg," he said. Ramjan Sheikh, an 18-year-old mason, died of bullet wounds, his family told AFP, blaming the military for his death. "They trampled on his chest ... We rushed to the hospital only to find his lifeless body soaked in blood," Mohammed Kalim Munshi, Ramjan's uncle, said. AFP could not independently verify the claim. The Bangladeshi army said its soldiers intervened, along with the police, to control an "unruly crowd". "In response, the crowd grew more aggressive, threw molotov (cocktails) and brickbats compelling the Army to use force in self-defence," it said in a statement. A 24-year-old Gopalganj resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the NCP should have understood that the town would not "accept any disrespect" towards Rahman. "But their leaders continued rants against Mujibur (Rahman)," the resident said. Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra said "the application of excessive force on people in Gopalganj and shooting at them blatantly violates human rights standards and the constitution".
