Civil Society Raises Alarm Over Minority Security and Voter Suppression
A press conference was held on Sunday morning at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, demanding the assurance of life and property security and the unhindered exercise of voting rights for religious minorities and all marginalized communities in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Organized by Citizens for Human Rights, the press conference highlighted recent incidents of violence in minority-populated areas and shared experiences from field observations.
Interim Government Has Turned Minorities into Second-Class Citizens: Robayet Ferdous
The interim government has turned religious and ethnic minorities into “second-class citizens” over the past one and a half years, commented Robayet Ferdous, a professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka.
Sheikh Hasina Slams February 12 Polls as “Mockery of Democracy,” Warns of Minority Persecution
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised the February 12 elections in Bangladesh, warning that the polls, being held under an unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, threaten the country’s democratic foundations and endanger minorities.
Looking Back: The Bloodstained July Plot and Yunus’s Unconstitutional Grip on Power
What took place on the streets of Bangladesh in July 2024 cannot reasonably be portrayed as a spontaneous student uprising. It was, rather, a meticulously engineered seizure of state power enabled by international networks, extremist fundamentalist groups, and complicit elements within the country itself
Allegations of Six Protesters Being Picked Up Identifying as DB During Chattogram Port Movement
Allegations have been raised that six workers and employees were picked up identifying themselves as DB, on charges of creating chaos in the name of a strike at Chattogram Port. It is alleged that they were picked up during operations conducted in the port area from Saturday (7 February) night to Sunday morning, said Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Chattogram Port Protection Movement Council. However, law enforcement agencies have not acknowledged the matter.
TIB Expresses Concern Over the Abduction of Bangladesh Times Journalists
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed condemnation and concern over the incident of journalists of the media outlet “Bangladesh Times” being picked up. This condemnation was expressed at a press conference titled “Pre-Election Observation: The Role of the Election Commission” on Sunday (8 February) morning.
Chattogram Port Workers Call Another Indefinite Strike Over Key Demands
After a two-day break, the Port Protection Movement Council has called an indefinite strike at Chattogram Port from 8:00 am on Sunday (8 February), pressing four demands.
On one side of Jamaat’s scale is America, on the other is India,” says Charmonai Pir
Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, said, “Neither BNP nor Jamaat has said that they will run the state based on Islam. They have said they will run the state according to the prevailing system. Today, those who are coming with the weighing-scale symbol are self-interested groups.
The BNP candidate said, “Please do not engage in extortion until the 12th
Sarwar Jamal Nizam, the BNP-nominated candidate in the Chattogram-13 (Anwara and Karnaphuli) constituency, has publicly requested extortionists to stop extortion until 12 February. He made this request on Friday night while inaugurating an election office in the Chatari area of Anwara Upazila. A 55-second video of his remarks has spread on social media. Someone present at the event recorded the video.
Excluding the Awami League will make the 12 February election non-inclusive: CPD
The Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has commented that the upcoming election scheduled to be held on 12 February will not be inclusive if the Awami League is excluded from the election.