Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), issued a strong statement today condemning the violent actions of Bangladeshi security forces against student protesters. The protests, driven by economic grievances and opposition to the government’s public sector employment quota system, have been met with severe repression.
In a recent speech, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), delivered a strong critique of the current administration under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, focusing on issues of national security, governance, and the state of democracy in Bangladesh. He accused the government of failing to protect the country's borders, specifically mentioning the situation at Saint Martin's Island and the ongoing tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Amidst the prevailing atmosphere of fear in Bangladesh, influential figures in the country emphasize the crucial need for a unified approach in anti-government movements to ensure their success. The consensus at the "Upcoming Elections and Future Pathways" webinar, organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Development and Security Studies (BIDSS), underscored that the current movement, primarily centered around the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), requires the active participation of all anti-government forces.
In a significant address to the nation on Wednesday, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman delivered a compelling speech, calling for widespread non-cooperation with what he described as the "fascist Hasina's illegal government." Rahman's speech, which touched on various aspects of civic life, urged citizens to unite in an effort to establish a participatory, democratic, and constitutional government through the vote of the people.
GENEVA, 21 November 2023 – As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, children face a dire threat to their health and well-being due to severe restrictions on access to water and sanitation. The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing fuel shortages, which hinder the operation of water and sanitation facilities. "If children's access to water and sanitation in Gaza continues to be restricted and insufficient, we will see a tragic – yet entirely avoidable – surge in the number of children dying," warned James Elder, UNICEF's Spokesperson for the State of Palestine.
The Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, Kazi Habibul Awal, has officially declared the schedule for the upcoming national parliamentary elections in a live televised address from the Election Commission's office. This announcement, made on Tuesday night, has heightened existing political tensions, with concerns that the declaration, without addressing opposition demands, may exacerbate the situation.
"The prices of food items are so high. For example, a kilogram of Radish now costs nearly one hundred Taka, which was only twenty Taka," Sonia said, adding that they would die of starvation shortly if the government did not control the price hikes of necessary food items. More than four million people, primarily needy women hailing from different remote areas of Bangladesh, are working in the country's main exporting sector, the readymade garment industry. Around 3,500 garment factories in the South Asian Delta nation of nearly 170 million people account for about 85 percent of the country's $55 billion annual exports. Hundreds of thousands of female garment workers in Bangladesh carry almost the same humanitarian stories as Sonia. They are somehow trying to survive depending on the country's booming RMG sector.
A member of the police and an opposition political leader were killed while over a hundred, including opposition activists, law enforcers, and journalists, were injured in hours-long clashes during anti-government grand rallies in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday evening, flaring the prevailing political tensions in the country ahead of the national elections scheduled to be held in January 2024. The diseased policeman has been identified as Amirul Parvez, a constable of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit. On the other hand, the opposition leader killed during Saturday's violence has been identified as Shamim Mia, a leader of the main opposition political party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) associate organization, Jubo Dal, in the capital Dhaka's Mugda area. The clashes first occurred in Dhaka's Kakrail area and rapidly spread to other parts of the mega city of nearly 20 million people. Police fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets targeting the opposition protesters. In retaliation, the opposition political activists threw stones and brickbats at the law enforcers and set many vehicles on the streets, including motorbikes, on fire.
London– In a video address to the nation on Thursday, BNP Deputy Chairman Tarique Rahman called upon the people of Bangladesh to unite for a massive gathering scheduled for October 28, stressing the importance of their collective action in bringing about political change. Tarique Rahman began by emphasizing the diverse cross-section of society that should rally together, stating, "We call upon the power of Bangladesh, the power of democracy, farmers, workers, youth, students, teachers, and people of all classes and professions to make the October 28 general meeting a resounding success at any cost."
In a dramatic turn of events at the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has vehemently rebuked claims by Israeli diplomats that he sought to justify the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7th. Addressing a debate in the UN Security Council on the escalating crisis in Israel and Palestine, Guterres clarified that he never condoned the "appalling" attacks by Hamas and emphasized that they could not be justified.
Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2023 – The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) issues a strong condemnation of the recent attack on Turkish diplomats that took place following a conference on Turkish foreign policy held at the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism on September 29, 2023. This conference, attended by Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan and other diplomats and staff, aimed to foster dialogue and understanding on Turkish foreign policy.
In a decisive move, the United States Department of State announced today the imposition of sanctions on a transnational procurement network known to be linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This network, consisting of five entities and two individuals based in Iran, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, has been actively involved in acquiring sensitive components for Iran’s one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program.
In a virtual address on the occasion of the 45th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman made a series of critical statements regarding the current state of the government and the upcoming national elections. Rahman asserted that the demand for a non-partisan neutral government during the election is not unconstitutional and is, in fact, essential to uphold the democratic rights of the people.
As Bangladesh prepares for its general election scheduled for January next year, the United Nations Human Rights spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence, has called on all political parties, their supporters, and security forces to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, and safe environment, allowing for a free and fair ballot.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners reaffirm their commitment to aiding the most vulnerable people in Niger. However, concerns arise as the country faces potential sanctions and suspensions of financial aid, which could have severe consequences for the population.
Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, has made a passionate call to all democracy-loving citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, religion, or caste, to join a grand gathering in Dhaka on July 27. In a video speech on Tuesday, Tarique Rahman urged the nation to unite in their demand for a non-partisan neutral government to hold national elections and advocated for the resignation of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In a joint statement issued today, a group of Bangladeshi academicians and professionals living abroad have expressed deep concern over the escalating repression of opposition voices in Bangladesh. The statement highlights recent incidents of violence against political activists and calls on the authorities to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of all citizens.
The United States on Wednesday announced a new visa policy to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections, restricting visas for any Bangladeshi individuals undermining the democratic election process. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed the announcement at the Department of State’s daily briefing in Washington.
After the sudden withdrawal of special security facilities and permanent police escort, this is the first time the US Ambassador to Dhaka, Peter D. Haas, has participated in any of the foreign ministry's demands. Yesterday, he attended a lunch-cum-diplomatic briefing at the State Guest House Padma at the invitation of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam.
In a shocking turn of events, PTI chief Imran Khan, who was present at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for two hearings on Tuesday afternoon, was arrested from the court’s premises in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Islamabad police released a statement quoting Inspector General (IG) Akbar Nasir as saying that Imran had been arrested in relation to the case which alleges that the PTI chief and his wife obtained billions of rupees from a real estate firm for legalizing a laundered amount of Rs50 billion that was identified and returned to the country by the UK during the previous PTI government.
Dr. Mostafa Faisal Parvez (Bangladesh) was elected to the position, effective May 1st, 2023, for an initial term of three years. The election results were announced immediately after the conclusion of the second session of the Assembly. Dr. Faisal was the Director of the Asian Region of IIFSO in 2019. He is currently the president of the Asian Youth Association and coordinator of the International Division of the Yeni Dunya Vakfi, a renowned civil society NGO in Turkey.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and World Bank Group President David Malpass commemorated 50 years of partnership between Bangladesh and the World Bank at the institution’s headquarters today. The partnership has helped lift millions of Bangladeshis out of poverty and supported the country’s economic growth and development. The World Bank has provided Bangladesh with $2.25 billion of financing over the last year to improve regional connectivity, boost disaster preparedness to address inland flooding, transition to green and climate-resilient development, strengthen environmental management and green investment, and help the micro-enterprise sector become less polluting and more climate-resilient.
Since April 15, 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has occurred in Sudan. On April 24, the two conflicting parties agreed on a 72-hour ceasefire, which was partly held, although sporadic artillery gunfire could still be heard in Khartoum. Fighting has continued, with displacement reported in Khartoum, Northern, Blue Nile, North Kordofan, North Darfur, West Darfur, and South Darfur states, including cross-border movements to surrounding countries (Reuters 25/04/2023; OCHA 25/04/2023). In principle, this ceasefire allows for the evacuation of foreign nationals and civilians from conflict areas. However, those in the capital city of Khartoum could still hear sporadic gunfire and the sounds of heavy artillery on April 25 (BBC 25/04/2023; Al Jazeera 25/04/2023 a). As of April 26, the conflict had led to 459 deaths and at least 4,000 injuries (Al Jazeera 26/04/2023; OCHA 26/04/2023). The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors has predicted an impending paralysis of the country’s healthcare system. According to Médecins Sans Frontières, the conflict will likely intensify humanitarian needs in the country, which were already at their highest in a decade (MSF, April 20, 2023). Security concerns for humanitarian workers are among the factors affecting the provision of humanitarian assistance to people in need in Sudan. As of April 25, the conflict in Sudan had killed five UN workers since fighting broke out on April 15 (Reuters, April 25, 2023, and April 21, 2023). As of April 26, at least 12 healthcare personnel and health science students had been killed (Al Jazeera, April 26, 2023; Insecurity Insight and Physicians for Human Rights, April 26, 2023) Healthcare Situation According to ACAPS, Health facilities have suspended their services because of their proximity to fighting to avoid risking patients’ and personnel’s lives. The conflict has forced 70% (55 out of 79) of the hospitals in conflict-affected zones (Khartoum, North Kordofan, South Kordofan, and West Darfur states) to shut down, leaving thousands of injured civilians without access to healthcare. As of April 20, fighting had resulted in the bombing of nine facilities and forced evictions from 16 (MSF, April 20, 2023; Sudan Doctors Syndicate, Preliminary Committee, April 19, 2023). Before the crisis, 82 hospitals were active in Khartoum; as of April 26, 59 hospitals in Khartoum and surrounding cities are non-operational (Al Jazeera, April 26, 2023; Insecurity Insight and Physicians for Human Rights, April 26, 2023).
Bangladesh, on Thursday, strongly condemned Israeli forces for a raid and attacks on innocent Muslim worshipers at the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem, Anadolu News Agency reports.
The Foreign Ministry, in a statement, condemned the attack, saying Israeli forces on Wednesday morning used violence against worshipers and civilians during prayers.
The detention of journalist Samsuzzaman Shams and his presentation in the court after long 30 hours as well as the filing of a case against him under the Digital Security Act, is a violation of the constitutional right to security of life of any citizen and the constitutional obligation of free media. It sets a dangerous precedent of controlling and intimidating the media, said Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in a press statement of deep concern that also strongly condemned the incident. The organization demanded the unconditional release of Shams and immediate repeal of the draconian Digital Security Act to uphold democratic principles.
UK-based organization 'Friends of Al-Aqsa' has started a campaign in different cities of the world including United Kingdom, United States to boycott Israeli products.
More than 20,000 leaflets have been distributed calling for awareness of the boycott of Israeli products. They were also seen campaigning on Twitter using the hashtag 'Check the Label' (#CheckTheLabel).
Saudi Arabia announced a new set of controversial rules and restrictions on the practices of Ramadan this year which will tackle a reduction in mosque loudspeakers and surveilling worshippers who wish to seclude themselves in the last 10 days of the holy month.
The new rules also include limiting donations and banning filming prayers in mosques.
Forty global figures, including Ban Ki-moon, Hillary Clinton, and Bono, published a joint letter calling Bangladesh to stop ‘unfair’ attacks and harassment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Yunus is credited with lifting millions out of poverty with his pioneering micro-credit bank, but he has fallen out with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has said he is ‘sucking blood’ from the poor.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake shocked southeast Türkiye early on Feb. 6 and was felt in several provinces and elsewhere in the Middle East. The quake knocked down a number of buildings, reports said.
Türkiye's disaster management agency AFAD said the quake was centered in Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş province.
The United States is designating eight Iranian individuals in leadership roles at Paravar Pars, an Iranian firm that produces unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force. Iranian UAVs are being transferred to Russia for use in its brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine.
Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Cooperative Foundation and five of its board members, the Deputy Minister of Intelligence and Security, and four senior IRGC commanders in Iran under human rights authorities. Today’s action, in coordination with both the United Kingdom and European Union, targets a key economic pillar of the IRGC, which funds much of the regime’s brutal suppression; as well as senior security officials coordinating Tehran’s crackdown at the national and provincial levels.
Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Voluptatum, laudantium? Ea rem recusandae facilis esse vitae. Quisquam quia itaque provident quidem, iste, libero ea voluptate fugit animi incidunt corporis doloremque!
The United States has said that it wants free and fair parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. At the same time, they told us about the safety of the people who work at the country's embassy in Dhaka.
In a phone conversation with Alam on Thursday, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shahriar confirmed this.
Voice of American Muslim
©Muslim News Network 2023. All rights reserved.
