Bangladesh’s former premier warns of ‘fascist collaborators’ undermining democratic gains
Dhaka, Feb 27: Bangladesh’s former premier Khaleda Zia on Thursday alleged that “fascist collaborators” are still conspiring to undermine the achievements of the July uprising and called for a national election acceptable to all to restore the democratic system in the country.
Her son and the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, asked the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to maintain neutrality, saying public doubt over its impartiality continues to grow.
Zia, who served as the premier for three terms, in a pre-recorded video address to her party workers said that the “fascist collaborators remain active in their schemes” and urged everyone to work together to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
“The fascist ruler fled in mass movement. The people expect that the current interim government will quickly complete the minimum reforms to repair the state and hold an election acceptable to all to return to the democratic system,” said Zia, who is in London for medical treatment.
“Let us invest all our strength to build a democratic Bangladesh. Let us further accelerate unity,” the 79-year-old said.
“Although I’m in the UK for treatment, I’m always beside you,” she added.
Addressing the meeting attended by around 4,000 party workers and leaders, acting BNP chairman Rahman asked the interim government to maintain neutrality. “Concerns over its (govt’s) impartiality have already emerged among the people. I urge the government to be more vigilant in upholding neutrality,” he said while speaking from London through a virtual platform. (PTI)
Chaos, violence rules at historic Madhur Canteen in Dhaka
Dhaka, Feb 27: The historic Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University has turned into yet another ugly political battleground in Bangladesh as members of various student organisations have engaged in protests, scuffles and violence at the iconic venue, this week.
The Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University was founded by Madhusudan Dey who was killed on March 25, 1971 during Operation Searchlight, the ruthless armed operation conducted by the Pakistani forces.
However, the image of the historical birthplace of student politics in Bangladesh has suffered a massive dent since the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus took over following the dramatic fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.
Tensions flared again on Wednesday at the Madhur Canteen as several students were injured following a scuffle that broke out between two groups after a new student organisation ‘Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad’ (Bangladesh Democratic Students Union) was launched at the initiative of former leaders of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD). Reportedly, at least 10 people were injured in the incident, including a female student. Eight of the injured were from private universities, while two were from Dhaka University. (IANS)