Bangladesh Trial Report:

Chief Whip of the National Parliament Nurul Islam Moni has said there is no place in the BNP for extortionists and land grabbers. He said no one would be allowed to get away with wrongdoing by using the BNP’s name, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken a very firm stance on these issues.

He made the remarks in response to questions from journalists after a meeting of the parliamentary party on Sunday (October 11).

The chief whip said the previous session of Parliament ended on the 10th of last month. Such meetings are not usually held before the next session begins the following month. However, the meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to hear lawmakers’ problems and opinions.

The prime minister listened to lawmakers for nearly three hours, while the relevant ministers shared their views on resolving various problems, he said.

Moni said discussions covered a range of issues, including local government, law and order, the judiciary, electricity, energy and education. The prime minister provided directives on making government activities more accountable and ensuring that public services meet people’s expectations.

Discussion on local government elections

Regarding local government elections, Nurul Islam Moni said no specific timeframe for holding the elections was discussed at the meeting. However, instructions were given to ensure free and fair elections without any interference.

“It must be ensured that those who are genuinely eligible to be elected can win,” he said.

He said the Election Commission generally consults the Local Government Division when deciding on the schedule and other arrangements for local government elections. He added that the elections should also be organised after discussions with the relevant ministry, taking practical considerations and potential difficulties into account.

The chief whip said party symbols would not be used in local government elections. The BNP would try to ensure that there was a single candidate in each union, he added.

Considering the party’s organisational presence at the grassroots level, the emphasis is on holding elections in a united and festive atmosphere, he said. The party wants people who enjoy public acceptance to be elected as local government representatives.

However, he said the meeting did not discuss what action would be taken against anyone who runs as a candidate against the party’s decision.

Instructions to party activists to help ensure Durga Puja security

Regarding the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the chief whip said the prime minister had instructed lawmakers to ensure that members of minority communities did not face problems anywhere.

Lawmakers were asked to remain actively involved to ensure that the Puja celebrations proceeded smoothly, he said.

He added that, alongside law enforcement agencies and the administration, BNP leaders and activists, as well as members of Parliament, would play a responsible role during the festivities.

Prime Minister gives directives on party discipline

On party discipline, Nurul Islam Moni said the meeting discussed the need for everyone to maintain discipline. The prime minister also provided directives on lawmakers’ responsibilities inside and outside Parliament and on the party’s activities, he added.

Asked about the possibility of the Awami League returning to politics, he said the issue was not discussed at the meeting. The government would take whatever measures were necessary in accordance with the law, he added.

On the safety of Bangladeshi workers employed in the Middle East amid instability in the region’s energy sector, Moni said the government remained aware of the situation. Necessary measures had been taken to ensure the workers’ lives and safety, he said, adding that arrangements would also be made to bring them home if necessary.