Dhaka: A Kolkata-based religious organization called ‘Bengiya Hindu Jagran’ organized a violent protest outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.

On Thursday (November 28) afternoon, a large group of protesters organized a rally and demonstration that turned violent, with the protesters breaking through police barricades and reaching the premises of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission premises. The Bangladesh government has expressed ‘deep concern’ over the incident and called for ensuring the security of diplomatic and non-diplomatic Bangladeshi staff in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its concern in a statement on Friday (November 29).

The statement details the incident and says that the protesters set fire to the national flag of Bangladesh and burnt an effigy of the Chief Adviser to the Bangladesh government.

The situation appears to be under control at the moment, the statement said, “However, there is a feeling of insecurity among all the members of the Deputy High Commission.”

The Bangladesh government strongly condemns the despicable act of desecrating the national flag of Bangladesh and burning the effigy of the Chief Adviser. The Bangladesh government has called on the Indian government to take necessary measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Noting that the Bangladesh government condemns any violent act, the Ministry of External Affairs said the government calls on the Indian government to ensure the safety and security of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and other diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India, as well as its diplomatic and non-diplomatic staff. 

Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that a four-pronged conspiracy is currently underway against us. We have to be more alert and aware. If we fail this time, the people of Bangladesh will have no place to go. We must always keep our minds ready to serve the people, not to enjoy. We must embrace the entire nation. We must be diligent and honest in all our work and show wisdom. We cannot fear anyone except Allah.

He said this as the chief guest at a ‘Friendship Rally’ organized by the former and current members of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Dhaka Metropolitan North, at the Sea Shell Resort in Purbachal, the capital, on Friday (November 29).

Presided over by Abu Sayeed Mohammad Faruk, Convener of the Friendship Rally Implementation Committee and former President of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Branch of the Chhatra Shibir, and moderated by Anisur Rahman, President of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Branch of the Chhatra Shibir, and Rezaul Karim Shakil, Secretary of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Branch of the Chhatra Shibir, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Central President Manjurul Islam, Secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan North Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Sylhet Metropolitan City Fakhrul Islam, Amir of Gazipur Metropolitan City Professor Jamal Uddin, former Central President of the Chhatra Shibir Dr. Fakhruddin Manik, Yasin Arafat and Salauddin Ayubi, former Central Dawah Secretary Sirajul Islam Shahin, and former presidents of Dhaka Metropolitan North Branch.

The Ameer-e-Jamaat said to the former leaders and activists of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Branch of the Chhatra Shibir, you are scattered in different parts of the country. Wherever we are, we must maintain the place of people's love for Jamaat, which has been created through our tireless efforts in upholding the faith. Take care that it is not destroyed in any way.

Among others, the gathering was also attended by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan North Assistant Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman, Dhaka Metropolitan North Jamaat Publicity and Media Secretary Ataur Rahman Sarkar, Chhatra Shibir's Central Publicity Secretary Dr. Sadeq Billah, along with the former Dhaka Metropolitan President, Secretaries and former members of the branch.

The day-long gathering included cultural performances, remembrances, speeches by martyred families and injured and disabled brothers. More than 700 delegates participated in the gathering held in a joyful atmosphere.

Dhaka: The role of the media in elections is important. Badiul Alam Majumder, the head of the Election Reform Commission, has commented that many media outlets did not provide truthful information about the country's last three elections.

He made this comment in the shadow parliament on 'The role of the EC, candidates and citizens for fair elections' at the FDC at around 11:30 am on Friday (November 29).

Badiul Alam said that some people were even forced not to tell the truth.

Regarding the new Election Commission, he said, 'A tree is known by its fruits. However, there is no big challenge for this EC because, unlike last time, there is no pressure from the ruling political party.'

The head of the Reform Commission commented that even a neutral Election Commission (EC) cannot organize fair elections without the help of the government.

He said, 'The government is an important partner in the elections after the EC. Those who committed electoral crimes in the last 3 elections should be brought to justice. The Election Commission has committed the biggest crime.’

The head of the reform commission also commented that ensuring the participation of women voters and expatriate voters could be a challenge for the Election Commission.

‘Election system reform is important. However, time must be given for reform,’ added Badiul Alam

Dhaka: The United Arab Emirates government has pardoned and released 75 more expatriates detained in the UAE for holding marches and protests against the killing and oppression of student protesters in Bangladesh in July-August.

This was announced in a press release sent by M. Shefayet Hossain, Information Officer of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, on Friday (November 29).

It said that the country has released a total of 188 people under general amnesty so far, including the 75 newly released people.

Earlier, in a briefing on September 3, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that the President of the United Arab Emirates spoke to the Chief Adviser on the telephone on August 28. The issue of commuting the sentences of 57 Bangladeshis was a major part of it. The Chief Adviser requested the President to pardon the expatriate workers. The President kept his word. The Chief Adviser has received this good news.

It is worth noting that a court in the United Arab Emirates sentenced 57 Bangladeshis to various terms of imprisonment for protesting in solidarity with the quota reform movement. Three of them were sentenced to life imprisonment, 53 to 10 years and one to 11 years.