July-24 Martyrs’ Families Association Launched

The July-24 Martyrs’ Families Association has officially been launched with a 21-member committee. Alhaj Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, father of martyr Farhan Faiyaz, has been made President, while Mohi Uddin, father of martyr Yamin, has been appointed General Secretary.  

The inauguration and introductory program was held on Sunday (January 1) at the Trade Center in Karwan Bazar. Discussions also focused on the upcoming national parliamentary elections and referendum.  

Speaking as guest, Syed Abdal Ahmad, Executive of Amar Desh, said the sacrifices of the July Revolution martyrs forced fascists to flee the country, giving the nation a “second independence.” He emphasized that their memory must remain alive as a source of inspiration for democracy-loving people.  

Chairman of Debate for Democracy, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, warned that if the dreams of the July Revolution martyrs and their families fail, the state itself will fail. He urged all to work together to carry forward their vision.  

The program was presided over by Shafiqul Islam. The 21-member committee was announced by Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mugdho and Senior Vice President of the association.  

Other members include Vice President Golam Razzak, Organizing Secretary Kabir Hossain, Joint Organizing Secretary Gaus Ullah, Finance Secretary Gaziur Rahman, Joint Finance Secretary Mohammad Abdul Matin, Publicity Secretary Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman, Joint Publicity Secretary Mohammad Kamal Uddin, Office Secretary Kazi Lulul Madhmin, Joint Office Secretary Sammuzzaman, Information Secretary Rufaidah Islam Chandini, Joint Information Secretary Aman Ullah Shahid, Law Secretary Shafiqul Islam, Joint Law Secretary Zakir Hossain Patwari, Health Secretary Saif Ahmed Khan, and Executive Members Ainun Nahar, Moriyam Khanam, Abul Hossain, and Abul Khair.  

The President announced that before the national elections, a rally of martyrs’ families will be held at the China Friendship Conference Center. Members of the martyrs’ families were present at the event.  

The association’s temporary office has been set up at 99, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.  

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Awami League Biggest Obstacle to Democracy’: Prof. Mahbub Ullah

Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah says, ‘We have still not reaped the benefits of such a great sacrifice as the Liberation War. Our Liberation War was controlled by a neighboring country. Post-Liberation democracy was directed by them as well. That is why a one-party stigmatized ruling system was established later. At this moment, the Awami League is the biggest obstacle on the path to democratic transition and peaceful coexistence. Due to their vindictiveness, there is a risk of disruption in the electoral environment and the country’s peace. Intoxicated by power, Sheikh Hasina had turned into a political malefactor.’

On Saturday, at the grand finale and award ceremony of the election debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy at FDC, prominent educationist Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah made these remarks as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.

Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah said, ‘Behind the violent incidents occurring regarding the election, there is also the support of the fallen autocrat and the neighboring country. No situation has arisen in Bangladesh that would require any country’s embassy to recall its staff to their home country. India is unable to accept this change and election in our country, which is why they are taking such decisions.’

He further stated, ‘Through the upcoming election, the journey of fair democratic practice and peaceful coexistence will begin. However, much more remains to be done to firmly establish democracy. A fair election alone will not end the politics of vengeance. For that, a qualitative change in politics is necessary. So far, the electoral environment cannot be called fully satisfactory, but it must be ensured that violent incidents do not recur.  

In his presidential speech, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said, ‘People’s expectations for the upcoming election are much higher than for any previous election. This election is against fascist evil forces. It is an election for revenge for the blood of the martyrs of the July uprising. It is an election to reclaim voting rights and democracy. It is an election for societal change. It is an election against injustice, oppression, enforced disappearances, murders, killings, cases, attacks, imprisonment, and torture. Differences of opinion will remain in politics, and there will be competition, but they must not turn into vengeance. Excessive hatred, slander, and rage in the upcoming election campaigns and propaganda are making the political arena unstable. Taking advantage of this, fugitive groups involved in mass killings may try to make the election controversial and derail it.’

He added, ‘Post-election violence has been a dark chapter in our politics. To prevent violent incidents after the 13th National Parliament Election, the administration and law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant from now on. The fire of vengeance is extremely dangerous, as it turns people into oppressors. We hope that through the upcoming election, the politics of vengeance in the country will come to an end. Whoever comes to power through the people’s vote will take opposition views along to heal the wounds of Hasina’s fascist regime. They will establish good governance and accountability.’

In the competition, State University of Bangladesh became the champion, Eden Mohila College secured the runner-up position, and Tejgaon College took third place. The best speaker award went to Masnun Nabilah Alam, the team leader from Eden Mohila College. The champion team received Tk 200,000, the runner-up Tk 150,000, and the third-place team Tk 100,000, along with trophies, crests, and certificates. Additionally, the best speaker was awarded Tk 50,000, a crest, trophy, and certificate.

The judges of the competition were Professor Abu Mohammad Rois, Dr. S M Morshed, journalist Kazi Hafiz, journalist Maidur Rahman Rubel, and journalist Afrin Jahan. The topic of the final competition organized by Debate for Democracy was: “If the upcoming referendum and parliamentary election are fair, the politics of vengeance will end.”

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Sitting in Delhi, Hasina's Press Conference Will Have No Effect: Justice M A Matin

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is speaking against the country while sitting in Delhi, conspiring, and holding press conferences—this will have no effect, commented former Justice of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Md. Abdul Matin.

He made these remarks on Sunday (January 25) at a mock parliament organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, titled "The Role of the Election Commission is Primary in Ensuring Fair Upcoming Referendum and Parliamentary Election."

Justice M A Matin said, "If she (Sheikh Hasina) is so powerful, why did she flee? She had to flee because the people did not want her. In her tenure, elections were a farce; there were no real elections, which is why the revolution happened."

Abdul Matin stated that despite the bloodshed and loss of countless lives, there is no remorse within the Awami League. "The bloodstains have not yet dried. The Awami League must understand why they cannot participate in the election. However, as citizens, supporters of the Awami League will be able to vote. If the Awami League seeks forgiveness from the people for their misdeeds and shows genuine repentance, they may be forgiven."

The former judge added, "A neighboring country had claimed that no government could sit or function in this country. They had vowed not to let the people of this country live in peace. Their hopes have turned into despair. No pressure from them has worked. If the 'Yes' vote fails in the referendum, the long-cherished aspirations of the people will be dashed. There is no fear of the election being disrupted. If the people remain vigilant, no obstacle or conspiracy will succeed in sabotaging the election."

The event was presided over by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.

In his presidential address, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said that the people of the country want elections. The general public is waiting for a fair election. There is no alternative to elections for restoring democracy. The party that cannot participate in the election is trying to disrupt and discredit it. The ousted Prime Minister, sentenced to death for the alleged murder of 1,400 people, is conducting various propaganda against the country while staying in a neighboring country. In a recent audio speech, she falsely claimed that she was ousted through a planned conspiracy, which is completely unacceptable. Therefore, parties like BNP, Jamaat, NCPC, and other participating parties and candidates should avoid any actions that could allow fallen forces to attempt to sabotage the election. The past three elections were highly controversial, marked by the theft of democracy and the looting of voting rights. They were elections that snatched away the people's power. If this election is fair and acceptable, the nation will be freed from the stigma of tainted elections. People's rule will return. A discrimination-free and harmonious state will be built. Social justice will be established. Good governance and accountability will return. As election day approaches, the misuse of AI to spread rumors and fake videos is rapidly increasing, which could mislead voters.

In the mock parliament on "The Role of the Election Commission is Primary in Ensuring Fair Upcoming Referendum and Parliamentary Election," debaters from State University of Bangladesh defeated those from Tejgaon College and emerged victorious. The judges were Professor Abu Mohammad Rois, senior journalist Mainul Alam, journalist Moshiur Rahman Khan, journalist Afrin Jahan, and journalist Zakir Hossain Liton. After the competition, trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams.

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Efforts to Disrupt the Election Must Be Resisted: Munira Khan

Those attempting to sabotage the election must be resisted, said Munira Khan, President of the election observation organization Fair Election Monitoring Alliance (FEMA).

She made these remarks on Friday (January 9) at a shadow parliament organized by Debate for Democracy at the FDC in the capital, titled “An Acceptable Election Will Play a Role in Restoring Democracy.”

Munira Khan stated that the election must take place and cannot be stalled. However, a certain group is actively working to undermine a good and acceptable election. Expressing concern, she said there could be attempts to disrupt the upcoming election, and those behind such efforts must be resisted.

She noted that maintaining law and order during the election is one of the biggest challenges. The highest measures must be taken to recover illegal weapons. At the same time, tackling the “three Ms”—Money, Muscle, and Manipulation—requires responsible roles from the government, the Election Commission, and political parties, alongside essential public awareness. In addition to the interim government, political parties must also play a strong role in ensuring a good election.

She further said that former Chief Election Commissioners Nurul Huda and Habibul Awal could have resigned due to their failure to conduct fair elections. Instead, by violating their oath, they delivered questionable elections.

Addressing voters, she urged them not to vote based solely on symbols, but to consider the manifesto and the candidate's qualifications. Otherwise, instead of restoring democracy, fascism could return.

Regarding independent candidates, Munira Khan said the provision requiring signatures from 1% of total voters to be submitted to the Election Commission is contradictory to the constitution. This provision needs to be changed. She also expressed dissatisfaction that, despite all political parties agreeing in the July Charter to nominate at least 5% women candidates, none have followed through in practice. She was particularly critical of Jamaat-e-Islami for not nominating even a single woman candidate.

The event was presided over by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.

In his address as the Speaker of the shadow parliament, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the February 12 election will be the people's verdict against Awami League's misrule. Voters, who have long been deprived of exercising their voting rights, will now have the opportunity to express their accumulated anger. Through genuine votes, the nation will be freed from the stigma of tainted elections, and a government of the people will be established.

He said that instead of politics of revenge, an inclusive, discrimination-free, and harmonious state will emerge—where social justice, rule of law, and human rights can be ensured.

However, he cautioned that ending an autocratic regime is not possible through elections alone. Without ensuring good governance and accountability, a merely acceptable election will not be sufficient to restore democracy.

Hasan Kiron further stated that elections are not just about transferring power. Ordinary people expect relief, security, and peace from their elected representatives. They want balance in income and expenditure, education, employment, and healthcare guarantees. People will be satisfied only when their minimum basic rights are realized.

In the shadow parliament competition, debaters from Dhaka International University defeated those from Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology to win. The judges were Prof. Abu Muhammad Rois, journalist Mainul Alam, Mashiur Rahman Khan, Zakir Hossain Liton, and Kawsara Chowdhury Kumu. At the end of the event, trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams.

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Killing of Osman Hadi Linked to Plot to Sabotage Upcoming Elections, Say Speakers at Shadow Parliament

Political analyst and former member of the Election Reform Commission Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has alleged that the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi was a targeted assassination aimed at creating a culture of fear to derail the upcoming national elections.

Speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on the topic "Young Voters Will Determine Victory or Defeat in the Next Election" at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) on Friday (December 19), Dr. Zahed described the incident as a "targeted killing."

"No one in the country has not felt grief over Hadi's assassination. The atmosphere created after his death is regrettable," he said, criticising the vandalism and arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following Hadi's death."While there may be criticisms of Prothom Alo and Daily Star, those who loved Hadi should not have resorted to vandalism and setting fire to these media houses. The government failed to handle the situation properly. Domestic and foreign vested interests are involved behind this. When disunity emerges among us and one side threatens the other, vested interest groups take advantage," Dr. Zahed added.He warned that various vested groups active in Bangladesh do not want the country's stability.

Presiding over the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran said despite maximum efforts, Osman Hadi could not be saved. "We are pained, heartbroken, ashamed, and alarmed by his assassination. The killers of Hadi will remain despised in history as cowards. This assassination will be recorded as a tragic dark chapter for the nation."

Kiran emphasised that Hadi's blood must not go in vain. "If Hadi's blood goes in vain, the spirit of the July uprising will fail. Although the defeated fascists have fled, their accomplices are still constantly trying to sabotage the election through threats and conspiracies. Hadi was killed as part of that effort."He noted that demands have arisen for security for national leaders and candidates following the incident. "I hope that after BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returns to the country, the government will ensure his highest security through the SSF."

The judges at the shadow parliament were journalists Kazi Hafiz, Md. Alamgir Hossain, Zakir Hossain Liton, Kazi Zebel, and Md. Atikur Rahman.

In the debate competition, the team from Dhaka Cantonment Girls' Public School and College emerged victorious, defeating Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College. Participating teams were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates at the end of the event.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the 2024 student-led uprising and spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, was shot in the head on December 12 in Dhaka's Paltan area while campaigning as a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. He died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore, triggering widespread protests and violence across the country.

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RAJUK Bears Responsibility for Faulty Buildings: Chairman Admits

The Chairman of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Engineer Md. Riyazul Islam, has admitted that “RAJUK cannot evade responsibility for all the faulty buildings that have been constructed in Dhaka city.” He went further, saying his position as RAJUK Chairman feels “very much like standing in the dock of an accused.”

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a mock parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on Friday (5 December) at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) auditorium. The topic of the debate was “Responsible behaviour by building owners can reduce earthquake damage.” Engineer Riyazul Islam said RAJUK is responsible for both plan approval and supervision. He suggested that handing over the supervision responsibility to another agency would be more logical and effective. “Not just RAJUK – many government agencies have a role in preventing earthquake risks,” he added.

Referring to the recent earthquake on 21 November, he said the owner of the faulty building in Kosaituli is still untraceable, but local building owners are cooperating with RAJUK to resolve issues.The RAJUK Chairman informed that electricity meters of illegal buildings are being seized. If that does not work, cases are filed and buildings are demolished. Action is also being taken against engineers and architects who sign designs without ensuring compliance. Those who obtained multiple plots through fraud and concealment of information have been brought under the law. RAJUK is taking a tough stance against housing companies filling wetlands in Keraniganj, Bosila, Demra and other areas and constructing buildings without approval.

Presiding over the programme, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the country is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and a major disaster could strike very soon. “We have fear of earthquakes, but no awareness. The current Building Code is outdated and must be modernised immediately. Short-term and long-term roadmaps are essential to tackle earthquake damage.”

He criticised that although huge amounts of money were spent during the previous government to create awareness about earthquake risks, little was done in terms of actual preparedness. “There are flaws in all government agencies involved in earthquake-risk management. Bureaucratic complications are the biggest obstacle,” Kiron said, pointing out that almost everyone in the Department of Disaster Management is a bureaucrat – there is hardly any engineer or geologist.

Despite being under RAJUK’s jurisdiction, housing companies around Dhaka are blatantly violating the Building Code and approved designs, he alleged. “They are constructing 15- to 20-storey buildings without following any rules. Even when there are specific complaints, RAJUK is not taking legal action. Some dishonest RAJUK staff are involved in illegal construction. Strict measures are needed to stop irregularities in RAJUK. In the past, nothing moved in RAJUK without money. However, the corruption of the past cannot be rectified overnight,” Kiron remarked.

He stressed that building owners have limited capacity and the government must take the lead in earthquake preparedness. All infrastructure the government is building – roads, metro rail, flyovers, elevated expressways, gas and electricity lines – must also be earthquake-resistant.

In the mock parliament competition titled “Responsible behaviour by building owners can reduce earthquake damage”, the debaters of Shaheed Bir Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls’ School and College emerged victorious by defeating St. Joseph Higher Secondary School.

The judges were Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, journalists Mainul Alam, Masud Karim, Saidul Islam and Dr Shakila Jesmin. At the end of the competition, participating teams were awarded trophies, crests and certificates.

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DRU expresses profound grief over death of Mizan Shajahan’s mother

Mariam Begum, mother of Mizan Shajahan – permanent member of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and Staff Reporter of ATN Bangla – passed away on Sunday night (30 November) at the age of 60 (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un).

The janaza will be held today (Monday, 1 December) after Zohr prayers, followed by burial at the family graveyard.

She had been suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes for a long time. She breathed her last at her own residence in Ulania village under Mehendiganj upazila of Barishal district.

She is survived by her husband Master Abdul Khaleque, three sons, two daughters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and numerous relatives and admirers.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel have expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of Mariam Begum. The DRU leaders prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound condolences to the bereaved family.

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