BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the future of the nation’s economy and its overall political landscape hinges upon the upcoming general election. He alleged that, overall, BNP leaders and activists have endured the most severe political persecution in recent years.

He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon, while addressing an extended meeting of the Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila and Ruhea Thana BNP units as the chief guest at the Thakurgaon District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The senior BNP leader claimed that the party’s workers have faced unprecedented oppression during what he termed the 16-year ‘dictatorial’ rule of Sheikh Hasina. Providing statistics, he asserted that nearly 6 million leaders and activists have been targeted with ‘false’ cases. Furthermore, he alleged that 20,000 workers have been ‘killed’ and 1,700, including three sitting MPs, have been ‘forcibly disappeared’ (gums).

He observed: “Our political activists can, at least, sleep peacefully at night now.”

Fakhrul mentioned that numerous party workers in Thakurgaon have spent long periods in prison and been convicted in false cases over the last 15 years. He expressed gratitude to the lawyers for providing crucial legal assistance during this period.

On the subject of a nationwide referendum (or plebiscite), Mirza Fakhrul disclosed that the BNP has proposed to the National Consensus Commission that the national election and the referendum be held simultaneously on the same day. The meeting was chaired by Thakurgaon District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin.

Among the other attendees were District BNP General Secretary Paygam Ali, Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, Sadar BNP President Abdul Hamid, Ruhea Thana BNP President Abdul Jabbar, and other local leaders from the BNP and its affiliated bodies.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has formed a special team to spread false propaganda using digital technology. Speaking at a discussion marking the founding anniversary of the BNP-affiliated Olama Dal at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Rizvi said: “Jamaat is conducting misleading campaigns using digital platforms. They have formed a group of young individuals to spread lies, offensive remarks, and vulgar content on social media. These people are packaging falsehoods and spreading them regularly.”

He further said: “Claiming that voting can lead to heaven is a deception. Jamaat is trying to impose PR (proportional representation) out of frustration and is conspiring to disrupt the election. Ordinary people are not familiar with PR.”

Rizvi also remarked: “Those calling for a referendum in November have a master plan. Through certain conditions, they aim to confuse the public and delay the national election.”

He accused Jamaat of trying to remain under the shadow of the Awami League, saying: “Their political maneuvering shows they are trying to draw votes away from the Awami League. On one hand, they are creating debate over PR, reforms, and referendums; on the other hand, they are manipulating religious sentiments.”

He warned about the spread of a misleading ideology under the guise of a new Islamic trend in Bangladesh, saying: “This can be identified as ‘Maududism.’ The people of Bangladesh will never accept it. There is no place for such ideology in our faith, beliefs, and unity in monotheism.”

Referring to the events of 1971, Rizvi said: “Those who committed horrific acts during the Liberation War were also Muslims. But how can one Muslim inflict such atrocities on another? Those who supported or are still supporting such crimes—can they be called good people? Using religion as a tool to mislead the public and justifying any means for power is not supported by Islam.”

NEW YORK — Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo is taking aim at Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to raise taxes on corporations and millionaires, calling the plan “an impossibility.”

In an interview with WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, the former governor argued that Mamdani’s idea to boost state corporate and high-income tax rates to fund New York City programs would never pass in Albany.

“A Buffalo assemblyman or a Long Island senator is not going to raise taxes on their corporations to give the money to New York City,” Cuomo said. “It is an impossibility that a state legislature would raise statewide corporate taxes dedicated to only New York City.”

Cuomo, who served as governor for 11 years, said lawmakers from outside the five boroughs would never back a tax hike that doesn’t benefit their constituents. He also noted that Gov. Kathy Hochul, who faces reelection next year, has stated she has no interest in raising taxes on the wealthy or corporations.

Mamdani, a Queens assembly member and democratic socialist, has made tax increases on corporations and high earners the centerpiece of his affordability platform — aimed at funding free city buses, universal subsidized childcare, and other social programs.

Mamdani’s campaign pushed back, accusing Cuomo of defending the interests of the wealthy.

“Don’t get it twisted: Andrew Cuomo will stop at nothing to protect the billionaires and corporations making life more expensive for New Yorkers,” said Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec, noting that Cuomo initially resisted but ultimately signed a 2021 tax hike on the rich.

Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi countered that Cuomo’s record speaks for itself.

“The governor proposed a millionaires tax in his 2021 budget amid the financial burdens of the pandemic and it remains on the books,” Azzopardi said. “Mamdani’s operation should get their facts right.”

The sharp exchange comes as Cuomo tries to revive his underdog campaign following a loss to Mamdani in last month’s Democratic primary. Also in the general election race are Mayor Eric Adams (running on an independent line), Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and independent candidate Jim Walden.

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations he denies, has since revamped his campaign strategy — spending more time meeting voters and embracing short-form social media videos that proved successful for Mamdani.

“The reason it’s dangerous,” Cuomo said of Mamdani’s proposals, “is because none of it happens, none of it works. Then you just disillusion the public — and nothing changes.”

New York — Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has become one of the most talked-about figures in city politics ahead of the upcoming election. Calling for unity among Bangladeshi expatriates, Mamdani urged everyone to stay focused and resist misinformation campaigns.

“The upcoming November 4 election will make history,” said Mamdani. “We must not be distracted by confusion or propaganda. Only through unity can we win this battle at the ballot box.”

The remarks came on Monday evening at a community gathering jointly organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) and Bangladeshis for Zohran at the Sanai Party Hall in Jackson Heights.

Mamdani reminded attendees of his earlier electoral success, “We defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s son by a 13-point margin. Yet, he remains in the race as an independent. His goal is to block our progress, but together, we will achieve our mission.”

He further said, “Our vision is to make New York City a livable city for everyone. In this world’s most expensive metropolis, we must ensure fair opportunities for all — especially for hardworking immigrants.”

As the first Muslim candidate in New York City’s history, Mamdani emphasized the importance of collective action, “To turn this city into a city of dreams, we must stay united. Muslim and South Asian voters must come out and vote in large numbers.”

The event began with a welcome address from Abdus Sobhan, member-secretary of Bangladeshis for Zohran. JBBA President Giyas Ahmed presided over the meeting, which also featured speeches from Shahnewaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bangladesh Society; Imam Shamsi Ali, Director of Jamaica Muslim Center; Fakrul Islam Delwar, founding president of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society; and Tarek Hasan Khan, General Secretary of JBBA.

In the upcoming election, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani faces his main rival, 67-year-old independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Political observers suggest that current Democratic Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from the re-election race following a request from former President Donald Trump. Trump has labeled Mamdani a “socialist Democrat,” warning that if he wins, New York City could lose federal benefits.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Adams stepped aside amid corruption investigations, allegedly hoping for a presidential pardon from Trump. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is also being urged to withdraw from the race, as mounting political pressure from Trump’s camp seeks to prevent Mamdani’s victory by any means.

New York City has nearly 200,000 registered Muslim voters and over 300,000 South Asian voters. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda in 1991, is gaining growing support from African-American, Hispanic, and young voters, according to immigrant community leaders.

In contrast, Andrew Cuomo has been accused of attempting to create divisions between Muslim and Hindu communities, campaigning in mosques and temples while emphasizing his experience.

Zohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Uganda to a Muslim father, Mahmood Mamdani, originally from Gujarat, India, and a Punjabi Hindu mother, filmmaker Mira Nair. When he was five, the family moved to South Africa, and two years later, they immigrated to the United States.

Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals holding any type of visa will now be permitted to perform Umrah. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the development on Sunday, citing the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

According to the ministry, the decision aimed to make performing Umrah more accessible and convenient. The move is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to expand the kingdom’s religious tourism sector and enhance the overall quality of services for pilgrims.

The ministry stated that eligibility now extends to holders of personal and family visit visas, e-tourist visas, transit visas, work visas, and all other visa categories. The initiative is expected to enable Muslims worldwide to perform their religious rites in a peaceful and seamless manner.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced the launch of a new digital platform called Nusuk Umrah, through which users can select Umrah packages, obtain necessary permits, and book related services. Pilgrims will also have the flexibility to choose their preferred schedules.

The ministry stated that these initiatives were undertaken under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, so that Muslims can receive high-quality services in a safe and spiritual environment and enrich their Umrah experience.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that although certain reasons have delayed his return to Bangladesh, the time has now come for him to do so. “I will return soon and be among the people during the election,” he said in an interview with BBC Bangla, published on Monday. Tarique Rahman said: “Physically, I may be in Britain, but mentally and emotionally, I have been in Bangladesh for the past 17 years.”

He added: “There will be a much-anticipated national election in the country, and how could I stay away at such a time? During the election, I will be with the people and among them.” The BNP acting chairman further said: “I do not see myself as the mastermind of the July uprising. No individual or party was its mastermind. The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh were, in fact, the true masterminds of the July uprising.”

“BNP has consistently maintained that the sooner the election is held, the sooner stability will return to the country,” he added.

Tarique Rahman also said: “BNP believes that if the national election had been held six months earlier, many crises could have been avoided. The government has, albeit belatedly, come to realize this.”

He further said: “We wanted the election to be held within December, but the interim government aims to hold it by February. We want to have faith that the government will take all necessary steps, step by step, to ensure the election is held.”

When asked whether BNP would contest the election individually or through seat-sharing within an alliance, Tarique Rahman said: “Around 64 political parties tried to resist the former autocratic regime from their respective positions. We have always tried to work collectively. The 31-point state reform agenda we presented was initially proposed by BNP alone in 2016 as part of our Vision 2020 plan. Later, it was developed further into 27 points and, after consultations with allied parties, finalized as 31 points.”

“Our aim has always been to rebuild the state inclusively, incorporating the opinions of all parties that stood with us in the movement,” he added.

Regarding Khaleda Zia’s possible role in the election, he said that if her physical condition allows, she will certainly play some part.

Asked whether Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) politics would influence national politics, he said: “From what we have seen, individuals like Manna Bhai, who was Ducsu VP twice and is far more experienced in politics than I am, have expressed their views clearly. Student politics should remain in its sphere, and national politics in its own.”

On Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman said: “As long as any political party operates within the recognized laws and regulations of Bangladesh, it has the right to practice politics. BNP has always believed in multiparty democracy, and we wish to view the matter from that perspective.”

Speaking about the Awami League, he said: “If the party, as an organization, has committed any wrongdoing, it should face justice under the country’s laws. The law will determine the outcome.”

Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a “judicial legal process” and it requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.

Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.

“We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,” said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home.

“There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet,” he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi.

Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the foreign affairs adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary, adding: “However, I do not see any need at the moment.”

The foreign adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former prime minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina’s extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

London:  Five members of the British Parliament have expressed “deep concern” over what they described as a deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. In an open letter published on Saturday in the Letters to the Editor section of the UK-based newspaper The Times, they urged the UK government, the United Nations, and the international community to take firm action on the issue.

The letter was signed by MPs Bob Blackman, Jas Athwal, Neil Coyle, Gurinder Singh, and Luke Akehurst. It was co-signed by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, a member of the House of Lords, and Steven Powles, a criminal lawyer specializing in international crime, extradition, and human rights.

Under the headline “Rights of Bangladeshis,” the signatories expressed alarm at Bangladesh’s political and human rights environment more than a year after the formation of an interim government.

“We are deeply concerned by the worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh,” the letter stated.

“There are numerous credible reports of judicial failures, denial of bail, politically motivated arrests, the banning of certain parties from participating in upcoming elections, and growing violence against minority communities.”

The lawmakers called on the British government — particularly the Foreign Office — as well as the UN and international partners to pressure Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure justice, uphold civil liberties, and end impunity in accordance with international law.

They further urged the authorities to hold peaceful elections within a set timeframe and establish a stable civilian government, saying it was essential to restore trust and accountability in the country.

New York: Queens-based Bangladeshi business leader Fahad Solaiman has withdrawn his support for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, citing the lawmaker’s stance on decriminalizing prostitution. Solaiman, a resident near Roosevelt Avenue, told The Post that backing prostitution equates to supporting human trafficking. He urged his mosque community to instead support former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate.

“After sunset, you can’t walk down Roosevelt Avenue without seeing prostitutes,” Solaiman said after Friday prayers at Darul Hidaya Mosque.

Once a Mamdani supporter for his views on Palestine, Solaiman said he now sees the assemblyman as “a hypocrite.”

Mamdani, who co-sponsored a state bill to decriminalize sex work among consenting adults, has recently avoided detailed comments on the issue. Local mosque leaders joined Solaiman in endorsing Cuomo, who trails Mamdani by about 20 points in recent polls.

“We’re proud to support Andrew Cuomo to unite our city,” said Imam Qazi Qayyoon.

Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Opener Rubaiya Haider Jhelik marked her WODI debut with a match-winning half-century as Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening ICC Women’s World Cup fixture in Colombo on Thursday. The Tigresses produced a clinical all-round display at the R Premadasa Stadium to begin their World Cup campaign on a high.

Bangladesh’s bowlers set the tone early, with pacer Marufa Akter striking twice in the very first over, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin. Spinners Shorna Akter (3-5) and Nahida Akter (2-19) then tightened the grip, helping bowl out Pakistan for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs after they had opted to bat first.

In reply, debutant Jhelik stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, laced with eight boundaries. She forged a vital 62-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (23 off 44), before Sobhana Mostary’s quickfire 24 off 19 balls, featuring six fours, sealed the chase. Bangladesh reached 131-3 in 31.1 overs to clinch a comprehensive victory.