<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ec-allows-hardline-islamist-party-to-contest-upcoming-general-election-186045">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> heads to the polls in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">Bangladesh</a> this week on course for a historic victory, while her ailing opponent faces an uncertain future in a colonial-era Dhaka jail.

Bangladesh's "Battling Begums" have been fighting each other for three decades, but the 71-year-old Hasina is set to extend her record as the country's longest-serving leader after dispatching <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia, her chief rival</a>.

The two women have been political royalty — begums — since the 1980s. Zia, 73, is the widow of a military dictator and Hasina's father was the country's founding leader.

They joined forces to dethrone military dictator Hussain Muhammed Ershad in 1990 and restore democracy.

But they became arch-foes after Zia was elected prime minister in 1991, and the duo has alternated in power ever since in the South Asian nation.

Hasina is now seeking a fourth term and opinion polls indicate she will have a little problem at the December 30 poll despite criticism of her government's slide towards authoritarian rule.

Zia meanwhile is serving a 17-year jail term on graft charges that her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists were "politically motivated".

The convictions mean Zia cannot contest the poll, which the BNP says will be neither free nor fair. It claims thousands of activists have been jailed in recent months.

Zia suffers from arthritis and diabetes, has had knee replacement surgery and can barely move one of her hands. Western diplomats have written off her chances of a comeback.&nbsp;

"She is politically finished," said one diplomat based in Dhaka, adding Zia's only chance for escape would be if she is offered medical leave abroad.

The fallout has spread to the Zia dynasty.

Her youngest son died in exile in Bangkok in 2015. Her eldest child, Tarique Rahman, who masterminded his mother's return to power in 2001, went into exile in London in 2008.

In October, he was sentenced to life in prison for his alleged role in a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally in which at least 20 people were killed. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Analysts say that even though she is out of the limelight, Zia still casts a huge shadow over the election.

"It is fair to say that the conventional portrayal of Bangladeshi politics as the 'Battle of the Begums' has taken a back seat, for the moment," said Illinois State University political science professor Ali Riaz.&nbsp;

"But it is too early to write the political obituary of Khaleda Zia. Although she is not on the ballot, her name and influence is not diminished."

Boycott campaign&nbsp;

Zia's woes started with her decision to boycott the 2014 election, which the BNP said was rigged after Hasina scrapped a caretaker government system used for previous polls.

Dozens were killed in subsequent violence. A nationwide road and railway blockade the following year, aiming to force Hasina into an early election, left up to 150 more dead.

Many people were angered by the campaign and analysts said it allowed Hasina to launch a crackdown on the BNP.

"The decision to boycott the election and then enforcing the blockades were suicidal," said Ataur Rahman, a political science professor in Dhaka.

"They weakened the party and handed Hasina a big opportunity to target her opponents and create what has since emerged as a one-party dominant political system."

Few believe that the Zia family will lose its grip on the BNP, especially in a region where political dynasties are a way of life.

Zia's son, the acting party head, interviewed aspiring candidates for the party by video conference from London.

"These all are indications that the Zia dynasty is still very strong and maintains strong authority over the party," said Oslo University lecturer Mubashar Hasan.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina heads to the polls in Bangladesh this week on course for a historic victory, while her ailing opponent faces an uncertain future in a colonial-era Dhaka jail.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina heads to the polls in Bangladesh this week on course for a historic victory, while her ailing opponent faces an uncertain future in a colonial-era Dhaka jail. Bangladesh's "Battling Begums" have been fighting each other for three decades, but the 71-year-old Hasina is set to extend her record as the country's longest-serving leader after dispatching Khaleda Zia, her chief rival. The two women have been political royalty — begums — since the 1980s. Zia, 73, is the widow of a military dictator and Hasina's father was the country's founding leader. They joined forces to dethrone military dictator Hussain Muhammed Ershad in 1990 and restore democracy. But they became arch-foes after Zia was elected prime minister in 1991, and the duo has alternated in power ever since in the South Asian nation. Hasina is now seeking a fourth term and opinion polls indicate she will have a little problem at the December 30 poll despite criticism of her government's slide towards authoritarian rule. Zia meanwhile is serving a 17-year jail term on graft charges that her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists were "politically motivated". The convictions mean Zia cannot contest the poll, which the BNP says will be neither free nor fair. It claims thousands of activists have been jailed in recent months. Zia suffers from arthritis and diabetes, has had knee replacement surgery and can barely move one of her hands. Western diplomats have written off her chances of a comeback. "She is politically finished," said one diplomat based in Dhaka, adding Zia's only chance for escape would be if she is offered medical leave abroad. The fallout has spread to the Zia dynasty. Her youngest son died in exile in Bangkok in 2015. Her eldest child, Tarique Rahman, who masterminded his mother's return to power in 2001, went into exile in London in 2008. In October, he was sentenced to life in prison for his alleged role in a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally in which at least 20 people were killed. Analysts say that even though she is out of the limelight, Zia still casts a huge shadow over the election. "It is fair to say that the conventional portrayal of Bangladeshi politics as the 'Battle of the Begums' has taken a back seat, for the moment," said Illinois State University political science professor Ali Riaz. "But it is too early to write the political obituary of Khaleda Zia. Although she is not on the ballot, her name and influence is not diminished." Boycott campaign Zia's woes started with her decision to boycott the 2014 election, which the BNP said was rigged after Hasina scrapped a caretaker government system used for previous polls. Dozens were killed in subsequent violence. A nationwide road and railway blockade the following year, aiming to force Hasina into an early election, left up to 150 more dead. Many people were angered by the campaign and analysts said it allowed Hasina to launch a crackdown on the BNP. "The decision to boycott the election and then enforcing the blockades were suicidal," said Ataur Rahman, a political science professor in Dhaka. "They weakened the party and handed Hasina a big opportunity to target her opponents and create what has since emerged as a one-party dominant political system." Few believe that the Zia family will lose its grip on the BNP, especially in a region where political dynasties are a way of life. Zia's son, the acting party head, interviewed aspiring candidates for the party by video conference from London. "These all are indications that the Zia dynasty is still very strong and maintains strong authority over the party," said Oslo University lecturer Mubashar Hasan.

PM Sheikh Hasina on top in poll battle of 'Bangladesh Begums'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-alliance-demands-action-over-election-attacks-185453">Bangladesh</a>'s main opposition website has been shut down, the party said Saturday, amid accusation the government is muzzling dissent ahead of next week's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/facebook-and-twitter-remove-pages-and-accounts-in-bangladesh-ahead-of-election-185612">general election.</a>

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said authorities had closed the site since last week when they shut 54 news portals and websites for what they claimed were security reasons.

"We've written to the Election Commission to open the website. But it has not been opened yet," BNP spokesman Nazrul Islam Khan told AFP.

The shutdown has hit the party's election campaign just days before the December 30 polls.

"We cannot communicate with our supporters," he said.

The BNP is part of the opposition National Unity Front alliance, which is contesting the polls after boycotting the 2014 election. It has emerged as the main challenger to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's bid for record fourth term in office.

Hasina's government has been accused by civil society and rights groups of drifting towards authoritarianism, silencing dissent and the press by using an onerous digital-security law.

At least six people have been killed in election campaign clashes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and the BNP, whose incarcerated veteran leader Khaleda Zia was last month handed another stiff jail term.

The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission could not confirm whether the BNP website was among the 54 sites it blocked last week.

But commission chairman Jahurul Haque accused the website of bad taste. "It is obscene and indecent," he said.

In an email to the Election Commission, the BTRC, however, said the website was closed following orders from two intelligence agencies for containing "outlawed" materials, according to a report by the online edition of the mass-circulation Bengali daily Jugantor.

BNP spokesman Khan rejected allegations that the website contained obscene materials.

Last week the government blocked more than 50 websites and news portals for what it said were security reasons, prompting an outcry from rights advocates.

BTRC spokesman Zakir Khan said the websites were "spreading propaganda" and "destabilising the state".&nbsp;

A BNP spokesman has said 18 of its online activists have been detained in recent months, including a former air force officer who was arrested on Thursday.

Human Rights Watch said the arrests and the crackdown on free speech including widespread surveillance contributed to "a widely described climate of fear" ahead of the election.

"The authorities have used a number of broadly worded laws arbitrarily to constrain journalists, restrict the free speech of ordinary citizens, and target the government's opponents and critics," the New York-based group said.

"The government has ordered several units and agencies to censor the internet, monitor online communications, and detain users accused of 'spreading rumours' or 'anti-state activity'," it said.

This week Facebook said it had suspended nine pages and six accounts it had linked to "individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" and which posted anti-opposition content while masquerading as independent news sources.

Bangladesh's main opposition website has been shut down, the party said Saturday, amid accusation the government is muzzling dissent ahead of next week's general election.

Bangladesh's main opposition website has been shut down, the party said Saturday, amid accusation the government is muzzling dissent ahead of next week's general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said authorities had closed the site since last week when they shut 54 news portals and websites for what they claimed were security reasons. "We've written to the Election Commission to open the website. But it has not been opened yet," BNP spokesman Nazrul Islam Khan told AFP. The shutdown has hit the party's election campaign just days before the December 30 polls. "We cannot communicate with our supporters," he said. The BNP is part of the opposition National Unity Front alliance, which is contesting the polls after boycotting the 2014 election. It has emerged as the main challenger to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's bid for record fourth term in office. Hasina's government has been accused by civil society and rights groups of drifting towards authoritarianism, silencing dissent and the press by using an onerous digital-security law. At least six people have been killed in election campaign clashes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and the BNP, whose incarcerated veteran leader Khaleda Zia was last month handed another stiff jail term. The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission could not confirm whether the BNP website was among the 54 sites it blocked last week. But commission chairman Jahurul Haque accused the website of bad taste. "It is obscene and indecent," he said. In an email to the Election Commission, the BTRC, however, said the website was closed following orders from two intelligence agencies for containing "outlawed" materials, according to a report by the online edition of the mass-circulation Bengali daily Jugantor. BNP spokesman Khan rejected allegations that the website contained obscene materials. Last week the government blocked more than 50 websites and news portals for what it said were security reasons, prompting an outcry from rights advocates. BTRC spokesman Zakir Khan said the websites were "spreading propaganda" and "destabilising the state". A BNP spokesman has said 18 of its online activists have been detained in recent months, including a former air force officer who was arrested on Thursday. Human Rights Watch said the arrests and the crackdown on free speech including widespread surveillance contributed to "a widely described climate of fear" ahead of the election. "The authorities have used a number of broadly worded laws arbitrarily to constrain journalists, restrict the free speech of ordinary citizens, and target the government's opponents and critics," the New York-based group said. "The government has ordered several units and agencies to censor the internet, monitor online communications, and detain users accused of 'spreading rumours' or 'anti-state activity'," it said. This week Facebook said it had suspended nine pages and six accounts it had linked to "individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" and which posted anti-opposition content while masquerading as independent news sources.

Bangladesh opposition website shut down ahead of polls: Report

Bangladesh's main opposition group promised on Monday to remove curbs on free speech and the media and to rein in the police if it unseats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her decade-long rule in this month's national election.

Presenting its manifesto in Dhaka, the Jaitya Oikya Front, or National Unity Front alliance, also pledged to bring in a series of checks and balances on central government power.

It would create an upper house of parliament, introduce a rule that would bar a prime minister from running for office for more than two consecutive terms, and give the central bank more autonomy.

The alliance also promised to raise the minimum wage of garment workers and freeze gas and electricity prices for the first year that it is in power.

Hasina, who is Bangladesh's longest-ruling leader and is seeking a third straight term in the election scheduled for December 30, has been accused by the opposition and human rights groups of becoming increasingly authoritarian.

Cracked down on dissent&nbsp;

While she is credited for improving the economy and has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, she has also cracked down on dissent, stifled the opposition and introduced a tough new media law.

With less than two weeks to go before the polls, the opposition alliance has complained of harassment.

"It is doubtful that the election will be free and fair," said Kamal Hossain, leader of the alliance that includes the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

"In every district our candidates are being arrested...in the last 50 years of my political life, I have never seen such a situation."

Clashes have broken out in several parts of Bangladesh since campaigning officially began last week, and at least six BNP candidates have been injured while they were out seeking votes. The party has called for the army to take over to restore order.

The BNP alleges scores of its workers have been detained by police on fictitious charges, or even killed, under Hasina’s rule, especially over the past few months, and say that the Election Commission has turned a blind eye.

Asaduzzaman Khan, minister for home affairs and also a senior leader of Hasina's ruling Awami League, denied the allegations.

"No workers of BNP have been detained or arrested without an arrest warrant or specific charges, the question of killing or murder does not arise at all," Khan told Reuters.

The alliance said it would form an independent commission to investigate suspected politically motivated cases under Hasina's rule and punish police involved in them. It also promised to stop disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Khan also called those allegations baseless

"War criminals"

The BNP has close links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, many of whose members have been convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death or life imprisonment under Hasina’s rule.

Bangladesh's Election Commission scrapped Jamaat's registration following a Supreme Court judgment. Even so, at least 22 members of the party are contesting in the upcoming polls under the BNP banner, and three as independent candidates.

Hossain has said the alliance has no links to the Jamaat, but Hasina has accused the alliance for fielding "war criminals."

The media policy perhaps goes further than most in rolling back Hasina's recent moves.

"There will be no direct or indirect control on mass media," the manifesto said.

Bangladesh's main opposition group promised on Monday to remove curbs on free speech and the media and to rein in the police if it unseats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her decade-long rule in this month's national election.

Bangladesh's main opposition group promised on Monday to remove curbs on free speech and the media and to rein in the police if it unseats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her decade-long rule in this month's national election. Presenting its manifesto in Dhaka, the Jaitya Oikya Front, or National Unity Front alliance, also pledged to bring in a series of checks and balances on central government power. It would create an upper house of parliament, introduce a rule that would bar a prime minister from running for office for more than two consecutive terms, and give the central bank more autonomy. The alliance also promised to raise the minimum wage of garment workers and freeze gas and electricity prices for the first year that it is in power. Hasina, who is Bangladesh's longest-ruling leader and is seeking a third straight term in the election scheduled for December 30, has been accused by the opposition and human rights groups of becoming increasingly authoritarian. Cracked down on dissent While she is credited for improving the economy and has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, she has also cracked down on dissent, stifled the opposition and introduced a tough new media law. With less than two weeks to go before the polls, the opposition alliance has complained of harassment. "It is doubtful that the election will be free and fair," said Kamal Hossain, leader of the alliance that includes the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). "In every district our candidates are being arrested...in the last 50 years of my political life, I have never seen such a situation." Clashes have broken out in several parts of Bangladesh since campaigning officially began last week, and at least six BNP candidates have been injured while they were out seeking votes. The party has called for the army to take over to restore order. The BNP alleges scores of its workers have been detained by police on fictitious charges, or even killed, under Hasina’s rule, especially over the past few months, and say that the Election Commission has turned a blind eye. Asaduzzaman Khan, minister for home affairs and also a senior leader of Hasina's ruling Awami League, denied the allegations. "No workers of BNP have been detained or arrested without an arrest warrant or specific charges, the question of killing or murder does not arise at all," Khan told Reuters. The alliance said it would form an independent commission to investigate suspected politically motivated cases under Hasina's rule and punish police involved in them. It also promised to stop disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Khan also called those allegations baseless "War criminals" The BNP has close links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, many of whose members have been convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death or life imprisonment under Hasina’s rule. Bangladesh's Election Commission scrapped Jamaat's registration following a Supreme Court judgment. Even so, at least 22 members of the party are contesting in the upcoming polls under the BNP banner, and three as independent candidates. Hossain has said the alliance has no links to the Jamaat, but Hasina has accused the alliance for fielding "war criminals." The media policy perhaps goes further than most in rolling back Hasina's recent moves. "There will be no direct or indirect control on mass media," the manifesto said.

Bangladeshi opposition pledges to remove media curbs, raise pay, freeze energy prices

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls.

One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, court officials and lawyers said.

"As the two judges could not reach a consensus, in line with the practice, they referred the matter to the chief justice who will now send the case to another bench for hearing the case," an official said.

The ruling came after 73-year-old Zia challenged an earlier decision of the Election Commission to scrap her candidacy as the ex-premier filed nomination papers for contesting polls from three constituencies.

Senior judge of the bench Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in his ruling asked the EC to accept Zia's nomination and simultaneously sought the commission's explanation on why its decision to scrap her candidacy should not be declared illegal.

But the other judge Justice Iqbal Kabir, on the other hand, blocked Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Zia from contesting the polls.

Zia on December 9 had challenged the EC order disqualifying her from contesting the polls while the High Court had earlier ruled that those jailed for more than two years, with their appeals pending in court, cannot contest polls.

She has been in prison since February this year when a lower court sentenced her to a five-year term in the first of two corruption cases while a special court in Dhaka has ordered her appearance in a third graft case.

Meanwhile, formal campaigning for the polls started on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began the campaign for her Awami League from southwestern Tungipara sub-district, the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated in a 1975 coup along with most of his family members.

Hasina is contesting polls from the Tungipara constituency while she is set to travel across Bangladesh to rally support for her party candidates and alliance partners, including former president H M Ershad's Jatiya Party.

The Awami League's arch-rival BNP also launched its campaign in the absence of party chairperson Zia and her son and 'fugitive' acting chief Tarique Rahman.

Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists.

The absence of the two top BNP leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray.

The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years.

Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within.

The BNP recently joined the new opposition alliance National Unity Front (NUF) under the leadership of eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls.

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls. One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, court officials and lawyers said. "As the two judges could not reach a consensus, in line with the practice, they referred the matter to the chief justice who will now send the case to another bench for hearing the case," an official said. The ruling came after 73-year-old Zia challenged an earlier decision of the Election Commission to scrap her candidacy as the ex-premier filed nomination papers for contesting polls from three constituencies. Senior judge of the bench Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in his ruling asked the EC to accept Zia's nomination and simultaneously sought the commission's explanation on why its decision to scrap her candidacy should not be declared illegal. But the other judge Justice Iqbal Kabir, on the other hand, blocked Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Zia from contesting the polls. Zia on December 9 had challenged the EC order disqualifying her from contesting the polls while the High Court had earlier ruled that those jailed for more than two years, with their appeals pending in court, cannot contest polls. She has been in prison since February this year when a lower court sentenced her to a five-year term in the first of two corruption cases while a special court in Dhaka has ordered her appearance in a third graft case. Meanwhile, formal campaigning for the polls started on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began the campaign for her Awami League from southwestern Tungipara sub-district, the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated in a 1975 coup along with most of his family members. Hasina is contesting polls from the Tungipara constituency while she is set to travel across Bangladesh to rally support for her party candidates and alliance partners, including former president H M Ershad's Jatiya Party. The Awami League's arch-rival BNP also launched its campaign in the absence of party chairperson Zia and her son and 'fugitive' acting chief Tarique Rahman. Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The absence of the two top BNP leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray. The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years. Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within. The BNP recently joined the new opposition alliance National Unity Front (NUF) under the leadership of eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.

Bangladesh High Court splits its judgement on permitting BNP's Khaleda Zia to contest polls

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month.

"We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present.

The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing.

"Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls.

He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month.

BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament.

Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government.

Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest.&nbsp;

But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004.

Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast.

Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling.

The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28.

The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging. Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month. "We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present. The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing. "Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls. He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month. BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament. Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government. Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest. But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast. Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling. The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28. The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.

Bangladesh opposition BNP says will take part in polls

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, convicted in a corruption case, was granted bail on Monday.

BNP leader Zia secured a four-month bail in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in which she was handed five years of imprisonment by a Bangladesh court.

&quot;Now, there is no legal bar to let Khaleda walk out of prison on bail,&quot; Bangladesh Daily Star quoted BNP Advocate Sagir Hossain Leon as saying.

Earlier today, a bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim passed the bail order in response to a petition moved by Khaleda before a high court back in February.

Her bail was considered on four grounds, including her health condition.

Further, the high court directed the concerned authority to prepare the paper book of the case within the next four months for hearing the appeal she filed against her conviction in the case.

The high court sentenced Zia&#39;s eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party&#39;s (BNP) Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman and four others for at least 10 years with a fine of 2.10 crore Bangladeshi takas (Tk).

The Anti-Corruption Commission had earlier filed a case in 2008 with Ramna Police Station, accusing six persons including Khaleda and her son Tarique.

Khaleda is a two-time Bangladesh Prime Minister, having ruled from 1991-96 and again from 2001-06.

In a political career spanning almost four decades, Khaleda went to the jail several times but was never convicted. She was detained several times during the anti-Ershad movement between the 1980s and 1990s.

In March 1983, she was made vice-chairperson of BNP after her husband and former Bangladesh President Ziaur was assassinated. She went on to become the party&#39;s chairperson in 1984, a position which she holds today. May 10, 1984.

Since the last three decades, Bangladeshi politics have been dominated by Zia and current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

Her bail was considered on four grounds, including her health condition

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, convicted in a corruption case, was granted bail on Monday. BNP leader Zia secured a four-month bail in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in which she was handed five years of imprisonment by a Bangladesh court. "Now, there is no legal bar to let Khaleda walk out of prison on bail," Bangladesh Daily Star quoted BNP Advocate Sagir Hossain Leon as saying. Earlier today, a bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim passed the bail order in response to a petition moved by Khaleda before a high court back in February. Her bail was considered on four grounds, including her health condition. Further, the high court directed the concerned authority to prepare the paper book of the case within the next four months for hearing the appeal she filed against her conviction in the case. The high court sentenced Zia's eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman and four others for at least 10 years with a fine of 2.10 crore Bangladeshi takas (Tk). The Anti-Corruption Commission had earlier filed a case in 2008 with Ramna Police Station, accusing six persons including Khaleda and her son Tarique. Khaleda is a two-time Bangladesh Prime Minister, having ruled from 1991-96 and again from 2001-06. In a political career spanning almost four decades, Khaleda went to the jail several times but was never convicted. She was detained several times during the anti-Ershad movement between the 1980s and 1990s. In March 1983, she was made vice-chairperson of BNP after her husband and former Bangladesh President Ziaur was assassinated. She went on to become the party's chairperson in 1984, a position which she holds today. May 10, 1984. Since the last three decades, Bangladeshi politics have been dominated by Zia and current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Khaleda Zia granted 4-month bail in 2008 corruption case

A court allowed bail for Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Khaleda Zia today setting the stage for the former PM to be released.

&quot;The court has ordered an interim bail of four months for Madam Zia,&quot; her lawyer Zainul Abedin.&nbsp;

Last month followers of BNP leader had formed a human chain to demand release of&nbsp;Zia.

The ex-prime minister was sent to jail for five years in a graft case after a court had found her guilty.

The ex-premier on November 30, 2014 lost her last ditch effort to evade the graft trial as the Supreme Court turned down her second &#39;leave to appeal&#39; petition challenging her indictment and asked her to face trial in the lower court.

The ex-prime minister was sent to jail for five years in a graft case after a court found her guilty.

A court allowed bail for Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Khaleda Zia today setting the stage for the former PM to be released. "The court has ordered an interim bail of four months for Madam Zia," her lawyer Zainul Abedin. Last month followers of BNP leader had formed a human chain to demand release of Zia. The ex-prime minister was sent to jail for five years in a graft case after a court had found her guilty. The ex-premier on November 30, 2014 lost her last ditch effort to evade the graft trial as the Supreme Court turned down her second 'leave to appeal' petition challenging her indictment and asked her to face trial in the lower court.

Court allows bail for Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia

A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one. The ruling party may have made a strategic mistake by sending the former prime minister and leader of the country&#39;s largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to jail.

Bangladesh is less than a year away from the 11th parliamentary elections. Analysts in Bangladesh say that between the two Begums, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is more politically sound than her nemesis Khaleda Zia but Zia&#39;s only card to return to power is sympathy.&nbsp;

The ruling party may have just given that to her by implicating her on charges of embezzling charity funds of more than 20 million Bangladeshi takas (USD 252,000).

Subsequently, a special court in Dhaka on February 8 sent Zia to jail for five years. Five others including her son Tarique Rahman have been given 10 years jail terms in the same case.

BNP leaders say the charges are false and politically motivated to restrain her from contesting in the elections. The BNP and its alliances have engaged in movements across the country demanding the release of the former prime minister.&nbsp;

BNP&#39;s boycott of the 2014 elections has put the party in an existential crisis after the government sent activists and senior leaders of the party to jail on charges of political violence. Subsequently, some of the leaders resigned from the party while others have failed to stir a political campaign or movement in fear of arrests.&nbsp;

The rightwing party founded by General Ziaur Rahman, husband of Khaleda Zia, will be led by their son Tarique Rahman, who has been staying in London to avoid arrest in Dhaka.

For BNP the upcoming elections will be crucial for its existence but the ruling party will make sure that it has a clear passage to retain the government.&nbsp;

In 2014 the international community criticised the Awami League for holding a controversial election without the participation of key opposition. There was speculation that an interim election was inevitable. But Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina&#39;s government proved those speculations wrong.

This time it has become much stronger. The government has strengthened its relationship with both China and India - the two influential economies in South Asia - through economic and bilateral cooperation.&nbsp;

The Awami League has secured Chinese financial assistance of $24 billion in October 2016, becoming the largest financial contributor to Bangladesh. Within its two consecutive tenure since 2008, the party has also secured three lines of credits from India worth $8 billion including a defence cooperation deal worth $500 million.

All of these would have a bearing in the coming elections and while the Awami League really has courted the ball all the way, the opposition may just have found a cue.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is more politically sound than her nemesis Khaleda Zia but Zia's only card to return to power is sympathy.

A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one. The ruling party may have made a strategic mistake by sending the former prime minister and leader of the country's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to jail. Bangladesh is less than a year away from the 11th parliamentary elections. Analysts in Bangladesh say that between the two Begums, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is more politically sound than her nemesis Khaleda Zia but Zia's only card to return to power is sympathy. The ruling party may have just given that to her by implicating her on charges of embezzling charity funds of more than 20 million Bangladeshi takas (USD 252,000). Subsequently, a special court in Dhaka on February 8 sent Zia to jail for five years. Five others including her son Tarique Rahman have been given 10 years jail terms in the same case. BNP leaders say the charges are false and politically motivated to restrain her from contesting in the elections. The BNP and its alliances have engaged in movements across the country demanding the release of the former prime minister. BNP's boycott of the 2014 elections has put the party in an existential crisis after the government sent activists and senior leaders of the party to jail on charges of political violence. Subsequently, some of the leaders resigned from the party while others have failed to stir a political campaign or movement in fear of arrests. The rightwing party founded by General Ziaur Rahman, husband of Khaleda Zia, will be led by their son Tarique Rahman, who has been staying in London to avoid arrest in Dhaka. For BNP the upcoming elections will be crucial for its existence but the ruling party will make sure that it has a clear passage to retain the government. In 2014 the international community criticised the Awami League for holding a controversial election without the participation of key opposition. There was speculation that an interim election was inevitable. But Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina's government proved those speculations wrong. This time it has become much stronger. The government has strengthened its relationship with both China and India - the two influential economies in South Asia - through economic and bilateral cooperation. The Awami League has secured Chinese financial assistance of $24 billion in October 2016, becoming the largest financial contributor to Bangladesh. Within its two consecutive tenure since 2008, the party has also secured three lines of credits from India worth $8 billion including a defence cooperation deal worth $500 million. All of these would have a bearing in the coming elections and while the Awami League really has courted the ball all the way, the opposition may just have found a cue. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one

Several hundred BNP leaders and followers formed a&nbsp;human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday morning demanding the release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections.

They chanted different slogans demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, reports said.

Zia, 72, was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203"> imprisoned for five years</a> by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that no national election will be held in Bangladesh without party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

&quot;We want her immediate release and a free and fair election,&quot; Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered.

The BNP leader said: &ldquo;We will free her [Khaleda] with our peaceful protest.&rdquo;

BNP&rsquo;s district, thana, upzila and city units will also be carrying out protests at their convenient time and places, media reports said on Monday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-as-bangladesh-court-jails-opposition-leader-zia-32221">Clashes as Bangladesh court jails opposition leader Zia</a>

Dhaka Metropolitan Police&rsquo;s Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted saying: &ldquo;We will not stop any peaceful protest but it should not lead to the sufferings of mass people.&rdquo;

Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to appeal against the verdict, but it may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December.

Police said they arrested at least seven BNP officials on February 8 in the port city of Chittagong, including the local head of the party, after opposition supporters scuffled with police.

Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia&#39;s sentencing. A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added.

Zia is a former ally-turned-archrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP boycotted the general election in 2014 that saw Hasina return to power, but Zia is expected to contest the upcoming poll in December.

Her son <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zias-fugitive-son-is-now-bnps-acting-chief-32334">Tarique Rahman</a>, who lives in exile in London, has been named as the acting opposition chief, despite being convicted and jailed.

(With AFP inputs)

Zia, 72, was imprisoned for five years by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of US $252,000 in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Several hundred BNP leaders and followers formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday morning demanding the release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections. They chanted different slogans demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, reports said. Zia, 72, was imprisoned for five years by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that no national election will be held in Bangladesh without party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. "We want her immediate release and a free and fair election," Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered. The BNP leader said: “We will free her [Khaleda] with our peaceful protest.” BNP’s district, thana, upzila and city units will also be carrying out protests at their convenient time and places, media reports said on Monday. Also read: Clashes as Bangladesh court jails opposition leader Zia Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted saying: “We will not stop any peaceful protest but it should not lead to the sufferings of mass people.” Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to appeal against the verdict, but it may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December. Police said they arrested at least seven BNP officials on February 8 in the port city of Chittagong, including the local head of the party, after opposition supporters scuffled with police. Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia's sentencing. A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added. Zia is a former ally-turned-archrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The BNP boycotted the general election in 2014 that saw Hasina return to power, but Zia is expected to contest the upcoming poll in December. Her son Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, has been named as the acting opposition chief, despite being convicted and jailed. (With AFP inputs)

Thousands protest in Dhaka, demand release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh&#39;s main opposition party, the BNP, has named the &#39;fugitive&#39; and convicted eldest son of Khaleda Zia as its acting chief, a day after the former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a graft case.

The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka&#39;s Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia

Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned- politician.

The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia&#39;s &quot;fugitive&quot; eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP&#39;s) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia.

Rahman, 53, and four others have also been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

&quot;Tarique Rahman is now the acting chairman of BNP,&quot; senior secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said.

Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan later told PTI that the decision was taken in line with the party&#39;s constitution and Rahman would lead the party from exile as he is now in London.

Rehman fled to London in 2008 after he was detained by an army-backed government for more than 18 months.

In 2016, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of money laundering.

&quot;There is no problem for him to be the party chief,&quot; Khan said when asked as a fugitive convict if he was qualified to run the party from abroad.

The opposition party&#39;s move evoked sharp response from the ruling Awami League.

Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Quader sharply reacted to the decision, saying the BNP preferred to make someone corrupt to head the party.

He said the BNP recently scrapped a section of its constitution that had debarred dishonest people from being the party leader.

&quot;It is now crystal clear why the BNP abolished Section 7 from its constitution. Now there is no bar in the BNP&#39;s constitution for corrupt and convicted persons to be a leader of this party,&quot; he said at a party function.

Rahman is also being tried on several other charges with one being the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League.

Twenty three people were killed and Hasina narrowly escaped the assault while a Dhaka court nearly wrapped up the trial proceedings against Rahman and several stalwarts of the then BNP government and ex-military intelligence officials.

The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka's Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of about USD 250,000 in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Bangladesh's main opposition party, the BNP, has named the 'fugitive' and convicted eldest son of Khaleda Zia as its acting chief, a day after the former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a graft case. The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka's Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned- politician. The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia's "fugitive" eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP's) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia. Rahman, 53, and four others have also been sentenced to 10 years in prison. "Tarique Rahman is now the acting chairman of BNP," senior secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said. Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan later told PTI that the decision was taken in line with the party's constitution and Rahman would lead the party from exile as he is now in London. Rehman fled to London in 2008 after he was detained by an army-backed government for more than 18 months. In 2016, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of money laundering. "There is no problem for him to be the party chief," Khan said when asked as a fugitive convict if he was qualified to run the party from abroad. The opposition party's move evoked sharp response from the ruling Awami League. Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Quader sharply reacted to the decision, saying the BNP preferred to make someone corrupt to head the party. He said the BNP recently scrapped a section of its constitution that had debarred dishonest people from being the party leader. "It is now crystal clear why the BNP abolished Section 7 from its constitution. Now there is no bar in the BNP's constitution for corrupt and convicted persons to be a leader of this party," he said at a party function. Rahman is also being tried on several other charges with one being the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League. Twenty three people were killed and Hasina narrowly escaped the assault while a Dhaka court nearly wrapped up the trial proceedings against Rahman and several stalwarts of the then BNP government and ex-military intelligence officials.

Khaleda Zia's 'fugitive' son is now BNP's acting chief

A federal court in Canada&nbsp;in two separate cases involving judicial review applications of Bangladeshi nationals,&nbsp;declared the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a terrorist organisation on Friday.

Federal Court Judge Justice Henry S Brown upheld the immigration official&#39;s previous assessment that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the BNP, based on its activities, was a terrorist organisation, as defined under Canadian law.

Judge Brown concluded that the BNP willfully engaged in terrorism and violence to further its objectives in Bangladesh.

He dismissed the judicial review application in the two cases on grounds that the applicants were members of the BNP, which there were reasonable grounds to believe was engaged or will engage in &quot;acts of terrorism&quot;.

The first ruling was given in the case of Gazi Vs Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), in which the applicant was Mohammad Jewel Hossain Gazi, an activist of the BNP&#39;s volunteer front, the Swechchha Sebak Dal.

In another case, in May 2017, the Federal Court of Canada again labeled the BNP as a terrorist organisation, when Justice J Fothergill issued a verdict on an appeal of a BNP Joint Secretary and former Juba Dal member, who had filed a review petition for immigration to Canada.

Judge Fothergill said he did not find any mistakes in the Immigration Division&#39;s review, as, according to Canadian laws, many of the activities of the BNP matched the definition of terror acts and that the party used arms and ammunition, hand bombs, big swords and other means of violence to meet their political objectives.

According to sources, both of these cases are a clear reflection of the image of the BNP.

It is an image that has been built as a result of its actions over the years. In the last two decades, the years that the BNP was in power in Bangladesh witnessed widespread Islamic radicalisation in Bangladesh. Further, BNP leaders have blatantly propped up terror groups, using them as proxies and allowing them a free run in the country. For instance, during the BNP rule in the early 2000s, the cadres of the terror outfit Harkat-ul Jehad al Islami-Banglaedh (HUJI-BD) were used by the party to carry out attacks against political rivals.

Current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped one such attack on August 24, 2004, when she was addressing a rally, but 24 of her party members died in this attack.

Similarly, British High Commissioner Anwar Chowdhury also narrowly escaped a grenade attack in Sylhet in 2004, also carried out by HUJI cadres. The BNP, though out of power since 2009, still continues to indulge in such activities.

During its last term in office, the BNP had formed a coalition with the radical Islamic party, the JeI-BD. This party has now been declared illegal due to its role in the genocide against Bangla-speaking people in 1971.&nbsp;

A federal court in Canada concluded that the BNP willfully engaged in terrorism and violence to further its objectives in Bangladesh

A federal court in Canada in two separate cases involving judicial review applications of Bangladeshi nationals, declared the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a terrorist organisation on Friday. Federal Court Judge Justice Henry S Brown upheld the immigration official's previous assessment that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the BNP, based on its activities, was a terrorist organisation, as defined under Canadian law. Judge Brown concluded that the BNP willfully engaged in terrorism and violence to further its objectives in Bangladesh. He dismissed the judicial review application in the two cases on grounds that the applicants were members of the BNP, which there were reasonable grounds to believe was engaged or will engage in "acts of terrorism". The first ruling was given in the case of Gazi Vs Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), in which the applicant was Mohammad Jewel Hossain Gazi, an activist of the BNP's volunteer front, the Swechchha Sebak Dal. In another case, in May 2017, the Federal Court of Canada again labeled the BNP as a terrorist organisation, when Justice J Fothergill issued a verdict on an appeal of a BNP Joint Secretary and former Juba Dal member, who had filed a review petition for immigration to Canada. Judge Fothergill said he did not find any mistakes in the Immigration Division's review, as, according to Canadian laws, many of the activities of the BNP matched the definition of terror acts and that the party used arms and ammunition, hand bombs, big swords and other means of violence to meet their political objectives. According to sources, both of these cases are a clear reflection of the image of the BNP. It is an image that has been built as a result of its actions over the years. In the last two decades, the years that the BNP was in power in Bangladesh witnessed widespread Islamic radicalisation in Bangladesh. Further, BNP leaders have blatantly propped up terror groups, using them as proxies and allowing them a free run in the country. For instance, during the BNP rule in the early 2000s, the cadres of the terror outfit Harkat-ul Jehad al Islami-Banglaedh (HUJI-BD) were used by the party to carry out attacks against political rivals. Current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped one such attack on August 24, 2004, when she was addressing a rally, but 24 of her party members died in this attack. Similarly, British High Commissioner Anwar Chowdhury also narrowly escaped a grenade attack in Sylhet in 2004, also carried out by HUJI cadres. The BNP, though out of power since 2009, still continues to indulge in such activities. During its last term in office, the BNP had formed a coalition with the radical Islamic party, the JeI-BD. This party has now been declared illegal due to its role in the genocide against Bangla-speaking people in 1971.

Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party declared terrorist organisation by Canadian court

A Bangladeshi court today issued arrest warrants against 67 BNP leaders and activists, including top aides of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, in a case related to last year&#39;s violent campaign spearheaded by the opposition party in which more than 100 people died. 
 
&quot;The court issued the warrant taking into cognizance a case against them under the (tough) Special Powers Act,&quot; an official of Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court said.&nbsp;Justice Kamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order after accepting the charges pressed against 93 people but issued the warrants against 67 people, including BNP&#39;s vice chairman and former minister Selima Rahman, Zia&#39;s press secretary Maruf Kamal Sohel and her special aide Shimul Biswas.&nbsp; 
 
The court directed the police to submit a report on October 10 on the execution of the warrants.&nbsp;Legal experts, however, said the accused might seek the reversal of the order by a High Court. 
 
Police earlier said that the 67 people were accused of attacking and damaging buses and cars and obstructing police in discharging duties in a particular incident at Mugda area of the capital in February last year.&nbsp;More than 100 people died in arson attacks on vehicles. 
 
The BNP-led four-party alliance boycotted the January 2014 general elections, saying polls with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&#39;s government in power would not be credible.&nbsp;And the main opposition party outside the Parliament waged a protracted and violent street campaign, coinciding with the first anniversary of the second consecutive term of the incumbent regime. 
 
BNP and its right-wing allies had enforced a nationwide blockade last year. Zia and 50 other leaders and activists of her party were charged earlier in a Dhaka court in two cases over the violence. Police accused her of instigating party activists to torch buses and trigger explosions. 
 
(PTI)

Police said thoe accused attacked buses and cars, and obstructed police, in an incident which killed more than 100 people

A Bangladeshi court today issued arrest warrants against 67 BNP leaders and activists, including top aides of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, in a case related to last year's violent campaign spearheaded by the opposition party in which more than 100 people died. "The court issued the warrant taking into cognizance a case against them under the (tough) Special Powers Act," an official of Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court said. Justice Kamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order after accepting the charges pressed against 93 people but issued the warrants against 67 people, including BNP's vice chairman and former minister Selima Rahman, Zia's press secretary Maruf Kamal Sohel and her special aide Shimul Biswas. The court directed the police to submit a report on October 10 on the execution of the warrants. Legal experts, however, said the accused might seek the reversal of the order by a High Court. Police earlier said that the 67 people were accused of attacking and damaging buses and cars and obstructing police in discharging duties in a particular incident at Mugda area of the capital in February last year. More than 100 people died in arson attacks on vehicles. The BNP-led four-party alliance boycotted the January 2014 general elections, saying polls with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in power would not be credible. And the main opposition party outside the Parliament waged a protracted and violent street campaign, coinciding with the first anniversary of the second consecutive term of the incumbent regime. BNP and its right-wing allies had enforced a nationwide blockade last year. Zia and 50 other leaders and activists of her party were charged earlier in a Dhaka court in two cases over the violence. Police accused her of instigating party activists to torch buses and trigger explosions. (PTI)

Bangladesh court issues arrest warrants for 67 opposition leaders and activists

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