Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Bangladesh’s main opposition leader, was charged with murder on Sunday (Oct 29) and sent to jail, amidst concerns over a crackdown on dissent by the ruling Sheikh Hasina government ahead of the general elections.

Along with Alamgir, at least 154 members of his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were accused of murdering a police officer during the anti-government protests.

"At least 164 Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were accused of murdering the police officer," police officer Salahuddin Mia told AFP news agency on Sunday.

Among the arrested are the senior echelons of the BNP leadership, who potentially face the death penalty if they are found guilty.

Earlier, he was brought before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court, during which an investigating officer requested he be kept in jail for the sake of investigation, while his lawyer applied for bail.

<h2>Alamgir denied bail</h2>

After hearing both sides, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Shafi Uddin turned down the bail plea and granted the police's request.

The development comes hours after Alamgir was detained for interrogation for Saturday’s violence

Dhaka police commissioner Habibur Rahman had earlier said Alamgir had been "detained for interrogation" for &nbsp;Saturday's violence in which a police officer and a protester were killed, and at least 26 police ambulances were torched or damaged.

Police on Saturday said the officer had been hacked to death and accused BNP activists of the killing.

<h2>Anti-Hasina protests&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

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The anti-government protests have been going on for the past few weeks after Prime Minister Hasina put the party’s ailing leader and two-time former premier Khaleda Zia under house arrest and refused to give her permission to leave Bangladesh on medical grounds.

Zia was arrested and jailed, and her son went into exile in Britain, following corruption charges.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-gets-major-relief-from-court-army-dominated-nab-in-corruption-cases-651600">Nawaz Sharif gets major relief from court, army-dominated NAB in corruption cases</a>

Since then, Alamgir, 75, the BNP's secretary-general, has been leading the party in Zia’s absence.

The BNP and its allies have been calling for Hasina's resignation. They want power to be transferred to a non-partisan&nbsp;caretaker government to oversee upcoming&nbsp;general elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Bangladesh’s main opposition leader, was charged with murder on Sunday (Oct 29) and sent to jail, amidst concerns over a crackdown on dissent by the ruling Sheikh Hasina government ahead of the general elections.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Bangladesh’s main opposition leader, was charged with murder on Sunday (Oct 29) and sent to jail, amidst concerns over a crackdown on dissent by the ruling Sheikh Hasina government ahead of the general elections. Along with Alamgir, at least 154 members of his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were accused of murdering a police officer during the anti-government protests. "At least 164 Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were accused of murdering the police officer," police officer Salahuddin Mia told AFP news agency on Sunday. Among the arrested are the senior echelons of the BNP leadership, who potentially face the death penalty if they are found guilty. Earlier, he was brought before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court, during which an investigating officer requested he be kept in jail for the sake of investigation, while his lawyer applied for bail. Alamgir denied bail After hearing both sides, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Shafi Uddin turned down the bail plea and granted the police's request. The development comes hours after Alamgir was detained for interrogation for Saturday’s violence Dhaka police commissioner Habibur Rahman had earlier said Alamgir had been "detained for interrogation" for Saturday's violence in which a police officer and a protester were killed, and at least 26 police ambulances were torched or damaged. Police on Saturday said the officer had been hacked to death and accused BNP activists of the killing. Anti-Hasina protests Also read | Bangladesh opposition leader arrested from Dhaka home after clashes at BNP rally The anti-government protests have been going on for the past few weeks after Prime Minister Hasina put the party’s ailing leader and two-time former premier Khaleda Zia under house arrest and refused to give her permission to leave Bangladesh on medical grounds. Zia was arrested and jailed, and her son went into exile in Britain, following corruption charges. Also read | Nawaz Sharif gets major relief from court, army-dominated NAB in corruption cases Since then, Alamgir, 75, the BNP's secretary-general, has been leading the party in Zia’s absence. The BNP and its allies have been calling for Hasina's resignation. They want power to be transferred to a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee upcoming general elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bangladesh’s main opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir charged with murder

The police on Friday arrested two main opposition leaders of Bangladesh, a day before the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had planned a rally to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

BNP general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir along with the former minister and member of the decision-making body of the party Mirza Abbas were arrested from their homes by the police at around 3 am on Friday, head of BNP's media wing Zahiruddin Swapan said.

"They were plainclothes policemen. Alamgir knew their identity. They told him he was being taken away on the order of the high command," said Swapan, adding that the party was unaware of their whereabouts.&nbsp;

Spokesman of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Faruq Ahmed said that the police arrested the two leaders over suspicion of obstructing the work of the government and instigating violence during clashes that took place on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-to-go-to-polls-in-jan-2024-sheikh-hasina-seeks-fifth-term-541217">Bangladesh to go to polls in Jan 2024, announces Sheikh Hasina, seeking her fifth term</a>

Tensions have escalated in the capital in the wake of BNP's planned rally on Saturday, which the party claimed would draw thousands of its supporters from across the country.

The police have stated that no demonstration would be allowed in front of the party office, which the former called a "crime scene" after Molotov cocktails were discovered by them at the location.

According to the local media, police have set up checkpoints on routes coming into the city to stop the activists of the opposition party, travelling from the rural heartlands, from joining the protest.

However, Alamgir, in a press conference, on Thursday had said that the party will go forward with the rally. BNP spokesperson Swapan said that "around 2,000" activists and supporters of the party have been arrested by the police to stop the rally.

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In recent months, multiple protests have erupted across the country over fuel price hikes and power cuts, further demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that fresh elections can be held under a caretaker government,&nbsp;

The arrests took place on Friday, two days after tear gas and rubber bullets were fired by security forces in Dhaka over thousands of supporters of BNP who were preparing for the rally to be held on December 10, which left scores wounded and one dead.&nbsp;

Concerns have been expressed by the United Nations, along with the western governments, over Bangladesh's current political climate.&nbsp;

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The police on Friday arrested two main opposition leaders of Bangladesh, a day before the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had planned a rally to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The police on Friday arrested two main opposition leaders of Bangladesh, a day before the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had planned a rally to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. BNP general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir along with the former minister and member of the decision-making body of the party Mirza Abbas were arrested from their homes by the police at around 3 am on Friday, head of BNP's media wing Zahiruddin Swapan said. "They were plainclothes policemen. Alamgir knew their identity. They told him he was being taken away on the order of the high command," said Swapan, adding that the party was unaware of their whereabouts. Spokesman of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Faruq Ahmed said that the police arrested the two leaders over suspicion of obstructing the work of the government and instigating violence during clashes that took place on Wednesday. ALSO READ| Bangladesh to go to polls in Jan 2024, announces Sheikh Hasina, seeking her fifth term Tensions have escalated in the capital in the wake of BNP's planned rally on Saturday, which the party claimed would draw thousands of its supporters from across the country. The police have stated that no demonstration would be allowed in front of the party office, which the former called a "crime scene" after Molotov cocktails were discovered by them at the location. According to the local media, police have set up checkpoints on routes coming into the city to stop the activists of the opposition party, travelling from the rural heartlands, from joining the protest. However, Alamgir, in a press conference, on Thursday had said that the party will go forward with the rally. BNP spokesperson Swapan said that "around 2,000" activists and supporters of the party have been arrested by the police to stop the rally. ALSO READ| Bangladesh plunged in darkness following grid failure leaving millions without power In recent months, multiple protests have erupted across the country over fuel price hikes and power cuts, further demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that fresh elections can be held under a caretaker government, The arrests took place on Friday, two days after tear gas and rubber bullets were fired by security forces in Dhaka over thousands of supporters of BNP who were preparing for the rally to be held on December 10, which left scores wounded and one dead. Concerns have been expressed by the United Nations, along with the western governments, over Bangladesh's current political climate.

Police arrest top opposition leaders of Bangladesh, ahead of rally to demand PM's resignation

Bangladesh politics on Monday took a dramatic turn with four lawmakers-elect of the Opposition BNP taking oath on the last day of the 90-day constitutional deadline after jailed ex-premier Khaleda Zia's party overnight changed its decision to stay away from parliament over alleged irregularities in the December 30 elections.

The four lawmakers-elect of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party went to parliament late afternoon on the last day of the constitutional deadline and said they were taking oath as directed by the party's fugitive acting chief and Zia's elder son Tarique Rahman.

Six BNP nominees including the party's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were elected to 300-seat parliament. One of them took the oath last week, defying the party's decision to be dubbed by compatriots as "betrayer".

Alamgir later at a press briefing confirmed the party's decision of allowing the four lawmakers to join parliament but did not explain what barred him from taking the oath.

"This is our political decision...They took oath in line with our acting president Tarique Rahman's (Skype) meeting with the party's standing committee,"&nbsp;he said.

Alamgir, however, declined to comment on an unconfirmed report that he sent a letter to parliamentary Speaker Shirimn Sharmin Chowdhury, seeking an extended timeframe for him to take the oath under a constitutional provision exempting the 90-day deadline in particular situations.

"Wait to see what I do,"&nbsp;he said.

The four BNP MPs joined the ongoing session after the Speaker administered their swearing-in ceremony.

Media reports, meanwhile, suggested that the four lawmakers-elect mounted pressure on the party to allow them to take an oath.&nbsp;

BNP is now visibly exposed to a political wilderness as the party's chairperson Zia is now serving a 10-year prison term in two graft cases while a court declared as "absconding"&nbsp;her son and acting party chief Rahman, who stays in London to escape a life term imprisonment for masterminding a deadly grenade attack in 20014.

The December 30 polls elected a total of eight lawmakers of Opposition National Unity Forum (NUF) with BNP being its key partner.

The alliance had vowed to stay away from parliament, citing irregularities in the elections.

Two lawmakers elect of NUF partner Gano Forum earlier took an oath. The party expelled one of them for defying its decision but kept mum about the other.&nbsp;

Bangladesh politics on Monday took a dramatic turn with four lawmakers-elect of the Opposition BNP taking oath on the last day of the 90-day constitutional deadline after jailed ex-premier Khaleda Zia's party overnight changed its decision to stay away from parliament over alleged irregularities in the December 30 elections.

Bangladesh politics on Monday took a dramatic turn with four lawmakers-elect of the Opposition BNP taking oath on the last day of the 90-day constitutional deadline after jailed ex-premier Khaleda Zia's party overnight changed its decision to stay away from parliament over alleged irregularities in the December 30 elections. The four lawmakers-elect of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party went to parliament late afternoon on the last day of the constitutional deadline and said they were taking oath as directed by the party's fugitive acting chief and Zia's elder son Tarique Rahman. Six BNP nominees including the party's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were elected to 300-seat parliament. One of them took the oath last week, defying the party's decision to be dubbed by compatriots as "betrayer". Alamgir later at a press briefing confirmed the party's decision of allowing the four lawmakers to join parliament but did not explain what barred him from taking the oath. "This is our political decision...They took oath in line with our acting president Tarique Rahman's (Skype) meeting with the party's standing committee," he said. Alamgir, however, declined to comment on an unconfirmed report that he sent a letter to parliamentary Speaker Shirimn Sharmin Chowdhury, seeking an extended timeframe for him to take the oath under a constitutional provision exempting the 90-day deadline in particular situations. "Wait to see what I do," he said. The four BNP MPs joined the ongoing session after the Speaker administered their swearing-in ceremony. Media reports, meanwhile, suggested that the four lawmakers-elect mounted pressure on the party to allow them to take an oath. BNP is now visibly exposed to a political wilderness as the party's chairperson Zia is now serving a 10-year prison term in two graft cases while a court declared as "absconding" her son and acting party chief Rahman, who stays in London to escape a life term imprisonment for masterminding a deadly grenade attack in 20014. The December 30 polls elected a total of eight lawmakers of Opposition National Unity Forum (NUF) with BNP being its key partner. The alliance had vowed to stay away from parliament, citing irregularities in the elections. Two lawmakers elect of NUF partner Gano Forum earlier took an oath. The party expelled one of them for defying its decision but kept mum about the other.

Four Bangladesh Nationalist Party lawmakers take oath at last moment

Merely four days before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-violence-youths-carrying-awami-league-banner-attack-bnp-candidate-186668">11th General Elections</a>, the Jatiya Oikya Front here has called for the Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) resignation, accusing him of bias.&nbsp;

This comes in the aftermath of a delegation belonging to the alliance walking out of a meeting with the CEC, KM Nurul Huda, on December 25 over the latter`s "discourteous" behaviour.

"When we began to complain about the police role, he [CEC] took their side. We Don`t expect such behaviour" The Daily Star quoted Nazrul Islam Khan from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-bangladesh-election-results-will-impact-its-ties-with-india-186618">Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)</a> as saying.&nbsp;

Furthermore, BNP`s Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "His behaviour was discourteous," while referring to the CEC.&nbsp;

The alliance later called a presser on Tuesday night and demanded the CEC`s resignation and pushed for the appointment of a "neutral person" so that a free and fair election is conducted.&nbsp;

Kamal Hossain led the Front`s delegation at the meeting yesterday and put forth their concerns regarding the violence against leaders and party workers from the opposition in the run-up to Sunday`s elections.&nbsp;

He also complained about police action and mentioned that a few members from the police forces were acting like "beasts".

"You cannot label a force in such a way. Whatever police are doing are within the legal framework. Who do you think you are?" the CEC told Hossain in response.&nbsp;

The opposition front also called for the withdrawal of four police officials during Tuesday`s meeting.&nbsp;

Furthermore, it also claimed that the police refused to give them protection in the wake of violence initiated against them by rival parties.&nbsp;

The CEC rejected all allegations against the police forces, leading to the walk-out and the subsequent demand for resignation.&nbsp;

Merely four days before the 11th General Elections, the Jatiya Oikya Front here has called for the Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) resignation, accusing him of bias.

Merely four days before the 11th General Elections, the Jatiya Oikya Front here has called for the Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) resignation, accusing him of bias. This comes in the aftermath of a delegation belonging to the alliance walking out of a meeting with the CEC, KM Nurul Huda, on December 25 over the latter`s "discourteous" behaviour. "When we began to complain about the police role, he [CEC] took their side. We Don`t expect such behaviour" The Daily Star quoted Nazrul Islam Khan from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as saying. Furthermore, BNP`s Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "His behaviour was discourteous," while referring to the CEC. The alliance later called a presser on Tuesday night and demanded the CEC`s resignation and pushed for the appointment of a "neutral person" so that a free and fair election is conducted. Kamal Hossain led the Front`s delegation at the meeting yesterday and put forth their concerns regarding the violence against leaders and party workers from the opposition in the run-up to Sunday`s elections. He also complained about police action and mentioned that a few members from the police forces were acting like "beasts". "You cannot label a force in such a way. Whatever police are doing are within the legal framework. Who do you think you are?" the CEC told Hossain in response. The opposition front also called for the withdrawal of four police officials during Tuesday`s meeting. Furthermore, it also claimed that the police refused to give them protection in the wake of violence initiated against them by rival parties. The CEC rejected all allegations against the police forces, leading to the walk-out and the subsequent demand for resignation.

Bangladesh poll: Opposition calls for CEC KM Nurul Huda's resignation

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

"As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there," he said.

"We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election."

The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister 's Awami League - accused of increasingly authoritarian rule - is expected to face a tough fight.

Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail.

The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasina's governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government.

BITTER RIVALRY

Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges.

Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman.

While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech.

Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release.

Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom.

The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings.

It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday. The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there," he said. "We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election." The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister 's Awami League - accused of increasingly authoritarian rule - is expected to face a tough fight. Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail. The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasina's governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government. BITTER RIVALRY Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges. Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman. While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release. Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom. The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings. It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.

Bangladesh's opposition group says 'strongly' wants to contest elections