Dhaka //

The ‘Amar Bangladesh Party’ (AB Party) has alleged that the government is deceiving the public by repeatedly breaking its promises.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju made these remarks yesterday, Wednesday, at 4 PM during a protest rally held at the Bijoy-71 Chattar in Bijoynagar. The rally was organized to protest the passage of bills concerning the National Human Rights Commission, the prevention and remedy of enforced disappearances, and the amendment to the Property Transfer Act, as well as to condemn the government’s failure to keep its pledges.

Presided over by Mujibur Rahman Monju, the rally was moderated by Hadiuzzaman Khokon, Member Secretary of AB Jubo Party. Other speakers included the party’s General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, Joint General Secretaries Advocate Abdullah Al Mamun Rana and Aminul Islam (FCA), as well as Altaf Hossain and Shahadatullah Tutul.

Addressing the laws regarding the prevention of enforced disappearances and human rights, Mujibur Rahman Monju stated that the interim government had raised public expectations regarding the legislation for preventing enforced disappearances and the National Human Rights Commission; however, the newly enacted laws failed to meet those expectations. Instead of fulfilling the promise to repeal previous ordinances and enact stronger legislation, the government ultimately introduced weak laws.

He argued that if investigations into allegations of enforced disappearance remain in the hands of the very law enforcement agencies or police forces accused of committing them, the process becomes a mere farce. Investigations into such disappearances must be entrusted to an independent institution whose officials face no pressure regarding transfers, promotions, or job security.

Numerous allegations of enforced disappearance have surfaced in the past, yet law enforcement agencies have never voluntarily admitted responsibility. Therefore, an independent and impartial body is essential for investigating these incidents.

Monju said, “You deceived us by promising superior laws, yet you continue to break one promise after another. Remember, power is not permanent. Those in power today may find themselves out of office tomorrow. If you fail to learn from history, these very laws regarding the prevention of enforced disappearances and human rights will one day backfire on you.”

Referring to other government pledges, he noted that the promise to create ten million jobs within a year and a half has also been forgotten. Despite assurances that fuel prices would not be raised, they have been increased on several occasions. While the income of the general public has remained stagnant, the salaries of government employees have been raised, placing an additional tax burden on ordinary citizens.

He further remarked, “We understand that the conflict involving Iran has triggered a fuel crisis. But is the Iran conflict also to blame for the rise in extortion? You are treading the same old path.”

Regarding the Bill to amend the Transfer of Property Act, Manju called for a reconsideration of the legislation, noting that the new law could give rise to various complications and disputes in the future. In particular, questions have been raised about whether property received as a gift can subsequently be sold or transferred.

He stated that the intention behind creating a provision to retain rights of use and enjoyment—even after transferring property ownership during the lifetime of parents or donors—is humane. However, it must also be considered whether any provision of this law conflicts with Muslim law or Sharia. Due importance must be given to the opinions of Islamic scholars in this regard. We demand a review and necessary amendments to three specific laws: the Enforced Disappearance (Prevention and Remedy) Act, the National Human Rights Commission Act, and the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Act.

AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad remarked that those who entered Parliament through the votes of the oppressed—and who once witnessed the spectacle of leaders sleeping in paddy and jute fields—have now forgotten that history.

He noted that they have forgotten the history of persecution against the Zia family and the false cases filed against Begum Khaleda Zia. They have also forgotten the history involving the enforced disappearance, shooting, and extrajudicial killing (crossfire) of thousands of people.

He pointed out that today, Member of Parliament Hummam Quader Chowdhury and the wife of Ilias Ali are witnessing that very history unfold again. Yet, standing in Parliament, the Law Minister and the Home Minister have resorted to deceiving the nation.

Fuad stated that the 2009 Human Rights Commission Act has been reinstated. If an Awami League-era law is to be brought back, then bring back the Awami League itself! This Parliament has completed every step to bring back Sheikh Hasina in letter and spirit. They have betrayed the ’31-Point Charter’ and deceived millions of nationalist supporters.

He warned, “Do not forget—you may have to sign a written undertaking once again.”

He further added that the ‘July Charter’ and the verdict of the mass uprising are etched in the hearts of the people and written on every wall; that verdict cannot be overturned by the mere stroke of a pen. Also present at the rally were Dhaka Metropolitan North Convener Selim Khan, Chhatra Paksha President Mohammad Prince, Swechchhasebak Party Convener Kefayet Hossain Tanvir, Chhatra Paksha General Secretary Rafiur Rahman Fattah, Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Razia Sultana, Employment Affairs Secretary Shafiul Bashar, Metropolitan South Member Secretary Barkaj Nasir Ahmed, Assistant Organizing Secretary (Dhaka) Shajahan Bepari, Gazipur Metropolitan Member Secretary Masud Jamaddar Rana, Assistant Secretary for Women’s Development Shahinur Akter Shila, Assistant Cultural Secretary Abdur Rob Jamil, Assistant Publicity Secretaries Azadul Islam Azad and Ripon Mahmud, Assistant Finance Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique, Assistant Office Secretary Mashiur Rahman Milu, Assistant Secretary for Entrepreneurship and Employment Sumaiya Sharmin Farhana, Swechchhasebak Party Joint Member Secretaries Rashida Akter Mitu and Mizanur Rahman Mithu, Jubo Party Metropolitan South Convener Masudur Rahman and Member Secretary Sharif Hossain, Ramna Thana Convener Abdul Kader Munshi, and Jatrabari Thana Convener Mia Sultan Arif.

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