Inside Politics

UP elections: Awami League dyed in the blood of workers!

Publish: 10:00 AM, 05 Dec, 2021

Union Parishad (UP) elections are underway in various phases across the country. The Awami League versus Awami League rivalry has intensified, marking these elections with violence. In many places, including the BNP, are also joining the elections independently. Jamaat-e-Islami is providing support from behind the scenes. As a result, instead of celebrations, these UP elections are witnessing a grim atmosphere. The heart-wrenching scenes of people losing their loved ones and homes are creating unbearable sorrow.

Since the beginning of this year until now, at least 86 lives have been lost due to violence in UP elections, as reported by the Human Rights organization, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). Additionally, in the past month alone, 47 lives have been lost due to election-related violence, according to the Manab Adhikar Sangskriti Forum (MASF). ASK sources reveal that the majority of the deceased are affiliated with the ruling Awami League, including leaders and workers.

According to ASK, between January and November, a total of 688 incidents of election violence occurred in various regions of the country. Out of these, 594 people were injured, and 129 lost their lives. Among the deceased, 57 were from the Awami League alone. Election-related violence is mainly concentrated in UP elections, where 442 incidents have taken place. In these incidents, 5,234 people were injured, and 86 lost their lives. ASK, along with law enforcement agencies from various districts, has discovered that most of the deceased were Awami League supporters.

Violence in the Third phase

The third phase of local elections took place in Bangladesh on November 28th, with voting held in 986 union parishads. In the lead-up to and following these elections, incidents of violence have been reported in various parts of the country, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and over a hundred injuries.

Bhola

On November 26th, violence erupted during the election campaign in Bhola's Sadar Upazila. Mohammad Khurshed Alam Titu, a 32-year-old leader of the ruling Awami League's youth wing (Bangladesh Awami Jubo League), was killed in a shootout involving political rivals. Khurshed was the son of Tazir Ahmed, a member of Dhanija Union in the upazila, and he was an active organizer in the local Jubo League.

Pirojpur

In Pirojpur, violence marred the elections on November 16th, resulting in the death of Faisal Mahbub, a youth leader of the Awami League. On November 7th, during the election campaign in Shankarpasha Union, he was injured in an attack and was in critical condition at the hospital. Faisal was a former president of the district unit of the Jubo League and a vice-president of the government-owned Shorawardi College's student parliament (VP).

Lakshmipur

In Ramganj Upazila of Lakshmipur district, violence erupted between supporters of two chairman candidates during the union parishad elections. Sajib Hossen, the president of the union's Chandonnagor word Awami League, was killed during the clashes. He was initially injured at the polling center and later succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Dhaka.

Tangail

On November 26th, Tangail witnessed violence between rival factions of the Awami League during the third phase of elections. Tota Sheikh, a 40-year-old president of the Awami League in one of the words, was killed in an armed attack. Tota Sheikh was the son of Akkel Member, the president of the Awwami League in a union in the upazila.

Brahmanbaria

In Brahmanbaria's Nabinagar, an independent candidate's supporters clashed violently on February 2nd during the election campaign. In the midst of the conflict, a supporter of independent candidate Golam Mostafa Maruf, named Masud Mia, was seriously injured with sharp weapons. He was subsequently taken to Dhaka for treatment but succumbed to his injuries there.

Sherpur

Prior to the elections on November 26th, in Angaria Union of Sherpur Sadar Upazila, supporters of the Awami League candidate for chairman Abdul Razzaq Molla attacked and killed Abdul Rajjak. This incident occurred as the results were being announced. Abdul Rajjak was a supporter of the rival candidate Anarasa Pratik.

Khulna

During the third phase of elections, Babul Sikder, a 38-year-old supporter of the Awami League-backed chairman candidate Md. Mohsin, was killed in Khulna. Babul was assaulted with sticks and sharp weapons during the election campaign. After his condition deteriorated, he was transported to Dhaka, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Cox's Bazar

In Cox's Bazar's Chakaria Upazila, supporters of Nurul Haque Arefin, the newly elected chairman of the union, attacked Gias Uddin Mintu, leaving him dead after the election results were announced. Gias Uddin was the rival candidate in the election. This incident occurred after the election results were declared.

Jessore

On the night before the election in Jessore, a clash occurred in Sharsahar Koyra Union between supporters of two chairman candidates. In the violence, Kutub Uddin (30) was killed. He was known to be a supporter of the ruling Awami League.

Narsingdi

Before the violence on November 24th in Narsingdi's Raipura, four people were killed in Narsingdi. These four individuals were Aditya Kumar Ray (23), the son of Avinash Ray from Ghidob Gram; Rahima Begum (64), the wife of Abdul Bari; Mokhles Uddin (36), the son of Habibpur Gram; and Mozaharul Islam (37), the son of the late Tamij Uddin. They were all associated with the Awami League, as per reports.

Kurigram

In Kurigram, violence erupted during the local union parishad election in Fulbari Upazila on November 24th, leading to the death of Babul Mia (40) among the supporters of the candidate.

Munshiganj

After the announcement of the UP election results in Munshiganj's Sadar Upazila, a separate incident of violence has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others. The deceased have been identified as Riazul Sheikh (70) and Osakil (17), with Riazul hailing from Muktarpur Gosaibag. Osakil, who tragically lost his life, was the son of Mohammad Harun Mollah from Sharitpur. Notably, Riazul's brother, Mohammad Ali Siddique, contested the UP election as a Chairman candidate with the telephone symbol as his party representation.

Kishoreganj

In another incident, during the UP elections in Kuliarchar Upazila, Kishoreganj, a clash between supporters of Awami League candidate Mohammad Enamul Haque and rebel candidate Saiful Islam resulted in the fatal shooting of Delwar Hossain (38), who was known as a supporter of Saiful Islam, the rebel candidate.

Furthermore, in Sirajganj's Solonga, a school student named Delwar Hossain Sagar (16) lost his life due to election-related violence. In Pirganj, Thakurgaon, four individuals were killed in gunfire by law enforcement personnel. The deceased were identified as Aditya Kumar Roy (23), the son of Abinash Roy from Ghidob Gram, Rahima Begum (64), the wife of Abdul Bari, Sahabul (36), the son of Tofazzal Hossen from Habibpur Gram, and Mojaharul Islam (37), the deceased son of Tamij Uddin from Chhit Ghidob Gram.

Violence in the Second Phase

The second phase of elections took place on November 11th. In the second phase, 11 people have died due to violence in the elections to 835 Union Parishads. Among these deaths, seven occurred on the day of voting itself. Among them, seven people were killed in Narayanganj, two in Cumilla, and one each in Cox's Bazar and Chittagong. In the days following the election, three more people were killed in Dhamrai and Rajbari. Among them, two were killed in Dhamrai and one in Rajbari.

Narsingdi

The highest number of deaths in the second phase occurred in Narsingdi. 9 people were killed in Sadar and Raipura upazilas due to violence on both sides of Awami League. Among them, 6 people were killed before the election and 3 more people were killed in the violence on the day of the election. All of them were shot dead. Four people were killed and at least 30 injured in a clash between two groups of Awami League in Alokbali Union of Sadar Upazila of Narsingdi on the second phase of elections on November 4. The deceased are Amir Hossain (45), son of Katumia of Nekjanpur village, Ashraful (22), son of Abdul Jalil of the same village, Khushi Begum (50), daughter of Abdul Manu Mia, and one other person. According to local sources, the three deceased are the current chairman of Alokbali Union. Worker-supporter of Delwar Hossain. The current chairman Delwar Hossain's conflict with the opposition union Awami League's general secretary Asadullah has been going on for a long time. Soon after, the supporters of both sides clashed with tentacles and indigenous weapons.

Earlier on October 28 in Raipura, Narsingdi, three people died in a clash between the supporters of ruling Awami League's boat symbol candidate Ashraful Haque and supporters of Awami League leader Zakir Hossain, who ran as an independent candidate without getting the party nomination. The deceased are Dulal Mia (45), Salauddin (41) and Jahangir Mia (26) of Banshgari area. They are all workers of Awami League. On the same day, two people named Sadir Mia and Hiran were shot dead in a clash between two groups of Awami League in Kacharikandi village.

Meherpur

On November 8th, in Meherpur's Gangni upazila, two brothers, Jaharul Islam (54) and Sahadul Islam (51), were killed in a clash between supporters of the Awami League and independent candidates in the Laxminarayanpur Dholagram area. Jaharul and Sahadul both are cousin of independent candidate Azmar Hossain Tutul. It is known that both of them were supporters of the ruling Awami League.

Bhola

On November 26th, in Bhola district's Sadar upazila, during post-election violence, a young Awami League leader named Mr. Khurshed Alam Titu (32) was shot and killed by militants. The deceased, Khurshed, was the son of Tazhir Ahmed from the village of Kanaingar in Ward 4 of Dhaniya Union. He was also an active member of the Awami League.

Rajbari

On November 11th, in Rajbari Sadar upazila, an Awami League leader and former chairman Abdul Latif was shot and killed in front of his house by unknown assailants.

Cox's Bazar

On November 5th, during the night, two candidates for Union Parishad elections in Cox's Bazar's Jhilongja Union were shot by unidentified individuals. Candidate Kudrat Ullah Sikder and his brother Jahirul Islam Sikder succumbed to their injuries. Jahirul Islam Sikder was the president of the district labor league.

Pabna

On November 9th, during the Union Parishad election in Pabna's Sujangar upazila, a person named Sabuj Hossen (28) was killed in an attack by the opposition. Sabuj Hossen, the son of Hachen Ali from Cholna village in Sujangar, was a supporter of independent candidate Omar Faruk, who was contesting in the election. On Monday night, there was a clash between the supporters of Awami League-nominated candidate Amin Uddin and the workers-supporters of independent candidate Omar Faruk in Bhayna Union. Sabuj was first injured in the clash and later succumbed to his injuries.

Jessore

On October 23rd, in Sharsha, Jessore, during the Union Parishad election, Awami League leader Ali Hossen was injured in party-related violence, and later he passed away. He fought for 18 days with injuries and finally succumbed. Ali Hossen, was a supporter of the independent Union Parishad Chairman candidate Tabibur Rahman.

Sylhet

Focusing on the second phase of elections, on October 23rd, during the Union Parishad election in Sylhet Sadar upazila's Jalalabad Union, Awami League Chairman candidate's supporter Alauddin, known as Alal (45), was attacked with local weapons and killed. He was attacked with a machete and suffered head injuries, which proved fatal. The deceased, Alal, was a supporter of Awami League Chairman candidate Obayed Ullah Issac.

Cumilla

In the second phase of elections in Comilla, there has been violence in the Meghna Upazila, particularly in the Bahurkhola Union. Sanaullah Dali (60), the son of Mudafar Ali from Hirarchar village in Meghna Upazila, and Shaon Ahmed (25), the son of Mobarak Hossain from Ballaberkandi village in Manikchar Union, were killed. There was a clash between the supporters of Jakir Hossen, an Awami League-backed chairman candidate, and Harun ar Rashid, an independent candidate, centered around the polling centers at Adhipati Bistarok in the Bahurkhola Union and Khilarchar Government Primary School in the Manikchar Union. It has been reported that they were supporters of Harun ar Rashid.

Chattogram

In the Khurushkul Union Parishad election in Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila, there has been a fatality in a clash between the supporters of two candidate contestants. Anowara Begum, a common member candidate, and Akhtarujjaman Putu (32), a worker-supporter of Abu Bakar Siddik, were killed in the clash. Both candidates are said to be involved in Awami League politics. Additionally, in Fotikchhari, Chattogram, in another election-related incident, Mohammad Shafi (55) was killed in a clash between the supporters of two candidates, Mahbub and Forkan.

Faridpur

On October 23rd, in Khordia Gram of Saaltha Jadunandi Union in Faridpur, there was a confrontation between supporters of Awami League and independent candidates. Marij Sikdar (30) was killed in the clash. Marij Sikdar was a supporter of the rebel candidate of Awami League, Mohammad Rafiq Mollah. On the next day, in the Jalalabad election in Sylhet Sadar Upazila, Awami League-backed chairman candidate Alauddin alias Alal (45) was killed.

Kaptai

On October 17th in Kaptai Upazila of Rangamati, a contestant in the boat symbol, Nethoai Marma, was killed in her own home when armed miscreants attacked her.

Magura

On October 15th, in Ward No. 3 of Jagadal Union in Magura Sadar Upazila, there was a clash between the supporters of UP members' candidates Nazrul Islam and Saiyed Hasan Ali, leading to the deaths of four individuals. These included Subur Molla, Kabir Molla (his own brother), Rahman Molla (paternal uncle), and Imran Hossain from the opposing side. All of them were associated with Awami League politics, although they did not hold any official positions within the party, according to local leaders and activists.

Violence in the First Phase

In the first phase, elections were held for 204 UPs on June 21st and 160 UPs on September 20th. Even in the first phase, the Election Commission could not prevent violence. There have been reports of three deaths and many injuries in this election.

Kutubdia

In the first phase of voting, violence occurred in Kutubdia, Cox's Bazar, on September 20th. Abdul Halim (35), a leader of the Awami League, was killed in the afternoon. He was the general secretary of the Awami League in Ward 7 of Borghop Union. Violence erupted at the Kotakata Government Primary School polling center in Borghop Union during the voting process.

Maheshkhali

On September 20th, in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, violence broke out at a polling center in Kutubjom Union. A supporter of boat symbol candidate Sheikh Kamal and a rebel candidate supporter, Mosarraf Hossen Khokon, were killed in the clash. Khokon was a supporter of Sheikh Kamal, the chairman candidate of the boat symbol. Prior to this, on June 23rd, in Shibchar, Madaripur, a labor leader of the Workers League, Abu Bakkar, was killed in a knife attack centered around the desire for votes by the opposition.

On the same day, in Kathalia, Jhalokathi, during the Upazila Parishad elections, a clash occurred between supporters of winning and losing candidates, resulting in the death of a college student and injuries to at least 15 people. Six months ago, in Raypur Union, Narshingdi, Yasin and Shahin were killed in election-related violence.

Madaripur

On the night before the Upazila Parishad election in Shibchar, Madaripur, on June 22nd, labor leader Abu Bakar Fakir (46) was initially injured and later killed in a stabbing incident involving opposition supporters. He was a supporter of winning candidate Azizul Sardar.

Barishal

At the beginning of the year on January 18th, in Mehendiganj, Barishal, violence occurred during the elections, leading to the death of Word Awami League's Vice Chairman Afsar Sikder, who was a resident of Ward 8 in the municipality. He was a motorcycle garage owner by profession.

Additionally, one person was killed in Faridpur and Sylhet. There have been clashes among supporters of rival groups in several Upazilas, resulting in injuries to several individuals.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, the secretary of SHUJAN: Citizens for Good Governance, stated that the Election Commission is primarily responsible for preventing such conflicts and violence. He raised questions about the effectiveness of the Election Commission in such situations. If they fail in their responsibilities, what will the citizens do? He mentioned that he heard from an Election Commission official that they are not responsible for these matters. Such violence often occurs in rural areas, and law enforcement agencies are sometimes unable to control it. Therefore, it can be said that they are not fulfilling their responsibilities. If they did, we would see measures being taken. Where there is secrecy and violence, we used to see elections being postponed, and punitive measures taken against those responsible. But we don't see that now. Even if political parties are responsible, measures can be taken against them, but that is also not happening, he added.

Awami League

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BNP leaders are tired, its activists frustrated: Quader

Insider Desk

Publish: 01:55 PM, 20 Mar, 2024

Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP leaders are talking nonsense as they are tired, and their activists are frustrated.

"The party (BNP) leaders are now criticizing the government blindly in the name of iftar party. In fact, I don't know whether it is 'iftar party' or 'criticise party'. They are organizing those ifatr parties only to criticize the Awami League, not to praise Almighty Allah," he said.

The AL general secretary told reporters after a view-exchange meeting with the leaders of Sramik League and Krishak League of Dhaka south and north units at AL central office in the city's Bangabandhu Avenue.

Quader said, "It is necessary to reply with the rubbish, if the BNP lies. They (BNP) should stop lying, he said.

About an allegation of creating conflict and splitting the BNP, he said, "Why will we create a split in the BNP? We have no weaknesses. Awami League has many leaders and activists. The countrymen witnessed a massive crowd during the collecting of AL nomination forms ahead of the last parliamentary polls. The Awami League has no crisis."

Over the 'Kings' Party', the AL general secretary, said the Awami League has no need to create any Kings' Party. There are many people who want to form a political party before the polls to get gratuitous benefits, he said.

Over the allegation of the joining of Shakib Al Hasan to 'Kings Party', Quader said, "I noticed the issue in the media. I have no idea about the matter. But, Shakib participated in the election with AL ticket and won. He got the primary membership of the party before seeking nomination."

Criticising a comment by a BNP leader, the minister said BNP thinks that some countries will put them in power. But, the reality is that the people are the owners of the country, and they will decide who go into power, he said, adding there is no possibility to change the government without the support of the people.

About a report on democracy of an observer team from the US, "We have our own criteria of democracy. No one is perfect in the world. We also know it. A former president of the US has claimed that if he didn't get elected, bloodbaths would have happened in the country. What type of democracy is it? Even the former president didn't accept the elected president of the USA till now. So, it is difficult to understand the criteria of democracy."

Quader said military rulers and their allies were in power for 21 years in Bangladesh and there were no practices of democracy. Later, a political party had formed the government, but it is regrettably true that they also did farce election on February 15 in the name of democracy, he said.

About the prices of essentials, the AL general secretary said the prices of some commodities have already been reduced. The government is also trying to reduce the prices of other essential commodities, he said.

AL organizing secretaries - BM Mozammel Haque and Mirza Azam, office secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, deputy office secretary Sayem Khan, executive members Sahabuddin Farazi and Anisul Islam, among others, were present.

Awami League Obaidul Quader

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Quader suggests BNP make preparations for next election instead of next movement

Insider Desk

Publish: 04:24 PM, 16 Feb, 2024

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday advised BNP to prepare for the next general election instead of thinking about the next movement.

He made the suggestion at a joint meeting of the party held at the Awami League central office in the capital this morning.

Regarding BNP's movement until victory, Quader said Mirza Fakhrul has become overwhelmed with daydreams after getting out of jail.

At the time, the AL leader stated that, “BNP should recognise that the issue of issue-based movement in the country cannot be found while the people's administration is in power.”

In his introductory speech at the joint meeting, Quader said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu, has brought great honour to the country by participating in the Security Conference in Germany. Today, the democratic world has unhesitatingly accepted the importance of Bangladesh.”

"The geopolitical position of Bangladesh is fertile ground for many of our enemies. Many falcons have eyes on the Bay of Bengal and St. Martin. However, Sheikh Hasina's government has led to the success of balanced diplomacy", he added.

At this time, Quader said that the party president instructed the divisional in-charge to resolve the internal disputes of the party, including the formation of the expired committee.

Obaidul Quader Awami League Mirza Fakhrul BNP

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2024 election was the fairest since 1975: PM

Insider Desk

Publish: 10:45 AM, 08 Feb, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said this year's January 7 polls were the freest, fairest and most credible in Bangladesh after 1975.

"I think the election that was held in Bangladesh on January 7 this year was the freest, fairest and most neutral since 1975," she told a view exchange meeting with Tungipara Awami League leaders and activists at her official Ganabhaban residence.

Sheikh Hasina said the BNP-Jamaat wanted to foil the January 7 polls by doing various misdeeds. But the most important thing of the election is that the people spontaneously went to the polling stations and cast their vote, she said.

Mentioning that the journey ahead is not so easy, the Prime Minister said "Many obstacles have to be overcome. Many conspiracies surround this Bangladesh."

The people of Bangladesh have become financially secure today, she said, adding, people of Bangladesh are getting food today and are receiving treatment easily.

She went on saying, over 30 types of medicines are given free of charge through community clinics and today there is no need to bring old clothes from abroad.

Sheikh Hasina said that they have arranged rice and clothes as well as ensured medical treatment and education for the country's people. "In this way we are working for the welfare of people."

Regarding the commodity prices, she said that global food prices have increased, and that is why the government has to pay a huge amount of money to buy fertilisers, seeds, wheat, fuel oil, edible oil and gas.

"We have to buy many things from abroad. As the price of everything has gone up, the cost of transportation has gone up because of the Ukraine-Russia war," she added.

The head of government noted that there is a little difficulty for those who have a fixed income, saying "if we all cultivate the uncultivated lands, then there will be no shortage of this food. Moreover, we can make more surplus, we can also give to the people."

Laying emphasis on brining uncultivated land under cultivation, she said "wherever there is fallow land, we should bring it under cultivation. We will do whatever we can to help. At the same time, we will make arrangement for marketing through cooperatives."

Sheikh Hasina said, "We have a plan to store food grains in every district; When there is a surplus. We have already made arrangements to this end."

She urged everyone to be frugal in the use of electricity and water.

Addressing the chairmen and members of Union Parishads, the Prime Minister said that the government gives many projects and works, and those should be implemented properly.

"People should not be ticked off (seeing the bad work), rather they can bring confidence by seeing the work, and this trust is most needed," she added.

-BSS

election fairest

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PM for patience regarding war-like situation in Myanmar: Law Minister

Insider Desk

Publish: 10:01 AM, 06 Feb, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the armed forces and paramilitary border guards of Bangladesh to have patience regarding the recent war-like situation in Myanmar between their government forces and insurgents.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, in absence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, on Monday said this while responding to a supplementary question from Opposition Chief Whip Mujibul Huq Chunnu in the parliament.

“Bangladesh is observing the situation closely and steps will be taken,” he said.

He said that today (Monday) some 78 Myanmar Border Police members entered Bangladesh, some of them with injuries.

He mentioned that these personnel have been kept in a school there and the injured persons were given treatment.

The law minister said that Instructions have been given to initiate dialogue with Myanmar through foreign ministry and send them back.

“If they are not able to send them back the next course will be taken,” he said.

The minister said that government is aware of this matter in Myanmar and steps have been taken to close down schools in areas close to Myanmar frontier.

Myanmar Law Minister

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BCCT will give top priority to research in its funding: Saber

Staff Reporter

Publish: 10:55 AM, 04 Feb, 2024

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will give top priority to research in its funding.

He said research needs to be increased in the country to solve various problems, and it is not possible to depend on research from other countries.

For this reason, he said, all-out assistance will be provided to researchers and scientists for their research work in the development of science and technology.

The environment minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR) of the University of Skill Enrichment and Technology (USET) at the National Press Club in the capital.

The function was arranged to felicitate Dr. Mohammad Mazharul Islam, a senior researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, for receiving the prestigious 'IChemE Global Award 2023' in Chemistry.

Saber Hossain said Dr. Mohammad Mazharul Islam's achievement is a testament to the growing interest of the global community in the contributions of Bangladeshi scientists to the field of knowledge and science.

He said Dr. Mazharul Islam's research work will not only enrich the knowledge of chemistry but also play an important role in the development of our country.

The minister also called upon everyone to work together to improve the environment of the country.

Chaired by Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Patron of the University of Skill Enrichment and Technology, the meeting was also addressed by Professor Dr. Md. Fazlul Haque, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of USET; Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, former Research Director and Economist of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS)n and columnist Dr. Monayem Sarkar, among others.

-BSS

Environment Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury

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