[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

BNP wants to reinstate caretaker govt system
Says Tarique


File photo of Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said their party is willing to bring back the caretaker government system for elections to ensure the restoration of the people's voting rights.

"We want to reinstate the caretaker government system in the constitution to restore the people's right to vote," he said while exchanging views with BNP grassroots leaders and activists of Khulna division.

Stating that Bangladesh belongs to its citizens, the BNP leader said it is the people's justified democratic right to elect their representatives through the independent exercise of their voting rights.

He said the BNP introduced the caretaker government system in the constitution in 1996, replacing a partisan government, to safeguard the people's right to vote and ensure free and fair elections in the country.

"But in order to hang onto power, autocratic [Sheikh] Hasina removed it from the constitution and deprived the people of voting rights in three national elections," Tarique mentioned.

The BNP leader outlined the main objectives of their party's politics as ensuring security of the people, upholding freedom of speech, protecting the right to do business and trade peacefully, providing employment for youth, safeguarding the dignity and security of women, guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion, caste, or creed, whether they live on plains or hills, and establishing the rule of law throughout the country.

Tarique said the BNP's priorities also include ensuring a balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches, providing universal healthcare facilities, ensuring fair prices for agricultural products, and, above all, protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.

The BNP leader warned that their party will not tolerate any imprudent actions by a few wayward individuals within the party, regardless of who they are.

Tarique asked his party leaders to identify and resist those who dent the image of the party by not only expelling them from the party but also taking legal action against them.​

BNP issues show-cause notices to Salahuddin and Khokon
Published :
Sep 02, 2024 23:58
Updated :
Sep 02, 2024 23:58

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sent letters to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, seeking explanations regarding allegations circulating in the media and on social platforms.

The letters, signed by BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, were delivered to both leaders on Sunday, UNB reports.

Salahuddin Ahmed was show-caused for using a vehicle belonging to the controversial business group S Alam Group during a reception event in Cox’s Bazar. Meanwhile, Khairul Kabir Khokon faced allegations of meeting with controversial diamond businessman Dilip Kumar Agarwala.

Following the receipt of the letter, Salahuddin Ahmed reportedly spoke with the party's Acting Chairman.

On Monday afternoon, Salahuddin Ahmed held a press briefing at his Gulshan residence to clarify the matter and stated, "The news regarding the vehicle has understandably caused some public confusion. However, it was an old vehicle brought by one of my younger brothers, who was delighted that I used his car. If I had known it belonged to a company, I might have exercised caution."

He further added, "Nonetheless, if my inadvertent mistake has caused any distress or hurt the sentiments of the people, I sincerely apologize."

Meanwhile, Khairul Kabir Khokon submitted his response to the Acting Chairman on Monday. In his explanation,

Khokon stated, "The social media post involving me is nothing but a distortion of the truth. Every leader and activist in our party is aware of my political journey, my unwavering dedication, loyalty, discipline, and uncompromising stance on ethics, starting from my student days to my role in national politics."​

BNP to rebuild country thru' right politics
Mirza Fakhrul says
FE REPORT
Published :
Sep 02, 2024 08:14
Updated :
Sep 02, 2024 08:14



On the occasion of BNP's 46th founding anniversary on Sunday (September 1), the party's leaders and activists paid homage to its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths and offering prayers at his mausoleum in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area Photo : FE Photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party is committed to rebuilding the country through right politics.

He said democracy would be restored in Bangladesh despite facing many challenges.

"No time to see the past. BNP has set the goal to establish a discrimination-free society, free from autocrat."

He said these at a doa mahfil, marking BNP's 46th founding anniversary (1st Sept) in the

party's central office at Naya Paltan in the capital on Sunday. A number of leaders and activists attended it.

"BNP is now undoubtedly the largest political party in Bangladesh. We have struggled over the last 16 years for restoring democracy in the country under the leadership of Tarique Rahman."

The BNP acting chairman has directed the party leaders and activists to work for welfare of the country's people, he noted.

Mirza Fakhrul said BNP has fought for bringing reforms in the electoral system and election, to be conducted either by a caretaker or neutral government.

At the same time, BNP has also struggled for reforming the government institutions, which were politicised and destroyed by the previous fascist Awami League government.

The BNP secretary general opined that the party has also struggled to bring order in the country's economy and run it properly.

"A total of 700 BNP men became victims of enforced disappearances. Around 2,000 BNP activists were shot dead. False cases were filed against six million BNP leaders, activists and followers during the past autocratic regime. Justice must be ensured for those crimes committed by Sheikh Hasina," he added.

In the morning, BNP leaders and activists thronged the grave of the party founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital and offered prayers.​

BNP politics and a roadmap for state repairs
The student-people's uprising that brought about a significant change in people's political psyche. They no longer want to see the political culture and power of the past. In these new circumstances, everyone calls for state reforms. BNP and the other parties can draw up a roadmap to this end. Mohiuddin Ahmed deliberates in these matters.


Mohiuddin Ahmad
Published: 02 Sep 2024, 18: 03

BNP rally after the fall of the government. Naya Paltan, 7 August 2024Suvra Kanti Das

The Awami-BKSAL government was toppled through a bloody coup on 15 August 1975. Nine days after that, on 24 August, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the armed forces Maj Gen Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, was appointed Chief of Staff of the armed forces. On 7 November that year, he became the Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrator through another coup. On 29 November 1976 he took over as Chief Martial Law Administrator. He became president on 4 April 1977. On 31 May he was given a vote of confidence by means of referendum.

On the second anniversary of the 7 November 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day', Ziaur Rahman motivated the people with the message of 'Bangladeshi nationalism'.

On 22 February 1978 he formed the party Jatiyatabadi Gonotantrik Dal (Jagodal), with vice president Abdus Sattar as convener. On 28 April he promoted himself to the rank of lieutenant general, the relevant gazette being published on 19 April 1979.

On 1 May 1978 the six-party Jatiyatabadi Front (Nationalist Front) was formed with Zia has chairman. He was elected president on 3 June as candidate of this front. On 29 August Jagodal was dissolved. On 1 September Zia announced a 76-member convener committee of a new political party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with himself as chairman. The Jatiyatabadi Front was dissolved. On 1 December he retired from the army.

And that was how Ziaur Rahman became a politician. He created the political party BNP. A large number of civil and military bureaucrats, professionals, intellectuals, businesspersons, and politicians breaking away from left-wing and right-wing camps, joined the party. 1 September was the party's founding anniversary.

The state of Bangladesh is 53 years old and BNP is 46. The party has been through a series of splits at various times. After the death of Ziaur Rahman in 1981, the party was in dire straits. Khaleda Zia took over the reins of the party as its vice chairperson in 1983 and then as chairperson in 1984. During the anti-Ershad movement she established herself as an uncompromising leader. The narrative of her transformation from a housewife to full-fledged politician is also amazing.

Actually it was Khaleda Zia who made BNP a strong and formidable party. Many parties came and went before and after BNP, and it would take a microscope to locate these parties now.

Then 2007 came and BNP was struck by the 1/11 tsunami. The party was in tatters. Awami League made certain commitments and came to an understanding with the military-backed caretaker government and swept to the government by winning the 2008 election.

The meeting held to come to this understanding was held in the US (Source: Ek Egaro, Prothoma Prokashon). But Awami League did not keep its commitments. We then saw three consecutive staged elections held by subservient elections commissions.

The economy has been shattered. Social order is at the nadir. No one listens to anyone. Chaos prevails. A long-term plan and roadmap is required to salvage the country from this predicament
The dynastic rule that had been toppled in 1975, once again descended like an ogre on the shoulders of the people, with Delhi's blessings. Delhi's rulers believe Sheikh Hasina's servile government acts as a shield for their national security.

Changing political scenarios

The government system that had been in place over the past 15 years can only be termed as 'fascist'. We could not use this work to describe the government when we wrote in the newspapers. We would say 'authoritarian' government. Autocracy and fascism are not one and the same thing. Fascism does not emerge naturally, it needs a base. We saw a significant section of the media and intellectuals lend their support to Sheikh Hasina. Some of them were quite big names in the media, poets, writers, professors, artistes. We would see a sycophantic obsequious scene at the prime minister's press conferences. Only selected journalists would ask pre-fixed questions and the prime minister would use these questions to spew out her toxic vengeance.

Social media, Facebook in particular, was used to fill the vacuum created by the controlled media. That was then controlled by the Digital Security Act and then the Cyber Security Act. People were even afraid to speak their minds over phone. The intelligence, who salaries and allowances were paid with the people's money, used the people's money to procure spyware to keep the people under surveillance. What irony.

The situation has changed somewhat now. People feel freer to write and speak their minds now. But for how long? After the mass uprising in 1990, people had breathed a sigh of relief. But that did not last long. BNP came to power in 1991 through the demands for a caretaker government and elections under a neutral government. But they did not keep their word.

Another movement was launched for a caretaker government and from then on Awami League and BNP both would plot and plan on how to use the caretaker government to their advantage and remain in power forever.

Then came the 1/11 jolt. Many politicians were mistreated. That was inevitable. It was the constant fracas among the politicians that compelled the army to intervene. But they learnt no lessons from this.

Recently an unprecedented mass revolt took place in the country. The students were the catalysts. At one point of time, the movement against discrimination, fuelled by the movement for quota reforms in government jobs, was joined by people from all walks of life. And the immovable government of Hasina finally toppled from power.

The question remains, have politicians learned anything from this? It is the politicians who will run the country, that is the norm. There is an interim government installed at the moment. BNP is demanding an election roadmap. Political parties are very important but not the only stakeholders. The main stakeholders are the people. The people for long have been demanding state reforms.

Over the past 77 years we have changed the country, changed the flag, changed the father of the nation. But the state has not changed. The people want state reforms. They want a roadmap for reforms. This should have come from the politicians. But that wasn't there. If elections are held without state repairs, what will those who ascend to power deliver? We have been cheated in 1972, 1991, 2009, every time. What do the people expect from this interim government, achieved through the blood of thousands? This government must understand what the people expect. BNP and the other parties that aspire for power, also must understand the people's aspirations.

All institutions of the country have been destroyed. The economy has been shattered. Social order is at the nadir. No one listens to anyone. Chaos prevails. A long-term plan and roadmap is required to salvage the country from this predicament. The days are over for politics of raised fingers and roaring rhetoric.

It makes us laugh when politicians say, we brought in democracy, we carried out development. The 170 million people of the country can't sit together and run the country. The people have elected you as their representatives to carry out certain responsibilities. That is why you are paid salaries and allowances. We want you to carry out your duties at minimum cost. We are a poor country riddled with problems. So the government must shoulder big responsibilities at little cost.

The language of leaders changes when in power. They claim that they welcome 'constructive' criticism. It has become a habit for those in power to dub dissenters as traitors of the country. A sword descends upon the news media for criticising the government. An example will explain it all.

When BNP was in power, at a certain point of time they stopped government advertisements for Prothom Alo because the newspaper would not obey them. Awami League did the same when it came to power because Prothom Alo would not obey them. They would simply shut down newspapers they did not like. We saw BNP's police beating Nasim, Tofail and Matia. We saw Awami League's police beat Khoka or Zainul Abedin. There are innumerable such examples.

Awami League for the time being is not in the scene. Many of the party people are being arrested, many are fleeing. The rest are in hiding in fear of being lynched. Responsible persons in the government say they do not want to ban any party. They are indicating Awami League in this remark.

The similarities between BNP and Awami League far outweigh the dissimilarities. BNP and Awami League together submerged us in shame by making us champions of corruption five consecutive times.
We tend to forget the distant past and remember the recent past more. Awami League is now the public enemy. And now BNP is the people's party, 'victim' of the Awami rule. BNP must show that they will not be like Awami League. They have to clarify what their agenda is and how it is different.

Everyone's demand is state reforms

Politicians are not the owners of the country, the people are. But that remains in theory only. In many countries the basis of the constitution is the citizens' charter. It is the citizens who will determine the scope of the state, the jurisdiction of the government. In Finland they find it hard to get any candidate for the office of prime minister. And in our country, people run off with the ballot box on their heads. What a lust for power!

We must all commit to consensus on certain issues. That is the foundation of the constitution. That is how we can get a citizens' state. As an old and large party, BNP has a public base. This party has many leaders who have struggle and sacrificed. Because of its public base, this party can carry out a lot of positive changes in society. Or it can become a horrific fascist. The party runs at the behest of individuals. All the parties are the same. Our past experience is not pretty.

The major parties have played the Hindustan-Pakistan card, the Hindu-Muslim card, the Bangali-Bangladeshi card, the freedom fighter-razakar card. All that must end. BNP must understand, if it does not carry the aspirations of the people, if it regresses to its old ways of wielding power, it will face the same predicament as the ousted Awami League. They must change their mindset and behaviour. They are now under public watch.

State reforms are everyone's demand now. BNP can come up with a proposed outline in this regard. So can the others. A roadmap can be drawn on that basis. Let this be BNP's resolution on its 47th birthday.

• Mohiuddin Ahmad is a writer and researcher
• This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir

End old game of playing the 'minority card': Tarique
BNP acting chairman says game of destroying communal harmony won't be allowed to be repeated


File photo of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday called upon the people to come forward to eliminate the old game of playing "minority card" in a bid to uphold religious harmony in the country.

"Many games have been played with the religious minority card both within the country and abroad," he said during a virtual meeting with BNP's grassroots leaders and workers from the Chattogram and Barishal divisions.

The BNP leader said everyone knows who has long repeatedly tried to gain political advantage by exploiting a sensitive issue like the minority-majority divide and creating fictitious stories of persecution to conceal their misdeeds and destabilise the country.

"This old game of destroying communal harmony will not be allowed to be repeated in this country. Let's either bury them [efforts to play minority card] or burn them in pyres," he said.

The followers of one religion have traditionally protected the places of worship of another religion from the hands of the conspirators who try to destroy religious harmony in this country for ages. They have proved time and again that there is nothing called "minority" or "majority" in this country.

"We all have one and the same identity... that we all are Bangladeshis," said the BNP acting chairman.

He suggested applying political wisdom and resisting in unison those who would do politics with the religious establishments by using religious belief of the people and edicts, those who question the identity of Bangladesh in the world arena and those who will use the divisions of religion and caste in the politics of Bangladesh for ill-purposes.

Talking about the current situation of Bangladesh, Tarique said the victory is still far away and the road to success is very long.

"We were in the opposition party for the last 17 years and we are still. Now it is not the time for complacency," he said.

The BNP leader expressed optimism that the party would be able to present a new and changed Bangladesh to the people of the country if its grassroots leaders and activists could earn trust and affection for the party properly realising the public expectations in future as they stood by the party like sentinels during the crises in the past.

BNP standing committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Begum Selima Rahman also spoke at the rally.​

Tarique envisions national govt, bicameral parliament

File photo of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said his party envisions a future where the country is governed by a national government to fully harness the power of national unity.

At a views exchange meeting, he also expressed the party's willingness to introduce a bicameral parliament through constitutional amendments to ensure governance with support from all segments of society.

"We have observed how members of a single party dominate everywhere in a partisan government, rendering the positions of others insignificant. Consequently, the country was deprived of services of a significant portion of the population," Tarique said.

He added that the BNP does not want to repeat the mistake of missing the opportunity to harness the power of national unity as happened previously.

The BNP leader said the opportunity to leverage the power of national unity was missed immediately after independence. "We do not want to repeat that mistake. With the support of the people, the BNP aims to see the country governed by a national government in the future."

Tarique also said those who participated in the struggle to restore democracy and people's voting rights will all be involved in the future governance of the country, ensuring that the benefits of their contributions are not overlooked.

He remarked that the freedom fighters fought valiantly on the battlefield and secured independence for the nation in 1971.

"The key to winning that struggle was unquestioned national unity. It is unfortunate but true that we failed to utilise that unity after independence."

The BNP leader noted that from the very beginning, the nation was divided when the Awami League established a partisan government instead of forming a necessary national government after the independence. "As a result, a significant portion of the population was unable to contribute to nation-building despite their willingness."

As part of a series of programmes, Tarique Rahman virtually joined the final views exchange meeting with BNP grassroots leaders and activists from Dhaka Division on Wednesday.

BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Babu Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, among others, also addressed the meeting.

Tarique said it is important to inform the nation about another significant reform plan of the BNP, which involves introducing a bicameral parliament.

He mentioned that there are numerous scholars, talented teachers, artists, writers, journalists, researchers, doctors, technical experts, and humanitarian workers in the country who are not traditionally involved in politics but are eager to contribute to the development and governance of the nation.

However, the BNP leader said within the current constitutional framework, there is no opportunity for these individuals to contribute as members of Parliament.

"To utilise their services and contributions to the cause of the country, BNP wants to see a bicameral parliament system with an upper house included in the constitution like many other countries in the world," he said.

Tarique said he is just humbly sharing BNP's future plans and intentions because he knows that the support of the people of the country can only make these plans a reality.

"I hope the people won't certainly want those parties or individuals included in a national government who have turned the entire country into their party and family's personal property and those who, under the guise of so-called development, have burdened each of us with a debt of 1.5 lakh taka and siphoned off thousands of crore taka abroad," he added.

Tarique congratulated BNP leaders and activists for their steadfast participation and trust in the party over the past seventeen years of relentless struggle for the restoration of democracy.

He urged them not to let their sacrifices be diminished by the misdeeds of a few reckless individuals and advised them to remain vigilant and resist any troublemakers.

The BNP leader also advised party leaders to earn the trust and confidence of the people by aligning with their hopes, expectations, and language.

He also instructed them to use their political acumen and strategies to tackle emerging and unseen adversaries.​

Some political parties trapped by neighboring country: Tarique Rahman


File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today alleged some political parties are making misleading statements having fallen into a trap set by a neighboring country.

He also said BNP will continue its movement until the voting rights and democracy are restored in the country.

Tarique was addressing a public rally at Kalaroa Football Ground in Satkhira through a virtual platform.

The rally was arranged on the occasion of the recent jail-release of BNP publication secretary Habibul Islam Habib.

"The dictator has fallen. But conspiracies still continue. We've seen in the last few days that some political parties or organizations got misled and made some remarks. The political parties or organizations have stepped into the trap of a neighboring country. So, they're spreading confusion today and making such words like this," he said.

The BNP acting chairman urged the democracy-loving people of the country to stay vigilant to thwart the conspiracies.

"The conspiracies, which were from inside and outside the country (against the democracy of Bangladesh) in the past, still continue. They, in no way, want the people of this country to get back their democratic rights," he said.

He said though the dictator was overthrown by the mass uprising and the mass movement, our desired goal - the political rights of the people-- still remains unachieved. "BNP's movement will continue until the people's rights to vote and speak are established," he added.

Tarique Rahman said BNP's movement will continue until the people's government is established and the people's representatives get the opportunity to work for the development of their localities, the people and the country.

Citing that the Liberation War in 1971 and the fall of a dictator in 1990, he said the people of this country ousted one of the (strongest) dictators in the world again in 2024. "They not only overthrew the dictator, but also drove the dictator out of this country, he said.

"Let us take an oath today - we, BNP, will take the people with us and restore the lost democracy of the people in this country by breaking the poisonous teeth of all conspiracies. Our movement will continue until the democracy of the people of Bangladesh is restored," he said.

The BNP acting chairman said the restoration of democracy and the improvement of the fate of the people would be his party's commitment and politics.

He said BNP always does politics for development and raising production of the country. The party wants to identify and utilise all potentials in every area of the country, he added.

About the canal-digging programme of BNP founder late president Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said if BNP gets the mandate of the people, the party will reintroduce the programme to face floods, conserve water for the dry season and ensure better irrigation in the country.​

Movement to continue until people’s govt established: Tarique
Staff Correspondent 09 September, 2024, 00:45



Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said that BNP’s movement would continue until establishing people’s government in the country.

‘Though the dictator has fallen, the movement has not ended. The movement of BNP will continue until establishing people’s voting rights,’ Tarique said while addressing a rally virtually in Satkhira.

The district unit of BNP organised the rally to accord a reception for BNP leaders, including former lawmaker Habibul Islam Habib, who had recently been released from jail.

Habib, also a central leader of BNP, and 49 other party activists were on February 4, 2021 jailed by the Satkhira Chief Judicial Magistrate Court for attacking the motorcade of Awami League president and the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina in 2002.

The BNP central leader and 33 other activists of the party were in jail since the pronouncement of the verdict. They were released from jail after the fall of Sheikh Hasina during a student-led mass uprising on August 5.

Addressing the Satkhira rally, Tarique said that the conspiracy against the country was continuing.

Without referring to any name, he said that some political parties that were spreading confusion had fallen into the trap of a neighbouring country.

‘Some do not want the people of this country to regain their democratic rights. If the country is politically and financially strong, the plans of the conspirators from inside and outside the country to destroy democracy will fail,’ he said.

He also said that the entire nation saw the brutality of the fallen dictator. ‘The desire of the people of Bangladesh for the future is to move ahead at an expected level.’

‘BNP will fulfil their expectation. BNP’s politics is for the people,’ he said and added that BNP’s politics was for development and production.

Tarique also said that BNP would take responsibility for the development of people’s livelihoods through the development of communication system when it would come to power.

He said that the purpose of BNP was to use the potential of the Sunderbans appropriately so that the people of the country could get benefit from it.

He further said that this benefit was possible only if the government elected by the people would run the country.

‘BNP works to change people’s fate... democracy will be restored by breaking the teeth of all conspiracies,’ he said.​

Iranian envoy meets Fakhrul
UNB
Published :
Sep 08, 2024 22:00
Updated :
Sep 08, 2024 22:00



Ambassador of Iran to Bangladesh Mansour Chavoshi on Sunday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed various issues relating to the bilateral interests of the two friendly nations.

The hour-long meeting, which began around 4 pm, was held at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and the chairperson’s International Relations Committee member Shama Obed were present.

Later, talking to reporters, Khosru said the discussions at the meeting focused on bilateral matters, including the business and economic conditions of both countries.

Earlier on Saturday night, Mirza Fakhrul returned home from Singapore after receiving treatment there for various health complications.​

Ghosts of the deposed dictator spreading confusions: Tarique


File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the ghosts of the deposed dictator are spreading confusions and engaging in various unethical activities using the name of BNP.

"The dictator has been ousted. But the ghosts of the dictator are still roaming around. So, they are trying to spread various confusions. Many of them have been involved in various unethical activities, using the name of this party (BNP)," he said.

He however said there will be no profit from this conspiracy.

The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh and the true soldiers of martyred president Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia will forge protest and resistance against it and give a befitting reply to this conspiracy in any way, he added.

Tarique was addressing a public rally at Gopalpur Upazila of Tangail district, through a virtual platform.

The rally was arranged on Suti VM Pilot Model Government High School ground in Gopalpur demanding the release of BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu.

The BNP acting chairman said his party's goal is to ensure political freedom and simultaneous economic emancipation for the people of the country.

Noting that BNP do politics for development and raising production on the country, he said if BNP could come to power getting the public mandate in the election, its government would unlock the prospects of different local areas for the economic emancipation of the people.

He said they have been able to overthrow the dictator with the support and cooperation of the people of Bangladesh.

"If we are able to form a government getting your support and cooperation in the coming days, we'll unlock the doors of these potentials so that the people of Bangladesh will be able to earn economic emancipation," he said.

Tarique demanded the release of all leaders and activists, including Abdur Salam Pintu of BNP and also other opposition parties, who have been kept detained in jail in "false" cases.

BNP leaders Ahmed Azam Khan and Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Tangail district BNP president Hasanuzzaman Shaheen and its general secretary Farhad Iqbal, among others, addressed the event presided over by Gopalpur upazila BNP president Jahangir Alam.​

Conspiracy of ex-dictator’s ‘ghosts’ won’t succeed
Says Tarique



BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the ghosts of the deposed dictator are spreading confusion and engaging in various unethical activities using the name of BNP.

"The dictator has been ousted. But the ghosts of the dictator are still roaming around. They are trying to spread various confusions. Many of them have been involved in various unethical activities, using the name of this party [BNP]," he said.

He said they would not gain anything from conspiring.

The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh and the true soldiers of martyred president Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia will protest, resist, and give a befitting reply to this conspiracy, he added.

He was addressing a public rally at Gopalpur Upazila of Tangail district, through a virtual platform.

The rally was arranged on Suti VM Pilot Model Government High School ground in Gopalpur demanding the release of BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu.

The BNP acting chairman said his party's goal is to ensure political freedom and simultaneous economic emancipation for the people of the country.

Noting that BNP's politics is for development and raising production in the country, he said. If BNP could come to power getting the public mandate in the election, its government would unlock the prospects of different local areas for the economic emancipation of the people.

He said they have been able to overthrow the dictator with the support and cooperation of the people of Bangladesh.

"If we are able to form a government getting your support and cooperation in the coming days, we'll unlock the doors of these potentials so that the people of Bangladesh will be able to earn economic emancipation," he said.

Tarique demanded the release of all leaders and activists, including Abdur Salam Pintu of BNP and also other opposition parties, who have been kept detained in jail in "false" cases.

BNP leaders Ahmed Azam Khan and Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Tangail district BNP president Hasanuzzaman Shaheen and its general secretary Farhad Iqbal, among others, addressed the event presided over by Gopalpur upazila BNP president Jahangir Alam.​

Australian envoy meets Fakhrul, talks about polls
UNB
Published :
Sep 11, 2024 20:45
Updated :
Sep 11, 2024 20:45



Acting High Commissioner of Australia in Dhaka, Nardia Simpson, on Wednesday, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed various issues related to bilateral interests and Bangladesh’s next national election.

The hour-long meeting, which began around 12:30pm, was held at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and the party chairperson’s International Relations Affairs Committee member Shama Obed were present.

Later, talking to reporters, Khosru said the discussions at the meeting focused on bilateral matters, including business, trade, investment, and different exchange programmes and assistance.

Besides, he said they also discussed the current situation in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, the performance of the present interim government, and Bangladesh’s upcoming election.

“What we are thinking after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and how the Interim Government is performing and how its first month was, what our expectation for the coming days is, what Bangladesh’s expectations are, and other issues were discussed,” said Amir Khosru.

The meeting also discussed the issues related to Rohingya and Bangladeshi students who are pursuing studies in Australia, he said.

“Bangladesh election was discussed. They (Australia) wanted to know what time it would take for (the arrangement of) the election, also what changes are needed to reform the electoral system... how they are progressing,” he said.

Following the overall discussion, they (Australia) think that by solving these problems as soon as possible, power will be transferred to a democratic government through a free and fair election in Bangladesh in the future, said the BNP leader.​

Fakhrul calls for vigilance to thwart AL cadres



BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today urged the people of the country to stay vigilant against Awami League cadres, who are lurking like hyenas and may launch violent attacks at any moment.

Speaking at a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, he also urged all political parties not to succumb to the plots of associates of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who aim to divide the people.

The BNP leader called upon the interim government to provide appropriate compensation and allowances to the families of those who were killed, maimed, or wounded in democratic movements against Hasina's regime over the past 16 years.

"Our Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani was injured in an attack in Gopalganj yesterday (Friday). His wife was also injured while one leader was martyred. This attack manifests that they are still lurking like hyenas and may strike at any moment. We must resist their attacks," he said.

BNP arranged the rally to pay homage in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent student-led mass uprising and the struggle against authoritarianism over the past 17 years.

Fakhrul said democracy-loving people have carried out movements by sacrificing their lives and enduring severe repression over the last 16 years, including last July and August.

"I extend my greetings and salute to those martyrs of the democratic movement who gave their lives and to those who have been injured or maimed," he said.

He also praised the leaders and activists of BNP who, despite numerous provocations and temptations, have remained steadfast and continue to work for the protection of the country.

Stating that the current interim government was established through struggle and significant sacrifices, Fakhrul said the expectations of the people from this administration are sky-high.

He said the people believe that this government will create a democratic environment and a level playing field, and reform democratic institutions to the extent necessary for establishing a democratic state and society through a meaningful and fair election.

Fakhrul also urged the government to withdraw all the cases filed against opposition leaders and workers during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina.

"On the eve of International Democracy Day, we want to pledge that we will work together to transform Bangladesh into a true democratic state and strengthen its institutions... In the days ahead, let us not look back. Instead, let us move forward in favour of democracy, the people, and humanity. Let this be our pledge today," Fakhrul said.​

A long way to go to build robust democracy: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said Bangladesh still has a long way to go to build a robust and strong democracy.

He said this in a message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy to be observed tomorrow with the theme "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement".

"Personally, my party and I believe that there is no alternative to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy," Tarique said.

He said democracy is a universal value that recognises people's freedom of expression and unhindered expression of thoughts.

"We are determined to build such a safe, progressive and democratic Bangladesh, which will contribute to global democratic development crossing state boundary," he said.

Since 2007, every year on September 15, the International Day of Democracy is a special day observed by the member countries of the United Nations to create interest in democracy and to realise its inherent power, said the BNP acting chairman.

Tarique Rahman said multi-party democracy based on equality, human dignity, individual freedom, freedom of speech and social justice was at the core of Martyred President Ziaur Rahman's everlasting philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism.

This thought and philosophy were pioneered by former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on the uninterrupted path of uncompromising struggle, he said.

Tarique Rahman said democratic Bangladesh, which was founded on the people's aspirations, came under repeated vindictive attacks by cruel dictators in their evil attempts to destroy the multi-dimensional democracy.

Against the backdrop of the continuous struggle of Khaleda Zia for a decade and a half, the worst dictator in history has fallen in the mass uprising of students-people last July that stunned the world, said the BNP acting chairman.

This year's theme of the International Day of Democracy is "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement" is a very time-befitting one, he said, adding that technological advancement must be harnessed to ensure the rule of law.

Tarique Rahman mentioned that in the last 16-17 years, crores of voters were not allowed to exercise their voting rights.

The BNP acting chairman said several generations of the country have grown up in a fearful and authoritarian environment without the practice and application of democratic rights.

"We are committed to restoring democracy in Bangladesh in unison. Free, impartial and participatory elections; independent judiciary and media and institutional implementation of all principles of democracy will be the foundation of our state reform.

"InshAllah, we will build a Bangladesh that will ensure prosperity and self-reliance of future generations, inclusive and liberal political environment and social stability and justice," he added​

Will Jamaat be part of BNP’s national government?
Sohrab Hassan
Published: 14 Sep 2024, 14: 34



A few days ago a BNP leader called me over the phone and asked if we had noticed that their acting chairperson Tarique Rahman was wanting to introduce a new trend of politics in the country. When asked what that new trend was, he said it was about forming a national government and running the state on a 31-point basis.

On 13 July last year BNP had declared a 31-point “state repair” concept which included an inclusive, non-discriminatory and harmonious social contract based on Bangladeshi nationalism; a non-partisan election-time caretaker government; balance in the executive powers of the prime minister and cabinet; no one able to be prime minister for more than two consecutive terms; an “upper house” in the parliament; and so on.

At that time too BNP has spoken of forming a national government with the inclusion of parties which were in the movement. The allied parties did not really take the matter into much consideration. They said, let the autocratic government be removed first, then they would think about a government framework. BNP and the other political parties failed to topple the government of Sheikh Hasina. Later we saw it was a movement by the students sparked off by the demand for quota reforms that morphed into a mass uprising and overthrew Sheikh Hasina.

After the fall of the Awami League government, BNP brought the issue forward again. Joining a recent field level meeting of BNP leaders and activists online, party acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that with the support of the people, BNP would run the country in the future by means of a “national government”. He claimed that, “By forming a party government instead of a national government after the country’s independence, Awami League had divided the country from day one. That is why a large section failed to take part in building the country despite their desire to do so.”

But had the division been dissolved after 1975 during the rule of Ziaur Rahman and then in 1991 during the rule of Khaleda Zia? No. The opportunity slipped away repeatedly.

However, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina goverment, differences have been noticed in many issues between BNP and Jamaat. Jamaat is endeavouring to form an alliance with other Islamic parties.

As to who will be a part of the national government, Tarique Rahman said, “The people will surely not want the national government to include the parties that made the entire country the personal property of a single party or family, that placed a debt burden of 150,000 taka on each of our shoulders in the name of development, that laundered billions of taka overseas, that terrorised the people with enforced disappearances, killing, attacks, cases and torture, and sent prices of essentials spiralling out of people's reach."

Tarique Rahman was referring to the Awami League, the party recently toppled from power. In other words, the national government proposed by BNP or Tarique Rahman does not include Awami League and its allies. But will the remaining parties -- left, right and centre -- all be there?

The proposal for a national government is nothing new in Bangladesh. After independence, NAP leader Muzaffar Ahmed was the first to talk about forming a government with all parties that took part in the liberation war. Awami League paid no heed.

After the change in political scenario in 1975, JSD leader Col (retd) Abu Taher proposed that a national government be formed with the exclusion of Awami-BKSAL parties. It did not work out.

In 1996 Awami League lured in two BNP members of parliament and formed a government of national consensus. If any party or side is left out of a national government, it is no longer national.

The question is, how many parties will be a part of BNP's national government? BNP talks of Bangladeshi nationalism. Will those who believe in Bangladeshi socialism or in Islamic form of government, be willing to be bracketed with BNP

BNP is talking about a national government without Awami League and its 14 party allies. Yet the leaders of BNP's main ally Jamaat-e-Islami sings a different tune. Jamaat is their old ally. In 1999 during Sheikh Hasina's first government, BNP, Jamaat, Jatiya Party and Islami Oikya Jote had formed an anti-government coalition. Later Hussain Muhammad Ershad broke away from that coalition, but Jamaat, Islami Oikya Jote and a faction of Jatiya Party remained with BNP through thick and thin. In 2001-2006 BNP and Jamaat even formed a coalition government.

However, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina goverment, differences have been noticed in many issues between BNP and Jamaat. Jamaat is endeavouring to form an alliance with other Islamic parties, according to the media. Both parties also have a sharply different stand on the interim government's reforms. BNP wants the interim government to speedily complete the reforms and arrange for the election. Jamaat says, they are willing to give the government as much time as required to carry out the reforms.

Their difference on the India and Awami League question is different too. Speaking to newspapers on 3 September, Jamaat-e-Islami's amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman declared that there would be no vengeance against Awami League and they would be pardoned. But BNP leaders question how can a party be forgiven are 15 years of oppression and repression.
About India, the Jamaat amir said, "We want friendship with all. We need a friendly and supportive country. Neighbours can't be changed. Why do you think of change?"

In response, Tarique Rahman said, "Over the past few days we see a political party stepping into the trap of a neighbour. That is why they are saying things that are misleading."

Delhi's policymakers would consider Jamaat more dangerous than BNP. That is why the Jamaat leader's words have made BNP's policymakers suspicious.

Those who led in the anti-quota movement also have divergent views. Some want BNP to run the country in the absence of Awami League. Then again, many among them feel that both Awami League and BNP have failed the democracy test. There were even slogans heard on Dhaka's streets that Awami League and BNP were two poisons of the same snake.

In the meantime there has been tension between BNP and Jamaat over the posts of vice chancellor at various universities. Before they were united as the white panel opposed to the blue panel. Now in the absence of the blue panel, they are divided.

Many political analysts feel that in the new political reality, Jamaat wants to ascend to power with other Islamic parties, not as BNP's partner. Is that realistic? In the past, no matter how strong Jamaat may have been at a field level, they never fared well in the elections. They never secured more than 5 per cent of the vote in any election. The state of the other political parties is even worse.

Then again, it must be observed what decision the Ganatantra Mancha allies take if Jamaat becomes a partner of BNP's national government.
* Sohrab Hassan is joint editor of Prothom Alo and a poet​