[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

BNP local leaders decry party people’s misdeeds
Staff Correspondent 27 February, 2025, 23:41


Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party observe one minute of silence, remembering their fellows killed during the ousted Awami League regime, on the LD Hall premises of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex in Dhaka on Thursday. | Md Saurav

The grassroots leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday called for central intervention to address the extortion, encroachment and other misdeeds perpetrated by some of its rogue leaders at different parts of the country.

According to several of the party’s district and upazila leaders who joined its extended committee meeting, held at the LD

Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka city, said that the misdeeds by a few leaders were damaging the party’s reputation and undermining its principles.

The grassroots leaders also warned that if the party high command failed to take prompt action against the offences, people would turn away from the BNP in the next elections.

One of the district-level leaders told New Age that several upazila-level representatives had raised allegations of encroachment and extortion against certain BNP members at the meeting.

According to their allegations, many party leaders who were inactive before August 5 were now engaging in such criminal activities, tarnishing the organisation’s image.

They also discussed Jamaat activities across the country, pointing out that their votes were rather increasing, while BNP’s popularity was affected.

The party’s extended committee meeting began at 11:00am with the gathering of members from its national standing committee, the chairperson’s advisory council, central executive committee, and the presidents, general secretaries or conveners, and member secretaries of all its committees in districts, cities, thanas, upazilas and municipalities.

BNP last held an extended committee meeting on February 4, 2018 at Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka with party chairperson Khaleda Zia presiding.​

Stay alert against election conspiracies: Tarique
Published :
Feb 27, 2025 13:26
Updated :
Feb 27, 2025 13:26



BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged the people of the country to remain alert against the conspiracy to destroy national unity and the electoral environment, reports UNB.

"Evil attempts continue to destroy the national unity that was built on blood-soaked streets and the electoral atmosphere,” he said while addressing the opening session of BNP's extended meeting in the capital.

The meeting started at 11am on the LD Hall premise of the Jatiya Sangsad with the participation of 3,500 leaders from across the country.

Pointing at the participants, Tarique Rahman said, “Through you, I would like to call upon the farmers, workers, common people, Alem-Ulema, Peer-Mashayekh (Islamic scholars and spiritual leaders) and all sections of society to stay vigilant against this conspiracy to destroy national unity and the environment of the national election."

He said that a great opportunity has emerged for democratic forces to rebuild Bangladesh after the fleeing of fascist Hasina. But those who wanted to turn Bangladesh into a subservient state have not stopped their conspiracies, he added.

“A smokescreen is being created before the people using issues like reforms and local government elections,” said the BNP acting chairman.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is presiding over the meeting virtually from London.

He will also address the leaders during the closing session.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir delivered a welcome speech in the opening session.

The inaugural session features a screening of the documentary ‘Prothom Bangladesh, Amar Shesh Bangladesh’ produced by the Extended Meeting Implementation Media Sub-Committee.

Besides, Amra BNP Poribar has already published a magazine titled ‘Aastha’ (confidence) to mark this significant event.

Following the inauguration, a closed-door session will take place where grassroots leaders will share their views.

The meeting will conclude with a policy speech by Tarique Rahman.

The last BNP extended meeting was held on February 4, 2018, at Le Méridien in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia addressed party leaders. Four days later, on February 8, she was sent to the jail in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

According to BNP’s central office, 3,500 leaders from six organisational tiers, ranging from grassroots to the central level, are participating in this extended meeting.

The participants include members of the National Standing Committee, the Chairperson’s Advisory Council, the National Executive Committee, and presidents, general secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries of all city, district, upazila-thana, and municipal unit committees

Leaders from BNP’s 11 associate and affiliate organisations, including their presidents, general secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries, also attended the meeting.

Besides, the BNP candidates who run the 2018 national election and even those who had obtained initial nomination from the party are in the extended meeting.

With this extended meeting, the BNP’s journey towards the next national election and its election oriented programme will start.​

BNP for early polls after urgent reform
Staff Correspondent 28 February, 2025, 23:58



Party says no change in law, constitution before polls

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has demanded the next general election after urgent reforms that can be done immediately without any amendment to the constitution or law.

The resolution adopted at the party’s extended committee meeting on Thursday sought immediate implementation of reform proposals adopted by consensus that could be implemented before the elections.

The party resolved that all reforms that needed amendments to the law or the constitution should be placed before the elected parliament for approval.

The BNP also urged the interim government to complete the necessary reforms to hold free, fair, and impartial elections as soon as possible.

The party also issued strict instructions to the party leaders and activists to refrain from corruption, internal conflicts, and wrongdoings.

The demands were made in the party’s extended committee meeting at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday, according to a BNP’s press release issued on Friday.

The meeting instructed the leaders and activists of the party and its wings and associated organisations to be active among the people with people-friendly programmes and to earn the respect and love of the people through their words and deeds.

According to the meeting decisions, the BNP said that it was the demand of the time to continue to work in collaboration with all anti-fascist parties and organisations to implement the state reform agenda based on the party’s 31-point state reform proposals.

It emphasised the need for continued efforts to achieve the goals of democracy, human rights, economic freedom, equality, and social justice, as laid out by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Vision 2030 in 2015.

The party also stressed the importance of the 31-point outline for state reforms, announced by BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman in 2023, saying that the reform agenda was developed with the support of various political parties aiming at combating fascism and working towards national reconstruction.

The BNP further stressed the urgent need for comprehensive cooperation to ensure the success of all people-centric activities carried out by the interim government.

The primary responsibility of all citizens is to support the interim government in holding free, fair, and neutral parliamentary elections, which are crucial to restoring democracy and providing the people with their rightful representatives.

Amid the continuous challenges faced by the people, including the rising prices of essential commodities and a deteriorating law and order situation, the meeting called on the interim government to take immediate and effective steps to address these issues.

If not addressed, these problems can pose a significant threat to the peace and stability of the country, the meeting warned.

The meeting also called for a collective resistance against the corrupt practices of businesses and syndicates, as well as those individuals causing unrest under the guise of protests.

It said that the government’s failure to take effective legal action against such individuals was unacceptable.

The meeting also called for a clarification from the government on how the perpetrators, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and their accomplices involved in human rights abuses under the Hasina-led fascist regime could be able to flee the country without facing consequences.

It also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in holding these criminals accountable, despite strong evidence from domestic and international sources.

The meeting urged the government to take swift diplomatic and legal action against the individuals living abroad as they were conspiring against the sovereignty, peace, and stability of the country.

The meeting also called for the immediate withdrawal of all false and fabricated cases filed by the fascist Awami League government and the army-backed 1/11 government.

It demanded justice for those wrongfully targeted.

The meeting, held after seven years, also vowed to uphold the party’s legacy and fight for the political rights, economic prosperity, and human dignity of the people.

The meeting, chaired by BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, was joined virtually by the party chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia as the chief guest.​

BNP likely seeking specific election date: CA's press secretary

Photo: PID

Although the interim government has already released the national election roadmap, BNP may be pressing for a specific election date, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today.

He made the remark while responding to a question at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

When asked about BNP's demand for the election roadmap to be announced within this month, Shafiqul Alam said, "We have already provided the roadmap. BNP may be seeking a precise date. We have stated that if political parties agree to proceed with minimal reforms, the election can be held within December this year."

He further explained, "If the parties prefer elections after implementing additional reforms, there could be a delay of up to three months. However, after April, the Kalbaishakhi (nor'wester) and monsoon set in, making it challenging to hold elections."

About beginning dialogues between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, the Press Secretary said, "We are hopeful that discussions will begin very soon."

Security Measures During Ramadan

Addressing security concerns, including a rise in muggings and counterfeit currency circulation during Ramadan, Shafiqul Alam outlined special measures for public safety.

"Multiple checkpoints have been set up across various locations, and motorcycles have been provided to police and other forces to enhance patrol efficiency. Nationwide patrolling has been intensified," he said.

He added that the home affairs adviser, home secretary, police chief, and DMP chief are visiting different areas and engaging with stakeholders. "We believe you will witness further improvements in law and order during Ramadan," he said.

Resignation of Shilpakala DG

Commenting on the resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of the Shilpakala Academy, Shafiqul Alam said, "The cultural adviser has already addressed the matter on his Facebook page. This was a personal decision by the director general, and I have no further comments. He served with us for six months, which we consider an honour. He is a distinguished playwright and a leading figure in Bangladesh's theatre scene. We hope he will continue to enrich the country's cultural landscape."​

Tarique greets countrymen on eve of Ramadan

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today hoped that the month of Ramadan would bring peace and happiness to every Muslim's life and everyone's life would become auspicious.

In a message on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, he said, it is the duty of every devout Muslim to strive to maintain peace in the society by avoiding injustice, violence and hatred.​

Tactics being used to hinder country's democratic journey: BNP's Salahuddin

File photo

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today urged all to remain alert about tactics that are hindering the country's journey towards restoring democracy.

"As the days go by, we feel that some cunning tactics are being devised to further prolong the path to democracy… I am calling on all concerned to refrain from that," he said.

The BNP leader was addressing a discussion on "Role of Politicians in Ensuring Human Rights" at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

He asked the interim government to expedite the democratic process as soon as possible to establish a representative national parliament and accelerate the responsibility entrusted to them by the people of Bangladesh following the mass uprising.

Though they were assured indirectly that this government is working to arrange the national election by December this year, its activities must be made public and cleared before people, he said.

"Because the longer the journey of transition to democracy, the more scope the deposed dictator and its allies will get to create various kinds of unstable situations. Our proposal is to ensure that that period should not be longer," said Salahuddin.

He said BNP also wants reforms and if the party can come to power, it will implement its 31-point reform proposal to build a prosperous democratic state with the help of all who are in the democratic struggle against fascism.

"We will reform all state structures in democratic ways."

The BNP standing committee member said the interim government needs to identify and implement the election-related reform issues through a national consensus.

"At the same time, an election roadmap including electoral preparation design should be provided. The nation should be assured of it," he added.

If so, he said, the unrest in the country and instability in the economy would go.

Salahuddin expressed concern over the price hike during the holy month of Ramadan.

"The market situation is not good… people are suffering a lot due to the rise in commodity prices," he said.

He asked the government to try to improve the supply of essential items to the market and control the prices of the commodities so that the essential items would remain within the purchasing capacity of the poor.

BNP vice chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, BNP chairperson's advisory council member Abdus Salam, and BNP executive committee member Nazimuddin Alam, among others, spoke on the occasion.​

Tarique urges Islamic scholars to consider unified Ramadan, Eid observance
UNB
Published :
Mar 02, 2025 21:53
Updated :
Mar 02, 2025 21:53



BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the country’s Islamic scholars – Ulema and Mashayekh -- to consider if Ramadan and Eid could be observed on the same day as the rest of the world does in this age of science and technology.

“I would like to request you to think about whether it is possible in the age of science, whether a way can be found," he said.

He made the request joining an Iftar Mahfil at the Ladies Club in Eskaton in the city on Sunday through a virtual platform from London.

BNP organised the Iftar Mahfil in honour of Ulema, Mashayekh and orphans on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Noting that the Christian community worldwide celebrates Christmas on the same day, Tarique Rahman said, “I would like to request the Ulema and Mashayekh present here and also other knowledgeable Ulema and Mashayekh across the country to think about whether the people of Bangladesh can observe Ramadan and Eid together on the same day as people from all over the world do.”

Tarique said Ramadan teaches self-restraint, patience, and how to stand in solidarity with others from a humanitarian perspective.

He added that Ramadan also teaches the importance of standing by and caring all creatures of Allah.

He asked all to pray to Allah during this Ramandan so that every person can live in peace in Bangladesh. “Let’s pray to Allah so that Allah grants mercy upon our first and final destination, our motherland. We pray to Allah so that every person in our country can live in peace,” he said.

Some 70-80 orphans and students from Farmgate Islamic Mission Madrasah and Shantinagar Bazaar National Muslim Madrasah participated in the event.

Speaking at the event, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said some people from inside and outside the country are trying to create division with the BNP and the Ulema and Mashayekhs.

He said they want this division not only to destroy BNP but also destroy the country by creating a rift. “Foreign evil forces will take advantage of this," he added.

"I don't understand what a second republic is. That means an attempt is on to create division among the nation by making a pretext. Some people who look like you (like the Ulema) are trying to add fuel to the fire," said Mirza Abbas.

BNP Standing Committee members Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and religious affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, National Imam Association President Maulana Kazi Abu, Islamic thinker Maulana Wali Ullah, Imam of Dhaka Residential Model College Mosque Mufti Mohiuddin Convener of Nationalist Ulama Dal Kazi Selim Reza and its member secretary Advocate Maulana Kazi Mohammad Abul Hossain, among others, were present at the event.​

Beware of attempts to create division: Mirza Abbas
UNB
Published :
Mar 02, 2025 23:16
Updated :
Mar 02, 2025 23:16



BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Sunday warned that attempts are being made to create division in the country and urged Islamic scholars [ulama- mashayekh] to remain vigilant.

"A new slogan has emerged recently. I will not criticise it, but I urge you to be cautious about those two slogans," he said during a brief speech at an Iftar event with orphans and Islamic ulama's.

He said, "I read in the newspaper this morning... I still don't understand what 'Second Independence' or 'Second Republic' means. I don't know if you have understood it. It seems that a particular pretext is being used to create division among the people. Please be aware of this."

The Iftar event, organised by BNP at Eskaton, Dhaka on the first day of Ramadan, was attended by BNP leaders, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and other standing committee members while the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined virtually from London.

Mirza Abbas further alleged that a some people who dress like,Islamic scholars are pushing this agenda.

"I request you to handle this situation carefully. Inshallah, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we will take Bangladesh forward together, united," he added.

Congratulating the attendees, he said, "Some people, both from abroad and within the country, are trying to create a rift between BNP and the Islamic scholars. I just want to remind you that this division is not between BNP and the Islamic scholars."

He warned that such divisions could create cracks through which foreign powers might intervene and attempt to destroy the country.

Hundreds of students from Farmgate Islamia Mission Madrasa and Shantinagar Bazar Jatiya Muslim Madrasa participated in the event.

Among the Islamic scholars present were Subhanbagh Jame Mosque Khatib Maulana Wali Ullah, Dhaka Residential Model College Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohiuddin, National Imam Association President Maulana Kazi Abu Huraira, and Mireswarai Darbar Sharif Pir Maulana Abdul Momen Nasser.

BNP Standing Committee members Jamir Uddin Sarkar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salah Uddin Ahmed were also in attendance. Additionally, BNP's Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Abdul Bari Danny, Nationalist Ulema Dal Convener Kazi Md. Selim Reza, and Member Secretary Kazi Mohammad Abul Hossain were present.​

Hasina must face trial, but people won’t accept excuse for delaying polls: Mirza Abbas
BSS
Published :
Mar 04, 2025 21:32
Updated :
Mar 04, 2025 21:32



Bangladesh Nationalists Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has said the autocrat Sheikh Hasina must face trial.

“Sheikh Hasina must face trial. We all want the fascists to be brought to justice. However, the people will not accept any excuse for delaying the election process,” he said in response to National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam’s remarks, “There should be no elections before Sheikh Hasina's trial”.

Mirza Abbas was talking to journalists after visiting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who is undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.

BNP leader Abbas said, “Everything in the country must follow due process. There are domestic and international conspiracies to delay the election. If that happens, it will be a severe blow to the country."

He also expressed concerns about the potential creation of a new form of fascism while trying to combat the current fascism, saying, “One person's thoughts, beliefs, and opinions cannot be imposed on another.”

Earlier at noon, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi visited Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at United Hospital. He met with the party’s secretary general and inquired about his health.

Last week, Mirza Fakhrul attended a book unveiling event at the book fair in Suhrawardy Udyan. Due to heavy dust at the venue, he began feeling unwell. On Sunday, March 2, he suddenly fell ill and following medical advice, he was admitted to the United Hospital.

Mirza Fakhrul is under the care of Professor Dr N.A.M Momenuzzaman, Chief Cardiology Consultant of United Hospital. His wife Rahat Ara Begum and youngest daughter Mirza Safaruh are by his side during his stay at the hospital.

Mirza Fakhrul’s condition has improved, and he is now in a stable condition, said the doctor.​