[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

Teesta project discussed during China visit: Mirza Fakhrul

There was a discussion regarding the Teesta project involving China during the recent visit of a delegation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to China, the party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Monday. He noted that they have been working on the matter and that the BNP...

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Teesta project discussed during China visit: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 30 Jun 2025, 20: 39

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses a media conference, organised about a party delegation’s recent visit to China, on 30 June 2025 Prothom Alo

There was a discussion regarding the Teesta project involving China during the recent visit of a delegation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to China, the party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Monday.

He noted that they have been working on the matter and that the BNP would view the project positively if it comes to power in the future.

Responding to a question of a newsperson, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We explained our needs, and they responded positively. They are working on it. If we are given the responsibility of forming a government in the future, we will definitely consider their proposal very positively.”

He made these remarks at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in the capital’s Gulshan area this afternoon.

The conference was organised to brief the media on the party’s recent visit to China.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at a press conference at BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office on 30 June 2025 BSS

Mirza Fakhrul also stated that the BNP urged China to play a more active and effective role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their country of origin in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

The BNP secretary general observed that China is showing interest and is working to persuade the Myanmar government on this issue.

Recently, a BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.

The delegation included BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and, Selima Rahman; advisory council member Ismail Zabihullah, professor Sukomal Barua; head of the party’s media cell Zahir Uddin Swapan, media cell’s convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, and the chairperson’s personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

They were also present at today’s press conference.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique hopes to reunite with party activists soon

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed his hope that he would meet the party’s leaders and activists on the soil of Bangladesh soon...

www.newagebd.net

Tarique hopes to reunite with party activists soon
Staff Correspondent 03 July, 2025, 00:33

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed his hope that he would meet the party’s leaders and activists on the soil of Bangladesh soon.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

He made the remarks while addressing the conference of the Patuakhali district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party virtually as the chief guest.

His remarks have further fuelled the speculation about his potential return to the country after 17 years in exile.

The conference, attended by thousands of BNP leaders and activists, was held at a time when 1,511 elected councillors were preparing to vote on the district leadership that will steer the party over the next two years.

Tarique underlined the importance of this process, saying that the BNP’s organisational strength depended on internal democracy and transparent leadership selection.

He emphasised that the people remained the true source of BNP’s power, and urged the party representatives to connect directly with the country’s 12 crore voters.

He said that the BNP’s future success would depend on how closely it would align itself with public sentiment and the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

Tarique said that if the BNP was given the responsibility to govern the country, it would focus on restoring democratic values and meeting the expectations of the people, which the previous government had failed to do.

He said that the Awami League’s decline was due to its inability to deliver on people’s hopes.

The BNP must not repeat those mistakes, he warned.

In a candid reflection on the responsibilities that come with being the country’s largest political party, Tarique acknowledged, ‘greater political size brings greater challenges, greater responsibilities, and greater sacrifices.’

He reminded the supporters that whenever democracy had been under threat, it was the BNP that had taken to the streets to defend it.

He said that if the foundations of democracy were to be strengthened, the BNP must once again take the lead.

Tarique also stressed the need for exercising tolerance among the leaders and activists even in the face of differences.

He said that differing opinions must be respected and heard, and that solutions should come through dialogue, not division.

He highlighted the BNP’s role in initiating reform proposals and its willingness to make compromises during the interim government’s consensus commission talks in the interest of national unity and electoral progress.

He cautioned that even if full agreement could not be reached on all matters, democracy required compromise and the BNP had shown that it was willing to make sacrifices for the greater interest of the electoral process.

Tarique instructed the party leaders to stay close to the people and behave in ways that reflected public expectations.

He warned that the misconduct of even a single party member could damage BNP’s image nationally.

He urged everyone to refrain from activities that might frustrate the public or tarnish the party’s reputation.

Tarique called for discipline, accountability, and a commitment to party values.

Turning to the political transition, he called on BNP supporters to cooperate with the interim administration and not take the law into their own hands.

He said that BNP believed in democratic governance, and that the party’s goal was to ensure all 12 crore voters had the chance to elect their representatives through a free and fair election.

He ended his speech with a warning that the right to vote must be protected at all costs.

He urged the party activists to remain alert against any conspiracy aimed at undermining democratic rights, saying that no force should be allowed to interfere with the people’s mandate.

‘Insha’Allah, I will meet you soon in our homeland,’ Tarique ended.

Tarique has been staying in London since 2008.​

 

[Saif]

BNP says it has expelled thousands so far for wrongdoing, vows to maintain zero tolerance

BNP on Friday reaffirmed its position against any form of mischief and unlawful activities, saying that the party has punished four to five thousand partymen so far. “Some individuals are making mischief and creating panic among people in the name of our party—we are taking action agai

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP says it has expelled thousands so far for wrongdoing, vows to maintain zero tolerance

FE Online Report
Published :
Jul 04, 2025 20:09
Updated :
Jul 04, 2025 20:11

BNP on Friday reaffirmed its position against any form of mischief and unlawful activities, saying that the party has punished four to five thousand partymen so far.

“Some individuals are making mischief and creating panic among people in the name of our party—we are taking action against them. The acting chairman is closely monitoring and taking swift action whenever anyone is found involved in any form of wrongdoing,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

The BNP leader said that four to five thousand leaders and activists have been expelled recently for their involvement in wrongdoings and activities that tarnished the party's image.

He highlighted some recent incidents and announced party action against unruly party activists.

He made the comments at an emergency news conference held at the party’s central office in Dhaka amid growing allegations of mischief and internal clashes across the country.

Punitive measures have been taken in light of the 'zero tolerance' policy against wrongdoings, he said, noting that a Jubo Dal leader was expelled immediately after he was found involved in an attack on women in Banani.

Stating that BNP has never condoned mafia rule or terrorism, Rizvi said that strict steps are being taken to maintain the party's structural reforms and discipline and there is no compromise on this.

Earlier in the day, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam demanded the throwing away of the current constitution at a road meeting in Nilphamari.

Responding to a reporter’s question about this, Rizvi said that talking about throwing away the constitution does not make it null and void.

He said that amending the constitution through additions and subtractions is part of democratic continuity. It is not possible for anyone to throw away the constitution.

The BNP senior joint secretary general said that the people have understood the intentions of those who want to impose an authoritarian perspective in the name of democracy.

He called for necessary reforms and a fair election, emphasising that only then will it be clear whose side the people are on.​

 

[Saif]

No one can stop election, warns BNP’s Gayeshwar

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Saturday said no one has the power to prevent the upcoming national election if BNP takes to the streets. “Elections must be held… no one has the power to stop the election, if we take to the streets. Those who say we could not ac

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

No one can stop election, warns BNP’s Gayeshwar

UNB
Published :
Jul 05, 2025 22:34
Updated :
Jul 05, 2025 22:34

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Saturday said no one has the power to prevent the upcoming national election if BNP takes to the streets.

“Elections must be held… no one has the power to stop the election, if we take to the streets. Those who say we could not achieve anything in 16 years, I would like to tell them, we can now achieve it in 16 days…but we won’t show that,” he said while addressing a rally in Keraniganj, demanding an early election.

Referring to the government’s commitment to holding elections in time, Gayeshwar said they are patiently waiting with the expectation that the gentleman (Chief Adviser) will keep his promise and arrange elections in time.

Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Jamaat has taken control of both the education and health sectors… There is no room left for anyone else. Some people often talk about Indian agents, but those who truly act as India’s agents are the ones working for India.”

This veteran politician said those opposing elections or delaying the process in the name of reforms are the real agents of India, and they have inducted “notorious” Awami League members into their parties.

Speaking about the recent abduction of Porag Mandal, he said, “You all know who abducted Porag Mandal… I hear he is now a leader of Jamaat.”

Mentioning that there is a pretext being used in the name of reform, this BNP standing committee member said BNP supports reform but does not and will not accept superstition.

Addressing students, Gayeshwar said, “Students have every right to do politics. We also did student politics. Your contributions will be written in golden letters in history. But if you try to foil the election through conspiracies, your reputation will be tarnished and you will face public outrage.”

Speaking as the chief guest, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said other political parties are using similar demands as BNP's to delay the election.

“An Islamic party has now become ‘Shahid Mubarak’ just to contest elections alongside Awami League. In the past, they collaborated with Awami League by conspiring with India. They helped legitimise the illegal election and now they are giving big speeches at the reform commission,” he added.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Organising Secretary Shama Obaid also addressed the rally as special guests.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique compares overthrown AL leaders’ repression to Karbala tragedy

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the brutal repression by the deposed leaders of the Awami League was similar to the cruelty shown by Yazid’s forces in Karbala. “Over the last 16 years, the fallen Awami fascist regime established a rule of extreme oppression and inju

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique compares overthrown AL leaders’ repression to Karbala tragedy

UNB
Published :
Jul 05, 2025 21:29
Updated :
Jul 05, 2025 21:29

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the brutal repression by the deposed leaders of the Awami League was similar to the cruelty shown by Yazid’s forces in Karbala.

“Over the last 16 years, the fallen Awami fascist regime established a rule of extreme oppression and injustice through fake elections, snatching away people’s voting rights, resorting to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, violence, unrest and siphoning off public money abroad,” he said in a message on the occasion of holy Ashura.

Tarique said the Awami League regime also imprisoned BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia with dictated verdicts in politically motivated cases, and by denying her proper medical treatment, pushed her towards death.

“The cruel repression carried out by the ruthless Awami League leaders, who later fled the country, was like the brutality of Yazid’s forces,” he said.

Tarique said the nation must continue its struggle without pause until justice and fairness are truly established in the country, inspired by the spirit of sacrifice shown by Imam Hussain (RA) and his close companions.

“The battle of Imam Hussain’s forces will always inspire us to stand against all forms of tyranny, so that such cruel oppressors can never rise again,” he observed.

The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Martyr Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his martyred family members, and companions, and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls.

“On this day, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), embraced martyrdom on the land of Karbala while fighting against injustice, oppression and tyranny. This is a day of mourning, respect and sacrifice,” he said.

Tarique said Imam Hussain’s protest against worldly injustice and corruption, and the sacrifice he made, remains a glorious and timeless example for Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world, as well as for all of humanity.

He said the pain and martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), and his sacrifice to uphold Islam, continue to serve as a powerful source of inspiration for people around the world. “At the same time, this event also reveals the message of divine justice, piety, sacrifice, and human dignity.”

Tarique said the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA) stands as an unmatched example of an ideological struggle against injustice, oppression, and despotism.

“Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions gave their lives in battle against those who, blinded by the lust for power, trampled justice and humanity. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain’s (RA) followers in Karbala continues to inspire oppressed and suffering people across the world to rise against tyranny in every era and every country,” he said.​

 

[Saif]

BNP expels thousands of partymen over unlawful activities: Rizvi

BNP on Friday reassured its position against any form of 'mischief' and 'unlawful' activities saying that the party had already punished four to five thousand partymen. "Some individuals, who are making mischiefs, creating panic among people using our party name, we are taking action against them.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP expels thousands of partymen over unlawful activities: Rizvi

FE REPORT
Published :
Jul 05, 2025 08:25
Updated :
Jul 05, 2025 08:25

BNP on Friday reassured its position against any form of 'mischief' and 'unlawful' activities saying that the party had already punished four to five thousand partymen.

"Some individuals, who are making mischiefs, creating panic among people using our party name, we are taking action against them. The acting chairman is closely monitoring and taking swift action if anyone found involved in any form of wrongdoing," said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

The BNP leader said that four to five thousand leaders and activists have been expelled recently for their involvement in wrongdoings and activities that tarnished the party's image.

He highlighted some recent incidents and announced party action against unruly party activists.

Rizvi was speaking at an emergency news conference held at the party's headquarter in Dhaka in the backdrop of growing allegations of mischief and internal clashes in different stages across the country. These decisions have been taken in light of the 'zero tolerance' policy. In particular, in the case of an attack on women by a Jubo Dal leader in Banani, the person involved was expelled immediately after the incident.

Stating that BNP has never condoned mafia rule or terrorism, Rizvi said that strict steps are being taken to maintain the party's structural reforms and discipline, there is no compromise on this.

Meanwhile, in response to journalists, he said that talking about throwing away the constitution does not make it null and void.

Earlier on Thursday, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam in a Nilphamari meeting demanded the 'throwing away of the current constitution.' The BNP leader said that amending the constitution by adding and subtracting is a democratic continuity. "It is not possible if someone talks about throwing away the constitution," he added.​

 

[Saif]

When is Tarique Rahman returning to Bangladesh?

BNP prepares for Tarique Rahman’s return, planning a major reception while timing depends on political momentum, election schedule, and seasonal weather conditions.

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When is Tarique Rahman returning to Bangladesh?

Selim ZahidDhaka
Published: 05 Jul 2025, 13: 20

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman File photo

Speculation has been growing in political circles that BNP’s acting chairperson, Tarique Rahman, is returning to Bangladesh soon. The BNP leaders could not provide any specific timing on his return, but said they are preparing for his homecoming which is expected to happen soon.

According to a senior BNP source, Tarique Rahman is likely to return home by the end of August, though it is not final yet. Different media outlets reported that preparations are being made over his security, residence, and political office in Dhaka, but these activities are not yet visible.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, several top BNP leaders said they are prepared to give the party’s second-in-command a massive public reception. However, his return is yet to be finalised. Here, multiple factors are being considered, including the upcoming national election schedule, the political climate, and his personal security. The party is weighing when his return would have the greatest political impact – for both the BNP and Tarique Rahman personally.

There has been much discussion within the party that he may return in July or August. The BNP chalked out a 36-day programme to mark the anniversary of the July uprising. They are planning a large rally in Dhaka to celebrate the Sheikh Hasina regime’s fall. There is a perception that Tarique Rahman may appear in the rally in-person. However, senior party officials could not confirm it.

A meeting has begun between interim government chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.courtesy of the chief adviser's press wing

It was learned through conversations with BNP leaders that they want to make the acting chairperson’s return a historic event, with large gatherings at the airport as well as in the city. The ongoing monsoon season has added uncertainty, as bad weather during his return could disrupt the grand public gathering the party hopes to stage.

Some party insiders mentioned another potential window for his return – either just before or right after the national election schedule is announced. The idea is that his presence could spark momentum for the BNP and help secure better results in the election.

Another idea is that his return might be inevitable to create pressure on the government, if any uncertainty emerges over holding the election in February next year. So far, no such critical situation has emerged. If all goes as planned, the election schedule could be announced by the end of December or early January.

Given this complex backdrop, BNP leadership continues to deliberate on the perfect timing for Tarique Rahman’s return. Political analyst and writer Mohiuddin Ahmed believes Tarique Rahman’s homecoming will likely be part of an electoral showdown. He is probably preparing to return in that context.

Upon his return to Bangladesh, Tarique is likely to reside at 196 Gulshan Avenue. The house was originally allotted to his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, after the assassination of president Ziaur Rahman in 1981. The house was rented to British American Tobacco for several years. The company vacated the property earlier this year, and renovation work is currently underway. Recently, the interim government handed over documents of the residence to Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Rahman was arrested on 7 March, 2007, during the caretaker government. He was granted bail on 3 September 2008 and left for London with his family on 11 September. With political asylum, he has been living in the UK for nearly 17 years. After Khaleda Zia was jailed on 8 February, 2018, he was made acting chairperson of the party.

On 5 August, 2024, the student-people mass uprising ousted the Awami League regime. Later, Tarique was acquitted in nearly all cases against him. Home affairs adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has confirmed that there are no legal barriers to his return.

When asked about the timeline, BNP leaders simply say “Soon.” On 10 June, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told journalists at the Gulshan office, “Mr Tarique will surely return – of course, he will.” Asked when, he replied, “Very soon,” without giving a date.

At a meet the press programme at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on 26 June, BNP joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie also said preparations are being made not just within the party but at the national level for the return of their acting chairperson.

During the Awami League’s rule, a slogan became popular among BNP activists and leaders, which translates as Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh as a hero. Referring to the slogan, a BNP insider said his return may happen in one of two ways – as a triumphant, red-carpet return, either after winning the election or forming the government, or as a strategic move to ramp up political pressure if the election process stalls.​

 

[Saif]

Allies of fascists trying to create anarchy: Rizvi

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said that collaborators of the “fallen Awami fascist government” are attempting to create chaos in the country. “We want civil rights of the people and real democracy. If real democracy

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Allies of fascists trying to create anarchy: Rizvi

Published :
Jul 06, 2025 23:01
Updated :
Jul 06, 2025 23:01

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said that collaborators of the “fallen Awami fascist government” are attempting to create chaos in the country.

“We want civil rights of the people and real democracy. If real democracy is practiced, the truth can be spoken. Free and fair elections are the expectation of the people, which will be completed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus,” he said.

Rizvi said this while talking to reporters after meeting Naima Erin Nitu, the ailing wife of Muttakin Billah, who was martyred in the July mass uprising, at Tolarbagh in the capital this afternoon, reports BSS.

BNP’s senior joint secretary general hoped that the interim government will not extend the election timeline to give some advantage to any political party or individual.

“They will not do that. They will hold a free and fair election within the specified time frame that they have said,” he added.

BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Haque Jamal, executive committee members Kazi Rawnkul Islam Shraban and Abdus Sattar Patwary, Jubo Dal leader Omar Faruk Kawsar, and others were present on the occasion.​

 

[Saif]

A viral photo, a lesson for BNP

Today, the real fight is not just in speeches or rallies, but in what people see and believe on social media platforms

www.thedailystar.net

A viral photo, a lesson for BNP

It all began with one picture. Just one.

Nadim, a young man who lost his leg during the July Uprising movement, was seen standing in front of the stage at a BNP event held on July 1 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Behind him, other BNP leaders and guests were sitting on chairs.

A photo of this moment went viral on Facebook. And then, came chaos.

People started sharing the photo, saying that BNP had disrespected a young protest hero. Some said, "Why is he standing when others are sitting? Doesn't he deserve more respect?"

Others accused BNP of treating Nadim badly. Angry posts, emotional reactions, and harsh comments poured in.

But there was a problem. The story wasn't true.

Later, Nadim himself spoke in a TV interview. He said that he was standing for just a short moment to take a photo. He clearly said he was happy with how he was invited and treated. He even said he felt respected and had no complaints at all.

Still, the damage had already been done. Thousands of people had already judged the photo. They didn't wait to learn the real story. They just believed what they saw and shared it.

That's how social media works.

Even some BNP leaders got confused.

One of them even shared the photo himself, thinking that is what had happened. Later, he deleted it when he found out the truth.

BNP did try to fix the problem.

The next day, they posted Nadim's interview and the full video of the event on their official Facebook pages.

Some online activists also shared the correct information.

They hoped this would clear the confusion. But many people had already made up their minds.

This is a big lesson for BNP.

BNP hasn't built a strong online community—one that doesn't just promote its goodwill, but actively speaks on its behalf.

And this shows the bigger challenge. Today, the real fight is not just in speeches or rallies, but in what people see and believe on social media platforms.

Social media is powerful. One post can spread faster than the truth. In today's world, especially in the age of AI and fast information, lies can look like facts. And if you are slow to reply, even the truth can be ignored.

Right now, BNP is trying hard to rebuild trust. After many years of struggle, people are starting to listen to them. More and more people are speaking up for BNP. But that means any mistake or confusion can hurt the party deeply.

That's why BNP must become smarter online.

They need a special team that monitors social media all the time. This team should quickly find lies, share the truth, and make sure people don't get fooled.

Other large political parties around the world are already at it. It's called a rapid digital response team.

If BNP had one, they could have shared Nadim's full story within minutes. They could have prevailed over the false narrative. They could have stopped the spread of lies.

Also, BNP leaders should be careful about what they share. If a leader shares a fake story by mistake, it gives the wrong message.

The public gets confused.

This event also shows how social media can be used to spread propaganda. Some people may purposely spread half-truths or lies to hurt a political party.

In this case, even a well-known influencer shared the photo and blamed BNP. The post got over 1.8 lakh likes and thousands of shares. That's a lot of people seeing a false story.

Even a high official of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, made the mistake of sharing the picture and later had to apologise.

So, what should BNP do now?

The party is at a turning point. People are paying attention again. But with great attention comes great responsibility.

This time, they need to protect their message from false noise. And that can only happen with preparation, speed, and smart action.

Let this viral photo be not just a bad memory, but a good lesson.​

 

[Saif]

No space for extortionists, wrongdoers in BNP: Rizvi

BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday accused the police and administration of not cooperating in taking action against the troublemakers who use the party name in their interest. “Although BNP has repeatedly asked to take legal action against criminals and troubl

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

No space for extortionists, wrongdoers in BNP: Rizvi

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jul 08, 2025 19:17
Updated :
Jul 08, 2025 22:49

BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday accused the police and administration of not cooperating in taking action against the troublemakers who use the party name in their interest.

“Although BNP has repeatedly asked to take legal action against criminals and troublemakers, the administration remains silent,” Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said at an emergency news conference at the party headquarters in the city’s Nayapaltan.

“There will be no place for extortionists and wrongdoers in the BNP,” he said.

“Several leaders and activists have already been expelled, dismissed, suspended from their posts, and given show cause notices,” he said alleging that “We have noticed that the media has not mentioned much about such ongoing organisational measures by the party. Moreover, the lax role of the law enforcement agencies is mysterious.”

The police administration has not been very active since the interim government came to power. Rather, in some cases, it is clearly seen that some are deliberately stirring up trouble, he alleged.

The prevalence of “mob culture” was increasing due to administrative stagnation. Under the influence of illegal black money and secret activities, attempts are being made to create chaos in the society in the name of “mob culture”.

“Due to the black money and underground activities of their cronies during the Awami era, the criminals are getting exposed and there are signs of creating the possibility of creating anarchy in the society,” he continued.

Furthermore, self-interested circles are using technology in a very planned way to spread various propaganda through social media against the BNP.

“The people believe that this planned propaganda, misdeeds, and artificially created social unrest are a far-reaching plan to obstruct the path of democracy and postpone the elections,” he claimed.

Like the strange development narrative during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, various kinds of narratives are now being made about postponing the elections, he said.​

 

[Saif]

Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. “It’s unfortunate that democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. Perhaps this stems from the legacy of Pakistan politics…..We saw democracy being practis

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Published :
Jul 08, 2025 22:52
Updated :
Jul 08, 2025 22:52

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh.

“It’s unfortunate that democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. Perhaps this stems from the legacy of Pakistan politics…..We saw democracy being practised only for a short time, and then we went far away from this practice again,” he said, UNB reports.

Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of a national debate competition titled ‘Civil Discourse National 2025’, organised by The Bangladesh Dialogue and Dhaka College Debating Society at Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy in the capital.

He said BNP believes in liberal democracy where freedom of speech must be guaranteed.

“We believe in liberal democracy. We believe I must have the freedom to speak. And you (dissidents) must have the freedom to speak. That is the essence of a functioning democracy,” he said.

The BNP Secretary General stressed the need for ensuring the space for dissenting voices to strengthen a democratic state system.

“It’s not about suppressing dissent; rather, we must create room for it. Even if someone disagrees with me, I must do everything to protect their right to express that opinion,” he added.

Fakhrul expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh, saying, “I’m hopeful that better days will come for Bangladesh. One day, we will proudly stand tall as a nation.”

Expressing satisfaction with the activities of today’s youths, he said “Many say nothing will change. But our youths have already surpassed us. I am now very hopeful that change will come. There will be debates, disagreements — and we must defend each other's right to disagree. Even if I don't agree with someone, I’ll risk my life to defend their right to express their view. That is what we believe in.”

Referring to a word ‘honourable’ used during the debate earlier, Fakhrul said he has an objection to one thing in the debate. “Do we really need to use the word ‘honourable’ before saying ‘Prime Minister’ or ‘Speaker’? I believe the excessive use of such terms breeds authoritarianism.”

In the event, BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Committee member Israfil Khossru, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Rasheda Imam and Dhaka College Principal Prof AKM Elias were, among others, present.​