[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/bnp-wants-reinstate-caretaker-govt-system-3693156

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.​

 

[Saif]

Nation can’t let interim govt fail: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday warned that anti-democratic forces still continued hatching conspiracies.

www.newagebd.net

Nation can’t let interim govt fail: BNP
Staff Correspondent 08 November, 2024, 19:28

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party brings out a procession in the capital marking ‘revolution and solidarity day’ on Thursday. | Sony Ramani

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday warned that anti-democratic forces still continued hatching conspiracies.

‘The accomplices of the exiled autocrat are still present at home and abroad, in governance and administration and are relentlessly trying to destabilise the interim government,’ he said.

Tariuque came up with the caution while virtually inaugurating a short rally in front of the party’s Naya Paltan office held before a procession brought out commemorating ‘National revolution and solidarity day’ it observed every November 7.

The interim government must not be allowed to fail under any circumstances, he stated, calling on the government to take effective steps to meet people’s expectations.

The rally started shortly after 3:00pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran and prayer for BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia with party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in chair.

The rally saw thousands of supporters and party associates, carrying banners, festoons, and placards and chanting slogans in favour of democracy and justice from different areas of Dhaka and nearby districts, to congregate at the programme venue.

Streets and alleys stretching from the Kakrail mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with the supporters of BNP and its wing organisations.

The city people, however, witnessed severe traffic jams at different areas in the capital due to the programme.

Addressing the rally, Tarique said, ‘November 7, 1975, was the day to distinguish between friend and foe, and August 5, 2024, was the day to identify enemies.’

‘I have said before that if the pro-Bangladesh forces stay united, no one will be able to jeopardise the country’s independence,’ he said.

He described the rally as a ‘procession to instil the inherent teachings of November 7 into the forces supporting Bangladesh.’

Tarique also underscored the importance of electing public representatives through citizens’ vote to prevent the return of fascism.

‘Those who aspire to become public representatives at all levels—from local to central—must be elected through people’s votes. [Until that is done] people will not experience the benefits of democracy,’ he said.

He said that the wellbeing of lower-income groups was threatened by market syndicates, a problem that he believed direct voting rights could address.

Mirza Fakhrul at the rally said, ‘BNP has repeatedly defended the democracy of Bangladesh. Many party leaders and activists have been victims of enforced disappearance and were killed during the Awami misrule.’

He further said that Sheikh Hasina and her accomplices looted the country in the past 17 years, during which period the BNP continued its fight against her. Finally, it was the movement of students and people that forced her to step down and flee the country.

‘Although Hasina has left, her allies are still lurking in the shadows. We are ready to destroy any evil forces and remain united for the future,’ he continued.

The BNP leader called on all to remain united and support the interim government to establish democracy.

After the short rally, the procession started at about 3:30pm parading through the city’s major roads, including Kakrail crossing, Kakrail mosque, Matsya Bhaban, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental crossing, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate, before concluding near the South Gate of the National Parliament Building at Manik Mia Avenue.

During the procession, carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists and supporters chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman.

Apart from Dhaka city, leaders and activists from nearby districts, including Narayanganj, Gazipur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Tangail and Cumilla, joined the programme.

BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975.

On October 31, the party announced a 10-day programme to observe November 7, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 1975.

As part of the programme the BNP along with its associate bodies held a number of programmes on Thursday also.

On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.​

 

[Saif]

Divide in democratic forces aiding fascists: Fakhrul

Expressing concerns, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that the associates of fascists have started resurfacing due to a divide in democratic forces

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Divide in democratic forces aiding fascists: Fakhrul
Urges media and other actors to refrain from promoting negative campaigns

Photo: AFP

Expressing concerns, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that the associates of fascists have started resurfacing due to a divide in democratic forces.

"One thing to note is that the fascists have started raising their heads again due to various negative statements and discourses. Unfortunately, some of our media are promoting this, which I believe, will bring no good for people in any way," he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the Youth Forum at the High Court auditorium.

He urged the media and those conducting negative campaigns to refrain from such actions. "I also urge the youth to take a stand and work to stop this trend."

Fakhrul said that the only way to overcome the crisis that the nation is facing is through patience -- holding a fair and credible election after the completion of necessary state reforms.

He urged everyone not to miss the opportunity, which came through the student-led mass uprising, to rebuild the state. "If this opportunity is lost, our very existence as a nation will be endangered. I want to emphasise this point."

The BNP leader also said that the interim government, which is currently responsible for running the state, has been endorsed by all quarters, including students and politicians. "We entrusted them with this responsibility with the hope that they would clean up the mess created by the Awami League over the past 16 years and organise a credible election. Through that election, we can build the new Bangladesh that the youth aspire to," he said.

Fakhrul said they are repeatedly talking about the election because they believe no reform initiative can succeed without the active participation of the people. "Such participation is only possible through an elected parliament."

He also said if parliament can be made effective, it will be possible to ensure democratic culture and practices in the country.

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, said it is now a challenge for politicians to realise the dreams and desires of the youth, for which they sacrificed blood and so much more during the student-led mass movement.

He stressed the need for state reforms to ensure a balance of power and prevent the resurgence of fascism.

Saki also said that the youth must play a crucial role in keeping the country on the right track of democracy and safeguarding the rights of the people.​

 

[Saif]

Voting rights must be ensured to prevent conspiracies, says BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stated that voting rights must be guaranteed to prevent conspiracies, while party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir...

www.newagebd.net

Voting rights must be ensured to prevent conspiracies, says BNP
Staff Correspondent 10 November, 2024, 00:58

Collected photo.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stated that voting rights must be guaranteed to prevent conspiracies, while party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that overthrown prime minister Sheikh Hasina, holed up in India, was hatching deep plots against the country.

Their statements came while they were addressing separate programmes on the day.

While virtually inaugurating a training programme for the leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman said that conspiracies against the country continued, and it could not be stopped until democracy was restored.

‘Nothing good can happen if accountability is not ensured. Election must be organised,’ Tarique stressed.

At a separate discussion organised by the Youth Forum on the day at the High Court Auditorium, Fakrul said that Sheikh Hasina was making a deep conspiracy against the country.

‘So we have to proceed with caution...an opportunity to rebuild the country has come through the students’ movement. But fallen dictators are still weaving a new web of intrigues. They [people] have to stand against all conspiracies,’ he said.

Saying that the fellow accomplices of the fascists started resurfacing due to the negative talks among democratic forces, Fakrul stated, ‘Note that the fascists have started raising their heads again due to various negative statements and discussions. Unfortunately, a section of the media is promoting this, which I believe, will never bring good for people.’

He urged the media and those conducting negative campaigns to refrain from doing so.

‘I also urge the youth to take a stand and work to stop this trend,’ he added.

Fakhrul said that the only way to overcome the crisis facing the nation is through patience, the completion of necessary state reforms and holding a fair and credible election.

He urged that the opportunity to rebuild the state, now created through the student-led mass uprising, must not be missed.

‘If this opportunity is lost, our very existence as a nation will be under threat. I want to make this point very clear,’ he said.

The BNP leader also highlighted that students and politicians and all other quarters endorsed the current interim government.

‘We have entrusted them with this responsibility with the hope that they would clean up the mess created by Awami League over the past 16 years, and organise a credible election. Through that election, we can build the new Bangladesh that the youths aspire to,’ he stated.

Pointing out the reason for the party’s repeated call for elections, the secretary general said that they were stressing the matter because they believed that no reform initiatives could succeed without the active participation of people.

With the parliament made effective, democratic culture and practice could be ensured in the country, he added.

Addressing the programme, Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said that it was now a challenge for politicians to realise the dreams and desires of the youths for which they sacrificed so much during the student-led mass uprising to free the country from fascism.

Zonayed Saki stressed state reforms to ensure a balance of power and prevent the resurgence of fascism.

He also said that the youth must play a crucial role in keeping the country on the right track of democracy and safeguarding the people’s rights.​

 

[Saif]

BNP slams AL for ‘using image of Trump’

BNP senior leaders Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Hafiz Udidn Ahmed yesterday slammed Awami League for trying to stage a political comeback through various covert means, including the use of the photos of US President-elect Donald Trump.

www.thedailystar.net

BNP slams AL for ‘using image of Trump’

BNP senior leaders Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Hafiz Udidn Ahmed yesterday slammed Awami League for trying to stage a political comeback through various covert means, including the use of the photos of US President-elect Donald Trump.

Speaking at separate programmes, they also said the AL is resorting to such ploys as the party has lost its political standing.

The BNP leaders came up with the reactions as the Awami League, ousted through a student-led mass upsurge on August 5, yesterday tried to stage a protest rally on the occasion of Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.

Briefing reporters after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Singapore's non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh Derek Loh, party standing committee member Khasru said Sheikh Hasina and her party are trying to make themselves relevant in politics under different guises after they were driven out of the country by people.

"Sometimes you [AL] raise the Hindu-Muslim issue, sometimes you highlight alleged atrocities against Hindus, and now you are resorting to using Trump's image," he said.

"This is their political impotence... it proves that they have been politically obliterated."

In response to a question, Khasru said the political party is responsible for its own demise. He accused AL of trying to undermine Dhaka's relations with Washington.

Speaking at another discussion, BNP standing committee member Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed alleged that Hasina is now attempting to use Trump's photos as her party's shield from abroad.​

 

[Saif]

Bankrupt AL trying to reappear in disguises, says BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday that the bankrupt Awami League is attempting to return in various disguises.

www.newagebd.net

Bankrupt AL trying to reappear in disguises, says BNP
Staff Correspondent 11 November, 2024, 00:51

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday that the bankrupt Awami League is attempting to return in various disguises.

He came up with the remarks in response to a question at a press conference held at BNP chairperson’s political office in the capital’s Gulshan after a meeting between the BNP, led by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Singapore’s non-resident high commissioner to Dhaka, Derek Loh.

Khasru said, ‘When the people of the country reject you (AL), you try to return in different forms. Sometimes you bring up Hindu-Muslim issues; on the other times, you portray images of oppression against Hindus. Now, again, they are coming in the guise of Trump.’

In reality, their existence has faded, he said, adding that ‘they are trying to re-enter the country in various disguises. This shows their political weakness and proves they are politically bankrupt.’

He said, ‘Why do they have to appear as Trump? Why in the guise of oppression against Hindus? Why have they reached this condition as a political force? They themselves are proving this.’

‘If they have courage and support, they should return in their original form. But they no longer have it; Awami League has lost that,’ he said.

When asked regarding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad, Amir Khosru said, ‘Some processes are pending, this is why Khaleda Zia’s going abroad is delayed.’

‘She will be sent abroad for treatment only after the procedures are completed. We expect the processes would be completed in a short time,’ he added.

About the meeting with Derek Loh, Khasru said that the meeting discussed issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

‘Singapore believes that economic investment and activities become easier with an elected government in place. During discussions on labour force, Singapore emphasised the potential for sending skilled workers, particularly educated nurses, to Singapore,’ he added.

Meanwhile, BNP’s standing committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said on Sunday that the Awami League did not give proper status to Ziaur Rahman (former president and BNP’s founder), as the martyred president was a rare personality of Bangladesh and the name of a legend.

He came up with the remarks while addressing a discussion held at the National Press Club in Dhaka arranged by Zia Parishad.

Hafiz said, ‘How cruel Hasina was, how many students she has killed. How ruthless they were for state power. Now she wants to live in another country under cover of Trump’s picture.’

He urged Sheikh Hasina to come Bangladesh saying that now Ziaur Rahman is no more but his party BNP is still there. We will all protect the independence and sovereignty of this country.’

Hafiz also said, ‘The past 16 years have been a difficult time for us. In Bangladesh, we criticised the Awami League government. But how cruel they are, their true picture was revealed during the anti-discrimination student movement.’

Ziaur Rahman is called the leader of the cantonment. But he was a patriotic Democrat at heart.

He was the elected president of the country, he added.​