[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

‘Stop creating chaos in name of reforms’

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday urged the interim government to hold the national election without delay, arguing that ordinary people do not understand reforms.

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‘Stop creating chaos in name of reforms’
Fakhrul calls for immediate nat’l polls

Photo: Collected

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday urged the interim government to hold the national election without delay, arguing that ordinary people do not understand reforms.

"Common people don't understand reforms. They care about two meals a day, basic clothing, and a roof over their heads. So stop creating chaos in the name of reforms. Hold the election immediately. Please give the people peace," Fakhrul said while addressing a rally at Laksam Stadium in Cumilla.

The rally was organised by BNP's Laksam upazila and municipality units, along with Monohorgonj upazila BNP, to push for the implementation of the party's 31-point state reform agenda.

"Do not push the nation into uncertainty. Announce the election date and give the people a roadmap. The country must be stabilised through elections. Stop creating unrest -- this will not bring any good results. Give the people a national election as soon as possible," he said.

Addressing other political parties, he called for responsible behaviour. "Do not make statements that confuse the people. We expect responsible conduct from all political parties," he said.

Fakhrul also raised the issue of enforced disappearances, recalling that BNP leaders Saiful Islam (Hiru) and Humayun Kabir (Parvez) had been missing for 11 years since they were abducted from Laksam.

"When their sons went to meet Khaleda Zia, the scene was heartbreaking. They lost their fathers as children and are still waiting for their return. Like them, around 700 BNP leaders and activists were forcibly disappeared. No trace of them has been found to this day. During the most recent movement, around 2,000 people were shot dead -- 800 of them were BNP members," he said.

Fakhrul also warned against undermining the Liberation War of 1971. "We fought the war for independence. Millions gave their lives, and our mothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice. No one should ever belittle 1971 -- just as no one should disrespect the 2024 movement. The people of this country will not tolerate it," he said.​

 

[Saif]

People will resist if fascism emerges again: Rizvi

Highlighting the spirit of the Amar Ekushey, Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that people of the country would again take to the streets if any fascism and dictatorship arise.

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People will resist if fascism emerges again: Rizvi
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 21 February, 2025, 16:48

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi | File photo

Highlighting the spirit of the Amar Ekushey, Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that people of the country would again take to the streets if any fascism and dictatorship arise.

‘The spirit of Ekushey February is an indelible consciousness that will never fade. If fascism or any form of dictatorship arises again, the spirit of February 21 will inspire the youth and the people of this country to take to the streets in protest,’ he said.

He made the remark while talking to the media after placing a wreath in honour of the Language Movement Martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar.

Rizvi said the spirit of February 21, which emerged from the Language Movement, is a revolutionary force that has been guiding them (nation) for generations. It cannot be destroyed or diluted.

Remembering the history of Ekushey, the BNP leader said it was the first step towards national independence. The nation gradually moved towards the War of Independence through the language movement.

He said, ‘Whenever we found ourselves under the grip of a dictatorship, the country’s people were deprived of democracy and lived in prisons, the year ‘52 inspired us, urging us to fight against tyranny. Over the past 17 years, we fought tirelessly, many leaders and activists disappeared and many were killed in crossfire. Finally, the people led by the youth emerged victorious, forcing the oppressive, corrupt government to flee.’

Reminding the responsibility of the interim government, Rizvi said holding a free and fair election is the responsibility of the current government.

‘Public must be assured, particularly the youth who have never had the chance to vote, that they will be able to cast votes. For 17 years, votes were manipulated by the past government. It is necessary to restore trust among the people by holding a transparent, universally acceptable election. This is the government’s responsibility,’ he said.

The BNP leader prioritised the national elections over local government elections, saying that the interim government should focus on returning power to the people.

‘The people, through their free and fair vote, will decide when local government elections or other elections should be held,’ he said, emphasising that during the BNP’s tenure, fair elections were held as opposition candidates won in the city corporation elections in Chattogram, Sylhet and Dhaka.

Rizvi also talked about rumours regarding BNP leadership circulating on social media. ‘Some people on Facebook are claiming that if BNP comes to power in the next election, Tarique Rahman will become the prime minister, and Begum Khaleda Zia will become the president,’ Rizvi said.

Denying such remarks, he said this might be a personal opinion but it was not the official stance of the BNP.

Earlier, at around 6:30am, Rizvi led a procession from near the Balaka Cinema Hall in New Market to Azimpur graveyard where they paid their respects at the graves of the language martyrs.

They placed wreaths and offered prayers before proceeding to the Central Shaheed Minar. The BNP leaders and activists wore black badges to show their solidarity.

At the Shaheed Minar, Rizvi and other senior party members paid their respects by placing wreaths at the monument.

Among others, party leaders Aman Ullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Nazim Uddin Alam, Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu, Aminul Haq, Ishrak Hossain, Monayem Munna, Nurul Islam Nayan, and leaders from various affiliated organisations were present.​

 

[Saif]

Unity crucial to save Bangladesh from plotters

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said unity among the democratic forces is crucial to protect Bangladesh and its people from conspirators.

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Unity crucial to save Bangladesh from plotters
Says Tarique

File photo

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said unity among the democratic forces is crucial to protect Bangladesh and its people from conspirators.

"If we want to protect the people of the country and, above all, to safeguard Bangladesh, we must all remain united at any cost," he said while virtually addressing the council of the Jashore district unit BNP at Central Eidgah Maidan.

The BNP leader warned that autocratic forces were attempting to resurface and that conspirators were not sitting idle. "They are continuing their plans under various pretexts, but we cannot allow them to succeed."

"There may be differences of opinion among us. We'll sit together and discuss. If one discussion is not enough, we will sit again. Through discussions, we'll find solutions to our problems," he said.

He highlighted the BNP's commitment to rebuilding the country, stating that the party had presented a 31-point outline for the reform of the state structure, which includes plans for education, employment, healthcare, and agriculture.

Tarique said the main goal of his party is to restore the collapsed state structure to rebuild the country.

"Many people are talking about reforms now, but in the past, they were nowhere to be seen on the streets. Only BNP has faced the bloodshed of dictatorship, discussed reforms, and announced a 31-point plan," he said.

The BNP leader also said if the party returned to power with the people's mandate, its top priority would be to rebuild the country.

He said action had already been taken against BNP leaders and activists involved in unlawful activities. "So, the people of the country cannot be misled by the carrying out propaganda against BNP."

He accused Sheikh Hasina of resorting to killings and enforced disappearances to stay in power.

He observed that those who now make "big statements" were absent when the BNP and some other political parties protested on the streets, enduring repression and suppression during Hasina's rule, Tarique said.

He emphasised the importance of holding a credible and transparent national election as soon as possible to rebuild the country in line with the people's hopes and aspirations.​

 

[Saif]

BNP seeks early, fair polls

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday once again called for an early and fair national election.

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BNP seeks early, fair polls
Our Correspondent . Jashore 23 February, 2025, 00:46

Tarique Rahman | File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday once again called for an early and fair national election.

Addressing the Jashore district BNP conference as the chief guest virtually, he said that the primary responsibility of the interim government was to ensure a free and fair election.

He said that if voted to power, BNP’s primary objective would be to rebuild the country and reform the state structure.

Tarique said that the BNP, as a political party, was the first to place a 31-point charter of reform proposals.

He said that though many people are now vocal about reforms, they remained silent on the issue during the regime of the dictator Sheikh Hasina.

`The main target of the politics of the BNP is the people and the country. It is the BNP that is capable of rebuilding the broken country,’ Tarique said.

BNP does not do any act against the will of the people, he said.

He said that steps were taken against the party leaders and activists who did such activities.

Tqrique said that the BNP was the only party that held its leaders and activists accountable for wrongdoings.

‘We take action against the socially unacceptable conducts…BNP has made its stance on injustice very clear,’ he said.

Tarique said that the ousted autocrat had destroyed the structure of the country. ‘A total of 6 million leaders and activists of the BNP had to suffer due to false cases,’ he added.

Amanullah Aman, an adviser to the BNP chairperson, inaugurated the conference at Jashore central Eidgah in the district town in the morning.

Jashore district BNP convener Professor Nargis Begum chaired the inaugural session.

The conference was attended, among others, by the party’s acting organising secretary Aninda Islam Amit, assistant organizing secretary Jayanto Kumar Kundu, Amalendu Das Apu, Mostfizur Rahman, Engineer TS Ayub, Abul Hossan Azad, Syed Saberul Haque Sabu and Delwar Hossain Khokon.

Before Saturday’s conference, the conference of the district BNP was held for the last time in 2009. In 2019, a convening committee headed by Professor Nargis Begum was formed for the district BNP.​

 

[Saif]

Govt deviating from its goal to some extent

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the interim government is deviating from its goal “to some extent” and stressed for an early election to restore stability in the country.

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Govt deviating from its goal to some extent
Says Tarique, urges early election to help restore stability

Photo: AFP

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the interim government is deviating from its goal "to some extent" and stressed for an early election to restore stability in the country.

"They are probably deviating from their goal to some extent in some cases. Confusion is being created from the various statements coming from different persons. Confusion is being created in different areas. Naturally, when there is instability in politics, confusion will be created," he said while addressing a training workshop virtually.

The workshop titled, "31-point proposal to repair the state structures and public engagement", was organised by the Dhaka Bar Unit of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum at Dhaka Bar Lawyers Association Auditorium in the city.

"If we cannot ensure political stability, then no matter how many reforms we announce, no matter how many policies we adopt, none of them will be successful," he added.

He said some people are questioning whether an election will solve all problems.

"In this regard, we can think that since a stable situation will return after the election and reform works will gradually begin, the severity or intensity of the problems will gradually begin to ease," he added.

"We think it will be possible to gradually bring the country back from the brink of destruction [if an election is held early]," he said.

Pointing to those who demand and argue for holding the local government elections first before the national election, he asked them to consider the present reality, as instability is everywhere in the country.

"If we look around, we can see instability. There is instability everywhere," said the BNP acting chairman.

He said the main responsibility of this interim government is to help the people of the country by providing them the platform to make decisions. "This should be their main goal," he added.​

 

[Saif]

We shouldn’t move away from country’s interest through unwanted debates: Tarique Rahman

Any unwanted debates will provide an opportunity to anti-state elements so everyone should stay alert, Tarique Rahman said.

en.prothomalo.com

We shouldn’t move away from country’s interest through unwanted debates: Tarique Rahman
Correspondent
Khulna
Published: 24 Feb 2025, 22: 42

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman virtually addresses the Khulna City BNP’s biennial council at the city’s Circuit House Maidan on 24 February 2025 Saddam Hossain

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said, “We should not move away from protecting the interests of the people and the country through unwanted debates.”

Any unwanted debates will provide an opportunity to anti-state elements. That is why everyone should stay alert to this end, he remarked.

Tarique Rahman was virtually addressing the Khulna City BNP’s biennial council at the town’s Circuit House Maidan on Monday. The council was held after 16 years.

News agency BSS adds: Tarique Rahman said, "There could be arguments and discussions on various issues of politics. But we must stay alert so that none can destroy the country by taking advantage of political controversies. In the midst of arguments and debates, such an environment should not arise in the country that tyranny or anti-state forces get an opportunity."

Stating that most of the people of the country are looking to BNP, Tarique Rahman said, if the environment for fair elections is ensured in the future, BNP will get the opportunity to come to power in the state and serve the people.

Leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party join the Khulna City BNP’s biennial council at the city’s Circuit House Maidan on 24 February 2025. The council was held after 16 years. Saddam Hossain

"However, we should not stay idle. Every leader and worker of BNP must be prepared. This must be reflected in our speech, work and everything. We must stand by the people even if we sacrifice our personal interests," he said.

Calling on the party leaders and workers to be inspired by martyred President Ziaur Rahman and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he said, if the people give BNP another chance, it will complete the unfinished work of the past.

Stating that the BNP's outline for state reforms is given in 31 points, the BNP top leader said, BNP will work in all sectors including health, education, agriculture and industry.

"In the UK, the state is responsible for all the health services of the people. However, it took them 77 years to reach that point. We will develop that system for the people of Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique Rahman said many years ago, Begum Khaleda Zia said one thing, that is - "the dictator Sheikh Hasina will destroy the country and flee from the country. Today, her words have come true. The dictator has looted, destroyed and fled. Now the country has to be pulled out of this ruin."

He underscored the need for practicing democracy in the party to bring better people to the leadership in stages.

Earlier, at around 10:15am, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Amanullah Aman inaugurated the conference as national anthem and party hymn was played while, national and party flags were hoisted and balloon and pigeons were released.​

 

[Saif]

Uphold impartiality

Tarique urges interim govt, says differences in opinion should not turn into divisions

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Uphold impartiality
Tarique urges interim govt, says differences in opinion should not turn into divisions

File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today expressed the hope that the interim government would uphold impartiality as desired by people.

"We hope that the interim government will maintain the impartiality that people expect from it," he said this while addressing the biannual council of Cumilla city BNP unit through a virtual platform.

Noting that instability is being seen in some places of the country, Tarique said now various questions have emerged among people over different matters of the interim government.

Since the formation of this government, he said, the BNP has been supporting this government as it wants it to be successful.

Tarique Rahman said the people of Bangladesh believe that this interim government would do whatever necessary to protect their political and other rights through a fair and impartial election, which had been snatched by the fugitive dictator many years ago in the dark of night.

But for the past few days, the BNP leader said, it has unfortunately been observed that different persons within the government are making different remarks about restoring the rights of people (voting rights). "As a result, various kinds of unrest are being created in different parts of the country. We do not want instability in Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique went on to say, "Various kinds of instability are being created by the statements of some persons within the interim government. We are seeing the instability in the economy, different classes of society and the administration."

The BNP acting chairman reiterated his party's support towards this interim government for the sake of smooth journey of democracy in the country. "We want to cooperate with this government because we think the more smoothly and beautifully this government can hold a neutral election, the smoother the democratic journey will be for this country and its people in the coming days."

Noting that BNP firmly believes in democracy, he said the differences -- whether within the party or with other parties-- should be resolved through negotiations.

"We do not want to let these differences turn into divisions. If any division is created among us, the country, its people, democratic political parties, democratic political activists and the people who believe in democracy will be the most affected," he said.

Tarique said as a political party, their one of the prime goals and objectives is to ask people to vote and participate in the elections and demand elections.

"BNP is a political party. Since we believe in the rule of people and the power of people, democracy and vote-oriented politics, we naturally would demand the vote or election in the country and ask people to vote. It is a normal matter," he said.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, its Relief and Rehabilitation Affairs Secretary Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin and Cumilla south district BNP convener Zakaria Taher Suman, among others, spoke at the council presided over by Cumilla city BNP Convener Utbatul Bari Abu.​

 

[Saif]

BNP urges Yunus to run govt with strong hand

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to run the government with a strong hand and proceed towards holding the national election soon, maintaining neutrality.

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BNP urges Yunus to run govt with strong hand
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 26 February, 2025, 00:23

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to run the government with a strong hand and proceed towards holding the national election soon, maintaining neutrality.

‘I would like to call upon the chief of the interim government to lead your government with a strong hand. Let no one get scope to say that you are exhibiting any favouritism,’ he said.

Mirza Fakhrul made this call while addressing a discussion over BDR carnage, arranged by BNP, at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka in memory of the martyred army officers who were killed in the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy.

‘We hope that you will proceed towards the election by maintaining complete impartiality, completing the minimum necessary reforms as soon as possible,’ said the BNP secretary general.

Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina, staying in India, was planning and conspiring to thwart all the achievements of the mass uprising and victory as well to create anarchy and an unstable situation in Bangladesh. ‘As part of her conspiracy, an unstable situation is being created in different ways from various parts.’

He said that the interim government that came through the student-people revolution was formed on the basis of the blood sacrifices from some 2000 students and people. ‘So, everyone hopes that this government will fulfil the expectations of people.’

The BNP leader said that some quarters were trying to unfairly make the country unstable and the people of the country agitated as well as trying to bring everyone to the streets in various ways then.

‘In the same way, they are trying to create anarchy in the country. This is not good for the independence and democracy of Bangladesh at all,’ he said.

Fakhrul urged the people of the country to stay united by stopping mudslinging and debate and controversy to reach a democratic system.

‘A few persons, a handful of persons, have targeted the BNP. They want to humiliate the BNP by resorting to negative campaigns and propaganda,’ said Mirza Fakhrul.

He said that BNP was a party that protected the country’s independence and sovereignty in the past and would do so now as well.

About the Pilkhana carnage, the BNP leader said that 57 brilliant army officers were killed in a well-planned manner. So many army officers had not been killed even in the Liberation War.

‘So, come forward to take a vow that we’ll protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh at any cost, ensure stability and restore democracy in Bangladesh,’ he added.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique blames some govt figures for instability

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said statements from certain members of the interim government are causing instability in Bangladesh. “For some time now, we have been observing with concern that some officials within the government are making conflicting remarks regarding the restorat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique blames some govt figures for instability
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Feb 26, 2025 00:04
Updated :
Feb 26, 2025 00:04

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said statements from certain members of the interim government are causing instability in Bangladesh.

“For some time now, we have been observing with concern that some officials within the government are making conflicting remarks regarding the restoration of people's rights. As a result, unrest has spread across different regions,” he said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the biennial conference of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP via video link from London, reports bdnews24.com.

Tarique said the BNP does not wish to see any further unrest in Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government.

“Bangladesh has witnessed much instability. The fugitive autocrat has shattered the country's economy, agriculture, education, healthcare, judiciary, and electoral system,” he said.

“We now want to rebuild the country and bring stability. To move forward and improve people's lives, stability is essential,” he added.

The BNP leader questioned who benefits from any delay in the election process.

“We hear from certain individuals and groups that BNP only wants elections and nothing else. But BNP is a political party. We believe in people's rule and in the power of the people.

“As we believe in democracy and electoral politics, it is natural that we want polls. We will seek votes from the people and want elections in the country. This is completely normal,” he said.

Tarique reiterated BNP’s commitment to democracy, saying: “Our core slogan is that people are the source of all political power. As a political activist, I firmly believe that if we establish and sustain democracy in Bangladesh, we can protect the nation and its people from conspiracies.”

He also said the interim government’s actions have raised questions among the people.

“Since the formation of this government, we have supported it clearly. We want the interim government to succeed.

“People expect that the interim government will take the necessary steps to protect their rights and restore political freedoms,” he said.

A total of 2,727 councillors and 4,000 representatives from 27 wards in Cumilla city participated in the conference.

Udbatul Bari Abu was elected unopposed as president of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP, with Yusuf Molla Tipu as general secretary and Rajiur Rahman Rajib as organising secretary.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to focus on election oriented activities

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is putting its full attention on the national elections at this moment. The party will host its extended committee meeting Thursday, which will effectively mark the beginning of its election-centric activities.

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BNP to focus on election oriented activities
According to BNP sources, if the government or any other party attempts to manipulate the election timeline, the BNP will intensify its street movements. Additionally, the party will not accept any attempts to delay the election under pretext of reforms
Selim Zahid
Dhaka
Published: 26 Feb 2025, 16: 17

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is putting its full attention on the national elections at this moment. The party will host its extended committee meeting Thursday, which will effectively mark the beginning of its election-centric activities.

According to responsible sources, the BNP is not placing much emphasis on the recent calls from various quarters to hold local government elections before the parliamentary elections.

Instead, the party has made a policy decision to prioritise the national elections while formulating its upcoming organisational programmes.

These election-centric activities and initiatives will commence immediately after the month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BNP’s extended committee meeting will take place at the LD Hall premises of parliament building.

Members of the party’s standing committee, the chairperson’s advisory council, the central executive committee and the presidents, general secretaries and member secretaries of all metropolitan, district, upazila and municipal committees will attend the meeting.

Apart from them, those who received final nominations from the party in the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, as well as those who received preliminary nomination letters, are also expected to be present at the meeting.

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud considers this meeting to be “highly timely” in view of the upcoming elections.

A source from the BNP’s central office has stated that around 3,500 leaders from different levels across the country have been invited to the extended meeting.

BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Zahir Uddin Swapan described this meeting as a “starting point”.

The interim government has no scope to conduct any election other than the national election. A handful of people deciding something on their own are not how things work.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Speaking to Prothom Alo about this, he said, “On one hand, the spirit of the July mass uprising and on the other, the 31-point proposal for restructuring the state - both aspects will be consolidated to deliver a message from this extended meeting.”

“You could say that BNP’s journey towards the national elections will commence from this meeting,” he added.

BNP’s last extended meeting took place on 4 February 2018 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka. The meeting was presided over by the party chairperson Khaleda Zia just four days before she was imprisoned on 8 February in the Zia orphanage trust graf case.

Now after seven years, amidst widespread political discussions regarding the date of the 13th parliamentary elections, the BNP is set to hold this extended meeting.

The event is being overseen by the party’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking to Prothom Alo, he stated that the meeting would provide an insight into grassroots leaders’ perspectives on the country’s current situation and the elections. “Based on these insights, organisational and political directives will be given to the grassroots level.”

Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in his address to the nation on 16 December 2024, suggested a possible timeline for the national elections.

He stated that if minor reforms were to be made, the elections could be held in December 2025, whereas with more extensive reforms, the elections could take place by mid-2026.

The BNP has begun its preparations for the parliamentary elections, assuming that the voting will be held in December.

BNP leaders state that they have already clarified two key aspects regarding reforms and elections to the nation.

The first is outlining the necessary urgent reforms and cooperating with the government to expedite the electoral process for ensuring a free and fair election. The second is that once an elected government is in place, it will complete the remaining reforms in line with the spirit of the July mass uprising.

With this policy stance, the BNP is advancing its electoral strategy.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told Prothom Alo, “Our leaders and activists are now focused on the elections and so are the people. The public is eagerly awaiting the elections.”

BNP has been demanding early elections by carrying out some fundamental reforms related to elections from the very beginning since the fall of the Awami League government. Apart from BNP, the Left Democratic Alliance, the 12-party alliance and the like-minded nationalist alliance have also demanded that the national elections be held within this year.

However, parties such as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh insist that essential reforms must precede the parliamentary elections. They have also expressed support for conducting local government elections first.

On the other hand, BNP and its allies in the simultaneous anti-autocracy movement prioritise holding the national elections first.

Meanwhile, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, which were at the forefront of the mass uprising, favour organising local government elections first. They have reiterated their stance on multiple occasions, advocating for necessary reforms before the elections take place.

As a result, there has been open disagreement among political parties regarding whether local government or parliamentary elections should be held first, the extent of reforms before the elections and the reforms an elected government should implement.

Last Saturday, during a rally in Chandpur, Jamaat-e-Islami’s ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated that local government elections must be held to alleviate public suffering.

He argued that such elections would help address people’s immediate hardships, followed by the national elections. However, he also emphasised that the public demands certain fundamental reforms before the national elections take place.

The BNP, however, has outright rejected the idea of holding local elections before the national elections. The party believes that conducting local government elections beforehand could create a nationwide atmosphere of conflict and views such a move as a conspiracy. Some BNP policymakers have declared that any attempt to hold local elections before the national polls will be resisted.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated, “The interim government has no scope to conduct any election other than the national election. A handful of people deciding something on their own are not how things work.”

“The primary responsibility of this government is to implement necessary reforms and facilitate elections, handing over power to an elected government. If any other elections are to be held, they must first secure a public mandate,” he insisted.

According to BNP sources, if the government or any other party attempts to manipulate the election timeline, the BNP will intensify its street movements. Additionally, the party will not accept any attempts to delay the election under pretext of reforms.

Speaking on the matter, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told Prothom Alo, “No reforms will take place without a public mandate. There is no alternative to this. Only those reforms on which consensus is reached will be implemented. As for the rest, all parties, including the BNP, will seek a mandate from the people in the elections.”

He further stated, “We have already proposed 31 points. Any party advocating for specific reforms must present those to the people. If the people approve, they will be implemented. A public mandate is essential. No reform can be executed without it.”

* The report, originally published in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Nuzhat Tabassum​

 

[Saif]

BNP local leaders decry party people’s misdeeds

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.

www.newagebd.net

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.​

 

[Saif]

Stay alert against election conspiracies: Tarique

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 e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

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.​

 

[Saif]

BNP for early polls after urgent reform

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.

www.newagebd.net

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.​

 

[Saif]

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

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

www.thedailystar.net

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."​

 

[Saif]

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.

www.thedailystar.net

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.​