[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

‘Minus-two’ won’t be successful

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said the hope for implementing a fabricated notion of minus-two formula or depoliticisation will not be fulfilled as BNP is now the most popular political party in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

‘Minus-two’ won’t be successful
Says Khasru

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said the hope for implementing a fabricated notion of minus-two formula or depoliticisation will not be fulfilled as BNP is now the most popular political party in the country.

"That expectation [minus-two] will not be fulfilled...," he said, replying to a question from reporters after paying tribute at the grave of Ziaur Rahman.

Khasru also said, "Democracy must be established in Bangladesh. The first task for that (to restore democracy) is (to arrange) election... election is the first reform (initiative). The movement for reforms and the restoration of democracy must begin with this (election)," he said.

Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan yesterday said they were hurt by the comments of the Jamaat-e-Islami chief, who claimed that the army and his party are the only tested patriotic forces in Bangladesh.

Talking to reporters at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office after a meeting with a delegation of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, he, however, expressed hope that Jamaat would join the movement for the restoration of democracy alongside other democratic parties in the future.

Asked whether BNP would hold any meeting with Jamaat, he said their party was not formally engaged in a simultaneous movement with Jamaat.​

 

[Saif]

BNP dismisses claims of desperation for elections, calls for nat'l unity

Fakhrul also highlights the importance of patience in rebuilding the nation

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BNP dismisses claims of desperation for elections, calls for nat'l unity

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today refuted claims that the BNP is desperate for national elections, labeling the allegation as "false" and accusing certain factions of attempting to create divisions in national unity.

Speaking at the AB Party's council at Suhrawardy Udyan, Fakhrul emphasised the BNP's commitment to reforms and national cohesion.

"We have already spoken about reforms. Once again, we say we want reforms. Some people are trying to create a false narrative that we [BNP] want elections before reform, and we are desperate for elections, but that is not true. We want elections quickly because elections will strengthen us," he said.

"A functioning government and parliament will make us stronger and resolve the ongoing crises," Fakhrul said, adding that a unified national government would help address the country's challenges collaboratively.

"We want to solve the country's problems together. Those who belong to other parties or political parties, think about this and share their opinions," he added.

"We want to return to a democratic system, eliminate inequality, and build a new Bangladesh with the youth. Unfortunately, some individuals are trying to rift in unity, but I am confident their efforts will not succeed," Fakhrul said.

Calling for collective efforts, he said, "Together, with unity, we can achieve our desired goals."

Fakhrul also highlighted the importance of patience in rebuilding the nation.

"Let us not destroy the dream of building a new country through hasty decisions, wrong steps, or mistakes. We all must remain vigilant," he said.

Commenting on the current situation, he said, "The country's economic condition is dire, and the political situation is fragile. We need to address these challenges collectively. If we could remove fascists together, why can't we overcome this crisis now?"

"We have supported an interim government and will continue to do so. It is possible for the current government to find a way forward, a path that we can all walk together," Fakhrul said, reiterating BNP's support for an interim government.​

 

[Saif]

কিছু মানুষ ঐক্যে ফাটল ধরানোর চেষ্টা করছে: মির্জা ফখরুল

 

[Saif]

Tarique invited to National Prayer Breakfast by Trump

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with two other party leaders, has been invited to the upcoming US National Prayer Breakfast. The other two invitees are BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisor

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique invited to National Prayer Breakfast by Trump
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jan 11, 2025 18:08
Updated :
Jan 11, 2025 19:07

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with two other party leaders, has been invited to the upcoming US National Prayer Breakfast. The other two invitees are BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee.

The invitation was sent by US President-elect Donald Trump to Mirza Fakhrul on Friday (January 10).

The National Prayer Breakfast will be held in Washington, DC on February 5-6 next.​

 

[Saif]

BNP won’t form govt alone: Khasru

BNP will not form a unilateral government even if the party wins 200 seats in the next parliamentary election, said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday.

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BNP won’t form govt alone: Khasru

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. File photo

BNP will not form a unilateral government even if the party wins 200 seats in the next parliamentary election, said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday.

"The 31-point proposal was formulated collectively by 42 parties, including the BNP. Even if the BNP wins 200 seats, it will not form a government alone, as implementing the 31 points must be achieved through a national government," he said.

He made these remarks while addressing a discussion as chief guest on the 31-point state reform proposal held in the capital's Banani.

Khasru said the BNP and 42 other parties jointly carried out the movement that toppled the Awami League-led government.

The BNP leader acknowledged that students played the biggest role in the movement. However, the contributions of other stakeholders should not be underestimated, he added.

He warned against divisions over taking credit for the movement and urged everyone to remain united to secure people's rights in the future.

The BNP leader said, "We have been working to fix the state structures for several years. Bangladesh will not become a communal country."

"Ziaur Rahman emphasised merit-based politics, and the BNP continues to follow that path. However, the participation of the youth [in politics] will be the most critical aspect of Bangladesh's future," he said.

Around 250 students from private universities across Dhaka and other parts of the country attended the discussion.​

 

[Saif]

Fakhrul discusses bilateral issues with Chinese ambassador

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday had a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen and discussed various issues relating to the bilateral interests of the two nations. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, took place at the Chinese Ambassador’s Barid

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fakhrul discusses bilateral issues with Chinese ambassador
UNB
Published :
Jan 13, 2025 19:21
Updated :
Jan 13, 2025 19:21

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday had a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen and discussed various issues relating to the bilateral interests of the two nations.

The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, took place at the Chinese Ambassador’s Baridhara residence, said a BNP leader close to Fakhrul.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, in a post on its verified Facebook page, said the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh met the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General.

It also said the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

Earlier, on 21 August last year, the Chinese Ambassador met a BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh and its people, as it has in the past.

He also assured that China would enhance its investment in Bangladesh in the coming days to support the country’s development and the welfare of its people.​

 

[Saif]

Refrain from wrongdoing, Tarique tells BNP men

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and activists to refrain from wrongdoing, reminding them that people may once again show their strength as they did on August 5 if they make mistakes

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Refrain from wrongdoing, Tarique tells BNP men

File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and activists to refrain from wrongdoing, reminding them that people may once again show their strength as they did on August 5 if they make mistakes.

Speaking virtually at a discussion today, he also said the accountability of the government must be ensured through timely elections at every level, from parliament to union parishads, in order to alleviate public suffering and reflect the people's will and desire in governance.

"I humbly request all the soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia all over Bangladesh with folded hands, please do not allow intruders to crowd around you...please do not get misguided and refrain from confusing activities," the BNP leader said.

BNP organised the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique said over 60 lakh people were repressed, with many others killed, including around 500 during the July mass uprising, under the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. "Had we endured the repression and persecution to facilitate the intruders and wrongdoers?" he questioned.

He also said many people believe BNP has the highest potential to form the government if a free and fair election is held in the country.

Tarique questioned the party leaders and workers if a situation emerges due to wrongdoings by intruders or misguided BNP followers, where someone else forms the government, whether they would be able to stay well. "We don't know who or what may come (to power)...but it won't be good for all of us."

He also said if anyone else forms the government for any reason, every political activist belonging to BNP should have the minimum sense to recognise that it would not be good for the country and the nation, both from a local and international perspective. "So, we still have time on our hands to stand by the people and behave according to their desires."

At the end of the day, as a political party or activists, Tarique said BNP leaders have to go to the voters. "If any of us indulge in wrongdoing before that day (voting day), you will have to answer to the people when you go to them for their votes."

The BNP leader reminded his party colleagues of a very clear and recent example of how, when people get angry, they can force autocrats to flee the country.

"That example, just a few days ago, still shines before our eyes... If we ultimately need public support, why shouldn't we try to earn it through good actions? Why should you turn a blind eye to unfairness? If the people turn away their faces, we will have no place to go, no matter what we think of ourselves," he warned.

Without mentioning names, Tarique said some political forces are trying to raise their voices against BNP due to the wrongdoings of intruders and some misguided party activists. "So, I am saying it again and again that we must be alert and careful."

He reiterated that the next election will not be as easy as BNP leaders and activists might think, with complacency over their party's strength.

"We have our party's organisation even at the village level. But people matter and people are our strength and support. People showed on August 5 what happens if they are not with you. So, if we make any mistake, the people will show something again, and then you will have to face the consequences," the BNP leader said.

He called upon the BNP leaders and workers to stand by the people and work according to their desires. "Those who engage in any work that can affect us and our party; we will put up a resistance and register our protest against them."

The BNP leader called upon the party rank and file to remain united and stand against unfairness and resist it. "We must stand with the people in such a way that they understand we are with them, according to their desires. This should be our oath on this day, the 89th birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman."​

 

[Saif]

Former state minister Babar taken to hospital with chest pain

Lutfozzaman Babar, former state minister for home affairs under the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, was taken to a hospital tonight with chest pain

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Former state minister Babar taken to hospital with chest pain

Photo from BNP Facebook

Lutfozzaman Babar, former state minister for home affairs under the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, was taken to a hospital tonight with chest pain, said a hospital source.

Babar arrived at the United Hospital around 10:00pm, said a duty manager of the hospital in the Gulshan area.

On January 16, Babar walked out of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj after spending 17 years in prison.

He was welcomed with flowers and garlands by family members and supporters who had gathered outside the jail.

Earlier, Babar was acquitted of the life sentence in the high-profile 10-truck arms smuggling case in Chattogram.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique stresses BNP’s reorganisation to rebuild nation

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has laid emphasis on reorganisng the party with talented, diligent, honest and productive people to rebuild the country as it has been battered with the autocratic rule. “We strongly believe that we will get the people’s support (to form government) I

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique stresses BNP’s reorganisation to rebuild nation
UNB
Published :
Jan 20, 2025 20:21
Updated :
Jan 20, 2025 22:18

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has laid emphasis on reorganisng the party with talented, diligent, honest and productive people to rebuild the country as it has been battered with the autocratic rule.

“We strongly believe that we will get the people’s support (to form government) InshaAllah. After that, we must rebuild our country. If we do not reorganise the party properly, we will not be able to rebuild the country,” he said while virtually addressing the BNP’s primary membership renewal programme on Monday.

Tarique formally launched the programme by submitting his party membership renewal form online during an event at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

He also paid 20 taka (equivalent to 15 pence in British currency) as his subscription for membership renewal.

The BNP leader said their party has already presented a 31-point proposal for overhauling and rebuilding the state before the nation.

“To implement it, we must unite and reorganise our party by bringing those talented individuals to the forefront. We need to unite those who are hardworking, have integrity and ideals, and involve them in the party,” he said.

Tarique also said, “We need good, effective, and productive people in the coming days, as the runaway autocrat has set this country far back and destroyed all sectors. To rebuild the country, we need such people, and we must bring them forward.”

He called upon party leaders to ensure the success of the BNP’s membership renewal programme by organising and uniting all party workers across the country. “We want to reach the grassroots. If we can organise them better, we will strengthen the party even more.”

He also urged the BNP rank and file to put their best efforts into overhauling the party, just as they had shown patriotism and strong resolve in their struggle to free the country from autocracy, braving all forms of repression.

“The more we can reorganise, strengthen and unite the party, the quicker we can repair and restructure the country in line with our 31-point outline. Let’s begin our work today,” Tarique said.

He said it was a joyous day for all BNP leaders and workers, as they were renewing their membership with the party, which they had stood by despite enduring immense repression and suppression.

“I believe a storm swept across the country (during the Awami League rule), battering every sector. Political parties faced repressive acts such as enforced disappearances and killings. Hundreds of our leaders and workers were subjected to killings and enforced disappearances,” he said.

Tarique said leaders and workers from other parties were also made to disappear, killed, maimed, and oppressed in similar ways as BNP members. “Just as all sectors of the country were destroyed and the people suppressed, so too were the political parties repressed.”

“That storm is over. After any natural storm, people repair and reorganise their battered crop fields and homes. We’ve lost many of our colleagues in that storm, in various ways. Some we lost due to political reasons, others due to natural causes, and some moved away from politics for different reasons. That’s why we will reorganise our party once again,” he observed.

Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said training for BNP leaders and workers is essential, as it appears they are drifting away from politics.

“Yesterday (Sunday) we marked the birth anniversary of our founder, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Our workers there shouted slogans in the name of different leaders from Dhaka South and North. This is not politics. It cannot be politics,” he said.

The BNP leader said such slogans should not come from the mouth of a political worker, as they reflect political bankruptcy. “We must now make political training compulsory in every upazila and district. This must be done with urgency.”

He also said the party must take steps to transform itself into an ideal political organisation.

“We will not be able to engage in politics merely by raising slogans. We must now focus on merit-based politics. We cannot win future battles simply by chanting slogans if we lack intellect and prudence,” Fakhrul observed.

He also urged party leaders and workers to recruit meritorious and intelligent individuals during the new member recruitment drive to further strengthen the country.

Earlier, Mirza Fakhrul, party standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, senior joint general secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat also filled their forms and renewed their memberships.

Following the Sixth National Council, BNP’s last primary membership renewal programme was held in 2017 under the leadership of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.​

 

[Saif]

BNP does not need to learn about reforms from anyone: Amir Khasru

The economy of Bangladesh has come to this position today because of BNP's reforms, says Khasru

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BNP does not need to learn about reforms from anyone: Amir Khasru

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said BNP does not need to learn from anyone about reforms as it is nothing new for the party.

Khasru made the remarks at a discussion meeting in Jashore this afternoon.

Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised this discussion meeting titled "Political Commitment to Restore the Economy of Khulna Division" at a hotel in Jashore town.

BNP has implemented 90 percent of the reforms since Bangladesh became independent, he said, adding that reforms may be something new for many parties but it is nothing new for the BNP.

Bangladesh has come here today through reforms at every step.

"We have built a strong economy; if that had continued, Bangladesh would have become a developing country long ago," he said.

But in the past, due to looting, Bangladesh's economy has been set back, he added.

The economy of Bangladesh has come to this position today because of BNP's reforms, Khasru said.

Seeking the roll back of VAT and taxes on essential items, he said that the new VAT and customs duties will further increase the pressure on the common people.

"People are fed up with the prices of daily necessities. Many have found it difficult to lead their daily lives due to inflation," he added.

Various representatives of the business sector in 10 districts of the Khulna Division participated in the meeting.​