[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

Public won't tolerate interim govt staying for a long time: Fakhrul

Elected representatives should decide what reforms are necessary, says BNP secretary general

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Public won't tolerate interim govt staying for a long time: Fakhrul
Elected representatives should decide what reforms are necessary, says BNP secretary general

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the public would not tolerate an interim government staying in power for a long time.

"One survey claims that 80 percent of the people want this government to stay as long as it pleases. I don't know where or how they got this, but the people will never accept this," Fakhrul said during a discussion.

"Today, a newspaper published a report citing a survey. I can't say for certain who conducted this survey. They mentioned BRAC Institute. I don't know how they carried out the survey," he added.

"When saying or reporting such things, I believe they should be done thoughtfully to avoid creating confusion. We must be careful about that," he said.

The BNP leader expressed concern over the activities of certain groups aiming to prolong the interim government's tenure.

"Several organisations and groups have already started working to keep this interim government in place indefinitely," he said.

"If they make all the changes and implement the reforms, there will be no need for the public or the parliament," he added.

Reiterating the BNP's stance, Fakhrul said, "We have called for an election under a neutral government, and it must be free and fair. Now there is a neutral government."

He further said that after the elections, elected representatives should decide what reforms or changes are necessary.

"The parliament will decide whether to amend certain aspects, rewrite the constitution, or even discard it and bring in a new one," he said.

"I am deeply surprised when I see highly educated individuals, who hold important positions in society, making misleading statements," Fakhrul said.

He said, "I am astonished that some of those entrusted with responsibility by this government are now saying that a new party needs to be formed.

"Who gave them this authority? Where did they get the mandate to form a new party?" he questioned.

"How are we, the people, supposed to trust that they are acting impartially?"

Fakhrul called for immediate reforms to ensure a free and fair election.

Demanding immediate national election, Fakhrul said, "The minimum reforms necessary for a free and fair election must be implemented."

"For instance, the Election Commission must be reformed. Administrative and judicial structures need the required changes. These changes must be made immediately to facilitate the election."

He also demanded the withdrawal of fabricated cases against BNP activists, which he claimed number over 1,45,000.

"I call upon the government to immediately withdraw the harassing and fabricated cases against our activists."

Additionally, Fakhrul urged the government to compensate the families of those killed or injured in the student-led protests.

He added, "There are still individuals in your administration who have worked to extend the fascist regime. These individuals must be identified and removed immediately."​

 

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দ্রুত অবাধ ও সুষ্ঠু নির্বাচনের পরিবেশ চায় বিএনপি

 

[Saif]

Fakhrul demands withdrawal of false cases

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday demanded immediate withdrawal of all lawsuits filed falsely against leaders and workers of BNP and other political parties which fought against the last autocratic regime. “I reiterate my call to the i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fakhrul demands withdrawal of false cases
BSS
Published :
Sep 16, 2024 23:06
Updated :
Sep 16, 2024 23:06

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday demanded immediate withdrawal of all lawsuits filed falsely against leaders and workers of BNP and other political parties which fought against the last autocratic regime.

“I reiterate my call to the interim government for immediate withdrawal of the false cases against our party leaders and workers and other opposition parties,” he told at a discussion at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) auditorium at Segun Bagicha in Dhaka.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) organized the discussion titled “Bicameral Parliament: Upper House Formation”.

Mirza Fakhrul also demanded compensation for those who were killed and wounded in the movement against autocratic regime.

Fakhrul said many individuals still remained embedded in administration, who were involved in corruption and criminalization and supported the fascist regime to cling on to power.

The BNP secretary general urged the government to remove the supporters of fascism immediately after finding them out and constitute a neutral structure for ensuring a free and fair election.

In the keynote paper of the discussion, JSD proposed for constituting bicameral parliamentary system having four-year term.

As per the proposal, lower house of the parliament will have 300 seats and upper house will have 200 seats.

Lower house will be constituted with the political party representatives while the upper house will be filled up with professionals and representatives of different classes of people.

Election-time government will be constituted from upper chamber, it proposed.

About the reform proposals, Mirza Fakhrul said any reform or change should not take place without public opinion.

He said the interim government has been formed provisionally for running the state and holding a national election.

BNP believes that fundamental reforms or amendments cannot be made without the opinion of the people and that amendment should be done by the parliament, he said.

So, parliamentary elections should be held in a free and fair manner under a neutral government, he noted.

JSD President ASM Abdur Rab said a free and fair election must be held for bringing back the country’s ownership to people.

But without making central reforms, holding election will not bring result, he said adding that constitution and governance system should be amended.

Those who carried out homicide cannot be pardoned and they must be brought to justice, Abdur Rab said.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said steering is in the hand of those who are now in the interim government.

They will have to take the final decision, he said.

Biplobi Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque said after the successful revolution in Nepal, the country introduced democratic system and constituted two-chamber parliament.

JSD President ASM Abdur Rab presided over the discussion while its general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan and Joint General Secretary Kamal Uddin Patwari moderated it.

Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) leader Mostafa Jamal Haider, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal leader Sharif Nurul Ambia, Gono Forum General Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, Rashtra Sangskar Andolan leader Hasnat Kaiyum, Ganosanghati Andolan executive coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel, AB Party leader Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad and Bhashani Anushari Parishad leader Abu Yusuf Selim also spoke on the occasion.

Ganosanghati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, JSD leader Mohammad Siraj Mia, Tania Rab and KM Jabir were also present, among others.​

 

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Parliament will decide on constitutional changes: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for parliament to be entrusted with any fundamental changes to the constitution or state system. He criticised the attempts to keep the interim government in power ‘indefinitely’, warning that the public would never accept su

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Parliament will decide on constitutional changes: Fakhrul
Published :
Sep 16, 2024 23:17
Updated :
Sep 16, 2024 23:17

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for parliament to be entrusted with any fundamental changes to the constitution or state system.

He criticised the attempts to keep the interim government in power ‘indefinitely’, warning that the public would never accept such a move.

Fakhrul’s comments came during a discussion on 'Bicameral Parliament: Formation of the Upper House' organised by the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, or JaSaD, at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on Monday.

He emphasised the need for minimal reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, and administration to ensure free and fair elections, bdnews24.com reports.

“The interim government is here to manage the state temporarily and arrange elections. Any reform or change, particularly fundamental ones, should not be decided without public involvement. The only appropriate place for such decisions is Parliament,” remarked the BNP leader.

He highlighted his party’s stance on the need for a neutral government for elections, pointing out that the Election Commission has been dissolved and needs to be reconstituted impartially for fair elections.

Mirza Fakhrul also responded to discussions initiated by some groups about rewriting the constitution or amending it under the caretaker administration.

"Elections must be held under a truly neutral government. After the election, the newly elected representatives will decide what changes are necessary," he said.

"Only parliament can decide whether changes are needed or if the constitution needs to be rewritten entirely."

Fakhrul also criticised the Awami League government, accusing it of damaging the country's political and economic systems.

“Democratic institutions have been destroyed, the administration has been politicised, and the judiciary has been manipulated, taking it to the brink of collapse.

PEOPLE WILL NOT ACCEPT AN ‘INDEFINITE’ INTERIM GOVERNMENT

Mirza Fakhrul rejected suggestions that the interim government remain in place indefinitely.

He said, "They [the interim government] will make all the changes, reforms, everything. In that case, the public is no longer needed, and parliament is no longer needed."

Fakhrul also questioned the legitimacy of a recent survey purportedly conducted by the BRAC Institute, which allegedly suggested that most people support the interim government staying in power as long as necessary.

"I don’t know where they got this information or how they conducted this survey, but the people will never accept it," he added.

Mirza Fakhrul advised against disseminating such misleading reports and urged careful consideration to avoid creating confusion.

He expressed concern about efforts to undermine public aspirations for revolution. “Efforts to destroy these aspirations have already begun. I am surprised when I see our educated people, those who hold importance in society, making misleading statements.

“It is astonishing to hear calls for forming new parties from those who have been given responsibilities by the current government.”

He added, "Who gave them the authority to suggest creating a new party? How can we or the public think they are working neutrally when they say such things?"​

 

[Saif]

BNP to write to CA for withdrawing false cases

BNP will write a letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus next week calling upon him to withdraw all the false and fabricated cases filed against the party in the last 18 years

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BNP to write to CA for withdrawing false cases

BNP will write a letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus next week calling upon him to withdraw all the false and fabricated cases filed against the party in the last 18 years.

The decision came from the party's standing committee meeting held on Monday at BNP Chairperson's political office at Gulshan, chaired virtually by its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, said a press release yesterday.

The party also decided to prepare a list of cases filed against the party leaders and activists across the country in the last 18 years—two years of caretaker government and 16 years of Awami League regime.

In the meeting, a committee was also formed with BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury as the convener and Abdul Awal Mintoo as the secretary to monitor and contact the investors and business representatives.

At the beginning of the meeting, the party secretary general informed the forum about the progress of implications of decisions taken earlier by the standing committee.

Discussion also took place in the meeting on reforming public administration, election commission, public service commission and anti-corruption Commission.

The commissions formed on the institutions have been requested to take necessary measures immediately for reformation.

BNP standing committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Sahahuddin Ahmed, Begum Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Major (rtd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Interim govt must not be allowed to fail: Tarique

Stating that the current interim government must not be allowed to fail, Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that Bangladesh would advance to the...

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Interim govt must not be allowed to fail: Tarique
Staff Correspondent 17 September, 2024, 19:30

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party holds a public rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office in the capital marking International Day of Democracy on Tuesday. | New Age photo

Stating that the current interim government must not be allowed to fail, Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that Bangladesh would advance to the election roadmap along with the path of reforms.

‘Some activities of this government may not be considered as a success by all. But we all have to remember that the failure of this government is the failure of all of us and the failure of the pro-democracy people of Bangladesh. So this interim government can in no way be allowed to fail,’ he said while virtually addressing a rally.

The party arranged the rally marking International Day of Democracy in front of the party’s Naya Paltan central office presided over by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Tarique, however, said that the current government must also be careful so that it did not fail on its own account.

He mentioned that the BNP launched a 31-point programme back in 2023 for bringing reforms to the state.

But those 31 points were not the last word regarding reform, he continued, the BNP believed that reforms in any field of the state or politics were a continuous and ongoing process.

Therefore, his party welcomed those changes also that were even more necessary than its own 31-point reform programme, Tarique said, adding that even if someone thought that more new political parties were needed for a better and safer Bangladesh, there was nothing wrong with that.

‘In the end, there are the people who will decide who to support or not to support. For this reason, the BNP has repeatedly emphasised the right of the people to vote,’ he added.

He said that the interim government was working to restore order in the country following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s fascist and despotic regime.

Calling Hasina the head of the mafia clique, the BNP acting chairman said that though the fallen prime minister fled the country, their beneficiaries and evil forces continued to challenge the interim government from within the administration or hiding behind a façade of politics.

‘The people will not allow the government to fail amid various provocations from home and abroad,’ the BNP leader said, adding that the current interim government is the outcome of the supreme sacrifice of thousands of martyrs and the mass uprising of millions of people.

He urged his party people to earn the trust and admiration of people through their work.

‘I would like to say that the country will be on the electoral roadmap along the path of reforms. So, let us all earn the trust and love of the people through work. We should stand by the people and keep them with us,’ he said, adding that the reform programmes need to be carried forward keeping in mind the goal of establishing an accountable government, and a parliament formed by representatives elected by the people.

Tarique stated that without political empowerment and direct involvement of the people in the reform process, no democracy or reform is sustainable and effective.

Political empowerment of the people can only be ensured by establishing the right of voters to elect their chosen representatives through a free, fair and impartial election, he said.

The interim government had already undertaken reforms in several areas, he said, adding that his party feared that if the interim government failed to set priorities for setting agenda, conspiratorial circles might utilise opportunities to disrupt the success of the mass uprising.

Several hundred BNP leaders and activists joined the rally, triggering several hours of heavy traffic jams across different roads and alleys over a large area in the capital.​

 

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Post-August 5 politics: BNP, Jamaat drifting apart

The taunts and barbs leave little room for doubt that the 33-year-old ties have soured. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have differed in private and in public on various issues, including reforms and election timeframe.

www.thedailystar.net

Post-August 5 politics: BNP, Jamaat drifting apart

The taunts and barbs leave little room for doubt that the 33-year-old ties have soured. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have differed in private and in public on various issues, including reforms and election timeframe.

BNP has made it known that it wants elections after a reasonable set of reforms. Its longtime ally Jamaat on the other hand has made it clear that it is willing to wait and allow Prof Muhammad Yunus-led interim government more time.

Experts say they have not previously seen such opposing views, that too in public, by the two parties that formed electoral alliance on multiple occasions in the past and even fought side by side to topple Hasina for years.

According to them, the two parties do not need each other anymore after the political changeover, as their "common political rival" Hasina is no longer in the scene.

BNP leaders say the rift between the two allies surfaced when Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman in a statement on August 26 alleged that BNP has already "grabbed 80 percent of the power".

"They [BNP] don't even need an election. They have grabbed whatever there is to grab – from footpath to begging business," Shafiqur had said.

"BNP and Jamaat came closer to face Awami League though their ideologies were different. But after the fall of the Awami League government, there is no need for them to stay together." — Prof Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, Jahangirnagar University.

Earlier on August 11, Dhaka City North unit member secretary of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth front of BNP, Rabiul Islam Nayan, allegedly led a mob that tried to take control of Islami Bank's main branch in Motijheel. Jamaat, which allegedly wanted to establish its dominance over the first Shariah-based bank in Bangladesh, was upset by this, according to Jamaat insiders.

The gap between BNP and Jamaat appears to have widened centering also on appointments in key government posts, as both parties seek to solidify their control over various institutions.

BNP leaders say the interim government removed pro-Awami League people from different government positions, educational institutions, banks and insurance companies. Many of these posts have been given to pro-Jamaat men.

The differences became visible soon after Prof Yunus's address to the nation on August 25, where he did not mention the election timeframe.

In his reaction the next day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the chief adviser failed to address the election issue.

On the same day, the Jamaat chief said the nation will not accept any political party's demand for an election at a time when hundreds of people are still lying on hospital beds from injuries sustained during the July uprising.

As if in a direct response, Fakhrul told a press conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office on August 28 that those who do not have public support and cannot run government have different thoughts about election. "Those who cannot afford to win are against elections," he said.

Although both parties are in favour of reforms, BNP wants a reasonable level of reforms to some institutions, while Jamaat supports sustainable reforms, according to sources in the two parties.

Multiple Jamaat leaders said they want to allow the interim government more time for the sake of their own preparations for the election. They also said they are likely to join polls on their own. Before that, they want to "brighten the party image" through extensive social work. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal party matters.

Talking to The Daily Star on August 28, Mirza Fakhrul said Jamaat is no longer their ally and that BNP is making preparations to run in the election on its own.

Saiful Alam Khan, a member of Jamaat's central executive council, denied that there are any strains in the relations between the two parties.

"The two political parties have their own perspectives and opinions, and they will speak on the basis of their opinions. That does not mean that a tense situation has been created between us," he told The Daily Star.

BNP and Jamaat became political allies in 1991, when they formed government for the first time after the fall of HM Ershad, an autocrat.

In the 1991 election, BNP won 140 seats out of the 300 and needed 11 more to form government. Jamaat, which bagged 18 seats, extended its unconditional support to BNP.

BNP formed an electoral alliance with Jamaat in 1999, and the two parties went to the polls under a common banner, and eventually formed an alliance government in 2001.

BNP and Jamaat participated in the 2008 election under the four-party alliance banner and lost heavily to Awami League.

From 2013 to 2015, they launched a joint movement against the AL government.

The relations developed some cracks over seat sharing before the 2018 election, when Jamaat was first given 25 seats, which was later revised down to 22 seats.

As Jamaat lost its registration with the Election Commission in 2018, its candidates participated in that election with BNP's electoral symbol.

In 2022, the two parties officially broke up their alliance, and started a separate yet simultaneous movement against the AL government.

In the July uprising against Hasina's 15-year rule, both parties lent support and joined the movement, but separately.

Talking to The Daily Star, several mid-ranking BNP leaders said the differences with Jamaat essentially centre around politics of power and policy.

"This is not a conflict; it is rather a difference over beliefs and policies. And this difference is permanent. Jamaat is dreaming of assuming state power and then fulfill its desire," a BNP leader said, asking not to be named.

Asked about the differences between BNP and Jamaat, Prof Al Masud Hasanuzzaman of government and politics department at Jahangirnagar University said, "It's obvious. BNP and Jamaat came closer to face Awami League though their ideologies were different. But after the fall of the Awami League government, there is no need for them to stay together."

According to him, BNP and Jamaat are the main beneficiaries of the student movement that forced Hasina to flee to India.

"Both parties are now busy with their own political calculation. So they are keeping distance for their own interest now," he said.​

 

[Saif]

We will face the same fate if we start behaving like AL: Mirza Fakhrul

Fakhrul urged party members to strengthen their presence among the public, stressing that their future success depends on gaining popular support

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We will face the same fate if we start behaving like AL: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today warned party members against adopting tactics similar to those of the Awami League, saying that they would face the same consequences as AL did.

"Today, we are breathing free air, but it will remain free only as long as we can protect it. If we start behaving like the Awami League, we will face the same fate," Fakhrul said at a public meeting held at Eidgah ground in Haripur upazila, Thakurgaon.

He urged party members to strengthen their presence among the public, stressing that their future success depends on gaining popular support, reports our Thakurgaon correspondent.

Fakhrul accused the AL government of orchestrating violence against BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists, alleging that "the fascist Hasina government" was responsible for the deaths of two thousand people, with many more left severely injured.

"The Awami League set up an 'Aynaghor' for BNP-Jamaat activists. People have lost their hands and legs, and in many cases, their skulls were blown up. We must ensure justice and avoid committing similar atrocities," he said.

"Don't let the victory that has been achieved in the country go to waste. Let's not lose the opportunity that is coming to heal the country and make it better," he added.

Reflecting on the hardships faced during the Awami League's rule, Fakhrul stated, "We have suffered for almost 16 years under Sheikh Hasina's regime, facing repression and imprisonment for our political beliefs. That era is ending."

He also referenced Awami League leader Obaidul Quader's comments, jokingly offering him a place in his home.

"Quader once mocked me, saying he would not flee the country. Now I say, come and take a place in my house," Fakhrul said.

Addressing religious harmony, Fakhrul emphasised the responsibility to protect religious minorities, particularly ahead of the upcoming Puja festival.

"The people of Hindu religion are our responsibility. Let no harm come to them during their worship."

He also spoke about the need for electoral reforms.

"The voting system needs to be fixed so that everyone can vote and elect representatives of their own. We should give time to the interim government," he said.

Regarding India, Fakhrul said, "We want to maintain good relations with our neighbours, but if there is injustice or oppression against us, we will protest."

BNP district unit General Secretary Mirza Faisal Amin, Treasurer Md Shariful Islam, and Haripur upazila unit President Jamal Uddin were also present in the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

BNP forms six panels for reforms

The BNP has formed six committees to formulate the party’s reform proposals in line with its 31-point outline aimed at reforming the constitution and state system and ensuring economic emancipation, said party sources.

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BNP forms six panels for reforms

The BNP has formed six committees to formulate the party's reform proposals in line with its 31-point outline aimed at reforming the constitution and state system and ensuring economic emancipation, said party sources.

The party will put forward the proposals to help the interim government carry out reforms.

The BNP, which has not formed any government since 2006, is making this move at a time when the interim government has formed six commissions, led by six eminent personalities, to amend the constitution, reform the judiciary, election system, police administration, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the public administration.

According to BNP sources, the number of panels and their size may be expanded.

The party thinks that different government organs have become almost ineffective due to the misrule of the previous Awami League government and that long-term reforms are necessary.

If the BNP is voted to power, it intends to carry out sustainable reforms. Keeping this goal in mind, the party has taken an initiative to finalise its plans from now.

Before discussing reforms with the interim government, BNP wants to determine its position on reforms so it can put forward specific sector-wise reform proposals. The party's standing committee discussed this issue in its last meeting on Monday.

Sources said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead the party's panel on state reforms. The other members of the committee are BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, former bureaucrat and BNP chairperson's advisory council member Ismail Zabihullah and party media cell Convenor Moudud Alamgir Pavel.

Salahuddin will head two committees on reforms to the public service commission and public administration. The other members of the two committees are Ismail Zabihullah and former bureaucrat and BNP chairperson's adviser Bijon Kanti Sarker.

BNP standing committee member AZM Zahid Hossain will lead the panel on reforms to the education and health sectors, while Nazrul Islam Khan will head the committee on the reform to the Election Commission.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury will be chief of the committee on reforms to economy, banking and commerce sectors. Party Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo will be its member.

Asked about the committees, Nazrul told The Daily Star that the bodies have been named in line with their tasks. He, however, refused to give details.

The six committees will finalise the BNP's stance and reform proposals after discussing the issues with different stakeholders. Those will also work to drum up public support for BNP's 31-point outline, said party insiders.

Unveiling the 31-point outline on July 13 last year, the party said it wants to implement the reform proposals to turn the country into a democratic state in the true sense.​

 

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Unity a must to ensure people's economic emancipation: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said unity within the nation is essential to meet the people's expectations and ensure their economic emancipation.

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Unity a must to ensure people's economic emancipation: Tarique Rahman

File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said unity within the nation is essential to meet the people's expectations and ensure their economic emancipation.

"Without economic emancipation, political freedom alone cannot fulfil people's expectations. Economic freedom is equally essential for meeting these expectations," he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while virtually addressing a rally at Enayetpur Islamia High School Ground in Sirajganj.

The local unit of BNP organised the programme to commemorate the martyrs of the democratic movement and to pay tribute to their sacrifices.

Stating that a united nation can provide both political and economic freedom to its people, Tarique said, "There is no alternative to staying united to fulfil the aspirations of our citizens."

He said millions of people in Bangladesh have long desired to be free from autocracy, as they did not have any right, including the right to speak freely during the rule of Sheikh Hasina.

"Through immense sacrifice, the people have regained that right in a short time. However, we have only been partially successful. The BNP's movement will continue until voting rights are fully ensured," Tarique said.

He said there is still a long way to go to achieve the ultimate victory desired by the nation.

"We must secure the people's voting rights and establish an accountable government, which is why the people have engaged in movement and made significant sacrifices," the BNP leader observed.

Stating that Bangladesh is a country with immense potential, the BNP leader said it is now necessary to place special focus on enhancing regional production capabilities for the comprehensive development of the nation.

He mentioned that their party previously presented a 31-point proposal to the nation aimed at bringing qualitative changes to all aspects of governance through reforms and building a prosperous country.

"If we want to move the country forward, it's not enough to implement reforms alone. We must make the country economically self-sufficient. Political freedom alone will not bring all the benefits; we need to develop the country as a whole to realize its potential," he said.​

 

[Saif]

BNP must control errant party activists

Infighting, crimes by grassroots members contrast its call for reforms

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BNP must control errant party activists
Infighting, crimes by grassroots members contrast its call for reforms

VISUAL: STAR

The fall of Awami League on August 5 following a mass uprising marked a historic shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, but it has also exposed deep cracks within the BNP, as long-suppressed party leaders, activists, and supporters scrambled to fill the void left by their rivals. Over the last month and a half, we have had various reports on the disruptive effects of this transformation. Turf wars, factional infighting, extortion business, and political capture of public sector by BNP-affiliated groups have made frequent headlines, despite stern warnings and occasional disciplinary measures by party high-ups. This is not only hurting its credibility—it also risks derailing the broader vision of reform that drove the uprising.

Since August 5, according a report by this daily, at least 14 BNP members have lost their lives, eight of them linked to factional clashes. The latest incident occurred on Friday, in Chattogram's Changaon area, where a Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal activist was stabbed to death during a clash between rival factions. The same day, there were heavy clashes between two BNP-linked groups in Chandpur, leading to the injuries of at least 30. Earlier today, a clash between two BNP factions in Narayanganj left 10 injured. Such events have become quite regular, often centring around the control of extortion rackets in various sectors. These violent power struggles mirror what plagued Awami League while it was in power, with over 150 of its leaders and activists killed mostly in internal feuds since its 2018 election win.

The question is, why can't BNP control its activists? And how sincere is it in this endeavour, really? True, the party has recently expelled several local leaders for engaging in such violent and often illegal power exercises. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's statement that repeating the mistakes of Awami League may bring the same fate for BNP suggests an awareness of the changing reality. But official actions have not been convincing enough for the grassroots leaders and activists, especially because of their confidence about returning to power when the next election is held. This is nothing but opportunism, fuelled by a sense of impunity that the party has failed to dismantle.

Historically, politics in Bangladesh has been held hostage by the patronage system that defined the interaction between parties and their grassroots enablers. While this has richly rewarded some parties, it has brought nothing but misery for citizens. For BNP to really stop its errant members and to credibly support the present campaign of reforms, it must first demonstrate its ability to reform itself. The changes it envisions for the state must start within its own rank and file. The creation of a democratic, transparent and accountable party structure—with zero tolerance for indiscipline, infighting, crimes, or any illegal capture of public institutions—will only enhance its standing as a party committed to genuine reform, not just power.​

 

[Saif]

BNP faces the weight of history and expectations

For all its pro-reform posturing, BNP has yet to signal a real willingness to lead political reforms, including within itself.

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BNP faces the weight of history and expectations

For all its pro-reform posturing, BNP has yet to signal a real willingness to lead political reforms, including within itself. FILE PHOTO: STAR

There is currently a huge Awami League-shaped hole in Bangladesh's electoral politics, so BNP trying to dive headlong into it comes as no surprise. Since Sheikh Hasina's fall on August 5, BNP has had to navigate a delicate tightrope—balancing its ambition to return to power with the pressure to support popular demands for state reforms. The party doesn't want to risk the ire of the very students that ousted its arch-rival, potentially putting it in pole position to win the next election. But reforms take time, something it doesn't have plenty of after nearly two decades of wait. And the grassroots are getting impatient.

"Impatient" is perhaps an understatement for what has unfolded over the past month and a half. A more fitting description would be a chaotic transformation of a party getting used to having things its way. As BNP-affiliated leaders, activists, and professional groups scramble to fill the void left by Awami League, we are getting an early preview of the making of another regime—and it's nothing short of disturbing.

For example, since August 5, at least 14 BNP members have lost their lives, eight of them in factional clashes. The most recent murder occurred on Friday in Chattogram's Changaon area, where a Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal activist was fatally stabbed during a clash between rival factions. On the same day, heavy clashes between two BNP-linked groups in Chandpur left at least 30 people injured. On Sunday, a similar clash in Narayanganj left at least 12 injured, followed by another in Kushtia two days later, injuring 10 more. These violent power struggles, often revolving around the control of extortion rackets, have become disturbingly common. In that, the BNP grassroots seem to be re-enacting scenes from Awami League's time in power which, too, was plagued by factional infighting, with over 150 of its leaders and activists killed in mostly turf wars since the 2018 election.

Over the past weeks, reports have also emerged of BNP leaders and activists taking over slums, footpaths, transport hubs, extortion rackets across various markets and informal businesses, and even former Awami League offices. Meanwhile, in the civil service, there have been allegations against BNP-affiliated groups trying to influence promotions, placements, public contracts, etc.

Officially, the party is against such practices. Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman, recently warned that BNP will not tolerate any reckless actions by "misguided" individuals that could harm "the trust and love" it has earned through "years of struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance." He urged party members to "identify and resist" those tarnishing BNP's image, emphasising its commitment to not only expelling such individuals but also taking "legal action" against them.

These warnings coupled with occasional disciplinary measures, however, have proven insufficient to deter errant party supporters, which suggests two things: either those were not strict or convincing enough, or the party is not trying hard enough. Both scenarios are likely in an environment of patronage politics that has long been the mainstay of our political culture. This system of patronage begins at grassroots with the capture of extortion rackets or other undue benefits by political thugs, and culminates with systemic regulatory capture by vested interest groups, all of which serves as an incentive for them to keep working for a party. Barring exceptions, the prospect or promise of mutual gain largely governs the relationship between major parties and their supporters.

BNP, for all its pro-reform posturing in the aid of the interim government, has yet to demonstrate a real willingness to dismantle this corrupt system. While, to be fair, it has shown some signs of remaking itself as a party with a more open political ethos, the revolutionary times that we are living through demand much more.

Ironically, Awami League's ouster through a bloody uprising has stripped BNP of two key advantages that it could have used in an election campaign: anti-incumbency bias, and public sympathy for the repression it had endured. In an alternate reality where those factors still mattered, BNP could have expected Gen Z—with no lived memory of its 2001-06 rule—to support it unquestioningly, and older generations to accept it as the lesser of two evils. The problem is, the new generation has shown a political maturity beyond their years, and to win them over, BNP now must offer something genuinely new.

Ironically, Awami League's ouster through a bloody uprising has stripped BNP of two key advantages that it could have used in an election campaign: anti-incumbency bias, and public sympathy for the repression it had endured. In an alternate reality where those factors still mattered, BNP could have expected Gen Z—with no lived memory of its 2001-06 rule—to support it unquestioningly, and older generations to accept it as the lesser of two evils. The problem is, the new generation has shown a political maturity beyond their years, and to win them over, BNP now must offer something genuinely new.

So far, it has been giving mixed signals. On the one hand, it acknowledged that repeating Awami League's mistakes could lead to the same fate for itself, stressing the importance of understanding the shift in people's mind-sets. On the other hand, it continues to call for elections as soon as possible. Its rhetoric surrounding the student-led mass movement, trying to co-opt it as its own, and its suggestion that long-term reforms should be left to an elected government also reveal glaring contradictions. Perhaps the army chief's recent statement—in which he vowed to back the interim government "come what may" to possibly ensure elections within the next 18 months—will prompt BNP to reassess its approach. While expecting an election roadmap is not unreasonable, it must lift its sights beyond its ambition and bring the reform drive to its own doorsteps.

At 46, BNP is in need of renewal, and the sooner it realises this, the better. As the largest party in the country now, it has a responsibility not just to its leaders and activists but to the entire political landscape. To truly demonstrate that it remains in tune with the spirit of the mass uprising, BNP needs to lead by example and undertake the following initiatives.

First, it must help dismantle the patronage system by making it clear to party leaders and supporters that BNP politics will henceforth offer no undeserved benefits, and anyone using its name for such purposes will be met with swift punishment. Second, it should ask its loyalist groups within the civil service to stop influencing decisions, or risk being blacklisted. Third, it should establish a democratic, secular, and gender-inclusive party structure, and have a high-powered committee constantly check erosion of these values in party activities. Fourth, it should bring clarity on its finances by making the names of its donors public and conducting internal audits of assets held by party leaders. Fifth, it should control its grassroots leaders and activists, preventing infighting and any criminality through strict enforcement of disciplinary measures.

Sixth, it should comply with the Representation of the People Order (RPO) clause that prohibits political parties from having affiliated student or teacher organisations. Over the years, political parties, including BNP, have bypassed this law on mere technicalities, passing their student wings off as "brotherly" or "associate" organisations, thus enabling crimes and hegemonic practices that led not only to a deep distrust of student politics but also unimaginable sufferings.

There can be many other reforms that are necessary. What BNP can do to remake itself in line with the spirit of the mass uprising can be the topic of a discussion that the party should itself encourage for its own benefit.

Just before the January 7, 2024 election, I wrote an article titled "Can BNP survive the pre-election meltdown?" amid heavy crackdowns by Awami League. I guess the question now is, can BNP fulfil the post-uprising expectations? After all, if political parties do not break free from their long-entrenched monopolistic and authoritarian attitudes, changing the constitution and implementing other state reforms cannot prevent future regimes from turning dictatorial again. BNP has a historic responsibility in this regard.

Badiuzzaman Bay is an assistant editor at The Daily Star.​

 

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Fakhrul urges govt to drop all cases against Tarique to allow his return

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the interim government to hold a fair election after necessary reforms at the...

www.newagebd.net

Fakhrul urges govt to drop all cases against Tarique to allow his return
Our Correspondent . Gazipur 27 September, 2024, 22:44

UNB photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the interim government to hold a fair election after necessary reforms at the earliest possible time.

While addressing as the chief guest a discussion held marking the 8th death anniversary of former BNP leader ASM Hannan Shah, he also said that though Sheikh Hasina fled the country but she continued conspiring against the country after her fall.

Hannan Shah Smrity Sangshad organised the discussion at Kapashia Pilot High School in Gazipur.

He said that the Awami League politicised all the institutions over the years to permanently hold power.

‘Reform all administration for holding a free fair election immediately. If the BNP comes to power, we will restore the caretaker government system for fair election,’ he said.

He observed that the reform would certainly take time but it could be an unlimited time.

‘The sooner the election can be held the better for the country,’ he said.

He further said that the people of the country wanted an elected government to run the country and the interim government also recognised the same. Therefore, the interim government should reform everything to hold a fair election immediately.

He said that acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who is currently staying in London, and many other leaders and supporters of the party were accused in many cases and demanded withdrawal of the politically motivated cases.

In the past 15 years the Awami League government disappeared 1,000 leaders, killed several thousand and filed cases against thousands of the party’s activists, he alleged.

He said that BNP earlier proposed reforms and its leaders face harassment for the proposal.

Fakhrul said that Hannan Shah was an honest and dedicated leader devoted to democracy and to the party.

Local leaders of the party among others also spoke the event.​

 

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Interim govt must secure BNP's unshakeable trust: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, must take on the challenge of maintaining the BNP's unwavering trust. “We all know that there was no alternative to an interim government to fill the vacuum suddenly created in a dictatorship-free B

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Interim govt must secure BNP's unshakeable trust: Tarique Rahman
Published :
Sep 28, 2024 19:23
Updated :
Sep 28, 2024 19:29

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, must take on the challenge of maintaining the BNP's unwavering trust.

“We all know that there was no alternative to an interim government to fill the vacuum suddenly created in a dictatorship-free Bangladesh. For valid reasons, our support for them was then and remains so now. They must take on the challenge of ensuring that our trust in them remains unshaken," he said.

Speaking virtually at a mass rally on Saturday, the BNP leader emphasised that the interim government must specify the responsibilities assigned to them and outline a roadmap for fulfilling those duties effectively, UNB reports.

“While it may not be possible for them to implement all changes, it would also be unreasonable for them to shoulder responsibilities that they are not able to carry,” he observed.

The BNP leader thinks that every decision, statement, and reaction at the highest levels of government requires the careful and visible application of utmost caution to avoid misunderstanding.

Stating that running a government is a highly sensitive and complex task, he warned that even a small deviation can raise a big question, while minor carelessness can weaken the essential trust and fracture the unity that is at the core of the nation’s strength.

"Any one of these can lead to a terrible disaster. It’s important to remember that the visible and invisible evil spirit of a dictatorship, built up over a decade and a half, will not rid us of its poisonous breath so easily,” Tarique observed.

The Jhenidah District unit of BNP organised a mass rally at Payra Chattar, demanding justice for Rakib and Sabir, who were martyred during the recent movement for the restoration of democracy.

The BNP acting chairman said they are often witnessing the interim government’s helplessness and disarray in the face of the ongoing conspiracies of a partisan administration left behind by autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina.

He also cautioned that if this situation persists, the government, trapped in the constraints of the autocrat's associates, will eventually see small crises escalate into major disasters. "At that point, the path to effective solutions will be exceedingly narrow," he added.

Tarique said it is important to keep in mind that there is no alternative to an elected government for ensuring foreign investment, international confidence and relations, state stability, ease of doing business, public safety, continuity of development, and providing citizens with daily services at the grassroots level.

He said the mass uprising led by students and the public in July and August has emerged as a message of another independence and victory for the nation. “If we hastily label this as the success of a specific group, we risk falling into the trap of distorting history once again."

The BNP leader highlighted the importance of honouring the contributions of people from all walks of life—political parties, students, housewives, and workers—in this great battle against autocracy.

He also emphasised the sacrifices of the millions of political activists who have endured enforced disappearances, murders, legal cases, assaults, and oppression over the past seventeen years. “If we fail to do that, then history will not forgive any of us.”​

 

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BNP wants reforms, but unwilling to wait for too long

BNP reiterated its support and cooperation towards the interim government, but want the government to hold the elections as soon as possible

en.prothomalo.com

BNP wants reforms, but unwilling to wait for too long
Published: 28 Sep 2024, 13: 51

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) feels that the interim government can carry out the required reforms in a short time and then embark on holding the election. They are unwilling to wait for too long. This was apparent when speaking to several leaders of BNP over the past few days.

In the meantime, Chief of Army Staff Waker-Uz-Zaman, in an interview with Reuters, spoke of the national parliamentary election possibly being held within the next 18 months. And speaking at an event in New York on 26 September, chief advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus said that once a consensus was reached concerning reforms and a voter list was prepared, the election date would be announced.

Certain leaders of BNP spoke in favour of the army chief's statement concerning the election. They feel that if the government is sincere, the election can be held within 18 months. Even so, the party's top leadership has shown a degree of concern and dissatisfaction over the election timing. BNP wants the election to be held in the earliest time possible.

The BNP leadership has reiterated its full support and continued cooperation towards the interim government. But they will continue to press for the government to come up with a road map to hold the elections and speedily turn towards the election.

There are demands from various quarters for extensive reforms. The interim government has formed six commissions for the reforms of the election system, police administration, judiciary, anti-corruption commission, the public administration and the constitution. BNP is not pleased with this. The party had expected that the government would consult with the political parties before forming the commissions.

BNP leaders say that it should not take too long to carry out institutional reforms. However, there are certain complexities and a matter of time involved in reforming the constitution. That depends on what changes the interim government wants to make in the constitution and to what extent.

Meanwhile, the six commissions have said they will submit their reform reports within December. The next step will be reaching a consensus with the political parties concerning the reforms. BNP will want this process to be carried out in a short time.

BNP will come forward with its reforms proposal in order to shorten the time for constitutional reforms and to avoid complications. BNP's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has told journalists that work has already begun to this end. BNP plans on becoming active in this regard, bringing forward the 31-point proposal it had come up with two years ago as well as the proposal for a national government. The party has stepped up contact with its partners in the simultaneous movement and has also held separate meetings with several parties. BNP says that if they win the election, they will form a national government with the parties that took part in the movement and then complete the reforms.

Speaking to Prothom Alo in this regard, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "I do not quite understand them (the interim government). Their viewpoint is not quite clear to me. From what I understand, there are a few diverse views at work here (in the interim government). Some want to carry out the reforms right now. Some want to carry out the reforms in keeping with the existing constitution. It is not good to keep things unclear."

BNP uneasy

With the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on 5 August, BNP was released from around 16 years of repression and suppression. While the field level workers feel that this change in scenario has taken them to the brink of power, the central leaders are still uneasy. On one hand, a section at the party at the grassroots has become embroiled in using force and imposing their dominance. The central leadership is struggling to bring them under control. On the other hand, they point to the lack of clarity regarding the term of the interim government and when the election will be held.
Also, there is still uncertainty over the return of exiled BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman from the UK. The leaders are unsure of the interim government's stand on these two issues.

On condition of not being named, a BNP vice chairman told Prothom Alo, "We will not traverse a long path (on the question of reforms). We feel that if the interim government takes too long, it won't be able to remain in place even of BNP wants."

Why BNP wants elections soon

While BNP speaks of giving the interim government "reasonable time," they actually want the election to be held as soon as possible. The party wants the national polls to be held after the necessary reforms in the relevant law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and the election commission, in order to ensure a free and fair election. BNP leaders feel that the more the election is delayed, the more their hold in the election field will be harmed. But they cannot put too much pressure on the interim government in this regard because public opinion is in favour of elections only after reforms of the state institutions.

Concerned persons say Jamaat wants to display itself as an alternative to BNP. In that sense BNP is viewing Jamaat as its unseen opponent
Mirza Fakhrul, speaking to Prothom Alo, said, "BNP is not at unrest concerning the elections." Then again, he also said, "The sooner they (the interim government) fix the election commission, the administration and the law enforcement agencies, the sooner they will move ahead. The judiciary has been fixed to an extent. And it is the parliament that will carry out the fundamental changes. I do not think too much time is needed for all this. BNP feels that in the interests of the country, the people and democracy, the election should be held as soon as possible."

However, Jatiya Party, Jamaat-e-Islam, Islami Andolan and a few other parties differ from BNP somewhat in this regard. The top leaders of these parties have spoken about giving the interim government the time that it "requires".

BNP's "unseen opponent"

Certain political analysts say that emerging differences with Jamaat-e-Islami, its past ally, is also a cause of concern for BNP. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, Jamaat in some areas played a role in protecting the minority community and their houses of worship. But BNP came under criticism at the time for extortion and creating disorder in various places. Jamaat's top leadership made indirect remarks, castigating BNP in this regard. In the absence of Awami League, this sudden conflict has made BNP apprehensive of Jamaat becoming its new rival in the changed political circumstances. There were indications of this in a recent statement of Tarique Rahman.

At an informal programme of the party on 4 September, Tarique Rahman called upon the party leaders and activists to be prepared to tackle the "newly arising unseen opponents with political acumen and planning." Concerned persons say he was referring to Jamaat as the "unseen opponent". It was Jamaat, however, that that initiated such oblique remarks.

Jamaat amir Shafiqur Rahman, during an address on 26 August, said hundreds of people were still languishing in hospital, the bloodstains were still fresh. The country is inundated with floods. At this juncture if people start calling for elections, the people will not accept this. The Jamaat amir went as far as to say BNP has already grabbed 80 per cent of the power. They have not spared anything, from the beggar's bowl to the bazaars. His remarks sparked anger within BNP.

Concerned persons say Jamaat wants to display itself as an alternative to BNP. In that sense BNP is viewing Jamaat as its unseen opponent.​