[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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

BNP wants to reinstate caretaker govt system
Says Tarique

File photo of Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said their party is willing to bring back the caretaker government system for elections to ensure the restoration of the people's voting rights.

"We want to reinstate the caretaker government system in the constitution to restore the people's right to vote," he said while exchanging views with BNP grassroots leaders and activists of Khulna division.

Stating that Bangladesh belongs to its citizens, the BNP leader said it is the people's justified democratic right to elect their representatives through the independent exercise of their voting rights.

He said the BNP introduced the caretaker government system in the constitution in 1996, replacing a partisan government, to safeguard the people's right to vote and ensure free and fair elections in the country.

"But in order to hang onto power, autocratic [Sheikh] Hasina removed it from the constitution and deprived the people of voting rights in three national elections," Tarique mentioned.

The BNP leader outlined the main objectives of their party's politics as ensuring security of the people, upholding freedom of speech, protecting the right to do business and trade peacefully, providing employment for youth, safeguarding the dignity and security of women, guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion, caste, or creed, whether they live on plains or hills, and establishing the rule of law throughout the country.

Tarique said the BNP's priorities also include ensuring a balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches, providing universal healthcare facilities, ensuring fair prices for agricultural products, and, above all, protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.

The BNP leader warned that their party will not tolerate any imprudent actions by a few wayward individuals within the party, regardless of who they are.

Tarique asked his party leaders to identify and resist those who dent the image of the party by not only expelling them from the party but also taking legal action against them.​

 

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BNP’s associate bodies submit memorandum to Indian mission

BNP’s associate bodies submit memorandum to Indian mission

The memorandum was submitted protesting the attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala

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https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/bnp-adopts-anti-india-stance-as-efforts-to-mend-ties-fail

BNP adopts anti-India stance as efforts to mend ties ‘fail’
UNB
Published :
Dec 09, 2024 19:13
Updated :
Dec 09, 2024 19:13

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, the BNP's attempts to improve ties with India apparently failed, prompting the party to adopt a stronger, openly anti-India stance, according to senior party leaders.

They said their party had to take this stance to retain its popularity, particularly in the face of widespread anti-Bangladesh propaganda and provocative statements from some Indian politicians and media outlets.

The BNP leaders said anti-Indian sentiment is growing in Bangladesh as Sheikh Hasina took shelter there escaping the country in the face of a mass uprising while the people believe that India is actively trying to create chaos in the country through various ways, including the use of the religion card.

“In such a situation, as the major and popular political party, the BNP cannot remain silent about what India is doing and the incidents happening there. If we stay silent, people will misunderstand us, and we may lose popularity as the Islamic party will take advantage of it. So, we’ve become vocal against India’s aggression,” said a BNP standing committee member, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

He said the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the national flag, anti-Bangladesh statements by Indian leaders, and the ongoing propaganda and misinformation spread by Indian media have sparked strong resentment both among the people and within the BNP.

“So, the anti-India position within the BNP has strengthened, prompting the party high command to instruct its three associate bodies to announce protest programmes against Indian aggression," the BNP policymaker said.

On Sunday, three BNP associate bodies -- Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—staged a march towards the Indian High Commission and submitted a memorandum there to register their protest against the recent anti-Bangladesh incidents in the neighbouring country and demanding an end to misinformation about Bangladesh and ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi missions in India.

They will also stage a long march towards Agartala from Dhaka on Wednesday to protest against Indian aggression.

Another BNP standing committee member said their party took the initiative to improve ties with the Indian government and political parties after the ouster of the Awami League regime, but they have yet to receive any reciprocal response from India.

He said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with their party leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on September 22, during which they outlined ways to bring positivity and strengthen the relationship between Indian political parties and the BNP as a political entity.

“We also tried to send a message to the Indian authorities to establish relations with the people of Bangladesh and the major political parties, urging them to move away from their exclusive ties with the Awami League. But we’re surprised that India has not budged even an inch from its position,” the BNP leader said.

He said they still want to maintain good relations with the Indian government, political parties and people. “Through our current stance, we mainly aim to exert pressure on India to reconsider its anti-Bangladesh position and exclusive ties with the Awami League. If they change their stance, we will reciprocate, as we believe that friendship with India is crucial for maintaining regional stability.”

The BNP leader said their party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman has been cautiously avoiding anti-Indian remarks as he is willing to mend ties with the neighbouring country and resolve past misunderstandings. “But now, it depends on India. If they don’t come forward, we will have to work out our strategy focusing on other regional partners, including China.”

He said although China supported the Sheikh Hasina government, it has already changed its position and is showing interest in warming ties with the BNP.

The BNP leader, however, said as a moderate democratic party, the BNP does not want to be either an anti-Indian or pro-Indian party. “BNP will remain open to fostering a friendly relationship with India through diplomatic efforts, while also being vocal against India’s negative activities.”

While exchanging views with local journalists in London on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said a political party devises its strategy based on the prevailing circumstances and ground realities and the interests of the country.

He said BNP is now vocal against India because some political leaders in the neighbouring country and its media are unfairly spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh to destabilise the country and the interim government.

When asked about Bangladesh's foreign policy towards India if BNP forms the government, he replied, "Our policy with India will depend on our needs and interests. But we won’t tolerate any assault on our sovereignty… We won’t accept any interference in our internal affairs."

BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said India should try to understand the pulse of the Bangladeshi people and adjust its position accordingly.

He said India has already strained relations with Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Pakistan. “Now they are turning against Bangladesh. India must consider how they will move forward alone if they lose relations with all the countries in South Asia.”

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said India is interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh. “They’re still backing Sheikh Hasina. The Indian politicians' statements and their media reports are spreading a kind of hatred against Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh are united against this hegemonic attitude of India.”​

 

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Pro-BNP orgs announce road march to Akhaura

Three BNP associate organisations -- Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal -- are set to stage a long march towards Akhaura from Dhaka tomorrow, protesting "Indian aggression"

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Pro-BNP orgs announce road march to Akhaura
BNP concerned over India's ISKCON remarks

Three BNP associate organisations -- Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal -- are set to stage a long march towards Akhaura from Dhaka tomorrow, protesting "Indian aggression".

According to a press release, the march is scheduled to begin at 8:00am from the party headquarters in Nayapaltan.

Before the march, a brief rally will be held in front of the central office, where Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna will speak as the chief guest.

Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Zilani will address the gathering as the keynote speaker, while Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib will preside over the event.

The march will proceed through several points, with a scheduled roadside rally at Bhairab intersection. Leaders from the three organisations are expected to address participants.

Upon reaching Akhaura, a rally will be held. The leaders and activists are expected to walk around two kilometers before reaching the rally site in Akhaura.

Meanwhile, the march is being organised as a protest against the attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, desecration of the national flag in Kolkata, and an alleged conspiracy to incite communal unrest.​

 

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Respect our sovereignty

Bangladesh-India relations should be based on state-to-state interactions rather than influenced by individuals or organisations, BNP leaders said yesterday.

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Respect our sovereignty
BNP tells India

Bangladesh-India relations should be based on state-to-state interactions rather than influenced by individuals or organisations, BNP leaders said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy urged India to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

"No nation's interference is desirable to the people of an independent country. Bangladeshis will decide who is competent for which roles; there is no need for external advice. If needed, we can bring in consultants," he said.

Gayeshwar emphasised the importance of mutual respect, saying, "India is a neighbour, and if our friendship is rooted in equality and shared interests, both nations will benefit."

However, he accused India of exerting influence over Bangladesh's internal matters in the past, claiming, "For years, India dictated key appointments — from bank managing directors to judges and ministers."

He said bilateral ties should prioritise country-to-country relations over party or personal affiliations. "If India acknowledges this, a stronger friendship will follow," he added.

Meanwhile, in Rajshahi, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi staged a symbolic protest by burning an Indian-made bedsheet during a "Boycott Indian Products" programme.

"This bedsheet from Jaipur symbolises the rejection of India's undue influence," he said.

Rizvi also accused India of spreading propaganda and undermining Bangladesh's communal harmony.

"If India claims Chattogram, we'll claim the Nawabi regime's entire Bangla, Bihar, and Odisha," he added.

"If our healthcare improves, no Bangladeshi will need to go to India for treatment," he said.​

 

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Khaleda, Tarique invited to president's Victory Day reception

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman have been invited to a reception hosted by the president on Victory Day..Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, the president’s military secretary, delivered the invitation letters to the BNP chairperson's office this evening.

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Khaleda, Tarique invited to president's Victory Day reception

Khaleda Zia, left, and Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman have been invited to a reception hosted by the president on Victory Day.

Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, the president's military secretary, delivered the invitation letters to the BNP chairperson's office this evening.

Photo: Collected

AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP standing committee, received the letters on behalf of Khaleda and Tarique.

Earlier, on November 21, Khaleda Zia attended a reception at Senakunja marking the Armed Forces Day.​