[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

People eagerly waiting to cast votes: Amir Khosru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said the people of the country, who had been deprived of exercising their voting rights in previous elections, are eagerly waiting to cast their votes to elect their representatives and form a government that will be accountable

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

People eagerly waiting to cast votes: Amir Khosru

Published :
Aug 19, 2025 22:18
Updated :
Aug 19, 2025 22:18

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said the people of the country, who had been deprived of exercising their voting rights in previous elections, are eagerly waiting to cast their votes to elect their representatives and form a government that will be accountable to its citizens.

"We are just waiting for the day. People could not cast their votes in the last three-four elections. So, they are now waiting to cast their votes and elect their representatives," he said, UNB reports.

Khosru, a former commerce minister, made the remarks while speaking at a graffiti and photo exhibition titled "July Beyond the Borders", marking the first anniversary of the July–August Mass Uprising.

The exhibition was organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu at its premises.

Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, Bangladesh Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman, National Citizen Party’s first senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, joint member secretary Mir Arshadul Hoque, Secretary-General of SAARC and foreign diplomats stationed in Kathmandu joined the event.

Adviser Supradip briefly discussed the next national election, scheduled to be held in February next year, and expressed optimism that it would be a fair and enjoyable election with the involvement of all voters.

Khosru said the July Uprising was the culmination of a long struggle spanning over a decade and a half.

He said many people had sacrificed their lives over the years; many became crippled, lost their families, jobs, and businesses; some died in police custody; and many were deprived of treatment while in jail.

"I witnessed this when I was in jail," said the BNP leader.

He said it was a long struggle for restoring democracy and ensuring people’s democratic, constitutional and political rights.

Khosru said the frustration and anger of the people were manifested during the July-August movement, which ultimately forced the “fascist” (deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) to leave the country.

Dhaka-Kathmandu Ties

The BNP leader also said the potential of Bangladesh-Nepal relations remains largely untapped, with scope for expansion in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, tourism, culture and people-to-people contacts.

"I think the time has come to strengthen the relations. The Ambassador is working hard," Khosru said, underscoring the importance of jointly exploring these opportunities.

On energy cooperation, he said Bangladesh needs hydropower to support its development.

"I am hoping for a great future. Together we can mutually benefit from broader cooperation," he added, emphasising Bangladesh’s foreign policy of mutual respect and mutual benefit, without interference.

Dr Tasnim Jara also spoke at the event, stressing that a fundamental change in the system is needed so that people’s rights are respected and protected.​

 

[Bilal9]

After BNP (which is now shilling for the large neighbor) lost Student Union elections a few weeks ago, they are opposing election in February. Jamaat won by a landslide.

The Army chief met with the Indian Army chief and the Indian foreign secretary without the approval of the chief adviser - he is facing removal soon.

Kind of a tell-tale sign for the future "real election" (whenever it happens) - if I may say so.

 

[Saif]

The Army chief met with the Indian Army chief and the Indian foreign secretary without the approval of the chief adviser - he is facing removal soon.

Only an elected government can remove the army chief. So, we may have to wait until the election in February for General Waker's removal.

 

[Saif]

Decision to return home not under my sole control: Tarique Rahman

Tarique Rahman stated that the opportunity to make a decision about returning to Bangladesh is neither entirely open to him nor within his sole control.

en.prothomalo.com

Decision to return home not under my sole control: Tarique Rahman
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 29 Nov 2025, 10: 36

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman. File Photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that, like any child, he too has a deep longing to feel a mother’s affection during a time of crisis.

He also stated that the opportunity to make a decision about returning to Bangladesh right now is neither entirely open to him nor within his sole control.

Tarique Rahman said this in a post on his verified Facebook page today, Saturday, at around 8:45 am Bangladesh time.

BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. According to her physicians and the party, her physical condition is “extremely critical”.

The news of their party chief’s severe illness has deeply worried BNP leaders and activists. Many believe that considering his mother’s condition, Tarique Rahman may return home soon.

In this context, Tarique Rahman posted on Facebook this morning, urging everyone to continue praying for his ailing mother. His wrote in his post, “Former prime minister of Bangladesh and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia is critically ill and under intensive care in hospital. Citizens from all walks of life, regardless of party affiliation or opinion, have been sincerely praying for her recovery.”

“The chief adviser has also joined in praying for her recovery and has pledged full support for her treatment. As always, medical teams from home and abroad have continued to provide the highest standards of professional care along with utmost sincerity. Several friendly nations have expressed their willingness to extend all possible assistance, including advanced medical support,” he added.

“On behalf of the Zia family, we express our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their heartfelt prayers and affection towards the much-revered Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, we earnestly request that everyone continue praying for her speedy recovery,” wrote Tarique Rahman.

“In such a moment of crisis, the longing to feel a mother’s affection is something I too experience, like any child. However, unlike others, the opportunity to fulfill this desire is not entirely open or solely within my control.”

“There are limits to how much detail can be shared about this sensitive matter. Our family remains hopeful that as soon as the political realities reach a favourable stage, the prolonged, anxious wait for my return to my homeland will finally come to an end,” the acting BNP chairperson added in the post.​

 

[Saif]

Once voted to power, BNP will make it easier to conduct business: Amir Khosru

Pledges to relax rules on sending and receiving money abroad, boost creative industries

www.thedailystar.net

Once voted to power, BNP will make it easier to conduct business: Amir Khosru
Pledges to relax rules on sending and receiving money abroad, boost creative industries

Photo: Collected

If BNP is voted to power, it will prioritise relaxing rules to conduct business, especially by making it easier to send and receive money abroad, party leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today.

"For Bangladesh to truly realise its full economic potential, we must widen opportunities and break the structural barriers that hold back our young creators and entrepreneurs," he said while speaking as a chief guest at a dialogue. The event, "Youth Voice, National Vision: Co-Creating Bangladesh's Future", was held at the KIB Complex in Dhaka's Farmgate.

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The Dhaka Forum Initiative (DFI), in partnership with the Youth School for Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE), hosted the national youth policy dialogue.

"If people of this country choose us, our priority will be to simplify the way business is done, starting with making it easier to send and receive money abroad," he said.

These restrictions discourage investment and limit the ability of local innovators to grow, he said, adding, "We will streamline these processes to support both businesses and investors."

BNP is committed to investing in the film and wider creative industry, including establishing theatre districts and nurturing an ecosystem where creative professionals can thrive, he said.

"Employment generation will remain at the centre of our economic agenda, because no country can expand its GDP without creating meaningful opportunities for its youth," Khosru said.

Dr Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking at the event, said, "It is a great opportunity to connect with so many vibrant young people today who have come from different parts of the country. Hearing directly from the youth is refreshing and reaffirming, because their insights must guide the policies that will shape Bangladesh's digital and economic future."

He added, "AI will significantly reshape Bangladesh's economy, but this transition can only succeed if young people are equipped to lead it. We need an upskilling agenda that prepares the youth for an AI-driven future and ensures their voices are reflected in national policymaking.

"As part of this vision, we plan to introduce a third language from class six so that future graduates have stronger global career opportunities. We will also ensure better benefits for primary teachers, because quality education begins with a supported and motivated teaching force."

Around 250 university students, young professionals and entrepreneurs participated in discussions covering a wide range of national priorities.​

 

[Saif]

Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the country is witnessing an abnormal situation due to the absence of democracy and a lack of accountable governance, warning that several plots are underway to undermine the democratic system and ensure its collapse. Speaking at the concluding ses

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman

UNB
Published :
Dec 08, 2025 19:16
Updated :
Dec 08, 2025 21:22

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the country is witnessing an abnormal situation due to the absence of democracy and a lack of accountable governance, warning that several plots are underway to undermine the democratic system and ensure its collapse.

Speaking at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, he said promoting the idea that everyone except one particular party is bad is very harmful to democracy.

“Only democracy can ensure accountability in society and in the state. It is only a democratically elected government that must answer to the people and ordinary citizens,” the BNP leader said.

He said real improvement in the country and people’s lives—even step by step—can only be achieved through a democratic system and a democratically elected government. “Yet many conspiracies have taken place in the past and are still going on now to make the democratic system fail.”

Tarique said that many ‘abnormal’ conditions have arisen in Bangladesh due to the absence of accountability. “Every day, when we open newspapers, we see attempts to hide the truth. But hunger speaks the truth. Empty pockets speak the truth,” he said.

The BNP leader said people across different sectors are suffering, with mills and factories shutting down, local and foreign investors losing confidence, many hospitals failing to provide proper treatment, and numerous educational institutions struggling to operate properly

He said people now worry about mugging when they go outside, and even if they escape that, there is no guarantee they will return home safely because of frequent road accidents.

“More than 7,000 people were killed in road accidents last year. What happened to the families who lost their only income earner? Does anyone think about them the next day?” Tarique asked.

He questioned why such “abnormal” situations—regular road crashes, factory closures, a falling stock market, and collapsing banks—keep happening again and again.

“This is not normal. And we cannot allow this abnormal situation to continue. If we want to change it and bring the country back to normal, there is no alternative to democracy. Because only democracy ensures accountability,” the BNP leader said.

He accused previous Awami League governments of running the state without any accountability. “That is why whether people lived or died — there was no responsibility towards them.”

Referring to the anti-government movement and the political change on August 5, Tarique said the people of Bangladesh, including housewives, small shopkeepers, rickshaw-pullers and even the 63 children who died during the movement, were the “masterminds”.

He said people fought for an accountable government because only accountability can gradually bring positive changes.

Tarique criticised the political behaviour of saying one person is good and everyone else is bad. “For 16 years we saw — one is good, everyone else is bad. Sadly, even after the recent change, that mindset has not fully gone. This attitude must change. It is very dangerous for democracy.”

He said democracy allows different opinions and discussions, not blaming anyone who disagrees.

The BNP leader also urged political parties to clearly show how they will improve people’s lives. “Many claim they will bring justice and good governance. But how? Where is the plan?”

He said BNP is the only party presenting detailed and practical plans covering education, agriculture, women’s welfare, farmers, healthcare and economic reforms. “Tell me, which other party has held such specific discussions? BNP has. No one else.”

Tarique said BNP believes in multi-party democracy and wants to build a country based on people’s rights, accountability and economic security.

“Step by step, we will fix these abnormal conditions and take Bangladesh towards a normal, responsible and democratic future,” he pledged.

Tarique said if BNP is voted to power, they will again dig canals following Ziaur Rahman’s initiative to prevent flooding, ensure irrigation for farmers and stop the decline of surface water.

Tarique said they will also launch major tree plantation programmes to protect the environment.

He said BNP will train unskilled people to improve their abilities so they can secure better jobs at home and abroad.

Tarique said nation building is now BNP’s main task after the fall of the Awami League through a mass uprising.

He said half of the country’s population are women and true development is not possible by leaving them behind. “We need to empower them. That’s why we have planned the Family Card for women.”

He said they aim to provide the Family Card to 50 lakh families in the first year if they can form the government.

Tarique said BNP will introduce the Farmers’ Card for marginal and small farmers to strengthen their economic standing.

He said they will focus on primary education to ensure quality learning for children by recruiting good students as primary teachers and providing training for existing teachers.

He said BNP will also prioritise job creation in different sectors to reduce youth unemployment.

On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate.

Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme and received training on eight topics — family welfare, agriculture, health, education, sports, environment, religious affairs and employment — so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises ahead of the polls.​

 

[Saif]

BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday announced that all women across the country will be brought under a universal 'Family Card' scheme if the party forms the next government, aiming to make four crore families economically self-reliant. Speaking at a views-exchange event with ret

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman

Published :
Dec 09, 2025 22:36
Updated :
Dec 09, 2025 22:36

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday announced that all women across the country will be brought under a universal 'Family Card' scheme if the party forms the next government, aiming to make four crore families economically self-reliant.

Speaking at a views-exchange event with retired army personnel at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Tarique said the facility would be open to every woman — “from a woman of a poor household to the wife of a prime minister, only those who feel they need this support will opt in,” he said, UNB reports.

Tarique Rahman said the BNP has already prepared a comprehensive action plan for its future government, with the Family Card scheme being one of the key components. "In the first phase, 5 million women will receive the card."

Under the programme, each enlisted woman would receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000–2,500, along with essential commodities for her household, Tarique said, adding,“Once a woman becomes self-reliant, she may voluntarily opt out of the scheme."

To ensure transparency, he said, the scheme is designed to eliminate corruption by making it universally accessible.

Tarique Rahman compared the model to child protection services in the United Kingdom, saying even the wife of a prime minister would have the right to avail of the service, if needed.

“Some may question where the money will come from or assume it’s a lavish project. But we have already calculated the budget and identified how each component will be implemented,” he said.

Tarique also said the BNP has developed a dedicated digital app for farmers, through which they will receive real-time guidance — from fertiliser use to weather updates.

“We will also introduce an Agriculture Card to ensure farmers become fully self-reliant,” the BNP leader added.

Highlighting the party’s education reforms, he said 3.5 lakh primary school teachers will be provided training, and the entire education system will be modernised with a special emphasis on technical education.

About the retired military officers, Tarique said, “Not everyone must enter politics. Those who are fit for politics should join, but the country comes before the party. We want to utilise the experience of those who can contribute to nation-building.”

He criticised the previous authoritarian government for “breaking down the country’s entire system,” including the military and bureaucracy.

“These systems must now be repaired — and you will have to play a key role,” he told his audience.

Calling for restoration of democracy at any cost, Tarique said, “Where there is democracy, there is accountability. The former government intentionally destroyed the system to avoid accountability.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who chaired the event, urged all to remain united and work together for the country’s future.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to engage retired military officers in nat’l service: Tarique

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that if the BNP came to power, qualified retired officers of the armed forces would be identified and given opportunities to serve the country in meaningful, non-partisan roles.

www.newagebd.net

BNP to engage retired military officers in nat’l service: Tarique
Staff Correspondent 09 December, 2025, 23:26

Tarique Rahman | AFP file photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that if the BNP came to power, qualified retired officers of the armed forces would be identified and given opportunities to serve the country in meaningful, non-partisan roles.Travel guide book

He made the remarks while meeting retired members of the armed forces at the party’s chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

Tarique emphasised that restoring democracy was essential for rebuilding national institutions and ensuring accountability, adding that it must be achieved at any cost.

The discussion was presided over by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Major General (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar.

BNP vice chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and standing committee member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed also addressed the gathering.

A total of 101 retired military personnel took part in the session and engaged with the BNP leadership on political, institutional and national issues.

In his speech, Tarique recalled that Khaleda Zia had attended an army programme despite being unwell, which he said reflected the long-standing relationship between the Zia family and defence personnel.

He alleged that past authoritarian governments had tried to create distance between the military and the Zia family by spreading misconceptions, and accused successive administrations of politicising state institutions, including the armed forces.

During the event, Tarique also offered a personal apology to Major General (Retd) Fatemi Rumi, former Director General of the Special Security Force (SSF).

He referred to an incident during a crowded procession from Old Dhaka to Amin Bazar, during which he had responded to Rumi in a rude manner amid chaos.

Tarique said he had long wished to apologise but had not found the opportunity until now, telling him: ‘I owe you an apology. I am very sorry.’​