[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

Saif · Sep 29, 2024

Tarique Rahman’s make-or-break moment

AS BANGLADESH navigates through one of the most transformative political transitions in its history, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, finds himself at the centre of this unfolding drama. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year autocratic regime, led by a...

www.newagebd.net

Tarique Rahman’s make-or-break moment
HM Nazmul Alam 30 September, 2024, 00:00

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman. | Agence France-Presse/Henry Nicholls

AS BANGLADESH navigates through one of the most transformative political transitions in its history, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, finds himself at the centre of this unfolding drama. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year autocratic regime, led by a student-mass uprising, has created a political vacuum and the possibility of long-overdue reforms. In this turbulent time, all eyes are on Tarique Rahman, and questions are being asked: Can he evolve beyond the shadows of his family’s political legacy? Will he embrace the demands of a new generation, particularly Gen Z, who are at the forefront of this political revolution?

Tarique Rahman’s political journey has been anything but conventional. From being labelled as an heir to a political dynasty to spending years in exile, he has witnessed both the pinnacles of power and the depths of political isolation. Now, in a Bangladesh that is fractured but full of hope, he is called upon to redefine not just his own political narrative but that of the entire nation. This is a moment that demands political maturity and an understanding that the rules of the game have changed. The aspirations of the younger generation — those who have grown up amid the frustrations of corruption, authoritarianis and economic disparity — are far different from those of previous generations.

Crossroads of a political career

At this crucial juncture, Tarique Rahman faces a challenge unlike any other. He is not merely being called upon to lead a political party; he is being asked by many to steer a nation. The recent student-led uprising, which resulted in the ousting of the Awami League government, was not just a rejection of one party but a resounding cry for a new kind of politics — one that is transparent, inclusive and forward-thinking.

Tarique Rahman’s recent actions and speeches, especially during and after the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, demonstrate a shift in his political approach. This is not the Tarique Rahman of the past, often accused of being entangled in the politics of revenge and patronage. Rather, this is a leader who appears to understand the pulse of the people and the urgency of addressing their needs.

His messages on social media, particularly his congratulatory message to the students and protesters after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, reflect a leader who is learning to speak the language of the new generation. By acknowledging the power of the people and emphasising the courage and sense of justice that fuelled the uprising, Tarique Rahman is positioning himself as a leader who values the collective will of the people over personal vendettas.

But words alone will not suffice. The road ahead for Tarique Rahman is fraught with challenges, and he must prove that he is capable of rising above the old political narratives that have dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades. In a nation weary of dynastic politics, corruption and authoritarianism, there is little room for the mistakes of the past. The question is: Can Tarique Rahman break free from the legacy of his predecessors and chart a new course for Bangladesh?

New generation, new politics

Perhaps the most significant factor in Tarique Rahman’s political evolution will be his ability to connect with Gen Z. This generation, born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has grown up in a vastly different world from the one in which Tarique’s father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, or his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, governed. They are digital natives, shaped by social media, global movements for democracy and social justice, and a growing awareness of environmental and economic issues.

Gen Z in Bangladesh, like their counterparts around the world, are disillusioned with traditional politics. They have seen how corruption, authoritarianism and cronyism have stifled their country’s potential. They have witnessed the erosion of democratic institutions and the suppression of dissent. For them, politics is not just about power; it is about representation, justice and the protection of freedoms.

Tarique Rahman must recognise that the politics of the past, built on patronage networks, loyalty to party leaders and the manipulation of state institutions, will no longer resonate with this generation. Gen Z demands accountability, transparency and a politics that prioritises the common good over individual gain. They want leaders who can address pressing issues like justice, unemployment and social inequality and who are willing to embrace innovation in governance, including the use of technology for greater citizen engagement.

In his recent statements, Tarique has hinted at understanding this shift. His call for ensuring every citizen’s right to vote, his emphasis on free and fair elections, and his recognition of the role technology must play in governance all speak to a leader who is attempting to align with the values of the new generation. But again, alignment is not enough — there must be action.

Need for structural change

IF TARIQUE Rahman is to truly succeed in this new political landscape, he must go beyond rhetoric and implement structural changes that reflect the aspirations of today’s Bangladesh. This includes reforming the judiciary, ensuring the independence of the media and dismantling the deeply entrenched patronage networks that have long defined Bangladeshi politics.

A crucial test will be how he approaches economic reform. Bangladesh, while experiencing impressive economic growth in recent years, remains plagued by inequality and corruption. The youth are acutely aware of the need for economic justice. They seek a Bangladesh where opportunities are not limited to the well-connected but are available to all based on merit.

Tarique’s leadership will also be judged by how he handles the issue of job creation. Bangladesh’s youth face an unemployment crisis that has only been exacerbated by the global economic downturn and the pandemic. The youth are not content with waiting for trickle-down benefits from economic growth — they want policies that create jobs now, particularly in the tech and green industries that are reshaping economies worldwide.

Breaking with past

PERHAPS the most significant challenge for Tarique Rahman will be to prove that he is not bound by the past. His family’s political legacy, while revered by many, also carries the baggage of controversies and corruption allegations. To lead a truly new Bangladesh, Tarique must show that he is not simply the continuation of that legacy but a leader in his own right, willing to break with the old ways of politics.

This means not only addressing the failures of previous governments but also holding accountable those within his own party who may have contributed to the country’s problems. It means promoting a political culture that values debate, dissent and diversity of thought. It means ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few but is distributed in a way that empowers ordinary citizens.

Tarique Rahman’s recent statements indicate that he understands the gravity of the moment. His commitment to supporting the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, his call for unity among political forces, and his insistence on free and fair elections are all positive signs. But as Bangladesh moves forward, Tarique will need to demonstrate that he is capable of not only speaking the language of democracy but living it.

Opportunity of a lifetime

IN THIS tumultuous and chaotic time, Tarique Rahman’s political maturity will be tested like never before. The people of Bangladesh, particularly its youth, are watching closely. If he can rise to the occasion, he has the chance to become not just a leader of his party but a leader of the people. But if he fails to understand the pulse of this new Bangladesh, he risks being consigned to the political sidelines.

The time for old politics is over. Now is the time for a new kind of leadership — one that listens, learns and leads with the people, especially the youth, at the heart of its mission. The future of Bangladesh depends on it.

HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer in English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.

Saif · Oct 2, 2024

Sentence of Tarique Rahman's wife Dr. Zubaida postponed for 1 year

The sentence of Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, has been postponed for one year. This information was confirmed in a notification issued by the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday. The not

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Sentence of Tarique Rahman's wife Dr. Zubaida postponed for 1 year
Published :
Oct 02, 2024 23:29
Updated :
Oct 02, 2024 23:29

The sentence of Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, has been postponed for one year.

This information was confirmed in a notification issued by the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday. The notice was signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Abu Saeed Mollah on behalf of the President, UNB reports.

The notification states that Dr Zubaida Rahman's request for a stay of her sentence was considered in light of the opinion of the Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry’s legal department. Under Section 401(1) of The Code of Criminal Procedure (Act No. V of 1898), her sentence has been stayed for one year, contingent upon her surrendering to the court and filing an appeal as per the President's directive.

Saif · Oct 8, 2024

EC declares BNP leader Shahadat mayor of Chattogram

The Election Commission (EC) today declared BNP leader Shahadat Hossain as the mayor of Chattogram City Corporation

www.thedailystar.net

EC declares BNP leader Shahadat mayor of Chattogram

Shahadat Hossain. Photo: Collected

The Election Commission (EC) today declared BNP leader Shahadat Hossain as the mayor of Chattogram City Corporation.

The EC issued a notification in this regard.

Earlier, on October 1, the Election Tribunal of Chattogram declared Shahadat Hossain the mayor of Chattogram City Corporation.

The tribunal gave this verdict following a case filed to cancel the results of the election held on January 27, 2021.

When asked for a reaction on the matter, EC Secretary Shafiul Azimtold The Daily Star, "After receiving the court's verdict, we have reviewed the legal aspects thoroughly. Based on that, we have issued a corrective notification regarding the mayoral position of Chattogram City Corporation."

The EC circular said, according to the Election Tribunal's order from October 1, the previous declaration of the winning mayoral candidate -- Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, representing the "boat" symbol -- was cancelled.

In his place, Shahadat Hossain, the candidate representing "sheaf of paddy" symbol, was declared as the elected mayor.

As a result, in the gazette dated January 31, 2021, "Shahadat Hossain" will replace "Rezaul Karim Chowdhury", and "Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)" will replace "Bangladesh Awami League".

Shahadat filed a lawsuit on February 24, 2021, challenging the results of the election.

He said the election officials had manipulated the outcome of the Chattogram City Corporation election held on January 27, 2021. In his lawsuit, he demanded the cancellation of the results and called for a re-election.

In the lawsuit, Shahadat further claimed that although initially zero votes were shown in three polling centres, three days later, the number of polling centres showing zero votes increased to 28, which he deemed unbelievable and unimaginable.

Saif · Oct 8, 2024

Ousted Hasina, her cohorts still hatching conspiracies: Farroque

BNP Chairperson's Adviser and former Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque has urged the interim government to remain alert as ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was maintaining contact with the cohorts of Awami League (AL) who were hatching conspiracy against the country. “Sheikh Hasina and her

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Ousted Hasina, her cohorts still hatching conspiracies: Farroque
Published :
Oct 08, 2024 22:14
Updated :
Oct 08, 2024 22:14

BNP Chairperson's Adviser and former Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque has urged the interim government to remain alert as ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was maintaining contact with the cohorts of Awami League (AL) who were hatching conspiracy against the country.

“Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts especially those who are working in the secretariat are hatching conspiracy against the country,” he said while speaking at a protest rally of Bangladesh Youth Forum in front of the Jatiya Press Club on Tuesday, BSS reports.

Farroque urged the government to public a ‘white paper’ on those who helped the past AL government’s ministers and MPs to flee the country as those people should be brought to book.

He also urged the government to make the officers in charge (OCs) responsible for recovering the illegal arms as the OCs of 460 police stations across the country know where Chhatra League-Jubo League have kept their illegal arms hiding.

He said BNP leader Elias Ali had been disappeared at the directive of Sheikh Hasina. The speeches of Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy were published in the media now but the speeches of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman were not allowed to be published in media during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina, he added.

“We want election within a logical time as BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has already said the interim government will have to be extended all cooperated so that it can hold a free, fair and neutral election,” he added.

Bangladesh Youth Forum President Md. Saidur Rahman chaired the rally while Bangladesh People’s Party Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad, BNP’s Swechchhasebak affairs secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Safu, former convener of Olama Dal Nesarul Haque, Matsajaby Dal member Ismail Hossain Sheraji, among others, also spoke at the meeting.

Saif · Oct 11, 2024

Rizvi cautions against BNP’s fair-weather friends returning from abroad

Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned the administration, business community and media houses against the opportunists posing as...

www.newagebd.net

Rizvi cautions against BNP’s fair-weather friends returning from abroad
Staff Correspondent 12 October, 2024, 00:06

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi (centre). | Focus Bangla photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned the administration, business community and media houses against the opportunists posing as BNP people after returning from abroad.

Rizvi’s cautionary remarks came while addressing a press briefing at the party’s Naya Paltan central office in Dhaka.

‘Some people lived abroad and enjoyed happy life when the BNP was passing hard time. Now they are returning home and trying to influence the administration, business community, and media houses in their interest.’

‘I want to tell the authorities concerned about such fortune hunters—they do not represent BNP in any way,’ he said.

Rizvi said that many of his party people sacrificed their lives, became crippled and lost their sight during the last 16-year regime of the fascist government, while the party lost many leaders, and many became refugees in their own country, losing their houses, jobs and businesses.

‘After August 5, as they are encouraged at the thought that opportunities for golden future are lying ahead, we should be cautious about some opportunists and fortune seekers who are trying to dictate the business community and media houses for their own gains,’ he also added.

The BNP leader also said, ‘During the bad time of the party, a vested quarter left party, party comrades and the country, got settled abroad, and led life in comfort. After the fall of the fascist government, those people are once again reappearing in the scene and trying to infiltrate in different offices by dictating the administration.’

Party standing committee member Selima Rahman, meanwhile, urged the interim government to hold elections soon as possible.

She made the call while addressing an event held to mark the third anniversary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Nagorik Parishad at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

‘Dr Yunus is the pride of Bangladesh. We believe that the interim government will organise a fair election by bringing the necessary reforms,’ she said.

She also criticised the government for letting Detective Branch former joint commissioner Harunur Rashid flee the country.

The ghosts of Awami League were still haunting and wanted to create unrest in various ways, including the garment industry, said the BNP leader.

‘The key goal of Bangladesh is to ensured democracy, good governance and voting rights. We still have a lot of work to do,’ she continued.

‘Our mothers, sisters and children were martyred in the student-led mass uprising, but our goal was not achieved,’ said the standing committee member.

‘The day when we can re-establish a democratic Bangladesh through fair elections that will be our auspicious day, and the sacrifices of the martyrs and ours will at last bear fruit for Bangladesh,’ she added.

BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday at a programme urged the government to publish a white paper on those who fled the country after the student-led mass uprising.

‘The government must publish a white paper on those who have left the country, particularly explaining how the individuals responsible for the death of many mothers’ children in Bangladesh managed to escape to India,’ he said,

Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in the parliament, alleged that India tried to subdue Bangladesh with the aid of Sheikh Hasina.

The Jatiotabadi Ganatantrik Party organised the programme in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding the withdrawal of all the false cases against opposition leaders and activists.

People now expected the interim government to fulfil their desire by announcing a date for the election within a reasonable timeframe, he said.

He also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the cases filed against opposition party leaders during the previous government’s tenure.