[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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BNP aims for a democratic, fair, inclusive Bangladesh: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that his party aims to build a democratic, fair, and inclusive Bangladesh that will be livable and enjoyable for all, through the united efforts of everyone. "Let us all work together to build a democratic Bangladesh, based on the foundation of a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP aims for a democratic, fair, inclusive Bangladesh: Tarique
FE Online Desk
Published :
Dec 14, 2024 20:03
Updated :
Dec 14, 2024 20:03

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that his party aims to build a democratic, fair, and inclusive Bangladesh that will be livable and enjoyable for all, through the united efforts of everyone.

"Let us all work together to build a democratic Bangladesh, based on the foundation of a non-discriminatory, inclusive and liberal society. Your welfare and success are our priority," he said while virtually exchanging views with a group of physically challenged people at Agargaon LGED auditorium, UNB reports.

The BNP leader said his party is committed to taking concrete steps to improve the quality of life of people with special needs, focusing on ensuring their economic independence, social empowerment and human dignity.

If BNP forms the government with the support of the people, he said it will initiate the establishment of a separate Directorate to coordinate the activities of various ministries and departments alongside carrying out specific programmes for persons with disabilities.

Tarique said his party is also determined to build a dignified, capable, and prosperous society for people with special needs.

"I and my party, BNP, recognise that your problems and sufferings are real and deep. But you must remember, you are not alone in this struggle. We are, and will always be, by your side. Your obstacles are our obstacles. I firmly believe that we can never move forward while leaving you behind," he said.

The BNP leader also said BNP wants to take the country forward with the united efforts of all, including people with disabilities. "The democratic Bangladesh that we will build together will be fair for all, inclusive for all, livable for all, and enjoyable for all."

He said he joined such a programme not as a politician, but as a brother, friend, and guardian of people with disabilities, with a strong commitment to stand by them.

As part of his political responsibility, Tarique expressed his desire to cooperate with the physically challenged people to help them explore their talents and achieve self-sufficiency.

"I firmly believe that you are an integral part of our society and family. You play an outstanding role in driving the country forward and keeping the wheels of the economy moving," the BNP leader noted.

He also shared the inspiring stories of four physically challenged people who realised their dreams and achieved success by overcoming physical and other barriers.

"These four people have shown us that true ability is not measured by the body, but by the strength of the mind, willpower and hard work. Their stories teach us that 'obstacle' is just a word that can be overcome with effort. Our duty is to respect their struggle and stand by them. We want to build a Bangladesh where every person has the opportunity to overcome their limitations and fulfill their dreams," the BNP leader said.

He also promised that no one would be subjected to discrimination or left behind due to physical limitations in the future Bangladesh. "By working together, we will build a society where every person can reach their full potential."

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party is committed to building an inclusive society that ensures the rights of all.

He said BNP, if returns to power, will take decisive steps to address the problems faced by physically challenged people, eliminate the discrimination they currently endure, and improve their overall well-being.

Over 150 physically challenged people from across the country participated in the programme, which was conducted by Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of the Protibondhi Nagorik Shangathaner Parishad (PNSP).

The participants shared the numerous challenges they face daily, ranging from family and societal difficulties to issues such as transportation barriers, lack of access to government services, limited educational opportunities, and various forms of discrimination.

They also highlighted the negative societal attitudes towards them and the exclusion they often experience.

They also made several demands, including enhancing their special allowances, guaranteed access to quality and hassle-free education, easier access to government services and offices, the introduction of transport and services tailored for people with disabilities, official recognition and use of sign language, the formation of a dedicated commission for their rights, and updates to the “Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013”.

The physically challenged people appealed to the BNP acting chairman, urging him that if his party returns to power, steps should be taken to address their issues, transform them into valuable human resources, and create sufficient job opportunities to build a discrimination-free and inclusive society.​

 

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Nothing wrong in demanding election: Tarique

There is nothing wrong in political parties demanding election, said BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

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Nothing wrong in demanding election: Tarique
Tarique tells BNP event

File photo

There is nothing wrong in political parties demanding election, said BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

"As a political party, we will participate in elections, we will campaign, we will want elections -- there is nothing to hide. It's normal and simple. The ones who have more public support will run the country," he said, addressing his party activists via video link yesterday.

The BNP is not a party that resorts to sham elections in which votes are cast at midnight, he said.

"We believe in free, fair, and transparent elections where people vote without fear."

He said it would be wrong for the BNP activists to assume that the next election would be easy to win just because the main rival is not there.

"This election will be a lot harder than any other election in the past. Make preparations to win with people's support."

BNP's public support has made political parties and individuals jealous and they have "begun conspiring". Such conspiracies are also a threat to the independence and sovereignty of the country, he said.

"Since before 1981, we have faced conspiracies both domestically and internationally. But the BNP has always believed in people's right to vote."

Tarique urged BNP leaders to gain people's trust. "When people vote freely, they think carefully before casting.

"If we want to repair the state and implement our plans, we must go to power with people's support."

Referring to the Awami League and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said the autocrat and some of its accomplices had fled, but their conspiracies are here.

"If anyone among us breaches public trust for personal gains, strict action must be taken to prevent them from tarnishing the party's reputation."​

 

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Conspirators eyeing country’s resources like vultures: Tarique

Tarique said the conspiracy by mischievous elements, both within the country and abroad, against the BNP, its leaders, and the nation, does not stop

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Conspirators eyeing country’s resources like vultures: Tarique
Tarique Rahman on election demands

File photo

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today urged party leaders and activists to brace for a relentless struggle to safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty.

He warned that conspirators at home and abroad are "eyeing the country's resources like vultures".

"The conspiracy has not stopped. You have passed the test by fighting for democracy… But the exam is not over yet. There are more tests ahead. It is a struggle in favour of the people and democracy. It's a war for independence and sovereignty. If we are to win this war, we must continue to fight," he said while virtually addressing three BNP workshops.

The workshops titled, "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," were organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Munshiganj, Narsingdi, and Manikganj districts.

Tarique said the conspiracy by mischievous elements, both within the country and abroad, against the BNP, its leaders, and the nation, does not stop.

"Many are greedily eyeing the country's financial and natural resources. If chaos can be stirred in the country, or if a weak government, lacking popular support and not representing the people, can be kept in power, then many will have the opportunity to loot the country's wealth," he warned.

The BNP leader said the interests of the country and its people will remain secure if a public-supported, pro-people, and patriotic government is in power.

"In such a case, those who eye the country's money, wealth, and natural resources with vulture-like greed will think twice."

He once again urged his party leaders and workers to work on building the people's confidence in the BNP and securing public support to win the next election.

"We have no alternative but to stay with the people and engage with them constantly to overcome the hurdle of the election with their support," Tarique said.

Mentioning that BNP leaders and workers faced serious ordeals and challenges in their political journey, he urged them to use all their experience, knowledge, and prudence to win the people's support.

He said their party will gradually implement the 31-point proposal if it gets the chance to form the government with the support of people.

He said their party is open to accepting any better proposals from other parties or individuals for the welfare of the people and the country.​

 

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Leave reforms to elected people, announce clear polls roadmap

Says BNP leader Farroque

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Leave reforms to elected people, announce clear polls roadmap
Says BNP leader Farroque

Photo: UNB

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Advocate Zainul Abedin Farroque today urged the chief adviser to announce a clear date and roadmap for the national election without delaying the process under the pretext of reforms.

"We will listen to what the chief adviser says. Please, specify the roadmap and election date," he said while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Bangladesh Chalak Dal arranged the programme, titled "Election Roadmap and Public Expectation".

Farroque said the people of the country do not want the interim government to delay the transfer of power to the elected representatives in the name of reforms. "No matter who says what, the people's representatives will decide on the reforms," the BNP leader said.

He said the country's people are uncertain when the current interim government will hold elections. "Of course, the chief adviser must listen to the political parties."

The BNP leader said that the government's announcement of a clear roadmap and election date will restore people's confidence in the interim government, democracy and rule of law.

Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, also requested the chief adviser to advise members of his advisory council to speak with caution.

"They should refrain from making any comments that could harm your reputation. They should exercise restraint and avoid remarks that could hurt public sentiment."

The BNP leader asked advisers to speak out against the syndicates responsible for hiking the prices of essential items. He lamented the government's failure to arrest the members of the syndicate who made enormous profits and siphoned off money abroad over the past 16 years by manipulating the market.

Farroque also called upon the government to take necessary steps to prevent the manipulation of the market by the Awami League's 'ghosts' during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

He warned the people of the country that another plot was underway to eliminate the nationalist forces and erase the ideals of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman from the hearts of the people.

The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League is plotting to destabilise the country by carrying out attacks on members of the Hindu community.

He said deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina must face trial in Bangladesh and be held accountable for her misdeeds, including killings and repression.​

 

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People will have to take to streets for voting rights

People will have to take to the streets, the way they did on August 5, to realise their voting rights, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a gathering in Thakurgaon yesterday.

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People will have to take to streets for voting rights
Says Mirza Fakhrul

Photo: AFP

People will have to take to the streets, the way they did on August 5, to realise their voting rights, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a gathering in Thakurgaon yesterday.

"Do you genuinely want change? Or do you want the Awami League again? If you don't, then, we will have to take to the streets, like we did on August 5," he said during a rally at Shibganj Degree College ground.

"We have to demonstrate to realise our rights to vote, food, justice, and dignity.

"This is your country, and it is your responsibility to protect it. If needed, we have to fight once more for the country and the people. Let us unite in the days ahead."

Fakhrul also criticised a section of people for creating confusion through their statements.

"Some people, especially those who are in responsible positions, are making misleading and provocative statements. Stop confusing people. Enough is enough, we suffered greatly and shed our blood."

About the national polls, the BNP leader said, "We want to hold a peaceful election where people can cast their votes freely and elect their candidates as per their choice. And those elected will bring changes in the governance system."

The BNP does not want to take revenge, said Fakhrul, adding that it wants to build a new Bangladesh with all.

Mentioning 15 years of party's struggle, the BNP secretary general said its leaders and activists were subjected to immense oppression, and false cases were filed against them.

"Even now, our party activists have to appear before the court. But many try to say that the BNP cannot do anything. But the situation [after August 5] has arisen because of our 15 years of struggle."

Regarding the reforms, Fakhrul said discussions are being held in this connection. "Do you understand what reform means? I don't understand. But I only understand that reform means some changes."

"What does change mean? It has to be ensured that I can cast my vote, and people's issues are discussed in parliament."

In another development, the BNP yesterday held meetings with leaders of Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) and Gono Odhikar Parishad (Faruk-Jaman faction) at the party chairperson's office in Gulshan.

The meetings focused on the current political situation, elections, and reforms, according to the BNP.

Leaders of the three parties said the chief adviser should discuss with political parties before announcing the election.

"We were not aware of the indication of election time made by the chief adviser. This was not discussed with any of us," said Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP standing committee member, while briefing reporters after the meeting.

"We are unaware of the reason behind the extended timeframe for the election. We don't find any justification for it."

Highlighting the importance of timely polls, Khasru said, "The BNP believes that the people of Bangladesh are eagerly awaiting the upcoming election, which is important."

NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj said, "We want to see the election held within a logical time. We expect a clear roadmap from the interim government.

"There is no need for delays regarding the election. No government can make significant decisions without the people's mandate. It's not just about the election date but also about the time needed to complete the essential tasks," he added.

Faruk Hasan, acting member secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said the timeframe given by the chief adviser is unclear.​