[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

We must not forget 1971: Mirza Fakhrul

We have come this far through the struggles and sacrifices of the students, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said

en.prothomalo.com

We must not forget 1971: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 27 Dec 2024, 21: 10

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks at a “Which Way to Unity” session of the two-day national dialogue, organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital's Farmgate on 27 December 2024 Tanvir Ahammed

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said, “We must not forget 1971 and keep in mind the gradual struggles of democracy since 1971. Today, we have come this far through those struggles and the sacrifices of the students.”

He made the remarks while speaking at a session of the two-day national dialogue, “Unity in Which Way”, organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital’s Farmgate on Friday.

The BNP leader said, “Bangladesh is currently crossing a very crucial political period. Today, the questions that have come to the fore are about unity, reform and election. We are such an unfortunate nation that we have to talk about these even after 53 years of independence. It would have been so good if we had stepped forward after working on it from the very beginning.”

At one point in his speech, Mirza Fakhrul Islam stated, “There is something that is absolutely necessary - we must not forget 1971 ever. We all must keep in mind the gradual struggles for democracy since 1971, as well as everyone who was involved in it. We have come this far through these fights and the sacrifice of the students.”

Saying that the BNP started a struggle, as well as stood against fascism in 2012, he added, “Many of our political leaders were killed, maimed and jailed in that time. Six million people of our party face trumped-up lawsuits, more than 700 leaders and activists become victims of enforced disappearance; over 20,000 people were killed and everybody knows about secret detention centres.

“We never stopped. We have tried to be vocal since the beginning and we did not find many people with us at that time. But we see them now on the front rows and we feel good,” he sarcastically noted.

Mentioning the BNP’s Vision 2023 announced in 2016 and 10-point and 31-point demands announced in 2022, Mirza Fakhrul expressed that the party is very sincere about reforms. “BNP has been in favour of reform since the beginning.”

Mirza Fakhrul further said, “It is unfortunate that some remarks are coming that BNP wants elections, not reform, but this is not correct. We want to go to elections after the minimum reform required for a credible election.

Nothing is possible by imposing anything, he said adding, “Elections were credible under caretaker governments. People deemed this system necessary and accepted it. But had we gone for a presidential system I think people would have not accepted it. I think nothing will be possible without people. You must prepare the people.”

The BNP secretary general expects those, who are in various commissions, will arrange a system to maintain communication with the people.

He said, “Constitution reform commission head Dr Ali Riaz has revealed that the commission received over 100,000 proposals. It is very good news. I have heard the commission would submit recommendations to the government, and then the government will sit with the political parties. I think it would have been better and more effective if the commission had sat with the political parties. Now the government will sit with the political parties and hold dialogues, and it will take more time. I think the more time will go by, the problems will intensify more. The actual problem lies elsewhere. With whom will you implement those?”

Explaining his question, Mirza Fakhrul said, “Your administration, the government machinery are still entirely trapped in fascism. Nothing has changed. If there is no structure, we cannot do anything quickly even if something is just imposed from the above. So, our structure and institutions must be fixed. We will succeed in democracy once institutions are built pro-democracy.”​

 

[Saif]

Perception is growing that govt is deliberately delaying election: Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said he doesn’t think an unelected government should be in power for a long time.

en.prothomalo.com

Perception is growing that govt is deliberately delaying election: Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 28 Dec 2024, 19: 47

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks at a discussion arranged by Jagpa Prothom Alo

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said he doesn’t think an unelected government should be in power for a long time.

“We want reforms, actually we want more reforms. But we also want an unelected government to not reign for a long time,” Mirza Fakhrul said while addressing a discussion by the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) at National Press Club today.

The BNP leader expressed his apprehension about a possible delay in holding the next general election referring to a remark of chief adviser Muhammad Yunus where he suggested setting the minimum age for being a voter to 17 years from 18 years.

“Doing this will lead to more lingering. It’s not us…but we reckon people have an assumption that this government is deliberately lingering the election process,” Mirza Fakhrul remarked.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday suggested that the minimum voter age should be 17 years. He made the comment while addressing a two-day long dialogue arranged by Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.

The BNP secretary general said the CA’s remark has sparked a controversy among the people.

He said changing the minimum age will require making a new voter list.

“I think before making such comments, the issue should have been discussed with stakeholders to avert any controversy,” Fakhrul added.

He also suggested the issue of minimum age for voters should be left to the election commission.

“You are the chief executive of the state. But you are suggesting that the age should be 17. By doing so, you are compelling the election commission. If the age is to be decreased, let the newly formed election commission make a proposal in the end. They will decide…however, any suggestion from him (CA) kind of creates pressure to the election commission,” said Mirza Fakhrul.

Reiterating his party’s full-fledged support to the interim government, Mirza Fakhrul again urged the government to hold the election quickly.

“We reiterate our all-out support to this interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. And we want this government to be successful and we are prepared to extend all cooperation to them. We will request the government to hold the election quickly,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul reasoned that any delay in holding the election will only exacerbate the existing crisis be it country’s sovereignty, border issues and sabotages.

He also expressed frustration that no case is yet to be filed over money laundering.

“There has not been a single case against those who plundered the banks. The cases that are being filed are just like before arrangning 1000/1500 unknown persons. Such cases are paving way for a trade,” he alleged.

Jagpa president Khandakar Lutfur Rahman chaired and general secretary Jakir Hossain conducted the programme.

Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar) Mustafa Jamal Haider, National People's Party (NPP) chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, BNP chairperson's advisory council member Aman Ullah Aman, NDP chairman Abu Taher, Samyabadi Dal general secretary Syed Nazrul Islam, NAP chairman MN Shawon Sadeqi, among others, spoke at the discussion.​

 

[Bilal9]

BNP criticises Adviser Nahid over remarks on political parties

BNP yesterday slammed Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing political parties of trying to fail the interim government, warning that such inappropriate statements can create a rift in national unity

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BNP criticises Adviser Nahid over remarks on political parties

View attachment 11601

BNP yesterday slammed Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing political parties of trying to fail the interim government, warning that such inappropriate statements can create a rift in national unity.

"I think he (adviser) should not have made such a remark. He didn't say the right thing. It may create a rift in national unity," said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi while speaking at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan office.

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He said it is the main responsibility of the interim government to hold a free, fair, and inclusive election within a short time, which is also the wish of the people.

"But if any contradictory or questionable statements come from their (government's) side, it'll harm national unity," the BNP leader observed.

He said the government can benefit from the criticism made by political parties. "Criticism is an essential element for strengthening democracy. You can't deny this element."

Rizvi also said country's democratic political parties have set an example of unity amid local and international conspiracies. "You (the government) must take this into consideration."

He said the political parties are urging the government to arrange elections after completing the reforms within a reasonable time.

"Is the election different from other elements of democracy? In fact, the election is the most important democratic practice," the BNP leader mentioned.

He said the government should not ignore the political parties' demand.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam reportedly said political parties are prioritising the election over reforms.

During a meeting at the Secretariat with a delegation from British Global Partners Governance (GPG), the adviser also mentioned that political parties are attempting to make the interim government fail.​

I think the students forming a political party will happen before BNP gets to election.

And of course BNP leadership knows that.

Some entities are already drooling to fish in troubled waters. ;-)

 

[Saif]

BNP to respond to oppression by fulfilling 31-point agenda: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said his party will not respond to oppression in the same way it has been treated over the past 16 years. "We will not become despicable because they were despicable. We will respond by fulfilling our 31-point agenda," he said during a video conference at a publi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP to respond to oppression by fulfilling 31-point agenda: Tarique
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 30, 2024 20:46
Updated :
Dec 30, 2024 20:46

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said his party will not respond to oppression in the same way it has been treated over the past 16 years.

"We will not become despicable because they were despicable. We will respond by fulfilling our 31-point agenda," he said during a video conference at a public rally in Nilphamari on Monday.

Tarique condemned the destruction of BNP leaders' properties and the killings of several party members, including Golam Rabbani, at the hands of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime.

He also noted that more than 500 BNP activists were killed during the July-August movement but emphasised that the party would not resort to similar methods of retaliation.

“Amra BNP Paribar”, organised the public rally to hand over a new home to the family of Golam Rabbani, who was killed in a ”crossfire" during a RAB operation on Jan 18, 2014.

Atikur Rahman, convener of "Amra BNP Paribar,"presided over the programme.​

 

[Saif]

Stop making excuses, don’t delay election

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said while a new political party is always welcome, it should be formed independently of government support.

www.thedailystar.net

Stop making excuses, don’t delay election
Says Salahuddin, urges govt to take criticism gracefully

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said while a new political party is always welcome, it should be formed independently of government support.

"You'll be an advisor and do politics from within the government. And you'll form a party and waste time for the sake of it and keep making excuses until you are ready for elections -- people understand what you are doing," he said yesterday while addressing an event in London, UK.

The BNP leader questioned the frequent usage of the term "revolution" in reference to Bangladesh's recent political turnover.

"Nowadays, there's much talk about fulfilling the aspirations of the July Revolution and the blood of the martyrs to build a Bangladesh free of inequality and based on the rule of law. There's no disagreement on this.

"Revolution means complete change -- a total transformation of a society, an economic system, or a social system."

He went on to ask, "Has such a revolution happened in Bangladesh?"

"In simple terms, it was a 'democratic mass uprising' involving students, political parties, social groups, and people from all walks of life. The goal was to reclaim their constitutional and democratic rights."

Addressing young leaders, Salahuddin said, "To build a state with good governance, wisdom and experience are crucial. I urge the new generation to take time to acquire that wisdom, expertise, and experience.

"The future state, the future Bangladesh, will wait for this young generation, who have fought for democracy."

He said the people did not participate in a mass uprising with an agenda to completely change the constitution and aspirations for a social revolution.

The BNP leader said his party has acted as a protector of democracy and the constitution, standing by the people.

"So, if the people want to trust the BNP and any group views this public trust as opposition, then we will consider those who see the BNP as an adversary today to be against democracy."

He said BNP's 31-point reform agenda, announced on July 13, 2023, is a complete roadmap for democratic change.

"We promised the countrymen that if we are freed from fascism, a national government will be formed based on unity and consensus among all political parties who fight against fascism in a united struggle. If given the responsibility to govern the state, we will rebuild it based on these 31 points.

"The constitution, which has almost turned into the Awami League's charter, will be amended through democratic reforms to fulfil the people's hopes."

Salahuddin said that the authority to amend the constitution is given by the people to the Parliament.

"I think those who think that rewriting, amending, or changing the constitution can be done by any other body apart from Parliament are speaking unconstitutionally."

Criticising the government's inefficiency, Salahuddin highlighted the delay in removing bureaucrats appointed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

"It took two months and five days for the interim government to remove a cabinet secretary on contractual service. If it takes that long to remove one bureaucrat, what kind of reform can this government achieve?" he questioned.

Referring to the recent fire incident at the Secretariat, Salahuddin said, "Who is setting the Secretariat on fire today? You say it's the lackeys of the fascist regime. But you couldn't remove those lackeys.

"When it takes you two months and five days to remove top bureaucrats to protect your own position, how will you ensure the security of the people? I don't think it's possible."

Salahuddin emphasised that BNP's criticism is meant to provide constructive feedback.

"The chief adviser said we should criticise more and point out mistakes to keep the government on the right track. Now, when we criticise constructively, they see us as adversaries. We are in favour of democracy; we are not your adversaries."​

 

[Saif]

Tarique calls for a struggle to regain 'lost democracy'

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged people to play a leading role in the struggle to regain the “lost democracy and voting rights” in the country

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Tarique calls for a struggle to regain 'lost democracy'

File photo

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged people to play a leading role in the struggle to regain the "lost democracy and voting rights" in the country.

"I make an earnest call to the people of Bangladesh to play a pivotal role in the struggle to regain lost democracy and the right to vote," he said in his New Year message today.

The BNP acting chairman extended his heartfelt greetings and wished the New Year to bring immense joy, happiness, comfort, peace and prosperity to all.

He hoped that the country would step into a transformative journey in the New Year.

"Let us work together in the struggle to establish equality, human dignity and justice in the state and society, using the experiences of the past. We hope to build a nation where every citizen is important and everyone's voice is free," he said.

Focus on Multi-party Democracy

The BNP acting chairman also called upon all the democratic forces to start working in unison for the establishment of a multi-party democracy in the country.

He said the past year should remain vivid in memories. "Some bitter experiences, the sacrifices of the students and people, and the pain of losing rights from the past year will haunt us on the one hand and also inspire us with renewed enthusiasm for the possibility of regaining peace, harmony and the rights to multi-party democracy on the other hand in the coming year."

Tarique said there should be a commitment today to work together to ensure the political and economic empowerment of people, strengthening state institutions, and reviving multi-party democracy and the economy.

He said all must be proactive in implementing and practising the hard-earned democracy as the defeated anti-people force imprisoned all the rights of the people for so long.

"In such a situation, the work of establishing multi-party democracy must begin with the combined efforts of all democratic forces," said the BNP leader.

Noting that the New Year awakens a new rhythm of life, new hopes, and new possibilities, he wished Bangladesh to move forward on the path of immense potential. "Let all injustice, oppression, and torture be removed forever," said Tarique.​

 

[Saif]

Govt’s failure to prioritise reforms may embolden conspirators: Tarique

If the government fails to prioritise its reform initiatives, conspirators will seize the opportunity to destroy the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, BNP leader Tarique Rahman has warned.

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Govt’s failure to prioritise reforms may embolden conspirators: Tarique

File photo

If the government fails to prioritise its reform initiatives, conspirators will seize the opportunity to destroy the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, BNP leader Tarique Rahman has warned.

Speaking at Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's 46th founding anniversary event virtually from London yesterday, he said plotters already made repeated attempts to destabilise the country.

The BNP acting chairman urged everyone to remain vigilant so that imprudent decisions cannot destroy the hopes created by the uprising.

"The pro-democratic forces do not want to see the failure of the current government, which was founded on the blood of thousands of students. This is why the BNP has continued to support this government as a pro-people political party."

Tarique said the BNP considers the debate over prioritising reforms or elections as "ill-motivated and malicious".

He explained that reforms are an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system more relevant and up-to-date. "Similarly, elections are the most important and effective way to make the democratic system sustainable and institutionalised."

He said the opportunity to exercise the right to vote through elections ensures the political power of both the state and the people. "BNP believes that if the political and economic power of the people in the state is not secured, democracy, human rights, or political reforms will ultimately not be sustainable."

Tarique said the important reform initiatives taken by the government are undeniably needed. "But if the daily suffering of the people is ignored under the guise of these reform programmes, the people may be forced to speak out in anger about the government's reform initiatives."

The BNP leader pointed out that people were already questioning what steps the government took to dismantle the market syndicate created during the Awami League regime and bring the prices of essentials within the purchasing capacity of the people.

He also questioned why people still have to crowd the courts daily to deal with the lakhs of cases filed during the previous government's rule.

Mentioning that there is no reason to be worried if a few more political parties emerge in Bangladesh, Tarique said those who fear the people's verdict are spreading confusion about the next national election.

"More new political parties may emerge in the country, if necessary. This is a democratic practice and there is nothing to be upset about. BNP welcomes all democratic initiatives that serve the needs of the state and politics," he said.

Addressing the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, Tarique said the BNP has always favoured the practice of multi-party politics and diverse opinions.

"BNP's stance is very clear -- the people will give their verdict through the election, determining which party they accept or reject. But those afraid to face this verdict or who have ulterior motives create confusion about the arrangement of election," he observed.

As the "chief of the Awami League's mafia regime" has fled the country, he said, it is now time for every political party to make efforts to transform Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country, free from discrimination, in line with people's desires, Tarique said.

To achieve this goal, the BNP leader said, the political parties must now present their respective political programmes and ideologies to the people, seeking public support in accordance with democratic practice.

The BNP's student front JCD observed the day with various activities, including placing a wreath at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman, organising a blood donation camp at the IEB, and holding an inter-hall badminton competition at Dhaka University.

Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir hoped that the government would hold a credible election by completing the necessary electoral and financial reforms.

He said BNP seeks reforms, as the party was founded on the principles of state reforms and the introduction of multi-party democracy.

"It is not true that BNP does not want reforms. We have presented reform proposals at various times. Reform is an ongoing process, but elections cannot be delayed in the name of reforms," he said.

Fakhrul said the persisting problems in the country can be resolved only by establishing an elected government through a fair and acceptable election.

The BNP leader also said various conspiracies are being hatched against the country and against the BNP both at home and abroad, similar to the past. "No conspiracy can split or weaken the BNP like in the past."

He urged BNP and JCD leaders and workers to confront all conspiracies with their intellect. "We must mount strong resistance against all conspiracies."​

 

[Saif]

Those who trying to hijack uprising will face Hasina’s fate: Amir Khasru

Khasru said the uprising gave back people the right to vote

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Those who trying to hijack uprising will face Hasina’s fate: Amir Khasru

BNP National Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said a vested quarter is trying to hijack the uprising and warned that people who are tussling over the "ownership" of it to stay in power will face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country after people ousted her on August 5.

"New narratives of the movement are coming up. They want to hijack the movement," he said at a rally in Chattagram's Sholoshahar today marking the 46th founding anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

"Think before you make a statement. We don't want to question this movement as it is the movement of 18 crore people of Bangladesh," the BNP leader said.

"Together with all the people, we have driven out the fascists. No one should try to take ownership of the movement. If we (BNP) have to calculate the ownership, you will be ashamed," he said referring to BNP's contribution to the protests.

Khasru said the uprising gave back people the right to vote.

"If anyone plays with it, they will follow the path of Sheikh Hasina. Trying to stay in power by creating new narratives without elections will not work here. You have to go to the polls. Elections should be held as soon as possible, He said.

Stating that Chhatra Dal was on the streets even after 16 years of torture, he said, "We don't want a division in the country over the movement. We want unity."

Stating that the responsibility of the interim government is to peacefully hand over power to the elected government, he said.

"The responsibility of the interim government is to peacefully hand over power to the elected parliamentary government. It has no other responsibilities. And the reforms that are being talked about will be carried out in the next parliament. That is, the elected parliament members will make the necessary reforms."​