[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

Refrain from wrongdoing, Tarique tells BNP men

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and activists to refrain from wrongdoing, reminding them that people may once again show their strength as they did on August 5 if they make mistakes

www.thedailystar.net

Refrain from wrongdoing, Tarique tells BNP men

File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and activists to refrain from wrongdoing, reminding them that people may once again show their strength as they did on August 5 if they make mistakes.

Speaking virtually at a discussion today, he also said the accountability of the government must be ensured through timely elections at every level, from parliament to union parishads, in order to alleviate public suffering and reflect the people's will and desire in governance.

"I humbly request all the soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia all over Bangladesh with folded hands, please do not allow intruders to crowd around you...please do not get misguided and refrain from confusing activities," the BNP leader said.

BNP organised the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique said over 60 lakh people were repressed, with many others killed, including around 500 during the July mass uprising, under the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. "Had we endured the repression and persecution to facilitate the intruders and wrongdoers?" he questioned.

He also said many people believe BNP has the highest potential to form the government if a free and fair election is held in the country.

Tarique questioned the party leaders and workers if a situation emerges due to wrongdoings by intruders or misguided BNP followers, where someone else forms the government, whether they would be able to stay well. "We don't know who or what may come (to power)...but it won't be good for all of us."

He also said if anyone else forms the government for any reason, every political activist belonging to BNP should have the minimum sense to recognise that it would not be good for the country and the nation, both from a local and international perspective. "So, we still have time on our hands to stand by the people and behave according to their desires."

At the end of the day, as a political party or activists, Tarique said BNP leaders have to go to the voters. "If any of us indulge in wrongdoing before that day (voting day), you will have to answer to the people when you go to them for their votes."

The BNP leader reminded his party colleagues of a very clear and recent example of how, when people get angry, they can force autocrats to flee the country.

"That example, just a few days ago, still shines before our eyes... If we ultimately need public support, why shouldn't we try to earn it through good actions? Why should you turn a blind eye to unfairness? If the people turn away their faces, we will have no place to go, no matter what we think of ourselves," he warned.

Without mentioning names, Tarique said some political forces are trying to raise their voices against BNP due to the wrongdoings of intruders and some misguided party activists. "So, I am saying it again and again that we must be alert and careful."

He reiterated that the next election will not be as easy as BNP leaders and activists might think, with complacency over their party's strength.

"We have our party's organisation even at the village level. But people matter and people are our strength and support. People showed on August 5 what happens if they are not with you. So, if we make any mistake, the people will show something again, and then you will have to face the consequences," the BNP leader said.

He called upon the BNP leaders and workers to stand by the people and work according to their desires. "Those who engage in any work that can affect us and our party; we will put up a resistance and register our protest against them."

The BNP leader called upon the party rank and file to remain united and stand against unfairness and resist it. "We must stand with the people in such a way that they understand we are with them, according to their desires. This should be our oath on this day, the 89th birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman."​

 

[Saif]

Former state minister Babar taken to hospital with chest pain

Lutfozzaman Babar, former state minister for home affairs under the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, was taken to a hospital tonight with chest pain

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Former state minister Babar taken to hospital with chest pain

Photo from BNP Facebook

Lutfozzaman Babar, former state minister for home affairs under the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, was taken to a hospital tonight with chest pain, said a hospital source.

Babar arrived at the United Hospital around 10:00pm, said a duty manager of the hospital in the Gulshan area.

On January 16, Babar walked out of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj after spending 17 years in prison.

He was welcomed with flowers and garlands by family members and supporters who had gathered outside the jail.

Earlier, Babar was acquitted of the life sentence in the high-profile 10-truck arms smuggling case in Chattogram.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique stresses BNP’s reorganisation to rebuild nation

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has laid emphasis on reorganisng the party with talented, diligent, honest and productive people to rebuild the country as it has been battered with the autocratic rule. “We strongly believe that we will get the people’s support (to form government) I

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique stresses BNP’s reorganisation to rebuild nation
UNB
Published :
Jan 20, 2025 20:21
Updated :
Jan 20, 2025 22:18

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has laid emphasis on reorganisng the party with talented, diligent, honest and productive people to rebuild the country as it has been battered with the autocratic rule.

“We strongly believe that we will get the people’s support (to form government) InshaAllah. After that, we must rebuild our country. If we do not reorganise the party properly, we will not be able to rebuild the country,” he said while virtually addressing the BNP’s primary membership renewal programme on Monday.

Tarique formally launched the programme by submitting his party membership renewal form online during an event at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

He also paid 20 taka (equivalent to 15 pence in British currency) as his subscription for membership renewal.

The BNP leader said their party has already presented a 31-point proposal for overhauling and rebuilding the state before the nation.

“To implement it, we must unite and reorganise our party by bringing those talented individuals to the forefront. We need to unite those who are hardworking, have integrity and ideals, and involve them in the party,” he said.

Tarique also said, “We need good, effective, and productive people in the coming days, as the runaway autocrat has set this country far back and destroyed all sectors. To rebuild the country, we need such people, and we must bring them forward.”

He called upon party leaders to ensure the success of the BNP’s membership renewal programme by organising and uniting all party workers across the country. “We want to reach the grassroots. If we can organise them better, we will strengthen the party even more.”

He also urged the BNP rank and file to put their best efforts into overhauling the party, just as they had shown patriotism and strong resolve in their struggle to free the country from autocracy, braving all forms of repression.

“The more we can reorganise, strengthen and unite the party, the quicker we can repair and restructure the country in line with our 31-point outline. Let’s begin our work today,” Tarique said.

He said it was a joyous day for all BNP leaders and workers, as they were renewing their membership with the party, which they had stood by despite enduring immense repression and suppression.

“I believe a storm swept across the country (during the Awami League rule), battering every sector. Political parties faced repressive acts such as enforced disappearances and killings. Hundreds of our leaders and workers were subjected to killings and enforced disappearances,” he said.

Tarique said leaders and workers from other parties were also made to disappear, killed, maimed, and oppressed in similar ways as BNP members. “Just as all sectors of the country were destroyed and the people suppressed, so too were the political parties repressed.”

“That storm is over. After any natural storm, people repair and reorganise their battered crop fields and homes. We’ve lost many of our colleagues in that storm, in various ways. Some we lost due to political reasons, others due to natural causes, and some moved away from politics for different reasons. That’s why we will reorganise our party once again,” he observed.

Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said training for BNP leaders and workers is essential, as it appears they are drifting away from politics.

“Yesterday (Sunday) we marked the birth anniversary of our founder, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Our workers there shouted slogans in the name of different leaders from Dhaka South and North. This is not politics. It cannot be politics,” he said.

The BNP leader said such slogans should not come from the mouth of a political worker, as they reflect political bankruptcy. “We must now make political training compulsory in every upazila and district. This must be done with urgency.”

He also said the party must take steps to transform itself into an ideal political organisation.

“We will not be able to engage in politics merely by raising slogans. We must now focus on merit-based politics. We cannot win future battles simply by chanting slogans if we lack intellect and prudence,” Fakhrul observed.

He also urged party leaders and workers to recruit meritorious and intelligent individuals during the new member recruitment drive to further strengthen the country.

Earlier, Mirza Fakhrul, party standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, senior joint general secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat also filled their forms and renewed their memberships.

Following the Sixth National Council, BNP’s last primary membership renewal programme was held in 2017 under the leadership of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.​

 

[Saif]

BNP does not need to learn about reforms from anyone: Amir Khasru

The economy of Bangladesh has come to this position today because of BNP's reforms, says Khasru

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BNP does not need to learn about reforms from anyone: Amir Khasru

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said BNP does not need to learn from anyone about reforms as it is nothing new for the party.

Khasru made the remarks at a discussion meeting in Jashore this afternoon.

Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised this discussion meeting titled "Political Commitment to Restore the Economy of Khulna Division" at a hotel in Jashore town.

BNP has implemented 90 percent of the reforms since Bangladesh became independent, he said, adding that reforms may be something new for many parties but it is nothing new for the BNP.

Bangladesh has come here today through reforms at every step.

"We have built a strong economy; if that had continued, Bangladesh would have become a developing country long ago," he said.

But in the past, due to looting, Bangladesh's economy has been set back, he added.

The economy of Bangladesh has come to this position today because of BNP's reforms, Khasru said.

Seeking the roll back of VAT and taxes on essential items, he said that the new VAT and customs duties will further increase the pressure on the common people.

"People are fed up with the prices of daily necessities. Many have found it difficult to lead their daily lives due to inflation," he added.

Various representatives of the business sector in 10 districts of the Khulna Division participated in the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

We must restore democracy at any cost: Tarique

'Awami League strangled multiparty democracy and replaced it with one-party government system,' said the BNP acting chairman

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We must restore democracy at any cost: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today said the people of the country must be determined to restore democracy, freedom of speech, and voting rights by facing any conspiracy.

"The anti-democratic and illegal Awami League government was forced to flee the country on August 5 in the face of a strong movement of students and people," he said on his verified Facebook account.

Citing the historical and political events from 1975, Tarique said with the aim of making a permanent arrangement to remain in power the then AL government "strangled multiparty democracy and replaced the multi-party system with a one-party government system named 'BAKSAL' January 25, 1975".

To establish this system, they passed the Fourth Amendment Act ignoring the opposition's concerns, he said.

At that time, they suspended publication of all newspapers and issued a decree to run only four newspapers loyal to them. They squandered the freedom of people and democracy which was achieved through the long-standing struggle of countrymen and spread anarchy, he added.

"They did not hesitate to endanger not only democracy but also the unity, solidarity, and sovereignty of the country in their illusory dream of prolonging the barbaric one-party rule," Tarique said.

The AL never was never civil towards the opposition. "At that time, prison was the address for the opposition," the party leader added.​

 

[Saif]

'Don’t create division with 1/11 accusations'

Mirza Abbas slams Nahid's comments that accused BNP of paving way for another 1/11 like situation

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'Don’t create division with 1/11 accusations'
Mirza Abbas slams Nahid's comments that accused BNP of paving way for another 1/11 like situation

Mirza Abbas, left, and Nahid Islam


Accusing BNP of paving the way for another 1/11-style government will only create division and harm democracy in Bangladesh, said the party's standing committee member Mirza Abbas today.

Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil marking the 10th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Abbas criticised Information Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing BNP of trying to establish a regime similar to that of 1/11.

"If you continue to make statements that lead to division and conflict, democracy will never be restored in the country," Abbas said.

"No one has suffered more from the horrific consequences of 1/11 than BNP. From Khaleda Zia to our grassroots activists, none were spared," he added.

The remarks came after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir raised concerns about the neutrality of the interim government during elections, which Nahid Islam later linked to a potential 1/11-like scenario in a Facebook post.

Abbas dismissed allegations that BNP was envious of a new political party emerging from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, saying, "If a new party is formed, we'll welcome it."

He urged all quarters to prioritise unity and peace over division, saying, "Our leaders and workers are vigilant guards of the country's independence and sovereignty."​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/rizvi-compares-call-for-reforms-before-polls-to-al-putting-development-before-democracy

Rizvi compares call for reforms before polls to AL putting development before democracy
UNB
Published :
Jan 24, 2025 22:09
Updated :
Jan 24, 2025 22:09

Slamming the government for delaying the national election, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the advisers’ "reforms first, elections later" remark echoed Sheikh Hasina's "development first, democracy later."

Talking to reporters on Friday after paying homage to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, Rizvi also expressed doubt whether the government has any master plan, as a political party is set to launch with its backing.

“The people expect this government to perform its duties impartially and take steps to strengthen democracy. But when we hear 'reform first, then elections,' it sounds like an echo of Sheikh Hasina's words, 'development first, then democracy.' Such statements should not come from any adviser’s mouth,” Rizvi said.

He said the country’s people have waited for 16 years, fought on the streets, shed their blood, and sacrificed their lives for the restoration of democracy and ensuring free and fair elections. “Why is there so much hesitation and delay regarding that free and fair election? This is now the question of the people.”

The BNP leader said it is common for political parties to criticize the government for its inaction in controlling the rising prices of essentials or if its administration fails to operate neutrally.

“So, why are you trying to instill fear of a repeat of 1/11?” We have overcome all obstacles, staying on the streets bravely year after year. Now, will the advisers teach the country's wise politicians what we should support, what we should not support, and what we should talk about and what we should not?” he questioned.

Rizvi said their party has placed its full trust in the interim government since its formation. "But our point is, why is there so much delay, no deadline? Why are Hasina's words being repeated—that development comes first, democracy later? We do not want to hear this."

He said some advisers of the interim government have been making negative remarks against BNP, both publicly and covertly.

“We are also hearing that some people within the government are trying to form a political party. If that’s the case, the people can question the neutrality of the government. Other political parties, who have fought for democracy, may think the government is involved in some sort of master plan,” Rizvi said.

He said the government recently conducted a survey through the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), which revealed that the majority of people in the country want local government elections before the national elections.

“The BBS is a government agency, and they have conducted the survey under government supervision. If you conduct a survey through a government agency, they will obviously speak in favor of the government. If your actions are not neutral, the people will naturally question the government's impartiality."

Earlier, Rizvi, along with party leaders and workers, placed a wreath at the Banani grave of Koko in the morning, marking his 10th death anniversary.

BNP leaders and workers marked the 10th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko with various programs. The party arranged a doa mahfil at its Nayapaltan central office in the morning.

Another du'a mahfil was also held at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in the evening.​

 

[Saif]

BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections

BNP Vice Chairman and former home minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has emphasised the need for restructuring all institutions, including the police, to ensure fair and impartial elections in the country. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Titas Mor in

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections
UNB
Published :
Jan 24, 2025 20:45
Updated :
Jan 24, 2025 20:45

BNP Vice Chairman and former home minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has emphasised the need for restructuring all institutions, including the police, to ensure fair and impartial elections in the country.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Titas Mor in Patuakhali on Friday morning, Altaf alleged that over the past 15-17 years, the country’s institutions have been pushed to the brink of collapse.

“All institutions must be restructured to organise a fair election. We are ready to cooperate with this government to complete the work within a reasonable time,” he said.

Expressing optimism about upcoming elections, the senior BNP leader said, “We will soon have a fair election. BNP will secure an absolute majority and Tarique Rahman will become the new prime minister of the country.”

Regarding the timeline for elections, he added, “We are prepared to hold elections in the middle of this year. We are also willing to allow as much reasonable time as necessary for the preparations.”

During his organisational tour, Altaf exchanged views with party leaders and activists.

The meeting was attended by Patuakhali district BNP member and former general secretary Maqsud Bayzid Panna Mia, along with leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliate organisations.
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