[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

It won’t work without elected reps: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the initiative for state reforms will not work until elected representatives are entrusted with the responsibility of running the country.

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It won’t work without elected reps: Tarique

Photo: UNB

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the initiative for state reforms will not work until elected representatives are entrusted with the responsibility of running the country.

"Those who believe reforms should come before the election must understand that for those reforms to be successful, people who are truly connected to the masses are needed [in power]. Without them, no reforms will be possible," he said while addressing a programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh virtually.

He also warned that any delay in election would only deepen the conspiracy against both the country and the government.

"Amra BNP Poribar" organised the programme aimed to provide financial assistance to photojournalists who were injured during the July uprising.

Tarique said it was politicians, not anyone else, who presented the reform proposals to the nation over two years ago.

"If real reforms are to be made in this country, they must be carried out by real politicians," the BNP leader said.

He said politicians must seek suggestions and opinions from professionals, intellectuals, and members of civil society to effectively run the state.

"Based on those suggestions, we will gradually move the country forward. But until the direct representatives of people are entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, no reform will be fully implemented in any way," he said.

Tarique also said those who have a good connection with people can understand their desires and move the country forward in line with the people's wishes.

He said the public wants a Bangladesh where basic rights and economic freedom are ensured.

He said political freedom is essential for economic freedom and to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. "To achieve this, voting rights and the guarantee to exercise that right must be ensured."​

 

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Zaima meets prominent US women leader Rebekah Wagner

Barrister Zaima Rahman, representing BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, had a productive meeting with Rebekah Wagner, a prominent leader of the Women’s Fellowship Foundation, and other members. The meeting was held in Washington, D.C on Friday, according to s post on the party's verified Fa

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Zaima meets prominent US women leader Rebekah Wagner
Published :
Feb 08, 2025 08:04
Updated :
Feb 08, 2025 08:04

Barrister Zaima Rahman, representing BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, had a productive meeting with Rebekah Wagner, a prominent leader of the Women’s Fellowship Foundation, and other members.

The meeting was held in Washington, D.C on Friday, according to s post on the party's verified Facebook page.

It said the discussion covered a broad range of topics, including Bangladesh-U.S. relations, international cooperation, and the pursuit of global peace and prosperity.

Earlier on Thursday, a three-member BNP delegation, including Tarique's daughter Zaima, who qualified as a barrister from the UK, attended the National Prayer Breakfast in the United States.

The traditional event, held every February, was held at the Washington Hilton this year, following the election of new US President Donald Trump.

The other two members of the delegation were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

They also held meetings with Robert Destro, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, and former South Carolina Governor David Beasley on Wednesday.

Zaima travelled to the US capital from London on Tuesday to represent her father, while Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury went from Dhaka for the event, reports UNB.​

 

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BNP won’t accept local polls before national election: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday warned that BNP would not accept local government polls ahead of the national election. “The collaborators of fascist Hasina would raise their ugly heads if the local elections are held first, which the people of the country would

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP won’t accept local polls before national election: Fakhrul
UNB
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 21:40
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 21:40

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday warned that BNP would not accept local government polls ahead of the national election.

“The collaborators of fascist Hasina would raise their ugly heads if the local elections are held first, which the people of the country would not accept,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at the Town Hall ground in Jashore, organised by the district BNP to press home their various demands, including bringing down the prices of essentials to a tolerable level.

They also demanded improvement in the deteriorating law-and-order situation, quick announcement of the election roadmap and prevention of conspiracies to reestablish fascism.

Fakhrul urged the interim government advisers to resign if they want to stay in power and then contest the elections.

“If you want to stay in power, step down first and then contest the election. (You) form a new party outside the government—we have no objection. But any such activity while remaining in power will not be tolerated,” he said.

The BNP leader pledged that if his party comes to power, it will reopen closed factories in Jashore’s Noapara and ensure a permanent solution to waterlogging in Bhabadaha.

“Fascist Hasina tried many times to break the BNP but failed. BNP is a party of people, and we have fought alongside people against fascism for the last 17 years. The mass uprising on August 5 was the ultimate victory,” Fakhrul said.

He said the government’s current talks for reforms are nothing new as BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had proposed similar reforms in 2016.

“Implement the necessary reforms for holding polls and hold the national election without delay. We are hopeful that the Yunus government will do so soon,” he added.

Expressing concern over rising prices of essentials, Fakhrul said, “I wish I could say we are all doing well, but we are not. The prices of rice, lentils, oil, salt and other daily essentials have skyrocketed. Law and order have deteriorated.”

“Even though fascist Hasina has fled, we are still not safe. Under her regime, 6 lakh BNP leaders and activists faced cases, several thousand were killed, and over 700 were victims of enforced disappearance. At least 84 BNP leaders and activists from Jashore were killed. Hasina’s regime created torture cells to detain and kill our leaders and activists,” he said.

“The July revolution aimed to establish a democratic state, restore voting rights, and ensure a truly democratic Bangladesh. Yet, 54 years after independence that dream remains unfulfilled,” he said.

The rally was presided over by Jashore district BNP convener Prof Nargis Begum.

BNP Khulna divisional acting organisational secretary Anindya Islam Amit, assistant religious affairs secretary Amlendu Das Apu, assistant health affairs secretary Jahanara Siddiqui, former office secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti were, among others, present.​

 

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No scope to waste time on reform talks: Khasru

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said there is no opportunity to waste time discussing reforms.

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No scope to waste time on reform talks: Khasru

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said there is no opportunity to waste time discussing reforms.

"I am hearing new things. Sometimes they say proportional representation elections, sometimes local government elections, then national elections. Then they will carry out reforms, finish the trial of Sheikh Hasina. There is no opportunity to say all these things. No one has given them that responsibility in that place," he made these comments at a rally organised on District Judge Court Road in Maijdee, Noakhali this afternoon.

Noakhali district BNP organised the rally.

Addressing the interim government, he said, "People have doubts about your impartiality."

He said the words of the government and its advisers suggest a bias. "If that doubt is a concern, you will no longer have any acceptance from the people of Bangladesh. To run this country, you will have to take the mandate of the people," he said.

Khasru said BNP is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people. He added that BNP's politics depend on the people of this country and that their only responsibility is to hand over power to the elected government through national elections in the coming days.

"And if they have a strong desire for reforms, then we are willing to present the reports of the commissions they have prepared to the next elected parliament. After discussing in parliament, everyone will do the reforms where necessary. Most importantly, we will implement our 31-point plan. We are committed to the nation. No one needs to worry about reforms," he added.​

 

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‘Stop creating chaos in name of reforms’

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday urged the interim government to hold the national election without delay, arguing that ordinary people do not understand reforms.

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‘Stop creating chaos in name of reforms’
Fakhrul calls for immediate nat’l polls

Photo: Collected

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday urged the interim government to hold the national election without delay, arguing that ordinary people do not understand reforms.

"Common people don't understand reforms. They care about two meals a day, basic clothing, and a roof over their heads. So stop creating chaos in the name of reforms. Hold the election immediately. Please give the people peace," Fakhrul said while addressing a rally at Laksam Stadium in Cumilla.

The rally was organised by BNP's Laksam upazila and municipality units, along with Monohorgonj upazila BNP, to push for the implementation of the party's 31-point state reform agenda.

"Do not push the nation into uncertainty. Announce the election date and give the people a roadmap. The country must be stabilised through elections. Stop creating unrest -- this will not bring any good results. Give the people a national election as soon as possible," he said.

Addressing other political parties, he called for responsible behaviour. "Do not make statements that confuse the people. We expect responsible conduct from all political parties," he said.

Fakhrul also raised the issue of enforced disappearances, recalling that BNP leaders Saiful Islam (Hiru) and Humayun Kabir (Parvez) had been missing for 11 years since they were abducted from Laksam.

"When their sons went to meet Khaleda Zia, the scene was heartbreaking. They lost their fathers as children and are still waiting for their return. Like them, around 700 BNP leaders and activists were forcibly disappeared. No trace of them has been found to this day. During the most recent movement, around 2,000 people were shot dead -- 800 of them were BNP members," he said.

Fakhrul also warned against undermining the Liberation War of 1971. "We fought the war for independence. Millions gave their lives, and our mothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice. No one should ever belittle 1971 -- just as no one should disrespect the 2024 movement. The people of this country will not tolerate it," he said.​

 

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People will resist if fascism emerges again: Rizvi

Highlighting the spirit of the Amar Ekushey, Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that people of the country would again take to the streets if any fascism and dictatorship arise.

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People will resist if fascism emerges again: Rizvi
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 21 February, 2025, 16:48

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi | File photo

Highlighting the spirit of the Amar Ekushey, Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that people of the country would again take to the streets if any fascism and dictatorship arise.

‘The spirit of Ekushey February is an indelible consciousness that will never fade. If fascism or any form of dictatorship arises again, the spirit of February 21 will inspire the youth and the people of this country to take to the streets in protest,’ he said.

He made the remark while talking to the media after placing a wreath in honour of the Language Movement Martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar.

Rizvi said the spirit of February 21, which emerged from the Language Movement, is a revolutionary force that has been guiding them (nation) for generations. It cannot be destroyed or diluted.

Remembering the history of Ekushey, the BNP leader said it was the first step towards national independence. The nation gradually moved towards the War of Independence through the language movement.

He said, ‘Whenever we found ourselves under the grip of a dictatorship, the country’s people were deprived of democracy and lived in prisons, the year ‘52 inspired us, urging us to fight against tyranny. Over the past 17 years, we fought tirelessly, many leaders and activists disappeared and many were killed in crossfire. Finally, the people led by the youth emerged victorious, forcing the oppressive, corrupt government to flee.’

Reminding the responsibility of the interim government, Rizvi said holding a free and fair election is the responsibility of the current government.

‘Public must be assured, particularly the youth who have never had the chance to vote, that they will be able to cast votes. For 17 years, votes were manipulated by the past government. It is necessary to restore trust among the people by holding a transparent, universally acceptable election. This is the government’s responsibility,’ he said.

The BNP leader prioritised the national elections over local government elections, saying that the interim government should focus on returning power to the people.

‘The people, through their free and fair vote, will decide when local government elections or other elections should be held,’ he said, emphasising that during the BNP’s tenure, fair elections were held as opposition candidates won in the city corporation elections in Chattogram, Sylhet and Dhaka.

Rizvi also talked about rumours regarding BNP leadership circulating on social media. ‘Some people on Facebook are claiming that if BNP comes to power in the next election, Tarique Rahman will become the prime minister, and Begum Khaleda Zia will become the president,’ Rizvi said.

Denying such remarks, he said this might be a personal opinion but it was not the official stance of the BNP.

Earlier, at around 6:30am, Rizvi led a procession from near the Balaka Cinema Hall in New Market to Azimpur graveyard where they paid their respects at the graves of the language martyrs.

They placed wreaths and offered prayers before proceeding to the Central Shaheed Minar. The BNP leaders and activists wore black badges to show their solidarity.

At the Shaheed Minar, Rizvi and other senior party members paid their respects by placing wreaths at the monument.

Among others, party leaders Aman Ullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Nazim Uddin Alam, Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu, Aminul Haq, Ishrak Hossain, Monayem Munna, Nurul Islam Nayan, and leaders from various affiliated organisations were present.​

 

[Saif]

Unity crucial to save Bangladesh from plotters

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said unity among the democratic forces is crucial to protect Bangladesh and its people from conspirators.

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Unity crucial to save Bangladesh from plotters
Says Tarique

File photo

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said unity among the democratic forces is crucial to protect Bangladesh and its people from conspirators.

"If we want to protect the people of the country and, above all, to safeguard Bangladesh, we must all remain united at any cost," he said while virtually addressing the council of the Jashore district unit BNP at Central Eidgah Maidan.

The BNP leader warned that autocratic forces were attempting to resurface and that conspirators were not sitting idle. "They are continuing their plans under various pretexts, but we cannot allow them to succeed."

"There may be differences of opinion among us. We'll sit together and discuss. If one discussion is not enough, we will sit again. Through discussions, we'll find solutions to our problems," he said.

He highlighted the BNP's commitment to rebuilding the country, stating that the party had presented a 31-point outline for the reform of the state structure, which includes plans for education, employment, healthcare, and agriculture.

Tarique said the main goal of his party is to restore the collapsed state structure to rebuild the country.

"Many people are talking about reforms now, but in the past, they were nowhere to be seen on the streets. Only BNP has faced the bloodshed of dictatorship, discussed reforms, and announced a 31-point plan," he said.

The BNP leader also said if the party returned to power with the people's mandate, its top priority would be to rebuild the country.

He said action had already been taken against BNP leaders and activists involved in unlawful activities. "So, the people of the country cannot be misled by the carrying out propaganda against BNP."

He accused Sheikh Hasina of resorting to killings and enforced disappearances to stay in power.

He observed that those who now make "big statements" were absent when the BNP and some other political parties protested on the streets, enduring repression and suppression during Hasina's rule, Tarique said.

He emphasised the importance of holding a credible and transparent national election as soon as possible to rebuild the country in line with the people's hopes and aspirations.​

 

[Saif]

BNP seeks early, fair polls

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday once again called for an early and fair national election.

www.newagebd.net

BNP seeks early, fair polls
Our Correspondent . Jashore 23 February, 2025, 00:46

Tarique Rahman | File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday once again called for an early and fair national election.

Addressing the Jashore district BNP conference as the chief guest virtually, he said that the primary responsibility of the interim government was to ensure a free and fair election.

He said that if voted to power, BNP’s primary objective would be to rebuild the country and reform the state structure.

Tarique said that the BNP, as a political party, was the first to place a 31-point charter of reform proposals.

He said that though many people are now vocal about reforms, they remained silent on the issue during the regime of the dictator Sheikh Hasina.

`The main target of the politics of the BNP is the people and the country. It is the BNP that is capable of rebuilding the broken country,’ Tarique said.

BNP does not do any act against the will of the people, he said.

He said that steps were taken against the party leaders and activists who did such activities.

Tqrique said that the BNP was the only party that held its leaders and activists accountable for wrongdoings.

‘We take action against the socially unacceptable conducts…BNP has made its stance on injustice very clear,’ he said.

Tarique said that the ousted autocrat had destroyed the structure of the country. ‘A total of 6 million leaders and activists of the BNP had to suffer due to false cases,’ he added.

Amanullah Aman, an adviser to the BNP chairperson, inaugurated the conference at Jashore central Eidgah in the district town in the morning.

Jashore district BNP convener Professor Nargis Begum chaired the inaugural session.

The conference was attended, among others, by the party’s acting organising secretary Aninda Islam Amit, assistant organizing secretary Jayanto Kumar Kundu, Amalendu Das Apu, Mostfizur Rahman, Engineer TS Ayub, Abul Hossan Azad, Syed Saberul Haque Sabu and Delwar Hossain Khokon.

Before Saturday’s conference, the conference of the district BNP was held for the last time in 2009. In 2019, a convening committee headed by Professor Nargis Begum was formed for the district BNP.​