[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

Govt deviating from its goal to some extent

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the interim government is deviating from its goal “to some extent” and stressed for an early election to restore stability in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt deviating from its goal to some extent
Says Tarique, urges early election to help restore stability

Photo: AFP

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the interim government is deviating from its goal "to some extent" and stressed for an early election to restore stability in the country.

"They are probably deviating from their goal to some extent in some cases. Confusion is being created from the various statements coming from different persons. Confusion is being created in different areas. Naturally, when there is instability in politics, confusion will be created," he said while addressing a training workshop virtually.

The workshop titled, "31-point proposal to repair the state structures and public engagement", was organised by the Dhaka Bar Unit of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum at Dhaka Bar Lawyers Association Auditorium in the city.

"If we cannot ensure political stability, then no matter how many reforms we announce, no matter how many policies we adopt, none of them will be successful," he added.

He said some people are questioning whether an election will solve all problems.

"In this regard, we can think that since a stable situation will return after the election and reform works will gradually begin, the severity or intensity of the problems will gradually begin to ease," he added.

"We think it will be possible to gradually bring the country back from the brink of destruction [if an election is held early]," he said.

Pointing to those who demand and argue for holding the local government elections first before the national election, he asked them to consider the present reality, as instability is everywhere in the country.

"If we look around, we can see instability. There is instability everywhere," said the BNP acting chairman.

He said the main responsibility of this interim government is to help the people of the country by providing them the platform to make decisions. "This should be their main goal," he added.​

 

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We shouldn’t move away from country’s interest through unwanted debates: Tarique Rahman

Any unwanted debates will provide an opportunity to anti-state elements so everyone should stay alert, Tarique Rahman said.

en.prothomalo.com

We shouldn’t move away from country’s interest through unwanted debates: Tarique Rahman
Correspondent
Khulna
Published: 24 Feb 2025, 22: 42

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman virtually addresses the Khulna City BNP’s biennial council at the city’s Circuit House Maidan on 24 February 2025 Saddam Hossain

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said, “We should not move away from protecting the interests of the people and the country through unwanted debates.”

Any unwanted debates will provide an opportunity to anti-state elements. That is why everyone should stay alert to this end, he remarked.

Tarique Rahman was virtually addressing the Khulna City BNP’s biennial council at the town’s Circuit House Maidan on Monday. The council was held after 16 years.

News agency BSS adds: Tarique Rahman said, "There could be arguments and discussions on various issues of politics. But we must stay alert so that none can destroy the country by taking advantage of political controversies. In the midst of arguments and debates, such an environment should not arise in the country that tyranny or anti-state forces get an opportunity."

Stating that most of the people of the country are looking to BNP, Tarique Rahman said, if the environment for fair elections is ensured in the future, BNP will get the opportunity to come to power in the state and serve the people.

Leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party join the Khulna City BNP’s biennial council at the city’s Circuit House Maidan on 24 February 2025. The council was held after 16 years. Saddam Hossain

"However, we should not stay idle. Every leader and worker of BNP must be prepared. This must be reflected in our speech, work and everything. We must stand by the people even if we sacrifice our personal interests," he said.

Calling on the party leaders and workers to be inspired by martyred President Ziaur Rahman and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he said, if the people give BNP another chance, it will complete the unfinished work of the past.

Stating that the BNP's outline for state reforms is given in 31 points, the BNP top leader said, BNP will work in all sectors including health, education, agriculture and industry.

"In the UK, the state is responsible for all the health services of the people. However, it took them 77 years to reach that point. We will develop that system for the people of Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique Rahman said many years ago, Begum Khaleda Zia said one thing, that is - "the dictator Sheikh Hasina will destroy the country and flee from the country. Today, her words have come true. The dictator has looted, destroyed and fled. Now the country has to be pulled out of this ruin."

He underscored the need for practicing democracy in the party to bring better people to the leadership in stages.

Earlier, at around 10:15am, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Amanullah Aman inaugurated the conference as national anthem and party hymn was played while, national and party flags were hoisted and balloon and pigeons were released.​

 

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Uphold impartiality

Tarique urges interim govt, says differences in opinion should not turn into divisions

www.thedailystar.net

Uphold impartiality
Tarique urges interim govt, says differences in opinion should not turn into divisions

File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today expressed the hope that the interim government would uphold impartiality as desired by people.

"We hope that the interim government will maintain the impartiality that people expect from it," he said this while addressing the biannual council of Cumilla city BNP unit through a virtual platform.

Noting that instability is being seen in some places of the country, Tarique said now various questions have emerged among people over different matters of the interim government.

Since the formation of this government, he said, the BNP has been supporting this government as it wants it to be successful.

Tarique Rahman said the people of Bangladesh believe that this interim government would do whatever necessary to protect their political and other rights through a fair and impartial election, which had been snatched by the fugitive dictator many years ago in the dark of night.

But for the past few days, the BNP leader said, it has unfortunately been observed that different persons within the government are making different remarks about restoring the rights of people (voting rights). "As a result, various kinds of unrest are being created in different parts of the country. We do not want instability in Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique went on to say, "Various kinds of instability are being created by the statements of some persons within the interim government. We are seeing the instability in the economy, different classes of society and the administration."

The BNP acting chairman reiterated his party's support towards this interim government for the sake of smooth journey of democracy in the country. "We want to cooperate with this government because we think the more smoothly and beautifully this government can hold a neutral election, the smoother the democratic journey will be for this country and its people in the coming days."

Noting that BNP firmly believes in democracy, he said the differences -- whether within the party or with other parties-- should be resolved through negotiations.

"We do not want to let these differences turn into divisions. If any division is created among us, the country, its people, democratic political parties, democratic political activists and the people who believe in democracy will be the most affected," he said.

Tarique said as a political party, their one of the prime goals and objectives is to ask people to vote and participate in the elections and demand elections.

"BNP is a political party. Since we believe in the rule of people and the power of people, democracy and vote-oriented politics, we naturally would demand the vote or election in the country and ask people to vote. It is a normal matter," he said.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, its Relief and Rehabilitation Affairs Secretary Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin and Cumilla south district BNP convener Zakaria Taher Suman, among others, spoke at the council presided over by Cumilla city BNP Convener Utbatul Bari Abu.​

 

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BNP urges Yunus to run govt with strong hand

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to run the government with a strong hand and proceed towards holding the national election soon, maintaining neutrality.

www.newagebd.net

BNP urges Yunus to run govt with strong hand
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 26 February, 2025, 00:23

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to run the government with a strong hand and proceed towards holding the national election soon, maintaining neutrality.

‘I would like to call upon the chief of the interim government to lead your government with a strong hand. Let no one get scope to say that you are exhibiting any favouritism,’ he said.

Mirza Fakhrul made this call while addressing a discussion over BDR carnage, arranged by BNP, at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka in memory of the martyred army officers who were killed in the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy.

‘We hope that you will proceed towards the election by maintaining complete impartiality, completing the minimum necessary reforms as soon as possible,’ said the BNP secretary general.

Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina, staying in India, was planning and conspiring to thwart all the achievements of the mass uprising and victory as well to create anarchy and an unstable situation in Bangladesh. ‘As part of her conspiracy, an unstable situation is being created in different ways from various parts.’

He said that the interim government that came through the student-people revolution was formed on the basis of the blood sacrifices from some 2000 students and people. ‘So, everyone hopes that this government will fulfil the expectations of people.’

The BNP leader said that some quarters were trying to unfairly make the country unstable and the people of the country agitated as well as trying to bring everyone to the streets in various ways then.

‘In the same way, they are trying to create anarchy in the country. This is not good for the independence and democracy of Bangladesh at all,’ he said.

Fakhrul urged the people of the country to stay united by stopping mudslinging and debate and controversy to reach a democratic system.

‘A few persons, a handful of persons, have targeted the BNP. They want to humiliate the BNP by resorting to negative campaigns and propaganda,’ said Mirza Fakhrul.

He said that BNP was a party that protected the country’s independence and sovereignty in the past and would do so now as well.

About the Pilkhana carnage, the BNP leader said that 57 brilliant army officers were killed in a well-planned manner. So many army officers had not been killed even in the Liberation War.

‘So, come forward to take a vow that we’ll protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh at any cost, ensure stability and restore democracy in Bangladesh,’ he added.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique blames some govt figures for instability

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said statements from certain members of the interim government are causing instability in Bangladesh. “For some time now, we have been observing with concern that some officials within the government are making conflicting remarks regarding the restorat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique blames some govt figures for instability
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Feb 26, 2025 00:04
Updated :
Feb 26, 2025 00:04

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said statements from certain members of the interim government are causing instability in Bangladesh.

“For some time now, we have been observing with concern that some officials within the government are making conflicting remarks regarding the restoration of people's rights. As a result, unrest has spread across different regions,” he said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the biennial conference of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP via video link from London, reports bdnews24.com.

Tarique said the BNP does not wish to see any further unrest in Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government.

“Bangladesh has witnessed much instability. The fugitive autocrat has shattered the country's economy, agriculture, education, healthcare, judiciary, and electoral system,” he said.

“We now want to rebuild the country and bring stability. To move forward and improve people's lives, stability is essential,” he added.

The BNP leader questioned who benefits from any delay in the election process.

“We hear from certain individuals and groups that BNP only wants elections and nothing else. But BNP is a political party. We believe in people's rule and in the power of the people.

“As we believe in democracy and electoral politics, it is natural that we want polls. We will seek votes from the people and want elections in the country. This is completely normal,” he said.

Tarique reiterated BNP’s commitment to democracy, saying: “Our core slogan is that people are the source of all political power. As a political activist, I firmly believe that if we establish and sustain democracy in Bangladesh, we can protect the nation and its people from conspiracies.”

He also said the interim government’s actions have raised questions among the people.

“Since the formation of this government, we have supported it clearly. We want the interim government to succeed.

“People expect that the interim government will take the necessary steps to protect their rights and restore political freedoms,” he said.

A total of 2,727 councillors and 4,000 representatives from 27 wards in Cumilla city participated in the conference.

Udbatul Bari Abu was elected unopposed as president of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP, with Yusuf Molla Tipu as general secretary and Rajiur Rahman Rajib as organising secretary.​

 

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BNP to focus on election oriented activities

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is putting its full attention on the national elections at this moment. The party will host its extended committee meeting Thursday, which will effectively mark the beginning of its election-centric activities.

en.prothomalo.com

BNP to focus on election oriented activities
According to BNP sources, if the government or any other party attempts to manipulate the election timeline, the BNP will intensify its street movements. Additionally, the party will not accept any attempts to delay the election under pretext of reforms
Selim Zahid
Dhaka
Published: 26 Feb 2025, 16: 17

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is putting its full attention on the national elections at this moment. The party will host its extended committee meeting Thursday, which will effectively mark the beginning of its election-centric activities.

According to responsible sources, the BNP is not placing much emphasis on the recent calls from various quarters to hold local government elections before the parliamentary elections.

Instead, the party has made a policy decision to prioritise the national elections while formulating its upcoming organisational programmes.

These election-centric activities and initiatives will commence immediately after the month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BNP’s extended committee meeting will take place at the LD Hall premises of parliament building.

Members of the party’s standing committee, the chairperson’s advisory council, the central executive committee and the presidents, general secretaries and member secretaries of all metropolitan, district, upazila and municipal committees will attend the meeting.

Apart from them, those who received final nominations from the party in the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, as well as those who received preliminary nomination letters, are also expected to be present at the meeting.

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud considers this meeting to be “highly timely” in view of the upcoming elections.

A source from the BNP’s central office has stated that around 3,500 leaders from different levels across the country have been invited to the extended meeting.

BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Zahir Uddin Swapan described this meeting as a “starting point”.

The interim government has no scope to conduct any election other than the national election. A handful of people deciding something on their own are not how things work.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Speaking to Prothom Alo about this, he said, “On one hand, the spirit of the July mass uprising and on the other, the 31-point proposal for restructuring the state - both aspects will be consolidated to deliver a message from this extended meeting.”

“You could say that BNP’s journey towards the national elections will commence from this meeting,” he added.

BNP’s last extended meeting took place on 4 February 2018 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka. The meeting was presided over by the party chairperson Khaleda Zia just four days before she was imprisoned on 8 February in the Zia orphanage trust graf case.

Now after seven years, amidst widespread political discussions regarding the date of the 13th parliamentary elections, the BNP is set to hold this extended meeting.

The event is being overseen by the party’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking to Prothom Alo, he stated that the meeting would provide an insight into grassroots leaders’ perspectives on the country’s current situation and the elections. “Based on these insights, organisational and political directives will be given to the grassroots level.”

Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in his address to the nation on 16 December 2024, suggested a possible timeline for the national elections.

He stated that if minor reforms were to be made, the elections could be held in December 2025, whereas with more extensive reforms, the elections could take place by mid-2026.

The BNP has begun its preparations for the parliamentary elections, assuming that the voting will be held in December.

BNP leaders state that they have already clarified two key aspects regarding reforms and elections to the nation.

The first is outlining the necessary urgent reforms and cooperating with the government to expedite the electoral process for ensuring a free and fair election. The second is that once an elected government is in place, it will complete the remaining reforms in line with the spirit of the July mass uprising.

With this policy stance, the BNP is advancing its electoral strategy.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told Prothom Alo, “Our leaders and activists are now focused on the elections and so are the people. The public is eagerly awaiting the elections.”

BNP has been demanding early elections by carrying out some fundamental reforms related to elections from the very beginning since the fall of the Awami League government. Apart from BNP, the Left Democratic Alliance, the 12-party alliance and the like-minded nationalist alliance have also demanded that the national elections be held within this year.

However, parties such as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh insist that essential reforms must precede the parliamentary elections. They have also expressed support for conducting local government elections first.

On the other hand, BNP and its allies in the simultaneous anti-autocracy movement prioritise holding the national elections first.

Meanwhile, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, which were at the forefront of the mass uprising, favour organising local government elections first. They have reiterated their stance on multiple occasions, advocating for necessary reforms before the elections take place.

As a result, there has been open disagreement among political parties regarding whether local government or parliamentary elections should be held first, the extent of reforms before the elections and the reforms an elected government should implement.

Last Saturday, during a rally in Chandpur, Jamaat-e-Islami’s ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated that local government elections must be held to alleviate public suffering.

He argued that such elections would help address people’s immediate hardships, followed by the national elections. However, he also emphasised that the public demands certain fundamental reforms before the national elections take place.

The BNP, however, has outright rejected the idea of holding local elections before the national elections. The party believes that conducting local government elections beforehand could create a nationwide atmosphere of conflict and views such a move as a conspiracy. Some BNP policymakers have declared that any attempt to hold local elections before the national polls will be resisted.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated, “The interim government has no scope to conduct any election other than the national election. A handful of people deciding something on their own are not how things work.”

“The primary responsibility of this government is to implement necessary reforms and facilitate elections, handing over power to an elected government. If any other elections are to be held, they must first secure a public mandate,” he insisted.

According to BNP sources, if the government or any other party attempts to manipulate the election timeline, the BNP will intensify its street movements. Additionally, the party will not accept any attempts to delay the election under pretext of reforms.

Speaking on the matter, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told Prothom Alo, “No reforms will take place without a public mandate. There is no alternative to this. Only those reforms on which consensus is reached will be implemented. As for the rest, all parties, including the BNP, will seek a mandate from the people in the elections.”

He further stated, “We have already proposed 31 points. Any party advocating for specific reforms must present those to the people. If the people approve, they will be implemented. A public mandate is essential. No reform can be executed without it.”

* The report, originally published in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Nuzhat Tabassum​

 

[Saif]

BNP local leaders decry party people’s misdeeds

The grassroots leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday called for central intervention to address the extortion, encroachment and other misdeeds perpetrated by some of its rogue leaders at different parts of the country.

www.newagebd.net

BNP local leaders decry party people’s misdeeds
Staff Correspondent 27 February, 2025, 23:41

Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party observe one minute of silence, remembering their fellows killed during the ousted Awami League regime, on the LD Hall premises of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex in Dhaka on Thursday. | Md Saurav

The grassroots leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday called for central intervention to address the extortion, encroachment and other misdeeds perpetrated by some of its rogue leaders at different parts of the country.

According to several of the party’s district and upazila leaders who joined its extended committee meeting, held at the LD

Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka city, said that the misdeeds by a few leaders were damaging the party’s reputation and undermining its principles.

The grassroots leaders also warned that if the party high command failed to take prompt action against the offences, people would turn away from the BNP in the next elections.

One of the district-level leaders told New Age that several upazila-level representatives had raised allegations of encroachment and extortion against certain BNP members at the meeting.

According to their allegations, many party leaders who were inactive before August 5 were now engaging in such criminal activities, tarnishing the organisation’s image.

They also discussed Jamaat activities across the country, pointing out that their votes were rather increasing, while BNP’s popularity was affected.

The party’s extended committee meeting began at 11:00am with the gathering of members from its national standing committee, the chairperson’s advisory council, central executive committee, and the presidents, general secretaries or conveners, and member secretaries of all its committees in districts, cities, thanas, upazilas and municipalities.

BNP last held an extended committee meeting on February 4, 2018 at Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka with party chairperson Khaleda Zia presiding.​

 

[Saif]

Stay alert against election conspiracies: Tarique

BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged the people of the country to remain alert against the conspiracy to destroy national unity and the electoral environment, reports UNB. "Evil attempts continue to destroy the national unity that was built on blood-soaked streets and the e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Stay alert against election conspiracies: Tarique
Published :
Feb 27, 2025 13:26
Updated :
Feb 27, 2025 13:26

BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged the people of the country to remain alert against the conspiracy to destroy national unity and the electoral environment, reports UNB.

"Evil attempts continue to destroy the national unity that was built on blood-soaked streets and the electoral atmosphere,” he said while addressing the opening session of BNP's extended meeting in the capital.

The meeting started at 11am on the LD Hall premise of the Jatiya Sangsad with the participation of 3,500 leaders from across the country.

Pointing at the participants, Tarique Rahman said, “Through you, I would like to call upon the farmers, workers, common people, Alem-Ulema, Peer-Mashayekh (Islamic scholars and spiritual leaders) and all sections of society to stay vigilant against this conspiracy to destroy national unity and the environment of the national election."

He said that a great opportunity has emerged for democratic forces to rebuild Bangladesh after the fleeing of fascist Hasina. But those who wanted to turn Bangladesh into a subservient state have not stopped their conspiracies, he added.

“A smokescreen is being created before the people using issues like reforms and local government elections,” said the BNP acting chairman.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is presiding over the meeting virtually from London.

He will also address the leaders during the closing session.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir delivered a welcome speech in the opening session.

The inaugural session features a screening of the documentary ‘Prothom Bangladesh, Amar Shesh Bangladesh’ produced by the Extended Meeting Implementation Media Sub-Committee.

Besides, Amra BNP Poribar has already published a magazine titled ‘Aastha’ (confidence) to mark this significant event.

Following the inauguration, a closed-door session will take place where grassroots leaders will share their views.

The meeting will conclude with a policy speech by Tarique Rahman.

The last BNP extended meeting was held on February 4, 2018, at Le Méridien in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia addressed party leaders. Four days later, on February 8, she was sent to the jail in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

According to BNP’s central office, 3,500 leaders from six organisational tiers, ranging from grassroots to the central level, are participating in this extended meeting.

The participants include members of the National Standing Committee, the Chairperson’s Advisory Council, the National Executive Committee, and presidents, general secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries of all city, district, upazila-thana, and municipal unit committees

Leaders from BNP’s 11 associate and affiliate organisations, including their presidents, general secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries, also attended the meeting.

Besides, the BNP candidates who run the 2018 national election and even those who had obtained initial nomination from the party are in the extended meeting.

With this extended meeting, the BNP’s journey towards the next national election and its election oriented programme will start.​