[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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Bangladesh’s political fate will be decided only by its people: Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Bangladesh’s political fate will be decided only by its people. "The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is committed to upholding democracy, accountability, rule of law, good governance, justice, and

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh’s political fate will be decided only by its people: Fakhrul
BSS
Published :
Mar 06, 2025 21:43
Updated :
Mar 06, 2025 21:43

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said this before attending an Iftar party with foreign diplomats working in Dhaka at the Westin Hotel in the capital on Thursday.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Bangladesh’s political fate will be decided only by its people.

"The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is committed to upholding democracy, accountability, rule of law, good governance, justice, and humanity. We want to ensure that Bangladesh’s political fate will be decided only by its people,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul said this before attending an Iftar party with foreign diplomats working in Dhaka at the Westin Hotel in the capital on Thursday.

“We hope that our global friends and partners will respect the global norms of ‘non-interference','sovereignty’, '' and ‘peaceful resolution of disputes’ for our collective development. We look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure the collective progress of our region through democracy and liberal trade partnerships, and we look forward to increasing people-to-people contact in the days to come.”

The BNP Secretary General said, “Today, as we share this Iftar, we are reminded of our values of justice, resilience, and unity. The people of Bangladesh deserve a future free from fear, oppression, and political uncertainty.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sat at a table with British High Commissioner Sarah Cook, former US Ambassador John Danilowicz, Pakistani Ambassador Syed Ahmed Maruf, and Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen at the Iftar.

In addition, US Charge d’Affaires Tracey Anne Jacobson, German Ambassador Achim Troster, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma, European Union Ambassador Michael William Miller, and diplomats from various countries including Russia, Japan, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Norway, Sweden, Spain, France, Italy, South Korea, Nepal, and Iraq participated in the event.

Diplomats from various international organizations, including various UN agencies, also attended the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on behalf of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, greeted the diplomats at the iftar.

Before the iftar, the BNP Secretary General exchanged greetings with the diplomats.

Party’s standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Jamir Uddin Cirkar, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and Abdul Awal Mintoo, Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Fazle Elahi Akbar, Abdul Qayyum, Ismail Zabihullah, Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Tanvirul Islam and Enamul Haque Chowdhury, central leaders Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Rashiduzzaman Millat, Shama Obaid, Mir Helal, Moudud Hossain Alamgir, Tabith Awal, Ishraq Hossain, Mahmuda Habiba and Farzana Sharmin Putul and BNP Chairperson’s Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar participated in the iftar.

Also present were Professor Mahbub Ullah, Shafiq Rehman, retired Major General Moniruzzaman, Debapriya Bhattacharya, Badiul Alam Majumder, Kamal Ahmed, Borhan Uddin Khan, Tofail Ahmed, Shahiduz Zaman, John Rosario, editors Matiur Rahman (Prothom Alo), Mahfuz Anam (Daily Star), Toufiq Imroz Khalidi (bdnews24.com), AMM Bahauddin (Dainik Inqilab), Abdul Hai Sikder (Dainik Jugantor), Kamal Uddin Sabuj (Desh Rupantor), Hasan Hafiz (Kaler Konth), Rezaul Karim Lotus (Daily Sun) and others.

After Iftar and Maghrib prayers, the diplomats also attended a dinner.​

 

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Tarique calls for prioritising women empowerment for progress

Urging all to stay alert in preventing women from neglect, abuse, or oppression, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday said women empowerment must be a top priority for progress. "Women's rights are a fundamental condition for global advancement in peace, security, human rights, and su

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique calls for prioritising women empowerment for progress
UNB
Published :
Mar 08, 2025 00:16
Updated :
Mar 08, 2025 00:16

Urging all to stay alert in preventing women from neglect, abuse, or oppression, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday said women empowerment must be a top priority for progress.

"Women's rights are a fundamental condition for global advancement in peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development," he said in a message marking International Women's Day.

Tarique stressed the importance of safeguarding women from neglect and repression, and ensuring they are not deprived of their fundamental rights.

He also expressed his best wishes for the success of this year's theme for International Women's Day: "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."

In the message on International Women's Day, the BNP Acting Chairman called upon all to work sincerely towards the development and welfare of women.

He also wished success of this year's theme for International Women's Day, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment".

Tarique said International Women's Day is a day of profound significance, highlighting the economic, political, and social contributions of women globally. "This day fosters awareness and encourages respect for women's rights."

In Bangladesh, he said, the importance of this day is immense as half of its population is women. "So, if the progress of women's is achieved, the overall development of the nation will be possible. Realising this truth, martyr President Ziaur Rahman took groundbreaking steps to ensure greater participation of women in social and state activities.

Continuing this legacy, Tarique said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia implemented a range of initiatives aimed at advancing the socio-economic status of women and promoting education for all.

During her tenures, he said, Khaleda Zia's government made significant strides in the education sector for women.

"The enrollment rate in primary schools increased to 97%. Female students were brought under scholarship schemes, and gender equality in schools was established. Two new cadet colleges and three polytechnic institutes were opened for girls, and with US support, the Asia University for Women was established in Chattogram," the BNP leader mentioned.

He said Khaleda Zia established a national university and an open university and approved private universities and medical colleges to encourage higher education, expanding opportunities for higher education for women.

Tarique also said Khaleda introduced a unique programme to promote education at the primary level, ensuring that education became mandatory across the country.

On July 1, 1993, he said primary education was made compulsory, and a Food-for-Education programme was launched to encourage the poor to seek education.

Besides, the BNP leader said secondary education for girls in rural areas became free, and a nationwide scholarship programme for female students in secondary schools was introduced.

"These initiatives provided women with a platform for empowerment and integration into the mainstream development process, which ultimately sparked self-confidence among them and paved the way for economic independence," he observed.

At the same time, Tarique said, women find a way to become economically self-reliant.

"With women's education, training, and equal opportunities to compete with men, the progress of society and the development of the state accelerate. We must work together to ensure the strong presence of women in all activities in the changing world," he said.​

 

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Focus on public issues, not just reforms

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday urged political parties to present proposals to the nation to address public issues, rather than focusing only on reforms to the state structure and institutions.

www.thedailystar.net

Focus on public issues, not just reforms
Tarique urges political parties

Photo: collected

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday urged political parties to present proposals to the nation to address public issues, rather than focusing only on reforms to the state structure and institutions.

"Instead of merely discussing the caretaker government system, the constitutional framework, and the voting and electoral system, there should be more emphasis on how the problems of people will be resolved," he said.

He made the remarks while virtually joining an iftar party organised by the Nationalist Democratic Movement in the capital.

Tarique said just as there should be discussions and proposals regarding the control of prices for essential goods, the market system, and the production system, there should also be debates among political parties on how to ensure primary healthcare for people.

"Why aren't we talking about these issues? Isn't reform necessary to change the market system, boost production, and improve the healthcare and education systems?" he questioned.

The BNP leader said as political parties are meant to serve people, they should also focus on critical issues related to public's interests.

Tarique said political parties should present plans on how they will keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people.

He said reform is also essential for overhauling the country's education system.

"If we fail to establish a proper education system for future generations, how can we possibly move this country forward?" Tarique also said.

He acknowledged that different political parties have varying political ideologies, but their common goal is the restoration of democracy and the creation of a humane Bangladesh where people will enjoy freedom of expression.​

 

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Unite to build strong JS for carrying out reforms

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has urged young participants of the July uprising to unite to build a strong national parliament, where all reform proposals can be discussed and adopted through national consensus.

www.thedailystar.net

Unite to build strong JS for carrying out reforms
Salahuddin calls on uprising leaders

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has urged young participants of the July uprising to unite to build a strong national parliament, where all reform proposals can be discussed and adopted through national consensus.

He made the remarks at an iftar event yesterday, calling the youth-based platforms "friends who want a new constitution through a constituent assembly".

Salahuddin alleged that while Bangladesh is now free from fascism, attempts to create instability continue.

"If we remain united and uphold the national unity against fascism, we will succeed," he added.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event organised by Jamiat Ulama-e Islam, he further claimed that during Sheikh Hasina's rule, Muslims were the most persecuted in the country, although 90 percent of the population is Muslim.

"During that time, the religious scholars of this country were the ones who suffered the most persecution," Salahuddin said.

Referring to the incident of May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, he accused Hasina of carrying out "one of the most barbaric massacres in history".

"The oppression has ended. The country's religious scholars have sacrificed their lives and shed their blood. Their participation at the final stage of the [July uprising] contributed to victory," he said.​

 

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Law needed to ensure public punishment for rapists: Fakhrul

The BNP Secretary General said the rising violence against women and children in the country is appalling and alarming

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Law needed to ensure public punishment for rapists: Fakhrul

File photo

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday demanded punishment in public for rapists through a law enacted by an elected parliament.

"A law allowing public punishment for rape must be enacted by a legitimate parliament," he stated, expressing his deep shock and anger over the death of the 8-year-old rape victim, as well as the increasing incidents of violence against women and children in the country.

Fakhrul said ensuring the safety of every citizen is the state's responsibility.

"Therefore, I urge the government and the administration to take swift action against such crimes, ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, and implement effective measures to create a safe environment for children," he said.

He said the violence against women and children is appalling and alarming.

"The current law-and-order situation in the country is causing widespread concern. What is happening in the country right now is unacceptable. Women and children are becoming victims of the prevailing social instability. I demand their security," he added.

According to the statement, Fakhrul blamed the rise in rape and sexual violence on the unethical rule of the previous fascist government.

The BNP leader further said that incidents of rape have increased at an alarming rate across the country.

"Such incidents are occurring regularly in different parts of the country, but many victims remain silent out of fear or concern for their social dignity," Fakhrul said in the statement issued last night.

He also pointed out that women of all ages are being targeted, and even young children are not spared.

"Due to the lack of administrative control, rape cases continue to rise, tarnishing the country's image," he added.

In another statement today, the acting chairman of BNP Tarique Rahman said, "The brutal and barbaric death has deeply saddened me, just like the rest of the nation. The entire country is in shock at the news of her death. This death is unacceptable in any way. This incident has shamed the entire nation."​

 

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Mirza Abbas questions media’s silence on 'political-business deals'

'Some political parties still have connections with certain businessmen... Sometimes we hear about [donations] of amounts like Tk15-16 crore, sometimes Tk 100 crore [to different parties]. Why don't you [the media] write about this?,' comments the BNP leader

www.thedailystar.net

Mirza Abbas questions media’s silence on 'political-business deals'

Photo: Courtesy/UNB

BNP leader Mirza Abbas today questioned why the media are not reporting on allegations of financial transactions between some specific political parties and business groups.

"Some political parties still have connections with certain businessmen... Sometimes we hear about [donations] of amounts like Tk15-16 crore, sometimes Tk 100 crore [to different parties]. Why don't you [the media] write about this?" he commented while speaking at an iftar party organised by the Dhaka Reporters' Unity on its premises.

He urged journalists to understand the gravity of their responsibility in highlighting societal anomalies and wrongdoings.

"Your pen is far more powerful than a sword. What you write or say can greatly benefit the nation, but it can also cause harm if misused," the BNP leader observed.

Mirza Abbas called upon the media to uphold professionalism and integrity, ensuring that the truth is presented to the public.

At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman condemned the recent tragic incident of a minor girl's rape and death in Magura.

He expressed sorrow over the girl's death and prayed for the victim's soul and peace for her family.

The Jamaat chief urged the nation to unite against such heinous crimes and demand justice.

"The people of the country have been deeply hurt by this incident. May Allah grant us the ability to learn from this tragedy, stand against such crimes in the future, and demand justice," he said.

Shafiqur expressed the hope that the media would play an essential role in exposing these issues and ensuring accountability.​

 

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We are saddened over killing, rape incidents: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they are saddened over the recent incidents of killings and rapes across the country.

en.prothomalo.com

We are saddened over killing, rape incidents: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 16 Mar 2025, 23: 10

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised an Iftar party at National Press Club on 16 March Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Sunday they were saddened over the recent incidents of killings and rapes across the country.

He said that they are also upset over intolerance of young generation, as well as various companies’ workers taking streets to press their demands anytime. He urged all to have patience.

Mirza Fakhrul said this while addressing an Iftar party organised by Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at National Press Club in Dhaka on Sunday.

Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have emerged from a very dangerous environment. So, we have to be patient for a little longer. I become worried while reading newspapers. Killings, attacks, rapes are reaching a level that is saddening all of us.”

Regarding election, the BNP leaders said lawmakers elected by the people would be able to run the country from parliament and carry out necessary reforms as soon as elections will be held.

Fascist forces have started becoming active taking the advantages of the delay, as well as extremists are also trying to take the advantage, he added.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s secretary general Mia Golam Parwar, DUJ president Shahidul Islam, BFUJ’s acting president Obaidur Rahman Shahin and journalist leader Kader Goni Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event.​

 

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Conspiracy unfolding against BNP, Bangladesh

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday warned that a new conspiracy is unfolding by a vested group against the BNP, the country’s democracy, and the very existence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

Conspiracy unfolding against BNP, Bangladesh
Warns Tarique

Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday warned that a new conspiracy is unfolding by a vested group against the BNP, the country's democracy, and the very existence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

"Those of us involved in politics have been talking about a plot for the past few days. A plot is once again unfolding. We are not saying this merely as political rhetoric or to attract people's attention. Genuinely, a serious conspiracy is gradually being hatched against Bangladesh's existence, sovereignty, and democracy," he said while virtually addressing an iftar event.

Zia Cyber Force organised the iftar at a city hotel to honour online activists.

Tarique said there had been a plot in the past against the country, its people, and democracy.

In recent days, he said, they have observed that the BNP has been subjected to a media trial, as the party has the highest chances of gaining support from voters.

The BNP acting chief also said he came across media reports yesterday involving party leaders and activists in an untoward incident.

After gathering information from the party's central office, he found that the incident was misrepresented in newspapers.

"A vested quarter, or those conspiring against the BNP, the nationalist forces, and the independence and sovereignty of the country, are gradually trying to create a scenario similar to the media trial the BNP was subjected to during the 1/11 political changeover, by using certain media houses to which they are connected," Tarique observed.

Tarique called upon the nationalist cyber forces to be vigilant about such plots, saying, "Those of you who are online activists must realise this."

He also urged pro-BNP online activists to play a crucial role in countering such plots by circulating facts and genuine information on social media.

He recalled with gratitude the role of the pro-BNP online activists in mobilising anti-fascist public support during the Hasina regime.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir too acknowledged the role of online activists in "movements against the Awami League regime over the last 17 years".

"They made many sacrifices and endured serious repression during the fascist regime," he said.

Referring to online activists as cyber warriors, Fakhrul said they have to once again play a major role in thwarting the plot against the country and BNP.​

 

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Some sections trying hard to make sure BNP has same fate as AL: Mirza Abbas

'Just notice—they do not write anything good about the BNP. They only highlight the negative—accusing BNP of extortion in one place, but not writing about what Jamaat-e-Islami has done elsewhere,' says the BNP leader

www.thedailystar.net

Some sections trying hard to make sure BNP has same fate as AL: Mirza Abbas

File photo of Mirza Abbas

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has alleged that some sections are trying hard to make sure that BNP has the same fate as Awami League.

Mirza Abbas at an iftar event at the AGB Colony Community Center in Motijheel today said, "Efforts are underway to ensure that the BNP has the same fate as Awami League. Just notice—they do not write anything good about the BNP. They only highlight the negative—accusing BNP of extortion in one place, but not writing about what Jamaat-e-Islami has done elsewhere."

The BNP leader said, "Let me be clear—the accusations against the BNP have been rejected by the people of this country. The courts of this country have ruled that BNP is neither a party of frauds nor hypocrites."

"Yesterday, I saw in the newspapers that the new party that has formed... Just look at the language in which the Aam Janata Party spoke against them. I can't even use such language.

"On Facebook, I see that they took money from Bashundhara. Some say they took money from AK Azad. There are allegations that a woman among them is now wearing branded clothes -- where does she get the money?

"They are saying this, not me. Brother, I didn't say it. I am just referring to what was said at a Facebook press briefing. Yet, the party that started with extortion tells us, 'What will happen to the country if BNP comes to power?'"

Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he said, "She may return after Eid."​

 

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Country's democratic transition may suffer if doubt arise over govt's impartiality: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said today that if the impartiality of the interim government comes into question and public trust in its activities is shaken, the path to democracy could face serious obstacles

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Country's democratic transition may suffer if doubt arise over govt's impartiality: Tarique

File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said today that if the impartiality of the interim government comes into question and public trust in its activities is shaken, the path to democracy could face serious obstacles.

Tarique made the remarks today while speaking as the chief guest at an iftar event organised by the BNP at Dhaka Ladies Club in honour of political leaders.

He also expressed concern saying that some advisers of the interim government, and even one or two political parties, have recently spoken in a slightly different tone regarding the holding of the national election.

"We believe that if secondary issues are prioritised under the guise of a new political arrangement, instead of respecting public expectations, it will send the wrong message to the people," he added.

"Such a situation will ultimately pave the way for the resurgence of fugitive mafia accomplices," he said.

The BNP leader also said that after a decade and a half of "mafia rule and exploitation", seven months may not be too long to repair a "devastated Bangladesh."

"If its actions and plans are made clearer to the public in the coming days, all doubts and uncertainties among the people will be resolved," he said.

Tarique said that the fall of the previous government was not just due to the need for a national election.

"While that is true, an even greater truth is that the mafia government collapsed brutally because it failed to hold a fair and impartial election. Therefore, there is no room to consider an election solely as a matter of one political party coming to power," he said.​