[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

@Saif bhai, look at this, seems BNP's role as AL's B team is now complete. BNP scumbag people have been "handled" by the Indians (RAW).
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'If led by non-criminals, why can't Awami League be in politics?' asks Rizvi​

View attachment 15832

The BNP leader called for justice to be served to money launderers, killers

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that if someone, who has not committed any crimes, leads Awami League, then why can't the party take part in politics?

He came up with the remark at an Eid gift distribution event for the underprivileged in Dakshinkhan, Dhaka, where he was the chief guest.

He said, "If someone leads the Awami League without committing crimes, without being involved in student killings, without embezzling or laundering money—then why can't the Awami League participate in politics?"

Read more

People won't accept rehabilitation of Awami League: Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur​

"If swift justice is ensured, criminals are prosecuted, and the people then allow them to engage in politics, we have nothing to say," he said today.

"But those who have laundered money, those responsible for the killings of children and teenagers like Ahnaf, Abu Saeed, and Mugdho—justice must be served. Why don't we seek justice for the workers, rickshaw pullers, and students who have been killed?"

Rizvi accused Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, of deceiving the people.

"They have betrayed the people twice. First, her father shut down all political parties and imposed BAKSAL. Then, his daughter has created an even more terrifying version of BAKSAL—where those speaking against Sheikh Hasina, their places were in prison. This is what her rule has become."

"Therefore, that rule can not return. By ensuring that, democracy will secure everyone's place, everyone's right to do politics—that right will be ensured through democratic processes and practices."

People are debating whether Awami League should be allowed to do politics, but they are not questioning whether those responsible for mass killings should be held accountable, he added.

"People saw who carried out these atrocities. Which police OC, DC, or AC played a role in it? Under whose orders did these bloodbaths occur? Which Awami League leaders gave the instructions to spill blood?"

Read more

Hasnat posts on Facebook about ‘refined Awami League’ proposal​

He then questioned Sheikh Hasina's integrity, "I even doubt whether Sheikh Hasina believes in Allah. Her only god is money. And someone who worships money can never serve the people."

Her relatives, her chosen individuals, and certain businessmen are involved in money laundering. They must be brought to trial, he added.

"Those who have destroyed the country's institutions, sold out its independence, and killed children, workers, and rickshaw pullers to cling to power—they must be brought to trial."

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It's good that the student organizers are 100% against AL coming back in form, "refined or otherwise". This is in reaction to BNP's proposal to allow AL to "come back to politics".
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Hasnat posts on Facebook about ‘refined Awami League’ proposal​

Meanwhile, protests took place at DU overnight to ban Awami League.

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the newly formed National Citizen Party, in a Facebook post early today claimed that a conspiracy is afoot to rehabilitate the Awami League in the name of "Refined Awami League" at the behest of India.

He wrote on Facebook that a proposal for this version of Awami League, helmed by such former AL leaders as Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and Fazle Noor Taposh, was pitched to him and two others "by the cantonment" on the afternoon of March 11.

One of the most visible faces of the July uprising, Hasnat claimed, "We were asked to accept this proposal in exchange for a seat-sharing agreement."

Read more

AL must be eradicated, not just banned​

Although the uprising leader turned politician did not elaborate on it further, the "seat-sharing agreement" is very likely to indicate a concessional arrangement in parliament.

"We were told, that more than one political party has already been given this proposal, and they have agreed to the rehabilitation of the Awami League on certain conditions. According to them, it is better to have several opposition parties including a weak Awami League rather than just one strong opposition."

"We were further told that those who will lead this 'Refined Awami League' will start publicly admitting to the crimes of the Sheikh family from April-May onwards, distancing themselves from Hasina while pledging allegiance only to Bangabandhu's Awami League," he said in the Facebook post made around 2:00am.

View attachment 15835

He said the offer was immediately rejected with the assertion that efforts should be made to prosecute the Awami League rather than rehabilitating them.

Without naming who approached them, Hasnat said they were threatened with having to bear the responsibility for any crisis that might precipitate out of their outright rejection to rehabilitate Awami League. Hasnat claimed that they were told, "Awami League must come back."

He wrote in his post that before abruptly ending the meeting and leaving, he had told them, "No inclusivity is possible with the Awami League. If you attempt to reinstate the Awami League, it will have to be over our dead bodies. You'll have to bear the responsibility for the crisis arising from any attempt to bring back the Awami League."

Hasnat claimed that during the July uprising, similar attempts were made to influence their actions. "We faced pressure from agencies and the cantonment to accept various prescriptions, but we never bowed down. Instead, we put our faith in you—the people—and together we ensured Hasina's ultimate downfall.

"…I put my trust once more in you, the people. After this post, I don't know what consequences I might face. I might face intense pressure or even danger. However, there is absolutely no scope for compromise on the issue of banning Awami League.

"In July, your powerful movement helped us discard all prescriptions from cantonment and agencies. If you stand by us again today, if you join us on the streets, we will once again defeat this Indian conspiracy to rehabilitate the Awami League.

"Let's put aside all doubts and unite against the Awami League. If the Awami League returns to politics, the gains made in July will be undone. As long as we have a single drop of blood left, we will not let the sacrifices of our martyrs go in vain. In Bangladesh after August 5, there is no place for the Awami League's comeback; rather, the Awami League must be banned."

Meanwhile, a group of students of Dhaka University marched on campus around 2:00am today demanding that Awami League be banned from politics.


Read more

Awami League's downfall and the politics of cognitive dissonance​

The students, led by former central co-coordinators of Students Against Discrimination, AB Zubayer and Musaddiq Ali Ibne Muhammad, marched from the Hall Para area to the base of the Raju Sculpture and held a brief rally there.

At the rally, Zubayer claimed that various political groups, agencies, and communities were exerting pressure on the government to prevent the banning of the Awami League.

He said, "There won't be any election in the country until the Awami League is banned or the trial for mass killings takes place."

Speaking to our correspondent, Zubayer said the protest was arranged by general students as a reaction to the government saying that it has no plans to ban Awami League.

Yesterday, in a meeting with the International Crisis Group, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladeshi courts.

At the rally, another protest gathering at the base of the Raju Sculpture was announced for 3:00pm today. They also called on students across the country to stage demonstrations in front of their institutions, demanding the ban on the Awami League and the trial of the July killings.

BNP is a traitor. Can't be trusted anymore. BNP has turned itself into the second biggest Indian as* licker. I have no sympathy left for BNP. Right now, our only hope is NCP. Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Mahuz and Nahid have to take the responsibility of saving the nation from BNP, Awami League and India.

 

[Saif]

Tarique urges parties to prioritise public issues

Stating that people are the “real capital of politicians”, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday urged political parties to focus on public issues and demands alongside state reforms.

www.thedailystar.net

Tarique urges parties to prioritise public issues

Stating that people are the "real capital of politicians", BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday urged political parties to focus on public issues and demands alongside state reforms.

"The people of Bangladesh have many expectations from political parties and politicians. We are discussing various issues of reform, including who should hold what authority. Alongside this, let us begin discussions on what the people's expectations, demands, and key goals are," he said while virtually addressing an iftar party.

Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote hosted the programme in honour of politicians and prominent citizens of the country at a city hotel.

In a democratic state or system, Tarique said, if people have the scope and power to determine who should run the country then political parties must focus on the hopes and expectations of the public.

He said Bangladesh gained independence through the sacrifices of millions, but the country's democracy has been hindered on different occasions, including the introduction of the one-party Baksal rule and the establishment of autocratic rule over the past 15 years.

The BNP leader said the July-August mass uprising succeeded because the people stood by the political parties with their support.

"A mafia-like autocrat [Sheikh Hasina] could be driven out of the country, as people from all walks of life took to the streets and stood by the political parties with an expectation for change. People must have had an expectation for seeking change… I think people's desire for the political parties is to start working for them and address their issues," he observed.

"But what are our thoughts on the people, who are our main capital in politics? Shouldn't we talk about and think about their issues? Of course, we should, because it's our politics, and the people are our greatest capital," Tarique said.

"Why did we present the 31-point proposal? The reason was simple. We saw how the fleeing autocrat destroyed every institution in the country. Whether it's the education system, healthcare, employment, judiciary, civil administration, police administration, or the power sector, they destroyed every institution," he said.

The BNP leader said the first institution the previous autocratic regime destroyed was Bangladesh's electoral system, which they made controversial and destroyed.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to take to streets again if people’s interests are in jeopardy

Warning of a plot to deprive people of their right to vote, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said their party will once again take to the streets if the interests of the party and people are in jeopardy.

www.thedailystar.net

BNP to take to streets again if people’s interests are in jeopardy
Says Fakhrul

Warning of a plot to deprive people of their right to vote, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said their party will once again take to the streets if the interests of the party and people are in jeopardy.

"We are not on the streets right now. We are going to people with iftar items and Eid gifts and standing by them in their joy and sorrow. But, if any obstacle arises against the interests of the party and people, we, the BNP, will take to the streets once again," he said while distributing Eid gifts among the poor in Beraid area of Badda.

Fakhrul called upon the people of the country to prepare for a movement, as a plot, both from within and outside the country, is underway to deprive people of their right to vote and delay the elections.

"We will not allow this to happen," he said.

He said over the past 15 years, their party leaders and activists have endured serious repression in their fight for the restoration of people's voting rights.

The BNP leader also mentioned that the people of the country were freed from Sheikh Hasina's "monstrous and fascist" regime on August 5 after 36 days of movement and the united efforts of political parties and students.

He said the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, was formed with the primary responsibility of holding a national election by creating a level-playing field winin a short time.

"But whenever we discuss elections, many claim that the BNP only raises the issue of elections. It is natural for us to do so, as we have fought for that very cause," he observed.​

 

[Saif]

BNP warns of instability if polls delayed beyond Dec

Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of BNP's highest decision-making body, in an interview with Reuters says his party wants elections this year

www.thedailystar.net

BNP warns of instability if polls delayed beyond Dec

Photo: Reuters

Bangladesh's main opposition party has warned of instability and "strong resentment within the people" if elections are not held by December, after the country's de facto prime minister said the poll could be delayed until 2026.

An unelected interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been running the South Asian country of 173 million since August, after deadly student-led protests forced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a long-time India ally, to flee to New Delhi.

The country's two biggest parties, Hasina's Awami League and rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party, had both wanted elections to be held this year, but Yunus said in a speech on Tuesday that a vote could be held between December 2025 and June 2026.

That would give time for reforms to conduct "the most free, fair and credible elections in Bangladesh", Yunus said. The opposition and some Western countries alleged widespread rigging in the previous elections by Hasina, which she denied.

Earlier this month, a former ministerial colleague of Yunus, student leader Nahid Islam, said elections this year would be difficult as policing and law and order have not yet been fully restored.

But the opposition BNP wants a return to democracy this year, said Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the party's highest decision-making body and a former minister of science and information technology.

"We will try to convince them that the best way for them is to call an election as soon as possible and go for an honourable exit," Khan told Reuters in an interview on Saturday, referring to the interim government.

"December is a generally agreed-upon schedule. Beyond December would make things more complicated," said Khan, speaking from Washington D.C. where he is seeking meetings with U.S. officials to discuss Bangladesh.

"There will be strong resentment within the people of Bangladesh. That means some instability maybe... Time will decide."

Khan is the first senior BNP figure to warn of consequences if elections are not held this year.

NO PRE-POLL COALITION FOR BNP

Hasina's Awami League has largely disintegrated with the prime minister and other senior leaders out of the country or on the run.

BNP's main rivals in the next election are likely to be Islam's newly launched students outfit, Jatiya Nagorik Party or the National Citizen Party. Student leaders have said Bangladeshis are tired of the two established parties and want change.

But Khan said internal BNP surveys show the party would win an easy majority in any election held within the next year and that acting party chief Tarique Rahman would return to Dhaka from his self-imposed exile in London when elections are announced.

Several court orders against him and his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, have been overturned in recent months, potentially allowing him to return.

BNP chairperson Zia, who suffers from liver cirrhosis and heart problems and has been recovering in London since January, is "far better now than how she was in Bangladesh", but unlikely to return to active politics, Khan said after a recent meeting with her.

Khan said the BNP had no plans yet to contest the election as part of any coalition, but once elected it would be open to working with other parties, including the students' Jatiya Nagorik Party.

"After the election, we'd be happy to form a government with everyone who is in favour of democracy," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Social media campaign targets BNP over reforms, polls: Fakhrul

The BNP consistently demanded that minimum reforms be implemented to ensure a fair and acceptable election, he said

en.prothomalo.com

Social media campaign targets BNP over reforms, polls: Fakhrul
Correspondent
Thakurgaon
Published: 02 Apr 2025, 19: 01

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks at a gathering in Thakurgaon on 2 April, 2025.Prothom Alo

The secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has alleged that social media campaigns are targeting his party over reforms and election, without blaming anyone directly.

He made the allegation while addressing a view exchange programme with the local party leaders and activists at his residence at Kalibar in Thakurgaon on Wednesday.

He noted that a narrative is being spread on social media that the BNP either prioritises elections over reforms or does not want reforms at all. This is an effort to create a misconception among the people.

Clarifying the BNP’s position, Mirza Fakhrul said his party never advocated for elections first and reforms later. The BNP consistently demanded that minimum reforms – such as election related reforms – be implemented to ensure a fair and acceptable election. Besides, the law and order system and the judicial system should be reformed.

“These three sectors must be reformed. Today’s demand for reforms is actually the BNP's demand. The BNP put forth the 31-point reform proposal, where it clarified its stance on constitutional reforms. There are some settled issues that the BNP does not want to interfere with,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

10m jobs to be created in first 18 months if elected to power: BNP

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said 10 million jobs will be created in first 18 months if his party is voted to power. This plan was shared by BNP during their participation in the Investment Summit 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

en.prothomalo.com

10m jobs to be created in first 18 months if elected to power: BNP
Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 10 Apr 2025, 21: 25

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir File photo

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said 10 million jobs will be created in first 18 months if his party is voted to power.

This plan was shared by BNP during their participation in the Investment Summit 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the details in a post on his verified Facebook page Yesterday, Wednesday.

The party has also set a target of achieving a $1 trillion GDP by 2034. Additionally, BNP aims to reduce the tax burden on citizens and explore ways to increase tax revenue without instilling fear in taxpayers.

In the post titled “$1 Trillion Economy,” Mirza Fakhrul stated that BNP, if elected, will create 10 million jobs or employment opportunities within the first 18 months of taking office.

The party also plans to increase the ratio of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to GDP from the current 0.45 per cent to 2.5 per cent.

BNP has set a long-term GDP target of $1 trillion by 2034. The party also wants to work on increasing tax revenue by easing the pressure of excessive taxation on the public and removing fear associated with paying taxes.

To make FDI more attractive in Bangladesh, BNP has proposed 11 regulatory reforms.

Mirza Fakhrul highlighted eight of them in the post. Those are: strengthening Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), modernising visa and work permit regulations, introducing 24/7 service for investors, ensuring automated profit repatriation, developing skilled local manpower, enacting investor protection laws alongside infrastructure development, enhancing workforce productivity and expanding the scale and scope of foreign employment through proper training and incentive systems.

If given the chance to form the government, BNP aims to significantly improve the productivity of the country’s human resources and expand foreign employment more effectively than in the past, Mirza Fakhrul added.

He also mentioned that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a goodwill message for the investment summit, emphasised three key points: unity is the foundation of national development, the late President Ziaur Rahman’s government had passed laws to attract FDI and the governments led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia followed investment-friendly policies.​

 

[Saif]

They’re talking about reforms sitting at spacious expensive offices: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has criticised those who are propagating the theory of reforms first and election later

en.prothomalo.com

They’re talking about reforms sitting at spacious expensive offices: Tarique
Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 14 Apr 2025, 12: 16

Tarique Rahman File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has criticised those who are propagating the theory of reforms first and election later.

He dismissed those who are expressing doubts whether BNP will carry out reforms or not.

Tarique Rahman made these remarks while virtually participating in a discussion titled “31-point outline for repairing the state structure and citizen’s thinking” announced by BNP on Sunday.

“They are talking about reforms sitting in important posts, inside air-conditioned rooms at spacious expensive offices. They are propagating reforms while enjoying government benefits such as cars, salaries, bonuses, and allowances,” BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said.

Tarique argued that the BNP did not speak of reforms while taking such benefits.

We might have faults, we may have shortcomings and some of us might be involved with illegal activities. But our biggest credit is we are not in denial about these crimes----Tarique Rahman, BNP Acting Chairman.

“BNP did not talk about reforms while enjoying these benefits. When BNP talked about reforms, BNP was fighting and protesting against dictatorship on the streets, on the one hand, and was thinking about building the country on the other,” Tarique added.

He also raised questions as to how many of those who now champion reforms could dare speak up against autocrat Sheikh Hasina.

Tarique Rahman mentioned that BNP had given 31 points for state reforms at a time when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and thousands of leaders and activists across the country were in prison, sued and harassed.

Thus, he insisted that the BNP will carry out reforms to change the fate of the people for better.

“We might have faults, we may have shortcomings and some of us might be involved with illegal activities. But our biggest credit is we are not in denial about these crimes,” Tarique said, adding that there are many political parties that don’t take any punitive measures against wrongdoings of their members.

He, however, did not mention the name of any political party.

Tarique said BNP does not want to keep any ties with those who get involved with wrongdoings.

He urged the party leaders to work with unity to do something better for the people of the country.​

 

[Saif]

BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus today with ‘firm message’ against election delay

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus today (Wednesday) to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus today with ‘firm message’ against election delay
Published :
Apr 15, 2025 23:17
Updated :
Apr 16, 2025 00:06

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus today (Wednesday) to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year.

BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty, UNB reports.

They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December.

BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring.

They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters.

If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year.

Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings.

The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. “If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month.

According to the schedule, a BNP standing committee member, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will meet the Chief Adviser at his official residence and state Guest House, Jamuna, at 12pm.

A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing campaign aimed at postponing the national election and keeping the current interim government in power for five years.

He said whenever BNP demands a clear electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser, various advisers issue conflicting statements to divert attention from the issue.

As an example, he said, the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed that the public wants the interim government to remain for five years, while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter went so far as to say this government was ‘elected’ by people through a mass uprising.

The BNP leader said during the last meeting with their party, the Chief Adviser had promised that his government’s actions would be directed towards holding the national election by December 2025. “But he is still wavering between December and June. We’re witnessing coordinated efforts, especially on social media, to justify a delay. That’s why we’re meeting the Chief Adviser again to clear up our doubts and confusion.”

Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged an attempt to prolong the election is visible. “There are people openly talking about keeping Dr Yunus in power for five years. But those trying to do that will not only damage his reputation but also cause serious harm to the country.”

Abbas said he still believes Dr Yunus is committed to holding elections by December. “But, some Awami elements surrounding him are trying to mislead him. That’s our concern going into this meeting.”

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, another standing committee member, said BNP is still cooperating fully with the interim government.

“We do not want to create any trouble. Our goal is to convince the government to hold the election without unnecessary delay. If our demand is met, there will be no conflict. But if the government goes in the opposite direction, we too may take a different stance.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party will use the meeting to clarify the government's intentions. “We’ll remind the Chief Adviser of his promise to hold elections by December and urge him to publicly confirm it through a press conference. We’ll also ask him to direct the Election Commission to complete all necessary preparations accordingly.”

He said BNP is committed to reforms and has already put forward a 31-point state-reform framework well before the formation of the current government. “We won’t allow anyone to push their own agenda in the name of reforms.”

Asked about their next steps, Salahuddin said the party will decide on its future course of action based on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser.​