[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

BNP seeks reform, not revenge, through 31-point agenda: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his party does not want to take revenge on their oppressors through retaliation but wants to implement its 31-point reform proposal, aimed at serving the interests of pthe eople. “For the past 15–16 years, since 1/11, you all endured

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP seeks reform, not revenge, through 31-point agenda: Tarique
UNB
Published :
Apr 23, 2025 21:38
Updated :
Apr 23, 2025 21:38

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his party does not want to take revenge on their oppressors through retaliation but wants to implement its 31-point reform proposal, aimed at serving the interests of pthe eople.

“For the past 15–16 years, since 1/11, you all endured unspeakable torture and abuse. You were subjected to false cases, and you were oppressed by the police or by runaway autocrats and their cohorts… We do not want to take that revenge through oppression. We do not want to do what they did,” he said while virtually addressing four workshops.

The BNP leader said the implementation of the party’s 31-point reform proposal would serve as the means of reprisal against those who oppressed BNP leaders and activists.

“We want to take revenge for the torture and oppression that you endured in the past through the implementation of the 31-point,” he said.

By implementing the 31-point in the interest of the country and its people, Tarique said, “I want to take revenge for the torture and oppression that was inflicted on me, the imprisonment that I served, the oppression and imprisonment that was inflicted on my mother, and the way my brother was killed, through the implementation of the 31 points.”

The BNP Training Affairs Committee arranged the workshops titled ‘31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement’ in Rangpur City, Rangpur and Nilphamari districts, and Saidpur upazila.

Tarique called upon his party colleagues to take the party’s 31-point proposals to the doorsteps of people across the country, regardless of their political affiliation or opinion, and to mobilise public support in favour of the reform agenda.

"Throughout the day, we discussed issues relating to the interests of the country and its people in the workshops. We must implement the 31-point if we want to execute the plans and protect the interests of the people," he said.

The BNP leader said the people and their support are the main political capital for any political party. “When we see our processions growing and an overwhelming turnout at our rallies, it brings us joy… As political activists, we always strive for public support and higher votes for our candidates.”

Stating that evil campaigns are being carried out on social media and in the mainstream media to tarnish BNP’s image, Tarique said he warned the party’s rank and file about it seven to eight months ago.

“Our unseen opponents are becoming visible, and others are joining them. So, the more effectively we communicate our agenda and goals for the country to the people and gain their support, the stronger we will be in confronting both visible and invisible opponents. We all share the responsibility to make this happen,” he said.

Tarique highlighted the contributions of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia during their tenures, noting their focus on developing the education, health, communication, transportation, and agriculture sectors, as well as creating employment opportunities and boosting agricultural production.

He said the core objective of BNP’s politics is to ensure the welfare of the country and its people.

Tarique urged party leaders and workers to remain united and work collectively to strengthen the BNP and counter any conspiracies, following the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

He said the people of the country believe BNP can deliver positive outcomes, as they continue to place their trust in the party. “We all have the responsibility to uphold that trust, and unity is essential to do so,” he said.

Before addressing the workshops, Tarique responded to various questions from participants.

He also outlined BNP’s plans to tackle challenges in agriculture, health, education, communication, and the financial sector, aiming to promote economic development and ensure public welfare.​

 

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BNP committed to restoring democracy, voting rights at any cost: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party’s leaders and activists are firmly committed to restoring democracy and voting rights in Bangladesh at any cost in a bid to ensure people’s political empowerment. “Just as we have pledged to implement the 31-point refo

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BNP committed to restoring democracy, voting rights at any cost: Tarique
Published :
Apr 24, 2025 20:00
Updated :
Apr 24, 2025 20:00

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party’s leaders and activists are firmly committed to restoring democracy and voting rights in Bangladesh at any cost in a bid to ensure people’s political empowerment.

“Just as we have pledged to implement the 31-point reform proposal, similarly, the BNP and each of its leaders and activists are committed to establishing democracy and people’s voting rights in Bangladesh at any cost,” he said while virtually addressing three workshops, UNB reports.

By establishing democracy and safeguarding voting rights in the country, Tarique said the economic freedom of people must be ensured.

“Normally, children are not killed unless a country is at war, but during the July-August movement, around a hundred children in this country were indiscriminately killed by the fugitive dictator. These innocent children gave their lives for the cause of democracy,” he said.

BNP’s Training Affairs Committee organised workshops titled ‘31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement’ in the districts of Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh with the participation of 2,300 party grassroots leaders and workers.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also participated in the workshops, addressing them virtually.

Tarique said the political and voting rights of people have been stripped off over the past 15 years under the rule of the Awami League.

“As a result, the country’s judicial, economic, health and education systems have collapsed. Various forms of social degradation have begun, and lawlessness has taken root. This has affected every sector of society. It’s like a diabetic patient—if the disease is not controlled, it gradually damages every organ of the body,” he said.

The BNP leader said his party leaders and activists took to the streets over 15 years in the struggle to restore democracy. “Many of our leaders and activists were forcibly disappeared, many were killed, and others were crippled during the movement. Their sacrifices must not be allowed to go in vain.”

He urged BNP leaders and workers to take the 31-point reform proposal to every household in towns, villages, and even remote areas of the country, so that people understand the BNP’s vision for their welfare. “We’re committed to implementing the 31-point reform proposal if we are given the opportunity.”

Tarique noted that while many people are now speaking of reform, it was the BNP that first raised the issue long ago, defying the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina.

“There is a difference between what you want, what the people want, and what a certain quarter wants. That quarter has its own agenda,” the BNP leader viewed.

As a political party trusted by people from all walks of life, Tarique said the BNP wants to convey a clear message that it will pursue reform by incorporating the diverse demands of people from different classes and professions.

“There may be differences in priorities among people from various sectors, but we want to move the country forward in a united manner. It is natural to have differing views in a democracy,” he said.

Tarique also said BNP will engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve issues and guide the nation forward together. “But under no circumstances should the people’s right to vote, their political rights, or the democratic transition be obstructed…if people’s democratic or political rights are destroyed, everything will be destroyed and everything will be hindered.”

He said the BNP has earned the trust of people through long struggles and the sacrifices of many lives of party leaders and activists, as well as the suffering and torture they have endured.

Tarique claimed that the BNP was responsible for 70 percent of the total good work carried out in the country since its inception. “That’s why people have confidence in us, and we must uphold it,” he added.

Addressing the programme, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the state structure of Bangladesh collapsed under Sheikh Hasina’s rule due to widespread misgovernance. “A fascist system then emerged as all the institutions were systematically destroyed,” he said.

To address such a situation, he said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia first introduced Vision-2030 in 2016 to reform the state structure and restore democratic institutions.

Subsequently, Fakhrul said, the BNP Acting Chairman, in consultation with other like-minded parties, presented the 31-point reform proposals. “The 31-point is our charter of emancipation.”

He urged BNP leaders and activists to take the 31-point proposals to people at all levels and to work towards their implementation for the welfare of the country and the strengthening of all institutions.

Prior to the workshops, Tarique responded to various questions from participants.

In response to a question, he said if the BNP is voted to power, the party will establish specialised cold storages across the country to preserve agricultural outputs with an aim to ensure fair prices for farmers and control unusual price hikes.

He also said stern action would be taken against individuals involved in extortion, which contributes to the rise in commodity prices.

Tarique also highlighted the BNP’s plans to tackle challenges in the agriculture, health, education, environment, communication, and financial sectors, to promote economic development and ensure public welfare.​

 

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AL being rehabilitated under Yunus-led govt: BNP's Ripon

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice Chairman Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon on Friday alleged that the current administration under Dr Yunus is gradually facilitating the rehabilitation of members of the deposed Awami League (AL). "A process is underway within the Yunus administration to reintegrat

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AL being rehabilitated under Yunus-led govt: BNP's Ripon
UNB
Published :
Apr 25, 2025 21:55
Updated :
Apr 25, 2025 21:55

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice Chairman Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon on Friday alleged that the current administration under Dr Yunus is gradually facilitating the rehabilitation of members of the deposed Awami League (AL).

"A process is underway within the Yunus administration to reintegrate Awami League leaders in various ways - sometimes in the name of advisers, sometimes as special assistants," he said while speaking at a rally held at Shimulia Ghat in Louhajang upazila of Munshiganj.

Ripon accused the current government of accommodating people who had actively opposed democratic values and helped sustain authoritarian rule.

"We are seeing those who once supported Sheikh Hasina, backed corruption, opposed the democratic process, encouraged autocracy, and clapped in support of repression, being placed within the administration of the Yunus government," he added.

The rally was organised to demand an end to illegal sand extraction across the country, proper river management and visible steps toward the construction of an international-standard container port at Shimulia Ghat.​

 

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Everyone has to be in complete agreement, this is a BKSAL thought: Amir Khasru

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury does not think everyone has to be in complete agreement with others in all the issues about ongoing reforms. “Everyone has to agree, those who think this, this is how the BKSAL thought; this is what Sheikh...

en.prothomalo.com

Everyone has to be in complete agreement, this is a BKSAL thought: Amir Khasru
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 27 Apr 2025, 21: 41

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury talks to the media after a meeting of the liaison committee of the party with BJP at the chairperson’s Gulshan office on 27 April 2025 Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury does not think everyone has to be in complete agreement with others in all the issues about ongoing reforms.

“Everyone has to agree, those who think this, this is how the BKSAL thought; this is what Sheikh Hasina’s father thought,” he told newspersons after a meeting of the liaison committee of the party at the chairperson’s Gulshan office this afternoon.

Earlier, the BNP’s liaison committee members had a meeting with Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho.

BNP Standing Committee Member and liaison committee head Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, another Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and the party’s Vice-Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu represented BNP in the meeting.

BJP’s Andaleeve Rahman Partho and party Secretary General Motin Saud were among the 10-member delegation.

Stating that there will be differences among the political parties, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “This is because parties will have different philosophies, thoughts and opinions. The thing is, there is no scope of carrying out reforms, going beyond the points of consensus. You have to come under a democratic process, the electoral process, and have to take people’s mandate to carry out other things beyond that.”

He also raised a question on why the issues that the parties agreed upon are not being presented to the nation.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and the BJP leader in discussion at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on 27 April 2025 Prothom Alo.

Claiming that doubts have been created among the people as no electoral roadmap has been announced, the BNP Standing Committee Member stated, “The questions that are coming out of the people will not bring anything better for the democracy and the electoral process in the future. The nation has to be assured through announcing the election roadmap soon that it is approaching the election.”

Speaking about the meeting agenda, Andaleeve Rahman Partho said they discussed the election, and reforms related issues.

He also demanded a clear roadmap from the interim government for elections.

Insisting that this government is not elected by the people, Andaleeve Rahman Partho said, “We also are in favour of reforms. But this is also a practical issue, if you carry out greater reforms without the people’s mandate, then that won’t be strong enough to sustain.”​

 

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Khosru criticises Prof Yunus for backing interim govt option

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday criticised Dr Muhammad Yunus for suggesting an interim government is still a good option, saying that people did not struggle for 16 years to hand the responsibility of the country to a ‘superhuman’ . “The 16 years of struggle wer

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Khosru criticises Prof Yunus for backing interim govt option
Published :
Apr 28, 2025 20:01
Updated :
Apr 28, 2025 20:43

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday criticised Dr Muhammad Yunus for suggesting an interim government is still a good option, saying that people did not struggle for 16 years to hand the responsibility of the country to a ‘superhuman’ .

“The 16 years of struggle were for the restoration of democracy, democratic order, and the return of the people’s voting rights and ownership of the country,” he said while talking to reporters after meetings with three political parties at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, UNB reports.

The BNP leader made the remarks in response to a journalist’s query about the Chief Adviser’s recent interview with Al Jazeera, in which he reiterated that the next national election would be held by June 2026 and asserted that people still consider the interim government a good solution and they are not saying the interim government should go now.

In response, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said, “The people of Bangladesh did not fight and make immense sacrifices to hand the responsibility of (ruling) Bangladesh to any superhuman. There is no reason to believe that the people of Bangladesh should wait for any great man to provide a solution for democracy.”

The BNP leader said a government elected by the people’s votes will be accountable and responsible to people, and voiced confusion over whom Dr Muhammad Yunus referred to as the people who want the interim government to stay in power.

The BNP leader said BNP is the major political party in Bangladesh, representing the country's people.

Referring to their party’s recent meetings with political parties active on the streets against Sheikh Hasina’s regime, he said around 50 such parties have already firmly stated that the election should be held before December this year.

Khosru suggested that the government should move towards elections by announcing a clear roadmap, after formulating a national charter based on reform proposals that political parties have reached a consensus on.

Once the national charter is established, he said the government should immediately instruct the Election Commission to set a date and schedule for the election.

Khosru questioned whether the Chief Adviser meant by "people" a certain quarter or government beneficiaries who stand against democracy and the people’s democratic rights.

He also said it is not difficult to understand that these people, whom the Chief Adviser referred to, are putting democracy against reform.

Khosru expressed the hope that the Chief Adviser will not back off from the commitment he made during the meeting with political parties about the election. “We want elections by December…the people have sacrificed their blood for establishing effective democracy by forming a government with their elected representatives,” he said.

As part of BNP’s liaison committee’s ongoing discussions with like-minded political parties regarding the upcoming election, Khosru, along with BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, participated in three meetings.

A 10-member delegation from NAP Bhasani, led by Advocate Azharul Islam, a 12-member delegation from Amjanatar Dal, led by Moshiuzzaman, and an eight-member delegation from Bangladesh People’s Party, led by Nazma Akter, also attended meetings with the BNP liaison committee.

The BNP began discussions with its alliance partners on 17 April to determine its next course of action.​

 

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‘People won’t spare us if we follow AL’s path’

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday warned party leaders and activists against engaging in misdeeds, saying the people of the country will not spare BNP either if it follows the path of the deposed Awami League.

www.thedailystar.net

‘People won’t spare us if we follow AL’s path’
Fakhrul tells BNP activists

Photo: Md Quamrul Islam Rubaiyat/Star

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday warned his party leaders and activists against indulging in misdeeds, saying the country's people will not spare BNP either if it follows the path of the deposed Awami League.

"Our leaders and activists must not behave like those of the Awami League. If they do, people will not love them," he said while speaking at a mass contact programme at the field of Molani High School in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.

The BNP leader also asked the senior leaders of all district units to remain alert about their party colleagues and take action against wrongdoers.

"Take stern action or hand them over to the police if any BNP leader or activist is found involved in wrongdoing. Stop indulging in misdeeds. Otherwise, like Awami League, BNP too will be thrown out by people," he said.

Fakhrul also questioned the role of the former Awami League MP in his constituency, claiming no development was carried out in the area because locals supported BNP.

"There are many such areas where people were deprived because of their support for the BNP. Are such individuals fit to be public representatives?" he said.

Calling on people to unite, he said, "Let us build a country based on love and unity."​

 

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If BNP comes to power, it will continue strides for workers’ welfare: Tarique Rahman

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that if BNP is voted to power in next general election, it will continue its efforts to make welfare and progress of the workers. In a message on the eve of May Day, he extended his heartfelt greetings to all workers at home and abroad who are w

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If BNP comes to power, it will continue strides for workers’ welfare: Tarique Rahman
BSS
Published :
Apr 30, 2025 21:07
Updated :
Apr 30, 2025 21:07

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that if BNP is voted to power in next general election, it will continue its efforts to make welfare and progress of the workers.

In a message on the eve of May Day, he extended his heartfelt greetings to all workers at home and abroad who are working for family, society and above all for development of the country, risking their lives.

Tarique Rahman paid profound tributes to memory of the workers who had made supreme sacrifice in 'Hay Market' in Chicago, America, in 1886, while demanding the fair rights of workers, including an 8-hour workday, and who sacrificed themselves on the gallows for this movement.

Referring to May Day as the celebration of the international labour movement, the BNP acting chairman said workers and labour organizations in different countries celebrate the day through processions and rallies on streets.

“Former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam was a true worker as always felt proud to identify himself as a worker. He used to call the two hands of workers the key to development. He took groundbreaking steps for the welfare of the workers of this country,” said Tarique Rahman, also elder son of Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

He said BNP had taken measures to reform and modernize labour laws in this country, form a salary and wage commission, determine and implement minimum wages for garment workers, and pay their bonuses when it was in power.

In addition, the BNP had taken appropriate programmes to improve the fate of the labour community in Bangladesh by forming a Workers' Welfare Foundation, taking special measures for the treatment of the children of garment workers, and educating them.

Stating that the garments industry has the largest number of workers in the country, Tarique Rahman said the contribution of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman to this industry is unforgettable.

Tarique Rahman said last year, Awami League government was overthrown through sacrifices of students and workers in the mass uprising of 2024.

“Now there should be no obstacle to implementing the just rights of workers. Nevertheless, workers remain neglected and deprived of their rights. Only when a social land of excellent democracy is built in the country, the dignity and rights of the working people will be established. The working people are still living in misery due to the pressure of rising commodity prices and inflation.

“Not only in Bangladesh, but also around the world, we must take an oath on the great May Day to establish the rights of the working people and accelerate the struggle for freedom from exploitation,” he said.

Tariqur Rahman wished overall success of all the programmes taken marking the great May Day and continued happiness, peace and prosperity of the workers, the people and the country.​

 

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BNP writes to police chief seeking four-tier security for Zubaida Rahman

The BNP has sent the inspector general of police (IGP) a letter asking them to “ensure security” of Zubaida Rahman, the wife of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, upon their arrival to Bangladesh. The party also sought “police security alongside cars” to ensure her safety outs

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BNP writes to police chief seeking four-tier security for Zubaida Rahman
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 02, 2025 21:43
Updated :
May 02, 2025 21:43

The BNP has sent the inspector general of police (IGP) a letter asking them to “ensure security” of Zubaida Rahman, the wife of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, upon their arrival to Bangladesh.

The party also sought “police security alongside cars” to ensure her safety outside the home.

The letter wrote, “BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will return home on May 4 (later the party said May 5) after completing her medical treatment abroad. Zubaida Rahman will come home as her travel companion.”

According to the letter, Zubaida will stay at her father’s house in Dhanmondi and “there is a security threat to her life as a member of the Zia family and the wife of Tarique Rahman”.

“Therefore, we are specifically requesting you to take security measures during her stay at her Dhaka residence during her trip,” it said.

Signed by Khaleda’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and dated Apr 30, the letter outlines a four-layer security arrangement.

It includes armed security personnel, police escort with vehicles, a police guard at home, and the installation of archways at the residence.

Sattar confirmed the matter of the letter to this news agency, saying, “This letter has been sent to ensure her (Zubaida) security.”

Khaleda, who had flown to London for treatment, will return to the country on the morning of May 5, said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

She will be accompanied by Zubaida and Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman.

Zubaida, daughter of former Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, went to London in 2007 with her daughter Zaima Rahman for better treatment for her husband Tarique. After that, she did not return to the country.

Several cases were filed against Zubaida during the tenure of the Awami League government.​