[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

BNP’s 31-point agenda is ‘epic of politics’: Salahuddin Ahmed

BNP’s National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has termed BNP’s 31-point agenda as the ‘epic of politics’, saying this agenda outlines the path to ensure fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and employment of the country. “We must spread this v

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP’s 31-point agenda is ‘epic of politics’: Salahuddin Ahmed
BSS
Published :
May 16, 2025 21:24
Updated :
May 16, 2025 21:24

BNP’s National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has termed BNP’s 31-point agenda as the ‘epic of politics’, saying this agenda outlines the path to ensure fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and employment of the country.

“We must spread this vision among the people. Every leader, activist, and youth of the party is an ambassador of this 31-point plan,” he said.

He made the remarks as the chief guest today while speaking at a divisional seminar titled “Youth Perspectives on Education, Health, and Fundamental Rights,” held at the banquet hall of Khulna Press Club.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal of BNP organized the seminar.

On the second day of the programme, a divisional rally will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at the Circuit House ground in the city.

Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The history of Awami League is the history of killing democracy. It is a history of introducing one-party rule. It is the history of abolishing constitutional and democratic governance and establishing BAKSAL (one-party system). From Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina, Awami League has inherited this system of corruption.”

He went on to say that the fraudulent governance systems, established through the national elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, institutionalized corruption under the guise of leadership.

“Thus, an illegitimate fascist regime was established under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Many of our leaders and activists had to give their lives to break free from such situation,” he added.

He said, “We must uphold the people’s blood-stained expectations and strengthen the anti-fascist national unity. Our principle should be that Bangladesh comes first.”

Mahdi Amin, advisor to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, conducted the event.

Among others, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partha, Chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Fahim Mashroor, founder of BD Jobs, Dr. Maruf Mallik, political analyst and lecturer at DW Academy, Rezaul Karim Rony, an eminent thinker, Dr. Sayem Mohammad of AMZ Hospital, Dr. Saiful Islam Khandakar, professor at the University of Central Florida, Shahriar Chowdhury, founder of Shikho, Dr. Shamima Sultana, professor at Jahangirnagar University, Dr. Toufiq Zowardor, associate professor at the National University of Singapore, spoke on the occasion.

Speakers discussed crucial issues regarding education, healthcare, and employment.

BNP’s Central Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, Information Secretary Azizul Babi Helal, Central Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani, Jubo Dal General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan, Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, and Senior Joint Secretary General of Jubo Dal Billal Hossain Tarek, along with many leaders from the volunteer and student wings of the party, were present.​

 

[Saif]

No bar to socially acceptable Awami League supporters joining BNP: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that individuals who may support the Awami League but are not directly affiliated with it can be granted BNP membership if they are socially acceptable. Such individuals must have no record of political unrest, obstruction of BNP

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

No bar to socially acceptable Awami League supporters joining BNP: Amir Khasru
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 17, 2025 21:51
Updated :
May 17, 2025 21:56

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that individuals who may support the Awami League but are not directly affiliated with it can be granted BNP membership if they are socially acceptable.

Such individuals must have no record of political unrest, obstruction of BNP activities, or harassment of its members, and may have even indirectly supported the party, he told a member renewal event organised by Chattogram Divisional BNP in the port city on Saturday.

He stressed the need for caution in selecting new members, adding that those known for corruption, extortion, anti-social behaviour, or lacking public credibility should be excluded.

“Anyone whose presence harms BNP’s public image or support base should be kept away,” he said.

Chattogram Divisional Organising Secretary Mahbuber Rahman and conducted by Assistant Organising Secretary Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin presided over the event.

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury and Chattogram City BNP Convenor Ershad Ullah also spoke.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP’s Ishraque apologises for appearing in photo with actor Chanchal Chowdhury
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 19, 2025 22:04
Updated :
May 19, 2025 22:04

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has apologised for taking a picture with actor Chanchal Chowdhury at a private television programme.

In a post to his verified Facebook page, he wrote that he attended an awards ceremony as chief guest at the invitation of a TV station on Friday.

He claimed to have had no idea about who would attend the ceremony or present the awards.

He wrote, “During the ceremony, I was photographed with a very controversial person whose activities I was unaware of.

“Since I was living outside Bangladesh in 2015, many sensitive events of that time are unknown to me.

“After seeing this picture, many of my comrades were deeply hurt. I apologise for that and promise to be more careful in the future.”

The BIFA Awards were organised on the private ETV on May 16.

Ishraque, who lost the 2020 DSCC election to Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, was declared mayor by a tribunal on Mar 27.

The Election Commission issued a gazette on Apr 27, but he has not yet taken the oath.

The Local Government Division is delaying the swearing-in pending a High Court ruling on a petition challenging the tribunal's verdict. It has warned supporters against disruptive protests.​

 

[Saif]

How long will we wait for democracy? questions BNP’s Nazrul

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday questioned how long the people of Bangladesh would have to wait for the restoration of democracy, expressing deep concern over attempts to delay the national election. "We are the proud people of Bangladesh who laid down their lives f

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

How long will we wait for democracy? questions BNP’s Nazrul
UNB
Published :
May 20, 2025 21:49
Updated :
May 20, 2025 21:49

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday questioned how long the people of Bangladesh would have to wait for the restoration of democracy, expressing deep concern over attempts to delay the national election.

"We are the proud people of Bangladesh who laid down their lives for language, democracy and independence. We are still waiting for democracy and raising our voices, chanting slogans and organising rallies for it. How long? How many more times do we have to continue this struggle?" he said while addressing a discussion meeting.

Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 8th death anniversary of its founder Shafiul Alam Prodhan.

Nazrul said a quarter has been trying to obstruct the restoration of democracy in various ways and by raising various preconditions and making various demands.

"Various questions are being raised to create obstacles in the way of re-establishing democracy. They are saying this has to be done first and that has to be done first... there is no question of doing it first or later. Whatever needs to be done has to be done," he said.

Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said they are hearing that many people are also demanding local government elections under the caretaker government. "This is not possible. An interim government is formed only for the national elections. We all know that it will take more than a year to hold local government elections. So, making such demands means trying to delay the national election."

Nazrul criticised those who are pitting reform against election which he thinks is also an effort to derail the election. "This attempt to frame reform and election as opposing forces is another mistake, even a crime. Democracy itself is a reform."

He said democracy emerged through reforms and revolutions from monarchy and feudalism. "That democracy works differently in different countries...So, reform and democracy are not contradictory rather they are complementary. That's why we say - justice must be ensured, reforms must be carried out, elections must be held - and all of it must happen as soon as possible."

Nazrul also said a quarter has been carrying out campaigns that BNP does not want reforms. "But does anyone want reforms more than us?" he raised the question.​

 

[Saif]

Plot to delay polls under way: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that a well-orchestrated plot was under way to delay the upcoming national election.

www.newagebd.net

Plot to delay polls under way: BNP
Staff Correspondent 21 May, 2025, 00:01

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that a well-orchestrated plot was under way to delay the upcoming national election.

He made the remark at a virtual press briefing after a joint party meeting was held at the BNP chair’s office at Gulshan in the capital.

The meeting was held to set preparations for observing the 44th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

The 7th president of Bangladesh, from 1977 to 1981, Ziaur Rahman was assassinated by a group of army officers at the Chittagong circuit house on May 30, 1981.

‘A deliberate effort has begun to deprive people of their right to vote by postponing the election in a planned way. We are seeing that certain individuals have infiltrated the government and are trying to steer Bangladesh in a different direction,’ Fakhrul said.

He said that a new possibility had emerged through the sacrifices of thousands of people, offering a chance to establish true democracy and a fascism-free Bangladesh, but a dark shadow loomed over the country due to a conspiracy to deprive people of their voting rights.

Fakhrul also alleged that the politics of division had resurfaced, with attempts being made to create rifts among communities and a conspiracy being under way to set various government institutions against one another.

Fakhrul urged party leaders and activists to stay alert and united against conspiracies to ensure that no one could snatch the country’s independence, undermine its sovereignty, and suppress its democratic spirit.

At the press conference, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the party’s eight-day programme from May 26 to June 2 to commemorate the life and works of the party founder Ziaur Rahman.

The key events of the programme include a discussion on May 29 at the Institution of Engineers, paying floral tributes at Zia’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on May 30, and special prayers at mosques across the country.

Besides, black flags will be hoisted and party flags kept at half-mast for two days, while aid will be distributed among the underprivileged people.

Earlier, on Monday night, a BNP standing committee meeting discussed unveiling a new political programme aimed at reinforcing its demand for general elections by December this year.

According to meeting sources, the move was expected to follow the completion of its ongoing divisional rallies, which are being held across the country by its affiliated bodies, including Juba Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal.

One of the standing committee members on Tuesday told New Age that the party’s acting chair Tarique Rahman asked the committee members to individually reflect on the nature, structure, and timing of the next political programme before finalising it collectively.

‘Although a final decision is yet to be made, the party is interested in adopting a moderate approach, one that creates political pressure while remains acceptable to the general public,’ he said.

The standing committee also reviewed the legal developments surrounding the result of the Dhaka South City Corporation election, where Ishraque Hossain had contested as the BNP mayoral candidate.

Although the party supports Ishraque’s claim on assuming office, it has decided not to lead the movement under the party’s banner. Instead, it would extend moral support to what it terms a citizen-led initiative.

The meeting discussed the recent killing of a Chhatra Dal leader at Dhaka University and reviewed responses following the government’s ban on the Awami League activities nationwide.​

 

[Saif]

Protest now focused on election roadmap, not mayoral oath: Ishraque

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has said the ongoing protest has shifted its focus from his mayoral oath to demanding a clear election roadmap. Joining demonstrators at the Kakrail intersection in the capital, he declared on Wednesday that the protesters would remain on the streets until their demand

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Protest now focused on election roadmap, not mayoral oath: Ishraque
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 21, 2025 22:22
Updated :
May 21, 2025 22:48

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has said the ongoing protest has shifted its focus from his mayoral oath to demanding a clear election roadmap.

Joining demonstrators at the Kakrail intersection in the capital, he declared on Wednesday that the protesters would remain on the streets until their demand is fulfilled.

“The ongoing movement today stems from the discrimination I have faced. Despite a court ruling in my favour, I have yet to be allowed to take oath and assume office. However, I want to make it clear once again—this movement is not about power or position. This struggle will determine whether we will have a national election this December—one that ensures fair voting, accurate counting, and the establishment of a government truly chosen by the people,” Ishraque said.

He also demanded the resignation of two advisers of the interim government — Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.

​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/bnp-demands-removal-of-three-advisers-over-neutrality-concerns

BNP demands removal of three advisers over neutrality concerns
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 22, 2025 20:24
Updated :
May 22, 2025 21:06

The BNP has called for the removal of three advisers from the interim government, citing concerns over neutrality and public trust.

At a press conference held on Thursday afternoon at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain demanded the dismissal of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman.

He said the advisers’ alleged links with newly formed political parties had raised questions about the government's impartiality. “Their presence is undermining the government's non-partisan image,” he said.

The BNP also criticised recent remarks by Khalilur Rahman, calling them “controversial” and damaging to the government's credibility.

The party proposed forming a smaller advisory council limited to routine administrative functions and reiterated its demand for a clear roadmap to hold parliamentary elections by December.

Mosharraf said electoral preparations and democratic reforms can proceed in parallel, and that trials of individuals accused of crimes against humanity, including former regime figures, must continue.

“If the issues raised today are ignored as previous proposals were, it will be unfortunate,” he warned. “The BNP will be forced to reassess its cooperation with the interim administration.”

BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.​

 

[Saif]

BNP urges Dr Yunus to announce election schedule to avoid unrest

Stating that the delay in holding the next parliamentary elections is fuelling instability in the country, BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday said his party would be aggrieved if interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus were to depart in disgrace. “There appears to be a wav

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP urges Dr Yunus to announce election schedule to avoid unrest
UNB
Published :
May 23, 2025 16:47
Updated :
May 23, 2025 16:47

Stating that the delay in holding the next parliamentary elections is fuelling instability in the country, BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday said his party would be aggrieved if interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus were to depart in disgrace.

“There appears to be a wave of unrest sweeping the country. Who are the main culprits behind this instability? Who is attempting to delay the election? We wish to know these things from a great person like you (Dr Yunus),” he told a protest rally.

Farroque, a member of the BNP chairperson’s advisory council, said had the government provided a clear election roadmap, those who had taken to the streets during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure and faced countless cases and persecution could have engaged constructively and become election-oriented.

“But you (Dr Yunus) still haven’t given a roadmap. If this instability is of your making, then let it be known that the BNP will never accept responsibility for it,” he said.

Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, urged the government to immediately announce the date for the next general election.

‘Aparajeyo Bangladesh’ organised the programme titled ‘Resist the Conspiracy to Foil the National Election – Rise, thevPeople of the Country’ in front of the Jatiya Press Club.

Referring to media reports about Professor Muhammad Yunus’ possible resignation, Farroque said, “If a respected figure like you is forced to depart in disgrace, it will hurt us.”

“Let your name be etched in golden letters in history, just as Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed’s is, by ensuring a fair election, holding voting during daylight hours, and safeguarding our right to vote… such a legacy will be remembered in history,” he said.

The BNP leader also urged the chief adviser to set an example by ensuring a peaceful democratic transition so that future generations could take pride in him as an acceptable and honourable figure of the nation.

“So, I earnestly request you to immediately send letters to these three individuals—Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Mahfuj Alam, and Khalilur Rahman—urging them to resign from the advisory council. Otherwise, it will fall upon you to remove them,” he said.

Farroque said reforms should indeed be carried out, but not in a way that would create a corridor to Myanmar or allow the Chattogram port to fall into the hands of others.

He cautioned against any reforms that might empower conspirators to delay the election and push Professor Yunus’s government into instability.

To overcome this instability, Farroque said, Professor Yunus himself must announce the election schedule within the next few days.​