[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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Once voted to power, BNP will make it easier to conduct business: Amir Khosru

Pledges to relax rules on sending and receiving money abroad, boost creative industries

www.thedailystar.net

Once voted to power, BNP will make it easier to conduct business: Amir Khosru
Pledges to relax rules on sending and receiving money abroad, boost creative industries

Photo: Collected

If BNP is voted to power, it will prioritise relaxing rules to conduct business, especially by making it easier to send and receive money abroad, party leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today.

"For Bangladesh to truly realise its full economic potential, we must widen opportunities and break the structural barriers that hold back our young creators and entrepreneurs," he said while speaking as a chief guest at a dialogue. The event, "Youth Voice, National Vision: Co-Creating Bangladesh's Future", was held at the KIB Complex in Dhaka's Farmgate.

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The Dhaka Forum Initiative (DFI), in partnership with the Youth School for Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE), hosted the national youth policy dialogue.

"If people of this country choose us, our priority will be to simplify the way business is done, starting with making it easier to send and receive money abroad," he said.

These restrictions discourage investment and limit the ability of local innovators to grow, he said, adding, "We will streamline these processes to support both businesses and investors."

BNP is committed to investing in the film and wider creative industry, including establishing theatre districts and nurturing an ecosystem where creative professionals can thrive, he said.

"Employment generation will remain at the centre of our economic agenda, because no country can expand its GDP without creating meaningful opportunities for its youth," Khosru said.

Dr Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking at the event, said, "It is a great opportunity to connect with so many vibrant young people today who have come from different parts of the country. Hearing directly from the youth is refreshing and reaffirming, because their insights must guide the policies that will shape Bangladesh's digital and economic future."

He added, "AI will significantly reshape Bangladesh's economy, but this transition can only succeed if young people are equipped to lead it. We need an upskilling agenda that prepares the youth for an AI-driven future and ensures their voices are reflected in national policymaking.

"As part of this vision, we plan to introduce a third language from class six so that future graduates have stronger global career opportunities. We will also ensure better benefits for primary teachers, because quality education begins with a supported and motivated teaching force."

Around 250 university students, young professionals and entrepreneurs participated in discussions covering a wide range of national priorities.​

 

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Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the country is witnessing an abnormal situation due to the absence of democracy and a lack of accountable governance, warning that several plots are underway to undermine the democratic system and ensure its collapse. Speaking at the concluding ses

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman

UNB
Published :
Dec 08, 2025 19:16
Updated :
Dec 08, 2025 21:22

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the country is witnessing an abnormal situation due to the absence of democracy and a lack of accountable governance, warning that several plots are underway to undermine the democratic system and ensure its collapse.

Speaking at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, he said promoting the idea that everyone except one particular party is bad is very harmful to democracy.

“Only democracy can ensure accountability in society and in the state. It is only a democratically elected government that must answer to the people and ordinary citizens,” the BNP leader said.

He said real improvement in the country and people’s lives—even step by step—can only be achieved through a democratic system and a democratically elected government. “Yet many conspiracies have taken place in the past and are still going on now to make the democratic system fail.”

Tarique said that many ‘abnormal’ conditions have arisen in Bangladesh due to the absence of accountability. “Every day, when we open newspapers, we see attempts to hide the truth. But hunger speaks the truth. Empty pockets speak the truth,” he said.

The BNP leader said people across different sectors are suffering, with mills and factories shutting down, local and foreign investors losing confidence, many hospitals failing to provide proper treatment, and numerous educational institutions struggling to operate properly

He said people now worry about mugging when they go outside, and even if they escape that, there is no guarantee they will return home safely because of frequent road accidents.

“More than 7,000 people were killed in road accidents last year. What happened to the families who lost their only income earner? Does anyone think about them the next day?” Tarique asked.

He questioned why such “abnormal” situations—regular road crashes, factory closures, a falling stock market, and collapsing banks—keep happening again and again.

“This is not normal. And we cannot allow this abnormal situation to continue. If we want to change it and bring the country back to normal, there is no alternative to democracy. Because only democracy ensures accountability,” the BNP leader said.

He accused previous Awami League governments of running the state without any accountability. “That is why whether people lived or died — there was no responsibility towards them.”

Referring to the anti-government movement and the political change on August 5, Tarique said the people of Bangladesh, including housewives, small shopkeepers, rickshaw-pullers and even the 63 children who died during the movement, were the “masterminds”.

He said people fought for an accountable government because only accountability can gradually bring positive changes.

Tarique criticised the political behaviour of saying one person is good and everyone else is bad. “For 16 years we saw — one is good, everyone else is bad. Sadly, even after the recent change, that mindset has not fully gone. This attitude must change. It is very dangerous for democracy.”

He said democracy allows different opinions and discussions, not blaming anyone who disagrees.

The BNP leader also urged political parties to clearly show how they will improve people’s lives. “Many claim they will bring justice and good governance. But how? Where is the plan?”

He said BNP is the only party presenting detailed and practical plans covering education, agriculture, women’s welfare, farmers, healthcare and economic reforms. “Tell me, which other party has held such specific discussions? BNP has. No one else.”

Tarique said BNP believes in multi-party democracy and wants to build a country based on people’s rights, accountability and economic security.

“Step by step, we will fix these abnormal conditions and take Bangladesh towards a normal, responsible and democratic future,” he pledged.

Tarique said if BNP is voted to power, they will again dig canals following Ziaur Rahman’s initiative to prevent flooding, ensure irrigation for farmers and stop the decline of surface water.

Tarique said they will also launch major tree plantation programmes to protect the environment.

He said BNP will train unskilled people to improve their abilities so they can secure better jobs at home and abroad.

Tarique said nation building is now BNP’s main task after the fall of the Awami League through a mass uprising.

He said half of the country’s population are women and true development is not possible by leaving them behind. “We need to empower them. That’s why we have planned the Family Card for women.”

He said they aim to provide the Family Card to 50 lakh families in the first year if they can form the government.

Tarique said BNP will introduce the Farmers’ Card for marginal and small farmers to strengthen their economic standing.

He said they will focus on primary education to ensure quality learning for children by recruiting good students as primary teachers and providing training for existing teachers.

He said BNP will also prioritise job creation in different sectors to reduce youth unemployment.

On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate.

Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme and received training on eight topics — family welfare, agriculture, health, education, sports, environment, religious affairs and employment — so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises ahead of the polls.​

 

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BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday announced that all women across the country will be brought under a universal 'Family Card' scheme if the party forms the next government, aiming to make four crore families economically self-reliant. Speaking at a views-exchange event with ret

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman

Published :
Dec 09, 2025 22:36
Updated :
Dec 09, 2025 22:36

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday announced that all women across the country will be brought under a universal 'Family Card' scheme if the party forms the next government, aiming to make four crore families economically self-reliant.

Speaking at a views-exchange event with retired army personnel at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Tarique said the facility would be open to every woman — “from a woman of a poor household to the wife of a prime minister, only those who feel they need this support will opt in,” he said, UNB reports.

Tarique Rahman said the BNP has already prepared a comprehensive action plan for its future government, with the Family Card scheme being one of the key components. "In the first phase, 5 million women will receive the card."

Under the programme, each enlisted woman would receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000–2,500, along with essential commodities for her household, Tarique said, adding,“Once a woman becomes self-reliant, she may voluntarily opt out of the scheme."

To ensure transparency, he said, the scheme is designed to eliminate corruption by making it universally accessible.

Tarique Rahman compared the model to child protection services in the United Kingdom, saying even the wife of a prime minister would have the right to avail of the service, if needed.

“Some may question where the money will come from or assume it’s a lavish project. But we have already calculated the budget and identified how each component will be implemented,” he said.

Tarique also said the BNP has developed a dedicated digital app for farmers, through which they will receive real-time guidance — from fertiliser use to weather updates.

“We will also introduce an Agriculture Card to ensure farmers become fully self-reliant,” the BNP leader added.

Highlighting the party’s education reforms, he said 3.5 lakh primary school teachers will be provided training, and the entire education system will be modernised with a special emphasis on technical education.

About the retired military officers, Tarique said, “Not everyone must enter politics. Those who are fit for politics should join, but the country comes before the party. We want to utilise the experience of those who can contribute to nation-building.”

He criticised the previous authoritarian government for “breaking down the country’s entire system,” including the military and bureaucracy.

“These systems must now be repaired — and you will have to play a key role,” he told his audience.

Calling for restoration of democracy at any cost, Tarique said, “Where there is democracy, there is accountability. The former government intentionally destroyed the system to avoid accountability.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who chaired the event, urged all to remain united and work together for the country’s future.​

 

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BNP to engage retired military officers in nat’l service: Tarique

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that if the BNP came to power, qualified retired officers of the armed forces would be identified and given opportunities to serve the country in meaningful, non-partisan roles.

www.newagebd.net

BNP to engage retired military officers in nat’l service: Tarique
Staff Correspondent 09 December, 2025, 23:26

Tarique Rahman | AFP file photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that if the BNP came to power, qualified retired officers of the armed forces would be identified and given opportunities to serve the country in meaningful, non-partisan roles.Travel guide book

He made the remarks while meeting retired members of the armed forces at the party’s chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

Tarique emphasised that restoring democracy was essential for rebuilding national institutions and ensuring accountability, adding that it must be achieved at any cost.

The discussion was presided over by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Major General (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar.

BNP vice chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and standing committee member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed also addressed the gathering.

A total of 101 retired military personnel took part in the session and engaged with the BNP leadership on political, institutional and national issues.

In his speech, Tarique recalled that Khaleda Zia had attended an army programme despite being unwell, which he said reflected the long-standing relationship between the Zia family and defence personnel.

He alleged that past authoritarian governments had tried to create distance between the military and the Zia family by spreading misconceptions, and accused successive administrations of politicising state institutions, including the armed forces.

During the event, Tarique also offered a personal apology to Major General (Retd) Fatemi Rumi, former Director General of the Special Security Force (SSF).

He referred to an incident during a crowded procession from Old Dhaka to Amin Bazar, during which he had responded to Rumi in a rude manner amid chaos.

Tarique said he had long wished to apologise but had not found the opportunity until now, telling him: ‘I owe you an apology. I am very sorry.’​

 

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Election will not be as easy as many assume: Tarique Rahman

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the upcoming national election will not be as easy as many people are assuming.

en.prothomalo.com

Election will not be as easy as many assume: Tarique Rahman

Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 11 Dec 2025, 19: 57

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman delivered his speech virtually at an event organised by the party at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Farmgate, Dhaka, on 11 December 2025. Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the upcoming national election will not be as easy as many people are assuming.

The BNP leader said, "About a year ago I had said that the coming election is not what you think it will be. Today, gradually, my words are being proven true. If we still are not serious, the existence and sovereignty of this country will be under threat."

"Only democracy can save us from this, and it is you, each and every member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who can strengthen the foundation of that democracy," he added.

He made these remarks today, Thursday evening while speaking as the chief guest at a BNP-organised event held at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Farmgate area of Dhaka. He joined the event virtually.

More than a thousand BNP leaders from the party’s divisional organisational units participated in the programme titled ‘Plan for Building the Nation’, organised to mark the month of victory.

In his speech, Tarique Rahman said that BNP’s plans must be taken to people’s doorsteps. Then the people will surely give BNP the chance to run the state.

He also said that if BNP comes to power, it will not form a partisan government. They must work not only for those who voted for the BNP but also for those who did not. Work must not be done for any specific individual or group.

The acting chairman said, “BNP is not just offering dreams, BNP will fulfil them. There is not much time left before the election. You must stand by those to whom the party has given the symbol, the sheaf of paddy. Candidates will come and go, but the party and its ideology will remain.”

Accusing other political parties of trying to mislead the people with falsehoods, Tarique Rahman asserted that BNP leaders and activists do not need to tell lies. It will be enough if they simply convey the realistic plans that have been adopted to the public. He admitted that this work is difficult, but it will be possible if everyone tries together.

Addressing the BNP leaders and activists present, the party’s acting chairman said, "I have seen in various places that some people go to mosques and speak their minds. If they can speak, why can’t you? Either everyone can speak or none can. Make arrangements accordingly in your respective areas."

"If someone speaks, everyone has the right to speak. And if there is a rule somewhere that no one can speak, then that rule must apply equally to all. It cannot be that someone special is allowed and others are not," he added.

The event was presided over by BNP’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. It was conducted by another joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan (Sohel). Among others, Krishak Dal general secretary Shahidul Islam Khan Babul, adviser to the BNP acting chairman Mahdi Amin, Dhaka North City BNP unit convener Aminul Haque were present at the event.

BNP has begun a series of workshops and programmes for its affiliated and associate organisations on how it will work across eight sectors including education, health, sports, family card, farmer card and employment, if it comes to power.

The programme will continue until 13 December except for Fridays. Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Olama Dal and other affiliated organisations will take part. After this, the concluding programme will be held on a day other than Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day.​