[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

We must restore democracy at any cost: Tarique

'Awami League strangled multiparty democracy and replaced it with one-party government system,' said the BNP acting chairman

www.thedailystar.net

We must restore democracy at any cost: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today said the people of the country must be determined to restore democracy, freedom of speech, and voting rights by facing any conspiracy.

"The anti-democratic and illegal Awami League government was forced to flee the country on August 5 in the face of a strong movement of students and people," he said on his verified Facebook account.

Citing the historical and political events from 1975, Tarique said with the aim of making a permanent arrangement to remain in power the then AL government "strangled multiparty democracy and replaced the multi-party system with a one-party government system named 'BAKSAL' January 25, 1975".

To establish this system, they passed the Fourth Amendment Act ignoring the opposition's concerns, he said.

At that time, they suspended publication of all newspapers and issued a decree to run only four newspapers loyal to them. They squandered the freedom of people and democracy which was achieved through the long-standing struggle of countrymen and spread anarchy, he added.

"They did not hesitate to endanger not only democracy but also the unity, solidarity, and sovereignty of the country in their illusory dream of prolonging the barbaric one-party rule," Tarique said.

The AL never was never civil towards the opposition. "At that time, prison was the address for the opposition," the party leader added.​

 

[Saif]

'Don’t create division with 1/11 accusations'

Mirza Abbas slams Nahid's comments that accused BNP of paving way for another 1/11 like situation

www.thedailystar.net

'Don’t create division with 1/11 accusations'
Mirza Abbas slams Nahid's comments that accused BNP of paving way for another 1/11 like situation

Mirza Abbas, left, and Nahid Islam


Accusing BNP of paving the way for another 1/11-style government will only create division and harm democracy in Bangladesh, said the party's standing committee member Mirza Abbas today.

Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil marking the 10th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Abbas criticised Information Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing BNP of trying to establish a regime similar to that of 1/11.

"If you continue to make statements that lead to division and conflict, democracy will never be restored in the country," Abbas said.

"No one has suffered more from the horrific consequences of 1/11 than BNP. From Khaleda Zia to our grassroots activists, none were spared," he added.

The remarks came after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir raised concerns about the neutrality of the interim government during elections, which Nahid Islam later linked to a potential 1/11-like scenario in a Facebook post.

Abbas dismissed allegations that BNP was envious of a new political party emerging from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, saying, "If a new party is formed, we'll welcome it."

He urged all quarters to prioritise unity and peace over division, saying, "Our leaders and workers are vigilant guards of the country's independence and sovereignty."​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/rizvi-compares-call-for-reforms-before-polls-to-al-putting-development-before-democracy

Rizvi compares call for reforms before polls to AL putting development before democracy
UNB
Published :
Jan 24, 2025 22:09
Updated :
Jan 24, 2025 22:09

Slamming the government for delaying the national election, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the advisers’ "reforms first, elections later" remark echoed Sheikh Hasina's "development first, democracy later."

Talking to reporters on Friday after paying homage to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, Rizvi also expressed doubt whether the government has any master plan, as a political party is set to launch with its backing.

“The people expect this government to perform its duties impartially and take steps to strengthen democracy. But when we hear 'reform first, then elections,' it sounds like an echo of Sheikh Hasina's words, 'development first, then democracy.' Such statements should not come from any adviser’s mouth,” Rizvi said.

He said the country’s people have waited for 16 years, fought on the streets, shed their blood, and sacrificed their lives for the restoration of democracy and ensuring free and fair elections. “Why is there so much hesitation and delay regarding that free and fair election? This is now the question of the people.”

The BNP leader said it is common for political parties to criticize the government for its inaction in controlling the rising prices of essentials or if its administration fails to operate neutrally.

“So, why are you trying to instill fear of a repeat of 1/11?” We have overcome all obstacles, staying on the streets bravely year after year. Now, will the advisers teach the country's wise politicians what we should support, what we should not support, and what we should talk about and what we should not?” he questioned.

Rizvi said their party has placed its full trust in the interim government since its formation. "But our point is, why is there so much delay, no deadline? Why are Hasina's words being repeated—that development comes first, democracy later? We do not want to hear this."

He said some advisers of the interim government have been making negative remarks against BNP, both publicly and covertly.

“We are also hearing that some people within the government are trying to form a political party. If that’s the case, the people can question the neutrality of the government. Other political parties, who have fought for democracy, may think the government is involved in some sort of master plan,” Rizvi said.

He said the government recently conducted a survey through the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), which revealed that the majority of people in the country want local government elections before the national elections.

“The BBS is a government agency, and they have conducted the survey under government supervision. If you conduct a survey through a government agency, they will obviously speak in favor of the government. If your actions are not neutral, the people will naturally question the government's impartiality."

Earlier, Rizvi, along with party leaders and workers, placed a wreath at the Banani grave of Koko in the morning, marking his 10th death anniversary.

BNP leaders and workers marked the 10th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko with various programs. The party arranged a doa mahfil at its Nayapaltan central office in the morning.

Another du'a mahfil was also held at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in the evening.​

 

[Saif]

BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections

BNP Vice Chairman and former home minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has emphasised the need for restructuring all institutions, including the police, to ensure fair and impartial elections in the country. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Titas Mor in

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections
UNB
Published :
Jan 24, 2025 20:45
Updated :
Jan 24, 2025 20:45

BNP Vice Chairman and former home minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has emphasised the need for restructuring all institutions, including the police, to ensure fair and impartial elections in the country.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Titas Mor in Patuakhali on Friday morning, Altaf alleged that over the past 15-17 years, the country’s institutions have been pushed to the brink of collapse.

“All institutions must be restructured to organise a fair election. We are ready to cooperate with this government to complete the work within a reasonable time,” he said.

Expressing optimism about upcoming elections, the senior BNP leader said, “We will soon have a fair election. BNP will secure an absolute majority and Tarique Rahman will become the new prime minister of the country.”

Regarding the timeline for elections, he added, “We are prepared to hold elections in the middle of this year. We are also willing to allow as much reasonable time as necessary for the preparations.”

During his organisational tour, Altaf exchanged views with party leaders and activists.

The meeting was attended by Patuakhali district BNP member and former general secretary Maqsud Bayzid Panna Mia, along with leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliate organisations.
​

 

[Saif]

Tarique for political, economic rights for all

The BNP acting chairman stresses on discipline and grassroots engagement

www.thedailystar.net

Tarique for political, economic rights for all
The BNP acting chairman stresses on discipline and grassroots engagement

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasised the importance of ensuring political and economic rights for all citizens to secure their emancipation.

Addressing a divisional workshop on the BNP's 31-point reform agenda and public engagement virtually at the Bagerhat District Council Auditorium today, he urged party leaders and activists to remain disciplined and committed in reaching out to the grassroots.

"People want to trust the BNP. Anyone working to destroy that trust has no place in the party," Tarique said.

"The 31 points are not just for the BNP; they represent the aspirations of all political parties and the people of Bangladesh. I urge everyone to take these points to the masses," he added.

Highlighting the setbacks of the past 15 years, Tarique said the country has regressed in almost every sector.

"Two kinds of rights must be ensured—political rights and economic rights—to free the people. As a political party, BNP is working to make this a reality," he said.

The workshop, presided over by Bagerhat District BNP Convener ATM Akram Hossain Talim, was attended by notable party leaders, including BNP Adviser Dr Mahadi Amin, Central Organising Secretary Aninda Islam Amit, Research Affairs Secretary Agriculturist Shamimur Rahman Shamim, former District BNP President MA Salam, Central Committee Member Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Advocate Wahiduzzaman Dipu.

More than a thousand leaders and activists from the BNP and its affiliated organisations participated in the event, including Joint Conveners Dr Faridul Islam and Khadem Niyamul Nasir Alap, District BNP leaders Monirul Islam Khan and Mahbubur Rahman Tutul, Women's Wing President Shahida Akhtar, Jubo Dal leader Harun Or Rashid, and Chhatra Dal leader Ali Saddam Dip.​

 

[Saif]

‘Won’t own or shelter errant BNP leaders, workers’, says Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned his party leaders and workers that he will neither own nor shelter anyone involved in activities that harm public trust or tarnish the party’s image. Speaking virtually at three workshops, he also called upon the party leaders and workers to keep

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

‘Won’t own or shelter errant BNP leaders, workers’, says Tarique
UNB
Published :
Jan 28, 2025 20:26
Updated :
Jan 28, 2025 20:26

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned his party leaders and workers that he will neither own nor shelter anyone involved in activities that harm public trust or tarnish the party’s image.

Speaking virtually at three workshops, he also called upon the party leaders and workers to keep the people with them to avoid the consequences the Awami League faced on August 5.

BNP’s Satkhira district, Khulna district and city and Bagerhat district units arranged the programme separately on the party’s 31-point state overhauling proposals.

“People or voters, irrespective of their party and opinion, want to keep confidence in the BNP. If someone does anything to destroy this trust or does anything that will destroy the trust, I won’t carry them and won’t give them shelter. Here the party has to be selfish,” Tarique said.

The BNP leader also said if people lose faith in the party due to the wrongdoing of any individual leader or worker, he will own them.

“Because, we are now standing in the current position amidst many storms, ordeals, atrocities, and persecutions and it’s no longer possible for us to pamper anyone who makes personal gains by harming the interests of the party,” he said.

Tarique said many people ask him about the consequences of expelling so many party leaders and workers involved in anti-party activities. “I’m just making my stance clear by taking the action. Maybe I couldn’t address all the issues. I am taking measures as much as I know about any wrongdoing.”

He said BNP is sending a message that it is unwilling to maintain relations with bad elements in society and within the party by expelling errant leaders and workers. “We will try to reflect in our actions what we say with our words. That is why we are taking the highest action or maximum steps as a political party and organisation,” Tarique said.

He said had BNP been in power, they would have definitely severed ties with errant party leaders and workers and taken action against them in accordance with the laws of the country.

“If we get the opportunity to govern the country, we will take action against the wrongdoers, no matter who they are. We will implement what we say in words. Because we saw on August 5 what the consequences are if a party and its leaders and activists get isolated from the people,” the leader observed.

Tarique also called upon the BNP leaders and workers to learn from the consequences the Awami League faced on August 5 during a mass uprising.

“We have a lot to learn from August 5. So, we’ll go to the people with our 31-point reform proposals, realising that they need to be implemented,” he said.

Tarique instructed the party leaders and workers to remain on the side of people and keep them on their side.

“We have to face the consequences of August 5 if we become isolated from the people. If we want to avoid these consequences, we have to keep the people with us; our party must remain on the side of the people,” he said.

The BNP leader told his party colleagues that people respect and value them only because of their political identities and the trust people place in the BNP. “But if you hurt the people’s sentiment through any of your activities, people won’t support you. What kind of leader would you be if you didn’t have public support?”

In response to a question, Tarique said that if they return to power, they will take steps to dig canals across the country, including in coastal areas, to prevent recurring floods and reduce the impact of salinity.

He also mentioned that they will implement various measures, including giving all women a family card, as part of efforts to empower women and provide them with financial support.

When a female leader inquired about Khaleda Zia’s health condition, Tarique replied, “Alhamdulillah, she’s now doing fine. Pray for her.”​

 

[Saif]

Rizvi smells support from Jamaat shoring up govt

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a particular party, namely Jamaat, has gained control over several ministries and public institutions, raising the question of whether the interim government should be considered as supported by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Rizvi smells support from Jamaat shoring up govt
UNB
Published :
Jan 28, 2025 22:23
Updated :
Jan 28, 2025 22:23

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a particular party, namely Jamaat, has gained control over several ministries and public institutions, raising the question of whether the interim government should be considered as supported by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

He said, "In many places and ministries, the influence of a particular political party has spread. Why is this happening? We heard that the Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin government was army-backed, so should we say this (interim administration) is Jamaat-supported?"

Rizvi made the remarks while inaugurating the distribution of membership renewal forms to district and city units of the BNP at the party's Nayapaltan central office.

He alleged that officials affiliated with Jamaat are receiving promotions and benefits in various government offices and ministries, including the Education Ministry.

"It seems a particular party has taken control of the Education and Health Ministries," the BNP leader observed.

He also claimed that pro-Jamaat teachers have been appointed as Vice Chancellors (VCs) of major public universities.

Rizvi said the entire educational system has been "Jamaatized," which he described as a matter of concern. "The VCs, who are showing loyalty to a particular party, will not be able to work neutrally as the heads of any institution."

He said the current government should have carried out its duties impartially, with public confidence, as it was formed through a mass revolution.

"The criticism of the interim government will intensify if it plays any partisan role, tilts towards any party, or helps increase anyone's influence," the BNP leader warned.

He said the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education has recently issued a directive prohibiting any educational institution or students from speaking out against the current government or the state.

"These are the echoes of Sheikh Hasina's words. During her time in power, Hasina stated that saying anything against the government meant going against the state. This government is the result of a democratic movement, and democracy means there will be discussion, criticism, and strong opposition. Criticising the government does not equate to treason," the BNP leader said.

He emphasised that BNP and the people of the country do not want the interim government to fail, but that the cohorts of the fascist regime are trying to mislead it.

Rizvi also claimed that Sheikh Hasina's allies remain in the administration and are working to sabotage efforts in various ways.

He criticised the government for suddenly increasing VAT and supplementary duties on over 100 products and services, alleging that these moves were influenced by bureaucrats loyal to the fascist regime.

He pointed out that the government had failed to identify and take action against associates of the Awami fascist regime in the administration and police.

Regarding the party's membership renewal drive, Rizvi said those who have been expelled or exempted from the BNP for various reasons would not be allowed to renew their membership.​

 

[Saif]

Implementing 31- point reform to be best revenge on AL

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to work for the implementation of its 31-point reform outline.

www.thedailystar.net

Implementing 31- point reform to be best revenge on AL
Tarique tells party activists

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to work for the implementation of its 31-point reform outline.

He believes implementing the plan will be the best form of the BNP's revenge on the Awami League for its suppressive activities in the 15 years of its rule.

Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing workshops organised for the BNP's Jashore, Jhenaidah and Narail district units yesterday. The leaders and activists of the units received training on the 31-point state overhaul proposal.

The BNP acting chairman said that he and his family had endured the same persecution as BNP leaders and activists under the Awami League's autocratic regime.

"Any repressed person wants to take revenge against their oppressors. You want it, I want it, and everyone wants it. But I think all the leaders and activists of my party will agree that I want to take that revenge by implementing our 31-point proposal," he said.

Tarique said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and current Chairperson Khaleda Zia faced obstacles in their efforts to establish people's democratic and political rights, educate the country's children, create employment, increase food production, expand industrialisation, and ensure economic freedom.

"So, I think the revenge of the leaders and activists of the BNP will be successful on the day we are able to implement the 31-point outline. Only on that day will we succeed in taking revenge on the undemocratic and evil forces who want to subdue Bangladesh," he observed.

The BNP leader said they would begin implementing the 31-point proposal if they come to power, and it would be an ongoing process. "We will make it even better gradually."

He said many people believe the BNP has the brightest prospect of running the country by winning the next election.

Tarique, however, said BNP leaders and activists at all levels must prepare themselves and change their mentality to bring about a positive change in the country.

The BNP leader warned that various quarters are preparing to malign the BNP and are spreading propaganda against the party both locally and internationally. "We'll face them politically.

"But it's the responsibility of all BNP leaders and activists to ensure that the people keep their trust in the BNP. We must change our mindset and be confident that we'll be able to bring about change," Tarique said.

Tarique also responded to various questions from the participants at the workshops.

In response to a question, he said that if the party returns to power, it will take steps to ensure the rights of the physically challenged individuals and provide them with a comfortable life.

The BNP leader said the party plans to arrange health camps soon at the divisional level to provide necessary treatment to people with disabilities.

Tarique said it also plans to establish a mechanism to ensure fair prices for farmers' produce and maintain a balance between demand and supply by dismantling the syndicates.

"Action will be taken against market syndicates if they indulge in any foul play."

He stressed the importance of increasing soybean production in Bangladesh to reduce dependency on foreign countries for edible oil.

Tarique also underscored the need for addressing the problems in the banking sector and restoring public confidence in it, as state reforms will be difficult without strengthening the financial sector.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to launch movement to 'guide' interim govt, says Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said his party plans to initiate a movement aimed at guiding the interim government and paving the way for an elected political government

www.thedailystar.net

BNP to launch movement to 'guide' interim govt, says Salahuddin

Photo: Facebook

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said his party plans to initiate a movement aimed at guiding the interim government and paving the way for an elected political government.

"On behalf of our party, we are thinking about correcting some government mistakes and bringing it to the right path to build a democratic way. To clear the way for an elected political government, we will take some steps very soon. You can call it a movement or even criticism," he said at a discussion meeting at the Jatiya Press Club today.

He highlighted the pressing questions facing the nation: "What reforms do we want in the coming days? How do we want the election? When do we want the election? The success, failure, decisions, and indecisions of this government—these are the current questions."

He added that constructive criticism is necessary to guide the government, and if needed, the party may take to the streets to ensure the government stays on the right track.

All governments, including the interim one, can make mistakes. The responsibility to guide the government lies not only with journalists but also with political "democratic power" and social stakeholders.

"One good quality of the interim government is that even if it makes wrong decisions at times, it corrects them in the face of criticism. When the government corrects its mistakes, we must remember that this government is a government of the people," he said.

Delays in election and reforms

BNP leader Salahuddin expressed concern over the delay in the national election and called for logical explanations for any postponement.

He said six months passed. Reform commissions submitted their reports to the government, and after that, no significant discussions with political parties, social stakeholders, or experts have taken place.

"Almost 14-15 days have passed since the reports were submitted, but no such initiative has been seen yet," he said.

He urged the government to identify reform proposals that can achieve consensus, and discussion with political parties, social stakeholders and experts.

"There are also issues that do not align with Bangladesh's political and social culture—these are the things we need to consider," he said.

Constitutional reforms and July Uprising

On constitutional reforms, Salahuddin questioned the proposal to include the July uprising in the same paragraph as the 1971 Liberation War in the constitution's preamble.

"Can post-independence events be equated with the Liberation War? This needs to be considered," he said.

He also emphasised the importance of honouring those who were "martyred" during the July movement.

"They shed blood for a new Bangladesh, and their aspirations must be carried forward," he said.

Awami League's participation in elections

Salahuddin has said that the participation of the Awami League in the national election will ultimately be decided by the people.

"We are now speaking in various fragmented ways... whether Awami League will not be allowed to participate in the election in this country, if they will be banned. We have made it clear that the people of Bangladesh will decide on this matter," he said.

He accused the AL of committing massacres and crimes against humanity.

"This party has carried out a massacre in Bangladesh with a fascist character and is responsible for crimes against humanity. Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League's political decisions have led to massacre in this country. Therefore, both the individuals and the organisation must face trial."

Referring to legal proceedings, he said, "There are cases against Sheikh Hasina and other responsible individuals in various courts, including the ICT, and their trials must be ensured. But as an organisation, a political party can be tried under Article 47 of the current constitution of Bangladesh."

Salahuddin said that the interim government has not prioritised the trial of the Awami League as an organisation.

"There was talk of amending the International Crimes Tribunal Act to try organisations, but the government has backed away from that. Now, some advisors within the government say they want the Awami League to be tried, but you have done nothing to ensure that trial."

"This government is operating according to this constitution. It has taken an oath as a legitimate government. Therefore, we are not very vocal about trying political organisations for genocide and crimes against humanity. No one is speaking out much. Some say that they will not allow the election, but what does the law say? The Election Commission will announce the schedule, and until then, those whose registration is valid will be able to participate in the election."

Role of media and democratic process

Salahuddin criticised the media for its role in supporting the AL government over the past 16 years.

"If fascist Hasina has ruled the state in a fascist manner, the role of the media has been significant. The owners of these media outlets, being owners of various business houses, have not allowed any news against the government to be published," he said.

New parties welcome... BUT

He also welcoming the emergence of democratic political parties through the political process but cautioned against using government power.

"If various tactics and the full force of the government are required to get elected, what is the point of blaming fascism? If we follow past history, how will we move forward?" he asked.​

 

[Saif]

People deserve a fair election

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party is expecting a credible national election in Bangladesh through which people can decide who should look after them for the next five years.

www.thedailystar.net

People deserve a fair election
Tarique tells event

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party is expecting a credible national election in Bangladesh through which people can decide who should look after them for the next five years.

Speaking virtually at four workshops, he also said the problems of the country and its people cannot be resolved without a proper electoral system and elected representatives who are accountable to the public.

BNP's Kushtia, Magura, Chuadanga and Meherpur district units organised the programme separately to train the party leaders and workers on the party's 31-point state overhauling proposals.

"We'll be able to resolve the people's problems if we give power to those who are truly responsible and accountable. The individuals who will be elected by the people through a proper election process will be accountable to them. So, we're expecting an election that will determine who will take care of the people," Tarique said.

He also said the election should be held in a free, fair and credible manner, ensuring that people can freely exercise their voting right peacefully, without any hurdles.

The BNP leader said it is a positive development that discussions on state reforms are now taking place, from the chief adviser to ordinary people.

"But at the end of the day, people would want to know what has been done to create employment, reduce commodity prices, and address the problems in the education, health, and agricultural sectors," he added.

The BNP leader said they have various plans and programmes, and will implement the state reform proposals as per their commitment to the people.

Stating that BNP is the largest political party, Tarique said the leaders and workers must play a greater role in resolving the people's basic problems and reforming the state.​