[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

[Saif]

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.​

 

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Tarique Rahman to return to country on December 25

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the party, will return to the country from the United Kingdom on December 25. The BNP leader gave the information at a press conference after a meeting of the party’s highest policy-making body,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique Rahman to return to country on December 25

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 12, 2025 21:54
Updated :
Dec 12, 2025 21:55

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the party, will return to the country from the United Kingdom on December 25.

The BNP leader gave the information at a press conference after a meeting of the party’s highest policy-making body, the standing committee, on Friday night.

Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, joining virtually from London.​

 

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BNP assures partners of seat-sharing by Dec 18

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday assured its simultaneous movement partners that the seat-sharing for the upcoming general election, scheduled for 12 February next year, would be finalised by December 18.

www.newagebd.net

BNP assures partners of seat-sharing by Dec 18
Moinul Haque 13 December, 2025, 23:29

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday assured its simultaneous movement partners that the seat-sharing for the upcoming general election, scheduled for 12 February next year, would be finalised by December 18.

The BNP made the promise at a meeting with leaders of 33 parties at the BNP chairperson’s office in the capital’s Gulshan area. These 33 parties held simultaneous movement with the BNP during the Awami League regime.

The meeting aimed to reduce mistrust and strengthen cohesion among the movement partners following the announcement of the BNP candidates for 272 seats, out of 300, and concerns that the party might be pursuing a ‘go-it-alone’ approach.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, attended the meeting.

Leaders from movement partners, including Ganatantra Mancha, the Left Democratic Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamana Jote, and the 12-party alliance, were also present.

During the meeting, movement partners voiced apprehensions that the BNP’s unilateral announcement of 272 candidates in various constituencies, including those traditionally held by senior leaders of allied parties, signalled a potential shift away from coalition politics.

Several parties expressed fears that the BNP was prioritising its own interests, which could undermine the long-standing unity forged for the anti-fascist struggle and threaten the broader democratic transition.

According to the leaders who attended the meeting, the BNP reassured its like-minded and movement partners that the announced candidate list was not final and that adjustments would be made after one-on-one consultations with each allied party.

A clear timeline was established to finalise all seat-sharing arrangements by December 18, ahead of the deadline for submitting nomination papers, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh general secretary Saiful Haque told New Age after the meeting.

He described the meeting as an ‘ice-breaking’ session, which was focused on repairing relationships and rebuilding trust among the partners.

During the meeting, the movement partners said that they felt neglected and devalued by the BNP’s unilateral announcement of candidates for 272 constituencies, emphasising the need for respect and recognition within the coalition. Several leaders warned that continued unilateral decisions could have long-term political consequences, regardless of the election outcome.

The BNP acknowledged these concerns and committed to structured follow-up discussions, holding separate meetings with each party to ensure that adjustments are made to accommodate key allies. Party sources indicated that no specific seat numbers were discussed during Saturday’s meeting.

The 12-party alliance coordinator, Syed Ehsanul Huda, described the meeting as ‘frank and cordial’, saying that it successfully eased tensions and restored trust among the partners.

He added that the meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to work together in a united manner and maintain cohesion throughout the electoral process.

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said that discussions with the movement partners would continue and that the seat-sharing issue would be finalised before the submission of nomination papers.

The Election Commission on Thursday announced the schedule for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections along with a national referendum, confirming that both polls would be held on February 12, 2026.

Under the announced schedule, candidates must submit nomination papers by December 29.​

 

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Tarique Rahman vows to ensure law & order, fight corruption

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party will prioritise ensuring law and order and tackling corruption if voted to power. “Those who will form the government after winning the election must first ensure one thing, and that is the rule of law. In simple terms, it means peo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique Rahman vows to ensure law & order, fight corruption

UNB
Published :
Dec 14, 2025 22:20
Updated :
Dec 14, 2025 22:20

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party will prioritise ensuring law and order and tackling corruption if voted to power.

“Those who will form the government after winning the election must first ensure one thing, and that is the rule of law. In simple terms, it means people’s security or law and order. I think our foremost effort should be to ensure this with all our strength,” he said.

Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing a discussion programme titled 'Upcoming Election and People’s Expectation', organised by BNP as part of its initiative to exchange views with professionals and noted citizens.

The programme was held at a city hotel, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presiding.

The BNP leader said that if the next government can ensure the rule of law and maintain the law and order, there will be a strong possibility that many problems will start to ease, and then it will be possible to move forward with other necessary work.

Referring to the long period of what he described as autocratic rule in the past, Tarique said unhealthy practices had developed in different sectors of society, including administration, business and other areas, where people received benefits and privileges they did not deserve.

“This has almost become a habit over time. So this situation and this mindset must be changed. In simple words, corruption must be firmly brought under control. We have to pull the reins on corruption,” he said.

The BNP leader said corruption will have to be controlled in all sectors, including development activities and public procurement.

He said there is no reason to knowingly waste public money when other options are available, especially if those options could deliver services to people more quickly.

As an example, Tarique said that if faster health services can be ensured through an alternative approach, it should be seriously considered and efforts should be made to implement it, as that is their objective.

Presenting his party’s various plans for the country’s development and people’s welfare, he acknowledged that the issues discussed are not easy to address and required courage and responsibility.

“The right decision is not always the popular decision. Popular decisions can be taken easily, but the correct decision is not always popular,” the BNP leader said, adding that this is why decision-making is often very difficult.

He stressed that despite these challenges, taking correct and responsible decisions will be essential to meet people’s expectations and build a stable, secure and accountable state.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique will return 'carrying the flag of Bangladesh', Fakhrul says

Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will land in Dhaka on Dec 25 "carrying the flag of Bangladesh”. The BNP secretary general made the remark on Monday at a Victory Day discussion meeting, recalling a statement made by a Chinese p

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique will return 'carrying the flag of Bangladesh', Fakhrul says

bdnews24.com
Published :
Dec 15, 2025 23:58
Updated :
Dec 15, 2025 23:58

Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will land in Dhaka on Dec 25 "carrying the flag of Bangladesh”.

The BNP secretary general made the remark on Monday at a Victory Day discussion meeting, recalling a statement made by a Chinese premier to Tarique in 2002 during a visit by the former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

He recounted the incident: "We travelled to China with our leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Our leader [Tarique Rahman] was also present. When the guard of honour was being accorded to Khaleda Zia at the Great Hall, and the introductions were being made, Tarique Rahman was standing next to a leader beside me.

"When [Khaleda] told the Chinese premier 'He is my son’ I still remember the Chinese premier firmly gripping his hands saying 'Carry the flag of your father and mother’.”

He said: "Carrying that flag of nationalism, the flag of independence, the flag of democracy, [Tarique] will be arriving in Bangladesh on the 25th. We shall all certainly rise on that day for democracy, independence, and sovereignty."

Tarique virtually joined the discussion, organised by the BNP at the Engineers Institute Auditorium in Ramna ahead of Victory Day, from London.

The meeting began with a special prayer service seeking the swift recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital.​

 

[Saif]

BNP completes preparations for Tarique’s return after 18 years in exile

BNP has completed preparations for the residence and offices of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of his return to Bangladesh after nearly 18 years in exile in London. Party leaders said Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia, will move into house nu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP completes preparations for Tarique’s return after 18 years in exile

UNB
Published :
Dec 16, 2025 19:34
Updated :
Dec 16, 2025 19:34

BNP has completed preparations for the residence and offices of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of his return to Bangladesh after nearly 18 years in exile in London.

Party leaders said Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia, will move into house number 196 on Gulshan Avenue.

The BNP Chairperson currently lives at a rented residence, ‘Firoza’, located next to the house.

Separate chambers have been prepared for the Acting Chairman at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, beside the Chairperson’s chamber.

Another chamber has also been set up for him at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan.

Besides, BNP has rented another house in Gulshan from where all activities related to the 13th national parliamentary election will be coordinated.

Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the BNP Acting Chairman, formally shared the information at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at BNP’s new office at house 10/C on Road 90 in Gulshan.

He also announced a national reel-making competition titled 'Amar Vabnay Bangladesh' (Bangladesh in My Thoughts) to mark the return of Tarique to the country.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to Dhaka on December 25.

BNP has taken extensive preparations to welcome him. Party leaders and activists are expected to gather at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to receive him on arrival.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said people across the country are waiting for their leader.

He said leaders and activists from all levels of the party will stand in an orderly manner along the roads to welcome him, and preparations are underway accordingly.

On Monday, a joint meeting of BNP and its associate bodies was held at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, where detailed discussions took place on arrangements for welcoming Tarique. The meeting was chaired by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Party sources said the house on Gulshan Avenue was allocated to Begum Khaleda Zia after the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, following a unanimous decision by the cabinet led by then President Justice Abdus Sattar.

A few months ago, the ownership documents of the house were formally handed over to Khaleda Zia.

Preparations at Tarique’s residence are almost complete.

During a visit to the house, it was seen that security sheds have been set up in front of the building and CCTV cameras installed along the road. Security personnel said the measures were taken as Tarique Rahman will be residing there.

Regarding the new Gulshan office, BNP has rented the four-storey building at house 10/C on Road 90.

The building has strict security arrangements. A briefing room has been set up on the second floor, while other floors have offices for various party departments, including a research cell.

BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said party leaders and activists who have been working for a long time are eagerly counting the days until Tarique sets foot on Dhaka soil.

He expressed hope that the party leader would restore democracy in line with the expectations of the people.

Speaking at the press conference, Mahdi Amin said the new office will function as a BNP office from where election-related activities will be conducted.

He said Tarique’s return has created strong public emotion, hope and interest across the country.

Mahdi also said the party believes that building a future Bangladesh requires all pro-democracy citizens, beyond political and ideological differences, to work together.

As part of the homecoming programme, BNP has launched a national reel-making competition.

The competition will run until December 25, allowing people from all walks of life at home and abroad to submit one-minute creative reel videos online, expressing their ideas, plans and hopes for building the country.

Mahdi said the main goal of the initiative is to directly involve people in BNP’s vision of rebuilding the state and to bring grassroots ideas to the party’s top leadership.

He also said the top 10 winners will get an opportunity to interact directly with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at a special event.

Members of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, the party’s foreign relations committee and the media cell were present at the press conference.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique Rahman applies for 'travel pass' to return home

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has applied for a “travel pass” to return to the country on 25 December. He submitted the application to the Bangladesh High Commission in London. A source in the United Kingdom confirmed the information to Prothom Alo on Thursday evening, saying that...

en.prothomalo.com

Tarique Rahman applies for 'travel pass' to return home

Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 18 Dec 2025, 22: 06

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, at the City Pavilion Hall in London.GR Sohel

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has applied for a “travel pass” to return to the country on 25 December.

He submitted the application to the Bangladesh High Commission in London.

A source in the United Kingdom confirmed the information to Prothom Alo on Thursday evening, saying that Tarique Rahman’s application for a travel pass has already been submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission.

Exiled in London for political reasons, Tarique Rahman did not receive a Bangladeshi passport after its validity expired.

Although there was an opportunity to apply for passport renewal following the fall of the Awami League government in last year’s uprising, he did not do so. Under the current circumstances, he will therefore need to travel on a travel pass to return to Bangladesh as a Bangladeshi citizen.

Last month in Dhaka, responding to journalists’ questions at an event, foreign adviser Touhid Hossain said there were no restrictions on Tarique Rahman’s return to the country and that a travel pass could be issued within a day. In this regard, he said, “The rule is that if someone does not have a passport or if it has expired and they wish to return, we issue a one-time pass for a single entry into the country. It takes one day. So, if he says today that he wants to return, we could issue it tomorrow, and he could board a plane the day after. There is no problem. We can issue it.”

Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 following the political changes of 11 January. After being released from prison in 2008, he travelled to the United Kingdom with his family for medical treatment and has remained there since.

After more than 17 years, Tarique Rahman is returning to Bangladesh from the United Kingdom on 25 December. He will arrive at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55am that day on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

BNP is making special arrangements to mark Tarique Rahman’s return as a memorable event. The party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday, “We want his historic return to surpass all precedents set in the past 55 years and to be so memorable that no similar historic event occurs in the next 55 years. All our arrangements are aimed at making it truly unforgettable.”

Tarique Rahman’s mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since 23 November. After returning to the country, Tarique Rahman may go directly to the hospital to see his mother. Therefore, according to Salahuddin Ahmed, a suitable venue near the airport and Evercare Hospital is being sought to receive him.​

 

[Saif]

Some are trying to create anarchy in the country: Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman has warned party leaders to remain vigilant, saying the days ahead will not be easy. Anarchy has begun in different parts of the country, and some are trying to create disorder.

en.prothomalo.com

Some are trying to create anarchy in the country: Tarique Rahman
Staff Correspondent Bogura
Published: 21 Dec 2025, 20: 53

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman speaks at the inauguration ceremony of a digital memorial in remembrance of the July martyrs at the Shaheed Titu Auditorium in Edward Park, Bogura municipality on 21 December 2025. Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has warned party leaders and activists to remain vigilant, saying the days ahead will not be easy. Anarchy has begun in different parts of the country, and some are trying to create disorder. Everyone must stay alert, he said.

Tarique Rahman made these remarks today, Sunday afternoon while speaking online as the chief guest at the inauguration of a digital memorial for the July martyrs at the Shaheed Titu Auditorium in Edward Park, Bogura municipality.

The BNP acting chairperson said, “Shaheed Osman Hadi was on the path of democracy. He was a candidate who believed in democratic and electoral politics. If we are to honour Shaheed Hadi, the July martyrs and fighters, and the martyrs and fighters of 1971, then we must have one clear goal, to establish peace for the people of this country, to work for the country, and to move the nation forward. Our aim and purpose must be one, work to build the country, Bangladesh comes first.”

Referring to the successes of two BNP leaders in running the state in the past, Tarique Rahman said BNP founder martyred president Ziaur Rahman rescued the country from the brink of destruction. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, he said, saved the country from autocracy in 1991 and gradually steered it from the edge of ruin towards development.

“We have once again been given an opportunity,” he added. “We must build a healthcare system for nearly 200 million (20 crore) people, create a quality education system for future generations, ensure employment for young people, and ensure that women do not fall behind. We must work so that women are educated and able to stand on a strong economic footing. The country’s economic condition is not good. We must work hard to bring the country back from the brink of destruction.”

Calling for unity among all, Tarique Rahman said, “There is much work ahead. Those who believe in democracy, whether they are BNP leaders and activists or those of other parties must all remain united.”

Among others, BNP chairperson’s advisers AKM Mahbubur Rahman and Helaluzzaman Talukder, former district BNP president Saiful Islam, former district BNP convener and BNP candidate for Bogura-5 Golam Md Siraj, BNP candidate for Bogura-1 and central committee member Kazi Rafiqul Islam, and BNP candidate for Bogura-4 and district BNP acting secretary Mosharraf Hossain also addressed the programme chaired by Bogura district BNP president Rezaul Karim.​