Politics
Salman F Rahman conspiring to destabilise country: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that jailed Awami League leader and businessman Salman F Rahman is making nefarious efforts from jail to destabilise the country amid the government's inaction.
Speaking to reporters at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he also expressed concern, stating that some advisers to the interim government, including Ali Imam Majumder and the Chief Adviser’s special assistant Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, are playing a mysterious role taking a position against the democratic forces.
“We have heard that Mr Khoda Baksh is taking a stand against those who were deprived and sympathetic to the movement. They are being targeted and removed. It is a very mysterious matter,” the BNP leader said.
He said it seems that Khoda Baksh and some advisers are taking such steps to implement a sinister plan.
“Salman F Rahman, sitting in jail, is devising various evil plans and schemes. However, we have not seen any action taken in this regard. We’re receiving evidence that Salman F Rahman is living like a king inside the prison and is orchestrating all the plans from there,” the BNP leader said.
He also alleged that Salman, the former private industry affairs adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has played a role in destabilising the garment sector, as most of the garment owners are in favour of Awami fascism.
“We have not seen any action concerning these matters. How are they carrying out activities from inside the jail?” Rizvi questioned.
He said BNP is getting worried over the actions of some advisers, as they go against the original spirit of the mass movement. “It has caused anxiety across the entire nation.” That is why individuals like Salman F Rahman are attempting to destabilise the country from inside the jail, while those who have not been arrested are spreading vast amounts of money to cause further instability.”
The BNP leader said the current interim government is a reflection of the student-led mass revolution. “Many of those in the government were repressed by the fascist Awami League for freely expressing their opinions, despite having no political affiliation.”
Even Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is respected by all, was subjected to harassment, he said.
Tarique pledges modernisation of Armed Forces if BNP returns to power
He mentioned that Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and two students who became advisers have also faced various forms of harassment. “However, some advisers who have always been opportunists… some advisory council members and certain officials in the Chief Adviser’s office seem to be targeting those who were in favour of the movement.”
He said Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, was a former Inspector General of Police (IGP). “But what role did he play in the last 15 years? Does Khoda Baksh hold the spirit of the democratic movement? He doesn’t. He is trying to appear impartial. You were the IGP during BNP’s tenure—what did you do then? It was because people like you the 1/11 political changeover occurred, and undemocratic power took over.”
Rizvi claimed that Ali Imam Majumder, upon becoming an adviser, appointed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) who were supportive of Awami fascism.
He questioned Ali Imam Majumder's role over the past 15 years, stating that he never spoke in favour of democracy or the July-August movement.
Stating that the interim government is the outcome of the student-led mass movement, the BNP leader said it should have fostered relations with pro-democratic forces and parties.
“If somehow Sheikh Hasina reemerges, no one, except a few individuals within the interim government who maintain relations with her, will be spared. No one of us will be spared,” Rizvi warned.
He said that there should be strong unity among democratic forces to protect the country's independence and sovereignty and to resist the rise of Awami fascism.
9 hours ago
Tarique pledges modernisation of Armed Forces if BNP returns to power
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday promised that his party, if returns to power, will continue its efforts to modernise and further strengthen the Armed Forces, as it did in the past.
"Since former President Shaheed Zia’s time, the Bangladesh Armed Forces has transformed into a disciplined, prompt and always vigilant modern force comparable to the army of any modern state in the world," he said in a message on the occasion of Armed Forces Day.
Later, during the BNP governments, Tarique said all-out efforts were made to further modernise and strengthen the armed forces by ensuring the continuous implementation of the programmes initiated by Ziaur Rahman.
"Our efforts will continue in the future as well," the BNP acting chairman pledged, wishing for the overall success of all the programmes on Armed Forces Day.
Tarique greeted the members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force on the occasion. "I wish all members of the armed forces and their families continued happiness, peace, and prosperity. On this day, I wish for the future progress and advancement of the armed forces."
Khaleda, senior BNP leaders wish Tarique on his 60th birthday
The BNP leader also prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs of the armed forces in the Liberation War, saying that the Armed Forces are a proud institution of the nation, built on courage, heroism and discipline.
“The glorious role of this force in our great Liberation War is a golden chapter in history. The patriotic members of the Armed Forces continue to serve as vigilant sentinels in safeguarding our independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Tarique said.
He also said the members of the Armed Forces have also been playing a leading role in maintaining world peace for a long time. “Our Armed Forces members serving in the United Nations peacekeeping missions are bringing honour to the country by demonstrating skill and high professionalism.”
The BNP leader also mentioned that the Armed Forces have become a symbol of the nation's trust by playing a pivotal role in tackling the country's natural disasters.
He said former President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, undertook and implemented comprehensive programmes to develop the Bangladesh Armed Forces into a modern, dynamic, and efficient professional force in line with the changing world.
“Today, I pay my deep respects to his (Zia’s) memory. I remember with humble respect the martyrs of the Liberation War who sacrificed their lives, including the greatest martyred heroes Sepoy Mostafa Kamal, Captain Mahiduddin Jahangir, Sepoy Hamidur Rahman, Ruhul Amin, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh, and Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf,” Tarique said.
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated on Thursday with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.
After nearly 11 years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is going to attend the reception at Senakunja on Armed Forces Day on Thursday afternoon.
Earlier, on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office invited Khaleda, also a three-time former Prime Minister, to attend the reception at Senakunja.
Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception.
10 hours ago
People to decide which party to do politics or join polls: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the people of the country will determine who will participate in elections and do politics.
“As a political party we can’t determine it. There has been a misunderstanding. An adviser said BNP facilitated the Awami League to do politics but it is not correct and we’ve cleared our stance,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a programme organised to distribute education materials and corrugated iron sheets among flood-hit people at Sreepur in Feni’s Fulgazi upazila.
He said here there should be no scope of any misunderstanding as they never obstructed any party from joining elections. “But those, including Sheikh Hasina, killed people, laundered money abroad and destroyed the country’s assets must be brought to justice.”
Lay out election roadmap to restore trust: BNP to govt
Regarding the interim government, the BNP secretary general said they (interim govt) will do a lot of work and they have already brought back peace and order. “Can Awami League men unleash torture now? They should be given some time.”
When they (govt) will finish the work, the elections will surely be held and a people's government will come, he said, adding, “We said it's better to do it a little sooner.”
Urging the party activists to remain united, he said the AL ‘bandits’ fled the country and it will take to remove all wastes from the country created during the AL regime.
Fakhrul said efforts are underway to send Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment.
BNP standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, joint secretary general secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny, Chairperson’s adviser Prof Joynal Abedin, former lawmaker Rehana Akter Ranu and Chattogram Divisional organising secretary Mahbube Rahman Shamim were, among others, preset on the occasion.
12 hours ago
Khaleda, senior BNP leaders wish Tarique on his 60th birthday
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia wished her son, Tarique Rahman, on his 60th birthday early Wednesday.
"Madam (Khaleda) spoke to Tarique every night, and she also wished him a happy birthday last night," said a BNP chief's personal physician.
Apart from Khaleda, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior party leaders, including standing committee members, extended their birthday wishes to the acting chairman and exchanged greetings.
Two standing committee members confirmed that they had sent their wishes to Tarique via SMS.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stepped into 60 on Wednesday.
Read: Tarique Rahman Congratulates Donald Trump
Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965 in Bogura.
He is currently living in exile in London with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.
Unlike previous years, the BNP has decided not to hold any events, including prayer sessions, to mark his 60th birthday, following Tarique’s instructions.
A press release issued on November 11 said: “Leaders and activists of all BNP units, along with its associated and affiliated organisations across the country, are hereby informed that no events will be held to celebrate Mr Tarique Rahman’s birthday day.”
The statement also warned that organisational action would be taken against anyone who defies this directive.
At the age of 22, he became a member of the Gabtali Upazila BNP in Bogura district in 1988. He had been active in politics before officially joining the organisation.
In 1988, Tarique founded the non-political social organisation 'Ziaur Rahman Foundation'.
Tarique took part in the nationwide election campaign alongside his mother, Khaleda Zia, during the 1991 election, but he was less active in politics after that, despite the BNP forming the government following that election.
He, however, played a significant role in the 2001 election campaign, where the BNP won a landslide victory and formed the government.
In 2002, following a decision by the BNP Standing Committee, Tarique Rahman was appointed Senior Joint Secretary General of the party. He gained prominence through his extensive travels across the country to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
Tarique went to London for medical treatment on September 11, 2008, and he has been living there with his family ever since.
He lost his brother, Arafat Rahman Koko, while in exile in London. A significant portion of Tarique’s political career has been spent in exile, during which he faced numerous setbacks.
While in exile, in 2009, he was elected Senior Vice-Chairman of the party during the Fifth National Council of BNP. He was reelected Senior Vice-Chairman during the Sixth National Council in 2016.
Since the imprisonment of his mother and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018, Tarique has been serving as the acting chairman of the BNP.
On September 11, 2008, just eight days after being released from jail on bail, Tarique Rahman left for London for treatment during the military-backed caretaker government. He had been arrested on March 7, 2007 and was released on bail on September 3, 2008.
On February 3, 1994, Tarique married Dr Zubaida Rahman, the daughter of former Air Force Chief and former Communications and Agriculture Minister Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan.
Their only daughter, Zaima Rahman, recently completed her law degree at Queen Mary University of London.
Read more: BNP wants people’s fate-changing reforms: Tarique Rahman
Tarique has been leading the party from London for many years, especially in the absence of his mother from politics.
After the fall of the Awami League government, he frequently addresses various party programmes virtually and issues directives to party leaders and activists.
BNP senior leaders at different recent political programmes urged the interim government to withdraw all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman, paving the way for his return from London.
15 hours ago
Tarique steps into 60 amid no birthday celebrations
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stepped into 60 on Wednesday without any celebration events.
Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965 in Bogura.
Following Tarique’s instructions, the BNP has decided not to hold any events to mark his 60th birthday.
A press release issued on November 11 said: “Leaders and activists of all BNP units, along with its associated and affiliated organisations across the country, are hereby informed that no events will be held to celebrate Mr Tarique Rahman’s birthday day.”
The statement also warned that organisational action would be taken against anyone who defies this directive.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia wished her son, Tarique Rahman, on his 60th birthday early Wednesday.
"Madam (Khaleda) spoke to Tarique every night, and she also wished him a happy birthday last night," said a BNP chief's personal physician.
Apart from Khaleda, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior party leaders, including standing committee members, extended their birthday wishes to the acting chairman and exchanged greetings.
Two standing committee members confirmed that they had sent their wishes to Tarique via SMS.
The BNP Acting Chairman stepped into 60 on Wednesday.
Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965 in Bogura.
He is currently living in exile in London with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.
Unlike previous years, the BNP has decided not to hold any events, including prayer sessions, to mark his 60th birthday, following Tarique’s instructions.
A press release issued on November 11 said: “Leaders and activists of all BNP units, along with its associated and affiliated organisations across the country, are hereby informed that no events will be held to celebrate Mr Tarique Rahman’s birthday day.”
The statement also warned that organisational action would be taken against anyone who defies this directive.
At the age of 22, he became a member of the Gabtali Upazila BNP in Bogura district in 1988. He had been active in politics before officially joining the organisation.
In 1988, Tarique founded the non-political social organisation 'Ziaur Rahman Foundation'.
Tarique took part in the nationwide election campaign alongside his mother, Khaleda Zia, during the 1991 election, but he was less active in politics after that, despite the BNP forming the government following that election.
He, however, played a significant role in the 2001 election campaign, where the BNP won a landslide victory and formed the government.
In 2002, following a decision by the BNP Standing Committee, Tarique Rahman was appointed Senior Joint Secretary General of the party. He gained prominence through his extensive travels across the country to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
Tarique went to London for medical treatment on September 11, 2008, and he has been living there with his family ever since.
He lost his brother, Arafat Rahman Koko, while in exile in London. A significant portion of Tarique’s political career has been spent in exile, during which he faced numerous setbacks.
While in exile, in 2009, he was elected Senior Vice-Chairman of the party during the Fifth National Council of BNP. He was reelected Senior Vice-Chairman during the Sixth National Council in 2016.
Since the imprisonment of his mother and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018, Tarique has been serving as the acting chairman of the BNP.
On September 11, 2008, just eight days after being released from jail on bail, Tarique Rahman left for London for treatment during the military-backed caretaker government. He had been arrested on March 7, 2007 and was released on bail on September 3, 2008.
On February 3, 1994, Tarique married Dr Zubaida Rahman, the daughter of former Air Force Chief and former Communications and Agriculture Minister Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan.
Their only daughter, Zaima Rahman, recently completed her law degree at Queen Mary University of London.
Tarique has been leading the party from London for many years, especially in the absence of his mother from politics.
After the fall of the Awami League government, he frequently addresses various party programmes virtually and issues directives to party leaders and activists.
BNP senior leaders at different recent political programmes urged the interim government to withdraw all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman, paving the way for his return from London.
17 hours ago
Khaleda invited to Armed Forces Day reception
The Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office has invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to attend a reception at Senakunja on Armed Forces Day.
Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan handed over the invitation letter to Khaleda on Tuesday night.
Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member and Khaleda Zia's personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed that the two military officers, along with their wives, visited the former Prime Minister at her Gulshan residence and delivered the invitation letter.
BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said 26 other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to the reception.
He said army officials handed over the invitation letters to Khaleda Zia’s private secretary Abdus Sattar at her Gulshan office in the afternoon.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will be present as the chief guest at the reception at Senakunja on Thursday.
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated on November 21 with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.
1 day ago
Ensuring voting rights essential for political, economic emancipation: Tarique
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that people's voting rights need to be safeguarded at any cost, stressing that it is essential for their political and economic emancipation.
“We’re fighting for the restoration of people's freedom of speech and the rights to vote. So, we must secure this right at any cost by raising public awareness,” Tarique said in his virtual concluding speech at a workshop in the capital.
He urged the people of Bangladesh to remain vigilant, warning that various conspiracies are being devised against the nation.
Tarique said no reforms would be effective or it could ensure the welfare of the nation without the political and economic emancipation of people.
The BNP leader said political emancipation means all public representatives must be accountable to people.
He said no one--whether from the government, opposition, political parties, or local leaders such as upazila or municipality chairmen, members, or councillors--should be allowed to act according to their personal whims.
“Everyone must be accountable to people. To ensure this, we must restore people's rights to vote. Accountability is guaranteed in any democratic and civilised country through voting,” the BNP leader observed.
Tarique stated that the BNP has long been engaged in a movement for the restoration of people’s political, voting and other fundamental rights. “It’s a struggle that has cost many lives and involved enduring serious oppression and suppression.”
“We often say that the plots never cease. You (BNP leaders and workers) can also understand, as you see from recent news in the newspapers, that somewhere a plot is unfolding. So, we must raise awareness among the people and stay united with them,” he said.
Institutions, establishments to be named after martyrs if BNP returns: Tarique
The BNP leader recalled the slogan "Take back Bangladesh" chanted during Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule. “This slogan symbolised the restoration of people's rights and the establishment of a strong foundation for their economic empowerment. I will request you as a colleague and order you as a leader: from today onwards, no one should use ‘Deshnayak’ or ‘Rashtanayak’ alongside my name,” he added firmly.
The BNP organised the workshop to discuss the party’s 31-point state structure reform outline at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan inaugurated the workshop in the morning.
Tarique Rahman said the BNP will return to power in the future if only its leaders and workers work and behave in accordance with the will of the country’s people.
He said the BNP presented its 31-point proposal, which is based on the opinions of all democratic parties in the country, to reform state institutions. “Many are now talking about various reforms. But when no one else even thinks about it, the BNP presented reform proposals many years ago.”
The BNP leader, however, said the 31-point proposal is not unchangeable. “We are open to incorporating any good proposals or suggestions we receive.”
The BNP leader urged party members to spread the 31-point proposal across the country, including rural areas, to inform the public about it and gather their feedback.
He encouraged BNP leaders and activists to hold small meetings in rural areas, in the countryside, to give people a clear understanding of the reform proposals.
Tarique also highlighted the importance of investing in primary education, ensuring teachers receive good salaries to curb corruption. “We must focus on the quality of education for both students and teachers.”
He also stressed the importance of focusing on the health sector to build a healthy nation with access to quality services. “If we can reduce corruption, we will be able to ensure better healthcare services.”
The BNP leader outlined the party’s plans to assess the global labour market and create skilled and semi-skilled manpower in line with the market demands.
1 day ago
Lay out election roadmap to restore trust: BNP to govt
Stating that people have started suspecting the intentions of the interim government, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged it to provide an election roadmap to maintain public confidence.
Speaking at a discussion, he also called on the advisers of the government to refrain from misleading people with their unguarded remarks.
“It’s ultimately not your (advisers’) responsibility to run the country. Organise an election quickly and let the politicians do this job,” the BNP leader said.
He added that their party has already presented a 31-point reform proposal, prepared with other democratic parties, which would be sufficient to ensure a healthy democratic atmosphere in the country.
“We have proposed reforms; from there, you can decide which ones to adopt and which ones to reject, but ultimately, the real task is to hold the elections after reconstituting the Election Commission,” Fakhrul said.
“Present a roadmap and clearly state when you will do what. If you do that, people will have confidence. People want to know the election date and when it will be held,” he said.
The Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, a platform of pro-BNP professionals, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day, commemorating the "civil-military uprising" of 7 November 1975.
Fakhrul said the government should prioritise restoring the democratic atmosphere in the country. “BNP is advocating for elections not for its own benefit, but for the benefit of the nation.”
He pointed out that various conspiracies are underway to destabilise the country, including targeting its garment sector. “There are also malicious efforts to create communal tensions in Bangladesh. Factories, which are a great asset to our country, are being set on fire.”
The BNP leader said that the current government is unable to take effective action against the plotters because it lacks political power. “If there were an elected government, with the support of the people, no one would be able to do this so easily.”
“We politicians are advising, based on our wisdom, that elections should be held promptly. We are not saying this to bring the BNP to power. If elections are delayed, the situation will worsen, and those who seek to destroy democracy and stability in Bangladesh will rise again,” Fakhrul warned.
He also criticised the conflicting statements coming from individuals within the government, which, he said, are confusing the public.
“Focus on one thing: fix the Election Commission, the administration, and the judiciary and then move towards holding the election. The rest will be handled by those who are elected,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul reiterated that if BNP returns to power with a public mandate, it will not govern alone. “We will form a national government and run the country with those who have stood with us in the street movement. So, where is the problem? Where is the doubt? People are starting to doubt you (govt).”
He said people are sensing that the country may be heading in a different direction. “Bangladesh has experience in pushing towards a different path... we want the government to succeed because its success is our success. If it fails, we will fail. We do not want Sheikh Hasina to return. We do not want the misrule of the Awami League to return.”
1 day ago
Moyeen Khan criticises interim govt's stance on election reforms
BNP Senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday criticised the interim government’s position on holding elections after reforms, calling it illogical.
While inaugurating a workshop in the capital, he also said the main responsibility of the interim government is to restore the people's right to vote by holding a neutral election after completing necessary electoral reforms.
Rizvi concerned by suggestion that interim govt may stay for 4 years
“The interim government will carry out reforms, and no one is opposing that. However, the problem is that the reforms I implement today may need to be revisited tomorrow,” he said.
The BNP organised the workshop on the party’s 31-point state structure reform outline at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.
Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said reform is a continuous process that never truly concludes. “It is illogical to say that we’ll complete the reforms and then hold elections, handing over the responsibility of governing the country to the people. Reforms are going on, and this argument doesn’t hold.”
The BNP leader said that the government must understand that reforms are a perpetual necessity as civilization itself progresses through continuous change. “So, when will reforms end? There can be no valid argument that elections should only be held after reforms are completed.”
For the past 15 years, he pointed out, the youth who have led revolutions and people from various professions have been deprived of their voting rights. “Restoring people's voting rights is the prime responsibility of this government.”
Dr Moyeen expressed confidence that a credible election could be ensured by safeguarding the voting rights of the people. “True representatives of the people will form the parliament, which will then establish a government.”
He reiterated that BNP is committed to implementing the 31-point state reform outline if voted to power. “If people vote us into power, we will take on the responsibility of serving the people, not ruling them.”
He also clarified that BNP does not support paper-based reforms but advocates for reforms that will genuinely benefit the people.
1 day ago
Stop hindering renewable energy growth in aftermath of monsoon uprising: AB Party
The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) emphasized on Monday that, due to the country’s geographical characteristics, renewable energy is the most viable option for Bangladesh, particularly for remote regions like char areas, islands, and hilly districts.
At a press conference, Asaduzzaman Fuaad, the party’s joint member secretary, highlighted that renewable energy is essential to meet future energy demands, especially as global electric vehicle usage increases and environmental concerns grow.
Fuaad also warned that blocking investments in the renewable energy sector, particularly following the July-August Monsoon uprising, could harm Bangladesh’s interests.
He stressed that the country has already attracted significant foreign investment in renewable energy, and halting this progress could undermine national development and energy security.
Key Recommendations for Renewable Energy sectors are the following:
1. Secure Ongoing Projects: Foreign investments in 34 projects (approximately 2,700 MW capacity) must be protected, avoiding unnecessary disputes and maintaining investor confidence. These projects could generate $5 billion in foreign investments, preventing reputational damage;
2. Land Utilization: Utilize government-owned fallow and char lands (sand beds) for solar projects through open tenders, enabling cost-effective energy production;
3. Complete Feasibility Studies: Expedite World Bank-funded solar energy feasibility tests in Islampur area of Jamalpur district char areas of 20 thousand acres of land, four barren sand beds, to develop up to 20,000 MW electricity over the years;
4. Solar Irrigation: Replace diesel irrigation pumps with solar alternatives to reduce production costs and diesel imports;
5. Rooftop Solar: Expand net metering systems for rooftop solar energy production, involving homeowners, energy companies, and investors;
6. Electric Vehicles: Promote electric vehicle production through public-private investment, incentivizing adoption;
7. Tax Reductions: Lower or remove tariffs on essential renewable energy components like solar panels and inverters;
8. Regional Energy Policies: Implement regional Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) systems to boost renewable energy generation;
9. Hydropower Imports: Explore cost-efficient imports of hydropower from Bhutan and Nepal, if at all necessary, via dedicated transmission lines;
10. Battery Storage Systems: Establish low-cost battery storage systems for off-peak energy use, ensuring stable electricity transmission and service to remote areas.
2 days ago