Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed said on Thursday that his party agreed with 120 out of 166 proposals sent by the National Consensus Commission, which was formed for state reform. Speaking at a dialogue with the commission on Thursday at the LD Hall in the National Parliament Building area, Oli detailed the party’s stance on the proposals. He said out of the 166 proposals, LDP agreed with 120, disagreed with 42, partially agreed with two, and found two unclear. Consensus Commission starts dialogue with political parties On constitutional reforms, LDP agreed with 51 out of 61 proposals, disagreed with 16, partially agreed with one, and found two unclear. Regarding the judiciary, the party supported 22 out of 23 proposals and partially agreed with one. For anti-corruption measures, LDP backed all 20 proposals. However, in public administration, the party agreed with 11 out of 26 proposals and disagreed with 15. On electoral reforms, LDP supported 16 out of 27 proposals while opposing 11. Oli Ahmed criticised the Election Commission's recommendations, calling them weak. He pointed out that past recommendations from dialogues with political parties should have been compiled. "No matter what steps are taken, a fair election is impossible unless two key officials cooperate – the Officer-in-Charge (OC) and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)," he said. The meeting was led by National Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz, along with members Safar Raj Hossain, Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Consensus Commission to hold meetings with 4 political parties before Eid: Ali Riaz LDP Secretary General Redwan Ahmed and eight other party members were also present at the time.

Senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday said the July-August mass uprising and the formation of the interim government were the direct outcomes of his party's 16-year-long movement against the 'fascist' Awami League regime. “We carried out movements on the streets for 16 years against the fascist government. The July-August uprising and the formation of the interim government were the results of that movement,” he said. Mosharraf made these remarks while addressing a commemoration meeting at the Jatiya Press Club. The Khandaker Delwar Smriti Foundation organised the meeting to mark the 14th anniversary of the death of former BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain. Mosharraf, a member of BNP's Standing Committee, urged the interim government not to delay the national elections under the pretext of reforms. “The interim government must fulfil the people's aspirations by conducting the national election without unnecessary delay. This is what the people expect,” he said. The BNP leader noted that when the current government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, came to power, it had promised to establish people's rights. “That right refers to the right to vote. We hope the government will soon live up to its promise.” People won’t accept any excuse for delaying election: Murad BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, while addressing the programme, criticised the government for failing to remove ‘fascist elements’ from various government offices. “Those who held important positions during the Awami League regime are now serving in similar roles in the interim government,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that the same officer who had framed Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust case is now holding a key position in a significant ministry in the interim government with considerable power. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque said the people of the country are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to exercise their voting rights, of which they have been deprived for 17 years. “The people of the country now want a national election, not any other form of reform,” he observed. Farroque urged the interim government to announce a clear election date, stating, “People do not want anything more from you.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has welcomed the move by the students who led last year's uprising to form a political party, but warned that it would disappoint the people if it is seen to enjoy the state and current administration's support. Speaking virtually at a discussion on Saturday, he also said indulging controversies over the national elections will only strengthen the position of the defeated fascist forces. Jatiya Shikkhak Karmachari Oikya Jote arranged the programme titled “Jatiya Shikkhak Dibos and Shikkhak Samabesh” at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman (January 19).  “The country's students and youth have become interested in the state and political system, which is certainly a positive aspect,” Tarique said. He said the young people have not been able to vote in a single election in the last one and a half decades. “If any of these young people, deprived of democratic and political rights, form a new political party to establish the rights of the people, BNP certainly welcomes the initiative. But if anyone seeks help from the state and administrative support to form a political party, it will disappoint the people,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy He also said that if the behaviour, comments, or statements of those intending to form a new party are antagonistic and vindictive towards other political parties, that would also be undesirable to the people. “Of course, today’s youth are the future of Bangladesh. The youth will create a new path by coming out of the past, but not in a questionable way. The path should be transparent and normal,” Tarique opined. He also considered any misunderstanding or unnecessary argument between the interim government and the pro-democracy forces of Bangladesh as a waste of time. “But at the same time, I want to draw the attention of the government and say that if the people can patiently accept its failures in various areas, it is important for those in the government to have much more patience and tolerance,” the BNP leader said. As BNP pursues politics for the welfare of the people, he said their party aims to ensure the people’s political and economic power. "Election is one of the main effective tools to ensure the political power of the people. Creating controversy over the election arrangement means unwittingly strengthening the position of fugitive and defeated fascist forces," Tarique warned. BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections He also instructed party leaders and activists at all levels to remain alert to ensure that no one creates confusion or provokes controversy over their activities. “The people are the source of BNP's political power, and as long as the people are with us, no conspiracy will be able to defeat us, Inshallah,” Tarique said. The BNP Acting Chairman's statement comes amid a political debate triggered by his party's secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, expressing doubts over the the interim government’s neutrality with students being part of it, that Information Adviser Nahid Islam, one of the student leaders of the uprising, countered by suggesting Fakhrul's statement indicated BNP would prefer a '1/11'-type government. Tarique appealed to all sections of society, including teachers, intellectuals, and journalists, to understand that democracy develops through daily actions, attitudes, and practices, not through procedures written in books. "We’ll certainly have different opinions and paths, and that is the beauty of democracy. But our goal is one and the same... Our goal is to establish a liberal, democratic, equitable, and humane Bangladesh," he said. The BNP leader said that after the 'mafia chief' Sheikh Hasina fled the country following the people's uprising, a great opportunity had arisen to establish a democratic, equitable, and humane Bangladesh. He, however, warned that any conspiracy by the 'fugitive autocrat' and her associates, or unnecessary misunderstandings between pro-democracy forces, could jeopardise the opportunity. "Everyone needs to remain aware of it." Tarique said the BNP is in favour of both reform and election. "Both are very important. Some people try to provoke unnecessary arguments with a purposeful question: which comes first, reform or elections? If we look at the current situation in the country, it is different." BNP, Khelafat Majlis agree on holding elections by 2025 At this moment, he said it is more important for crores of families across the country to manage their households than to focus on elections and reforms. "On one hand, there is the soaring cost of living, and on the other, the burden of VAT imposed on the people. As a result, farmers, workers, day labourers, low-income people, and even lower-middle-class families are finding it difficult to maintain their families. Many families are silently suffering," the BNP leader observed. He asked how the daily suffering and hardships of the people can be alleviated, how market syndicates can be broken to keep commodity prices within the reach of the people, how people can be freed from false cases filed during the fascist regime, and how law enforcement can be made more active to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. "These issues must be at the top of the interim government's priority list." Despite the various limitations of the interim government, the BNP leader said he believes it should not be allowed to fail, he said. On the occasion, Tarique also pledged that the BNP would play a positive role in ensuring the rightful demands of teachers if it is voted into power.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has laid emphasis on reorganisng the party with talented, diligent, honest and productive people to rebuild the country as it has been battered with the autocratic rule. “We strongly believe that we will get the people's support (to form government) InshaAllah. After that, we must rebuild our country. If we do not reorganise the party properly, we will not be able to rebuild the country,” he said while virtually addressing the BNP’s primary membership renewal programme on Monday. Tarique formally launched the programme by submitting his party membership renewal form online during an event at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He also paid 20 taka (equivalent to 15 pence in British currency) as his subscription for membership renewal. No conflict between reform and election: Fakhrul The BNP leader said their party has already presented a 31-point proposal for overhauling and rebuilding the state before the nation. “To implement it, we must unite and reorganise our party by bringing those talented individuals to the forefront. We need to unite those who are hardworking, have integrity and ideals, and involve them in the party,” he said. Tarique also said, “We need good, effective, and productive people in the coming days, as the runaway autocrat has set this country far back and destroyed all sectors. To rebuild the country, we need such people, and we must bring them forward.” He called upon party leaders to ensure the success of the BNP’s membership renewal programme by organising and uniting all party workers across the country. “We want to reach the grassroots. If we can organise them better, we will strengthen the party even more.” BNP promises to ignore loan defaulters in upcoming election He also urged the BNP rank and file to put their best efforts into overhauling the party, just as they had shown patriotism and strong resolve in their struggle to free the country from autocracy, braving all forms of repression. “The more we can reorganise, strengthen and unite the party, the quicker we can repair and restructure the country in line with our 31-point outline. Let’s begin our work today,” Tarique said. He said it was a joyous day for all BNP leaders and workers, as they were renewing their membership with the party, which they had stood by despite enduring immense repression and suppression. “I believe a storm swept across the country (during the Awami League rule), battering every sector. Political parties faced repressive acts such as enforced disappearances and killings. Hundreds of our leaders and workers were subjected to killings and enforced disappearances,” he said. Tarique said leaders and workers from other parties were also made to disappear, killed, maimed, and oppressed in similar ways as BNP members. “Just as all sectors of the country were destroyed and the people suppressed, so too were the political parties repressed.”  “That storm is over. After any natural storm, people repair and reorganise their battered crop fields and homes. We’ve lost many of our colleagues in that storm, in various ways. Some we lost due to political reasons, others due to natural causes, and some moved away from politics for different reasons. That’s why we will reorganise our party once again,” he observed. Won't stop until misrule-free Bangladesh is established: Jamaat Ameer Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said training for BNP leaders and workers is essential, as it appears they are drifting away from politics. “Yesterday (Sunday) we marked the birth anniversary of our founder, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Our workers there shouted slogans in the name of different leaders from Dhaka South and North. This is not politics. It cannot be politics,” he said. The BNP leader said such slogans should not come from the mouth of a political worker, as they reflect political bankruptcy. “We must now make political training compulsory in every upazila and district. This must be done with urgency.” He also said the party must take steps to transform itself into an ideal political organisation. “We will not be able to engage in politics merely by raising slogans. We must now focus on merit-based politics. We cannot win future battles simply by chanting slogans if we lack intellect and prudence,” Fakhrul observed. He also urged party leaders and workers to recruit meritorious and intelligent individuals during the new member recruitment drive to further strengthen the country. Earlier, Mirza Fakhrul, party standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, senior joint general secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat also filled their forms and renewed their memberships. Following the Sixth National Council, BNP's last primary membership renewal programme was held in 2017 under the leadership of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that not only India but also a few political parties, including those who opposed the Liberation War in 1971, are trying to fish in troubled waters to secure their own political gains. “Now, not only a neighbouring country is spreading propaganda and misinformation and trying to stigmatise (the BNP), but also one or two political parties from within the country are trying to fish in troubled waters to make their political gains,” he said after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Rizvi spoke to reporters after placing wreaths at Zia’s grave, accompanied by the leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Rickshaw-Van-Auto Sramik Dal. He said all democratic political forces should be united at this time, but a few parties are trying to divide these forces solely for their own political interests. Rizvi criticised the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami for their remarks that one party of extortionists has escaped, and people do not want to see another party of extortionists. “Don't we understand who you mean by this? The day after August 5, we saw how you took control of the Islamic banks .People witnessed it, but now you're talking tall,” the BNP leader said. He said banks were looted during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, but many banks have also have been taken over by the successors of S Alam after August 5. Rizvi said the followers of an Islamist political party grabbed Islami Bank following the political changeover in August this year." In an indirect reference to Jamaat, he said the party is now attempting to defame BNP, even though its followers have taken control of various things, including terminals and CNG stands, and have been involved in tender manipulation. Mirza Abbas slams calls to bury constitution, reminds of martyrs' sacrifice "I would like to say that political party is quietly indulging in all sorts of misdeeds. The people witnessed how you embezzled banks after the fall of Sheikh Hasina,” the BNP leader said. He also said the people of the country are well aware of which party is associated with sharp weapons and the cutting of tendons. “You opposed the Liberation War in 1971, but Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the Independence…  You joined Ershad's elections with Sheikh Hasina in 1986, betraying people,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi said Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin took over power following the political changeover in 2007 to destroy democracy and establish a harsh autocratic rule like Sheikh Hasina. 'You also forced (BNP) to join the election under their regime at that time,” he said. “You (Jamaat) do politics in the name of Islam. But Islam does not condone repeated betrayal. BNP has never backed down from its commitment to people. From 1971 to August 5, BNP has never bowed its head down on the issue of democracy,'" he said. Rizvi also criticised the Jamaat leaders for their comments about improving relations with India and pardoning Sheikh Hasina and her party. “You want to improve relations with India. This neighbouring country was complicit in all the incidents of killing and enforced disappearances under Sheikh Hasina,” he said. The BNP leader said key Jamaat leaders were removed from politic by the Hasina government through extrajudicial killings. “Even after that, you would forgive Sheikh Hasina and seek better ties with India. This shows that you care little about fairness and justice.” He said Jamaat is offering forgiveness to the Awami League and expressing willingness to improve ties with India, even though neither has asked for it. “Doesn’t this amount to betrayal of your own blood?” Rizvi said the July revolution was the result of 16 years of uninterrupted movement by BNP and other democratic parties. He claimed that 97 workers were martyred during the July-August movement to oust Sheikh Hasina.

In a call for the medical community to play their due role in societal development, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that doctors have the power to create a more humane nation. “Doctors, if they want, can build a humane nation,” he said while addressing the National Medical Conference, held at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Wednesday. Shafiqur Rahman urged doctors to take the lead in building an ideal society, saying that an integral part of this process involves addressing internal inequalities within the country. Jamaat chief accuses Awami League of murderous politics "To move the nation forward, we must eliminate all forms of inequality. Once inequalities are removed, the nation will progress," he added. Pointing at the broader need for national transformation, the Jamaat Ameer said, “A true wave of change has emerged in Bangladesh. To sustain this change, we must work together in unity.” He noted that these changes are necessary for creating a society that benefits everyone, especially the marginalised. AL's accomplices tasked with destabilising country: Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman also focused on medical research, urging doctors to take up advanced research to set an example for the creation of a humane state. “Healthcare can be a model for building a compassionate nation, so doctors should prioritize research and innovation.” 

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged party leaders and activists to brace for a relentless struggle to safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty, warning that conspirators at home and abroad are eyeing the country’s resources with "vulture eyes". “The conspiracy has not stopped. You have passed the test by fighting for democracy…But the exam is not over yet. There are more tests ahead. It is a struggle in favour of the people and democracy. It’s a war for independence and sovereignty. If we are to win this war, we must continue to fight,” he said while virtually addressing BNP workshops. “The workshops, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," were organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Munshiganj, Narsingdi and Manikganj districts. BNP welcomes HC verdict scrapping part of 15th Amendment Tarique said the conspiracy by mischievous elements, both within the country and abroad, against the BNP, its leaders, and the nation, does not stop. "Many are greedily eyeing the country’s financial and natural resources. If chaos can be stirred in the country, or if a weak government, lacking popular support and not representing the people, can be kept in power, then many will have the opportunity to loot the country's wealth," he warned. The BNP leader said the interests of the country and its people will remain secure if a public-supported, pro-people, and patriotic government is in power. “In such a case, those who eye the country’s money, wealth, and natural resources with vulture-like greed will think twice.” He once again urged his party leaders and workers to work on building the people’s confidence in the BNP and securing public support to win the next election. “We have no alternative but to stay with the people and engage with them constantly to overcome the hurdle of the election with their support,” Tarique said. Mentioning that BNP leaders and workers faced serious ordeals and challenges in their political journey, he urged them to use all their experience, knowledge, and prudence to win the people’s support. He said their party will gradually implement the 31-point proposal if it gets the chance to form the government with the support of people. CA’s election statement disappointing, says Fakhrul Tarique said the people of Bangladesh can play a crucial role in helping the BNP implement the 31-point outline, which was formulated in consultation with all the parties that waged the simultaneous movement against the Awami League regime. He said their party is open to accepting any better proposals from other parties or individuals for the welfare of the people and the country. The BNP leader believes that a positive change will come for the country and its people if the BNP can begin working on the implementation of the 31-point proposal. “We will only be able to implement the 31-point plan if we have the public's support. So, we must go to the people and gain their support at any cost. We must convince them by constantly engaging with them,” he observed.

The people of the country will see a political government next year, Planning and Finance Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud has said. "Personally, I believe we will see an elected government next year," he said while speaking at the opening session of the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) at a hotel in the capital on Saturday. Bangladesh "unfairly portrayed" in int'l media, parliamentary hearings in influential nations: CA's Press Secretary The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) organised the event.   Dr Mahmud, however, pointed out that income inequality remains one of the country’s most pressing concerns. "To tackle this disparity, quality education is paramount, an area where Bangladesh still has a long way to go," he said. Diplomats of 27 European countries to meet CA Dec 9 As Bangladesh transitions from its status as a Least Developed Country (LDC), Dr Mahmud referred to the ongoing efforts to retain some benefits associated with the LDC status. “We no longer have the option of remaining an LDC. Discussions to sustain certain privileges from developed nations are ongoing, with positive responses from many,” the adviser said. Homeless protesters block highway in Natore alleging corruption in housing allocation In a separate session, Indermit S Gill, Chief Economist at the World Bank, provided insights into how Bangladesh could escape the middle-income trap. Investment and job creation should be the focal points, he stated, urging the country to foster entrepreneurship and expand the use of technology.

Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said on Tuesday that the people of Bangladesh will decide whether the Awami League and its 14-party alliance should be allowed to contest in the national election. Speaking to reporters after a morning meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, the adviser underscored the public’s role in determining election eligibility for parties accused of blatant human rights violations. Search Committee for EC to be announced within a day or two: Asif Nazrul “It’s ultimately up to the people to decide whether this party that has shown no remorse for genocide, should be allowed to contest before facing justice,” he said in response to a question. The law adviser also noted that trial must precede any conclusive decision on Awami League’s eligibility for election.

Speakers at a seminar on Saturday stressed the need for an election-time neutral government system to make general elections fair, neutral and credible until the current political reality is changed. They suggested the reintroduction of the ‘no vote’ system, narrowing the scope of uncontested election, widening the scope for the government employees to play an impartial role during elections and for making them more accountable in the case of irregularities. Jamaat will wait for elections until reforms are completed, says Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman  Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) arranged the seminar titled ‘What Reform to the Electoral System is Desirable?’ at the city’s Cirdap auditorium. Textiles and Jute Adviser and also former election commissioner M Sakhawat Hossain, Chief of Electoral Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, political leaders, student representatives and journalists spoke at the seminar. Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said the Election Commission, the administration or the government, the political parties, media and civil society are important stakeholders to make an election fair and credible. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique Talking about the role of government, he said there was a caretaker government system, but it was scrapped in a quite unconstitutional and unjust way.   “An election-time neutral government system is needed no matter what we call it – it may be the caretaker government system or another system,” he said. Describing the election as a long-term process, Dr Majumdar said the process started from the preparation of electoral rolls. “This election process must be fair, impartial and credible. Otherwise the elections would be controversial and incredible in many ways if we keep our focus on just the Election Day. So, we need to review the whole process,” he said. Noting that democracy is a basic structure of the constitution, he said if the election does not make democratic system effective, it is a violation of the constitution. “We witnessed this violation in the past,” he said, expressing his optimism that there would be no such violation in the future. A political consensus and change of political culture are required over holding a fair election, he said, adding that the political parties had played the responsible roles during the 1991 general election, which is one of the best elections in Bangladesh. The chief of the Electoral Reform Commission asked the political parties to submit their election-related written proposals to the commission. Adviser Sakhawat Hossain recommended the effectiveness of the Election Commission’s (EC’s) actions against the government employees over election irregularities should be harsher. “If a government employee makes any deviation while working with the Election Commission for 15 days, the report of the Election Commission should be the final report for his or her career,” he said. If they (government employees) can be made accountable in this way, many problems would go, he added. The former election commissioner said the caretaker government won’t be required so much in case of a bicameral parliamentary system. “In that case, the EC will have to be given a kind of authority over the ministries during the elections.” He criticised the RPO amendment that reduced the EC’s authority over cancellation of an entire election.  Sakhawat said proportional representation (PR) can be introduced in the case of the election to 50 women reserve seats. BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon said a caretaker government or election-time government system should be introduced. “I think the caretaker government should be here for 100 years.” He said there should be no provision for uncontested elections. In case of a single candidate against a post, the polls should be rescheduled, he added. The BNP leader said the law regarding appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners undoubtedly needs to be amended. BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said as per his party's 31-point state reform proposal, if BNP is elected, it would form a national government with representatives of other political parties. “No one shall be the Prime Minister or the President for over two consecutive terms. It is a proposal of the BNP. There should be a balance between the authority of the President and the Prime Minister, which was included in the BNP's reform proposal,” he said. During the election time, no writ petition should be acceptable in any higher court or any other court without taking opinions of the Election Commission, said Moazzem. Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud said, “The caretaker government system should be reinstated permanently in the constitution.” He suggested EVM or DVM systems should be scrapped as the machines are used as tools to deceive people. The Jamaat leader also recommended making local government elections as non-partisan ones, cancellation of the political party registration system, introduction of PR system and withdrawal of the provision for an independent aspirant to collect the signatures of one percent voters. Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan Zonayed Saki said the next 3-5 general elections should be held under the non-partisan election-time government or the interim government. “The institutions won't be developed or the mindset would be changed immediately after the reform. So, the next 3-5 elections should be under an interim government,” he said. Saki said no hate speech should be allowed in the electoral campaign and the ‘No vote’ system should be reinstated. He said the provisions in the political party registration act should be eased to promote the formation of new political parties. President of Gana Adhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur said the local government elections need to be held in non-partisan manner. “A neutral administration and neutral government system will have to be ensured, if you want fair elections in future,” he said, adding that the PR will have to be ensured. Jatiya Party presidium member Shameem Haider Patwary said no more than 10 percent uncontested MPs should not be in an election and the PR system should be introduced. General Secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Ruhin Hossain Prince recommended restoration of election-time government, reinstatement of ‘No vote’ system, introduction of PR system and dissolution of Parliament ahead of election. Journalist Sohrab Hassan said the 15th amendment to the constitution needs to be cancelled first and women representation should be ensured through direct election. Besides, AB Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Manju and Nagorik Committee member and representative of the students Ariful Rahman Adit, and RFED general secretary Humayun Kabir also spoke at the function moderated by RFED president Akramul Hoque Sayem.