BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the people of the country are celebrating this year’s Eid in a joyful and free environment, a stark contrast to the 15 years of oppressive rule under the Awami League’s fascist government. Speaking to the media after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, he also expressed the hope that the interim government would restore democracy and people's right to vote, fulfilling its promises to the nation. Tarique Rahman extends Eid greetings to Bangladeshis, Muslim Ummah “There is a significant difference between this year’s Eid and the Eid celebrations over the past 15 years. This time, we are celebrating Eid in a free, joyful atmosphere,” the BNP leader said. He said the people of the country have fought for democracy, the right to vote, the right to food, and the establishment of human rights over the last 15 years. Fakhrul said they prayed to the Almighty Allah on Eid day for this struggle to come to fruition through the restoration of democracy and the fulfillment of people's rights. “On this day, we hope that everyone who holds responsibility will succeed in their duties, and especially that the interim government will fulfil the promises they made to the people,” he said. Fakhrul mentioned that their party leaders and workers have vowed on this day to fulfil their own promises to the people. He said they prayed to Allah so that every Bangladeshi can celebrate Eid with happiness. “We also prayed for the speedy recovery of our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and for the immediate return of our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.” Earlier, Fakhrul, along with party leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the Eid. Khaleda may return home from London in mid-April: Fakhrul BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Nazrul Islam Khan, senior leaders Ahmed Azam Khan, Amanullah Aman, Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Saiful Alam Nirab, Mir Newaz Ali, Aminul Haque, and over a thousand leaders and activists from the party and its associate bodies were present. Fakhrul urges Dr Yunus to remove advisers compromising govt’s neutrality

Even though the BNP has agreed to the reform proposal for reinstating the caretaker government system to oversee the upcoming national election, the party insists on maintaining the previous 90-day tenure instead of the 120-day period proposed by the Electoral System Reform Commission. "The caretaker government system is an exceptional measure in the context of Bangladesh's realities. It is a constitutional provision designed to enable the state to be run by elected representatives of the public. So, in this regard, it is preferable to have a caretaker government for a 90-day period, as was the case in the past," the party said in response to the reform recommendation made by the Electoral System Reform Commission. Plans afoot to tackle shortage of water in fighting Sundarban fires In its recent submission to the National Consensus Commission, the BNP also said the main responsibility of the caretaker government is to ensure the conduct of a fair and credible national election. "So, its role should be limited to arranging the national parliamentary elections, and no other elections should be held during its 90-day tenure. The Electoral System Reform Commission recommended a four-month caretaker government system to oversee the national election as well as all local government elections within its tenure. The National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, began its work on February 15, 2025, with the aim of building consensus on the state reform recommendations put forward by the five reform commissions. The commission identified key recommendations from the reports of the five reform commissions—the Constitution Reform Commission, the Public Administration Reform Commission, the Electoral System Reform Commission, the Judiciary Reform Commission, and the ACC Reform Commission—to solicit opinions from political parties. Subsequently, the Consensus Commission sent a spreadsheet containing 166 recommendations to 38 political parties, requesting their specific opinions on the most important reform proposals. On March 23, the BNP submitted its opinions to the National Consensus Commission regarding key recommendations from the five reform commissions. Rather than providing a simple 'Yes' or 'No' response, the party presented its views in a separate column for each recommendation. Regarding the 27 reform recommendations related to the electoral system, the BNP partially agreed with 8 to 9 of them. For many of the remaining recommendations, the party either disagreed or stated that they are constitutionally significant and should be decided by an elected parliament. The Electoral Reform Commission, in its recommendations, proposed that the caretaker government should be granted the authority to reform necessary laws and rules, as well as to reshuffle the administration beyond its routine functions, in order to ensure fair, impartial and credible elections. Eid exodus underway from capital The BNP strongly opposed this recommendation, arguing that it pertains to constitutional matters. "Administrative reshuffling is a routine duty of the caretaker government. There is no scope for this government to undertake any other responsibilities beyond its routine functions during the election period.” The Electoral Reform Commission also suggested the establishment of a permanent National Constitutional Council to finalise the appointment of the head of the caretaker government. Following this, the head of the caretaker government would appoint an additional 20 advisers. Regarding the recommendation, the BNP said the issue also pertains to constitutional reform. Since it involves a fundamental change, the party argued that an elected national parliament, which has the power to amend the Constitution with a two-thirds majority vote, should make the appropriate decision on this matter. On the matter of holding local government elections before the national election during the polls-time government, the BNP said the primary responsibility of the caretaker or interim government is to conduct the national election, not the local government elections. “Whenever the National Parliament is dissolved, it is essential to hold parliamentary elections within 90 days. So, there is no scope for holding local government elections before the National Parliament elections under the caretaker government, the party said. The BNP also opposed the proposal to establish a permanent independent authority for the delimitation of constituencies, stating that constituency delimitation is a key constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission. “So, creating a separate authority for this task would lead to dual authorities and administrative complexities, which is undesirable.” About the commission’s proposal to establish a permanent National Constitutional Council (NCC) for appointments to all constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission, the BNP rejected it, arguing that the formation of such a council appears to contradict the constitution. The commission proposed that if Election Commissioners fail to perform their duties or violate their oath, a parliamentary committee would investigate and recommend actions to the President. In response, the BNP argued that the Election Commission is an independent constitutional body and should not be accountable to a parliamentary committee, cautioning against any actions that could undermine its independence. The Commission has proposed to include registered political parties in the Right to Information Act 2009 and BNP agreed in principle with this proposal. The BNP also opposed the proposal to amend the International Crimes Tribunal and the RPO to prevent those accused of crimes against humanity from participating in parliamentary elections, saying the qualifications and disqualifications of candidates for national parliamentary elections are already outlined in the constitution and the RPO. The party also noted that any attempt to disqualify those accused of atrocities, including the killing of countless students, women, and children, would require necessary constitutional amendments. About the recommendation to limit a prime minister's tenure to a maximum of two terms, the BNP highlighted that its 31-point reform proposal included a commitment to amend the Constitution to impose a maximum of two consecutive terms. On the suggestion to disqualify a two-time elected prime minister from becoming president, the party stated that this is a matter of constitutional reform. The reform commission also proposed that the same person should not hold the positions of party chief, prime minister, and Leader of the House simultaneously. But, the BNP disagreed, arguing that the leader of the majority party in Parliament naturally assumes the roles of both the Leader of the House and the prime minister. "It is essential for accountability in parliamentary politics. Besides, this decision is within the discretion of the party concerned," the BNP opined. About the recommendation to establish a 100-seat upper house in the parliament, the party said the issue was incorporated in its 31-point agenda. Bangladesh labour market shrinks as manpower exports decline by nearly 30% “We agree with the establishment of an upper house. But it is essential to determine the procedure, system, the number of seats, its jurisdiction and different issues by an elected parliament,” the party said. The party also agreed with the suggestion to pick the deputy speaker from the opposition party, but said this system should be taken by an elected parliament. About the recommendation to form the lower house with 400 representatives elected through direct votes, BNP said the issue can be considered by an elected parliament after proper assessment.

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.