United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Saturday said no one has the power to prevent the upcoming national election if BNP takes to the streets. “Elections must be held… no one has the power to stop the election, if we take to the streets. Those who say we could not achieve anything in 16 years, I would like to tell them, we can now achieve it in 16 days…but we won’t show that,” he said while addressing a rally in Keraniganj, demanding an early election. Referring to the government’s commitment to holding elections in time, Gayeshwar said they are patiently waiting with the expectation that the gentleman (Chief Adviser) will keep his promise and arrange elections in time. Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Jamaat has taken control of both the education and health sectors… There is no room left for anyone else. Some people often talk about Indian agents, but those who truly act as India’s agents are the ones working for India.” This veteran politician said those opposing elections or delaying the process in the name of reforms are the real agents of India, and they have inducted “notorious” Awami League members into their parties. BNP slams Jamaat for trying to 'fish in troubled waters' Speaking about the recent abduction of Porag Mandal, he said, “You all know who abducted Porag Mandal… I hear he is now a leader of Jamaat.” Mentioning that there is a pretext being used in the name of reform, this BNP standing committee member said BNP supports reform but does not and will not accept superstition. Addressing students, Gayeshwar said, “Students have every right to do politics. We also did student politics. Your contributions will be written in golden letters in history. But if you try to foil the election through conspiracies, your reputation will be tarnished and you will face public outrage.” Speaking as the chief guest, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said other political parties are using similar demands as BNP's to delay the election. “An Islamic party has now become ‘Shahid Mubarak’ just to contest elections alongside Awami League. In the past, they collaborated with Awami League by conspiring with India. They helped legitimise the illegal election and now they are giving big speeches at the reform commission,” he added. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Organising Secretary Shama Obaid also addressed the rally as special guests.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed the upcoming national election and areas of bilateral cooperation. The nearly hour-long meeting, which began at 3pm, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were present at the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Khosru said they had a long discussion on various issues of mutual interest. He said they obviously talked about Bangladesh’s national election expected to be held in early February 2026. “We discussed the preparations by the government, political parties and the BNP for the election.” Mirza Abbas alleges ploy to delay election through unreasonable demands The BNP leader said the Canadian envoy informed them that his country is ready to provide cooperation in the Bangladesh election process, as they are already working with the Election Commission in this regard. Khosru said other issues related to bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Canada were also discussed. He said they talked about the future of Bangladesh-Canada relations and explored areas where the two countries can work and cooperate if the people vote BNP to power in the days to come.  Khosru said they discussed how Canada could extend its cooperation to Bangladesh’s agriculture sector for its development and modernisation through technology and agricultural programmes. Besides, he said, they talked about Canada’s cooperation in the improvement of Bangladesh’s IT, education and health sectors.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday urged the interim government to assure the nation whether Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus conveyed to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) the message to prepare for holding the national election in the first half of February 2026. “We saw in the media that the Chief Election Commissioner met the Chief Adviser. After the London meeting, we expected that the Chief Adviser would formally inform the Election Commission about holding the national election in the first half of February 2026, before the start of Ramadan,” he said while talking to reporters at his Gulshan residence. As Prof Yunus held a meeting with the CEC on Thursday, Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said they hoped that either the Chief Adviser’s office or the Election Commission would inform the media about what had been discussed. “Everyone is now assuming that the Chief Adviser conveyed his message to the Chief Election Commissioner regarding preparations for holding the elections in the first half of February 2026, the week before the start of Ramadan. That is our assumption,” he said. The BNP leader, however, said they did not know whether the Chief Adviser really communicated this message or gave any advice or instructions regarding the election. “If both sides clarify the matter before the nation, then we will be reassured.” Earlier on Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMN Nasir Uddin had a courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna. BNP believes govt preparing for polls before Ramadan: Farroque Salahuddin said the Election Commission had said several times in the past that all preparations, including procurement processes, would be completed by September. He said the voter list update was already done, and other necessary procurement processes had also been completed. “Only the delimitation process remains, and that can be finished within three months… After the schedule is announced, there will be many activities, including appointing polling officers and presiding officers, setting up polling stations, and conducting training. These are ongoing processes. No special preparation is required for these,” the BNP leader said. When asked about the Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party’s (NCP's) demand for local elections before the parliamentary polls, Salahuddin dismissed the idea, saying it is not viable. “Political parties can make different demands, but most parties agree on holding the national election within the time mentioned by the Chief Adviser. There is no disagreement on this point,” he said. “It would be almost impossible for the Election Commission to conduct local government elections within this period. These elections – whether union parishad, municipality, upazila or city corporation – require at least six months to organise. If they go for local elections now, they might not be able to hold the national election on time,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin said the priority must be on holding a free, fair, and neutral national election under the caretaker government. “We have fought for our voting rights, not for local government elections. The Election Commission’s main duty now is to prepare for the national election, reflecting the hopes and expectations of the people,” he said.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met for 90 minutes and agreed to hold the next election in the week before Ramadan 2026, instead of early April, if all preparations are completed in time. A joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London, indicating that the talks marked a turning point in dispelling political stalemate and easing strained ties between the interim government and the country’s largest political party. Reading out the statement at a joint press conference at the Dorchester Hotel in London after the meeting, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman said the talks between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus were held in a very cordial atmosphere. The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held a week before Ramadan next year. “BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also believes that holding the election during that time would be appropriate.” “The Chief Adviser said he has already announced that the election will be held in the early April next year. If all preparations are completed, it may even be possible to hold the election in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. But, in that case, sufficient progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial,” the joint statement reads. It said Tarique welcomed the Chief Adviser’s position and thanked him on behalf of the party. “The Chief Adviser also thanked Mr Tarique Rahman for the fruitful discussion.” Earlier, the high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly one and a half hours of discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm, Bangladesh time, on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST). The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm (BST) but concluded half an hour earlier than planned. Addressing the press conference, Dr Khalilur expressed the hope that the Election Commission will soon announce a date for the next national election. “There is no problem over the election time. We don’t see any problem…  We both sides in the joint statement talked about (our position on) the election, and we hope the Election Commission will soon announce a date for the election,” he said. Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting clears uncertainty, paves path for polls: Fakhrul Both Dr Khalilur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury who also joined the press conference said they were happy with the outcome of the meeting. “We’re surely satisfied. We also said that not only before the election, but also after the election, we all will work together for building the country,” said Khosru. Echoing the BNP leader, Dr Khalilur said, “The joint statement would not have been issued if both sides were not satisfied.” Replying to a question over July charter and reform, Amir Khosru said there is already a decision that the July Charter would be framed based on consensus. “We will make both the July Charter and reforms following consensus. I’m confident we can reach a decision soon in this regard,” he said. The BNP leader said all important issues normally came up for discussion in the meeting as there is a determination to build a new Bangladesh. “We move ahead with a determination to build a new Bangladesh. We all want to work together to fulfill the determination we have taken to build the country. We will take forward the determination we have agreed on to build Bangladesh not only before the election, but also after the election," he said. Amir Khosru said the Chief Adviser, Tarique Rahman and all others said the same thing -- whatever issues are agreed upon will be implemented as reforms.  Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul Asked about Tarique Rahman’s possible return to Bangladesh, Khosru said, “We don’t think it’s necessary to discuss here in the meeting. Mr Tarique Rahman can return to the country whenever he wants. So, he will take this decision in due time.” In reply to a question about the newly formed Nationalist Citizen Party’s (NCP) announcement that it would not participate in the election without reforming the Election Commission, Dr Khalilur said, “You should ask them (NCP). Every party has its own opinion, but we want to hold the election with participation of all.” When asked whether the government is shifting from its April election timeline, Dr Khalilur said, “If all preparations are completed on time and there is sufficient progress in reforms and justice, it can certainly be done (the election may be held earlier).” Amir Khosru the meeting started with the two delegations and later moved to a one-on-one discussion between the duo (Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman). The discussion between them (the two persons) lasted for a long time.” CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was present during the joint briefing. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, during his meeting with the party’s acting chairman, agreed to hold the next national election in mid-February next. “Everybody was expecting that this meeting could be a turning point. We express our gratitude to Allah that this meeting has truly turned into a turning point,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after the meeting. EC expected to announce next election date soon, says Khalilur after Dr Yunus-Tarique talks Fakhrul said Tarique proposed bringing the election date forward from April, as earlier announced by the Chief Adviser, since that time is not favourable for voting. “The entire nation noticed with immense joy that the Chief Adviser agreed to it, and they (govt) fixed the election timeframe in the middle of February.” He thanked Prof Yunus, saying that using his prudence he invited Tarique to the meeting and thus ended the political stalemate for taking the nation forward with new hopes. The BNP leader said it is now necessary to move forward towards a fair election in mid-February by forgetting past misunderstandings and further consolidating the national unity. Later in a statement, Fakhrul said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman removed uncertainty and brought a message of relief and new hope through a fruitful consensus to hold the next national election before Ramadan.  “We sincerely thank Prof Muhammad Yunus for determining a logical timeframe for the election by stepping away from the previously announced unfavourable April timeline, connecting the expectations and achievements of the entire Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Stating that the Chief Adviser has made a timely decision realising the aspirations of people, Fakhrul said it was a move worthy of appreciation. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Holding the principle of 'Bangladesh first' in his heart, the BNP leader said Tarique has proven, as always, that his highest priority is the country's interests, sovereignty and stability. “He (Tarique) has demonstrated a sense of responsibility by making concessions in response to the needs of the time. In the journey to establish democracy, he is not only a leader of the highest power on the streets, but also equally skilled and visionary at the dialogue table and in constructive engagement," Fakhrul said. By gifting the Chief Adviser two books titled 'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' and 'Nature Matters: Vital Poems from the Global Majority' and a pen, the BNP leader said Tarique ushered in a new trend of political courtesy and knowledge-based state thinking. “We believe that through this harmony and consensus between the largest political party and the head of the interim government, democracy will lead to a victory for democracy, Bangladesh and its people,” he observed. The BNP leader said the expectation now is that the interim government will begin all-out preparations to hold elections before next Ramadan, keeping its stated position intact.

After a “satisfactory” meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman on Friday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will soon announce a date for the next national election. “There is no problem over the election time. We don’t see any problem…  We both sides in the joint statement talked about (our position on) the election, and we hope the Election Commission will soon announce a date for the election,” he told a joint press conference at Dorchester Hotel in London after the meeting. Both Dr Khalilur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said they were happy with the outcome of the meeting. “We’re surely satisfied. We also said that not only before the election, but also after the election, we all will work together for building the country,” said Khosru. Echoing the BNP leader, Dr Khalilur said, “The joint statement would not have been issued if both sides were not satisfied.” Earlier, a joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London. Reading out the joint statement, Dr Khalilur Rahman said the meeting between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held before Ramadan next year. “Party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also believes that holding the election during that time would be appropriate.” Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul “The Chief Adviser said he has already announced that the election will be held in early April next year. If all preparations are completed, it may even be possible to hold the election in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. But, in that case, sufficient progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial,” the joint statement reads. It said Tarique welcomed the Chief Adviser’s position and thanked him on behalf of the party. “The Chief Adviser also thanked Mr Tarique Rahman for the fruitful discussion.” July charter, reforms to be based on consensus: Amir Khosru Replying to a question over July charter and reform, Amir Khosru said there is already a decision that the July Charter would be framed based on consensus. “We will make both the July Charter and reforms following consensus. I’m confident we can reach a decision soon in this regard,” he said. The BNP leader said all important issues normally came up for discussion in the meeting as there is a determination to build a new Bangladesh. “We move ahead with a determination to build a new Bangladesh. We all want to work together to fulfill the determination we have taken to build the country. We will take forward the determination we have agreed on to build Bangladesh not only before the election, but also after the election," he said. Amir Khosru said the Chief Adviser, Tarique Rahman and all others said the same thing - whatever issues are agreed upon will be implemented as reforms.  Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Noting that reform is an ongoing process, he said, “Some reforms will be implemented even before the election and reforms will also continue after the election. Because we all feel the need for reforms as we are committed to building a country.” Asked about Tarique Rahman’s possible return to Bangladesh, Khosru said, “We don’t think it’s necessary to discuss here in the meeting. Mr Tarique Rahman can return to the country whenever he wants. So, he will take this decision in due time.” Responding to a question, Dr Khalilur said the joint statement mentioned sufficient progress regarding two issues -- reforms and trial. “We’re reasonably confident that sufficient progress will be achieved before the election,” he said. In reply to a question about the newly formed Nationalist Citizen Party’s (NCP) announcement that it would not participate in the election without reforming the Election Commission, Dr Khalilur said, “You should ask them (NCP). Every party has its own opinion, but we want to hold the election with participation of all.” When asked whether the government is shifting from its April election timeline, Dr Khalilur said, “If all preparations are completed on time and there is sufficient progress in reforms and justice, it can certainly be done (the election may be held earlier).” Answering a question whether there was any discussion on formation of a government based on national unity, Amir Khosru replied, “No, this is a post-election decision. It is the decision of those who will be elected. So there is nothing to discuss here,” he said. The BNP leader said the meeting started with the two delegations and later moved to a one-on-one discussion between the duo (Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman). The discussion between them (the two persons) lasted for a long time, he added. Fakhrul urges interim govt to rethink about April election timing In response to the question of whether both sides are satisfied, Amir Khasru said, “Certainly satisfied. We are saying that we all have to work together not only before the election but also after it to build the country, to create a new Bangladesh.” Dr Khalilur echoed, “Had there been no satisfaction, there would have been no joint statement.” CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was present during the joint briefing. The high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly two hours of discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm Bangladesh time on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned. Earlier, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam received Tarique Rahman upon his arrival at the hotel around 1:50pm.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Friday told BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman that if preparations are completed in time, the next general election could be held in the week preceding Ramadan in 2026, rather than in early April. However, in that case, significant progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial of the mass killings during the July-August mass uprising, said a joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman following their meeting in London. It said the meeting between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held before Ramadan next year. Party Chairperson “Begum Khaleda Zia also believes that holding the election during that time would be appropriate.” Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting in London ends  “The Chief Adviser said he has already announced that the election will be held in the early April next year. If all preparations are completed, it may even be possible to hold the election in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. But, in that case, sufficient progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial,” the joint statement reads. It said Tarique welcomed the Chief Adviser’s position and thanked him on behalf of the party. “The Chief Adviser also thanked Mr Tarique Rahman for the fruitful discussion.”  Earlier, the high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly one and a half hours of discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm Bangladesh time on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned. Earlier, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam received Tarique Rahman upon his arrival at the hotel around 1:50pm.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday that April is not suitable for holding the national election and December would be the most appropriate time. “April is not appropriate for holding an election in Bangladesh. There is intense heat and the possibility of storms and heavy rains at that time. April will also come just after Ramadan, and public examinations are scheduled during that time,” he said. Talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul also pointed out the difficulty of conducting election campaigns during the month of fasting. “Campaigning during Ramadan is extremely difficult.” He said their party does not think the government has taken the decision of conducting the election in April with careful consideration. “Our Standing Committee discussed the issue last night and has already shared its position. We believe that elections can be held in December, which will be the most suitable time for the nation (to go for voting),” the BNP leader said. Not just BNP, entire nation frustrated over CA’s April election plan Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice and democratic progress. Reacting to the announcement, Fakhrul said, “We expressed our party’s reaction yesterday (Friday). We have always demanded elections be held by December. That was also the expectation of the people.” “That expectation, however, has not been fulfilled,” he observed. Fakhrul, accompanied by senior BNP leaders including Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, and AZM Zahid Hossain, paid tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, marking Eid-ul-Azha. They also offered fateha there and a munajat seeking divine blessings for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Abdus Salam and Abdul Halim, Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Mir Newaz Ali, and Aminul Haque, among others, were present. It has been a tradition for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to visit Ziaur Rahman’s grave every Eid prior to her jailing in 2008. In her absence, the party’s senior leaders continue to honour the tradition. Extending Eid greetings to the nation, Fakhrul said, “On behalf of the party, Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, I wish everyone Eid Mubarak.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed disappointment over the Chief Adviser’s announcement regarding the national election timeline, saying it has disheartened not just the BNP, but the entire nation. “We have always demanded a prompt election and hoped that a date for holding it by December would be announced,” he said while speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from Bangkok early Saturday. Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, has announced that the polls will be held in early April. “Undoubtedly, this has frustrated not only us but the whole nation,” he said. The BNP leader said their party’s official statement on the matter would be given later following an internal discussion and decision. He extended Eid greetings to the country’s people and expressed his gratitude to them for praying for his speedy recovery. BNP unhappy with April election plan, renews Dec polls demand Fakhrul, who underwent treatment for an eye condition in Bangkok, returned home on a Thai Airways flight that landed at 1:25am. He was accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum. The BNP Secretary General travelled to Bangkok on May 13 on the advice of physicians at United Hospital. The following day, he was admitted to Rutnin Eye Hospital, where he underwent successful surgery on his left eye. Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice and democratic progress. “After reviewing the ongoing reforms in justice, governance and the electoral process, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026,” he said.

Stating that the Chief Adviser’s announcement to hold the next national election in early April 2026 has “disappointed and angered people”, BNP has reiterated its demand for the polls to be held by December this year. “People’s victory was achieved through the immense sacrifices made by students and the mass people during the July–August 2024 movement. But the unwarranted delay in arranging the election has disappointed and angered the people,” the party said in a statement. “So, the (BNP’s) National Standing Committee meeting reiterates its proposal to hold the election by December this year, taking into consideration Ramadan, secondary and higher secondary or equivalent examinations, and weather conditions, etc,” it added. Following an emergency virtual meeting of the party’s highest policy-making body, the statement was issued early Saturday based on the decision of the party’s Standing Committee. The Standing Committee meeting, presided over by BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, was convened following Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ televised address to the nation. CA's speech fails to fulfill nation's expectations: Salahuddin The statement said the meeting extensively reviewed the contents of the Chief Adviser’s speech and concluded that the announcement ignored the aspirations of a nation striving to reclaim its right to vote through prolonged struggles. “The people of this country, deprived of their basic voting rights for almost a decade and a half, have continued their struggle to restore democracy through voting, despite being disappeared, murdered, imprisoned, injured, and tortured,” the BNP policymakers said. They said although the non-partisan interim government speaks of building consensus, it has put its own neutrality into question by becoming influenced by a particular political quarter. “So, the meeting believes that the people of the country may be rightly concerned about the possibility of a free and fair election (under this government).” The BNP Standing Committee observed that holding the election in early April could lead to complications—both due to adverse weather conditions and the challenges of conducting campaigns and election-related activities during Ramadan—which may ultimately be used as grounds for deferring the polls. Besides, they said the Chief Adviser’s address did not provide any clear justification as to why holding the election by December would not be feasible. The meeting unanimously observed that the Chief Adviser’s statement, initially intended as a message marking Eid-ul-Azha, instead turned into an address to the nation. In his lengthy speech, the BNP policymakers said Prof Yunus touched upon issues such as ports and corridors—topics which, by his own admission, do not fall within the three mandates of the interim government. “The meeting expressed anger at his choice of words in the speech, which crossed the limits of political decorum.”

  BNP on Wednesday announced an ambitious economic action plan outlining the steps it intends to take during its first 180 days in office, if voted back to power in the next general election. At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented a summary of the proposed economic action plan. “A transparent, participatory and innovative economic strategy is needed to restore economic stability, earn public trust and lay a strong foundation for the future. The time has come to move beyond outdated conventions and make bold, visionary decisions to open up a horizon of hope, confidence and nation rebuilding,” he said. In many countries, the BNP leader said political parties outline what they plan to achieve in the first 100 days after coming to power. As a party committed to empowering the people, he said the BNP wants to introduce such a realistic political culture in Bangladesh. “Our goals and strategies for the first 180 days (six months) after forming a government through a public mandate will be set before the election. Based on this 180-day plan, an action-oriented roadmap will be formulated. We want to clearly outline the specific steps the BNP will take across various sectors,” Khosru said. BNP criticises budget as 'unilateral, ineffective' amid inflation At the press conference, the BNP outlined 11 priority sectors—education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, recognition of martyrs, agriculture and rural development, industry, information and communication technology, expatriate welfare, urban management, environmental governance and law and order—to focus on during the 180-day period. BNP arranged the press conference at its chairperson’s Gulshan office to give the party’s formal reaction to the proposed budget. Job Creation Khosru announced that creating employment is their party’s top priority, pledging one crore new jobs if BNP is voted to power. Citing past success in labour-intensive industries and overseas employment, he said BNP wants to boost domestic production by 8% and has identified 10 key sectors for job creation, including infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, ICT, freelancing, services, green energy, health, education and SMEs. Prioritising Education Khosru said BNP plans to enhance the economic benefits and social status of primary school teachers, bringing them under specialised training programmes. He also announced BNP’s plans to form an expert committee comprising local and expatriate academics, professionals, and experts in this regard. “To make education more practical, the BNP plans to introduce short-term trade courses—such as plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, dental hygiene, and medical technology—under government management. Effective steps will also be taken to promote apprenticeships, internships and industry-academia collaboration,” the BNP leader said. Besides, he said, seed funding or innovation grants will be offered at the district level to commercialise innovative business ideas through a competitive process in colleges and universities. Improving Health Services Khosru said their party will prioritise disease prevention through expanded vaccination programmes, health education and awareness campaigns. He said BNP aims to promote healthy lifestyles, sanitation and nutrition awareness among the public, alongside launching specialised training schemes for doctors and health workers. To ensure safe drinking water, modern purification systems will be installed and reservoirs for rainwater collection will be gradually constructed nationwide,” the BNP leader said. Introducing Family Card Khosru said their party plans to issue ‘Family Cards’ to 50 lakh poor rural families, primarily in women’s names, providing monthly financial or food aid. Rizvi slams govt for retaining black money whitening provision in budget He said they will prioritise women’s safety with strict punishments for offenders, establish dedicated support cells at union levels, and offer low-interest loans to women for small and medium enterprises to boost self-reliance. Recognising Martyrs Khosru said the BNP will prepare lists of martyrs from the July uprising and 16-year anti-fascist movement, naming government institutions after them in their respective areas. “The families of martyrs will receive state recognition and financial support. Those injured, who lost eyes or were maimed in pro-democracy movements will also be acknowledged and provided with job assistance," he said. Introducing Farmers’ Card Khosru said their party will also launch ‘Farmers’ Cards’ containing land and crop data. “The state will take the initiative to purchase directly produced products from farmers at the union level on the basis of fair prices, and the work of building cold storages will begin nationwide.” He said the agricultural sector will be developed into an export-oriented one by creating opportunities for processing agricultural products and improving quality. A local database will support targeted policies, while strict action will be taken against market syndicates to control prices. Large-scale canal excavation will also be undertaken across the country. The BNP leader said an area-based database will be created, and targeted policy support will be provided by determining the data of farmers’ land and the amount of crops produced. “Strict and visible steps will be taken against extortion, middlemen and syndicates left behind by fascism to control commodity prices in the market. Canal digging activities will be started on a large scale across the country,” he said. Targeting $1 Trillion Economy Khosru said their party wants to raise the FDI-to-GDP ratio from 0.45% to 2.5% as part of its roadmap to reach a $1 trillion GDP by 2034. BNP wants only national election under 90-day caretaker govt: Salahuddin "BNP’s aim is to set a GDP target of $1 trillion by 2034. The burden of additional taxes will be controlled to remove pressure from the people's shoulders," he said. To boost industrial growth, Khosru said, the BNP plans to adopt investor-friendly policies to attract both domestic and foreign investment. “Priority will be given to projects that generate large-scale employment. A ‘One-Stop Service’ will be implemented to streamline processes such as company registration and banking support.” He said they also want to promote agriculture, fisheries, and other production-oriented sectors. “A list of closed state-run mills—such as jute, textile, and sugar mills—will be prepared, with visible efforts taken to reopen them.” To ensure safer urban travel, Khosru said BNP will introduce women-only buses with female drivers and assistants on selected Dhaka routes. “Traffic reforms will include AI-controlled traffic lights, strict law enforcement, public awareness, and lane-based vehicle planning—guided by both local and international experts.” He also promised a zero-tolerance policy against crimes like rape, mugging, and robbery, aiming to end the culture of impunity. “Police professionalism will be enhanced through training, motivation and improved monitoring.” Khosru said the party also plans to plant 25–30 crore trees over five years, promote eco-friendly +practices, and increase open green spaces. To boost private sector growth, he said BNP also plans regulatory reforms, SME/start-up financing, and promotion of innovation and infrastructure. The BNP leader also said they will go for modernising fiscal and debt management systems, improving tax transparency and enacting budgetary reforms to ensure accountability and public participation. BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Selima Rahman, Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabihullah and Economic Affairs Secretary Khaled Jashim Mahbub Shyamal were also present at the press conference.