BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has once again extended financial assistance to Julhas Molla, a 28-year-old youth from Manikganj, for the modification and repair of the aircraft he built with his own hands. On behalf of Tarique, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed handed over the cash assistance to Julhas at a simple ceremony held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday. After receiving the money, Julhas thanked the BNP acting chairman for standing beside him for the second time, demonstrating the party’s sincerity in nurturing talent. Speaking at the programme, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “This programme is a symbolic manifestation of how sincere Tarique Rahman is in recognising talent. He will continue to do so in the future as well.” He said many talented boys and girls like Julhas, in different parts of the country, including rural areas, fall behind prematurely due to the lack of state facilities and support, and thus they cannot become assets to the nation. SDF provides financial assistance to families of martyrs and injured in July-August student uprising The BNP leader said their leader, Tarique Rahman, will stand by talented people who have the potential to become assets to the state if given the right support. He said Tarique has taken the responsibility for many underprivileged people and distressed families through Amra BNP Poribar or under the party’s banner. Salahuddin said BNP works for the country, its people and for supporting meritorious people, regardless of whether the party is in power or not. Earlier on 5 March, Amra BNP Paribar, on behalf of Tarique Rahman, provided financial assistance to Julhas. Julhas Molla, son of farmer Jalil Molla and an electrician from Shaitgar Teota village in Shibalaya upazila, built an ultra-light aircraft and successfully flew it. The aircraft, weighing over 100 kilograms, was entirely handcrafted by Julhas using a mix of aluminum, stainless steel, and iron. 245 injured victims of July-Aug mass uprising given financial assistance: Sargis As he requires financial support to modify the aircraft by installing a new engine and carrying out some repairs, Tarique extended his helping hand to the talented youth.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has sent Eid gifts to the family of Dr Kabirul Islam Rubel, who was killed in police firing during the July uprising. On Tuesday, BNP’s Health Affairs Secretary Dr Md Rafiqul Islam visited the residence of the late Dr Rubel in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, and met with his family members on behalf of Tarique Rahman. During the visit, he handed over Eid gifts as a token of respect and solidarity. Two doctors were martyred during the July uprising. One of them, Dr Sajib, was killed in Uttara, Dhaka, on July 18 last year, while Dr Kabirul Islam Rubel was shot dead in Mohammadpur on August 5 last year. Dr Rubel was a former student of Bangladesh Medical College and served as a senior medical officer at Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital. Khaleda exchanges Eid greetings with BNP leaders Earlier, under the directives of Tarique Rahman, BNP’s Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, along with a team of medical experts, met with the family of the late Dr Sajib. During the visit, renowned pulmonologist Dr Abdus Shakur Khan, who had been a vocal advocate for the movement through peace assemblies, was also present. The BNP delegation inquired about the well-being of the martyr’s family and assured them of full support in the future.

Stating that people are the real capital of politicians, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged political parties to focus on public issues and demands alongside state reforms. “The people of Bangladesh have many expectations from political parties and politicians. We are discussing various issues of reform, including who should hold which authority. Alongside this, let us begin discussions on what the people’s expectations, demands and key goals are,” he said while virtually addressing an iftar party. Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote hosted the programme in honour of politicians and prominent citizens of the country at a city hotel. In a democratic state or system, Tarique said, if people have the scope and power to determine who should run the country then political parties must focus on public issues as well as the hopes and expectations of people. He said Bangladesh gained independence through the sacrifices of millions, but the country’s democracy had been hindered at various times in different ways, including the introduction of the one-party Baksal rule and the establishment of autocratic rule over the past 15 years. The BNP leader said the July-August mass uprising succeeded because the people stood by the political parties with their support. “A mafia-like fleeing autocrat (Sheikh Hasina) could be driven out of the country, as people from all walks of life took to the streets and stood by the political parties with an expectation for change. People must have had an expectation for seeking change…I think people's desire is for the political parties to start working for them and address their issues,” he observed. Tarique said political parties and the media have been discussing and highlighting various aspects of reforms, including the upper house, lower house, tenure of the government, term of the Prime Minister, the authority of Parliament, and balancing power. Stay united against autocracy to restore democracy: Tarique He said political parties and politicians might be direct or indirect beneficiaries and politics could change in some cases if the much-discussed reforms are implemented. “But what are we thinking about the people, who are our main capital in politics? Shouldn’t we talk about and think about their issues? Of course, we should, because it’s our politics, and the people are our greatest capital,” the BNP leader said. He said while many people are now discussing various reforms, it was the BNP that first raised the issue and recognised the need for the reform of the state structure and institutions two and a half years ago. Tarique said their party together with other democratic parties outlined the 31-point proposal to repair the damaged state structure. "Why did we present the 31-point proposal? The reason was simple. We saw how the fleeing autocrat destroyed every institution in the country. Whether it’s the education system, healthcare, employment, judiciary, civil administration, police administration, or the power sector, they destroyed every institution," he said. The BNP leader said the first institution the previous autocratic regime destroyed was Bangladesh's electoral system, which they made controversial and destroyed. "The political parties that were part of the movement for the restoration of rights of the people of Bangladesh, we all believe that the institutions which were destroyed must now be repaired," he said. Tarique said BNP’s politics is revolves around Bangladesh and its people. “If we do not fix the structure of the state, we will not be able to achieve the people’s desired goals or build the country according to their expectations."

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said no date has been set yet for the return of party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London. “We haven’t fixed a specific date yet, but he will return when we believe it is the right time,” Fakhrul said. He made the remarks while responding to a journalist's question at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been living in exile in London with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, for over one and a half decades.  On September 11, 2008, just eight days after being released from jail on bail, Tarique left for London to seek medical treatment during the military-backed caretaker government. BNP stresses national unity, urges interim govt to maintain neutrality He had been arrested on March 7, 2007 and was released on bail on September 3, 2008. On Thursday last, a Dhaka court acquitted Tarique Rahman and others in a bribery case related to securing immunity in a murder case, making him legally free to return to Bangladesh, according to BNP lawyer Borhan Uddin. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Borhan confirmed that, with all legal cases now cleared, Tarique Rahman faces no legal obstacles to returning to Bangladesh and resuming political activities. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who went to London on January 8 this year for advanced medical treatment, has been staying with her son. While there are reports that Khaleda Zia may return home next month, BNP leaders suggest that Tarique Rahman’s return remains uncertain due to security concerns.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government not to take any step that would facilitate the rehabilitation of fleeing autocrats in the country. “I would like to draw the attention of the interim government and reiterate that no steps should be taken to allow the fugitive autocrats and their cohorts to be rehabilitated in the state and politics,” he said while addressing an iftar party virtually. BNP hosted the iftar party at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton area in honour of various professionals. Tarique also stressed the importance of maintaining national unity against fascism for the greater good of the nation. “By turning a minor issue into the main focus in the political arena, doubts and suspicions have been, or are being, inadvertently created within the anti-fascist national unity,” he observed. In a context where thousands of crores of money looted from the state remain unrecovered, the BNP leader said holding local body elections before the national election would create an opportunity for the rehabilitation of fugitive autocrats and their associates, who are still lurking in the country. He pointed out that around three crore young voters were denied the right to vote during the one-and-a-half decades of Sheikh Hasina's mafia rule. Tarique pledges support to Patuakhali rape victim’s family “To ensure the political empowerment of these voters, the national election must be held first in the country,” Tarique said. He also observed that no reforms would be sustainable without the political empowerment of the country’s people. The BNP leader said the way reforms and elections are being pitted against each other is undoubtedly politically motivated. “To those who advocate for holding national elections only after completing reforms, I want to say that reform never ends. It is a continuous process,” he said. The BNP leader said the current constitution of the country, which was arbitrarily amended by the fugitive autocrats and transformed into their party’s constitution, clearly states that the national parliament shall be formed by the direct vote of people. “Despite this explicit provision in the constitution, during the rule of the fugitive fascist government, the people of Bangladesh and the entire world repeatedly witnessed how the national parliament was formed without the people’s vote. The fugitive autocratic government did not adhere to the constitution,” he said. For this reason, Tarique said his party believes that in democratic politics, the practical application of democratic political rights and conduct is more important than textbook reforms. “Only through the people’s democratic practices can reforms become sustainable, successful and effective.” He acknowledged the undeniable role and contribution of noted citizens, civil society, and professionals in the country. “Much of the good and bad of the state and politics depends on the patriotism of politicians and their policies in governing the state. In this regard, the more effective the role of distinguished citizens and professionals in the state and society, the more responsible and powerful the political government becomes.” Tarique likened politics to the roof of a well-organised and united house, where civil society and professionals are the pillars or supports of that house. “In a state, politicians, civil society, and professionals are complementary to one another.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country is currently going through a very difficult time. “An interim government was formed after defeating and ousting a brutal fascist government through a massive student-led mass uprising. The entire nation is now awaiting the formation of a new democratic parliament and government with great expectation.” BNP condemns Israeli attacks, urges global action to stop Gaza bloodshed During this challenging time, he called upon all to play a responsible role from their respective positions and move forward with patience and peace. “Those of us involved in politics, those in various professions, and those associated with the government or the public in any way should speak and act in such a way that it opens up opportunities for the advancement of democracy.” Fakhrul urged all democratic forces to work towards building a new, democratic Bangladesh through realistic thoughts. “It is now crucial to hold the national election very quickly to resolve the crisis. Completing the necessary reforms for the election and then conducting the election will be the wisest course of action. At this moment, carrying out that wise action seems to be the best approach,” he said.

A Dhaka court on Thursday acquitted  BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar and four  others in a bribery case. Judge of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-3 Md Abu Taher passed the order. The six others who got acquittal are Ahmed Akbar Sobhan alias Shah Alam, chairman of Bashundhara Group, his two sons Shafiat Sobhan, Sadat Sobhan, Abu Sufiyan, Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal and personal secretary of Tarique Rahman Mia Nuruddin Apu. HC Justice Khizir Hayat removed On October 4, 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case against eight people Tarique, Babar in connection with realising Tk 21 lakh as bribery for dropping the name of an accused from the murder case of Sabbir Ahmed, an expert of Information Technology department of Bashundhara Group. Police submitted chargesheet against them on April 24, 2008.

Issuing a warning that extremists and fascists could once again bury democracy in Bangladesh, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his party, along with other democratic parties, will prioritise maintaining the country’s secular character and strengthening democracy in their future political agenda. “We would like to draw the attention of the interim government that if it fails to control the evil activities of religious extremists and their radicalism, extremist groups and defeated fascist forces will once again bury democracy in the country,” he told at an iftar party. The BNP leader also warned that Bangladesh could face a crisis in its image within the democratic world if this happens. BNP hosted the iftar party at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton area in honour of various political parties. Indian media involved in anti-Bangladesh propaganda: BNP’s Farroque “To maintain the country’s secular character, the programme to strengthen Bangladesh's democratic system will be the future political settlement of the democratic forces by bringing the fleeing mafia clique, responsible for massacres, to trial at any cost, alongside resisting the evil forces of extremism and religious fundamentalism,” he said. The BNP leader said that there are plots underway to harm the national unity forged during the mass uprising on the streets, soaked with the blood of several thousand martyrs. He called upon all leaders and activists at every level of democratic political parties to stay united and uphold national unity. “If we, the pro-independence and democratic forces, remain united, no plot will succeed.” Tarique also urged the government to provide the public with a clear understanding of its action plan in order to maintain confidence among people. “If the outline of the interim government's activities or action plan were made clearer and more specific to the people, all doubts and hesitations in their minds would be removed,” he said. July uprising and interim govt are outcomes of BNP's long struggle: Khandaker Mosharraf The BNP leader said it is true that the Awami mafia government was not overthrown merely to arrange a national election. “But it is even truer that the mafia regime collapsed brutally due to the failure to hold a fair election. So, there is no room to consider any election simply as a matter of whether a political party can come to power or not,” he observed. If the impartiality of the interim government is called into question and public trust in its activities is dented, he said the path to democracy could face serious obstacles. The BNP leader noted that some advisers to the interim government, and even certain political parties, have recently spoken in a slightly different tone regarding the national election. "We believe that if secondary issues are prioritised under the guise of a new political settlement, instead of honouring public expectations, it will send the wrong message to the people. Such a situation will ultimately pave the way for the resurgence of the cohorts of the mafia regime," he said. Tarique expressed the public expectation that the interim government will give the highest priority to elections, paving the way for the formation of a ‘democratic government’. “The term of a government in a state is fixed, but the political policy or political management of the country is long-term. So, it is crucial to ensure the political and economic power of the people to keep the political process strong and sustainable. The people who have been powerless for a long decade and a half are now ready to exercise their right to vote and establish a government,” he said. People won’t accept any excuse for delaying election: Murad The BNP leader said his party has set the goal of establishing an equitable, safe, democratic, and humane Bangladesh for both current and future generations. “This can be achieved through an elected national government.” He reiterated that if BNP is entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country in the upcoming national elections, the party will form a national government, consisting of representatives from pro-democratic political parties and elected public representatives. Tarique expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in recent incidents of violence against women, children, and rape. Noting that women make up half of the country's population, he said that without ensuring their safety, it is impossible to move the country forward. "There is a need to deeply consider whether the security of our mothers, sisters, and daughters is in danger due to the government, administration, and law enforcement agencies being overly focused on creating new political settlements or any other task," the BNP leader said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said although the country has been freed from fascism, democracy is still elusive. “A democratic Bangladesh remains the main aspiration of the people.” Emphasising the need for unity, he said it is crucial to resolve issues relating to reforms through dialogue at this moment. New conspiracy unfolding against BNP, democracy and Bangladesh, warns Tarique He assured that if BNP is elected by the people, the party will implement its 31-point programme. "Various kinds of talks and discussions are now being circulated in the media and on social media, causing confusion among us. There is no alternative for us other than moving towards democracy," Fakhrul said. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam urged political parties to reach a political consensus so that there would be no room for “Mujibbadi” politics in the election and politics of future Bangladesh. He said there are political parties to make the next election inclusive by representing the people of Bangladesh. “We believe that we bear the spirit of the struggle and the mass uprising that took place against Mujibbad (Mujibism),” he said. Nahid hoped that a political unity would be there in the current political situation. Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said he on behalf of his party requested all to forge a national unity on four points -- the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, a sustainable democracy, a fair election and a corruption-free Bangladesh. “I think national unity will still be the most powerful tool in building the future of Bangladesh to create a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to present proposals to the nation to address public issues, rather than focusing only on reforms to the state structure and institutions. "Instead of merely discussing the caretaker government system, the constitutional framework, and the voting and electoral system, there should be more emphasis on how the problems of people will be resolved," he said during an iftar programme. The Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) organised the iftar party in honour of political parties at the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation Convention Hall in the capital. Tarique believes that, just as there should be discussions and proposals regarding the control of prices for essential goods, the market system, and the production system, there should also be debates among political parties on how to ensure primary healthcare for the people in this populous nation of approximately 200 million. "Why aren’t we talking about these issues?" He also said whether formulating laws and regulations to restore the caretaker government and limiting any individual to two terms as Prime Minister are considered reforms. "Isn’t reform necessary to change the market system, boost production and improve the healthcare and education systems?" As political parties are meant to serve people, the BNP leader said they should also focus on many other critical issues related to the public's interests. "For example, most people in the country are suffering severely due to the rising prices of essential items. Why are political parties not engaging in discussions on how we will address this issue?" he asked. Tarique said political parties should present plans and proposals to the nation on how they will keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people by overhauling the market system and boosting production. "Why don’t we discuss these issues? We should address them before the nation.” He acknowledged that different democratic political parties have varying political ideologies, but their common goal is the restoration of democracy and the creation of a humane Bangladesh where people will enjoy freedom of expression. The BNP leader said his party, along with many other democratic parties, had led movements to restore the rights taken away from people. "We succeeded in this endeavour. But, reform is now the most discussed issue, as much is being said about it.” Tarique acquitted by Jashore court in sedition case filed in 2014 Tarique recalled that the political parties, including the BNP, had drafted a 31-point reform outline and presented it to the nation. "We did this around two-and-a-half years ago, when many others were not talking about reforms," he said. He said they welcome various opinions and proposals regarding state reform, as they are open to discussing issues related to the welfare of the country and its people. "The discussions currently taking place about reforms are certainly necessary.” The BNP leader said discussions are now taking place on the pros and cons of introducing a bicameral parliament, limiting an individual's terms to become Prime Minister, ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, and restoring the caretaker government. "We have said we will implement these changes in line with people’s desires if we form the government with their support. “Let us think about the problems of people and talk about them. Let us try to highlight what reforms we have in this regard as well,” he said. Tarique acknowledged that political parties will inevitably criticise each other realistically. “But, we must avoid creating a situation where, in our criticism of each other, we forget to address the issues facing our people and the country, allowing insignificant matters to become more important. If this happens, the potential of this country will be ruined,” he warned. He said that reform is also essential for overhauling the country’s education system. “If we fail to establish a proper education system for future generations, how can we possibly move this country forward? How can we build a prosperous nation?” The BNP leader said each party should inform the public about their plans and proposals for reforming the education system. “We advocate for a production-oriented education system, but perhaps we should provide more details on what that entails." Tarique also said it is urgent for political parties to present reform proposals to combat environmental pollution as the country is facing severe environmental threats. "I believe reform proposals on the environment are crucial at this moment. Due to noise pollution, air pollution, and other forms of pollution, millions of people, including children, are becoming physically ill every year. Our plan to protect the entire country, including the capital, from this pollution should be presented by all political parties to the nation,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said political parties should also address necessary reforms related to issues such as creating an environment conducive to industrialisation, providing safe drinking water and tackling the power and energy crisis. NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique Rahman’s political adviser Mahdi Amin, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, and Nagarik Oikkya leader Shahidullah Kaiser, among others, addressed the programme.

BNP's extended meeting began in the capital on Thursday morning, with the participation of 3,500 leaders from across the country. The meeting commenced at 11am on the LD Hall premise of the National Parliament Complex with a condolence motion. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is presiding over the meeting virtually from London. He will address the leaders during both the inaugural and closing sessions. At the beginning of the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is delivering a welcome speech, followed by the inaugural address of Tarique Rahman. The inaugural session features a screening of the documentary ‘Prothom Bangladesh, Amader Shesh Bangladesh’ produced by the Extended Meeting Implementation Media Sub-Committee. Besides, Amra BNP Poribar has already published a magazine titled ‘Aastha’ (Confidence) to mark this significant event. Moyeen Khan seeks China's support for RMG raw material production Following the inauguration, a closed-door session will take place where grassroots leaders will share their views. The meeting will conclude with a policy speech by Tarique Rahman. The last BNP extended meeting was held on February 4, 2018, at Le Méridien in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia addressed party leaders. Four days later, on February 8, she was sent to the jail in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. According to BNP’s central office, 3,500 leaders from six organisational tiers, ranging from grassroots to the central level, are participating in this extended meeting. The participants include members of the National Standing Committee, the Chairperson’s Advisory Council, the National Executive Committee, and presidents, general secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries of all city, district, upazila-thana, and municipal unit committees. Leaders from BNP’s 11 associate and affiliate organisations, including their presidents, general secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries, also attended the meeting. Besides, the BNP candidates who run the 2018 national election and even those who had obtained initial nomination from the party are in the extended meeting. With this extended meeting, the BNP’s journey towards the next national election and its election oriented programme would be started.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday expressed the hope that the interim government would uphold impartiality as desired by people. “We hope that the interim government will maintain the impartiality that people expect from it,” he said this while addressing the biannual council of Cumilla city BNP unit through a virtual platform. Noting that instability is being seen in some places of the country, Tarique said now various questions have emerged among people over different matters of the interim government. Since the formation of this government, he said, the BNP has been supporting this government as it wants it to be successful. Tarique Rahman said the people of Bangladesh believe that this interim government would do whatever necessary to protect their political and other rights through a fair and impartial election, which had been snatched by the fugitive dictator many years ago in the dark of night. But for the past few days, the BNP leader said, it has unfortunately been observed that different persons within the government are making different remarks about restoring the rights of people (voting rights). “As a result, various kinds of unrest are being created in different parts of the country. We do not want instability in Bangladesh,” he said. Tarique went on to say, “Various kinds of instability are being created by the statements of some persons within the interim government. We are seeing the instability in the economy, different classes of society and the administration.” Run your govt with a strong hand: Fakhrul to Dr Yunus The BNP acting chairman reiterated his party’s support towards this interim government for the sake of smooth journey of democracy in the country. “We want to cooperate with this government because we think the more smoothly and beautifully this government can hold a neutral election, the smoother the democratic journey will be for this country and its people in the coming days.” Noting that BNP firmly believes in democracy, he said the differences -- whether within the party or with other parties-- should be resolved through negotiations.   “We do not want to let these differences turn into divisions. If any division is created among us, the country, its people, democratic political parties, democratic political activists and the people who believe in democracy will be the most affected,” he said. Tarique said as a political party, their one of the prime goals and objectives is to ask people to vote and participate in the elections and demand elections.  “BNP is a political party. Since we believe in the rule of people and the power of people, democracy and vote-oriented politics, we naturally would demand the vote or election in the country and ask people to vote. It is a normal matter,” he said. BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, its Relief and Rehabilitation Affairs Secretary Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin and Cumilla south district BNP convener Zakaria Taher Suman, among others, spoke at the council presided over by Cumilla city BNP Convener Utbatul Bari Abu.