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.

Emphasising the need for unity among political parties, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged all to remain vigilant against the return of fascism. “The fascist who fled the country will try to spoil our unity, and we all must remain alert,” he said while speaking a party rally virtually in the city. Tarique Rahman called upon those who have fought for over 16 years against the Awami League not to engage in infighting over trivial issues. Holding the Awami League responsible for destroying democratic institutions during its rule, he said restoring people’s voting rights through a fair election is the main task. Expressing optimism about his party’s prospects, he said BNP will win if the election is held fairly, and urged party followers to stand by people in both good and bad times and to be responsible and acceptable. BNP’s Dudu questions govt’s effectiveness after six months in power He claimed that several lakhs of BNP men faced ghost cases during their fight to restore democracy, while several thousand leaders and activists were killed or disappeared. The BNP acting chairman said the blood of 2,000 students and members of the public who sacrificed their lives during the July-August 2024 uprising must be valued and honoured. Urging all to work together to ensure food, education, communication and healthcare for people, he alleged that the Awami League has destroyed the country, which must now be rebuilt from the brink of ruination. Presided over by Khulna city unity of BNP convenor Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Amanullah Aman, Party’s Vice Chairman Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Organising secretary Aninda Islam Amit, student affairs secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, among others, spoke at the event.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stepped into 60 on Wednesday without any celebration events. Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965 in Bogura. Following Tarique’s instructions, the BNP has decided not to hold any events to mark his 60th birthday. A press release issued on November 11 said: “Leaders and activists of all BNP units, along with its associated and affiliated organisations across the country, are hereby informed that no events will be held to celebrate Mr Tarique Rahman’s birthday day.” The statement also warned that organisational action would be taken against anyone who defies this directive. Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia wished her son, Tarique Rahman, on his 60th birthday early Wednesday. "Madam (Khaleda) spoke to Tarique every night, and she also wished him a happy birthday last night," said a BNP chief's personal physician. Apart from Khaleda, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior party leaders, including standing committee members, extended their birthday wishes to the acting chairman and exchanged greetings. Two standing committee members confirmed that they had sent their wishes to Tarique via SMS. The BNP Acting Chairman stepped into 60 on Wednesday. Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965 in Bogura. He is currently living in exile in London with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman. Unlike previous years, the BNP has decided not to hold any events, including prayer sessions, to mark his 60th birthday, following Tarique’s instructions. A press release issued on November 11 said: “Leaders and activists of all BNP units, along with its associated and affiliated organisations across the country, are hereby informed that no events will be held to celebrate Mr Tarique Rahman’s birthday day.” The statement also warned that organisational action would be taken against anyone who defies this directive. At the age of 22, he became a member of the Gabtali Upazila BNP in Bogura district in 1988. He had been active in politics before officially joining the organisation. In 1988, Tarique founded the non-political social organisation 'Ziaur Rahman Foundation'. Tarique took part in the nationwide election campaign alongside his mother, Khaleda Zia, during the 1991 election, but he was less active in politics after that, despite the BNP forming the government following that election. He, however, played a significant role in the 2001 election campaign, where the BNP won a landslide victory and formed the government. In 2002, following a decision by the BNP Standing Committee, Tarique Rahman was appointed Senior Joint Secretary General of the party. He gained prominence through his extensive travels across the country to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Tarique went to London for medical treatment on September 11, 2008, and he has been living there with his family ever since. He lost his brother, Arafat Rahman Koko, while in exile in London. A significant portion of Tarique’s political career has been spent in exile, during which he faced numerous setbacks. While in exile, in 2009, he was elected Senior Vice-Chairman of the party during the Fifth National Council of BNP. He was reelected Senior Vice-Chairman during the Sixth National Council in 2016. Since the imprisonment of his mother and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018, Tarique has been serving as the acting chairman of the BNP. On September 11, 2008, just eight days after being released from jail on bail, Tarique Rahman left for London for treatment during the military-backed caretaker government. He had been arrested on March 7, 2007 and was released on bail on September 3, 2008. On February 3, 1994, Tarique married Dr Zubaida Rahman, the daughter of former Air Force Chief and former Communications and Agriculture Minister Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan. Their only daughter, Zaima Rahman, recently completed her law degree at Queen Mary University of London. Tarique has been leading the party from London for many years, especially in the absence of his mother from politics. After the fall of the Awami League government, he frequently addresses various party programmes virtually and issues directives to party leaders and activists. BNP senior leaders at different recent political programmes urged the interim government to withdraw all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman, paving the way for his return from London.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said a democratic system, ensuring people’s right to vote, must be established to address the country’s problems and resist all forms of conspiracy against the nation. Speaking at a training programme of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, he also announced that if his party returns to power, they will re-launch the canal digging programme initiated by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in the late 1970s to address farmers' water crises and boost agricultural production in an effort to reduce food imports. “The conspiracies against the country, its people, and the nationalist forces have not stopped. The nationalist forces must alert everyone, including those in rural areas, and convey the message that the problems in all sectors cannot be resolved until we establish a democratic system,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said people are getting to know about the plots to some extent through various news reports in newspapers, on social media, and even through telephone conversations. He also said without true representatives accountable to people, it will not be possible to control the market or eliminate business syndicates. "In the same way, it will be impossible to develop any sector of the country, from education to industry, or to contain corruption, or achieve any positive progress without a democratic system." Tarique urged the nationalist forces also to convey a message to the people, even at the union level, that the voting rights of citizens must be safeguarded at all costs. “You must tell the people that, regardless of which party’s politics they support or who they wish to vote for, their voting rights must be ensured. There’s no compromise with it” He also said no more sham elections or voting at night should be allowed in Bangladesh. “Voting must take place in daylight. There should be the freedom to vote for anyone you choose, and the freedom to vote safely. No one should be allowed to disturb and intimidate others.” The BNP leader said the election must be held in a fair and neutral manner without any fear. “If we can ensure this, we will gradually be able to ease the problems facing the country and its people.” The BNP leader also said that people's right to franchise must be restored to thwart all forms of plots. Democracy, voting rights key to solving national issues: Tarique Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal organised the day-long programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.  It has decided to hold farmers' rallies at the union level for the next three months. Tarique shared his party's future plans to improve the agriculture sector, enhance facilities for farmers, and take effective steps to increase all forms of agricultural production in order to keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people. He also said Krishak Dal, the peasant wing of BNP, will be strengthened by involving more genuine farmers in the future." Tarique said BNP will try to resolve the problems the farmers are facing if it comes to power. He said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s canal digging programme, which effectively helped increase crop production, would be revived. “Farmers face water shortage for crop production. If BNP forms the government in the future, the canal digging programme will be restarted.” The BNP leader said this programme will address the farmers’ water crisis, help create water reservoirs, and reduce the reliance on underground water. Stating that the country’s population has now reached nearly 20 crore, Tarique emphasised that agriculture must be prioritised to produce food for such a large population. “It is not feasible to import food for so many people. So, basic food must be produced within the country. We need to consider how to expand agricultural land. There are certain measures we can take to increase agricultural land, but this will only be possible if we return to power,” he said. He also said a significant portion of women, including in the rural areas of Bangladesh, are involved in agriculture. “So, greater attention must be given to the agricultural sector.” Referring to the issue of farmers' seeds crisis, the BNP leader said, "We have considered agricultural insurance because crops are often damaged by natural disasters." He also said if a people's government is established, they will take many other steps to develop the agricultural sector, including the establishment of agro-based industries and the introduction of cooperative agriculture.

The High court on Sunday ordered the judicial court to dispose of as soon as possible the case against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida in a graft case filed by anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)  The HC bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo also rejected the couple's writ petitions challenging the corruption case against them for acquiring wealth beyond their known sources of income and concealing wealth in their affidavits. Read: Verdict on Tarique-Zubaida’s whereabouts on June 26 Khurshid Alam Khan, ACC lawyer said Tarique Rahman is a fugitive convict. So no lawyers can fight on behalf of him.  Besides, the Appellate Division recently declared Zubaida as a fugitive.   As both of them remained fugitive, the court rejected the writ petitions of the duo saying these are not acceptable, he said. The court also withdrew the stay order on the trial proceedings of the case filed against them. It also asked to send the documents of the case to the judicial court within 10 days and dispose of it soon. On June 19, the High Court fixed June 26 for hearing the three writ petitions.  Advocate AJ Mohammad Ali stood for the petitioners while Advocate Khurshid Alam and Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik represented the ACC and state respectively. Read: HC defers Tarique-Zubaida’s hearing in corruption case On September 26, 2007, the ACC lodged a complaint with Kafrul Police against Tarique Rahman,  Zubaida and her mother Iqbal Mand Banu for amassing illegal wealth of Tk 4.81 crore and concealing the information. In the same year, the High Court issued a rule suspending the trial proceedings in the case after hearing a petition filed by Zubaida. On April 12, 2017, the HC rejected the rule and asked her to surrender before the court within eight weeks.

BNP senior leader Selima Rahman on Wednesday alleged that the government has taken coronavirus pandemic as a “means of business by creating opportunities for traders to plunder public money”.