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

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that several agents of conspirators have infiltrated the party and urged its leaders to take strong action against anyone attempting to defame the organisation for personal gain. “Our leaders and workers have maintained people's trust in the party despite immense repression and suppression. If anyone among us tries to ruin this trust for their own interests, I urge you to take stern action against them and suppress such people with strong hands,” he said while virtually addressing BNP’s three workshops simultaneously. The workshop, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur Divisions.  The Dhaka Division's programme was held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Over 2,500 grassroots leaders from the party's upazila, thana and municipality units participated in the workshops. Accountable govt, functional parliament can safeguard people’s power: Tarique Tarique Rahman urged party leaders at all levels to closely monitor the activities of their subordinates to ensure that no one can tarnish the reputation of the party for personal gains. He said their party must return to power with the support of the people to implement their 31-point proposal and serve the public. "Our long struggle, sacrifices, and plans will be in vain if we fail to achieve this. We need the public's support to succeed.” The BNP leader urged his party colleagues to follow the right path with the right actions. "We must avoid immoral activities. Instead, we must speak out against unethical practice and take a strong stance against misdeeds.” He also called upon the party leaders and workers to take a vow to keep the people’s confidence at any cost. Tarique said BNP now enjoys the support of the majority of the people in Bangladesh, making it the cause of jealousy among many political parties. "Many plots are also being hatched against our party.” He asked party leaders and workers to stay vigilant about the conspiracies being plotted against them. "They have planted many agents within our party as part of these schemes. We must remain alert and cautious," the BNP leader warned. He once again cautioned BNP leaders and workers that the next election will be tougher than any previous polls, despite their main opponent having weakened. "We must prepare ourselves in such a way that we can overcome the challenges of this toughest election with the support of the people. Stay with the people and keep the people with you," he said. Tarique said the main goal of their party is to change the fate of people and move the country forward.  The country’s crores of people are looking to the BNP with a great hope as they have confidence in it, he said. "People ask BNP leaders and workers when the election will be held. They ask you this question because they believe you can work for their welfare. They think their future and fate are tied to your actions," the BNP leader said. People deserve to know state reform timeline: Tarique Rahman He said that gaining the confidence of people is the greatest asset for any political party, leader, or worker. "If people trust you, it's a significant political achievement for you. It is also your duty to maintain that trust." Describing every leader and worker of BNP as an ambassador of the party, Tarique said the people will judge the party based on their activities. He acknowledged that, as a political party, it is natural for BNP to seek elections, and there is nothing wrong with demanding polls. “Those who can garner public support will govern the country." The BNP leader, however, said they want a free and fair election where people can cast their votes freely. “BNP does not believe in nighttime elections or vote fraud. The right of the people to vote must be restored at any cost. The state should be reformed with the support of the people.” Tarique also promised that if BNP returns to power, it will ensure press freedom and the protection of other rights for the people. He said that their party, along with the people of the country, forced the autocratic government to flee. "Although the heads of the autocratic regime have escaped, many of its remnants still remain in the country and they’re hatching various schemes. We must remain alert about it.”

Stressing the importance of quick completion of state reforms, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said that people have the right to know the intention of the current interim government about it, including the timeline and duration required for the reforms. “People have the right to know what the current interim government intends to do and how many months or time they need to reform the state,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion. The BNP leader said that if the government announces its future action plan and roadmap, it would ensure transparency on one hand and accountability to the people on the other, and it would boost the pace of the administration's activities. He said if the advisers' expressions reveal signs of unease after hearing the interim government's roadmap, it would certainly go against the aspirations of the people. "The more transparent the government is with people through its activities, the more support people will extend to it," Tarique mentioned. Tarique, however, expressed the hope that Bangladesh would soon embark on the electoral roadmap. “I would like to tell the leaders and workers of BNP at all levels that our beloved Bangladesh will soon start its journey on the electoral roadmap after overcoming all the ambiguities. Tarique expresses solidarity with people of South Korea in quest for democracy In this journey, he reminded the party rank and file that democracy and freedom-loving people would be their true companions. “So, stay with the people, and do your best to keep the people with you.” BNP organised the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark Great Victory Day. The nation is set to celebrate the 54th Victory Day on Monday with festivities, paying tribute to martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War. Tarique said people are dying from dengue almost every day in hospitals, while many are struggling to afford the cost of treatment. He said people are also enduring immense hardship due to the unbridled price hikes of essential items. “Almost everyone in the country is fighting to meet their daily expenses.”  “If the interim government merely buys time in the name of reforms without easing people’s daily suffering or addressing the market situation, the question--‘reform first or family first’--may become a pressing issue for the people,” the BNP leader warned. Despite these struggles, Tarique said people are not expressing their grievances against the government, as they want to see the interim administration succeed. “But they (govt) themselves must prove through their activities whether they want to see themselves successful.” He also talked about empowering people politically and economically to bolster the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must remember that if the people are not empowered, national unity will not be strong. There is no alternative to reforms for achieving qualitative change in the state and politics. But if someone wants to become an autocrat or fascist, neither the constitution nor the rules can stop them. Anyone can become an autocratic or fascist ruler by disregarding the existing laws and rules,” the BNP leader observed. BNP aims for a democratic, fair, inclusive Bangladesh: Tarique To protect the government and state from autocracy and fascism, he said the practice of democratic political culture in everyday activities is more crucial than the rules and provisions. “It is possible to eliminate the elements of fascism from the state and society through democratic practices in daily life.” Tarique said a parliament formed by public representatives, elected through direct votes, is the key place or institution for the practice of democratic politics in both the state and society. “The political power of the people is assured when an accountable government and parliament functions properly.” Stating that autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina fled the country in the face of a student-led mass uprising, he said 1971 was the year of Bangladesh’s independence, while 2024 is the year of protecting the country’s independence and the rights of its people. "In such a context, this Victory Day, being celebrated in an environment free from fascism, is certainly more joyful, glorious, meaningful, and significant. I firmly believe that every future Independence and Victory Day in Bangladesh will be a meaningful day of fulfilling the state’s and government’s responsibility to the people," the BNP leader said. He said the people of the country have got united in an unprecedented way, on the blood of many people. "We must utilise this unity to build a Bangladesh free from discrimination.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the Awami League had destroyed the dreams of the Liberation War shortly after independence, through misrule, repressive acts, and by dismantling democracy and stripping people of their rights. He said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was the first to initiate reforms in the country, introducing multiparty democracy and a free-market economy. BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman Fakhrul said Zia also brought reforms to the agriculture, education, and industrial sectors, strengthening the country's economy. Later, he said that the BNP had carried out various essential reforms in Bangladesh under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. "We also presented the 31-point proposals for state reform when no one even thought about it. Yet, it’s unfortunate that now we are being lectured about reforms.” Fakhrul said an acceptable election must be held promptly to pave the way for implementing the 31-point reforms. BNP Standing Committee members AZM Zahid Hossain, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, among others, spoke at the programme.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his party aims to build a democratic, fair and inclusive Bangladesh that will be livable and enjoyable for all, through the united efforts of everyone. "Let us all work together to build a democratic Bangladesh, based on the foundation of a non-discriminatory, inclusive and liberal society. Your welfare and success are our priority," he said while virtually exchanging views with a group of physically challenged people at Agargaon LGED auditorium. ‘Have patience for restoration of democracy’, says Tarique    The BNP leader said his party is committed to taking concrete steps to improve the quality of life of the people with special needs, focusing on ensuring their economic independence, social empowerment and human dignity. If BNP forms the government with the support of the people, he said it will initiate the establishment of a separate Directorate to coordinate the activities of various ministries and departments alongside carrying out specific programmes for persons with disabilities. Tarique said his party is also determined to build a dignified, capable, and prosperous society for people with special needs. "I and my party, BNP, recognise that your problems and sufferings are real and deep. But you must remember, you are not alone in this struggle. We are, and will always be, by your side. Your obstacles are our obstacles. I firmly believe that we can never move forward while leaving you behind," he said. The BNP leader also said the BNP wants to take the country forward with the united efforts of all, including people with disabilities. "The democratic Bangladesh that we will build together will be fair for all, inclusive for all, livable for all, and enjoyable for all." He said he joined such a programme not as a politician, but as a brother, friend, and guardian of people with disabilities, with a strong commitment to stand by them. As part of his political responsibility, Tarique expressed his desire to cooperate with the physically challenged people to help them explore their talents and achieve self-sufficiency. "I firmly believe that you are an integral part of our society and family. You play an outstanding role in driving the country forward and keeping the wheels of the economy moving," the BNP leader noted. He also shared the inspiring stories of four physically challenged people who realised their dreams and achieved success by overcoming physical and other barriers. BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman "These four people have shown us that true ability is not measured by the body, but by the strength of the mind, willpower and hard work. Their stories teach us that 'obstacle' is just a word that can be overcome with effort. Our duty is to respect their struggle and stand by them. We want to build a Bangladesh where every person has the opportunity to overcome their limitations and fulfil their dreams," the BNP leader said. He also promised that no one would be subjected to discrimination or left behind due to physical limitations in the future Bangladesh. "By working together, we will build a society where every person can reach their full potential." Tarique said people from all walks of life, including the physically challenged ones, were deprived of their justified citizen rights and freedoms and the state support. “I want to assure you that if BNP forms the government, we will always stand by your side. I believe no ne of you are disabled. Rather, you are all specially capable citizens, each of you possessing immense potential," he said. The BNP leader also assured that his party would take concrete steps to ensure people with disabilities have access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, equal job opportunities, and make all public infrastructures and transportation systems accessible to them. Tarique they have plans to establish specialised units in district hospitals, launch mobile health clinics in remote areas, set up factories in the country to manufacture equipment for people with disabilities, provide vocational and technical training for skill their development, increase allowances, simplify the registration process, and encourage employers to hire physically challenged people by offering tax incentives. Besides, he mentioned the introduction of the Subarna Nagorik Card for the people with disability, the provision of soft loans, and focus on building the physical capabilities of disabled children. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party is committed to building an inclusive society that ensures the rights of all. He said BNP, if returns to power, will take decisive steps to address the problems faced by physically challenged people, eliminate the discrimination they currently endure, and improve their overall well-being. Over 150 physically challenged people from across the country participated in the programme, which was conducted by Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of the Protibondhi Nagorik Shangathaner Parishad (PNSP). SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case The participants shared the numerous challenges they face daily, ranging from family and societal difficulties to issues such as transportation barriers, lack of access to government services, limited educational opportunities, and various forms of discrimination. They also highlighted the negative societal attitudes towards them and the exclusion they often experience. They also made several demands, including the enhancing their special allowances, guaranteed access to quality and hassle-free education, easier access to government services and offices, the introduction of transport and services tailored for people with disabilities, official recognition and use of sign language, the formation of a dedicated commission for their rights, and updates to the “Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013”. The physically challenged people appealed to the BNP acting chairman, urging him that if his party returns to power, steps should be taken to address their issues, transform them into valuable human resources, and create sufficient job opportunities to build a discrimination-free and inclusive society.

The Appellate Division on Thursday upheld the High Court's order to acquit businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun, a close associate of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a case filed for accumulating illegal wealth. The Appellate Division's full bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order. Sabbir Hamza Chowdhury, the lawyer for Giasuddin Al Mamun, said the High Court had acquitted Giasuddin Al Mamun of the charges. On May 8, 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case at the Cantonment police station after Giasuddin Al Mamun failed to submit his wealth statement. The ACC charged him with amassing illegal wealth worth over Tk 101.73 crore. On March 27, 2008, the lower court sentenced Mamun to 10 years imprisonment  with a fine of Tk 10 lakh. When he appealed against that verdict in the High Court, a bench of Justices AKM Asaduzzaman and Abu Taher Md. Saifur Rahman acquitted Mamun on July 30, 2012. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) later filed a Leave to Appeal against the High Court verdict. On November 1, 2015, the Appellate Division scrapped the High Court's acquittal verdict and ordered a re-hearing of the appeal in the case. Gias Uddin Al Mamun acquitted in money laundering case Gias Uddin filed an application for a review of the Appellate Division's order. When the Appellate Division granted his review, he appealed and the appeal was granted today.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday conveyed a message to people from party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, urging them to remain patient to have the democracy restored through a national election. “Our acting chairman has urged you (people) to remain patient. We must all act with unity and patience to restore democracy, ensuring that the great victory achieved through the student-led mass movement becomes truly fruitful and meaningful,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from London. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case Fakhrul said Tarique also urged all to focus on preparing for the next election, describing it as the first crucial step towards the restoration of democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to questions from reporters about the message he had brought from Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul returned home from London, after completing a 12-day visit. The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at the airport in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm. He said he had a meeting with the BNP Acting Chairman during his stay in London. Besides, Fakhrul said, he spoke to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders and workers and joined meetings arranged by them. "There has been a discussion with the press there. My visit to London was productive and fruitful,” the BNP leader said. Read: BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman When asked about Tarique Rahman's possible return to the country, Fakhrul said, "As you know, he has been facing numerous false cases filed out of political vendetta. He’ll return home once these cases are withdrawn or resolved through the court." In response to another question, he said the political parties have been supporting the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus. “We hope they’ll arrange the polls after completing the necessary minimum reforms." The BNP leader said it is a wrong perception that their party prioritises the election over reforms, reminding that it was the BNP which had put forward its reform proposals two years ago. Earn public trust, Tarique tells BNP leaders, activists As his attention was drawn to a comment by an adviser that political parties are trying to fail the interim government, Fakhrul said, “I don’t know in what context he made that statement. But, such remarks are anti-political. We do not expect such statements to be made by them.” He said political parties are supporting the interim government with the aim of restoring democracy, for which they have been fighting for the past 15 years. Responding to another question about Bangladesh-India relations, Fakhrul said the issues between the two countries must be resolved through discussions. He, however, said the problems emerging within Bangladesh are challenging to address without an elected government. Fakhrul travelled to London on November 30 to meet Tarique Rahman and discuss with him the crucial political and the party’s organisational issues. Besides, his wife Rahat Ara Begum underwent health check-ups and received treatment in London. Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical center abroad.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said if his party comes to power in future, it will form a government that must be accountable to the people. “Our hope and desire is to form a government that is accountable to the people of the country. The government would be obliged to be accountable to the people. If so, then we will be able to solve all the problems of the country in phases,” he said while addressing a workshop in Cumilla through a virtual platform. The workshop was held at Fun Town Park auditorium in Cumilla city to drum up public support for the BNP’s 31-point state structure reform agenda. The BNP acting chairman asked his party activists to reach this 31-point reform agenda to every person of the country. If there is any objection or suggestion to the 31-point agenda, it would be changed, he said. “The 31-point state reform agenda describes what BNP will do if it comes to power in the future,” he said. Read: Tarique Rahman seeks limit on PM’s consecutive terms    Tarique Rahman asked BNP activists to refrain from controversial activities and rather work for gaining public trust. "We’ve to take care of the party. Anything can’t be done that would damage the trust of the people. We’ve to work to gain the trust of the people,” he said. He said the dictators have destroyed the country. “There is still time. Let us spend it on the work of the country and the people. People now have expectations from BNP," he added. Replying to a question in the workshop, the BNP leader said the country's public transport system needs to be improved. “Traffic congestion is a major problem in the country, and concerted efforts need to be taken to address this problem,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said various establishments will be named after the martyrs of the July-August revolution in different areas. Read more: Tarique Rahman urges unity to end political vengeance BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain earlier opened the workshop. BNP Cumilla divisional organising secretary Selim Bhuiyan presided over the event moderated by BNP Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain. Local BNP leaders from the party’s district, city and municipality units under its Cumilla division took part in the workshop.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed a High Court order that had sentenced BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to seven years jail in a money laundering case. The full bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order after hearing a petition. Barrister Kaisar Kamal and Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain stood for the petitioner while Advocate Asif Hasan represented the Anti-Corruption Commission. HC order declaring ‘Joy Bangla’ as national slogan suspended Barrister Kaisar Kamal said the Appellate Division approve to move for a leave-to-appeal against the HC order and asked to submit the brief text of the verdict to the ACC within December 31. The court also stayed the lower court order that had sentenced businessperson Gias Uddin Mamun in the same case. ACC filed the case with Cantonment Police Station on October 26, 2009 and police submitted chargesheet against Tarique and Mamun on July 6, 2010. Court pressed charges against them on August 8, 2011. According to the case statement, Mamun siphoned off Tk 20,41,25,843 from Khadiza Islam, chairman of a construction company limited in the name of installing 80 MW power plant in Tongi. Mamun deposited the money to his bank account in Singapore and Tarique spent Tk 3.78 crore from the money. Palak placed on three-day remand again On November 17, 2013, a lower court convicted Tarique and sentenced him to seven years of  jail in the case. The court also fined Mamun Tk 40 crore and asked the government to confiscate the money which was laundered to Singapore. On December 5, 2013, the ACC filed an appeal on July 21, 2016. The High Court sentenced Tarique to seven years imprisonment and fined him Tk 20 crore in the case. It also upheld the lower order sentencing seven-year jail to Mamun.

Warning that some activities of a few misguided party leaders and workers are not being well-received by the general public, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged his colleagues to earn and maintain the trust and love of people through dedication and sincerity. "Five fingers are not equal, just as all people are not the same. In the last three to four months, following the fall and escape of the autocrats, a few leaders and workers of the party have become confused. Because of that they’re engaging in some actions that are not liked by the common people in many cases," he said while virtually addressing a workshop in Dhaka. The workshop, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee at the Barua Alauddin High School ground in the capital’s Khilkhet area. Tarique said the main goal of BNP leaders and workers should be to gain the support, trust and confidence of the people. “If your goal is anything else, believe me, you will be knocked out of the party and lose the people's trust and public support in a short time.” Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members He said every BNP leader and worker must focus on earning the people's trust, confidence, and love. "Everyone must work to gain the trust, respect, and support of people. It is also your duty to maintain that trust, faith, and love through sincerity and dedication.” The BNP leader also cautioned that if any political activist focuses on anything other than serving the people, they will not be valued or loved by the public. Tarique said BNP leaders and activists have endured serious repression, harassment and imprisonment over the last 16-17 years due to their commitment to establishing the rights of the people. “You surely didn’t endure all of this so that a few individuals can make personal gains,” he said. He observed that when a BNP leader or worker visits their localities, people show them respect because they have confidence in the party. “Many financially well-off and affluent people do not receive such honour and respect. Therefore, you must behave and speak in line with the people’s expectations,” he advised. “People’s support should always remain in favour of the BNP, and that must be achieved positively,” Tarique said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stated that the party’s primary objective is to ensure accountability in Bangladesh, where everyone, from the Prime Minister to Union Parishad Members, is accountable to people for their actions. “We want to create an atmosphere of accountability in the country. As a political party, this is our main objective… From the Prime Minister to Union Parishad members, Upazila chairman, ministers, MPs, and all other levels, everyone must remain accountable,” he said while virtually addressing a workshop in Faridpur. At the same time, Tarique said everyone at all levels in government and semi-government offices and institutions must be accountable to the people. “We must ensure accountability everywhere. It’s not something that can be achieved overnight, but it is possible… If you think about your family, it thrives because of accountability,” he said. The workshop, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee at the Faridpur Sadar Upazila Complex. Tarique said corruption, anarchy, breakdowns in law and order, and other misdeeds occurred during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina due to a complete lack of accountability. He said the Awami League arranged one-sided elections repeatedly, while its leaders and workers indulged in widespread looting and siphoning vast amounts of money abroad—again, due to the absence of accountability to the people. Correct yourselves first for public trust, Tarique tells BNP followers   "So, we aim to address corruption, establish the rule of law, and strengthen the healthcare sector so that people can receive proper treatment. We also want to create an environment where students can access quality education in the country. As a political activist, I believe much can be achieved if accountability is established," the BNP leader said. He said a free and fair election is essential to restore accountability, reclaim people’s lost rights, and implement BNP’s 31-point proposal for gradually building a desired Bangladesh. "It’s only natural that a party like the BNP would call for a fair election. To make this happen, everyone has to play their part.” The BNP leader recalled how the people from all walks of life united to force the autocratic Awami League regime to flee the country. "Similarly, we must all unite to establish our rights.” "If we want to achieve our goals, I need cooperation from all leaders and workers. The first condition for this cooperation is maintaining people’s confidence. To do that, we must act, speak, and behave according to the will of the people," he said. The BNP leader acknowledged that some party leaders and activists might be making mistakes and must be corrected. "We must stay alert and warn them, and in some cases, we must take firmer action.” Tarique urges leaders, activists to avoid controversial activities Tarique said people’s confidence is the most precious asset of any political party, its leaders, and its activists. "We will lose everything if we lose the people’s confidence. So, let’s pledge to preserve it. If we sit idle at home thinking that people already trust the BNP, that confidence will gradually erode." Correct Yourselves Tarique called upon his party colleagues to correct themselves first to retain people’s confidence and fight against extortion, corruption and immoral activities. “Correct yourselves first and then tell others to amend them. Otherwise, there’s no point of talking big (about eliminating immoral activities and extortion,” he said. Two leaders drew Tarique’s attention to various immoral activities and extortion by some party leaders, and asked whether the BNP would take steps for forming a commission or a body to take action if the any of its leaders and workers indulge in inhumane, anti-social and extortion or other misdeeds using the influence of the party. Tarique Rahman seeks limit on PM’s consecutive terms    Responding to the question, Tarique, said. “If any of you has done such an immoral act, correct yourself first. We may have some bad people in our party, who are doing bad and immoral things. We have already taken action against many of them. He said their party is taking all out organisational actions whenever it receives any such complaint against anyone. Even the BNP leader said they are taking extreme measures by urging the administration with written complaints against those who belong to the BNP are doing excess. “The key is to correct you first, and then encourage others to do the same.” Tarique urged the party rank and file to refrain from doing anything that undermines the public confidence in BNP. He said their party wants stability to restore in Bangladesh promptly so that the existing problems can be addressed properly.