BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the interim government to manifest its commitment to ensuring people's voting rights through a credible election in a bid to strengthen ties with people and build their trust. Speaking at a council, he also warned that people will not tolerate it if they find the incompetence of the government in running the country.  "The interim government has already taken an initiative to restructure the Election Commission. People expect to cast their votes freely, without fear, in a neutral and transparent environment and to elect their representatives," the BNP leader said. He said the relationship between the government and people will grow stronger if the public can maintain their confidence in it. "When people will see that the government is genuinely working to uphold their voting and other fundamental rights, their trust in the government will naturally deepen." Tarique addressed the concluding session of the third National Council of the Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh as the chief guest at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. He said all the evil efforts of plotters will go in vain if the interim government can meet even the minimum of the people's demands. “If the political and economic empowerment of the people is not ensured, then no matter what we call democracy, development, or reform, none of it will be sustainable," Tarique said. He also said the main tool of a citizen's political power is the right to vote. "If people are not given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, their relationship and partnership with the state will not be established." Tarique said the deposed autocrats and their associates, both within the country and abroad, as well as elements within the administration, are actively working to fail the interim government. "If they succeed in undermining this government, they will also fail democracy and the millions of Bangladeshis who cherish democratic values," the BNP leader said. In such a situation, he said, some decisions of the interim government appear to ignore the people's aspirations, instead imposing what they believe is best for the public. "Despite numerous dissatisfactions and shortcomings, the people wish to maintain their trust in the government. But does the government want that? If the trust between the government and people is strong and close, the conspirators will not succeed in spreading their plots," he said. Tarique said Sheikh Hasina fled the country after brutally injuring around 30,000 people and killing approximately 2,000 students and mass people.   "The interim government then assumed responsibility for the devastated administration and state. While it is impossible to remove the mess created by the mafia government over 15 years in just three months, it is neither unreasonable nor unusual for the public to question the success or failure of the interim government after this period," the BNP leader said. He said the government must remember that it may not be possible to meet all the demands of the people. “However, if there is a lack of competence within the government, or if the public perceives it, they will not naturally accept it.” Tarique also said if priorities are set incorrectly during the reform process, it will be seen by the people as a sign of the government's inefficiency. He lamented that those injured in the mass uprising have recently taken to the streets coming out of a hospital, demanding proper treatment. “This is a deeply shameful sight for all democracy-loving people in the country, especially for the common citizens and those who have conscience. Naturally, a question arises: Why is the treatment and safety of those injured during the July-August mass uprising not a priority for the interim government? Or where does it stand on their list of priorities?” the BNP leader said. He also highlighted that people across all levels of society are enduring immense hardship due to rising prices of daily essentials, with the government failing to dismantle the market syndicates. “So, another question arises: Where does lowering the prices of commodities rank on the interim government's priority list?” Tarique asked. He said not all actions of the interim government may be viewed as successes by everyone. “However, the failure of this interim government is a failure for all of us. We must recognise this,” he said. The BNP leader pointed out that over the past 15 years, autocratic governments made the country increasingly dependent on imports and foreign loans.  "The country needs to be freed from such a situation”. Stating that their party has already submitted a 31-point reform proposal of the state, he said it is a historic document for the future development of Bangladesh. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country is facing a very critical time. "We must navigate this period with great caution." He urged the interim government to quickly complete the necessary electoral reforms to ensure credible and acceptable elections, in line with the people's wishes. Tarique also called on BNP leaders and activists to preserve the party's image by refraining from any wrongdoings and standing firm against any form of injustice. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, among others, addressed the programme, with Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh President Fakhrul Alam in the chair.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party, if returns to power, will build Bangladesh in such a way so that no one, not even the Prime Minister, can abuse power or emerge as an autocrat. Speaking virtually at a seminar from London, he also said their party will transform the country into a democratic and humane nation, ensuring people’s basic human rights, freedom of expression and press freedom. BNP demands overseas treatment for critically injured July uprising victims “We want to ensure, and will do our utmost, so that no person, not even the Prime Minister, will be able to abuse power and become a dictator in future Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. He also said from the highest levels of the state to every level of government, accountability and the rule of law would be upheld, ensuring that no one is above the law. Despite differences in political ideologies, Tarique noted that a unity had already been forged among democratic political parties in the country to build a democratic Bangladesh. “We are all united in our commitment to rebuild Bangladesh in such a way that autocrats or fascists will never be able to raise their heads again,” he said. Tarique also expressed the BNP’s vision of a Bangladesh where no one could infringe upon the rights and freedoms of any citizen. “We all want a safe and secure Bangladesh where people's aspirations are reflected, and where an elected and accountable government ensures people's ownership and participation.” During Sheikh Hasina's fascism, the BNP leader said, the nation had witnessed the so-called politics of development, which was primarily based on corruption, misrule, and criminalisation.  “In contrast, if BNP forms the government through the people's vote, you will witness the politics of people's empowerment and partnership, guided by our 31-point outline. Rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech will be the basis of our state governance,” he assured. The BNP organised a seminar on its 31-point outline for the reform of the state structure at a city hotel. Diplomats from various foreign missions stationed in Dhaka, members of civil society, and representatives from different political parties attended the seminar. Tarique said almost all the reform proposals currently being discussed in the country are included in BNP’s 31-point outline. “I understand the purpose of reform as not merely changing a few sentences of the Constitution, but transforming the fortunes of the people. To ensure that a dictatorial system does not repeat in Bangladesh, he said BNP wants to include a provision in the constitution that no one can serve as Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms. The BNP leader also said his party wants a balance of power between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. “We aim to introduce a bicameral parliamentary system to ensure the representation and participation of society's intellectuals in the governance of the state.” He said an inclusive, liberal, and democratic Bangladesh must be built. “We all have a long way to go in unison. The pace of this march must be swift but steady, with specific goals.” Tarique said his party wishes to restore freedom of expression for every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation. “Just like two decades ago, during the BNP government, the media in Bangladesh could fearlessly criticise the government and even draw cartoons.’ He recalled that a section of the media had published baseless reports about the then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and him, conducting a media trial and propaganda campaign. “But we didn’t gag any media, harass anyone, or send any editor to jail in return. In the future, Tarique said, BNP will ensure the freedom of expression for all citizens, particularly human rights activists, journalists, and social influencers. “But we expect an impartial and responsible role from the media. He also promised that BNP would eliminate extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force, politically motivated cases and trials, mass arrests without warrants, gross human rights violations, and the culture of fear that has been fostered over the last 16 years. “We will strive to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every citizen in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations,” the BNP leader said. He claimed that in the three months following the fall of fascism, BNP had taken numerous initiatives to modernise politics, all of which have been nurtured by the grassroots of BNP across the country. The BNP leader said whenever anyone has committed crimes in the name of BNP, the party has taken swift organisational action as soon as it became known. Tarique also said Awami League leaders and activists were involved in crimes such as murder, assault, rape, and extortion during the 16-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, yet no action was taken against them by the party. “As recent incidents show, even after the killing of more than one and a half thousand democracy-loving people in the mass upsurge, no leader of the Awami League has shown any remorse or self-criticism,” he said. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party, along with over 50 other parties, had prepared the 31-point state reform proposal during the simultaneous movement against the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. He noted that the interim government, formed following the ousting of Hasina's regime, has already established various commissions to oversee state reforms. “We believe the reform proposals that may emerge from these commissions will closely align with the 31-point outline. Therefore, we have decided to present the 31-point framework to the public once again,” the BNP leader said. On July 13, 2023, the BNP unveiled a 31-point outline aimed at "reforming" the constitution and state system, as well as ensuring the economic emancipation of the people. This proposal was developed in consultation with other parties that had participated in the simultaneous movement against the Awami League government.

BNP brought out a massive colourful rally in the capital today (Friday), marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, wearing colourful caps, assembled at Nayapaltan since noon, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the areas. After a brief address, party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the rally around 3:32pm. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also spoke at the gathering. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, at Manik Mia Avenue. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists are chanting slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. BNP ready for a massive showdown in Dhaka On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take effective steps to meet the expectations of people in order to foil any plots by evil forces.                          “I want to warn the freedom-loving people of one thing, and I myself also want to remain alert that the conspiracy of the anti-democratic evil forces has not stopped yet against the interim government, he said virtually from London to a mammoth gathering at Nayapaltan. The BNP leader said the associates of the deposed Awami League regime are still active in the country’s administration, in different positions, as well as abroad, to undermine the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led government. He renewed his party’s support for the interim government, saying this administration can never be allowed to fail. “But, if the interim government wants to keep itself alert, it must take effective steps to fulfil the expectations of people. It is now the demand of people,” Tarique said. He congratulated the people of the country and the students for ending fascism through a successful popular uprising. "The 7th November, 1975 was the day to distinguish between friends and foes of Bangladesh, while 5th August 2024 was the day to identify the enemies of Bangladesh," Tarique said. He also said as long as the pro-Bangladesh forces remain united, no one will be able to undermine the country's independence. The BNP leader said their rally is not aimed at raising a storm of protests against anyone, but rather a procession to safeguard the country’s interests and the voting and other rights of people. “This procession of millions on the streets is a march of resolve to build a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh as envisioned by countless students, citizens, and martyrs as well as those who were injured in the anti-fascist movement,” he observed. Tarique emphasised that it is crucial for every citizen to elect their representatives through their votes to ensure that fascism never returns to Bangladesh.  “As long as those aspiring to become representatives, from local governments to the central government, won’t remain dependent on the people’s vote, the people will not be able to fully enjoy the benefits of democracy,” he said. Even in an environment free from autocracy or fascism, Tarique said it will be impossible to free low-income people from the curse of market syndicates unless their right to elect their representatives through direct voting is guaranteed. “Let us ensure that this massive procession does not go in vain. With this expectation, I declare the auspicious inauguration of this rally,” the BNP leader said. Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir said that although Sheikh Hasina fled the country during the uprising, her cohorts are still lurking everywhere, ready to harm Bangladesh in various ways. He said the nefarious efforts to destroy Bangladesh must be resisted by strengthening national unity. “No dictator will be allowed to strip the people of their rights again. Let us unite and ensure that only democracy will prevail in Bangladesh,” he declared. Later, the party brought out a massive colourful rally in the capital around 3:32pm, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. It proceeded towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir concluded the rally with a brief address at Manik Mia Avenue at around 6:30pm. Earlier, tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, many of them wearing colourful caps, assembled at Nayapaltan since noon, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday to bring out a massive rally, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Since noon, BNP leaders and activists assembled at Nayapaltan, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, they chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. Streets and alleys from Bijoynagar to Fakirerpool were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area. BNP to take out rally in city on Friday marking Nov 7 The rally is set to start at 3 pm from the BNP’s central office. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will briefly address the crowd before the rally begins. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated, “This will be a massive rally that will make history. The martyrs of August 5 will be remembered in the rally,” he added. The BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. On November 7 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take pragmatic steps as a priority to control the rising prices of essential goods to ease the financial strain on the people. Addressing a discussion programme virtually, he also urged the government to prioritise the elimination of the market syndicate that was established during the previous regime. “People from all walks of life, particularly those in low-income groups and small businesses, are enduring significant hardships due to the unusual price hikes in essential items,” the BNP leader said. Asif Nazrul seeks apology to people for price hike of essentials He said that mere sweet words will not suffice while people remain half-fed. “I call upon the interim government to take pragmatic steps immediately as a priority to lower commodity prices and provide relief to the public,” Tarique said. He lamented that commodity prices have surpassed the purchasing power of the ordinary people. “While it may be challenging to dismantle the business syndicate established during the previous regime, it is not impossible with genuine will and appropriate interventions,” the BNP leader said. The Ziaur Rahman Foundation organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark its silver jubilee. Tarique warned that associates of the deposed despotic regime are still conspiring to create difficulties for the government and undermine its success. Yunus-led interim govt may induct some new faces this month: Sources The BNP leader also noted that the government's disarray has become evident and it has failed to establish a clear priority agenda. He said the conflicting statements from various government advisers regarding the next election have caused confusion among the public. Ziaur Rahman Foundation adviser Dr Zubaida Rahman also addressed the programme virtually, extending her greetings to the members on the occasion of its silver jubilee. She wished the foundation continued success and urged its members to work towards the betterment of humanity. “I hope the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will set a benchmark for serving humanity,” said Zubaida, who is also the wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.    

MA Malik, an adviser to the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and UK BNP President, has said that the party's Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is not seeking any "favour" and intends to fight his legal battles. "After winning the legal fight, he will return to the country soon," he remarked. Tarique for creating 'collective community shield' for security of all Malik made these comments while speaking to journalists after a reception at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Thursday afternoon. He further expressed confidence that if the rule of law prevails in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman will get justice. Malik further expressed the BNP's confidence in Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, asserting that they believe he will conduct fair and impartial elections. Additionally, Malik alleged that Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, smuggled US$ 14 billion and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has filed a case against him. He reiterated that the BNP demands justice and the return of this money. Earlier that day, Malik arrived in Sylhet from Dhaka and was warmly welcomed with floral tributes by leaders and activists from the central, district, and metropolitan BNP.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his party aims to create a collective community 'shield', setting a precedent for ensuring the safety of all, regardless of their caste or creed. He made the pledge in a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, extending his wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.  The BNP leader also included a photo of the Hindu goddess Durga with his post. “I believe every Bangladeshi citizen must enjoy equal rights, freedoms, and protection without any distinction between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian,” he said. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique Tarique said, “Our country belongs to all Bangladeshis, and as a united nation, we stand to form a collective community 'shield' and set an example by ensuring the safety of everyone, regardless of their identity or background.” He extended warm greetings to all those celebrating this joyous Durga Puja.  “May this festival bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to every household, and foster cohesion and togetherness among all communities,” Tarique concluded.  Durga Puja, the most significant festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, is in full swing, having begun on October 9 with Maha Shashthi. The celebration will culminate on October 13 with the immersion of Durga idols in rivers, marking the conclusion of the Sharadiya Durgotshab.

The High Court today (August 28, 2023) directed Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove all speeches and video content of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from social media platforms.  Justice Md. Khasruzzaman and Justice Md Khairul Alam passed the order.  However, the courtroom witnessed a chaotic scene as pro-BNP lawyers were loudly protesting the order.   At one point, Justice Md. Khasruzzaman and Justice Md Khairul Alam left the courtroom amid the cacophony. Pro-BNP lawyers were shouting “shame, shame” while the justices were leaving the courtroom. BNP’s denial of state role and Tarique’s involvement in Aug 21 grenade attack wanes its credibility, political analysts say As of 2 pm, the justices did not return to the courtroom.  Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Law Affairs Secretary of BNP, said that a no confidence appeal against the bench had been submitted to the Chief Justice. The origin of this case traces back to 2015 when Nasreen Siddiqui Lina, a lawyer of the Supreme Court, filed a petition seeking a ban on Tarique Rahman’s videos on social media. No doubt Khaleda, Tarique and their men were completely involved in Aug 21 grenade attack: PM Hasina On January 7, 2015, during the hearing of the writ petition, a bench headed by  Justice Qazi Reza-ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Saifur Rahman issued an interim order alongside a ruling. The order inquired why instruction will not be given for prohibiting the publishing of Tariq Rahman's speeches. Multiple government officials and media figures, including the Information Secretary, Home Secretary, Law Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Director General of BTV, Chairman of BTRC, Chief News Editor of Ekushey TV, Editor of Kaler Kontho, and Tarique Rahman himself were made respondents. Zia was behind August 15 killings, Tarique behind August 21: Hasan Mahmud After an interval of eight and a half years, Kamrul Islam, a lawyer representing the writ petition, sought a hearing on August 2.  On August 8, as the case was being heard, a confrontation erupted between pro-AL and pro-BNP lawyers.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday stressed the need for expediting the implementation of the trial court’s verdict in the August 21, 2004 grenade attack case. “Our leaders and activists, including Ivy Rahman, were brutally killed in broad daylight on August 21. The trial has been held. Its (trial court) judgment has been handed out. This verdict should be implemented soon,” she said. The premier was addressing a discussion arranged by Bangladesh Awami League (AL) at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Avenue, marking 19th anniversary of the August 21 grenade attack. The grenade attack was carried out on an anti-terrorism rally organised by the then opposition AL on August 21, 2004 in front of its central office on Bangabandhu Avenue. The gruesome attack left 24 people killed and nearly 1,000 injured. AL president and then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina luckily survived, but her hearing was impaired by the repeated grenade blasts. Among the dead was Awami League’s women affairs secretary and late president Zillur Rahman’s wife, Ivy Rahman. A Dhaka court had already convicted and sentenced 49 people, including 19 to death and 19 to life imprisonment. Eleven were sentenced to different prison terms. Read: 19th anniversary of Aug 21 grenade attack today Eighteen of the convicted, including BNP leader Tarique Rahman, remain fugitives. Appeals against the judgment are now being heard in the High Court. Sheikh Hasina, while presiding over today’s discussion, said some of those convicted in the grenade attack case are now in jail but the main mastermind remains outside the country. Without mentioning Tarique Rahman, she said that he went abroad signing a bond. “If he has courage, why doesn’t he come back? We’ve transformed the country into Digital Bangladesh. He is now talking big, taking its advantages… He should come back, if he has courage. People of Bangladesh will not spare that killer,” she said. Recalling the grisly grenade attack, the premier said Khaleda Zia was the prime minister at the time, and the question remains what role she played at that time. Read: It was a state-sponsored conspiracy to kill Hasina: Witness and injured Nazib recalls horror of Aug 21 carnage She questioned why Khaleda obstructed police (from taking appropriate measures) and didn’t take any initiative to protect evidence of the attack. “What does it prove? There is no doubt that Khaleda, Tarique and their men were completely involved in the grenade attack. It was also revealed in the investigation,” said the AL president.