United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be given an unprecedented public reception on his return to Dhaka from London, unlike any reception given to a political leader in the past. “I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Almighty Allah that after living in exile for a long 18 years, our leader, Insh’Allah, will return to us on December 25. This is a great source of inspiration for us,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks at a discussion meeting titled ‘National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation’, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium in Kakrail. “Let us welcome him on December 25 in such a way that no leader in Bangladesh has ever received before. We are all prepared, Inshallah,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile Referring to Tarique Rahman’s return, Fakhrul said the news has brought reassurance at a time of great anxiety. “On one hand, our leader and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and undergoing treatment in hospital. On the other hand, amid uncertainty, Tarique Rahman is the guiding light who shows us the way forward, and he will be among us on the 25th,” he said. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Abdus Salam and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, party Liberation War Affairs Secretary (retd) Lt Col Zainul Abedin, and several leaders of the Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddho Projonmo addressed the meeting. Earlier on Friday night, Fakhrul at a press conference announced that the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 18 years of exile. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) voiced concern that incidents similar to the gun attack on Sharif Osman Hadi may recur, warning that the enemies of Bangladesh are once again resorting to targeted killings in an attempt to destabilise the country. “When Bangladesh is seeing a new sun and moving towards a new chapter, and when the people of Bangladesh are dreaming of building a democratic country through a fair election, at that very time its enemies have once again indulged in a killing spree,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying tributes to the martyred intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur in the morning. He said their party strongly condemned the attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. “We fear that similar incidents may happen again,” Fakhrul said. Read more: What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka on Friday, a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, leaving him seriously injured. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital with a bullet injury to his head. Recalling the history of December 14, Fakhrul said when the defeat of the Pakistani occupation forces became inevitable and the Liberation War forces surrounded Dhaka, the occupation army, with the help of their collaborators, abducted and killed the nation’s brightest minds to destroy Bangladesh intellectually. “They picked up university teachers, doctors, researchers, writers, journalists and many others and killed them. It was a planned massacre aimed at making the nation intellectually weak,” he said. Fakhrul said the nation remembers this painful history every year on this day. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile On behalf of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently ill, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, he said they came to the memorial to pay homage to the martyred intellectuals, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day. “We have taken an oath that, at any cost, we will protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and move the democratic journey forward,” Fakhrul said. He paid deep respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and democracy, and also remembered BNP founder and proclaimer of independence, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, for his role in bringing fundamental changes to Bangladesh. The BNP leader also remembered the young people who were killed during the mass uprising in 2024. BNP senior leaders and leaders and activists of its Dhaka city units and affiliated organisations were present there. Read more: Roots of Hadi's would-be assassins to be uprooted: Attorney General

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night (December 12, 2025) said the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on 25 December, ending nearly 18 years of exile. “It is with great joy that I inform you that our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman – the most beloved leader of millions, who has been in exile for almost 18 years and has led the democratic movement for more than a decade – will arrive in Dhaka on 25 December,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul expressed hope that Tarique’s return would help remove obstacles on the path to democracy. “We believe that once our Acting Chairman returns home, the barriers placed before the democratic transition will begin to disappear,” he added. Read more: Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy Fakhrul said the news of Tarique’s homecoming would bring a “message of relief” for the entire nation. He also said their party welcomes Tarique’s return with “great happiness” and wants to share that joy with the entire country. Referring to a meeting in London between the BNP Acting Chairman and the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said it was decided that the national parliamentary election would be held within February, which removed all doubts regarding the election. “With the announcement of the election schedule yesterday, the electoral process has started, and people across the country now have hopes that it will be carried out,” he added. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. During the last Awami League government, he was sentenced in five different cases in his absence, while around 100 cases were filed against him. Read more: BNP announces nationwide protests for Saturday over attack on Hadi But after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, he was cleared of all charges through legal processes. Now, he has no cases pending against him. Fakhrul condemned the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, calling it “a conspiracy to sabotage the election”. “The incident shows that evil forces are working to disrupt the election. We strongly condemn the attack and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible,” he said. Fakhrul also criticised the behaviour of supporters of a political party at Dhaka Medical College Hospital when BNP leader Mirza Abbas went there after hearing about the attack on Hadi. “I cannot remain silent on this. Our Standing Committee senior member and long-time BNP leader, Mirza Abbas, who is a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, naturally went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital upon hearing the news of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi being shot, to show his sympathy as a political leader,” he said. But, unfortunately, Fakhrul said, some individuals and supporters of that party, along with a few conspirators, gathered there, shouted provocative slogans, and at one point tried to create a mob violence. “We strongly condemn that, and we want to warn all parties that if such behaviour happens, BNP will not remain silent and will respond immediately,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want any kind of unrest or violence, but if the party comes under attack, it will not take it lightly, as BNP knows how to respond. Fakhrul urged all political parties to refrain from creating mob violence, inciting tension, or disrupting the election process. “Everyone should focus on restoring calm and ensuring a fair election. Otherwise, the path of democratic transition will be blocked, and the journey of democracy will be obstructed. I urge all sides to take this matter seriously.” Earlier, the BNP National Standing Committee held a meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman via video link, starting at 9 pm. Read more: Mirza Abbas barred from visiting bullet-hit Hadi at DMCH BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the press conference.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the national election. The reaction from the party came shortly after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the election timetable in a televised address in the evening. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, the party’s central media and publicity wing chief, came up with the reaction at a press conference held at Jamaat’s Moghbazar central office. Zubair, who is also the party’s Assistant Secretary General, said the long-awaited announcement had eased concerns about whether the election would be held. “There were uncertainties over the polls, but the announcement of the schedule has reassured us,” he told reporters. Calling on the Election Commission to ensure a fair electoral process, Zubair said establishing a level-playing field for all political parties must now be the Commission’s top priority. “Without this, there is no scope for making the election meaningful.” Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said ensuring a level playing field is essential for a credible election. He urged the Election Commission to take tough measures to recover illegal weapons, arrest armed criminals and improve law and order. He expressed dissatisfaction over previous electoral processes, saying, “In the past, although assurances were given ahead of elections, fairness could not be ensured. We hope this trend will change in the upcoming polls.” Zubair said Jamaat will fully cooperate with the Commission to help ensure a festive and peaceful election environment that reflects the expectations of the August-5 ‘revolution’. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Zubair called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to give legal recognition to the July Charter. Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven other allied parties, will continue programmes aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum, he said, adding that the alliance of eight protesting parties would extend all cooperation to the EC to conduct the national election and referendum smoothly. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central executive council member Mobarak Hossain and Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin were present at the briefing. According to the schedule announced by the CEC, voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The balloting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Meanwhile, BNP welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

Just hours before the announcement of the election schedule, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (December 11, 2025) called on party leaders and activists to get ready to welcome their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he will return to the country ‘very soon’. “Since all our leaders are here today, I want to tell you that our leader (Tarique) will come back to us very soon,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop. The BNP leader called on his colleagues to be ready to give Tarique a grand reception on the day he returns home, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “The day our leader arrives and sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should shake. You must remember this… You will be able to do it, InshaAllah. On that day, we want to change the face of the entire country,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory Fakhrul said the party wants to move forward with a progressive vision to take Bangladesh ahead. “We want to move ahead. We want progress. To place Bangladesh in a position of dignity, we want to carry forward our leader’s thoughts and plans.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation in the evening to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. Fakhrul said the election schedule will be announced today, opening the way for the people to establish new leadership for Bangladesh through a fresh election. “We now have the chance to work with the people to form a truly representative parliament — a parliament that will lead Bangladesh towards a new horizon, under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ He said the BNP must win the upcoming election and secure a full victory so it can take Bangladesh forward. “Many barriers will come. Many difficulties will appear. There are many campaigns against us, and there will be more. But we want to stand tall by overcoming all of these. BNP has never been defeated, and it will not be defeated,” he added. Describing BNP as the party of the people, the Liberation War and the struggle for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stay united. “Nothing else will bring you success. What will bring success is unity — a strong, steel-like unity — and the spirit to move forward with our nationalist and democratic ideals,” he said. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs: Mirza Abbas The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls. Read more: ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday (December 10, 2025) said that his party is committed to accountability, reconciliation and democratic rights -- not revenge -- despite facing the most repression over the last 16 years. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Human Rights Day, he also said his party envisions a future Bangladesh to be built on unity, dignity and democratic freedoms with human rights upheld. “BNP has suffered deeply, yet emerged stronger, guided by the belief that truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the rule of law can build a Bangladesh that honours every voice and every life, a nation where human rights are defended as essential to our collective future,” Tarique wrote. He said Bangladesh ‘lived beneath a darkened sky’ for 16 years as fear replaced basic freedoms. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs:  Mirza Abbas “Some felt it sharply, others carried the weight quietly. But for many, especially those whose politics diverged from the deposed regime’s ruling line, the darkness was a lived reality: midnight knocks, fabricated cases, brutality endured, terror seeping into daily culture, and families waiting by doors that never opened again,” her said. Tarique said no political organisation bore this burden more than BNP. “Across extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, custodial deaths, and false charges, BNP leaders, activists and supporters formed the largest share of the wounded and missing. And in the 2024 mass uprising, it was again BNP’s ranks that suffered the highest number of deaths and injuries.” He stressed that the pain extended far beyond a single political group, affecting students, journalists, writers and ordinary citizens who lost the everyday essentials of dignity, safety and freedom of expression that “today’s Human Rights Day asks us to protect.” In those years, the BNP leader mentioned that he was stripped of the most basic right of voicing his opinion as he was silenced by an order prohibiting newspapers, electronic media and social media in the country from publishing or airing his words since 2015. Read more: BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman “Yet even from enforced silence, I kept fighting for the rights and democracy denied to millions, proving that a spirit committed to justice cannot be muted by decree,” he said. He also highlighted the suffering endured by his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he described as a national symbol of resilience through imprisonment, political cases and attempts to erase her legacy. “Yet she remained steadfast in the principles she had upheld throughout Bangladesh’s democratic journey. She has always championed that rights belong to every citizen, and that a nation cannot thrive when fear shapes its public life. Her resilience was never hers alone; it reflected the resilience of countless ordinary people,” the BNP leader said. Sharing personal accounts, Tarique said his own mother endured the pain of seeing her son tortured in custody, while his family also suffered the loss of his brother. Read more: Khaleda's condition remains unchanged: Board Yet, he said, this “pain does not always produce bitterness,” but instead strengthens the resolve to build a fairer future. “Our Deshnetri, my mother, exemplifies this more than anyone I know. It can shape people into guardians of a better future, and into people who understand that a nation cannot be rebuilt by repeating the injustices it survived. What Bangladesh needs now is larger than politics. We envision a united country where human rights are guaranteed, where plurality of opinions is welcomed, where opposition is a healthy part of democracy rather than a threat, and where no one is erased for their beliefs,” Tarique said. He said BNP stands strong, choosing resolution over retribution and it rejects the politics of vengeance and affirms that no Bangladeshi, whether ally or opposition, should ever again fear the institutions created to protect their rights. Calling for a rights-based future, he urged Bangladeshis to remember the stories of Abrar Fahad, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ilias Ali, Sajedul Islam Sumon, Sagar-Runi and many more, so that injustices are not repeated. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) urged political leaders and people to remain united in safeguarding the gains of last year’s July mass uprising, saying the sacrifices of the young people who lost their lives must not go in vain. “Let us work together to consolidate the victory we achieved through the movement of July 2024,” he said while addressing the publication ceremony of four books written by prominent economist Professor Mahbub Ullah and his wife Umme Salma Alo. Fakhrul said the differences of opinion may exist among political parties, but those must not undermine the hopes and dreams of the nation. “The sacrifices of the young men who gave their lives must not go in vain — we must remain united to turn our dreams into reality.” The programme, organised at the Jatiya Press Club, also coincided with the 81st birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah. Read more: BNP worked to curb corruption, fake voter claims baseless: Nazrul Praising the noted economist, Fakhrul described Mahbub Ullah as one of the most respected intellectuals in the country. He said Mahbub Ullah has long been associated with BNP’s reform efforts, playing a key role in policy discussions and initiatives taken by Begum Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul recalled Mahbub Ullah’s contributions to the party’s political, constitutional and economic reform proposals, including those placed in 2016 as part of BNP’s Vision-2030 for Bangladesh. He said the main points of the BNP’s Vision-2030 emerged from the thoughts Mahbub Ullah. “He has a connection with BNP, and denying that would be denying the truth. Whenever Begum Khaleda Zia wanted to hold discussions on any matter in the country, she would call him,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique He also mentioned that Mahbub Ullah also played a key role in forming Oikayfront-led by BNP against Awami League’s authoritarian government before the 2018 national election. Fakhrul said the renowned economist always advocated for shaping the country into a democratic state, establishing an economy free from inequality, and ensuring that ordinary people enjoy their voting rights and other freedoms. “He has always been at the forefront of efforts to create a democratic and anti-authoritarian Bangladesh, and his contributions can never be denied. From the books of Prof Mahbub Ullah that I have read, the same message resonates — a vision of a truly democratic, equitable, and free Bangladesh. I want to thank him again today and wish him a very happy birthday,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul also mentioned that it is the birthday of another remarkable woman, Begum Rokeya, who played a pioneering role in awakening women in the country and across South Asia, as well as the birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah’s third daughter, and extended greetings to them. “I also hope that Mahbub Ullah will continue to guide and support Bangladesh’s politics and economy with his wisdom, scholarship, and experience,” he said. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) rejected allegations that the party created fake voters and made Bangladesh the ‘champion of corruption’ during its tenure, calling the claims politically motivated and factually incorrect. Speaking at the inaugural session of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country,’ discussion at Khamarbari Krishibid Institute, Nazrul said the party worked sincerely to curb corruption after coming to power, particularly in its final two years in office. “But eliminating corruption built up over many years is not something that can be done overnight,” he added. Nazrul Islam said corruption perception reports were not published before 2001. BNP assumed office in October that year, and Bangladesh’s position in the index reflected corruption under preceding caretaker and Awami League governments, he claimed. Read more: ‘Religion card’ no longer fooling citizens, says Salahuddin He also dismissed claims that BNP created 1.5 million fake voters, saying those making such allegations “are not aware of the facts.” Nazrul Islam said BNP had sought to update the voter list, but the Awami League moved to court to block the process. “While people are eager to register as voters, there is little incentive for relatives to remove names after someone dies. Many of those labelled as fake voters had already passed away. Their names simply weren’t removed. BNP tried to renew the list but was prevented,” he explained. Nazrul Islam also spoke against using religion for electioneering, noting that Bangladesh’s Muslims are among the most devout in the world. “People here don’t need to vote to secure a place in heaven. They will achieve that through their own deeds,” he said. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters He assured that BNP has clear plans for the country, promising greater income equality and overall development if the party is voted into power. Urging party activists to avoid internal divisions, Nazrul said, “You may not get nomination, may not become an MP or minister, or even a district secretary. But if BNP forms the government, your dignity and importance will increase. Keep working for the party with that in mind.” Nazrul Islam described BNP as most organised under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. “Ziaur Rahman founded BNP, Khaleda Zia established it as a political force, and Tarique Rahman strengthened the organization further,” he said. BNP is currently more organised than ever, with significantly lower levels of defection compared to previous years, and that the party’s main priority is improving people’s quality of life, he added. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) said his party is ready to lead a fresh strong and comprehensive drive against corruption if voted to power as graft has become deeply rooted in Bangladesh and continues to disrupt the daily lives of millions of people. “Fighting corruption will be an uphill battle after years of systemic abuse. But Bangladesh’s own history proves progress is possible. With commitment, discipline, and public support, meaningful reform can return. If entrusted by the people, BNP is prepared to lead that charge, once again,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page, marking International Anti-Corruption Day. Tarique said corruption now affects every part of life--from graduates seeking jobs on merit, to farmers waiting for services, young families struggling for healthcare and education, and entrepreneurs paying extra just to keep their businesses running. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters “From food prices to school quality to road safety, corruption cripple’s daily life for millions,” he wrote. The BNP leader mentioned that early governance reforms under President Ziaur Rahman prioritised administrative discipline, clean public service and economic liberalisation that reduced bottlenecks and discretionary power. Later, he said the administrations of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia modernised institutions through procurement rules, financial administration laws, strengthened audits, and clearer oversight mechanisms. Tarique pointed to the formation of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2004 as a “major milestone”, replacing the Bureau of Anti-Corruption and enabling independent investigation and prosecution in line with global standards “Development partners such as the World Bank and ADB recognised this as a significant step toward accountability.” Read more: Tarique slams Jamaat for ‘propaganda’ against BNP echoing Awami League “Despite reservations about Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) methodology at the time, even they reported improved CPI performance: Bangladesh’s score rose from 1.2 in 2002 to 1.7 in 2005. Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer (2003) found that 66% of citizens felt corruption had decreased. These gains reflected reforms that strengthened clarity, reduced discretion, and expanded oversight,” he observed. Tarique said BNP takes pride in reforms made in those years, including stronger financial governance, improved treasury systems, tighter budgets, better audits, and early anti-money-laundering and banking regulations, competitive procurement rules, expansion of media and telecom sectors, and early digitisation and decentralisation efforts that reduced bureaucratic discretion. “The record speaks for itself: BNP is the only party so far to make sustained progress in reducing corruption,” he claimed. Outlining the party’s future agenda, he said BNP plans to ensure complete institutional independence for the judiciary, ACC, election bodies, public service and law enforcement, introduce open procurement and real-time audits, modernise policing, prosecution and case management, expand e-governance, protect whistleblowers, strengthen ethics and civic education, and closely monitor public spending through independent audits and stronger parliamentary oversight. Read more: ‘Religion card’ no longer fooling citizens, says Salahuddin

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) urged party leaders and activists to prioritise the party and its electoral symbol, the “Sheaf of Paddy,” over individual candidates ahead of the upcoming election, warning that a serious setback could follow if unity is not maintained. “There is no time for us to sit idle. Candidates have already been announced in various areas. For your area, the party has made a decision based on who we thought would do best,” he said while speaking virtually at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. Tarique also noted that perhaps the candidate announced in their area was not the one they personally preferred, or that their connection with the candidate was not very strong. “But you are not working for the candidate. You are working for your Sheaf of Paddy. The candidate is not the main focus. What matters is that our party, BNP, the Sheaf of Paddy, and the country. If people vote for the Sheaf of Paddy, we will be able to carry out every plan for building the country,” he said. Read more: Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman He also said the plans to build the country will not just remain on paper but will be implemented at any cost with people’s involvement. “Our promise and our work for the next two months are to involve the people of Bangladesh in these plans. There is no other work beyond this.” Tarique called upon Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to reach out to people in their areas, explain the party’s plans, gather support, and mobilise voters. Urging the younger generation to unite, he said, Bangladesh’s immediate future depends on them. If you move forward together, the country has a future. Otherwise, a terrible situation may wait. If we unite and work from our respective positions, the country will move forward.” The six-day programme, titled ‘Plans to Build the Country’, was announced on November 27 and involves BNP’s affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the national election. Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme so they can explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises to the people ahead of the polls. The programme highlighted BNP’s detailed plans for the country, including canal excavation, air pollution control, environmental improvement, waste management, nationwide sports development, education, health, reducing unemployment, and social support initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and Health Card. Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take these plans directly to people. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party