A 21-member Bangladesh Friendship Delegation, consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, returned home on Thursday afternoon after an 11-day visit to China, carrying a message of strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 1:20pm on a Southern China Airlines flight. According to Chinese authorities, the visit was part of their strategy to strengthen multiparty relations with Bangladesh following the political changes in August. The delegation also included three student leaders involved in the July-August mass uprising, along with two scholars and two journalists. During the 11-day visit, the delegation held meetings with central and provincial leaders of the CPC in Beijing, Shaanxi and Yunnan. Moyeen Khan raises concerns over BCIM corridor’s strategic impacts, seeks China’s attention They also participated in discussions on Bangladesh-China relations, China’s modernisation and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In addition to the political discussions, the delegation visited various industries, including AI technology, automobile manufacturing plants, solar and hydropower companies, an innovative agricultural project, a flower auction trading centre, a museum, a model village, Jiaotong University, the Great Wall of China, coffee and tea gardens, historical sites, factories and a hospital designated for treating Bangladeshi patients. During the discussions, CPC leaders assured that China’s cooperation with Bangladesh would continue to grow in various fields in the coming years. Chinese Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Sun Haiyan, conveyed a message that China could be one of Bangladesh’s most trusted and special friends. During a meeting with the Bangladeshi delegation at the IDCPC office in Beijing, she also expressed China’s desire to assist Bangladesh in returning to its path of rapid development. The delegation included five leaders from the BNP and its associated organisations: BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kayser Kamal, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Shohidul Islam, General Secretary of Jubo Dal Nurul Islam Nayon, General Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal Razib Ahsan, and General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin. Seven leaders from other political parties also joined the delegation, including Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq, Jatiya Dal Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Abul Hasan Md Shahidul Islam Rubel, National People’s Party Chairman AZM Fariduzzaman, Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad Muhammad Rashed Khan, and Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Ataullah Amin. BNP to sign Teesta water management deal with China, if elected: Moyeen Khan Other delegation members are Dr Moyeen Khan’s wife Advocate Roksana Khondker, Dhaka University’s International Relations department Prof Lailufar Yasmin, two journalists—UNB Special Correspondent Abdur Rahman Jahangir and Diplomatic Correspondent for Dainik Amader Somoy Md Arifuzzaman Mamun—and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) researcher Md Nahiyan Shajid Khan, along with student leaders Ahsan Zonaed, Rafi Salman Rifat, and Md Reaz Hossain.

BNP Senior Leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday voiced concerns regarding the proposed route of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, citing strategic implications and urged China to address the issue. “As per the plan, one of the six economic corridors of the BRI will go from China to Myanmar, then into India. From India, it will enter Bangladesh and then return to India. This route, in fact, turns out in a way like a corridor for India,” he told a seminar organised by the Yunnan Minzu University. The seminar, titled "Yunnan’s Participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Prospects for Cooperation with South Asian Countries," was held at the Wyndham Hotel in Kunming, Yunnan. Dr Moyeen suggested that the ideal BCIM route would be for it to start in Kunming of China, and head to Myanmar. From Myanmar, it would, as planned for the Asian Highway, enter Bangladesh through Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar route and from then proceed onto West Bengal in India across Bangladesh, as envisaged originally. "From a strategic point of view, this would offer a much more secure connectivity as far as Bangladesh is concerned. I sincerely request you to review this plan and bring it to the attention of those who have drawn out the current route,” he said. Dr Moyeen highlighted that when an international road or rail connection under the BRI project goes from one country into India, then into Bangladesh, and then back into India, Bangladesh essentially becomes part of a connectivity corridor rather than becoming the part of an international route. BNP pledges to deregulate business and economy if elected He noted that such a concept could become a highly sensitive issue in terms of Bangladesh's two-political framework in the South Asia region. "The very nature of connectivity makes us examine how the route is proposed…BRI is not just about trade and commerce, connectivity, and the society and culture. This route also has strategic implications, which are central to the sovereignty of a nation,” the BNP leader observed. Dr Moyeen also said the original plan to establish the Asian Highway had lost momentum over the decades as people are now discussing the BRI. As a densely populated small nation, Bangladesh must be cautious when formulating its strategic plans, he concluded. Professor Duan Gang of Yunnan Minzu University presented the keynote paper, highlighting the advantages and features of Yunnan’s integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Among the countries crucial for China in this context, he said Bangladesh holds significant importance due to its strategic geographical location and demographic structure. BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance Prof Duan said Bangladesh is part of the proposed Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor under the BRI project.  He explained that the corridor would connect China’s Yunnan province with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Kolkata in India, boosting regional trade and cooperation. Professor Duan said Chinese President Xi Jinping has tasked the Yunnan provincial government with playing a key role in establishing Yunnan as a hub of connectivity with regional countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, through the implementation of the BRI. He said BRI would foster closer economic and trade cooperation among the connected countries, boosting not only trade but also health cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural interactions. Besides, Prof Duan said the BRI would enhance international education cooperation with the countries in the region, leveraging geographical advantages to promote further collaboration. A 21-member Bangladesh friendship delegation, led by Moyeen Khan, attended the programme.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Wednesday that if BNP comes to power, it will take steps to reduce excessive regulations in business, commerce and the economy, as Bangladesh has become overly regulated. “If there is a chance (to come in power) in the future, we will seriously deregulate. Serious liberalisation needs to be done here in Bangladesh. All the economies that are now developing in the world are going for deregulation every day,” he said. The BNP leader made the remark while addressing a roundtable seminar arranged by Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association in a city hotel. He stressed the need for deregulation to improve governance in Bangladesh, stating that reducing regulations is essential for better governance. “Bangladesh is an overregulated country. This country has become very overregulated,” said the former commerce minister. BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance Due to excessive control, he said, businesspeople are left with no energy to conduct their businesses. “It must be seriously freed from control,” he added. Pointing to trade bodies and associations, he emphasised that industries and trades, ranging from shipbreaking to recycling, should cultivate a culture of self-regulation. “If there is a change of the government in the coming days and if we will get any opportunity, we will empower the trade bodies wherever possible so that they can self-regulate,” said Amir Khosru. “The more government control is reduced, the better the country will function. The more control is lifted, the faster the country can move forward,” he said. The BNP leader said the trade associations must be empowered and given power so that they can do self-regulation. “The government watchdog bodies just to watch them (industries and businesses)... There is no other way for an industry to do self-regulation,” the BNP leader said.

BNP senior leader Dr Abul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday unequivocally told Yunnan Province leaders that if his party comes to power, it would prioritise deepening strategic and diplomatic relations with China to ensure a balance of geopolitical power. "It’s simple that we are in a geographical position where, on three sides, we are encircled by a big and powerful country. We need to balance and bring equilibrium to our geopolitical role and location through our close relationship with China," he told a meeting with Yunnan Province Vice Governor Xu Hao. He said this diplomatic and strategic balancing is essential for the survival of Bangladesh. "I sincerely wish, as in the past, China will continue to offer its fullest support to Bangladesh and its people." A 21-member Bangladesh friendship delegation, led by Dr Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting at the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province. Senior officials from various departments of the provincial government were present. Mirza Fakhrul hospitalised On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Dr Moyeen extended heartfelt congratulations to the Communist Party of China and Yunnan provincial leaders. He also noted that Khaleda Zia has been a consistent and longstanding friend of China for several decades. Dr Moyeen said the BNP’s Acting Chairman has sent them to China with wishes to strengthen future collaboration and friendship between China and Bangladesh. Following the mass uprising in Bangladesh last year, he said, political parties, including BNP, have been eagerly waiting for a national election. “If our party, BNP, along with our allies, is elected by people and forms the government, our first steps will be to strengthen our friendship with the people of China. This is a commitment from BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman," he said. He said the people of Bangladesh have long regarded China as one of their trusted friends. Dr Moyeen said Bangladesh is one-third the size of Yunnan, but its population is three times larger, highlighting the immense pressure on the government to ensure that people receive their rightful benefits and privileges. Beware of attempts to create division: Mirza Abbas He said Bangladesh is primarily an agriculture-based country, much like Yunnan province. "Bangladesh is striving to develop industrially, especially in the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector, as well as in other areas, though not as successfully as we have in the garment sector," he observed. The BNP leader urged Chinese authorities to extend their cooperation in the agricultural and financial sectors of Bangladesh. He mentioned that the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka has already indicated support for a water management project along one of the country’s major rivers, the Teesta. Dr Moyeen said the Chinese Ambassador has also indicated that China would support a $1 billion investment to implement this water management and irrigation project. He said millions of poor people, particularly farmers, would greatly benefit if the project is implemented.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka after he suddenly fell sick on Sunday (2 March) morning. He is currently undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the capital's Gulshan area, BNP’s media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Monday. BNP hosts Iftar for orphans, Islamic scholars on first Ramadan “The BNP leader is feeling much better today," Sayrul added. A press release from the party's media cell said that Mirza Fakhrul started feeling unwell due to dust while attending a book launch ceremony at the Ekushey Book Fair recently. BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman laid to rest He was later admitted to the hospital following his doctor's advice. Doctors and Mirza Fakhrul have requested people not to gather at the hospital unnecessarily but pray for his speedy recovery.

BNP leaders on Sunday hosted an Iftar party for orphans and Islamic scholars at Eskaton in Dhaka on the first day of Ramadan. The party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined the event virtually from London. Tarique Rahman urged everyone to pray for the peace and prosperity of Bangladesh. Hundreds of students from Farmgate Islamia Mission Madrasha and Shantinagar Bazar Jatiya Muslim Madrasha participated joined the iftar. Tarique Rahman urges Ulema to consider unified Ramadan, Eid observance Among the Islamic scholars Maulana Wali Ullah, Khatib of Subhanbagh Jame Mosque; Mufti Mohiuddin, Khatib of Dhaka Residential Model College Mosque; Maulana Kazi Abu Huraira, President of the National Imam Association; and Maulana Abdul Momen Naseri and Pir of Mireswarai Darbar Sharif were present. BNP leaders present at the event included Standing Committee members Jamir Uddin Sirkar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed. BNP’s Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Abdul Bari Danny, and leaders of the BNP-affiliated Ulama Dal, including Convener Kazi Md Selim Reza and Member Secretary Kazi Md Abul Hossain were present.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Sunday warned that attempts are being made to create division in the country and urged Islamic scholars [ulama- mashayekh] to remain vigilant. "A new slogan has emerged recently. I will not criticise it, but I urge you to be cautious about those two slogans," he said during a brief speech at an Iftar event with orphans and Islamic ulama’s. He said, "I read in the newspaper this morning… I still don’t understand what 'Second Independence' or 'Second Republic' means. I don't know if you have understood it. It seems that a particular pretext is being used to create division among the people. Please be aware of this." The Iftar event, organised by BNP at Eskaton, Dhaka on the first day of Ramadan, was attended by BNP leaders, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and other standing committee members while the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined virtually from London. BNP’s Salahuddin warns against tactics that’ll delay democracy Mirza Abbas further alleged that a some people who dress like,Islamic scholars are pushing this agenda. "I request you to handle this situation carefully. Inshallah, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we will take Bangladesh forward together, united," he added. Congratulating the attendees, he said, "Some people, both from abroad and within the country, are trying to create a rift between BNP and the Islamic scholars. I just want to remind you that this division is not between BNP and the Islamic scholars." He warned that such divisions could create cracks through which foreign powers might intervene and attempt to destroy the country. Hundreds of students from Farmgate Islamia Mission Madrasa and Shantinagar Bazar Jatiya Muslim Madrasa participated in the event. Among the Islamic scholars present were Subhanbagh Jame Mosque Khatib Maulana Wali Ullah, Dhaka Residential Model College Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohiuddin, National Imam Association President Maulana Kazi Abu Huraira, and Mireswarai Darbar Sharif Pir Maulana Abdul Momen Nasser. BNP Standing Committee members Jamir Uddin Sarkar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salah Uddin Ahmed were also in attendance. Additionally, BNP’s Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Abdul Bari Danny, Nationalist Ulema Dal Convener Kazi Md. Selim Reza, and Member Secretary Kazi Mohammad Abul Hossain were present.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the country’s religious leaders – Ulema and Mashayekh -- to consider if Ramadan and Eid could be observed on the same day as the rest of the world does in this age of science and technology. “I would like to request you to think about whether it is possible in the age of science, whether a way can be found," he said. He made the request joining an Iftar Mahfil at the Ladies Club in Eskaton in the city through a virtual platform from London. Beware of attempts to create division: Mirza Abbas BNP organised the Iftar Mahfil in honor of Ulema, Mashayekh and orphans on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Noting that the Christian community worldwide celebrates Christmas on the same day, Tarique Rahman said, “I would like to request the Ulema and Mashayekh present here and also other knowledgeable Ulema and Mashayekh across the country to think about whether the people of Bangladesh can observe Ramadan and Eid together on the same day as people from all over the world do.” Tarique said Ramadan teaches self-restraint, patience, and how to stand in solidarity with others from a humanitarian perspective. He added that Ramadan also teaches the importance of standing by and caring all creatures of Allah. BNP’s Salahuddin warns against tactics that’ll delay democracy He asked all to pray to Allah during this Ramandan so that every person can live in peace in Bangladesh. “Let’s pray to Allah so that Allah grants mercy upon our first and final destination, our motherland. We pray to Allah so that every person in our country can live in peace,” he said. Some 70-80 orphans and students from Farmgate Islamic Mission Madrasah  and Shantinagar Bazaar National Muslim Madrasah  participated in the event. Speaking at the event, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said some people from inside and outside the country are trying to create division with the BNP and the Ulema and Mashayekhs. He said they want this division not only to destroy BNP but also destroy the country by creating a rift. “Foreign evil forces will take advantage of this," he added. "I don't understand what a second republic is. That means an attempt is on to create division among the nation by making a pretext. Some people who look like you (like the Ulema) are trying to add fuel to the fire," said Mirza Abbas. Democracy still not free from danger: Tarique Rahman BNP Standing Committee members Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and religious affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, National Imam Association President Maulana Kazi Abu, Islamic thinker Maulana Wali Ullah, Imam of Dhaka Residential Model College Mosque Mufti Mohiuddin Convener of Nationalist Ulama Dal Kazi Selim Reza and its member secretary Advocate Maulana Kazi Mohammad Abul Hossain, among others, were present at the event.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday asked all to refrain from cunning tactics to further prolong the path to democracy. “As the days go by, we feel that some cunning tactics are being devised to further prolong the path to democracy… I am calling on all concerned to refrain from that,” he said. The BNP leader was addressing a discussion on ‘Role of Politicians in Ensuring Human Rights’ at the Jatiya Press Club in the city. He asked the interim government to expedite the democratic process as soon as possible to establish a representative national parliament and accelerate the responsibility entrusted to them by the people of Bangladesh following the mass uprising. Though they were assured indirectly that this government is working to arrange the national election by December next, its activities must be made public and cleared before people, he said. "Because the longer this journey of transition to democracy takes, the more scopes the deposed dictator and its allies will get to create various kinds of unstable situations. Our proposal is to ensure that that period should not be longer," said Salahuddin. He said BNP also wants reforms and if the party can come to power, it will implement its 31-point reform proposal to build a prosperous democratic state with the help of all who are in the democratic struggle against the fascism. “We will reform all state structures in democratic ways.” AL must be held accountable for its actions: BNP’s Salahuddin The BNP standing committee member said the interim government needs to identify and implement the election-related reform issues through a national consensus. “At the same time, an election roadmap including electoral preparation design should be provided. The nation should be assured of it,” he added. If so, he said, the unrest in the country and instability in the economy would go. About the price hike, Salahuddin expressed concern over it as the holy month of Ramadan is going on. “The market situation is not good… people are suffering a lot due to the rise in commodity prices,” he said. He asked the government to try to improve the supply of essential items to the market and control the prices of the commodities so that the essential items would remain within the purchasing capacity of the poor. "Otherwise, it is natural that they (the people) will criticise even any good step you (govt) take,” he said. Cricising the ousted Awami League’s regime for misrules, the BNP leader said ‘brutal and barbaric’ acts of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture carried out in Bangladesh, which unprecedented even in African jungles. “It is astonishing that we still have not seen any remorse from dictator, fascist, perpetrator of mass killing and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina mass killer. We have not heard any Awami League leader or activist admit responsibility for the mass killing, say that they will enter politics in Bangladesh seeking apology,” he said. If a democratic political culture can be exhibited to people by forging a national unity against fascism, then dictatorship and fascism will never emerged again, said Salahuddin. BNP vice chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Abdus Salam and BNP executive committee member Nazimuddin Alam, among others, spoke on the occasion.

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday said democracy in Bangladesh is still at stake even though fascism has been driven out through the popular uprising. “Despite the departure of dictatorship, various efforts are being made to undermine the interim government,” he said while speaking at the biennial conference of the Janmashtami Udjapan Parishad at JM Sen Hall in the port city. Tarique said democracy cannot be free from risk without a government elected by people. Stay alert against election conspiracies, warns Tarique Rahman For the past 17 years, Sanatanis have been politically exploited, but now they have realised this which is very important. He assured that BNP would work to ensure equal rights for all to build a safer Bangladesh in the future. BNP Standing Council Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Chattogram Divisional Organising Secretary Mahbuber Rahman Shamim, Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, and other monks and nuns from various monasteries and temples were also present.