BNP on Thursday feared that Bangladesh may face a severe foreign exchange crisis after 2027 due to huge debt burden in the power sector, resulting from widespread corruption and irregularities during the 16 years of Awami League rule. “The government is struggling to repay the debts due to massive corruption in the power sector. This pressure poses a threat to the stability of the country’s economy,” BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku told a press conference. The press conference was held at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. People to get back their country’s ownership soon: Moyeen Khan Tuku, a former state minister for power and energy, said the Awami League has despoiled the people of Bangladesh with its efforts to create a magic illusion in the electricity sector. He said the government has been repaying the debts of the power sector in foreign currencies. “As a result, there will be a severe foreign exchange crisis in the country after 2027.” Tuku warned that the problems caused by corruption in the power sector could have a long-term impact on the country's economy, potentially leading to deterioration in the investment climate. “Irregularities in the power sector have caused the country's economic situation to become unstable, and the people are blaming the Awami League government for it,” he said. The BNP leader called upon the government to make public the details of the deals signed by the Awami League government with various local and international companies. Addressing the press conference, Mirza Fakhrul Islam said, “It seems to us that the most corruption in the power and energy sector occurred during the 16 years of Awami League rule.” Fakhrul calls for continued struggle for democracy in 2025 He observed that the corruption, theft, looting, and other wrongdoings of the Awami League are being buried by political debates. “They (AL) are gaining internal advantages because of this. We need to speak about these issues repeatedly. If we don’t, people will slowly forget the corruption and misdeeds of the Awami League and how it has destroyed the country,” Fakhrul said. In response to a question, he said if their party returns to power, they will thoroughly review the corruption and irregularities in the power sector and take appropriate actions accordingly.

Mentioning that there is no reason to be worried if a few more political parties emerge in Bangladesh, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said those who fear the people’s verdict are spreading confusion about the next national election. “More new political parties may emerge in the country, if necessary. This’s a democratic practice and there’s nothing to be upset about. BNP welcomes all democratic initiatives that serve the needs of the state and politics," he told a discussion. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking its 46th founding anniversary. The BNP student body observed the day with various activities, including placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, organising a blood donation camp at the IEB, and holding an inter-hall badminton competition at Dhaka University. Since BNP’s birth, Tarique said, their party has always been in favour of the practice of multi-party politics and diverse opinions in all situations and at all times. "In this regard, BNP's stance is very clear that the people will give their verdict through the election, determining which party they accept or reject. But it’s only those who are afraid to face the verdict of the people's court or who have ulterior motives create various confusion about the arrangement of election,” he observed. The BNP leader urged democracy-loving people not to lose patience but to start preparing mentally for the election. "Keep faith that the Election Commission will properly perform the duties it has been entrusted with.” He also called upon BNP leaders, activists, and supporters not to be confused by the malicious campaigns against the party and the election. "But be careful and don't involve yourselves in any activity that might give others the opportunity to spread negative propaganda against the party.” "Keep yourselves in people's confidence and do your best to maintain that trust," Tarique advised the party rank and file. People to get back their country’s ownership soon: Moyeen Khan As the “chief of the mafia regime of the Awami League” has fled the country, he said, it is now time for every political party to make efforts to transform Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country, free from discrimination, in line with people's desires. To achieve this goal, the BNP leader said, the political parties must now present their respective political programmes and ideologies to the people, seeking public support in accordance with democratic practice. "In such a situation, BNP, along with all patriotic people and political parties, considers the question of whether the reform or the election raised by some quarters to be nothing more than an ill-motivated and malicious argument. Rather, our party BNP believes that both reforms and elections are necessary for bringing about a qualitative change in the state, politics, and political parties," he said. Tarique further explained that reforms are an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system more relevant and up to date. "Similarly, elections are the most important and effective way to make the democratic system sustainable and institutionalised." He said the opportunity to exercise the right to vote through elections ensures the political power of both the state and the people. "BNP believes that if the political and economic power of the people in the state is not secured, democracy, human rights, or political reforms will ultimately not be sustainable." Tarique said the interim government has undertaken a number of important reforms and major reform programmes, as they are undeniably needed. "But if the daily suffering of the people is ignored under the guise of these reform programmes, the people may be forced to speak out in anger about the government's reform initiatives." The BNP leader pointed out that questions have already arisen in the minds of the people regarding what steps the government has taken to dismantle the market syndicate created during the autocratic regime and bring the prices of essentials within the purchasing capacity of the people. He also questioned why people still have to crowd the courts daily to deal with the lakhs of cases filed during the fascist regime. Tarique warned once again that if the interim government fails to prioritise its reforms or adopted plans, conspirators will seize the opportunity to destroy the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising. Fakhrul calls for continued struggle for democracy in 2025 He said the plotters have already made repeated attempts to destabilise the country. “The pro-democratic forces do not want to see the failure of the current government, which was founded on the blood of thousands of students. This is why BNP has continued to support this government as a pro-people political party.” The BNP leader urged everyone to remain vigilant, ensuring that no imprudent decisions lead to the destruction of the hopes for a mass uprising. "In this regard, every leader and worker of the Chhatra Dal should remain alert and cautious." He said students and youth can play a significant role in building a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh for future generations, rising above personal gain. Tarique reminded the JCD leaders and workers that students are the key to building a knowledge-based society. "Students must be aware of the state and politics, but your first and foremost goal as student s should be to study, study and study." Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the people of the country established the interim government by overthrowing the fascist regime through the July-August mass uprising. He expressed the hope that the interim government will hold a credible election by completing minimum necessary electoral and financial reforms. Tarique calls for equality, dignity, justice in 2025 vision Fakhrul said the persisting problems in the country can be resolved only by establishing an elected government through a fair and acceptable election. The BNP leader also said various conspiracies are being hatched against the country and against the BNP both at home and abroad, similar to the past. "No conspiracy can split or weaken the BNP like in the past.” He urged BNP and JCD leaders and workers to confront all conspiracies with their intellect. "We must mount strong resistance against all conspiracies.” Fakhrul said BNP seeks reforms, as the party was founded on the principles of state reforms and the introduction of multi-party democracy by its founder Ziaur Rahman. "It is not true that BNP does not want reform. We have presented reform proposals at various times. Reform is an ongoing process, but elections cannot be delayed in the name of reforms," he said.

Stating that the new generation is eagerly waiting to exercise their right to vote, BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday hoped that people will get back their ownership of the country soon through a credible and impartial election. “The new generation has not had the chance to vote (for a long time). They’re eager to cast their ballots. It is our moral duty to provide them with the opportunity to do so,” he said while speaking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. BNP’s Moyeen Khan meets Chinese envoy Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, along with leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave, marking the 46th founding anniversary of the BNP student body. He said reforms will continue and it will not be halted for arranging the election. “We believe that the most important reforms will be carried out, and preparations for the election will proceed through coordination. The (ownership of the country) will be returned to the people as soon as possible through a fair and neutral election.” The BNP leader said their party has been consistently working to ensure essential reforms in administration, the police and the Election Commission. “Reform is an ongoing process. Human civilisation has evolved through reforms, and they will never end. So, it’s not a meaningful question whether reforms should come first and election later, or election first and reforms later. Reforms will continue at all times, while elections will be held after every five years,” he said. Hold another long march to intensify demand for right to river water: Dr. Moyeen Khan Dr Moyeen said the common people, all democratic parties, and student bodies, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, participated in the July-August movement led by students to restore democracy, protect people’s democratic and voting rights and establish a government of the people through free and fair elections. “We look to the new generation, as they will lead the country in the future. It’s a natural progression. We have confidence in them that they will return to their classes to complete their studies, be well-educated, and be prepared to play a significant role in running the country, pursuing the path of right, fairness and truth, with people’s votes,” the BNP leader said. He accused the Awami League’s autocratic regime of destroying democracy, stripping people of their freedom of expression, and denying their voting rights by turning Bangladesh into a fascist state over the past 15 years. Dr Moyeen said their party had carried out a long struggle against injustice and autocracy to restore democracy in Bangladesh. He recalled how their party's rally on October 28, 2023 at Nayapaltan was foiled by the Sheikh Hasina-led despotic regime by establishing a reign of terror. The BNP leader said the country was finally freed from autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, as Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh like a coward in the face of the student-led movement in July and August. He also said students have played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements throughout the nation’s history, including the Liberation War, since the 1952 Language Movement.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged people to play a leading role in the struggle to regain the 'lost democracy and voting rights' in the country. “I make an earnest call to the people of Bangladesh to play a pivotal role in the struggle to regain lost democracy and the right to vote,” he said in his New Year message on Tuesday. The BNP acting chairman extended his heartfelt greetings and wished the New Year to bring immense joy, happiness, comfort, peace and prosperity for all. He hoped that the country would step into a transformative journey in the New Year. “Let us work together in the struggle to establish equality, human dignity and justice in the state and society, using the experiences of the past. We hope to build a nation where every citizen is important and everyone's voice is free,” he said. Focus on Multi-party Democracy The BNP acting chairman also called upon all the democratic forces to start working in unison for establishment of a multi-party democracy in the country. He said the past year should remain vivid in memories. “Some bitter experiences, the sacrifices of the students and people, and the pain of losing rights from the past year will haunt us on the one hand and also inspire us with renewed enthusiasm for the possibility of regaining peace, harmony and the rights to multi-party democracy on the other hand in the coming year.” Tarique Rahman said there should be a commitment today to work together for ensuring the political and economic empowerment of people, strengthening state institutions, and reviving multi-party democracy and the economy. He said all must be proactive in implementing and practicing the hard-earned democracy as the defeated anti-people force imprisoned all the rights of the people for so long. “In such a situation, the work of establishing multi-party democracy must begin with the combined efforts of all democratic forces,” said the BNP leader. Noting that the New Year awakens a new rhythm of life, new hopes, and new possibilities, he wished Bangladesh to move forward on the path of immense potential. “Let all injustice, oppression, and torture be removed forever,” said Tarique Rahman. Read more: Tarique calls for equality, dignity, justice in 2025 vision Calls for equality, dignity, justice Earlier in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the BNP acting chairman called on the nation to embrace the principles of equality, dignity and justice as Bangladesh prepares to embark on a transformative journey in the New Year, 2025. "As we step into a transformative chapter for Bangladesh in the New Year, let’s continue our endeavours for equality, dignity and justice," he said. The BNP leader said they aspire to build a nation where every citizen matters and every voice is heard. "Together, we will restore democracy, strengthen public institutions, revive the economy and ensure political and economic empowerment of the people," he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the struggle to establish a true democratic system must be continued in the new year of 2025. “We may have to go through a more difficult path. We must continue our struggle to establish a truly democratic system,” he said in a message on the occasion of the New Year. The BNP secretary general extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Bangladesh and the global community on the occasion of the Christian New Year. It’s not true BNP prioritising election over reforms: Fakhrul “We must be more active in the practice and development of democracy in the state and society. We all have to work together to fulfill the expectations of people. Let this be our commitment in the New Year,” he said. Noting that the outgoing year has witnessed various tragedies, Fakhrul said, “We must now move forward with firm steps to build the future, standing on the successes and failures of the past. Building a modern democratic Bangladesh will be our ultimate goal.” Fakhrul wished the New Year to be enriched with achievements, prosperity, creativity and welfare.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on the nation to embrace the principles of equality, dignity and justice as Bangladesh prepares to embark on a transformative journey in the New Year, 2025. "As we step into a transformative chapter for Bangladesh in the New Year, let’s continue our endeavours for equality, dignity and justice," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. Tarique Rahman said they aspire to build a nation where every citizen matters and every voice is heard. Tarique urges vigilance to prevent divisive politics from harming Bangladesh "Together, we will restore democracy, strengthen public institutions, revive the economy and ensure political and economic empowerment of the people," he said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged all, including political actors, to remain vigilant to ensure that differences of opinion among them do not lead to situations that could harm the country, its progress, or its people. "There may be differences of opinion between various political parties and the people. But these differences should not reach a level where the country, its progress, and its people are harmed, or where the natural desires of the people are hindered. We must remain cautious to ensure that no such situation arises," he said while addressing a public event virtually. ‘Amara BNP Poribar’ organised the programme at a Madrasa Ground in Sadar Upazila to hand over the keys of the newly-constructed house to the family of Shaheed Golam Rabbani, who was killed in a crossfire by RAB in 2014. Tarique reminded although the dictator fled, her ghosts and many associates are still hiding across the country. “They’re trying to hatch various plots. But crores of people want to see a normal situation in Bangladesh… The time has come to build Bangladesh as a safe country through united efforts, so that the youth have job opportunities, students can study without any worry, and people can move freely, whether by day or night.” He said Bangladesh is a home to intellectuals, wise and prudent persons, and people from various professions and classes. “Many people have many opinions. We’ll discuss these differing opinions. In the end, we will build the country and move it forward based on the opinion that has the most support from the people.” He said governments in developed countries, including the UK, work in various ways for the welfare of the people, as they are formed through credible elections following the democratic process. “We must restore the democratic system in Bangladesh to move the country forward in the days to come. We have to ensure the election process, from the Union Parishads to Parliament, and from the mosques to other institutions,” the BNP leader said. Tarique praises Manmohan’s economic reforms, condoles his demise He also said the election process must continue year after year, and generation after generation, without interruption at any cost. “Through this process, capable leadership will emerge, with some becoming Union Parishad chairmen, municipal mayors, upazila chairmen, or MPs.” Tarique said those who become public representatives through a credible election, with the genuine votes of the people, will work for the people and raise their voices to establish the rights of the citizens. “Overall, they will work for the betterment of the country.” He said political parties carried out movements for a long time while many people sacrificed their lives to oust the Awami League’s autocratic regime. “The autocrat has fled the country. Now, it’s time to rebuild the country in the coming days. Everyone should unite regardless of party affiliation. If we are united with strong determination, we can move the country forward. We have a lot of work ahead of us,” the BNP leader said. For the country's advancement, he said production must be increased, canals should be dredged, causes flood should be removed, employment opportunities must be created, mills and factories need to be established, and key sectors like agriculture, education and health must be overhauled. Tarique said their party has already presented a 31-point proposal outlining what BNP intends to do for the country's advancement and how it will stand by the people from all walks of life if it returns to power with the support of the people. Stating that the people are the main strength of BNP, he said their party wants to always remain with them. “We always try to stay with the people and stand by them.” The BNP leader said their party stood by the family of Golam Rabbani by building a house for them, but there are thousands of families like Rabbani's. “We don’t want anyone else in Bangladesh, regardless of which party they belong to, to meet the same fate as Golam Rabbani. We want a normal and secure Bangladesh, where people stand by and help each other, and where the government makes efforts to resolve the people's problems” He also urged the BNP leaders and workers to take a vow to materialise the dreams and desires of the martyrs, including Rabbani, by establishing the rights of the people. “We will continue our efforts, until the last day of our lives, to establish the rights of the people of Bangladesh.” Tarique urged everyone to pray for him so that he can soon return to the country from the UK to directly stand by the people in the future.

Condoling the demise of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday praised his commitment to economic reforms and his vision for regional cooperation “Dr Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era defined by political integrity, wisdom and liberalism,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page. He also said the former Indian Prime Minister’s passion for economic reforms and vision for regional cooperation will remain a legacy of excellence.   “My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India,” Tarique added. Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh cremated in New Delhi India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s India’s former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a key figure behind the landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at the age of 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated due to a sudden loss of consciousness at home, where he later passed away. His funeral was held on Saturday with state honour. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh served as Prime Minister for 10 years and was also the leader of the Congress party in Parliament’s upper house. He earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. Singh was chosen to be Prime Minister in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and was reelected PM in 2009.

Stating that the constitution was written in 1972 at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs, BNP Senior leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday criticised those who called for burying that national charter. “As your seniors, we feel disappointed when you (leaders of the student movement) say that the constitution should be buried. If there is anything bad in the constitution, it can be amended,” he said while exchanging views with journalists. The Dhaka South city unit of BNP organised the event at a community centre in the capital’s Nayapaltan area. Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, observed that the Constitution is not a rough draft that can simply be discarded. “As our children, I would like to tell the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement not to misunderstand us. When you say things like this, it sounds fascist. Because fascists used to say, ‘we will bury them, kill them, and cut them off,” he said. BNP leader Kaikobad returns home after 13 years in exile Pointing at the students, the BNP said, “The nation and the politicians are looking at you. So, we don’t expect such words from you." “I am not a supporter of the 1972 Constitution, but I understand the connection between the Liberation War and it. The Constitution was formulated as a result of the Liberation War,” he explained. Abbas said those who misused the Constitution should face consequences. “If you have a headache, cutting off your head is not the solution. So, take action against those who misused the Constitution. We are with you.” Secretariat fire part of a deep conspiracy: BNP’s Rizvi “That Constitution was written at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs of 1971. So it hurts us when you speak against it,” he said. He also urged student leaders to refrain from making comments that people dislike and create division.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that not only India but also a few political parties, including those who opposed the Liberation War in 1971, are trying to fish in troubled waters to secure their own political gains. “Now, not only a neighbouring country is spreading propaganda and misinformation and trying to stigmatise (the BNP), but also one or two political parties from within the country are trying to fish in troubled waters to make their political gains,” he said after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Rizvi spoke to reporters after placing wreaths at Zia’s grave, accompanied by the leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Rickshaw-Van-Auto Sramik Dal. He said all democratic political forces should be united at this time, but a few parties are trying to divide these forces solely for their own political interests. Rizvi criticised the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami for their remarks that one party of extortionists has escaped, and people do not want to see another party of extortionists. “Don't we understand who you mean by this? The day after August 5, we saw how you took control of the Islamic banks .People witnessed it, but now you're talking tall,” the BNP leader said. He said banks were looted during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, but many banks have also have been taken over by the successors of S Alam after August 5. Rizvi said the followers of an Islamist political party grabbed Islami Bank following the political changeover in August this year." In an indirect reference to Jamaat, he said the party is now attempting to defame BNP, even though its followers have taken control of various things, including terminals and CNG stands, and have been involved in tender manipulation. Mirza Abbas slams calls to bury constitution, reminds of martyrs' sacrifice "I would like to say that political party is quietly indulging in all sorts of misdeeds. The people witnessed how you embezzled banks after the fall of Sheikh Hasina,” the BNP leader said. He also said the people of the country are well aware of which party is associated with sharp weapons and the cutting of tendons. “You opposed the Liberation War in 1971, but Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the Independence…  You joined Ershad's elections with Sheikh Hasina in 1986, betraying people,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi said Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin took over power following the political changeover in 2007 to destroy democracy and establish a harsh autocratic rule like Sheikh Hasina. 'You also forced (BNP) to join the election under their regime at that time,” he said. “You (Jamaat) do politics in the name of Islam. But Islam does not condone repeated betrayal. BNP has never backed down from its commitment to people. From 1971 to August 5, BNP has never bowed its head down on the issue of democracy,'" he said. Rizvi also criticised the Jamaat leaders for their comments about improving relations with India and pardoning Sheikh Hasina and her party. “You want to improve relations with India. This neighbouring country was complicit in all the incidents of killing and enforced disappearances under Sheikh Hasina,” he said. The BNP leader said key Jamaat leaders were removed from politic by the Hasina government through extrajudicial killings. “Even after that, you would forgive Sheikh Hasina and seek better ties with India. This shows that you care little about fairness and justice.” He said Jamaat is offering forgiveness to the Awami League and expressing willingness to improve ties with India, even though neither has asked for it. “Doesn’t this amount to betrayal of your own blood?” Rizvi said the July revolution was the result of 16 years of uninterrupted movement by BNP and other democratic parties. He claimed that 97 workers were martyred during the July-August movement to oust Sheikh Hasina.