BNP
BNP's health reform proposals submitted to commission
BNP has submitted its proposals to the Health Sector Reform Commission formed by the interim government to improve healthcare services in the country.
A BNP delegation, led by the party’s health affairs secretary, Dr. Rafiqul Islam, handed over the reform proposals to the commission on Thursday at its office in Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center on Minto Road here.
A quarter may be behind Dhanmondi-32 incident: BNP's Hafizuddin
The interim government established the 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission, headed by Prof AK Azad Khan, president of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, in November last year.
The commission is tasked with formulating recommendations to make healthcare services more people-oriented, accessible, and universal.
BNP delegation meets ex-US assistant secretary Robert Destro
208 minutes ago
A quarter may be behind Dhanmondi-32 incident: BNP's Hafizuddin
BNP senior leader Hafizuddin Khan has said a quarter may have been behind the incidents at Dhanmondi-32 house and other establishments, as part of a plot to create disorder and obstruct the restoration of democracy in the country.
Speaking at a discussion on Thursday, he, however, hoped that the interim government would pave the way for the restoration of democracy through a prompt election, rather than creating obstacles to it.
Swadhinta Forum, a pro-BNP platform, organised a programme titled “The Future of Democracy in the Current Political Context” at the Jatiya Press Club.
“The incident that began yesterday (Wednesday) is still ongoing; it is not over yet. We do not know who carried it out, nor are we aware of the government's role. We’ll wait a little while, and perhaps we’ll know by today who is responsible for it,” Hafiz said.
He said their party would give its reaction to the incident once they have complete information about it.
“But we believe that some people may have created this chaos to obstruct the path of democracy in the coming days. In particular, we must investigate whether our neighbouring country (India) have any involvement in it,” the BNP leader said.
Read: Protesters set fire to Dhanmondi-32 house again
He said their party is keeping an eye on the developments of Wednesday’s incident. “We hope the democratic system will be restored very soon in the country because many incidents happen due to the lack of democracy.”
“We hope that the current government will quickly remove all the obstacles in the path of democracy. They should be aware that they should not create any further barriers,” the BNP leader said.
Hafiz said that a strong unity of all democratic forces and students is now crucial as Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, is once again trying to destabilise the country.
He said they have observed with sadness that interim government chief Professor Dr Yunus has requested students to form a political party. “There’s no need for it. They (students) will form their own party, whether anyone requests them or not.”
Hafiz said their party will welcome it if the students form a party, as there is nothing wrong with forming a party. “Rather, another choice will be made for the people.”
Dhanmondi 32 residence being demolished with bulldozer
He said the students have got enough time to launch the party and participate in the election. “They want more time. We believe the election must be held within this year. So, we request the government to arrange a free and fair national election to end all chaos, obstacles, and plots against democracy."
The BNP leader expressed hope that the interim government will dedicate all its efforts to arranging the election.
He said the people of the country want to see the restoration of democracy, but only India seeks instability and does not want democracy to flourish in Bangladesh.
Hafizuddin also said their party welcomes the government’s initiative for talks on the reform proposals made by various commissions.
Hafizuddin said the BNP, in coordination with like-minded parties, will present their reform proposals to the government unitedly. Some people believe the government is trying to buy time under the guise of reforms.
“Professor Muhammad Yunus is a wise and well-known figure worldwide. We have placed our trust in him and promised him our cooperation. We’ll do so. But we hope that he will not break our trust. He’ll remain impartial and ensure a free and fair election to free the nation from all crises,” he said.
19 minutes ago
BNP delegation meets ex-US assistant secretary Robert Destro
A three-member BNP delegation, including party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s daughter Zaima Rahman, met Robert A. Destro, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour.
The delegation held the meeting with Robert Destro in Washington on Wednesday, according to a post on the party's verified Facebook page.
However, the party did not elaborate on the outcome or the topics discussed during the meeting.
The other two members of the delegation were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
Earlier, the delegation met former South Carolina Governor David Beasley in Washington.
BNP delegation led by Zaima meets former South Carolina Governor David Beasley
The meetings took place ahead of the National Prayer Breakfast, a significant annual event hosted by the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation.
Zaima travelled to Washington from London on Tuesday, representing her father, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury arrived in the USA on Sunday for the event.
Robert A. Destro, currently working with the Trump administration’s transition team, is an experienced American lawyer, educator, government official and advocate for human, and civil rights law.
He has previously served as a commissioner of the US Commission on Civil Rights and is highly regarded for his expertise in electoral, employment and constitutional law.
6 hours ago
BNP delegation led by Zaima meets former South Carolina Governor David Beasley
A three-member BNP delegation, including Zaima Rahman, daughter of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, met former South Carolina Governor David Beasley in Washington on Wednesday.
The meeting took place ahead of the National Prayer Breakfast, a significant annual event hosted by the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation, BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan confirmed.
Zaima travelled to Washington from London on Tuesday, representing her father, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury arrived in the USA on Sunday for the event.
Zaima Rahman reaches Washington to attend National Prayer Breakfast
The BNP delegation is scheduled to attend a dinner party on Wednesday night, followed by the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday.
Governor Beasley, a key figure in the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation, has long been a friend of Bangladesh.
Zaima to represent father Tarique at National Prayer Breakfast, sparking political speculations
His remarkable contributions through the World Food Programme (WFP) have provided crucial assistance to Rohingya refugees in Chittagong.
He received the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the WFP in 2023 and has previously visited Bangladesh.
14 hours ago
Tarique provides house to family of slain Jubo Dal leader
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has gifted a house to the family of Mohammad Masud, a Jubo Dal leader who was killed in ‘crossfire by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), in 2016 in Feni’s Sonagazi upazila.
BNP central leaders inaugurated the newly built house for Masud’s family on Wednesday in Char Chandia village of Sonagazi.
Tarique questions reform focus, fears delay in people's govt
According to local sources, Masud’s wife, Ayesha Akhter, had been struggling to survive with her daughter.
Upon learning of her hardships, Tarique Rahman, also the main patron of ‘Amra BNP Paribar,’ took the initiative to build the house for her.
Ayesha recounted that her husband was arrested by RAB on June 22, 2016, from Kumira in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram.
Three days later, he was killed in a repoted gunfight in a field near Char Chandia Union Parishad, following what she claimed were false allegations.
Expressing gratitude for the house provided by Tarique Rahman and BNP, she added, “My husband sacrificed his life for the party. I hope BNP and its affiliated organisations will continue to support our family.
BNP leaders present at the inauguration included Vice Chairmen Barkat Ullah Bulu and Abdul Awal Mintu, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Chairperson’s Adviser Professor Joynal Abedin VP, among others.
16 hours ago
Zaima Rahman reaches Washington to attend National Prayer Breakfast
Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, has arrived in Washington, D.C., to attend the National Prayer Breakfast.
Zaima travelled to Washington from London on Tuesday, representing her father Tarique Rahman, according to a BNP source.
Her participation in this high-profile global event is drawing keen attention from political analysts, as it marks her first official engagement on behalf of BNP.
Zaima to represent father Tarique at National Prayer Breakfast, sparking political speculations
Although she has been residing and studying in the UK, Zaima has largely maintained a low profile in terms of direct political involvement.
Despite hailing from a family deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s political landscape, she has so far refrained from active politics.
Her role as BNP’s representative at this prestigious international gathering is, however, seen as a significant step into the political spotlight.
The National Prayer Breakfast, attended by prominent global leaders, offers Zaima an opportunity to engage with key international figures and represent both Bangladesh and BNP on a global platform.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury arrived in the USA on Sunday to attend the event, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Fakhrul, Khosru off to USA to attend National Prayer Breakfast
Members of the US Congress and Senate will be present at the gathering, with former US President Donald Trump set to deliver the keynote address.
On January 11, the National Prayer Breakfast Committee extended invitations to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to participate in the event.
19 hours ago
Tarique questions reform focus, fears delay in people's govt
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has raised concerns over whether the continued emphasis on reforms is being used as a pretext to delay the establishment of a people's government.
“We notice that some people are prolonging all kinds of processes by talking about reforms, reforms. Today, we have to see whether this (harping on reforms) is a conspiracy. If this process is prolonged on the plea of reforms, then the country's problems will multiply,” he said on Wednesday.
The BNP leader said this while addressing a programme at Saber Pilot High School field of Songazi in Feni through a virtual platform.
The event was arranged on the occasion of providing a new house as a gift from Tarique Rahman to the family of Sonagazi Upazila‘s slain Jubo Dal leader Mohammad Masud.
Tarique said the people’s government must be established to address various existing problems like commodity price-hike, unemployment problem, poor education system and poor law and order condition – in line with the public expectation.
“The sooner we can establish a people's government, the sooner we will be able to lead Bangladesh on the path to prosperity,” he said.
Movement to Continue
The BNP acting chairman asked the BNP leaders and activists to take a promise not to stop their struggle and movement until the dignity of Masud and others who were killed by the previous dictator regimes and the people’s rule are established.
AL cannot join politics under its current name: BNP’s Salahuddin
“Our struggle will not stop; rather our movement will continue until the people's rule is established ….. Our movement will continue until that democracy is established,” he said.
Tarique said the rule of democracy for the people of Bangladesh must be established in a bid to pay due respect to the souls of those who were martyred during the movement against the dictatorship.
Fugitive Dictator Can No Way be Spared
The BNP leader said the dictator (meaning Hasina) who fled Bangladesh can no way be spared from justice for killing and injuring so many people during her regime. Thousands of people were victims of killings and enforced disappearances, while tens of thousands of people injured and thousands of people crippled before her fleeing, he said.
Tarique Rahman said those who are responsible for these killings and tortures must be tried under the law of the land. “Those who are responsible for these killings must be brought to justice.”
Tarique said those who are responsible for those incidents would be encouraged in future if their leader (Hasina) is not tried.
He urged all pro-democracy political activists and political parties to be united in a one point that the dictator who fled to India must be brought to justice. “She can no way be spared. She is responsible for these killings.”
BNP proposes NHS-style universal health system for Bangladesh
The BNP acting chairman asked their leaders and activists to stay alert so that infiltrators will not be able to hamper their movement for restoration of democracy.
“All of you have to be vigilant and alert against all these infiltrators so that they can in no way disrupt our movement to establish democracy,” said Tarique.
BNP vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque, among others, spoke on the occasion.
At the function, the key of the newly constructed house was handed over to Masud’s spouse in the function.
Election only way to promptly implement state-overhauling proposals: Tarique
Masud, a victim of extrajudicial killing, was shot dead in a so-called crossfire on June 25, 2016.
Since his death, his family, including his wife and daughter—now a tenth grader—has been struggling, prompting the BNP acting chairman to extend his support.
19 hours ago
AL cannot join politics under its current name: BNP’s Salahuddin
BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the Awami League can no longer participate in politics under its existing name, as the people of Bangladesh have rejected its "fascist" rule through the mass uprising in July.
Speaking at a discussion on Wednesday, he also called for the trial of the Awami League for its involvement in mass killings and crimes against humanity.
The Anchalik Sampadak Parishad organised the event titled "National Unity and Current Reality" at the Jatiya Press Club.
“We want to make it clear that the people of Bangladesh have rejected the fascist politics of the Awami League through the uprising of students and the masses, driving them out of the country. We are now raising the demand that the Awami League can no longer do politics in Bangladesh in the name of Awami League,” the BNP leader said.
He criticised the interim government for its failure to take necessary steps for the trial of the Awami League.
“We demand the trial of the Awami League as a political organisation for mass killings and crimes against humanity,” Salahuddin said.
He also said it should be determined through the judicial process whether the Awami League should be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh, or not.
The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh want the Awami League's fascist politics to be eliminated from the country. “You (govt) can take steps in this regard.”
BNP proposes NHS-style universal health system for Bangladesh
“On the one hand, you want to ban the Awami League, yet on the other hand, you won’t prosecute them, and further, you use the police to obstruct their political programmes. These are contradictions, and it is not right,” he observed.
Salahuddin said they support the government’s action of not allowing the Awami League to take to the streets to carry out political activities. “But how long will you stop them on the streets using the police? You say you don’t want the Awami League in the election and that the party should not be allowed to do politics, but what steps are you taking? Are you taking any legal action against them? No.”
Under Article 47 of the Constitution, he said, the government can prosecute the Awami League as a political organisation and initiate legal proceedings against it for mass killings and crimes against humanity.
Accordingly, the BNP leader said the country’s people and their party demanded an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act. “This government had taken steps to amend the ordinance and law, but suddenly, at a meeting of the advisory council, it was decided that this cannot be done. Why?”
He said the government can promulgate an ordinance if necessary for the trial of the Awami League.
BNP slams LPG price hike as ‘illogical, anti-people’
Salahuddin said some are suggesting that the International Criminal Tribunal may give an observation regarding the Awami League’s politics during the trial proceedings against the party leaders.
“That would be a very weak observation. Even then, you will have to issue an administrative order and make laws based on that observation. But you can take that step now (through an ordinance),” he said.
The BNP leader said he is not certain whether the judicial reform commission formed by the government will provide any recommendations in this regard. “But I have doubts whether the judicial system of Bangladesh can be completely independent while keeping the night-time judges in place.”
He warned the government that it will never succeed by keeping the ghosts of fascism and the cohorts of the Awami League in important positions across various offices, ministries, administrations, and the judiciary.
“So, whether it is the judiciary, administration, or elections, you need to clean up the fascists everywhere. Through democratic reform, we want to establish a constitutional political government, and for that, priority must be given to election-related reforms,” Salahuddin said.
He urged the government to identify election-related reforms that can be implemented in the short term. “Then discuss them with all stakeholders, including political parties, and make the necessary legal amendments. If institutional reforms are needed after the legal amendments, you can also do it...we know how much time it will take for that.”
The BNP leader said the Election Commission has nearly completed the preparation of the voter list, which will be finalised by March 2. “Following that, objections will be heard in a continuous process, expected to be completed within two months… Delimitation will be completed on time, and other electoral activities won’t require much, except for legal reforms. So if you adopt any strategy to buy more time, the nation will not accept it.”
He called upon the government to come up with an electoral roadmap through discussions with the relevant stakeholders. “People will accept that electoral roadmap if it seems reasonable.”
1 day ago
BNP proposes NHS-style universal health system for Bangladesh
The BNP has unveiled an outline for national health sector reforms, aiming to establish a universal health system based on UK’s National Health Service (NHS) model.
BNP Standing Committee member and former Health Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain presented the BNP’s various short, medium and long-term proposals on Tuesday, to address the challenges faced by the health sector and carry out necessary reforms for its development.
“Just as quality healthcare for the marginalised population has not been ensured, so too has medical education not been planned effectively in Bangladesh,” he said.
The BNP leader said the country’s healthcare system has failed to compete regionally or internationally, prompting many people to seek medical treatment abroad.
BNP slams LPG price hike as ‘illogical, anti-people’
He also said the private healthcare system in the country has not yet become universally accessible to all citizens.
Mosharraf said healthcare should be recognised as a fundamental right for all and the current systems have not achieved the expected level of social equity in healthcare access.
In light of universal health coverage, he said BNP has proposed health sector reform in section 26 of its 31-point outline for restructuring the state.
According to this section, Mosharraf said BNP, based on the policy of "health for all," will take steps to ensure the right to free healthcare for everyone in line with the existing system of a developed welfare state.
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“All necessary steps will be taken to ensure the highest level of healthcare for all, in line with the National Health Service of the United Kingdom or national Universal Health Coverage,” he said.
If their party returns to power, the BNP leader said, they will expand the social safety nets for disadvantaged populations until poverty is eradicated and the national budget allocation for health will be no less than 5% of GDP.
He also said their party plans to ensure the availability of a sufficient number of trained health workers—both men and women—to provide primary and preventive healthcare.
Mosharraf said their proposal includes ensuring treatment, education, and research for both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Regarding Bangladesh's healthcare system, he said all plans, guidelines, and policies are often formulated with the consideration of registered medical doctors under the Medical and Dental Council.
BNP forms convening committees in eight districts
“As a result, the existence of traditional medicine systems in the country, such as Unani, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, and Kabiraji treatments, is being neglected. So, it is equally important to provide necessary research and various support for the further development, modernisation and scientific advancement of these traditional medical systems," the BNP leader said.
He criticised the previous Awami League government for what he described as mismanagement, corruption, and political patronage in the health sector over the past 15 years, which has led to a deteriorating doctor-patient relationship and an increase in people seeking medical treatment abroad.
In BNP's proposal for the comprehensive development of the health sector, Mosharraf outlined a three-step approach for improvement.
“Our proposal includes short-term (one to three years) plans. In this, we have emphasised the recruitment of rural health assistants. We have mentioned the improvement of service quality at the upazila health complex, transforming it into an effective primary referral centre, ensuring necessary specialised services, and planned family planning and population management,” he said.
The BNP leader said they also proposed providing each citizen with the best healthcare under a government-registered general physician at the state's expense.
He said the existing district-level hospitals and specialised healthcare services will be strengthened, and an accurate reference system will be implemented.
Besides, Mosharraf said a 24-hour helpline, emergency medical services, post-accident care and quick transportation arrangements will be ensured.
“We will also focus on equitable access to healthcare, and formulate laws for patients and service providers to ensure fairness. A mechanism will be put in place to improve the doctor-patient relationship through the coordination of community representatives,” he said.
Besides, he said, they have outlined medium-term (one to five years) and long-term (up to ten years) plans aimed at bringing radical changes to the entire healthcare system.
The BNP leader said they welcome the interim government's initiative for health sector reforms. “We are presenting our proposals, but we do not expect them to have the capability to implement these proposals, nor do we expect they will be in power for that long.”
He said they are presenting their proposals to inform the public about it, with the intention of implementing them if they are voted into power.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the student-led mass revolution, Mosharraf called upon the government to take immediate steps to ensure adequate medical care for those injured during the movement.
1 day ago
BNP slams LPG price hike as ‘illogical, anti-people’
BNP has strongly protested the rise in the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder, describing it as a completely ‘illogical and anti-people’ decision.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to party founder Ziaur Rahman on Tuesday, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the interim government has taken this move due to its lack of accountability.
Earlier, Rizvi, along with the leaders of the newly formed convening committee of the BNP’s Manikganj district unit, placed wreaths at Zia's grave.
“This decision will put immense pressure on low-income and poor people, such as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers and small shopkeepers,” he said.
The BNP argued that the price hike of the cylindered gas, which is used for household purposes, will exert serious strain on the economy. “It will burden the poor. This decision is completely unjustified and anti-people. It would not have occurred had there been an elected government,” he said.
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The BNP leader also said their party and other democratic groups have been supporting the interim government, but warned that no undemocratic measures should be taken that would cause further hardship for the poor and low-income people.
He voiced concern that the prices of all essential items, including rice, have already exceeded the purchasing power of the poor. “In such circumstances, raising the price of the gas cylinder will only add salt to the wound of the people.”
On Sunday, the government raised the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk 19, with the new retail price set at Tk 1,478.
The BNP leader said the country’s economy is struggling amid there is no new investment for a lack a democratic government. “No one is daring to invest because the interim government is a temporary government. So, people are uncertain. People are in a state of confusion. To end this uncertainty, a political government is needed,” he said.
Rizvi also said the country now needs a government that can restore power to the people and reflect their will in running the country. “We need an elected government that will be accountable to the people to overcome our economic crisis.”
BNP proposes NHS-style universal health system for Bangladesh
He criticised the current government, saying it is running the country with a heavy reliance on foreign loans, while national reserves are starting to dwindle.
The BNP leader warned, "Dark clouds are looming on the horizon. To overcome these, we must move towards an elected government."
The BNP leader called upon the government to stop trying to prolong its power by creating a smokescreen in the name of reforms.
He said the first and foremost responsibility of the interim government is to ensure a free and fair election.
“Who will form a party or create an organisation is not the responsibility of the chief advisor. The responsibility to ensure elections within a specific time frame lies with you (chief advisor). If this is not done, it will create fear and suspicion in the minds of the people about whether a 'ghost' of Sheikh Hasina may emerge,” Rizvi said.
1 day ago