Politics
Acting BNP Chair Pledges Canal-Digging Revival to Protect Communities
DHAKA, Aug 4 — Acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has vowed to prioritise job creation, both at home and abroad, safe working conditions, and development-oriented politics if his party returns to power.
Speaking virtually at a rally organised by the BNP’s youth wing in Dhaka, Rahman said the people of Bangladesh “now demand action over promises.” He pledged that a BNP government would launch its plans “as swiftly as possible” with the backing of public mandate, which he called the sole source of the party’s political power.
Rahman outlined key initiatives, including planting 250–300 million trees in five years to protect the environment and guard against floods, and recruiting healthcare workers — 80% of them young women — to boost primary healthcare and women’s economic empowerment. He also promised to revive late president Ziaur Rahman’s canal-digging project, describing it as an “antibiotic to save lives.”
He stressed that true leadership comes from public trust, not administrative power, and urged party activists to strengthen their bond with the people. The event was attended by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior party leaders, and families of political victims.
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman held a private meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires in Dhaka, Tracy Ann Jacobson, in London during the second week of July, sources confirmed.
The meeting, as confirmed by both BNP’s foreign affairs advisor Humayun Kabir and UK BNP President M A Malek, focused on the party’s plans regarding the upcoming general elections and its governance framework if it comes to power.
Although Humayun Kabir could not be reached over the phone despite repeated attempts, he had earlier confirmed the meeting to a private television channel. The US embassy has also acknowledged the occurrence of the meeting.
Discussions reportedly centered around BNP’s vision for the country post-election victory, including its governance blueprint and democratic commitments.
BNP has welcomed the Chief Advisor’s recent electoral declaration, viewing elections as the only viable path out of the current political crisis.
At a press conference held Wednesday (6 August) at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Our goal is to return to a democratic system through elections. We believe in no alternative to elections.”
Responding to questions from journalists, Fakhrul commented, “Those who are disappointed tend to remain so forever. We hope everyone adopts a positive attitude to clear the path of national and democratic transition.”
The press event was organized to officially respond to the Chief Advisor’s July declaration regarding elections. Fakhrul also expressed trust in Professor Muhammad Yunus, stating, “His past actions show he will not do anything in the future that might question the fairness of the elections.
Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has declared that the next national elections will be held in February 2026, before Ramadan. In a televised address marking the first anniversary of the mass uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus urged citizens to commence both mental and institutional preparation starting immediately.
Yunus said, “I will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting the election be scheduled for February.” While April had been previously suggested, major political parties, particularly the BNP, had demanded an earlier timeframe. theguardian.com+15Arab News PK+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15
Describing the vote as a “festival like Eid,” Yunus appealed for widespread participation, especially from expatriate Bangladeshis, women and young voters. “Let us make the election a foundation for a ‘New Bangladesh’,” he said.
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