BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the party will begin reaching out to the public with its plan from 22 January, ahead of the 13th national polls slated for 12 February.
“We will welcome discussion and criticism so that they can be used to address the problems faced by the country’s people,” he said while speaking at an interaction with editors and journalists of newspapers, television channels, and online media today (10 January) at a hotel in Dhaka.
He said that after returning to the country, he had the opportunity to visit several places, including Savar. “It seemed to me that the new generation is seeking guidance. They want to see hope.”
Referring to the 1971 Liberation War and the mass uprisings of 1990 and 2024, the BNP chief said, “If we work for the country keeping the spirits of these movements in mind and for the cause of independence, it will be possible to reach the right destination.”
On the issue of safety, he said a journalist raised concerns about women’s security. “I believe both women and men have the right to security.”
The BNP wants to combat harassment against women on social media, describing the phenomenon as a growing trend. “This issue will be a top priority for the party.”
Tarique also said there is no scope for Bangladesh to return to the situation that existed before 5 August 2024, referring to the ouster of the Awami League through the July Uprising.
“We have many differences of opinion among ourselves, and those differences will remain. But as political activists, I urge everyone to keep the democratic process alive. There must be accountability,” he said.
Editors present at the event included Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star; Inam Ahmed, editor of The Business Standard; Shakhawat Liton, executive editor of The Business Standard; Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh; Mostofa Kamal, editor of Khaborer Kagoj; Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age; Hasan Hafiz, editor of Kaler Kantho; and Abdul Hye Sikder, editor of Jugantor.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed were also present.
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