Khaleda Zia
Why such large entourage when only 7 can attend UNGA
Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus went to New York in the United States to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Along with seven advisers and officials of equivalent rank, six leaders from three political parties accompanied him—BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Acting Chairman’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Dr Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Joint Convener Dr Tasnim Zara. Initially, Dr Nakibur Rahman and Tasnim Zara were not included in the delegation; they were later added at the request of Jamaat and NCP.
Tarique Rahman’s interview and future of BNP politics
The most discussed event in Bangladesh’s recent politics is the long interview given by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to BBC Bangla. After seventeen long years in exile, this interview is not merely a message of his personal return; rather, it also carries hints of a possible new equation in Bangladesh’s future politics. As one of the main contenders for power, the BNP has long suffered from a crisis of leadership, internal divisions, corruption allegations, and failure to wage an effective movement. In such a context, this public political statement from the party’s top leader has sparked new debate—some see it as the beginning of BNP’s resurgence, while others consider it still an undefined promise.
Whoever comes to power does not truly want democracy
Writer-researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad. At once a historian and a valiant freedom fighter. He is among those who have written, analysed and researched the most on the political context of post-independence Bangladesh. He is the only political writer in Bangladesh who wrote a book on the 1973 election titled The "Election of ’73". He also wrote "Red Terror: Siraj Sikder and Proletarian Politics", "The Anti-hero Sirajul Alam Khan", "Awami League or BNP – Which Way', "The Rise and Fall of Jasad: Politics of a Restless Time", among other works. He still continues to write on contemporary politics.
Why is embezzled money not being returned
The interim government has published a white paper on the corruption that took place during the Awami League’s tenure. The white paper states that over the past 15 years, $234 billion have been illegally laundered from Bangladesh abroad through 28 different means. Eminent individuals of the country prepared this white paper in a very short time. This valuable white paper is full of speculative information and inconsistencies. These capable experts described the history of corruption in a 400-page white paper within three months; yet, even after six months of publishing the white paper, the government has not managed to detain a single thief. The Awami League government had started catching thieves even without a white paper, and the corruption records of IGP Benazir Ahmed and National Board of Revenue’s Matiur Rahman were widely reported in the media. But have only Benazir and Matiur stolen the entire $234 billion? If not, there must be more thieves.
Why this dirty politics over a tragic air crash?
On 21 July, when lifeless bodies and severely burned children were being pulled from the rubble at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara, law enforcement personnel were frantically engaged in rescue operations, ambulances were rushing the injured to hospitals, and doctors and nurses were doing their utmost to treat these pain-stricken children—at that very moment, a number of politicians showed up at hospitals, crowding the premises. Their presence further intensified the congestion, making it difficult to transport the injured. A wave of criticism instantly erupted on social media. Many people asked: What were the politicians doing at the hospital at such a time? Were they there for publicity?
Clear the path for reform and economic progress
“Reform, reform, reform”—Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, repeated the word three times to emphasise the importance of reform. He called upon everyone to jump into reform initiatives and repeatedly urged for more and more discussion and review on the subject. Driven by a strong desire for reform, he quickly formed several reform commissions. These commissions submitted their reports, and opinions from various political parties have been taken—and are still being taken—regarding several of the commissions’ recommendations. Based on these opinions, the “July Charter” will be formulated, which will include the signatures of political parties. But all these activities are unrealistic and dreams that cannot be implemented. The ideological difference between the left and the right is as vast as the distance between the North Pole and the South Pole. Therefore, the reforms that come through the “July Charter” will be very limited and will not be able to prevent the emergence of an autocratic government.
Tarique Rahman’s political acumen elevates him to unique height
Since February 8, 2018, when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was imprisoned, Tarique Rahman has been leading the party as its Acting Chairman. Despite being barred from returning to the country, speaking publicly, or having his speeches aired due to court restrictions, he has continued to move forward. His unwavering resolve has dealt a significant blow to his persecutors. He has played a pivotal role in stabilizing the post-2024 uprising political scenario. While many feared that, as a victim of persecution, he might turn vengeful or aggressive, the reality proved otherwise. He consistently called for calm.
If interim government doesn’t set an example in reform, it won't happen again
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, has placed excessive emphasis on reform. He clearly stated, “Not flimsy reform, not superficial reform, but fundamental reform. We will do it in such a way that no one will be able to undo it.” He also remarked, “My only concern is reform. Debate all you want about what the reforms will be, but let’s not hold an election without reform… Don't miss this opportunity.” His words are commendable; however, they are not grounded in the realities of the situation. He dreams, but in trying to realize those dreams, he faces disillusionment. His claim that he will make reform irreversible is rooted more in emotion than in practical reality.
Reform commission's proposals must ensure fair election
To ensure free and fair elections, the Reform Commission has recommended reinstating the caretaker government system and the provision for a referendum. The Constitutional Reform Commission has also made similar recommendations. Recently, the possibility of the caretaker government system returning automatically has emerged following a High Court ruling. However, the system cannot be implemented until a review petition on the Appellate Division’s order that annulled the Thirteenth Amendment—through which the caretaker system was introduced—is resolved.
Reforms to restore voting rights
The chief advisor of the interim government had announced the formation of six reform commissions, one of which was the Electoral Reform Commission. On October 3, 2024, an eight-member commission was formed, led by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, with the goal of ensuring fair, impartial, and participatory elections to establish a representative democracy. The full report of the commission has already been published on the cabinet division's website. The chief advisor has emphasized the importance of reforms, stating that a key focus of these reforms is to establish a fair electoral system and good governance. The chief advisor has called on every citizen of the country to actively and joyfully engage in this great reform movement. He has also urged the public to come forward for the implementation of the commission's recommendations.