BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has said that the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is preparing a comprehensive plan to lead the country with a people’s mandate, as the party rebuilds ahead of expected democratic elections.
Speaking at the inauguration of the BNP’s biennial conference at Kamalnagar upazila in Lakshmipur on Sunday, Annie emphasized that Tarique Rahman is working from abroad to develop a structured roadmap for governance—aligned with the vision of the party’s founding leader, President Ziaur Rahman.
“Tarique Rahman is formulating plans to run the country with public support. He will continue this work until the dream of Ziaur Rahman is realized,” Annie said.
The event was held at a field adjacent to Hazirhat Union Parishad. Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, BNP’s Chittagong Divisional Organizing Secretary, attended as chief guest. The session was chaired by Kamalnagar Upazila BNP Convener Golam Quader and hosted by local leaders Nurul Huda Chowdhury and M. Didar Hossain.
Annie revealed that Tarique Rahman is finalizing both short- and medium-term governance strategies, including a 180-day action plan and a 365-day development agenda, aimed at tackling corruption, strengthening rule of law, and improving public security.
“He is planning what reforms, initiatives, and safeguards are needed before returning—how to stop corruption, protect the common people, and restore institutional trust.”
He acknowledged public expectations, saying, “If we fail to control crime and corruption, many will say the BNP couldn’t do what the previous government did. That’s why these plans are essential—to ensure credibility and deliver results.”
Annie expressed optimism that Tarique Rahman would return to Bangladesh soon.
“We hope to see him among us by October or November. There are still some legal matters, but no major barrier remains. Our duty is to prepare the ground in line with his guidance.”
Paying homage to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Annie described her as a symbol of resilience and principled politics.
“She led the anti-Ershad movement for nine years alongside students. There is no institution where she hasn’t stood for democracy. As Ziaur Rahman’s widow, she became Prime Minister three times through struggle—not compromise.”
He criticized her prolonged detention under the previous government, saying, “She never bowed to oppression, yet was imprisoned under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. She suffered in jail, fell ill, and remains unwell—but she stands with dignity. She is a victim of political revenge and state abuse.”
He further said that her courage inspires us. It is because of her sacrifice that we continue our struggle, even as Tarique Rahman leads from abroad.”
He also recognized the role of youth and student leaders in the July anti-discrimination movement, stating the BNP stood in solidarity throughout.
“We protested together. We did not back down—and we will not, until democratic rights are restored.”
Among others, ABM Ashraf Uddin Nijan, BNP Deputy Industry and Commerce Secretary (main speaker), Harunur Rashid, Chittagong Divisional Co-Organizing Secretary, Sahab Uddin Sabu, Laxmipur District BNP Member Secretary, Hasibur Rahman, District Joint Convener, Hafizur Rahman, President, Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum, Wahid Uddin Chowdhury (Happy), BFF Vice-President, Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan, BNP leader, and Abul Hashem, District President, Sramik Dal were present on the occasion.
HKJ
