Sunday, 11 January, 2026
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged editors and senior journalists to play a strong watchdog role in restoring democratic accountability, stressing that constructive criticism and responsible media scrutiny are essential to addressing Bangladesh’s political and governance challenges.
Speaking at his first public engagement since being elected BNP chairman, Tarique warned against allowing political differences to descend into conflict, citing the country’s painful experiences of violence and division.
“Differences of opinion must never escalate into conflict,” he said while exchanging views with editors and senior journalists from leading national media outlets at a discussion meeting at a city hotel. “We have seen the consequences of revenge, vengeance and violence. Those lessons must guide us forward.”
Referring to the events of August 5, 2024, Tarique said the nation had paid a heavy price when divisions turned destructive. “Whatever our political views, disputes must be resolved through dialogue. That is the only democratic path,” he added.
The meeting marked Tarique Rahman’s first major public interaction after he was unanimously elected BNP chairman by the party’s Standing Committee on Friday, in accordance with the party constitution.
Emphasising the centrality of democratic practice, he said accountability, free debate and uninterrupted elections—from the national to the local level—were indispensable to resolving the country’s crises. “If democratic processes continue without disruption, the country’s problems can be addressed,” he said.
Tarique also outlined BNP’s broader political vision, arguing that politics must move beyond rhetoric and focus on people’s daily concerns, including employment, healthcare, education and personal security. “Politics should not be confined to seminars and symposiums alone,” he said.
On reforms, the BNP chairman said they must go beyond constitutional and legal changes to address the realities of everyday life. “People care about jobs, healthcare, education and safety. These issues must be at the heart of reform,” he noted.
If entrusted with governing the country, Tarique said BNP would prioritise practical programmes, including women’s economic empowerment through a proposed ‘Family Card’, targeted support for farmers via a ‘Krishak Card’, healthcare outreach through community workers, skill development for migrant workers, and expanded opportunities for youth and IT entrepreneurs.
He said women’s economic independence was critical to national development, noting that half of the population could not be left behind. BNP, he added, would also modernise vocational training to boost remittance earnings and strengthen the economy.
Calling for responsible journalism, Tarique appealed to the media for informed, solution-oriented criticism. “We do not seek criticism for its own sake,” he said. “We seek criticism that helps identify problems and move the country forward.”
Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique Rahman’s return to active leadership had renewed public hope for rebuilding Bangladesh as a liberal democratic state.
The discussion was attended by editors and senior representatives from print, television, online and international media, alongside senior BNP leaders.
Comments
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged editors and senior journalists to play a strong watchdog role in restoring democratic accountability, stressing that constructive criticism and responsible media scrutiny are essential to addressing Bangladesh’s political and governance challenges.
Speaking at his first public engagement since being elected BNP chairman, Tarique warned against allowing political differences to descend into conflict, citing the country’s painful experiences of violence and division.
“Differences of opinion must never escalate into conflict,” he said while exchanging views with editors and senior journalists from leading national media outlets at a discussion meeting at a city hotel. “We have seen the consequences of revenge, vengeance and violence. Those lessons must guide us forward.”
Referring to the events of August 5, 2024, Tarique said the nation had paid a heavy price when divisions turned destructive. “Whatever our political views, disputes must be resolved through dialogue. That is the only democratic path,” he added.
The meeting marked Tarique Rahman’s first major public interaction after he was unanimously elected BNP chairman by the party’s Standing Committee on Friday, in accordance with the party constitution.
Emphasising the centrality of democratic practice, he said accountability, free debate and uninterrupted elections—from the national to the local level—were indispensable to resolving the country’s crises. “If democratic processes continue without disruption, the country’s problems can be addressed,” he said.
Tarique also outlined BNP’s broader political vision, arguing that politics must move beyond rhetoric and focus on people’s daily concerns, including employment, healthcare, education and personal security. “Politics should not be confined to seminars and symposiums alone,” he said.
On reforms, the BNP chairman said they must go beyond constitutional and legal changes to address the realities of everyday life. “People care about jobs, healthcare, education and safety. These issues must be at the heart of reform,” he noted.
If entrusted with governing the country, Tarique said BNP would prioritise practical programmes, including women’s economic empowerment through a proposed ‘Family Card’, targeted support for farmers via a ‘Krishak Card’, healthcare outreach through community workers, skill development for migrant workers, and expanded opportunities for youth and IT entrepreneurs.
He said women’s economic independence was critical to national development, noting that half of the population could not be left behind. BNP, he added, would also modernise vocational training to boost remittance earnings and strengthen the economy.
Calling for responsible journalism, Tarique appealed to the media for informed, solution-oriented criticism. “We do not seek criticism for its own sake,” he said. “We seek criticism that helps identify problems and move the country forward.”
Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique Rahman’s return to active leadership had renewed public hope for rebuilding Bangladesh as a liberal democratic state.
The discussion was attended by editors and senior representatives from print, television, online and international media, alongside senior BNP leaders.
Comments
