Prime Minister and BNP parliamentary leader Tarique Rahman has issued a stern warning against extortion, land grabbing and misconduct within the party, saying there is no place for extortionists and land grabbers in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
He also warned that strict organisational action would be taken against anyone who violated party discipline, regardless of their position.
At a BNP parliamentary party meeting on Sunday (October 11), Tarique instructed lawmakers to help maintain law and order across the country and ensure peace and stability in their respective constituencies. He also urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant to ensure the peaceful celebration of the upcoming Durga Puja and the security of religious minorities.
The meeting was held in the ruling party’s meeting room on the ninth floor of the National Parliament Building. Chaired by Tarique Rahman, the meeting began at 6:20pm and ended at 9:20pm. Chief Whip of Parliament Md Nurul Islam Moni delivered the welcome address.
According to sources at the meeting, Tarique told lawmakers that no one was above accountability or the law, including members of parliament.
“Everyone must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Members of parliament must also answer for their actions. Various allegations are being heard against several lawmakers. If lawmakers become detached from the public instead of remaining accessible to party workers and people, the party will suffer,” he said, according to the sources.
The meeting covered the country’s law and order situation, constitutional amendments, the upcoming local government elections, and allegations of land grabbing, extortion and irregularities against party leaders and activists. Discussions also addressed implementation of the July National Charter and the work of the special committee formed to reform the Constitution. The party’s formal position on these issues was presented at the meeting.
Ahead of the local government elections, Tarique provided initial guidance on grassroots preparations, maintaining organisational unity and candidate selection. He warned that no party worker, lawmaker or minister involved in wrongdoing would receive any leniency.
An MP who attended the meeting, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the prime minister sought updates on work undertaken during the eight months since the government was formed, including progress and any obstacles to implementation.
The prime minister also asked about problems in lawmakers’ constituencies and the expectations of local residents, the MP said.
Parliamentary Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu said the meeting discussed law and order, the local government elections and other national issues. He said the prime minister emphasised the need to maintain public order.
According to Dulu, the meeting also discussed nominating popular and qualified candidates for the upcoming local government elections to sustain the party’s performance in the national election.
MP and Principal Selim Bhuiyan said lawmakers raised various problems affecting their constituencies. Tarique urged them to remain close to the people, work alongside them and ensure public satisfaction. He also stressed the importance of working together as a united party.
Such meetings are usually held on the day before a parliamentary session begins or on the opening day itself. This time, however, Tarique called a special meeting ahead of the session expected to begin in the second week of November.
