The BNP government is set to transform the interim government’s “anti-terrorism ordinance,” which banned the activities of the Awami League, into law. The proposed legislation includes punitive measures. During the interim government, the BNP had opposed the idea of banning any political party through executive orders, stating that the public should decide. However, after coming to power, the government is taking steps to convert the ordinance into law. Until the executive order is officially revoked, the Awami League remains under restrictions. Once the law, including punitive provisions, is enacted, the party will face even greater limitations in carrying out political activities.

The 133rd ordinance issued by the interim government was introduced in the 13th Parliament on March 13. On that day, a 14-member special committee was formed to review the ordinances. Under Article 93 of the Constitution, an ordinance lapses if not passed by Parliament within 30 days, which in this case would have been April 12.

Last Thursday, the special committee recommended that 98 ordinances be converted into law without any changes. Fifteen ordinances were proposed for amendments before being presented as bills. Sixteen ordinances are not to be introduced at this time, and four were repealed based on recommendations from Hefazat.

Among the 15 ordinances recommended for amendment and presentation as bills is the “Anti-Terrorism Ordinance” issued on May 11, 2025. This ordinance, by amending Sections 18 and 20 of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act, banned the activities of the Awami League and all its affiliated organizations. The same law had banned the activities of the student wing, Chhatra League, in October 2024.

On May 9 last year, NCP leaders staged a protest at the residence of then Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, demanding the ban on the Awami League. Later, other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Islami Andolon, AB Party, and Bangladesh Khalafat Majlis, joined the movement.

On the night of May 11, an emergency meeting of the advisory council at Yunus’ residence amended two sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It allowed the government to ban the activities of individuals or organizations involved in terrorism through executive orders. On the same day, a government notification stated that the Awami League’s activities would remain banned until trials in the International Crimes Tribunal concluded.

The interim government did not directly ban the Awami League. However, under the restrictions of Section 20 of the ordinance, the party cannot hold rallies, meetings, or assemblies; its offices must remain closed; bank accounts can be frozen; posters and banners cannot be displayed; press releases cannot be issued; and the party is barred from publishing in media or social platforms and holding press conferences.

The law proposes that banned organizations conducting activities could face four to 14 years of imprisonment. The ordinance itself did not specify penalties for violations, meaning the Awami League had been under restriction without legal consequences for noncompliance.

The parliamentary special committee, consulting with relevant ministries, recommended the passage of the anti-terrorism ordinance as law. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that “the ordinance does not contain any penal provisions for banned organizations, but punitive measures can be added.”

Although it is unclear what specific penalties will be included, government sources indicate that existing provisions under Section 16 of the law would apply to restricted organizations. Awami League leaders have refrained from making formal statements on the matter. However, Presidium member and former minister Abdur Rahman told reporters that the public will ultimately decide. He added that facing restrictions is not new for the Awami League, as the party has navigated such challenges in the past.

When asked whether the Awami League would challenge the validity of the ordinance in court, Abdur Rahman said the party would take legal or protest action wherever necessary.

New York: The 56th Independence Day of Bangladesh was celebrated with enthusiasm by the United States Awami League, its affiliated organizations, and various pro-Liberation groups, including political, social, and cultural associations. Journalists, poets, researchers, and prominent expatriate leaders also attended the event.

The program was held on the evening of March 22 at Juice Center in Jackson Heights, New York City. It was presided over by Dr. Pradip Ranjan Kar, veteran freedom fighter, former General Secretary of BAKSU, and advisor to the US Awami League. The event was jointly organized by US Awami League Office Secretary Engineer Mohammad Ali Siddiqui and Legal Secretary Advocate Shah Mohammad Bakhtiar Ali.

The discussion, titled “The Significance of Independence Day and Today’s Bangladesh,” featured speeches by senior journalist and US Awami League advisor Hakikul Islam Khokon, freedom fighters Golam Mostofa Khan Miraj, Shawkat Akbar Richy, Faruk Hossain, Khurshid Anwar Bablu, Ismail Khan Ansari, Helal Majid, poet and freedom fighter Avinash Acharya, and Dr. Selina Afrin Rita, child of a martyr family and YouTube host. Other leaders from Awami League and its affiliated organizations also addressed the gathering.

Patriotic poetry recitations were delivered by Hasan Al Abdullah, Minhaj Ahmed Shammu, Gopon Saha, and Awami League leader Rina Abedin. The program began with a collective rendition of the national anthem, followed by a one-minute silence honoring the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, the 1962–1969 education and democracy movements, the 1971 Liberation War, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family in 1975, the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina, and other struggles for democracy.

Speakers expressed concern over the resurgence of forces defeated in 1971 and emphasized the need for unity at home and abroad. They called for keeping the spirit of liberation alive, strengthening the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and ensuring that those responsible for historical atrocities face justice.

New York: Leaders of the New York State unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have expressed their commitment to accelerating Bangladesh’s development under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. The pledge was made during a discussion meeting held on March 29 at Diversity Plaza in New York City, organized to mark Independence Day.

In his opening remarks, BNP central committee member Gias Ahmed said that following Tarique Rahman’s vision, expatriate Bangladeshis remain united in working to build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh, fulfilling the dreams of the late President Ziaur Rahman.

Speaking as a special guest, BNP USA Joint Secretary General Akter Hossain Badal highlighted that party members abroad are committed to supporting Tarique Rahman, the rightful successor to Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in building an equitable society.

Another special guest, Golam Faruk Shaheen, member of the BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, said that expatriate activists—long engaged in political struggle—now face the critical task of providing full support for Tarique Rahman’s development mission.

The event, moderated by State BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Said and chaired by State BNP President Oliullah Atikur Rahman, was attended by numerous party leaders and activists. The program concluded with a special prayer for the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Organizers expressed gratitude to participants for attending despite adverse weather conditions.

DHAKA  – BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today exchanged views with party leaders, cabinet members and lawmakers at the party’s Nayapaltan central office here this evening. Earlier, he arrived at the central office around 7:20pm while BNP leaders and activists welcomed him upon his arrival.

This is the first time Tarique Rahman visited the party’s Nayapaltan office after assuming office as Prime Minister, said sources at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Earlier, he had visited the Nayapaltan office once after returning to the country from London.

A large number of party leaders and activists have gathered in the Nayapaltan area since the afternoon to mark his arrival. They chanted slogans, making the entire area vibrant. Members of law enforcement agencies were seen performing their duties to ensure the safety and security for the event.

Dhaka: Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, former adviser to the interim government and spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that a so-called “deep state” had devised a strategy to keep the interim government in power until 2029. He made these remarks at a discussion titled “From Blood-Stained Independence to Reforms and Referendum: The Political Duty of Implementation”, organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South NCP at the party’s central office in Banglamotor on Thursday afternoon, marking Independence Day.

Asif said that during the early days of their tenure in government, they were approached by powerful institutions—referred to as the “deep state”—with an offer. “They told us: ‘Sheikh Hasina’s tenure runs until 2029. You complete that term, and we will support you,’” he stated.

He added that the proposal came with specific conditions, including facilitating certain interests and following a roadmap designed to keep opposition figures—particularly from the BNP—out of elections.

According to him, the plan involved prolonging legal cases against BNP leaders so they would remain ineligible to contest elections. “If their sentences were not overturned, they would not be able to participate even if elections were held,” he said, mentioning Tarique Rahman as an example.

Asif claimed that a full strategy had been presented to them on how to remain in power through compromise, but emphasized, “We did not agree to it.”

He also accused large corporations of hoarding fuel, alleging that parts of the BNP were involved in such syndicates. Drawing from his experience in the previous government’s purchasing committee, he questioned how a crisis could emerge within a month when reserves were supposed to last two months, suggesting involvement of individuals close to the government.

Criticizing BNP further, he alleged that the party had appointed its loyalists as administrators in various institutions, undermining democracy. “If those appointed as administrators later contest elections, what fairness remains for others?” he asked.

Asif maintained that their government remained committed to democracy and ensured elections were held fairly. “To prevent any controversy, we voluntarily resigned before the election,” he said. However, he criticized the current government for appointing two key figures from the previous administration to ministerial positions, despite earlier demands for resignations to ensure a level playing field.

NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar also spoke at the event, criticizing how the study of history in Bangladesh remains confined to narrow debates—particularly over who declared independence first. He emphasized that true history encompasses the broader struggles, sacrifices, and contributions of the people. “Unfortunately, the narrative of history changes with every change in government,” he said.

Tushar expressed disappointment that despite hopes for reform following recent mass uprisings, political parties are still failing to honor their commitments to the public. He drew parallels with unimplemented reform proposals following the 1990 political transition, suggesting a similar pattern continues today.

The US Awami League observed the historic March 7, the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and National Children’s Day with due respect and dignity. The program was held at Nabanna Party Center in Jackson Heights, New York—often referred to as the capital of the world—with the presence of leaders and activists from all wings and affiliated organizations of the US Awami League. The hall was filled with party members and supporters.

The event was chaired by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad. Speakers at the event expressed concern that the newly elected BNP government has prevented the proper observance of the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—an address internationally recognized as an epic declaration of independence—thereby pushing the nation toward division.

The speakers also urged the BNP government to immediately withdraw the ban imposed on the Awami League and its affiliated organizations through what they described as an illegal ordinance issued by the “killer-fascist Yunus government.”

Leaders from the US Awami League, New York State and City Awami League, Mahila Awami League, Swechchhasebak League, Jubo League, and the US Chhatra League took part in the discussion.

—Press Release

The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has paid rich tributes to the 1952 Language Movement martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city on the occasion of great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. Party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman led his party’s delegation to lay the wreath in memory of the language heroes.

Besides, the premier along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman also placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of their family. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid homage to the martyrs as the head of the government.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been elected as the leader of the parliamentary party. He was elected parliamentary party leader in a meeting of BNP’s parliamentary party at the meeting room in Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at about 11.30 am today, BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told reporters.

Earlier, the newly elected parliament members (MPs) of BNP in the 13th national elections took oath of office at Jatiya Sangsad (JS) here. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath of office to the newly elected lawmakers at the Oath Room of Sangsad Bhaban at 10:43 am. Later, the meeting of the BNP’s parliamentary party was held.

Bangladesh resumes its democratic journey today after a long 15 years of autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn-in as Prime Minister with its party’s landslide victory in 13th national polls. Tarique Rahman charismatically led his party to win in 211 seats in the parliamentary elections widely endorsed by the world, including the European Union (EU) election observers as they called the polls fair and credible saying no instance of fraudulence or vote rigging was found.

The nation participated in a free, fair election on 12 February, 2026, for what Bangladesh was waiting for almost 20 years. The people of Bangladesh had been dreaming of such competitive festive elections for long. Their dream finally came true in the second week of this month and they got a true elected prime minister indeed. Tarique Rahman has been the first elected premier by populist votes since 2008.

The Bangladesh people really lost confidence in the electoral process as they saw three rigged elections orchestrated by the fallen Awami League the party was deposed from the power in a student-mass uprising that saw almost 1,400 people to be killed and 20,000 to be injured. But, the nation this time rebounded in democratic norm that was lost by the voter less elections in 2014, night time elections in 2018 and dummy elections in 2024.

Tarique Rahman, son of Independence Proclaimer and slain President Ziaur Rahman and three times Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, appears to be a true statesman through democratic elections. But the way of his being statesmanship was not a bed of roses. He struggled inhuman and went through a lot of sufferings even staying in exile. He struggled for democracy, he fought with a fascist government for returning the rights to freedom of expression to the people, freedom of press, the rights to vote etc, resulting in 2024 July Uprising and thereafter a free, fair election in 2026.

Tarique Rahman has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political discourse. His elevation to the premiership is seen by many within BNP as the continuation of a political legacy blended with promises of reform and modernization.

Tarique Rahman started his debut in the politics in 1988 by getting primary membership in Gabtali Upazila, the historic birthplace of his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, under Bogura district located in northern Bangladesh. He became a member of the Bogra district BNP in 1993. He got opportunity to draw public opinion in favor of his party in 1991 parliamentary elections. In the capacity of National Campaign Strategy Committee member of the party, Tarique Rahman coordinated the election campaign of five constituencies his mother Khaleda Zia was contesting. Her thumping victory in all five constituencies proved his worth as a meticulous organizer to assume a future leadership role in the party.

Tarique Rahman learned politics for the welfare of the people and the country during his early age as he was closely observing his mother’s generosity to the people and struggle for democracy against another autocrat Ershad rule. He inherited a good political norms and values from his parents and he also took over another responsibility of electioneering in 2001. Tarique Rahman proved again his leadership wisdom within the party as his strategy was a great hit in creating a nationwide wave in favor of the ‘paddy sheath’ symbol. His party won the elections with a two-thirds majority. Following the victory, the BNP Standing Committee, the highest decision-making body, unanimously appointed him as the Senior Joint Secretary-General in 2002.

Thus, when he was emerging in politics, conspiracies were there to exterminate him forever. Then, the infamous army-backed illegitimate 1/11 caretaker government came. He was subjected to intrigues by Awami League and their associates at home and abroad. His estrangement from politics was sought by the 1/11 government through a series of utterly cruel, mischievous, and conspiracy acts. He was put to physical and mental torture by law enforcement and secret service agencies to demoralize him not to continue in politics. At one stage, he was imprisoned and tortured brutally in confinement for months together, disregarding the law of the land.

At one stage, he left the country with grave spinal injury for London to get medical treatment, choosing the path of staying in exile by force. But his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his people couldn’t stop him, rather stand still with head high, struggled for the emancipation of the people of the country, leading the nation online form the UK. Tarique Rahman was in constant touch with his fellow party workers to keep their spirits high and to continue to fight against the misrule of the Sheikh Hasina government as marked with anarchy, injustice, maladministration, corruption, curtailment of people’s right to vote, abrogation of fundamental rights, and the like. The fascist regime of Hasina filed seventeen fabricated cases in absentia against Tarique Rahman as a ploy to bar him from politics. He was the victim of political vengeance of the ousted fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Even his parents’ cantonment home was raged to the ground by Hasina in a bid to harass the Zia family. Despite political vengeance and vilifications against him, Tarique Rahman’s popularity saw an astonishing rise. He stands tall as the leader of the masses. He is the true inheritor of the legacy of his father. A natural politician, Tarique Rahman kept his party united, and its grassroots base continues to expand and solidify with mass support.

Despite living abroad, Tarique Rahman was nominated acting chairman of his party as not being the son of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia but with the quality of political wisdom and leadership eminence after her mother landed in jail in 2018 during Awami League misrule that is marked a another wrath of the deposed Sheikh Hasina on the Zia family.

While in exile, Tarique Rahman didn’t stop even for one day in struggle for realizing people’s rights. His fight for years and call to rise eventually awaken the nation as the people revolted against fascist Awami League rule, toppled Sheikh Hasina from the state power and forced her to flee the country, ending her almost 16 years autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, a new day for Bangladesh history.

Bangladesh became free again after 1971 Liberation War and the obstacles imposed on Tarique Rahman’s arrival to his beloved country were removed. Then the historic day 25 December, 2025 came when the valiant son of the nation Tarique Rahman touched down Bangladesh soil, strolled barefoot, took a fistful of soil and felt Bangladesh with the inner part of his heart. Then, his vibrant voice waived in a mammoth crowd saying, “I have a plan for the people and for the country”.

But, when the whole nation was like triumphant getting him after almost 17 years, Bangladesh got another bad news as his mother passed away just five days after his arrival. Then, on 9 January, 2026, he became his party’s chairman as many analysts see his rise inevitable.

Tarique Rahman’s rise in politics didn’t come inherently rather it was obvious for him to be at the helm of the state with leadership quality he acquired by political farsightedness, insights, dedication and wisdom. He gained steady ground through the combination of hard work, skill, and patience in the hearts of millions. He affirms the promises to take the nation out of the morass of misrule, non-governance, oppression, coercion, subjugation and present the people with the rights they could not enjoy under a fascist regime in hold of state power for more than one and a half decades. His promises win people’s hearts resulting in bringing landslide victory for BNP in national polls. Today, Bangladesh reemerged as a democratic country and restarted its democratic course as Tarique Rahman sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, elder son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, today formed the government with a 49-member cabinet as he took oath as the prime minister for his first time. The cabinet members include 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office and oath of secrecy to Tarique Rahman and his new ministers at the open space of the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex at 4:00 pm. After the swearing-in, Tarique Rahman signed the oath of office and oath of secrecy.

The 25 ministers are: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khoshru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Abu Jafar Md Zahid Hossain, Dr Khalilur Rahman (Technocrat), Abdul Awal Mintoo, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Zahir Uddin Swapon, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid (Technocrat), Afroza Khanam Rita, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Asadul Habib Dulu, Md Asaduzzaman, Zakaria Taher, Dipen Dewan, ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Sarder Md Sakhawat Hossain, Fakir Mahbub Anam, and Sheikh Rabiul Alam.

The 24 state ministers are-M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Md Shariful Alam, Shama Obaed Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Farhad Hossain Azad, Md Aminul Haq (technocrat), Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Habibur Rashid, Md Rajib Ahsan, Md Abdul Bari, Mir Shahe Alam, Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, widely known as Zonayed Saki, Ishraque Hossain, Farzana Sharmin, Shaikh Faridul Islam, Nurul Haque Nur, Yasser Khan Chowdhury, M Iqbal Hossain, MA Muhith, Ahammad Sohel Manjur, Bobby Hajjaj and Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition in the Bangladesh history, the swearing-in ceremony of the new government was held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex instead of Bangabhaban, the Presidential palace.

Diplomatic sources said the leaders of different countries including President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Indian Lok Sabha (parliament) Speaker Om Birla, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, among others, attended the ceremony.

Besides, guests present at the jam-packed glittering South Plaza of Bangladesh Parliament Complex included: Chief Justice, outgoing Chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and his council of advisers of the interim government, Chief Election Commissioner, Judges of the Supreme Court, MPs, political leaders, chiefs of the three services, members of diplomatic corps, senior journalists, and high civil and military officials.

Tarique Rahman’s spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and other family members were present at the function.

Clad in black-suit with stripe and white shirt Tarique Rahman was looking very confident and lively at the South Plaza gathering. The historic venue was overflowing with about 1200 invited guests, while many of them were seen standing there also.

New Prime Minister as the Head of the Government was given a standing ovation when he entered the place of oath-taking ceremony.

Minutes later President Shahabuddin entered the venue where the Prime Minister took oath at 4.00 pm.
The ceremony began with the recitation from the holy Quran.

Tarique Rahman took oath first pledging to preserve, protect and defend the national constitution and the state sovereignty.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani conducted the oath-taking ceremony.

On February 12, the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls coincided with the referendum was held in 299 seats. The BNP attained a resounding victory bagging 209 seats with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.

Their one-time ally Jamaat-e-Islami will now play their role as the main opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad with 68 seats.

Other parties and independent candidates have won the remaining seats.

Earlier, people had assembled in processions from different parts of the capital, chanting slogans hailing Tarique Rahman, the leader of the young.