Parliamentary Party Meeting: BNP to stay on streets alongside the government

BNP will remain on the streets alongside the government under any circumstances. Just as the party will observe its party programs on the streets alongside national days, it will also confront all conspiracies on the streets.

On the other hand, if former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising, wants to return to the country, the government will take the necessary measures in accordance with the existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India.

Meeting sources said such discussions took place at the BNP parliamentary party meeting held on Monday afternoon, in the government party room at the National Parliament Building, ahead of resuming the fourth session of the 13th National Parliament. Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tareque Rahman presided over the meeting.

Multiple sources present at the meeting said that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman told the party's members of parliament, "We have forgotten to stay on the streets. But the streets cannot be abandoned."

The Prime Minister also referred to the observance of National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. "Alongside national days, party programs must also be observed on the streets. From the center to the district, metropolitan, upazila, and even union levels, the party must remain active organizationally. Party programs must be kept going."

"The message is loud and clear—we are on the streets, we must stay on the streets, all conspiracies must be confronted on the streets," the Prime Minister added.

The matter of banned Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's return to the country also came up at the meeting. In this regard, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that an effective extradition treaty regarding the exchange of fugitive criminals and prisoners exists between Bangladesh and India. In this case, the government will take the necessary measures following the rules, laws, and established practices. However, multiple members present at the meeting said the PM did not make any statement on the matter.

Sources said that at the meeting, discussions were held on the ongoing road development work under the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Communications, the energy and power situation, and the market situation of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan. At that time, the Prime Minister asked the relevant ministers for details of their respective ministries' activities. The Home Minister briefed the meeting on the country's law and order situation.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir presented the market situation. He said, "Various initiatives have been taken to keep the market situation under control; the people of the country will get the benefits of this."Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku briefed the meeting on the energy situation. "There are adequate stocks of diesel and petrol in the country for the next three months. This stock will gradually be increased to six months."Regarding the hike in LPG prices, he said that about 99 percent of LPG is imported by private sector entrepreneurs. The government will pay attention in this regard.State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said that in the first phase, a development allocation of Tk 15 lakh will be given to each union for the development of rural infrastructure, including religious places of worship. Both government and opposition parties will receive this. Distribution will begin Tuesday.