BNP plans December street mobilisation as Tarique warns against Awami League disruption

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the ruling BNP and its affiliated organisations to remain active on the streets throughout December, as the party prepares month-long programmes amid concerns over possible activities by the banned Awami League.

The instructions came at a meeting on Sunday at the Prime Minister's office in the Jatiya Sangsad, where Tarique met senior BNP leaders and representatives of Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal.

Party leaders said the programmes would serve two purposes: keeping activists organised against possible sabotage, arson and disorder by the Awami League, and strengthening the BNP's organisational presence.

The BNP and its three affiliates will announce separate programmes, including rallies, protest processions, sit-ins and cultural events. BNP-aligned professional organisations have also been asked to remain active.

The meeting discussed the party's December plans, organisational activities and the country's recent political situation.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Joint Secretaries General Shahiduddin Chowdhury, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Emran Saleh Prince and Abdus Salam attended.

Conveners and member secretaries of Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, along with leaders of the Dhaka North and South city BNP units, were also present.

Several leaders said Tarique had asked the organisations to prepare and implement their programmes independently.

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman told Daily Waadaa that the party had fought what she described as fascism on the streets for 17 years before coming to power.

She said the Prime Minister wanted party leaders and activists to remain active in the field to strengthen the organisation.

Asked about the position of the 11-party alliance, Selima said its members were now in opposition and were carrying out their activities independently.

Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel confirmed the meeting but played down its significance.

"Yes, our party chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called us, we sat with him, and he gave us the necessary organisational instructions. Nothing special," he told Waadaa.

Joint Secretary General Emran Saleh Prince told Waadaa that December, observed as the month of victory, would be the first since the BNP returned to power.

The Prime Minister convened the meeting to discuss how the party and its affiliates would mark the occasion, he said.

Prince said programmes marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day were continuing, while the party was also preparing to observe the first death anniversary of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in December.

He said the meeting also discussed what he called "fascist Awami terrorists."

Prince said the BNP would not directly confront Awami League activists on the streets but would ensure that all party units maintained a regular presence in the field.

The December mobilisation comes amid renewed political discussion over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's possible return from India.

Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August 2024, has announced plans to return in December.

Her lawyers have approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi seeking a new passport and national identity card.

The government, however, maintains that Hasina can return only through the extradition process.

BNP leaders have said they would resist any attempt to facilitate her return outside that process.

The Awami League's political activities remain banned, although the party's leaders and activists continue to feature in the country's political debate.

December will also carry significance for the BNP as it prepares to mark the first death anniversary of Khaleda Zia, who died on December 30, 2025.

Tarique subsequently took charge of the party.