BNP Expresses Support for Tarek Rahman’s Hunger Strike
In a significant political development, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has publicly expressed solidarity with Tarek Rahman, who is currently on a hunger strike in front of the Election Commission. His protest is aimed at demanding the registration of his newly formed political party, Aam Janatar Dal.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, a senior joint secretary general of the BNP, emphasized that Tarek’s political platform definitely deserves registration. “For this just cause, he has been on a hunger strike… I, on behalf of the BNP, express full solidarity with his hunger strike programme,” Rizvi stated during an address on Thursday afternoon.
Rizvi highlighted that Aam Janatar Dal had submitted an application to the Election Commission for registration, but it was rejected. He pointed out that less significant organizations have already been registered, raising questions about the decision to deny Tarek’s party. “Tarek has always spoken for the country’s interest, against aggression and for Bangladesh’s sovereignty,” he added.
Tarek Rahman’s Political Journey
Tarek Rahman first gained national attention as part of the Quota Reform Movement led by Nurul Huq Nur in 2018. Later, he joined the Gono Odhikar Parishad, a party launched by Nur. When the party split, Tarek ended up in the faction led by Dr Reza Kibria. The two splinters eventually merged back, but Tarek chose to launch his own new political platform.
Several political parties, including Aam Janatar Dal, Bangladesh Justice and Development Party, and Moulik Bangla, continued their demonstrations in front of Nirbachan Bhaban on Thursday, demanding registration.
On Tuesday afternoon, Tarek Rahman, the member secretary of Aam Janatar Dal, began a ‘hunger strike unto death’ shortly after the announcement of the EC’s decision to award registration to three other parties: National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), and Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party.
On Wednesday morning, the Bangladesh Justice and Development Party and Moulik Bangla joined the demonstration with separate sit-in programmes at the EC gate.
Election Commission’s Recent Actions
The Election Commission issued separate notifications on Tuesday night, awarding registration to the three political parties. The NCP received the electoral symbol of ‘Water Lily Bud’, while the Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party was given the ‘Handshake’ symbol. The Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) was awarded the ‘Sewing Scissor’ symbol.
The Commission will finally recognize them as registered parties after settling any objections against them, which are to be received by November 12.
BNP’s Stance on Power Sector Indemnity Provision
Rizvi also mentioned that if the BNP comes to power, it would revoke the power sector indemnity provision. This statement highlights the party’s commitment to addressing various policy issues if they gain control in the future.
Registration Process and Historical Context
On March 10, 2025, the Election Commission invited applications from new political parties by April 20 to get registered ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. The EC received applications from 143 parties seeking registration within the extended deadline of June 22 last year. After scrutiny, 22 parties were shortlisted for field-level inquiries to verify the authenticity of their claims of fulfillment of registration conditions.
Since the registration system was introduced before the 2008 general election, a total of 57 parties have obtained registration. However, five of them lost their status, while two parties regained the registration. Additionally, the registration of the Awami League remains suspended.