Tarique Rahman tells BNP and three affiliates to stay active on the streets throughout December

Tarique Rahman has instructed the BNP and three of its affiliated organisations to stay active on the streets throughout December, the country's Victory Month. The Prime Minister and BNP chairman gave the instruction at a meeting with the party's top leaders, Prothom Alo, Banglanews24, Amar Desh, The Business Standard and several other outlets reported on 15 November.

At the same meeting he told leaders and activists not to fall for any provocation and to remain alert and united. Many people in Bangladesh are now searching Google for "Tarique Rahman" and "BNP December programme".

What was decided

Putting the reports from different outlets together, the meeting produced three main decisions:

• Active all month: BNP and three affiliated bodies will remain in the field with political programmes for the whole of December.
• Own programmes only: According to Ajker Bangladesh and Sotto News, the party will not hold counter-programmes in response to any other party or set up "guarding" anywhere; it will stay on the streets with its own separate programmes.
• Avoid provocation: Jugantor, Ajker Patrika and Amar Sangbad reported that Tarique Rahman asked activists to keep their eyes and ears open and not to take any bait.

The English daily Daily Sun reported that he asked the party and its associate bodies to intensify their political activities.

Why now

The instruction comes at a time of rising political tension. Around 11 November, several international outlets, including Al Arabiya and India TV, reported arson attacks and road blockades in different districts linked to protests by supporters of Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League's activities were banned in 2025.

Dhaka Tribune reported that the BNP is on high alert amid talk of Sheikh Hasina returning in December. Who is responsible for the recent violence is a matter for investigation and the courts.

Why December matters

December is Bangladesh's Victory Month, and 16 December is Victory Day. Every year political parties mark the month with discussions, processions and tributes. This year the BNP plans to remain active for the entire month.

Bangladesh became independent with victory in the Liberation War on 16 December 1971, so the month carries special weight for political and social programmes.

What the instruction signals

Read together, the reports suggest the BNP wants a stronger presence on the streets in December without being drawn into confrontation: no counter-programmes, no guarding, and a clear order to avoid provocation.

The full list and dates of the December programmes have not yet been published. Which affiliate will hold which programme should be known from the party's formal announcement.

Key facts at a glance

• Who gave the order: Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister and BNP chairman.
• For whom: the BNP and three of its affiliated organisations.
• Until when: throughout December.
• How: with the party's own political programmes, not counter-programmes or guarding.
• Message: avoid provocation, stay alert and united.

What happens next

• The party may announce a detailed list of its December programmes later.
• Law and order and the programmes of other parties will also be watched closely.
• Priyo News 24 will update this report when new information becomes available.

Sources

This report was prepared by cross-checking information published by Prothom Alo, Banglanews24, Amar Desh, Jugantor, Ajker Patrika, Ajker Bangladesh, Sotto News, Amar Sangbad, Daily Sun, The Business Standard, Dhaka Tribune, India TV and Al Arabiya. Links to the sources are listed below.