Regretting the party’s unintended mistakes in running the country in the past, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters to cast their votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ on February-12 election to create a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh by implementing all its plans and programmes. “In the past, with your support, BNP had governed the country several times. While running the state during those periods, there might have been some unintentional mistakes and shortcomings on our part in certain areas. For that, I sincerely express my regret to the people of the country,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the February-12 elections. Tarique said learning from past mistakes and building on the party’s achievements, he once again sought support in the national election on February 12 to build a safe Bangladesh for the present and future generations. “For the country and its people, and for you and your family members, I have made various plans, and to implement each of these plans I ask for your support and your vote for the sheaf of paddy,” he said. After his return from abroad, the BNP chief said he made every effort to reach out to people across the country in the limited time available. “I have received your love. I have felt your affection and support for BNP. February 12 will be a day to express your love for BNP once again.” Mentioning the role of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in developing the country and restoring democracy, Tarique said, “My humble appeal to everyone that if you love Shaheed Zia, if you love the country’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia, and if you love independence and democracy, then vote for the Sheaf of Paddy in the upcoming national election on February 12.” He said the victory of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ will mean the victory of Bangladesh and will ensure a free, sovereign, and independent country. “To continue the success journey of Shaheed Zia and country leader Begum Khaleda Zia, I, together with my party’s leaders and activists, have long been preparing, hands-on, to implement BNP’s political, social, and economic programmes.” The BNP chief said there is no alternative to strictly controlling corruption, establishing the rule of law, and ensuring the accountability of the state and the government to the people in order to implement every plan. “If I get your support in governing the state, the government in the coming days will be accountable to the people. The BNP government, Insha’Allah, will be as strict as possible in controlling corruption in the country. The rule of law will be re-established, Insha’Allah. This is my commitment, and BNP’s commitment, to the people of the country. The reason for my commitment to you is that you are the source of all political power of the BNP,” he said. The pre-recorded speech was aired at 7:15pm on Monday. In his 37-minute address, the BNP chief also outlined his party’s various plans and programmes included in the election manifesto. He recalled that during what he described as the fascist period and the so-called January 7, 2024 election, he had urged citizens to spend the day with their families. Referring to the upcoming national election in a “fascism-free Bangladesh,” he called on voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy throughout February 12 and encouraged young voters to dedicate their first vote to the BNP’s electoral symbol. He urged democracy-loving citizens to take responsibility for BNP candidates on the election day, saying elected BNP MPs will assume responsibility for the people from the following day, while he himself will ensure that representatives properly fulfill their duties. Tarique reiterated that if the BNP received the public mandate to govern, the party’s guiding principle would be justice inspired by the ideals of the Prophet. “February 12 is the day for establishing the rights of the people of Bangladesh. I pray to Allah for the victory of the sheaf of paddy. Vote for the sheaf of paddy throughout the day on February 12,” he said. Tarique also stressed a vision of a safe Bangladesh for all citizens, irrespective of religion or region, upholding freedom of belief and protection for minorities. “During the 1971 Liberation War, no one asked about anyone’s religion. In the 2024 struggle to protect freedom, nobody asked about anyone’s religion or religious identity. We believe religion is personal, but the state belongs to everyone. Each citizen can practise their faith according to their belief,” he said. Stating that ensuring peace and security for all citizens is the state’s responsibility, the BNP chief said, “Over the past 55 years, the democratic-minded people of Bangladesh have rejected authoritarianism, religious extremism and radicalism.” He said everyone can work together to build a safe and secure Bangladesh by respecting each person’s religious beliefs and cultural practices. The BNP chairman said this vision reflected the ground-breaking political philosophy--Bangladeshi nationalism—of the country’s independence proclaimer Ziaur Rahman. He also said Bangladesh belonged to its people, regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity, and all the country’s citizens are Bangladeshis. He highlighted BNP’s commitment to supporting religious leaders across faiths, including financial assistance for imams, khatibs, and moazzins. With the support of people, Tarique said, the BNP had had the opportunity to run the state many times in the past. He said their party founder Ziaur Rahman, after taking on the responsibility of running the country, transformed Bangladesh into a self-reliant nation and had to sacrifice his life for the country’s interest. “My mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, honored the trust given to her by the people, endured imprisonment without compromise, and remained committed to Bangladesh’s welfare. She could have avoided imprisonment, but her heart was with the nation,” the BNP chief observed. In a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said Khaleda Zia wanted to re-establish democracy in the country and ensure the rights of the people. “The time has come for Khaleda Zia’s aspiration to be fulfilled before the freedom-loving democratic people of the country. February 12 will be the day for the establishment of the state and government.” Tarique outlined BNP’s key manifesto promises, including: family cards for women-headed households, farm cards for farmers, employment for the unemployed, financial support until employment is secured, reinstating faith and trust in Allah in the constitution, introducing a card for overseas Bangladeshis, and providing loan facilities to support citizens want to work abroad. He stated the previous the fallen, defeated fascist forces had rendered all constitutional and statutory institutions of the country ineffective and completely politicised the administration. The BNP leader said under BNP’s governance, every constitutional institution will operate according to constitutional rules, and administration will not be politicised; instead, rules of administration and promotions will be based on merit and ability. Tarique also mentioned that if public administration is not established on a proper foundation, no productive outcomes can be achieved. “We have already stated in our manifesto presented to the people that if the BNP assumes the responsibility of running the government based on the people’s verdict, the national pay scale for government officers and employees will be announced and implemented in a timely manner,” he said. He concluded his speech with a religious invocation, appealing for blessings and welfare for all citizens: “More than 90 percent of Bangladeshis are Muslims. Our prayer to Allah is: O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of Hell.” He said late president Ziaur Rahman had enshrined full trust in Almighty Allah in the constitution which was removed by the previous despotic government. “With Allah’s mercy, if BNP is entrusted to govern after February 12, full trust in Allah will be reinstated in the constitution, Inshallah.” Tarique Rahman urged the country’s people to be vigilant against attempts to mislead the faithful and concluded his address by appealing to the people to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy in the upcoming election.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that state responsibility is a sacred trust (amanat) and should not be treated as a matter of personal enjoyment. “We must always remember that we are all accountable and will be questioned about our responsibilities,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the 12 February national elections. Referring to a famous quote by Hazrat Omar (RA), Dr Rahman said “Even if a dog dies on the banks of the Euphrates without eating, I will be responsible for it,” to capture what will be his governing style. The party remains committed, as commanded by Allah, to establishing justice, InshaAllah, he said. He expressed optimism that people will trust in their promise and vision and support Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11-party alliance in the upcoming elections. “Allah has given us a great opportunity for change. Let us use it wisely, leave behind the politics of the past, and build a new Bangladesh where everyone can live with respect and dignity,” he said. Dr Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and the Liberation War, and prayed for those injured during these movements. Describing July as a collective outcry against injustice, he said: “People from all walks of life united. We do not want another July. We want a Bangladesh where citizens never have to take to the streets to demand their rights.” He said the youth have the courage, talent, and technological skills needed to build a new Bangladesh. “They are hardworking, fearless, committed to truth, and ready to move the country forward,” he said, urging society to create opportunities that allow young people to contribute meaningfully. Addressing the youth, he added they want to stand shoulder to shoulder in the work of building the nation. The Jamaat Ameer emphasised that national unity is a responsibility, not just a slogan, warning that division weakens the country and deepens injustice.   He criticised what he described as the erosion of democratic practices and the concentration of power over the past decade, claiming citizens were deprived of their voting rights through flawed elections. “When people lose their right to vote, they lose their voice,” he said, referring to the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. He added that misuse of state institutions, lack of accountability, and suppression of dissent have undermined democratic norms and public confidence. Dr Rahman also stressed that women’s safety and dignity are essential for national progress. “A society that fails to protect women can never truly advance,” he said, pledging equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women in all sectors. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, saying all citizens must feel secure regardless of faith or background. “Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—all are citizens of this country, and their rights will be safeguarded,” he added. Addressing members of Tablighi Jamaat, he urged them to actively contribute to nation-building, just as they serve their faith. “We promise that in the future, no one will be able to oppress you with labels or carry out extrajudicial killings. We recognise that your human rights were neglected in the past. Changing this will be a key goal of the new Bangladesh. Your role and contribution to national policies and systems will be strengthened,” he added. Regarding foreign policy, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh would pursue balanced diplomacy based on mutual respect while protecting national sovereignty. He also highlighted the challenges of climate change and reiterated continued humanitarian efforts for Rohingya refugees, alongside diplomatic initiatives for their safe repatriation. He said the country would build international relationships based on equality and respect, honouring the territorial integrity of all nations while prioritising friendship. “Our national interests, dignity, and development goals will guide our international engagements,” he said. Dr Rahman praised expatriate workers for their role in the July uprising, saying: “Even from thousands of miles away, you played a vital role and endured hardships. You have already made history by exercising your voting rights. Without your active participation, our vision of a new Bangladesh will remain incomplete.” He announced plans to hold volunteer representative elections to liaise with embassies and high commissions, advocating for expatriates’ rights and ensuring their voices are heard. “These representatives will safeguard your interests and enable effective participation in national development,” he said. Dr Rahman stressed the need for structural reforms in various sectors and state institutions. To ensure the continuation of these reforms, a referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary elections. He urged citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in this referendum, describing it as an important opportunity to express the general will of the people.

Iran’s atomic energy chief says Tehran is open to diluting its highly enriched uranium if the United States ends sanctions, signalling flexibility on a key demand by the US. Mohammad Eslami made the comments to reporters on Monday, saying the prospects of Iran diluting its 60-percent-enriched uranium, a threshold close to weapons grade, would hinge on “whether all sanctions would be lifted in return”, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. Eslami did not specify whether Iran expected the removal of all sanctions or specifically those imposed by the US. Diluting uranium means mixing it with blend material to reduce its enrichment level. According to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Iran is the only state without nuclear weapons enriching uranium to 60 percent. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for Iran to be subject to a total ban on enrichment, a condition unacceptable to Tehran and far less favourable than a now-defunct nuclear agreement reached with world powers in 2015. Iran maintains it has a right to a civilian nuclear programme under the provisions of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it and 190 other countries are signatories. Eslami made his comments on uranium enrichment as the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, prepares to head on Tuesday to Oman, which has been hosting mediated negotiations between the US and Iran. Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem, reporting from Tehran, said Larijani, one of the most senior officials in Iran’s government, is likely to convey messages related to the ongoing talks. Trump said talks with Iran would continue this week. Negotiations ‘very serious’ Both the US and Iran have given mixed signals about their progress in the negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is “very serious in negotiations” and is eager to “achieve results”. However, he said, “There is a wall of mistrust towards the United States, which stems from America’s own behaviour.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the ongoing negotiations are an “important opportunity to reach a fair and balanced solution”, IRNA reported. He stressed that “Iran seeks guarantees for its nuclear rights” and the lifting of “unjust sanctions”, the agency added. Trump, for his part, praised the latest round of talks on Friday as “very good” but continued to warn of “steep consequences” for Iran if it does not strike a deal. “They want to make a deal as they should want to make a deal,” the US president said. “They know the consequences if they don’t.” Before the two sides agreed to talks, Trump had repeatedly threatened Iran with a “far worse” attack than the US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during June’s 12-day Israel-Iran war. He has escalated the pressure by deploying an aircraft carrier and accompanying warships to the Middle East. Trump is expected on Wednesday to meet with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is pushing the US to take a hardline stance in its negotiations with Iran, demanding not just concessions on its nuclear programme but also on its ballistic missiles and regional alliances. Andreas Krieg, an associate professor in security studies at King’s College London, said the US and Iran appear to be “pivoting closer to a deal” than they were several weeks ago, even though there’s still a high risk of conflict. “The [US] ‘armada’, as Trump calls it, is still in the area, so we still have that coercion going against the [Iranian] regime by the Americans,” Krieg told Al Jazeera. “But it seems to be fruitful in the way that the pressure works, and the Iranians have to make concessions.” He added: “All the messaging from the Gulf countries – from Qatar, from Oman – from everyone involved, including from the Americans, has been very positive. And the Iranians’ feedback themselves was very positive. “I think the problem that we have right now is how do we translate this momentum that we have right now on a strategic framework into the nitty-gritty of the details.”