DHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said that the role of civil society is extremely important in restoring the democratic system and reinstating people’s ownership of the country.  “Not allowing civil society to work is indicative of a shift toward autocracy,” he said at a dialogue titled "Citizen Manifesto 2026: Expectations for National Election and Democratic Transition" at the Carnival Hall of the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in the city’s Agargaon area. Prapti Foundation, a trust working in improving quality education of underprivileged children, organised the dialogue with the support from Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Khasru said, “It is not enough to just allow civil society to work; rather, they must be assisted in their work.”  Referring to BNP's ideology, he added, “No government alone can provide solutions to all problems. Partnerships are needed for implementation.” The BNP leader further said, “Even if we come to power, our policy will be based on partnership. This partnership will include civil society, the private sector and NGOs. They will work in partnership with the government in various sectors, including health, education, and employment.” He recalled BNP's 'Vision 2030' and later the 27-point reform proposal, saying, “Based on the opinions of 42 parties, the 27-point proposal has been revised and upgraded to 31 points. We have held seminars across the country on these 31 points reform proposal.” Emphasizing accountability, he said, “The culture of accountability is absent in Bangladesh. Due to the absence of an elected government, there is no opportunity for accountability in parliament. An elected government is obligated to be accountable to the people.” Referring to BNP’s approach, Khasru said, “We organize at least one-hour Q&A sessions in various seminars, which was not common before. We have also held meetings with business leaders.” Mentioning the effectiveness of parliamentary committees, he said, “If parliamentary committees remain active, accountability is ensured. Our constitution has everything, but in reality, its application is lacking.” Rejecting the idea of all parties coming together for reforms, he said, “Each party has its own philosophy and ideas. We will take our proposals to the people, come to parliament with a mandate.” Regarding BNP’s economic model, Amir Khosru said, “We want to democratize the economy so that every citizen’s participation is ensured. We have proposed a 'Family Card,' through which 2,500 taka will go directly to housewives every month.” He also spoke about the development of rural industries, including blacksmiths and potters, saying, “We will provide them with input support, loans, design, and branding assistance so that they can sell their products at better prices.” Khasru mentioned the development of the theater and cultural sectors and a sports-based economy.  He said, “We want to invest in health, education, and skills development. We are working with the goal of creating one crore jobs in 18 months.”

  CHATTOGRAM, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS)- Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested an  extortionist during a raid conducted in the Binajhuri area of Lelang Union  under Fatikchhari upazila of the district early today.   The arrested individual Md. Mansur, 40, is the son of Abdus Sattar from the  Maijbhandar Amtoli area under the jurisdiction of Fatikchhari Police Station,  a RAB-7 press release confirmed.   According to RAB, they received confidential information indicating that a  group of extortionists was demanding money from various bamboo and wood-laden  vehicles operating at night in the Maijbhandar Binajhuri More area of Lelang  Union.   Being informed, an operation team of the RAB executed a raid at the specified  location on Monday night. During this operation, the suspect person [Md  Mansur] was apprehended while attempting to flee sensing the presence of RAB  members.  Meanwhile, one of his accomplices, identified as Ibrahim, managed to escape  safely. A total of seven extortion tokens and Taka 1,750 in extorted money  were recovered from the suspect Mansur and confiscated. The arrested was handed over to Fatikchhari Police Station for further legal  proceedings.