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.”

JHALAKATHI, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust today distributed Cheques worth about Taka 1.5 million among the journalists of the district. The event was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) office with DC of Jhalakthi Md. Momin Uddin in the chair. Managing Director of the trust Muhammad Abdullah attended the programme as the chief guest.  In his speech, he said that the trust works solely for the welfare of the genuine journalists.  He noted that the Press Institute Bangladesh, Journalists Welfare Trust and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) are running under the Ministry of Information and the officials of these institutions are appointed from among the qualified journalists based on seniority, with all activities conducted as part of government functions. He further said that journalists are provided assistance through the trust using funds from the state treasury, which ultimately come from taxpayers’ money.  He added that monthly scholarships have been introduced to support the journalists’ children in their education. Journalists should stay informed about the latest updates through the trust’s online platform, he said, adding that initiatives have also been taken to provide monthly allowances for senior journalists. Additional Superintendent of Police of Jhalakathi Saiful Islam, Deputy Director (Administration and Finance) of the trust ABM Rafiqul Islam, President of Khulna Metropolitan Journalists Union Rashedul Hasan, President of Barishal District Journalists Union Azad Alauddin, President of Jhalakathi Press Club Advocate Akkas Sikder and General Secretary of the District Journalists Union Shafiul Azam Tutul were present as special guests. Others who spoke at the event included Joint General Secretary of Jhalakathi District Journalists Union Md. Atikur Rahman, journalist Asaduzzaman and President of Pirojpur Press Club Jahirul Haque Titu. It is noteworthy that cheques totaling Taka 1.5 million in grants were distributed among 27 journalists from four districts of the Barishal Division including Jhalakathi.