“Not Dilli, Not Pindi, Bangladesh First”: Regional Policy Stance of BNP
Tarique Rahman laid out his party's vision, giving utmost importance to Bangladesh's interests. He has unambiguously made it clear that Bangladesh would not pursue closer relations with Rawalpindi or Delhi but place Bangladesh first.
The political temperature is rising in Bangladesh as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) resists Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s emphasis on foreign policy. The BNP, under the leadership of Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, is stressing the importance of elections and reforms, challenging Yunus’s authority to make long-term foreign policy interventions.
BNP’s Foreign Policy Stance
Tarique Rahman charted his party’s path, keeping the interests of Bangladesh paramount above everything else. He has clearly stated that Bangladesh will never try to get closer to Rawalpindi or Delhi but will keep Bangladesh first. “Not Dilli, Not Pindi, Bangladesh before everything,” he proclaimed at a sea of people in the Nayapaltan neighborhood of Dhaka, calling on followers to chant the slogan.
This position differs from Yunus’s, which appears to prefer stronger ties with Pakistan on the back of relations with India.
The relations between Bangladesh and India were not its best during the tenure of BNP, but Yunus, who entered the political scene only with a limited mandate, has said he desires to make foreign policy decisions that have a long term effect.
Yunus also desires to permit a Rohingya corridor and make decisions such as transferring the Chattogram Port to foreign companies. Tarique Rahman reminded Yunus and the caretaker government that if it desires to make decisions regarding the future of Bangladesh, long term policy, it needs to resign and contest elections.
Criticism of Yunus’s Tenure
The BNP has also accused Yunus of going beyond his mandate, taking decisions without a political mandate. Rahman reiterated that the greatest strengths of an interim government are neutrality and credibility, which must never be lost.
“For any interim government, neutrality and credibility are its greatest assets. These must not be squandered. Nothing should be done that erodes public trust or alienates citizens.“. We advise the caretaker government not to consider democracy loving citizens or political parties as opponents. Anyone in the current power who wants to stay in power must step down and get a mandate from the people’s ballot,” Tarique Rahman addressed the supporters at the huge rally in Dhaka noting how the caretaker government has been finding reasons to prolong its term.
Call for Elections
Muhammad Yunus‘s critics have accused him of holding on to power without holding elections. Yunus has provided a vague timeline of December to June when questioned about elections.
The BNP is calling for polls by December, denouncing Yunus’s imprecise timeframe. “Ten months into its term, the interim government still hasn’t declared a date for the election. The people of Bangladesh deserve better. We demand a country free from tyranny, guided by a government elected through a free vote, and answerable to its people,” Tarique Rahman exhorted.
Democratic Integrity
Rahman also emphasized democratic integrity, quoting North Korea’s constitution. “I frequently make the point that warrants repetition: changing individual mindset is much more significant than changing texts or institutions in documents. After all, North Korea‘s constitution declares the nation the ‘Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.’ The words may exist, yet it is compliance, not declaration, that characterizes democratic integrity.”
BNP’s Role in the Upcoming Elections
The BNP still occupies a central position in Bangladesh politics, especially after the ban on the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina. As critics believe Yunus wants to remain in power without having to go through elections, the BNP is taking center stage in the upcoming elections.
