A preparatory meeting of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Australia Chapter was held at Lakemba Library, Sydney, on Sunday, 14 July 2024, after Maghrib prayers. The meeting was organized to plan and implement the upcoming “March for Democracy” event, scheduled to take place on 20 August 2024 at the Federal Parliament of Australia, demanding the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh and the release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The meeting was presided over by Mr. A.F.M. Towhidul Islam, President of BNP Australia, and conducted by Mr. Mohammad Haider Ali, General Secretary.

The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. Mohammad Rashedul Haque, International Affairs Secretary of the BNP Central Executive Committee. In his speech, he emphasized that through the successful execution of the 20 August program, the ongoing global campaign for the fall of the fascist Hasina regime and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh will gain significant international attention. He also urged expatriate BNP activists to continue the movement for the release of Begum Khaleda Zia in parallel with the domestic struggle inside Bangladesh.

As a special guest, Mr. Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Convener of Dhaka South City BNP, joined via mobile phone and extended his greetings. He thanked the BNP leaders in Australia, saying: “Despite your busy lives abroad, you are organizing this major program for the release of Begum Khaleda Zia and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. I wish you success and ask for your prayers so that we can build a strong resistance movement in our homeland.”

General Secretary Mr. Mohammad Haydar Ali provided an overview of the subject-based subcommittees formed to execute the Canberra program and invited suggestions from attendees. He also requested anyone with specific interests or limitations regarding the subcommittees to inform the organizers within the next two days.

Among others, speeches were delivered by: Mr. Mohammad Omi Ferdous , Senior Vice President, Mr. Faizur Chowdhury, Vice President, Mr. Ashraful Alam Rony, Organising Secretary, Mr. K.M. Manjurul Haque Alamgir, Treasurer, Mr. Aswadul Haque Babu, Assistant Organising Secretary, Mr. Mostafizur Rahman Labu, Office Secretary, Mr. Mofijal Islam Sagar Assistant  Office Secretary, Ms. Abida Sultana, Women Affairs Secretary,

Also present were: Mr. Babul Talukder, Vice President; Mr. Ashraful Islam, Vice President; Mr. Kamrul Islam Shamim and Mr. Shafiul Alam Shafique, Joint Secretaries; Mr. Golam Faruqui Nadim, Assistant Organising Secretary; Mr. Md. Jashim Chowdhury,  Mr. Jahangir Hossain, Convener of Jubo Dal Australia; Mr. Mashiur Rahman Tuhin, Convener of  Nationalist Volunteers Party, Australia; and Mr. Zahidur Rahman, Member Secretary.

Leaders and activists from BNP, Nationalist Youth Party, and Nationalist Volunteers Party, along with other affiliated wings, were also in attendance.

In his concluding remarks, President Mr. A.F.M. Towhidul Islam expressed heartfelt thanks to all present and urged every member to carry out their assigned responsibilities sincerely to ensure the success of the upcoming Canberra program.