United News of Bangladesh

Another team of specialist doctors from China has arrived in Dhaka to assist in the treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. The four-member team arrived at Evercare Hospital at 10:10 pm on Wednesday, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The doctors are Chi Jianfang, Yun Xin, Zhang Yuhui, and Meng Hong O. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed the doctors at the hospital.  Upon their arrival, former Secretary Abdul Khalek received them at the airport. Earlier on Monday, a five-member team of specialist doctors from China Medical Team arrived in Dhaka to assist in Khaleda Zia’s treatment.  The delegation held a meeting that day with the medical board overseeing her care at Evercare Hospital. Hospital sources said the team reviewed Khaleda Zia’s current health status and discussed necessary medical measures with local doctors.  Besides, a specialist physician from the United Kingdom, Dr Richard Beale, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday (December 03) to assist in the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He reached Evercare Hospital around 10:30 am and joined the ongoing medical efforts for the ailing former prime minister. Since her admission to Evercare Hospital on November 23, Khaleda Zia has been under intensive treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for multiple complications affecting her liver, kidneys and heart. The medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, is overseeing the treatment of the BNP Chairperson with support from specialist doctors. The board includes Professor FM Siddiqui, Professor Nuruddin Ahmed, Professor AQM Mohsin, Professor Shamsul Arefin, Professor Ziaul Haque, Professor Masum Kamal, Professor AZM Saleh, retired Brigadier General Professor Saiful Islam, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and Dr. Al Mamun. Specialist doctors from the UK and China have now joined the board. BNP Chairperson’s personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, said, “The medical board for Madam is being closely monitored by specialist doctors from Johns Hopkins University in the US and the London Clinic in the UK.” He said the US-based specialists include Professor Habibur Rahman, Professor Rafiquddin Ahmed and Professor John Hamilton, while the UK team comprises Professor Dr Hamid Rob, Professor John Patrick, Professor Jennifer Cross and Dr Zubaida Rahman. “From London, the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is coordinating communication with the party chairperson’s doctors around the clock,” he added.

Rashed Khan, general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, has warned that the Election Commission will face protests if Awami League allies and dummy candidates take part in the next national elections. He made the remarks on Wednesday evening after a road rally at Hatgopalpur Bazar in Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila. Rashed said that if Awami League members contest elections as independent candidates with money or foreign backing, the people will resist. He also warned that a movement could be formed against the interim government if it shows flexibility toward such participation. Rashed recalled the July mass uprising, saying many people, including children, were killed. He stated that Awami League members involved in past oppression will not be allowed to take part in the next elections unless they are held accountable. However, he clarified that those who have not harmed the people will not face oppression. He urged voters not to be influenced by money and promised that dummy Awami League candidates would be rejected by the public. “As soon as you see Awami League dummy candidates, you will drive them out,” he said. Rashed also prayed for the recovery of National Leader Begum Khaleda Zia, calling her a symbol of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democracy. The rally was attended by GOP’s District President Md. Sakhawat Hossain, General Secretary Zahid Iqbal Rajan, and Jubo Odhikar Parishad Organizing Secretary Mission Ali.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senior Naeeb-e Ameer and former MP, Prof. Mujibur Rahman, said on Wednesday afternoon that in the past 54 years, no government has truly worked for the welfare of the people. He made the remarks at a joint rally of eight political parties at the Eidgah grounds of Rangpur Collectorate, held as part of a divisional campaign demanding a referendum before the national parliamentary elections, creating a level playing field, and fulfilling five-point demands. Prof. Rahman said, “Some governments may have worked for individuals or parties, but none have worked for humanity or the hereafter. We aim to serve the world and earn benefits in the hereafter, even if it requires lives like that of Abu Saeed. We will implement Allah’s law with our lives.” He emphasized that the Quranic law must be enacted in the next elections, urging supporters to remain united. “Justice in the country is possible only through the establishment of Islam,” he added. He also commented on the referendum, saying, “Even if a referendum is held, it will not positively affect the parliamentary elections. Yet, people must support it, those opposing the referendum have been and will continue to be defeated.” Jamaat’s Naeeb-e Ameer ATM Azharul Islam highlighted corruption as the country’s main problem, saying the nation is rich in resources but lacks honest, corruption-free leadership. Jamaat Ameer visits Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital          

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday warned that the party will “resist” if immediate action is not taken against corrupt officials still working inside the Election Commission (EC). He issued the warning on Monday after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC headquarters in Agargaon. “There is still a lack of trust in the Election Commission. Many corrupt officials from the previous regime remain in their positions,” Nahid Islam told reporters. He added that the election schedule should be announced only after assessing the political environment and overall stability. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary alleged that “a particular political party is putting pressure on the court and luring smaller parties into alliances in an attempt to undermine multiparty democracy.” He further said the EC must consider the ongoing political crisis and the deteriorating health of Khaleda Zia before announcing the election schedule. NCP receives official registration certificate Earlier in the day, NCP officially received its registration certificate from the Election Commission. Nahid Islam accepted the certificate from Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat. The party’s Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary, Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah, and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa were present during the handover. Recognized as the first student-led political party in Bangladesh, the NCP emerged from the July 2024 mass uprising and was formally founded on February 28, 2025.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially received its registration certificate from the Election Commission on Monday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon. NCP Convener Nahid Islam received the certificate from Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat. The party’s Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary, Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah, and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa were also present. Recognized as Bangladesh’s first student-led political party, the NCP emerged from the July 2024 mass uprising and was formally founded on February 28, 2025. Party leaders said the NCP is committed to eradicating corruption, strengthening national unity, and ensuring progress for every citizen. Under the leadership of Nahid Islam, the party is built on principles of anti-fascism and anti-discrimination. NCP leaders described the party’s registration as a “significant milestone” for the participation of the new generation in Bangladesh’s democratic politics. NCP Convener Nahid said that EC should announce the election schedule only after carefully assessing the country’s current political situation to ensure stability and equal political opportunities for all parties. He noted that although an election commissioner recently commented in the media that the schedule might be declared “within a week or two,” the EC has yet to provide any clear or official statement. “Considering the prevailing political situation, the EC should announce the schedule at a time when political stability is ensured and every party has the space to properly present itself,” he told reporters. Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s condition, NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary said the government’s recent gesture of showing respect is a positive sign. “Those who have fought for democracy deserve respect. The emotions and sentiments for Begum Zia are not limited to BNP alone—people across the country have feelings and respect for her,” he added. He said the issue of the election schedule was also discussed during their meeting. “If the schedule is announced at a moment when political stability has returned, the process will be much easier. Once the schedule is declared, everything enters a strict timeline. Given the current tense political environment and the fact that the uncompromising leader of democracy, Khaleda Zia, is ill, we said the crises should be resolved first so that everyone can be brought on board for a participatory voting process,” he explained. When asked whether NCP is seeking a delay in the schedule, Patwary responded, “Why would we want to delay it? We simply want the schedule to be announced after resolving the existing crises.” Nahid Islam reiterated that the timing of the schedule is crucial. “The schedule should be announced at a point when political stability prevails and all parties are ready to begin their election journey in a proper political atmosphere. Announcing it after considering the political context would benefit everyone,” he said.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said on Wednesday that each voter would take three minutes and 52 seconds on average to cast their votes in the upcoming election and referendum. He, however, rejected the feasibility of increasing polling centres for the next election. Sanaullah made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of a daylong journalist training programme at Agargaon of Dhaka ahead of the national election. Highlighting the importance of the election, he said, “The upcoming election is going to set the tone for what kind of country and democratic journey we want in the future.”   Seeking cooperation from all to hold an acceptable election, Sanaullah said the election system has been heavily damaged and they are trying to repair it. For the nation’s sake, all must ensure a good election and everyone must responsibly play their part, he said. To prevent fake journalists from entering polling areas with bogus cards, the election commission is going to initiate a QR‑code system, he asserted.  

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has said that despite being a national leader, Khaleda Zia built her political legacy on the streets alongside millions of supporters, not from any position of comfort or privilege. Speaking at a prayer gathering organised by the Jatiyatabadi Palli Chikitshak Association in Nayapaltan seeking the BNP chief’s recovery on Wednesday, he said, “Khaleda Zia never practised palace politics. She walked the streets with her people.” Moyeen Khan recalled that after the assassination of Ziaur Rahman, BNP supporters realised the nation needed Khaleda Zia to take charge. “From 1982 to 1992, she transformed from a housewife into a mass leader,” he said. He noted that even during imprisonment and political repression under the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia remained steadfast. When party activists visited her in jail, she encouraged them to stay strong. Despite knowing the charges against her were fabricated, Khaleda Zia still appeared before the courts out of respect for the rule of law, Moyeen Khan said. “When we advised her not to go, she replied that her commitment to the law compelled her to stand before the court,” he recalled. Criticising the Awami League, he said the party failed to engage in people-oriented politics, which is why its leadership “fled”. Hasina responsible for Khaleda Zia’s critical condition: Rizvi “Those who do politics for themselves eventually run away. I won’t mention names but the nation witnessed it on August 5 last year,” he said. In contrast, Khaleda Zia braved pressure to secure people’s rights, and for that reason the nation remains deeply concerned about her health, he added. Moyeen Khan accused the Awami League of targeting Ziaur Rahman’s legacy by persecuting rural medical practitioners he had empowered. The same vindictiveness, he said, was shown toward Khaleda Zia. He sought prayers from the nation for the BNP chairperson and expressed hope that she will recover soon and return to public life.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health is largely the result of actions taken by Awami League President and deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rizvi said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is in this critical condition today because of Hasina. Hasina became a symbol of breaking promises, while Khaleda Zia always kept faith in the people and never sought illegal privileges.” Speaking at a prayer event organised by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal in Nayapaltan seeking Khaleda Zia’s recovery, he said the outpouring of emotion across the country for her reflects the deep affection for her among citizens. “The love, respect and longing people are expressing nationwide—we, her followers, are unable to repay it,” he added. Rizvi criticised Sheikh Hasina for “repeatedly breaking commitments,” recalling that she once vowed not to participate in elections under Hussain Muhammad Ershad but reversed her decision within a day. He also accused the Awami League of spearheading unrest in the 1990s over the caretaker government system only to abolish it later. He said Khaleda Zia had accepted the caretaker government formula at the time to avoid bloodshed involving children and young people. “Hasina always insists on getting everything her way, while Khaleda Zia decides based on public interest.” Mirza Abbas blames ‘mistreatment’ in jail for Khaleda’s illness Rizvi further recounted that in 2011, even senior Awami League leaders including Suranjit Sengupta, Tofail Ahmed, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon had urged Hasina to retain the caretaker system for two more terms, but she refused. Highlighting public sentiment for Khaleda Zia, he said people across the country are praying for her recovery. Rizvi expressed hope that she will soon return to the public and lead the nation through this critical juncture.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was never able to practise civil politics and that Awami League had always been a better match for the party. “Awami League is an indecent party and Jamaat is an uncivilised one. To keep Jamaat in check, Awami League works like medicine,” Abbas said while addressing the inauguration of a medical camp at Siddheswari Balur Math. Abbas alleged that Jamaat never wanted Bangladesh to exist in the first place. He said the Razakars and Al-Badr collaborators handed over the people of Bangladesh including women to the Pakistani occupation forces. “Today those same people are asking for votes and making big claims,” he said. Accusing Jamaat of distorting religion, Abbas said, “They believe in Moududism, not in the true spirit of Islam. They only wear the label of being Muslim.” Mirza Abbas blames ‘mistreatment’ in jail for Khaleda’s illness He urged people to remain cautious about Jamaat, saying, “People of this country may not all be educated  but they are not foolish.” Abbas also sought prayers from the nation for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia during the event.      

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in the capital on Tuesday night. He arrived at the hospital in Bashundhara around 10pm, stayed for a while, and later spoke to reporters. Seeking prayers for Khaleda Zia, Ameer said “It comforts me that I could see her with my own eyes. May Allah forgive her, have mercy on her, and grant her the blessing of recovery.” “Everything rests with Allah. He can take the living and give life to those near death. Alhamdulillah, since she is still surviving, we hope and pray she recovers soon, inshallah,” he said. The Jamaat chief inquired about her treatment and prayed for patience and strength for her family during this difficult time. He once again urged all to pray for her recovery and requested that people avoid crowding the hospital and disrupting order. Two more foreign specialists' teams set to arrive Wednesday for Khaleda Earlier, the chiefs of the three armed forces also visited Khaleda Zia at the hospital. The BNP chairperson was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after routine health check-ups. Her condition worsened over the course of her stay in the hospital.