United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday alleged that the deteriorating health of their Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia stems from the ‘mistreatment’ she faced during her time in jail. “If the 1/11 political changeover had not happened, if she had not been mistreated in prison… our leader would not have fallen into this condition. She was given improper medical care while in jail, and as a result, she has become seriously ill,” he said. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking briefly at a doa and milad mahfil arranged by the party’s Dhaka South City unit at the Nayapaltan Community Centre, seeking divine blessings for the critically ill Khaleda Zia. He said Khaleda is greatly needed by the nation as the country is passing through a critical time. The BNP leader also said people from all communities – Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians – and from all walks of life have been praying for Khaleda, showing their deep respect and love for her. He said everyone is appealing to Allah to keep their leader alive. “Allah will surely listen to the appeal of the oppressed,” he said. “Let us all pray for our beloved leader from the depths of our hearts, not as a formal ritual, so that our prayers reach Allah and she may recover soon,” Abbas said. He also praised Khaleda Zia’s dedication to the country, saying, “We are proud of our leader. She has always said that I have friends abroad, but no masters. She wanted to stay among her people and never went abroad, despite repeated attempts by the then government to send her overseas during 1/11.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said Khaleda Zia is the guardian of the nation. “Prayers for her have been officially requested by the state, and the President has also urged the nation to pray for her. I know that everyone is raising their hands before Allah for her recovery,” he added. Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad. BNP leaders described her condition on Friday night as “extremely critical.” The former Prime Minister has also been suffering from multiple long-term health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems.

The Election Commission (EC) is planning to set up two secret stamping places instead of one inside each polling booth to ensure smooth voter flow during the next parliamentary election and the referendum, both to be held simultaneously in a single day in February next. The move comes as the Commission anticipates that voters will require more time to cast their ballots since they will vote both in the national election and the referendum. “In one booth we initially calculated for one stamping place. Now we plan to install two (stamping places) so that the flow of voters remains uninterrupted,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed while briefing reporters after a high-level meeting with  concerned top government officials at Nirbachan Bhaban on Sunday. The two-hour meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, was attended by senior representatives, including secretaries, directors general and chairmen from more than 30 relevant ministries, divisions and state bodies. The discussion focused on 22 major issues related to the upcoming national election and referendum. The EC Secretary said the number of polling stations won’t be required based on the assessment of data of the mock voting exercise conducted on Saturday. “A question came up whether we need additional polling stations. From the preliminary data collected during yesterday's mock voting, we saw that if we set up two secret stamping places inside each booth, we won’t need to increase the number of polling stations,” he said. Replying to a question whether the issue of having two secret stamping places in each booth was in practice in the past, he said, “I have not voted for the last 15 years (during the Awami League’s regime). I cannot say,” he said. Election of Century Focusing on the scale of the upcoming polls, the EC Secretary said, “It will be the largest election in 2026.” Noting that the Chief Adviser recently described it as ‘an election of the century’, he said several fundamental aspects require special attention—holding both a national election and a referendum together for the first time, bringing expatriate Bangladeshis under out-of-country voting, printing ballot papers in advance for the expatriates and ensuring real-time communication across the system. Raising Allowances   The Election Commission considers increasing the amount of allowance and the financial benefits for the election officers to prevent them from accepting the hospitality from local influential persons during their election duties. Akhtar Ahmed stressed that polling officials must not accept hospitality from local influential persons under any circumstances. “We repeatedly hear that election officials often accept hospitality from influential local figures on different occasions. We said this must not happen under any circumstance.  The main thing we have done is to increase their allowance and consider providing some additional financial benefits for discharging their election duties so that they don’t become dependent on others,” he said. Expat Voters The EC senior secretary said the temporary suspension of out-of-country voter (OCV) registration in several countries has now been lifted after fixing technical inconsistencies, especially the mismatch between submitted information and the required format. The seven countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He said an edit mode has been added to the Postal Vote BD app, which has already been downloaded over 210,000 times, with nearly 100,000 expatriates successfully registering so far. He said the EC has already requested the state-owned BTV and Sangsad TV to carry out an extensive campaign – national election, out-of-country voting (OCV) and referendum. Akhtar Ahmed also requested the private television channels and the relatives and friends of expatriates to encourage expatriates to complete their registration and vote in the 2026 election. About the postal ballots inside the country, he said three categories of voters are eligible to vote by postal ballot inside Bangladesh: government officials on duty, those who will be engaged in election duty, and detainees under lawful custody including prisons. But the in-country postal voting (ICPV) app is not yet launched, he added. He said all relevant ministries have been asked to nominate a contact point for emergency coordination. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will assign contact persons in mission offices abroad, and the Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry has been asked to sensitize labour councillors to motivate expatriates. During the meeting, it was informed that the Home Ministry would act as the lead agency for election-time security, and the government agencies concerned have been instructed to prioritize awareness on referendum campaigning, OCV registration, conduct rules, prevention of misuse of artificial intelligence, and voter education. Akhtar Ahmed said voter turnout is closely linked to voter education, and campaign activities will gradually expand up to the union level with support from the Information Ministry. He said installing two secret stamping centers in each polling booth—especially because voters must read and stamp on four referendum questions—may require additional budgetary allocation. “We will elaborate on these matters later,” he added. Among the 22 issues discussed in the meeting were the repair and renovation of access roads and physical structures of polling stations and booths; preparation of panels of polling officers; uninterrupted electricity supply for polling activities; removal of existing campaign materials from electoral areas; preparation of action plans for collection and compilation of loan-default information; manpower, transport and logistical support; steps by local administration and local government bodies to ensure law and order; review of academic and public examination schedules; strategies to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media using AI tools; and ensuring communal harmony and the security of minority communities. Other issues included assistance in appointing election observers; arrangements for transporting electoral materials and polling officials in remote and hilly regions, including providing helicopters for the Commission; measures to carry out election-related publicity, awareness and motivation through media; budget allocation and related financial activities; appointment of executive magistrates to enforce the electoral code of conduct; daily weather updates; formation of medical teams and health service arrangements; immediate fire and disaster management measures; restrictions on vehicular and water transport during the election period; support for postal voting and management of postal ballots; and balloting arrangements for people behind legal bars, including prisoners and detainees. Earlier, on October 30, the Commission held a similar meeting with senior officials from 31 ministries, divisions and agencies. On November 27, the EC held a second-phase meeting with law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces, as part of its efforts to finalise the deployment strategy for security personnel during the upcoming national election and referendum. The first such security meeting took place on October 20 to ensure a free, fair and participatory 13th parliamentary election. Earlier, the Election held dialogues with 47 registered political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party-NCP on November 13, 16, 17 and 19 last. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with 47 registered political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and NCP, as well as the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. The Election Commission will announce the schedule in the second week of December for holding the next general election and referendum on the July National Charter in a single day in early February 2026.

A special prayer was held at Dhakeshwari National Temple on Sunday for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. The programme was organised jointly by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Dhaka City Sarbojanin Puja Committee. The session began at 5:00 pm and was led by Tapan Bhattacharya, the chief priest of Dhakeshwari Temple, with Jayanta Kumar Dev, president of the Sarbojanin Puja Committee, presiding over the ceremony. The prayers were offered, seeking Khaleda Zia’s quick recovery and good health, particularly during this critical time for the nation’s democracy. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad expressed concern over the former Prime Minister’s deteriorating health and urged that she be provided with the best possible medical care. Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad. BNP leaders described her condition on Friday night as ‘extremely critical’. The former Prime Minister has also been suffering from multiple long-term health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems.

The date of the upcoming referendum must be changed and held before the national election to ensure a fair and credible process, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said on Sunday. “The government's order is not a divine message that cannot be changed,” he said while addressing a Rajshahi divisional rally at the historic Madrasah Ground, organised by an alliance of eight parties led by the Jamaat-e-Islami. He alleged that the national election and referendum were scheduled for the same day due to ‘bad advice’ from within the interim government, which he said could trigger a major crisis. The Jamaat leader warned the administration and law enforcement agencies not to engage in any plot to establish neo-fascism. “The people want a referendum before the national elections.” Parwar claimed that the alliance of eight parties is expanding, with more political groups expressing interest in joining. He said successive political parties since independence have been accused of extortion, corruption, and terrorism—problems that must be eradicated to build a new Bangladesh. He said corruption would be shown a “red card,” while terrorism and repression would be eliminated. Dissents, he said, would not be suppressed but given dignity, and Bangladesh’s youths would be developed into skilled human resources through moral, technical and production-oriented education.

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains unchanged, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Sunday. “From the latest updates we have received today, her condition is unchanged,” he said while speaking at an urgent press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. The BNP leader also said doctors have not yet given any advice about sending her abroad. Quoting the medical team, he said, “Her condition has not deteriorated, but we have not heard of any major improvement either.” When asked about the return of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s possible homecoming, Rizvi said he will return “at an appropriate time. We have no update on this. When the time is right, he will come back.” Rizvi said that Tarique Rahman is in regular contact with the doctors and is closely monitoring all matters related to Khaleda Zia’s treatment, including the possibility of taking her abroad. On Saturday night, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told reporters that she is able to receive the treatment provided by the medical team. However, her condition is not yet suitable for traveling abroad. He said all preparations have been made to take her overseas once the medical board advises it. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since she was admitted on 23 November with multiple health complications.  

BNP on Sunday postponed its previously announced ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ as party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains hospitalised due to illness. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the decision at an urgent press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan Central office. “Since Begum Zia has been admitted to hospital due to illness, the Victory Day programmes have been postponed,” he said. The BNP leader urged the country’s people to pray for Khaled’s recovery. “We hope she will get well soon.” Earlier on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced a series of month-long programmes marking the Month of Victory. These included a nationwide ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ and a grand rally on 16 December at Manik Mia Avenue, along with discussions and other events from 1 to 16 December. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad.

Visiting the ailing former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at the hospital on Saturday, Hasanat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), prayed that “Allah keeps her alive to witness Sheikh Hasina’s execution.” Speaking to reporters, he alleged that during the Awami League government’s tenure, Khaleda Zia was not allowed to receive proper medical treatment in prison. “We heard that if any doctor wanted to treat her, they were harassed and intimidated,” he claimed. Meanwhile, Dr Tasnim Jara, senior joint member-secretary of the party, said Khaleda Zia has always fought for the country by rising above all partisan interests. She urged people of all political backgrounds to pray for her speedy recovery. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains under close observation at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the capital, where physicians are monitoring her condition intensively. She is responding to the treatment provided by the medical board, her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday.  “Alhamdulillah, her condition has remained stable for the last three days--27, 28 and 29 November. In medical terms, she is maintaining the treatment, meaning she can take the treatment the doctors are giving her,” he said.  

A prayer session was held at the Kali Temple in the capital on Saturday night for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital. The central committee of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front organised the event, where devotees lit ceremonial lamps (Mangal Deep) and prayed for the quick recovery of the critically ill BNP leader. BNP Executive Committee Joint Religious Affairs Secretary Amolendu Das Apu, Assistant Marginal Affairs Secretary and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front Central Committee President Aparna Roy Das, General Secretary Samir Basu, Organising Secretary Joydeb Joy, along with other leaders of the central committee and the Dhaka city committee were present. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad on Saturday expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health.  In a media statement, the organisation’s central committee wished her a speedy recovery. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of 23 November on the advice of her medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad.

BNP will organise a nationwide ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ along with a ‘grand  rally’ on December 16 at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital to mark the Month of Victory. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the announcement at a press conference at the Party Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Saturday (November 29). He said the month-long events will include the torch roadshow and discussion meetings from December 1 to 16. “In March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram. Kalurghat is an inseparable part of our Liberation War. This year, BNP’s Victory Month celebrations will begin from the historic Kalurghat Radio Station,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP urges supporters not to crowd hospital, requests prayers for Khaleda On December 1, he said the Victory Torch Roadshow will start from the Kalurghat Radio Station and reach Biplob Udyan in Chattogram. The BNP leader said the torch will be carried by a distinguished freedom fighter from 1971 and a warrior of July, 2024 mass uprising. “We believe that the 1971 Liberation War was to achieve the country’s independence, and the mass uprising in 2024 was to protect the freedom of the country and its people,” he observed. The BNP secretary general said that after Chittagong, ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ and rallies will be held in Cumilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Bogura, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, and Faridpur gradually. “In each division, the torch will be carried by a prominent 1971 freedom fighter and a 2024 warrior.” During the special Victory Torch Roadshow’ over the two weeks, Fakhrul said celebration will also include visits to historic liberation war sites in various divisions, performances of the national anthem, liberation songs, patriotic songs, speeches by the late President Ziaur Rahman, Mother of Democracy Begum Khaleda Zia, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as cultural programmes and documentary screenings presented by Jasas. Read more: BNP unveils six-day ‘country-building plan’ “The programme will also showcase BNP’s 31-point outline for building a safe, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh. The party’s theme song ‘Shobar Age Bangladesh’ will be played during the roadshow. After touring all divisions, the Victory Torch Roadshow will arrive in Dhaka on December 16 and conclude with a mega rally at Manik Mia Avenue,” he said.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday said If people’s aspirations continue to be denied, such uprisings may recur as young people fight to reclaim their rightful prospects and future. “The previous ‘fascist government' had entrenched a discriminatory system in state administration and the economy, where 'mafias and looters monopolised power,” depriving ordinary citizens of their basic rights and legitimate aspirations,” he said. Speaking at the 4th Bangladesh Economic Conference at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital, organised by Daily Bonik Barta, he said the governance structure of the past years was designed to benefit a select group of elites while neglecting the wider population. “As a consequence of prolonged deprivation, a sense of solidarity grew among the masses, especially the youth. That collective spirit led to the July uprising. It was not just a political upheaval; it was a deep-seated movement against inequality,” he said. Nahid Islam said the uprising reflected broader societal demands for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity. While many analysts labelled it a political mass movement, he emphasised that its roots were economic and social. He identified employment creation and addressing the needs of an expanding urban middle class as the two biggest policy challenges now. Millions of young people enter the job market every year. Ensuring employment and securing the livelihoods of metropolitan middle-income families must be prioritised,” he said. Access to affordable education, healthcare, and essential public services must be guaranteed to prevent further social discontent, he added. The NCP convener said the new governance structure must give special emphasis to modernising urban public transport, creating an environment conducive to youth employment, and scaling up entrepreneurship development across major cities. On the role of expatriates in national development, he said migrants are eager to contribute politically and economically. “But without a justice-oriented economy, their involvement will have little impact. Development cannot sustain itself without good governance and effective anti-corruption measures,” he said.   Nahid Islam cautioned that attracting foreign investment would be impossible if “fascist tendencies or authoritarian attitudes” remain in the state machinery or political culture. “No investor will commit to a system lacking transparency, accountability and stability. Without stability, neither reform nor development can last,” he added. He said efforts have begun to recover laundered money, describing it as part of broader initiatives to restore confidence in the economy. “This is how we intend to steer the economic situation back toward recovery,” he said. Leading economists, policymakers, and business leaders attended the session, discussing challenges to inclusive economic growth and governance reforms.