United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the health condition of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is “very critical” and urged the nation to pray for her recovery. “You all know that our leader Begum Khaleda Zia has fallen ill and been hospitalised. Last night (Thursday), doctors said her health condition is very critical,” he said while talking to journalists after a special prayer programme following Juma prayers at the Nayapaltan Central Jam-e-Mosque. On behalf of the party, Fakhrul said they requested people across the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery after Juma prayers. “As part of this programme, we offered prayers at the New Paltan Mosque and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant her recovery and good health.” “We have prayed to Allah to heal her completely so that she can return to the people and continue serving them. Once again, we appeal to the people to pray for her speedy recovery. Please, you all pray for the Madam,” he added. The BNP leader also highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong struggle for democracy, saying, “She has fought for democracy, faced persecution, and endured imprisonment. She is now hospitalised due to illness.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged journalists to strengthen their own unions and move away from becoming aligned with any political party, saying this is the only way to protect their professional rights and ensure true media freedom. Speaking at the opening session of the biennial council of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club, he also expressed concern that social media are being used to create anarchy in the country and obstruct the democratic transition. “Golam Parwar (Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami) has rightly said that journalists should prioritise their own demands, their own work, and the main responsibility of their unions is to work with the owners or the government on these demands,” Fakhrul said. He also said aligning with any political party, whether the ruling or the opposition, does not solve journalists’ problems. “Over the last 15 years, fascism under Sheikh Hasina has completely destroyed that space in the media sector in a planned way. I would request your (journalists’) leaders to try to move away from that position,” the BNP leader said. He said that if journalists want to establish their rights—whether in employment or other areas—their unions need to become stronger. “You must stand strong, and you must stand on your own without being involved with any political party. Only then will you be able to secure what you deserve. In other words, you have to carry out the true responsibility of the union with full accountability,” Fakhrul said. BNP to join election as part of democratic movement: Nazrul Islam The BNP leader also praised journalists who opposed fascism during the anti-fascist movement. Representatives of 18 affiliated journalist unions from across the country, including the Dhaka Union of Journalists, took part in the council. Speaking about the upcoming national election, Fakhrul said the entire nation is waiting for the February polls, hoping to return to a democratic system. “We all want the election. At the same time, we must remember that if we want to return to democracy, we must also value others’ freedom of expression. There will be unity where unity is needed, but there will also be differences. Democracy means I may not agree with you, but I will defend your right to express your views,” he said. The BNP leader bemoaned that people in Bangladesh are often treated as enemies for holding different opinions and subjected to “false propaganda”. “I think all of us should refrain from these things,” he added. Fakhrul said social media has become a serious problem worldwide, including in Bangladesh, because of the lack of accountability. “Anyone can say anything. Negative campaigns against political leaders, public figures and businesses are being carried out in a way that does not strengthen democracy,” he said. The BNP Secretary General also said it is unfortunate that such campaigns have created a serious problem in Bangladesh. “They (social media influencers) are trying to create a kind of anarchy, a sort of chaos. Mob violence is being instigated, false campaigns are being run against people. Individuals are being misrepresented — and without doubt, this is obstructing our democratic journey,” he said. Fakhrul said BNP has a proven record of supporting press freedom, noting that its founder Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party politics from one-party rule and reopened all newspapers that were closed by Awami League under Baksal. Later, he said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia made every effort necessary to ensure media freedom. He mentioned that in their 31-point programme, they clearly committed to guaranteeing full and independent media freedom. At the beginning of his speech, Fakhrul sought prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is hospitalised with serious health problems. “Doctors are trying their best. Please, you all pray for her quick recovery,” he said. BNP optimistic about smooth national election in Feb: Fakhrul Addressing the programme, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the biggest strength of journalists in difficult times is unity and keeping it intact. “There is division within various journalist unions across the country. If we can preserve unity among journalists, we can also play a role in uniting the nation,” he said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly condemned a planned attack by armed Jamaat-e-Islami activists on its leaders, activists and civilians during an election campaign in Pabna’s Ishwardi on Thursday afternoon. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party said more than 50 of its leaders and activists were injured in the attack and are receiving treatment. The statement alleged that Abu Taleb Mandal, the local candidate for Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atghoria) nominated by Jamaat-e-Islami, personally led the attack. It said Jamaat leaders and activists used religious appeals and controversial tactics, including “selling tickets to heaven,” as part of their campaign. When people protested, Jamaat activists allegedly attacked them violently.  Later, BNP’s leaders and activists who were campaigning peacefully, were also attacked without provocation, added the statement. It said a photograph published in Daily Manab Zamin shows a Jamaat activist, Tushar, attacking with a firearm. The party, however, claimed some media outlets deliberately reported misleading news to divert attention from the incident, and said the attack exposed the extremism of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political practice and maintaining a safe electoral environment. “It would not be right to interpret BNP’s restraint, despite millions of supporters, as weakness,” the statement reads. It said the party is determined to show patience even in the face of provocation to safeguard the democratic process in the upcoming national election. BNP has demanded government action to identify the real culprits and bring them to justice through a fair investigation, while ensuring a peaceful environment for the next election. Earlier, clashes broke out multiple times on Thursday between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists in Char Gorgori area of Sahapur Union of Ishwardi.  

Jamaat-e-Islami has condemned an alleged attack on its parliamentary candidate for Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atghoria), central Majlis-e-Shura member, and Pabna district Amir, Professor Abu Taleb Mondal. The attack reportedly involved gunfire, vandalism of vehicles and motorcycles, and arson during his election campaign. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar expressed strong protest in a statement on Thursday. Golam Parwar alleged that supporters of BNP candidate Habibur Rahman Habib carried out the assault at Char Gorgori Jogir Mor in Sahapur Union. He said over 50 Jamaat activists, including Mondal, were injured, vehicles were damaged, and more than a hundred motorcycles vandalized and set on fire. He described the attack as a blatant attempt to disrupt a peaceful and participatory election. Over 50 injured in BNP-Jamaat clash in Pabna, including Jamaat MP candidate “Yesterday, BNP local activists attacked Jamaat workers in the same area. Today’s armed assault shows that rival supporters are trying to create a violent environment to influence the election. Using firearms and homemade weapons against a competing candidate is unacceptable in a democratic country,” he added. Golam Parwar called on the authorities to arrest the attackers immediately and ensure exemplary punishment, while wishing speedy recovery for the injured and instructing local leadership to take necessary measures. In response, BNP’s Pabna-4 candidate Habibur Rahman Habib said Jamaat supporters attacked his workers, and 15-20 of his people were injured in self-defense. He accused Mondal of leading the attack and denied Jamaat’s allegations.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday sent two bouquets wishing a speedy recovery to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The bouquets were delivered around 6pm on Thursday to the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office by an official of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, said BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP Chairperson’s Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar received the bouquets on her behalf. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Sunday night after developing a chest infection affecting both her heart and lungs. Pakistan Education Expo held in Dhaka; next stop Ctg

BNP on Thursday announced a six-day programme, titled ‘Plan to Build the Country’, scheduled to be observed from 7 to 13 December. The party also called for special prayers after Jumma prayers in mosques across the country on Friday, seeking the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Thursday. A committee has also been formed to implement the six-day programme, with Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as convener and BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel as member-secretary. He said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will inaugurate the plan to build the country programme on December 7. On December 8, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed will inaugurate the programme organised by Chhatra Dal. On December 9, Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan will open the joint programme of Swechchhasebak Dal and Olama Dal. On December 10, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas will inaugurate the joint programme organised by Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal. On December 11, BNP will hold a daylong programme, to be inaugurated by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. No programme has been scheduled for December 12. The concluding programme on December 13 will be inaugurated by BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Rizvi said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will join all events virtually as the chief guest.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday visited Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, who is receiving treatment at a city hospital. “The BNP Secretary General went to United Hospital around 1pm to meet the ailing Jamaat leader,” Fakhrul’s personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. During the visit, he said, Fakhrul enquired about Dr Taher’s health condition and wished him a speedy recovery.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been shifted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital for treatment of lung and heart infections, with the party urging the country’s people to pray for her speedy recovery. “The Chairperson is being treated in the CCU under close observation by the medical board, which includes specialist doctors from both home and abroad,” said a party insider on Thursday, wishing anonymity. When contacted, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB that BNP has urged the people of the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Sunday night after developing a chest infection affecting both her heart and lungs. Since her admission, she has been receiving treatment in a cabin of the hospital. Meanwhile, BNP will organise special prayers and munajat across the country after Jumu’a prayers on Friday, seeking divine blessings for Khaleda’s quick recovery, said Sayrul. Khaleda urges all to pray for her amid health concerns  A prayer and munajat will also be held at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office after Jumu’a prayers. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders will attend the programme. Khaleda Zia, 80, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart problems, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses. She also has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting for her heart. Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital with chest infection Since returning from London on 6 May after receiving advanced medical care, Khaleda Zia has been undergoing regular health check-ups at Evercare Hospital. Her family members, including Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman, have been in close contact with the doctors to stay informed about her condition.  

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday said their party is going to participate in the upcoming national election as part of its movement to restore democracy in the country. “We must remember that there will be many attempts to divert our movement and the victory achieved through it in different directions. We have to face those evil attempts,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party has to play the main role in upholding the victory of last year’s mass uprising, as more BNP leaders and activists were killed, jailed and oppressed than those of any other party. “So, keeping them in mind and honouring their memories, we have to deliver the results of this movement to the people. With that goal, we must continue our struggle. The upcoming election is also part of that movement. Democracy cannot be restored without elections,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said a free and fair election must be held in February next year for the sake of democracy and to establish it properly. He said that if their party wins the election and gets the responsibility of running the country, they will take all necessary steps for public welfare by using their previous experience. “We all know every candidate claims to be the best. But think about it: if an AC or any device breaks, you don’t let just anyone fix it. You look for someone who understands the machine and has experience. A country’s state machinery is far more complex and valuable than any device. So the people who want to run the state must have the ability and experience to do so,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP is the only party with long and proven experience in running the country. Nazrul said they will present themselves to people with that capability and that if they are given responsibility again, they will use their experience, including lessons learned from past mistakes, to serve people better. He said these points are relevant to the discussion about Shaheed Milon because he also struggled and sacrificed his life for democracy. “Dr Milon’s struggle was for a new state system built through democracy--a system where people can live without discrimination, live safely, get justice easily, and enjoy a better life. I believe we must work in the coming days to achieve this long-desired goal,” he said. Former student leaders of Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) and All-Party Students Unity (APSU) of the 90s organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking Shaheed Dr Milon Day and the 35th martyrdom anniversary of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, who was killed during the 1990s’ anti-autocratic movement.  Earlier in the morning, the ex-student leaders of DUCSU and APSU laid a floral wreath at the Shaheed Milon Memorial at Dhaka Medical College. A munajat was offered at the programme seeking divine blessings for the speedy recovery of ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since Sunday for infections in her lungs and heart. Nazrul said, during the movement against autocratic ruler HM Ershad, two political parties--the Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami--betrayed the nation by taking part in the 1986 election. In independent Bangladesh, he said, Jamaat first took part in an election under its own name in 1986 during Ershad’s rule, along with the Awami League. “In 1979, no party called Jamaat-e-Islami contested the election. The party that did participate was the Islamic Democratic League (IDL), which included some Jamaat members, but Jamaat-e-Islami itself did not go to the polls then under its own name,” the BNP leader said. He said the Awami League and Jamaat legitimised Ershad’s military rule by joining the 1986 parliamentary election. “Those who joined that election extended Ershad’s rule, which otherwise could have ended in 1986.” BNP plans Khaleda as President, Tarique PM: Bulu In return, Nazrul said, Ershad’s party remained an ally of the Awami League’s misrule until 2024, with both sides helping each other stay in power. “The Awami League received their support to stay in power in 1986, and in return they helped the Awami League to remain in power.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Amanullah Aman said there is no alternative to elections for restoring democracy in the country. He said many plots are hatched to create obstacles to the election, but no one will be able to stop it, and the election will be held in February next year. The BNP leader said that if voted to power, their party will form a national government with representatives from those who took part in the simultaneous movement against the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime. Aman urged all pro-democratic forces to stay united to prevent the return of fascist forces. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said there is no difference between the characters of HM Ershad and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Because their characters are the same, despite repeatedly speaking against each other, they have come together at crucial moments, shaken hands, and jointly delivered a sharp blow to democracy.” He criticised the economic policies under Hasina, calling them “Hasinomics” rather than proper economics. “Even though the word ‘economics’ exists, during Hasina’s 15-and-a-half-year rule, the policy allowed loans to be taken from banks without repayment. People could even take new loans without clearing the old ones.” As a result, the BNP leader said, the country is forced to carry a burden of Tk 6.5 lakh crore in bad loans.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Executive Council held a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, during which members prayed for the speedy recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalized due to illness. The meeting, presided over by Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, took place at the party’s central office at 4:30 pm and was attended by Naib Ameers, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, and other council members. During the session, prayers were also offered for the quick recovery of Naib Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, who is unwell and receiving medical care. The council urged party leaders, workers, and the public to join in supplications for their health and well-being. The meeting included discussions on the upcoming national parliamentary elections, emphasizing the need for a free, fair, credible, and fear-free voting environment, as well as an assessment of the current overall political situation in the country. Decisions were made to conduct extensive campaigns to create public support for a “Yes” vote in implementing the July national constitutional order. The council also called upon citizens to ensure the success of rallies in seven divisional cities, organized as part of the eight-party alliance’s pre-election programs aimed at implementing five key public demands, including the referendum. Preparations for the party’s Central Majlis-e-Shura annual session scheduled for November 28–29 were also discussed in detail. The meeting concluded with prayers for the welfare of the nation and people, the establishment of justice and truth, and appeals for support from all levels of society to help build a peaceful, just, and prosperous Bangladesh.