United News of Bangladesh

A BNP delegation met visiting Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey on Sunday and discussed various issues related to the next national election and the restoration of democratic order in Bangladesh. The BNP team, led by party Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, met Shirley Botchwey at the Hotel InterContinental around 2:15 pm, said BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Two other delegation members were BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed. Commonwealth family firmly committed to Bangladesh people: Shirley Botchwey Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said the discussion with the Commonwealth delegation focused on ensuring voting rights in the upcoming election, the role of political parties and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies. “We also talked about broader issues surrounding the election,” he said, adding that the Commonwealth Secretary General expressed hope that the election would be held fairly and properly. “We also conveyed the same from our side.” Khosru said significant arrangements are being made to ensure the election and restore democratic rights. “The election is the main way to return democratic rights. We also discussed the possibility of a referendum. In the interest of the people, we are moving forward, overlooking many issues.” EU Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul, discusses polls He said it is through an elected parliament that people’s expectations can be fulfilled and an elected government will be accountable to the people. Replying to a question, Khosru said their party has no concerns regarding the upcoming national election.  

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Sunday night for a routine health check-up. “Madam was admitted to Evercare Hospital around 8:15 pm for some medical tests, following the advice of her medical board. She is there in a private cabin,” said her personal doctor Professor AZM Zahid Hossain. He said the next course of Khaled’s treatment will be determined after reviewing test reports by the medical board. Khaleda, 80, has been suffering from various health issues for several years, including liver, kidney, heart, arthritis, diabetes, lung and eye problems. She has been receiving treatment at her Gulshan residence under the supervision of a specialised medical board, which includes doctors from Evercare Hospital as well as her personal medical team. Her last visit to Evercare Hospital was on 15 October, when she underwent several medical tests over one day.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will go to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Sunday evening for a health check-up. “Madam (Khaleda) will be taken to Evercare Hospital for a health check-up as advised by her medical board,” said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP chief is likely to leave her Gulshan residence anytime soon for the hospital. Sayrul said she will undergo some necessary medical tests at the hospital as per the advice of her medical board. The 80-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from various health complications for several years, including liver, kidney and heart-related issues. Khaleda has been receiving treatment at her home in Gulshan under the care of a specialised medical board, which includes doctors from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team.  

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday urged India to immediately return deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty to uphold the agreement and maintain friendly bilateral relations. “The International Crimes Tribunal has delivered the verdict against Sheikh Hasina for genocide, and it must be executed,” he said. Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Bastuhara Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader also said India has an obligation to return Hasina to Bangladesh under the extradition treaty signed between the two countries. “If you (India) want to keep the prisoner-exchange agreement, if you want to maintain friendship, if you want friendship with the people of this country — not with Hasina — then, following international norms, Hasina must be sent back to Bangladesh without delay under the extradition arrangement,” he said. On November 17, the International Crimes Tribunal convicted Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, in which more than 1,000 people were killed. The tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal — both of whom fled to India following the mass uprising — to death, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who gave testimony as a state witness, was sentenced to five years in prison. Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was amended in 2016 to simplify procedures, including changes to Article 10(3) to speed up the return of fugitive offenders. The treaty came into effect in June 2016 and allows both countries to exchange convicted or under-trial prisoners when required. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, alleged that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has been plotting to derail the election by making various unjustified demands. “Let me say clearly — no matter how many conspiracies you make, no matter how many understandings you reach with the Awami League’s ghosts to influence the election, nothing will work. None of your schemes will succeed,” he said. The BNP leader said Chief Adviser and Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus — whom people across Bangladesh have brought to office with their support, and who has earned global respect — has clearly said only two days ago that a fair election will be held in the country in February next year. Farroque accused Jamaat of remaining inactive for ten years and compromising with the Awami League to avoid political cases. He said Jamaat, along with several other parties, now wants to foil Bangladesh’s election. “We, who once fought with torn trousers and weapons during the Liberation War, remember how you cooperated with Pakistani soldiers — identifying the homes of freedom fighters, burning their houses. You took part in those crimes.” The BNP leader said Jamaat has a record of changing its position and even joined the national election with Awami League in 1986 and later waged movements with the same party against the BNP. “You are still conspiring — one day saying you will not join the election without PR, another day demanding a separate referendum before the national election,” he said. Farroque said the truth is that Jamaat will eventually join the election, whatever it says now to mislead the public.  

BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said if elected, BNP will review all policies including those related to the telecommunications sector. “As telecom policy is critical, it must be formulated with the opinions of stakeholders. The type of licenses issued in this sector over the past 15 years has undermined the independence of BTRC. Major reforms are needed,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled "Challenges of Building the Future of Bangladesh: The Future of Domestic Entrepreneurs in the Telecommunications and Information Technology Sector," organised by TRNB at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. He added that domestic entrepreneurs and digital security must be protected. “Why can't domestic investors invest in a sector where there is so much profit? These factors must be considered when formulating policies,” he said. The BNP leader assured that it will be the responsibility of the next elected government to protect the telecom sector. Frustration deepens in BNP allies as seat-sharing talks stall ahead of election He emphasized that there should be no discrimination between domestic and foreign entrepreneurs in developing spectrum and broadband under the new telecom policy framework to ensure the fastest, most secure network. BNP chairperson's advisory council member Zahir Uddin Swapon said, “We need to consider digital sovereignty in policy formulation. Digital security must be ensured, and there can be no policy without accountability.” Among others, Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon; prominent media personality Dr. Abdun Noor Tushar; and Fiber@Home Chairman Mainul Haque Siddiqui, also spoke.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday alleged that a level playing field is yet to be established for the upcoming national election, urging all political parties and state institutions to work collectively to ensure a fair and credible process.  “If the election is not held as scheduled, a national crisis may emerge. A level playing field must be there with the participation of people,” he told reporters at the parade ground of Chittagong College Ground in the city’s Chawkbazar area. Emphasising his party’s stance against corruption, Dr Rahman reiterated that the election must take place on time. He urged party supporters to stay prepared, warning that any delay in the polls could push the country into uncertainty. “We will not allow any crisis to arise. Our position is clear. Our demands are in the interest of the people. Even if we come to power, we will implement the PR (Proportional Representation) method,” he added. Earlier, the Jamaat chief arrived at the Chittagong College Ground parade field by helicopter in the afternoon, where party leaders welcomed him with flowers.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday warned against using the spirit of the July-August mass uprising for political gain, saying those who do so will inevitably face serious consequences. “Those who speak about the spirit of July–August should remember that the Awami League has nearly vanished by acting as the sole ‘contractor’ of the 1971 Liberation War and trading on its spirit for political gain,” he said. Speaking at a gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar, the BNP leader also said the student-led mass uprising of 2024 was built on a long process of struggle and sacrifice and was not created overnight during 36 days of action. Amir Khosru alleges plot to delay 13th parliamentary polls He urged anyone intending to use the spirit of the 2024 uprising for political gain to remember that the spirit of the July movement belongs to all the people of Bangladesh who have fought for democracy. “So no one should form a political party and claim sole ownership of the spirit of the July student uprising. Those who trade on such spirit for political gain never face good consequences,” the BNP leader said. Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddher Projonmo organised the programme at the Central Shaheed Minar. Salahuddin said the practice of Awami politics in Bangladesh has always been based on falsehood and a lack of democracy. Stating that the Awami League has “died in Dhaka and buried in Delhi,” he said, adding, “The history of Awami politics is a history of destroying democracy and establishing fascism, one-party rule, and a one-party state. This is nothing new.” Fakhrul warns Jamaat against ‘misleading people’ by linking votes with ‘Jannat’ The BNP leader said Awami fascist forces were ousted through the July–August student-led uprising last year. “But the complete uprooting of the Awami fascist and mafia forces still remains to be done.” The BNP Standing Committee member also said deposed Sheikh Hasina taking shelter in India proves that the Awami League was never a real political force in Bangladesh. He alleged that Sheikh Hasina, from her stay in India, continues to engage in conspiracies to destabilize Bangladesh and threaten its democracy. “The Awami League was never a political or democratic party. Rather, it was a mafia-fascist force hiding behind the mask of democracy.” BNP leader Zahid urges urgent earthquake-safety steps for people  On the recent death sentence verdict against Sheikh Hasina, Salahuddin said justice has been delivered in line with public expectation and maintaining international standards by the court. “This verdict will be implemented… Those who will govern the country in the future must understand that there is no place for dictatorship or fascism in Bangladesh. Those who destroy democracy will face this kind of consequence,” he said. Pointing at Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Salahuddin said the nation has long aspired to exercise its voting rights. “Do not stand against that aspiration, because your history is one of standing against the people’s will in 1971, and again in 1947. If you now stand against the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh, the public will reject you.” Salahuddin called for the establishment of a sound democratic political culture in the country and strengthening the democratic institutions. “Through proper democratic practice, we must eliminate the legacy of the Awami League’s one-party politics. If we fail to do so, the fallen fascist forces may return.”

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday alleged that anti-democratic forces are still conspiring to delay and obstruct the 13th national parliamentary election. “Democracy relies on a free and fair election, and we are waiting for it. But the anti-democratic forces are still active and plotting to delay and obstruct the February election. We must not forget this. Our struggle for democracy is far from over,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said those who benefit from the absence of democracy do not want democracy or the restoration of democratic order in Bangladesh. “You can understand who benefits from the absence of democracy. That is why we must remain united and win this fight for democracy.” The Zia Parishad organised a programme titled ‘Ziaur Rahman and Present Bangladesh’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Khosru criticised a quarter that talks about elections while trying to create confusion. “Through undemocratic activities, they try to enforce their demands by force. The people of Bangladesh have never accepted this.” Recalling BNP’s long struggle for the restoration of democracy and people’s rights, he said BNP and democracy cannot be separated. “Democracy cannot survive without BNP, and BNP cannot survive without democracy.” Khosru warned that if BNP loses the fight for the restoration of democracy through the February election, the country will lose. “If we fail, democracy will fail, and we will fail. So, we must win this battle. Just as Ziaur Rahman united the nation on November 7 to liberate the country, we must also unite to free Bangladesh and restore democracy. We must succeed in this fight.” He said BNP is not confronting anyone or party as it does not pursue confrontational politics. “We believe in democracy. That is why we tolerate a lot in the interest of democracy and the people of Bangladesh. The political culture of the country must change. No matter how many reforms we make, it will not help if the political culture does not change.” Khosru said their party follows the path of tolerant politics and even if they disagree, they must respect others’ opinions. The BNP leader urged political parties to go to the people and seek their mandate through the national election instead of enforcing demands by force. He said those who believe in democracy should go to the people, but cannot impose decisions through backdoor deals. “Holding a roundtable and forcing decisions on the people is undemocratic.” The BNP leader said those who have confidence in the people do not want backdoor deals but go to the public for their mandate. Pointing at party leaders and workers, he urged them to remain united and work for the candidate nominated by the party to ensure their victory.

Urging Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami not to fool or mislead people by linking votes with Jannat, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said Islam does not support the use of religion for political gain. Speaking at a discussion, he also alleged that Jamaat had no visible role in the fight against the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime over the last 10 years. “It’s not right to fool people or take them down the wrong path… Those who claim that getting a Jamaat ticket guarantees a ticket to heaven should show me where that is written. Using religion for political gain is something Islam never approves of,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said he raised the issue because such misleading statements are creating problems, and this confusion needs to be clarified before the public more openly and clearly. A platform of caretakers of mosque-based mass education under the Islamic Foundation organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said the party had long struggled to establish itself in the political arena. “It was our party founder Ziaur Rahman who first gave them the opportunity to enter politics… later they worked with us, and we also worked with them. But unfortunately, over the last ten years, we have not seen any visible effort from them to defeat the fascist regime,” the BNP leader said. He also said he heard that Jamaat’s student wing Chhatra Shibir intruded into Chhatra League at Dhaka University pretending to be Chhatra League activists. “We cannot engage in such activities. We have always fought openly, directly and on the front line.” Fakhrul also described how BNP leaders and activists sacrificed their lives and were subjected to repression, killing, enforced disappearance and imprisonment. He said one political party kept shouting nonstop, demanding that “PR must be given and without PR there will be no election.” “They made all kinds of loud threats, didn’t they? But now their tone has softened.” The BNP leader said their party, at different times during the fascist Hasina rule, presented proposals for reforms, as they were sincere about overhauling the state and strengthening democratic institutions. He said their party signed the July charter formulated by the National Consensus Commission based on discussions with political parties. Fakhrul regretted that the commission later submitted recommendations that included points beyond the agreed and signed document. “In other words, the commission did not do the right job. It would have been best if they had simply included the points on which all political parties had agreed.” He said the July–August mass uprising—which cost the lives of nearly 1,500 people—has created an opportunity to rebuild the country. “Let us all come together and at least unite on this point that we must hold a fair and proper election, with participation from everyone, so that we can form a truly democratic government and a democratic parliament. Through that parliament, we will be able to raise all our national issues, discuss them, and resolve them. The decisions taken there will be the decisions of the people,” Fakhrul said. He bemoaned that despite having countless Muslims, madrasas, mosques and religious scholars in the country, injustice, corruption, theft and money laundering continue to rise. The BNP leader said newspapers report wrongdoing every day, and argued that if moral education are strengthened, murder, robbery and crime will fall. “Moral values come from madrasas, schools, teachers and families, so these institutions must be strengthened.” Fakhrul said deeper national discussion is needed on how religion and morality can be applied effectively in society. Describing BNP as a liberal democratic party, he said without democracy, no class or religious community can have its rights protected. Fakhrul accused the Sheikh Hasina government of stripping people of both their voting rights and their freedom to practise religion over the past 15–16 years. He also criticised some religious scholars for giving Sheikh Hasina the title “Mother of Qawmi,” saying such titles raise questions. Fakhrul said the Awami League has ruined state institutions by appointing party loyalists, and promised that if BNP returns to power, the Islamic Foundation will be restored as a full state institution and efforts will be taken to bring it under the revenue budget.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday said Bangladesh urgently needs stronger disaster preparedness so that major tragedies like Friday’s earthquake do not cause avoidable loss of lives. In a message posted on his X handle, Tarique expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and devastation caused by the earthquake. “My prayers are with the departed souls, and my heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost their loved ones. I stand in solidarity with everyone who has been injured or affected by this devastating disaster,” he said. The BNP leader said the heartbreaking moment reminded the nation that protecting lives must be the highest priority of it. He said said unsafe buildings that ignore earthquake and fire safety codes must be identified and brought under strict oversight. New construction, he said, should be supervised with full transparency and accountability to ensure public safety. Tarique stressed the need for strengthening the country’s emergency response capacity. He also said a coordinated rescue force involving the Fire Service, Army, Navy and Coast Guard is essential. The BNP leader said permanent rescue centers should be established in high-risk areas, and communities must have 24/7 access to drones, paramedics and ambulances, with helicopters and air ambulances ready at all times. Referring to the declining groundwater level in Dhaka, Tarique said the risk of earthquake damage has increased. “Restoring filled canals and excavating new ones, he noted, are vital steps to reduce pressure on underground water and enhance long-term safety.” He said that through foresight, accountability and unity, Bangladesh can build a safer and more resilient country for all. In this moment of national grief, Tarique urged BNP leaders, activists and supporters to extend all possible assistance to the victims. “Let us unite to support rescue efforts, provide care to the injured, and help rebuild the lives of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May Allah grant us the strength, compassion, and unity to stand beside our fellow citizens in this difficult time,” he said.