United News of Bangladesh

Home and Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said no extortionist regardless of their influence or position will be spared. “Action is being taken against extortionists. They are being brought under the purview of law. No matter how powerful they are, measures will be taken against them,” he told reporters replying to a question after visiting Mohammadpur Krishi Market in the capital. About the national election, he said, it will be held in the scheduled month as announced by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “If people remain election-oriented, no one will be able to stop it,” the adviser added. On the issue of commodity prices, Jahangir Alam said vegetable prices have gone up due to heavy rainfall. Over 80,000 army personnel to be deployed during election: Home Adviser “The market is largely stable, but the prices of leafy vegetables have increased. There is enough stock of potatoes. When the produce moves from wholesale to retail, the prices rise significantly. Unfortunately, farmers are not getting fair prices, while middlemen are making profits,” he added.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the suicide in Rajshahi over debt is unfortunate and it should be investigated with utmost importance. He said this while talking to reporters after attending the 66th board meeting at the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC). “We need to see whether the person who committed suicide in Rajshahi had taken the loan from a bank or an NGO and whether any pressure was given to him. The matter will be investigated to ensure that no one suffers because of loans,” he said. Reposing to a question over advisers’ wealth, he said the wealth statements of advisers were submitted long ago. “Those raising questions now should understand that discussing it at this stage is of no use. I submitted mine a long time ago,” he added. Economy bounces back from brink of collapse: Finance adviser Regarding customers’ FDRs and deposits in private banks, the adviser said, “Deposits made in any bank under proper procedures are protected and there are strict policies to ensure the safety of such funds.” Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Dr Mokhlesur Rahman and Finance Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Majumdar, among others, attended the event.

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said the 2008 national election in Bangladesh was neither free nor fair, nor impartial, claiming that it was an orchestrated and controlled one. “I am compelled to say that the 2008 election was not free, fair, or impartial. It was a planned, rigged and controlled election,” he said while addressing a discussion. Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the 1/11 government in 2008 had an unethical plan to depoliticise Bangladesh. “Although that plan eventually failed, an election was held with the help of certain quarters and it was portrayed internationally as free and fair, but in reality, it was not.” He said different types of propaganda were there at the time as there were millions of fake voters and that BNP was falsely blamed for it. “I have to reveal the historical truth. Many citizens were registered either in their village home or at their workplace in the city at that time. Due to the system, some were listed twice, but no one voted twice. They voted either at home or in the city, depending on where they were on the election day,” the BNP leader explained. February election deadline must not be crossed, says BNP’s Dudu A group of former Dhaka College students organised the programme to mark the anniversary of the July–August mass uprising and the fall of fascism, paying tributes to those who were martyred or injured. Dr Moyeen said the false history created by the Awami League, resulting in the 1/11 political changeover, must be exposed. He said the 1/11 government prepared a new voter list and conducted a national election. “But that vote was a completely controlled and lopsided one.” The BNP leader alleged that the entire election was a planned one, with the allocation of the 300 parliamentary seats decided days before polling, allowing the Awami League to form the government. “As a result, Bangladesh was destroyed politically, morally, economically, culturally and religiously over the past 15 years,” the BNP leader observed. Election resistance threat an ‘echo of autocracy’, says BNP’s Dr Zahid He said the mass uprising in 2024 was the culmination of a 15-year struggle by BNP and other democratic forces amid oppression, when students and ordinary people finally rose up. The BNP leader said the then Awami League government acted desperately, killing people of all ages -- from children and youths to workers and the elderly -- even firing from helicopters to cling to power. He said when the interim government was formed following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, BNP assured it of full cooperation to enable people to embrace democracy and form a government through a free and fair election. Dr Moyeen said the interim government has indicated that the next national election is expected to be held before Ramadan in February. “We hope the Election Commission will now officially fix the specific date and election schedule.”

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the people of Bangladesh are united and determined to resist evil efforts to derail the upcoming national election and the country’s democratic transition. “Those who are now casting doubts about the election through various statements against democracy are neither on the side of democracy nor on the side of the people of Bangladesh,” he said while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said for one reason or another, some are subtly making statements intended to delay, disrupt, or even resist the election. “But the people of Bangladesh are united. They are determined to exercise their right to vote for democracy. Whoever makes such statements or raises false arguments to obstruct the democratic journey, the people will stand firmly against them,” he warned. The BNP leader said they believe the people of Bangladesh are resolute to overcome any obstacle to the path of democratic transition in the days ahead. The programme was arranged by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the 81st birthday of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Salahuddin called on all democratic political parties to remain united, as they did during the anti-fascist movement, to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. “I would like to request all democratic forces and political parties to bring the same kind of unity that we showed during the anti-fascist democratic struggle. Let us remain united, engage in discussions and work together so that we can hold the election fairly and peacefully and thus make the path of democratic transition smoother,” he said. BNP trusts interim govt advisers’ integrity: Fakhrul In the context of current politics in Bangladesh, Salahuddin said BNP has been working under the guidance of its Chairperson Khaleda Zia to advance democracy through dialogue and consensus. “She directed us to make the path of democratic transition easier through dialogue and consensus. Following her guidance, we have held discussions with the government several times and are also in talks with all democratic forces,” he said. The BNP leader said their party, together with the entire nation, is awaiting a credible election to restore democracy for which many have sacrificed. “We are waiting for the democracy for which our sons became martyrs, shed their blood, were crippled, or blinded. For 16–17 long years, we have waged an unceasing democratic struggle, and we continue to wait for that democracy,” he said. On August 9, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said that the national election is likely to be held in the first half of February, as the Election Commission intensified preparations across the country for holding the polls. Salahuddin said national unity must be maintained to build a strong democratic state based on equality. “The unity forged against fascism must now be transformed into the real strength of the nation.” He highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong dedication to the country’s democracy, from enduring struggles during the Liberation War to leading a nine-year movement against military rule, restoring parliamentary democracy and introducing the caretaker government system in 1996. “Khaleda Zia is both a name and a history. A nation with a leader like Khaleda Zia will not lose its way,” Salahuddin said. He said the BNP chairperson has fought for democracy throughout her life and continues to be a blessing for the people of Bangladesh. “Today is her 81st birthday. We pray to Almighty Allah that she may live long as a guiding light for the people, as a protector of democracy and the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he added.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday sent a bouquet of flowers to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, extending warm wishes on her birthday. “The Chief Adviser has sent a bouquet for Madam (Khaleda) this afternoon (Friday). His officials delivered it to her residence in Gulshan,” said party Standing Committee member Professor AZM Zahid Hossain. Zahid, who is also Khaleda’s personal physician, said the BNP chief herself was not celebrating her birthday. “She does not host any celebrations herself, but our party is holding milad and doa mahfils across the country,” he said. The bouquet was handed over to Khaleda Zia’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar at 4 pm by the Chief Adviser’s Private Secretary Shazeeb M Khairul Islam and Director of the Chief Adviser’s Office Mohammad Nazmul Islam. BNP Executive Committee member Belayet Hossain, Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan and officers from the Chairperson’s personal wing, including Masud Rahman, were also present. Abbas seeks justice for Khaleda, alleges harsh treatment in jail Earlier on Thursday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka sent a floral bouquet on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to the BNP chief to mark her birthday. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia served three terms as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. The BNP organised a milad and doa mahfil at its central office in Nayapaltan and another at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office on the occasion of her 81st birthday. Khaleda’s birthday to be celebrated Friday in low-key manner In addition to the central programme in Dhaka, similar events were held in mosques, orphanages, and madrasas across the country, praying for Khaleda Zia’s good health and long life, as well as for the eternal peace of those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 democratic movement, and the 2024 mass uprising.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday said that until the next national election is completed and the results announced, people will continue to have doubts over whether the voting will actually be held. “We hear that the election will be held in the first week of February, but until the counting of votes and the announcement of results are completed, there remain doubts among the nation over whether the election will be held,” he said. Gayeshwar made the remarks while addressing a milad and doa mahfil organised by BNP on the ground floor of its Nayapaltan central office to mark party Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s 81st birthday. He said that despite the sacrifices of many lives and much bloodshed, democracy still remains out of reach. Gayeshwar, a BNP Standing Committee member, warned that there is an ongoing plot to foil the election.  “That is why we must remain alert, calm, and patient. As leaders and activists of a responsible political party, we must stay vigilant so that no conspiracy succeeds in derailing democracy or preventing a fair election,” he said.  The BNP leader urged party members not to fall into any traps or respond to any provocations that could harm the democratic process. Gayeshwar said Khaleda Zia has become the guardian of the nation. “She is not just the BNP Chairperson; she is fighting for democracy.” He said party chairperson herself never celebrates her birthday. “We are the ones who used to do it. Even when people criticised her, Khaleda never encouraged birthday celebrations. Khaleda Zia never arranged or hosted any birthday event herself. She has always asked for prayers for her good health.” BNP leader Mosharraf off to London for treatment Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said Khaleda Zia was pushed towards death by the Awami League only because of her huge popularity. He urged their party colleagues to work in a way that wins the people’s trust. “If we truly love party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, if we love the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, and if we love Tarique Rahman, then we must strive to win the hearts of the people,” he said. Nazrul also urged the party rank and file to ensure that they should not do anything that may create dissatisfaction among people or spread fear and anxiety. He said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman brought democracy by removing Bakshal, Khaleda Zia restored democracy over the grave of military dictatorship and Tarique Rahman will usher in democracy in place of fascism. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia served three terms as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1991.

Claiming that their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia was subjected to extreme repression during her time in jail, BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Friday demanded that those responsible be brought to trial. “National leader Begum Khaleda Zia had been subjected to extreme torture in prison,” he said while addressing a milad and doa mahfil. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda was kept in an abandoned part of the old central jail in extremely poor and unhealthy conditions. He said she was placed in a room infested with rats and insects, where even an animal would struggle to survive, let alone a human being. “Some deputy jailers and jail officials unfairly kept her in a room on the roof. From this event, I want to say it should be investigated how much torture she endured during her jail life, and all those responsible should be brought to justice,” the BNP leader said. BNP arranged the programme on the ground floor of its Nayapaltan central office to mark Khaleda’s 81st birthday. Abbas recalled the days when BNP leaders were allowed to visit her in jail once every two weeks. “We saw with our own eyes the unbearable suffering she endured. Despite our best efforts to provide her with facilities from outside, we failed,” he said. He also said during those meetings they witnessed Khaleda’s strong morale, but also saw her health gradually deteriorating. “We realised then that something poisonous was being mixed with her food.” The BNP leader prayed to the Almighty Allah for Khaleda’s long life, good health and well-being. Paying tribute to Khaleda’s political journey, Abbas said she was an example of leadership admired across the world, having transformed from a housewife into a leader who took to the streets, stood with the people and led both the party and the country through struggles. He praised Khaleda Zia’s strength and dedication during BNP’s most difficult times. “Despite immense pressure, we saw her firm leadership. Her love for the party’s leaders and activists was unmatched. She never compromised on democracy.” People to reject PR system like EVM: Mirza Abbas Begum Khaleda Zia was jailed on 8 February 2008 after being convicted in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. She was reportedly kept in a damp and unhealthy cell in the old Dhaka Central Jail, which allegedly worsened her health due to a lack of proper medical care. Although her family had repeatedly requested that she be sent abroad for advanced treatment based on doctors’ advice, the then Awami League government rejected the appeals. In March 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the government granted her conditional release for six months. Since then, she has been staying at her rented residence, “Firoza”, in Gulshan under virtual house arrest. BNP organised this milad and doa mahfil at its central office in Nayapaltan on the occasion of Khaleda Zia’s 81st birthday.  In addition to the central programme in Dhaka, similar events were held in mosques, orphanages and madrasas across the country, seeking Khaleda’s good health and long life, as well as eternal peace for those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 democratic movement and the 2024 mass uprising. BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Nazrul Islam Khan and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also spoke at the event.

BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain left for London on Friday morning for medical treatment.He departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 7am on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Bilquis Akhter Hossain and younger son Barrister Khandaker Maruf Hossain, said BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir Khan.He said the BNP leader is scheduled to undergo treatment in London on the advice of doctors in Bangladesh.On behalf of the family, Sayrul urged the people of the country, as well as BNP leaders and activists, to pray for Mosharraf’s speedy recovery.Earlier on Tuesday night, Mosharraf met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’.On January 27, 2024, Mosharraf underwent successful brain surgery at Singapore’s National University Hospital.The veteran leader suffered a stroke during the anti-fascist march programme in Dhaka on June 17, 2023. Tobacco industry and public health can never align: Khandaker MosharrafHe was first admitted to Evercare Hospital, where he received treatment for eight days. Following doctors’ advice, he was taken to Singapore’s National University Hospital on June 27, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He was treated there for two months and 10 days before returning to Dhaka on September 5.He, however, fell ill again and was admitted to Evercare Hospital on December 5. As his condition did not improve, doctors later advised him to go to Singapore for further treatment and surgery.

A committee has been formed to recommend a comprehensive framework for student politics at Dhaka University (DU). The committee has been approved by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, the university's Public Relations Department said on Thursday. The decision follows strong student reactions on 8 August regarding partisan politics at the residential hall level. In response, the university authorities held a discussion on 10 August with active student organisations on campus. Building on that dialogue, the proposal to form a dedicated committee was put forward during the SMT (Statutory Meeting of Teachers) held on 11 August. The aim of this committee is to engage with student bodies and stakeholders to foster a culture of democratic practice while ensuring a conducive academic environment. The committee will draft recommendations outlining the constructive role of traditional student politics at Dhaka University. The members of the committee are Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts (Convener), Dr Abdullah-al-Mamun, Provost of Salimullah Muslim Hall, Professor Dr Md Nazmul Hossain, Provost of Freedom Fighter Ziaur Rahman Hall, Professor Dr Aleya Begum, Provost of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Professor Dr Mohammad Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan, Department of Law The committee is expected to submit its recommendations at the earliest time.

BNP will observe the 81st birthday of its Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Friday in a low-key manner, holding only prayer programmes without cutting any cake. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said they will pray for their leader’s good health and speedy recovery through doa and milad mahfils, instead of celebrating with cake-cutting or other events. He said doa and milad mahfils will be held at BNP offices across the country, including the party’s central office in Dhaka, and in mosques after Juma prayers, seeking Khaleda’s good health and long life, as well as eternal peace for those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 democratic movement, and the 2024 mass uprising. The BNP leader said a milad mahfil will be held at 11am at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi urged the leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies to take part in the programme spontaneously. A doa and milad mahfil will also be arranged at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after Asr prayers. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda served three terms as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. She is the fourth among four sisters and two brothers. Her father was Iskandar Ali Majumder and her mother Begum Tayyeba Majumdar. Although her ancestral home is in Fulgazi Upazila of Feni, she spent her childhood and adolescence in Dinajpur, where her father worked. After the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, on May 30, 1981, housewife Khaleda entered politics. She first became the party’s Vice-Chairman and was elected Chairperson in 1984. Khaleda served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for three terms-- from 1991 to 1996, briefly on 15 February 1996, and from 2001 to 2006. BNP leaders and workers used to celebrate her birthday every August 15 with a cake-cutting ceremony, but since 2016, the party has held only prayers and religious gatherings instead of political and celebration events. In recent years, Khaleda has been unwell and is receiving intensive medical care at her Gulshan residence, ‘Feroza’. She does not meet party members in person, although she exchanges Eid greetings with members of the party’s standing committee during the two Eids each year.