United News of Bangladesh

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.

Almost three weeks after the BNP unveiled its list of potential contenders for 236 constituencies, a quiet unease is spreading among the party’s allies. What began as hopeful indications for a unified electoral strategy has now turned into growing frustration, as the long-expected seat-sharing negotiations show little sign of progress ahead of the national election. Leaders of alliance and like-minded parties said the uncertainty has left them confused, anxious, and unable to begin formal campaigning in their constituencies. They also feared that in many shared seats, BNP leaders might contest as independents, violating party decisions and risking the allies’ chances of winning. The alliance leaders said BNP should not only finalise seat-sharing promptly but also rein in its grassroots so that no one challenges the party’s decisions. Leaders from almost all allied parties said they are growing frustrated as time passes without any final decision.One senior leader said, “ BNP must understand that every single day is important for election preparation. We cannot sit idle while BNP candidates are already campaigning.” Several senior BNP leaders admitted to UNB that seat sharing has become very difficult, mainly because of the gap between the number of seats sought by alliance partners and the number BNP is willing to offer. They also noted that under the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO), partners must contest under their own election symbols, making the situation more complicated. According to BNP leaders, the party is ready to share at most 30 to 40 seats with allies, but the expectations of the allied parties are too high and do not match ground reality. One BNP Standing Committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, told UNB, “We cannot take risks by giving too many seats. Our symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, cannot be used by the partners. Many alliance parties have limited support on the ground. If they contest with their own symbols, their chances of winning will be low. We must be cautious.” The BNP leader also hinted their party may drop plans to share seats with NCP due to offensive comments against BNP and its leadership. “Our Standing Committee members discouraged our Acting Chairman about sharing seats with NCP at a recent meeting.” A leader from one of BNP’s allied parties said they feel “stuck”. Since BNP has already nominated candidates in most constituencies, many BNP aspirants have been holding rallies, going door-to-door, and campaigning in areas alliance partners want for themselves. “If BNP’s potential candidate is already asking for votes, how can we start campaigning?” said a senior leader of a small alliance party. “This will only create tension and confusion among voters.” Another allied leader said many voters are already identifying these constituencies with BNP’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol due to early campaigning. “If BNP later gives these seats to us, we will have to contest under our own symbols, which people may not recognise. It will be almost impossible to build a symbol’s identity in such a short time.” Mahmudur Rahman Manna, a top leader of Ganatantra Mancha and president of Nagorik Oikko, told UNB, “BNP has not engaged in formal talks about seat sharing. If we receive a proposal about who they are considering for which seat, we will discuss it. But until now, we know nothing.” He also said they understand BNP is taking time to put its own house in order before finalising the seat-sharing issue. “But at the same time, this delay is increasing our worries.” Shahadat Hossain Selim, spokesperson of the 12-party alliance and chairman of Bangladesh LDP, said BNP has already signalled some leaders about possible nominations, but nothing has been finalised. “Those seats which they intend to give should be announced officially as soon as possible for better coordination and preparation,” he said. Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, chairman of the Labour Party, said BNP has still not held a formal meeting over seat sharing, which is hampering preparations. He said he has been signalled to work in his home constituency of Pirojpur but has not receiving support from local BNP leaders, as his candidature is yet be formally announced. BNP joins pre-election dialogue with EC Iran said the Labour Party and other small parties applied to the Election Commission to allow contesting using their own or the alliance’s symbols. “It seems BNP is waiting for the EC’s decision. If accepted, BNP may be more generous in sharing seats with the alliance,” he said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB that the party is seriously reviewing lists submitted by allies. “We will finalise seat sharing based on field realities, public acceptance, and the winnability of candidates. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said the alliance will not get as many seats this time as in 2018, and the party may offer 30 to 40 seats at most, especially as Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting separately. Another Standing Committee member, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, said seat sharing has not yet been finalised. “We may not be able to give every party the number of seats they want, but some seats will be allocated,” he said. He added that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is reviewing the matter and will make the final decision after discussions in the Standing Committee.  

Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of lives in Friday’s earthquake, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said the casualties and damage could have been reduced had proper precautionary measures been taken in advance. “A devastating earthquake today caused extensive damage to several high-rise buildings in the capital Dhaka and different parts of the country… I am deeply saddened by the casualties and the widespread destruction,” he said in a condolence message. Citing information received so far, the BNP leader said six people have lost their lives and more than two hundred have been injured. “I am deeply shocked by the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the powerful earthquake in Bangladesh.” He expressed solidarity with all those affected by this devastating natural disaster and conveyed his sympathy to them. The BNP leader prayed to Almighty Allah to grant patience and strength to the families of those killed and injured in the earthquake. “Had the government taken precautions in advance, it would have been possible to improve disaster management, protect people, and reduce losses,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have always moved forward by overcoming various natural disasters with resilience.“I firmly believe they will also be able to recover from the damage caused by today’s earthquake. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stands beside those affected by the earthquake,” he said. Tarique prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a quick recovery for the injured. “May Almighty Allah protect us all.” In another condolence message, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to property. Khaleda meets Prof Yunus at Armed Forces Day reception “I express my condolences and sympathy to all the affected families. I pray to Almighty Allah that they find the strength and patience to cope with this difficult time,” he said. Fakhrul said the BNP will stand beside those affected by this disaster. “I pray for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and convey my deepest sympathy to their bereaved families, and I wish a quick recovery for the injured.” Earlier in the morning, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).  

BNP senior leader Professor AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said the government must take urgent and immediate steps to protect people from the risk of earthquakes. “After experiencing this morning’s tremor, there is no reason to think we are safe,” he said while speaking at a discussion. Dr Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, said if the interim government does not take emergency measures now, the consequences could be serious, especially considering the fragile condition of many old buildings in Old Dhaka. “Think about the buildings in Old Dhaka, and then think about the earthquakes in Türkiye, Iran or Afghanistan.” Zahid said experts, including geological survey specialists, building designers, planners and other professionals, must work together with the government authorities for proper earthquake preparedness. “This is the right time. If we delay any further, the damage could be much worse. We should act now to reduce losses,” he said. The BNP leader also referred to the ongoing global climate conference in Brazil, saying major polluting countries were not responding properly to help reduce the impact of global warming on highly affected countries like Bangladesh. As a result, he said, the effects of climate change are already visible in Bangladesh. “You can see winters getting longer, summers becoming hotter, and low-lying areas going under water. Compare the climate and geopolitical situation of today with that of 20, 25 or 50 years ago — you can clearly see the change.” Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal (Dhaka North and South units) arranged the discussion, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day of historic November 7, 1975. Earlier on Friday morning, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The tremor occurred around 10:38am and lasted for about a minute. At that moment, when the earthquake struck, BNP leaders, activists and others attending the programme quickly rushed out of the Press Club auditorium out of fear. Dr Zahid expressed concern over the recent arson incidents reportedly carried out by members of the deposed Awami League. Powerful earthquake leaves five dead, scores injured across Bangladesh He said people still remember the arson attack in front of the Sheraton Hotel, where 11 people were burnt alive in a double-decker BRTC bus using gunpowder during a 174-day shutdown enforced by the Awami League. “Those who carried out those acts are now facing trial. Before the verdict in a case against them, they tried in many ways to create unrest and disorder in the country, and they have once again returned to the field with the same old arson violence,” the BNP leader said. He said the nation remained united after the August 5 mass uprising, but any division now would only help the cohorts of the “fallen and fugitive autocrat” “The autocrat may have fled, but her associates are still in the country. We must stay alert about the people around us and their behaviour,” Zahid cautioned. The BNP leader urged political parties to prepare to seek people’s mandate through the next national elections early next year.