United News of Bangladesh

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly. “I would like to thank Professor Dr Yunus from this programme as he has instructed the Election Commission to complete all the work by December. This is a very positive matter,” he said while speaking at a discussion. “We hope that the Election Commission will complete this work very quickly and create an environment for the election,” the BNP leader added. He said their party wants the Election Commission to work in such a way that it can present the nation with a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election. “We hope they will work in that way.” The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club." Expressing strong optimism, Fakhrul dismissed concerns raised by some quarters about whether the election will be held on time. “Why wouldn’t the election be held? The people of this country want the election. They have sacrificed their lives for the election. They want a parliament with elected representatives,” he said. Fakhrul said that attempts have been made by a certain quarter to label BNP as a party that opposes reforms, but in reality, it is the BNP that has introduced all major reforms in Bangladesh. “Reform is in our blood and DNA. We were born through reforms. So, it is unfair to say that BNP is against reforms….Nothing could be a greater distortion of the truth than claiming BNP is obstructing reforms,” he said. The BNP leader, however, said that is the people who will ultimately decide on reforms. “Why should we expect everything from this interim government?” Speaking about the July Charter, Fakhrul said BNP had earlier shared their opinions on it and finalised their formal response on Wednesday night after receiving a draft on it from the government. “So, where is the problem?” Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said political parties may have different opinions, but they should stay united in the interest of the nation and democracy. BNP will always stand by footballer Rituparna Chakma’s family: Rizvi He also urged political parties to use careful and respectful language while speaking or criticising their opponents, so that people do not get the wrong message about the unity among anti-fascist forces. The Jamaat leader called upon all pro-democratic parties to stay alert, warning that any disunity among them could help fascist forces to rise. Describing journalists as the barometer of civilisation, he requested the media to play a more responsible role by practising fair and objective journalism. Parwar alleged that some media outlets are spreading false and misleading information about Jamaat, BNP and other parties to create division among the democratic forces. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid said he is concerned about the future of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as there has been no change in the mindset and attitude of the young leaders who played a role in ousting the autocratic and fascist regime of Awami League.  He urged young leaders to show more restraint and patience, and to avoid arrogance in their actions and words. "You should remain alert so that your words and actions do not reflect the mindset of fascists and autocrats." Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said there has been no major progress in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission regarding reform proposals. However, he praised the Chief Adviser for instructing law enforcers to complete all preparations by December for the election. Manna said the election should be held as soon as possible, warning that any delay may push the country into a dark future. “The mass uprising will succeed when democracy is restored in the country through a fair and credible national election,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin stressed the importance of dedicated work by Jamaat workers to ensure a large presence at the national rally on 19 July in the capital. He also urged party activists to tirelessly mobilise people from every corner of Dhaka on the day. Addressing the pre-rally gathering of the unit responsible for mass communication and procession at Karwan Bazar at 7:30 pm, Selim said, “By realising the seven points announced by Jamaat, Bangladesh will move forward in building a new, beautiful society, InshaAllah.” Fakhrul urges Prof Yunus to ensure best treatment for ailin singer Farida Parveen He said that in the envisioned Bangladesh, every village would be a prosperous township free from discrimination, extortion, and terrorism, where citizens would not need to protest to secure their rights. “People’s representatives will serve the people, not rule over them. Jamaat is working tirelessly to establish such a society,” he added. Selim Uddin called on all countrymen, especially the residents of the capital, to join the national rally on 19 July to strengthen the movement. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul The rally was chaired by Central Majlis-e-Shura member Hemayet Hossain and moderated by Dhaka Metropolitan North Publicity and Media Secretary Ataur Rahman Sarkar. Metropolitan North Majlis-e-Shura members Zillur Rahman, Ahsan Ullah, Yusuf Ali Mollah, Kalim Ullah, Abu Sayeed Mandal, and SM Monir Ahmed, also attended the event.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has reiterated the party’s unwavering support for the family of footballer Rituparna Chakma. "BNP will always be by Rituparna's side in times of need," he said while visiting  the ailing mother of the Golden Girl footballer at Ghagra Union of Kaukhali Upazila on Wednesday. During the visit, Rizvi spoke with Rituparna’s mother Bhujiputi Chakma. He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had instructed the party to support Rituparna’s family after receiving news through various media outlets. Despite heavy rain and difficult terrain, Rizvi and the delegation crossed inaccessible paths to reach Rituparna’s home.   He handed over a donation of Tk 2 lakh, provided by the Amra BNP Paribar and Rangamati District BNP, to Rituparna’s mother. In addition, Rizvi announced that the Amra BNP Paribar would pay Tk 30,000 monthly to cover the costs of her mother's ongoing chemotherapy.   In a separate remark, Rizvi expressed skepticism about the postponement of elections under the pretext of reforms, asserting that such measures are ultimately futile. He also criticised Hasina's regime, stating, “The autocratic regime of Hasina has failed to bring meaningful development to the country over the past 17 years.”   Rizvi was accompanied  by BNP leaders including Central Co-Organising Secretary Barrister Helal, Amra BNP Poriar Convener Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Member Secretary Md. Mithun, Rangamati District BNP President Dipan Talukder Dipu, General Secretary Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun, and other party officials.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to take steps to ensure the best possible treatment for legendary Lalon singer Farida Parveen as her health condition has deteriorated. "Farida Parveen is a unique figure in Lalon music and one of the most beloved singers in Bangladesh. She has had a strong influence in the music world for many years and has maintained her position with dignity,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the ailing singer at Universal Medical College and Hospital (Ayesha Memorial Hospital) in Mohakhali area.  The noted 70-year-old singer has been receiving treatment in the ICU of the hospital since July 5. Fakhrul said the singer is now in critical condition, mainly due to kidney problems and other complications. Hasina can’t escape justice for ‘reign of terror’: Fakhrul “The hospital authorities and doctors are taking good care of her, but her condition remains critical. I appeal to the government to form a special board for the treatment of such a talented and respected singer, who is admired worldwide,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the government to make all necessary arrangements so that she can receive the best possible treatment, even if that means sending her abroad. “This is what the nation wants… I appeal to the Chief Adviser to personally take the initiative to ensure she gets the highest possible treatment,” he said. Farida Parveen has long been suffering from diabetes and various other health issues, along with kidney problems. During his visit, the BNP Secretary General spoke to the doctors and enquired about her treatment. He also talked to a member of the singer’s family and handed over financial support on behalf of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said Fakhrul spoke by phone with two government advisers—Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul—urging them to take steps for Farida Parveen’s treatment. BNP’s Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Uzzal, Assistant Cultural Secretary Saeed Sohrab, and Jasas President Helal Khan and General Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon were also present.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed the hope that deposed Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts involved in mass killings, torture and fascist attacks on people will be brought to justice. “We always believe that everyone in any political party that supports fascism and acts as a fascist, as the Awami League has done, must be brought to justice,” he said.  Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Dr Abdul Kuddus and Dr Sirajuddin at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in the capital. As journalists sought his remarks on BBC World’s special report on ‘The Battle for Bangladesh: Fall of Sheikh Hasina’, Fakhrul said every individual involved in mass killings and repression should be brought under the law and face justice. “Especially the chief of that party, Sheikh Hasina, I believe she is solely responsible for the killing of thousands of people and the torture inflicted on them,” he said. The BNP leader said the process of Sheikh Hasina’s trial has already begun. “We are hopeful that everyone involved in these killings, genocides, and fascist attacks along with her (Hasina) will be brought to justice,” he said. Fakhrul said he also believes that the Awami League, as a party, should be brought under the trial process as well. BNP has been the biggest victim of the Awami League’s repression, torture, killings, and enforced disappearances, he said. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul The BNP leader also mentioned that he himself had been accused in 112 cases and had gone to jail 13 times. In response to a question, he said if there is any true force for democracy in Bangladesh, it is the BNP, and no other party has fought as strongly for democracy as the BNP has. Fakhrul recalled that the BNP was the party that ended one-party rule in the country and introduced multi-party democracy, and later, a parliamentary democratic system. “The country must be saved through the united efforts of all, and it is the responsibility of every political party to put the country on the right track. The sooner it can be placed on this track, the better,” he observed. The BNP leader also said those who believe elections are unnecessary should reconsider their position, as elections are essential for the people. Fakhrul said Bangladesh needs an elected government that is connected to the people. That is why, he said, BNP supports reforms and is taking part in the process and discussions with the National Consensus Commission. Fakhrul said their party believes there is no conflict between reform and elections, and both can go on together. Later, the BNP Secretary General visited ailing singer Farida Parvin at Ayesha Memorial Hospital.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. “It’s unfortunate that democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. Perhaps this stems from the legacy of Pakistan politics…..We saw democracy being practised only for a short time, and then we went far away from this practice again,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of a national debate competition titled ‘Civil Discourse National 2025’, organised by The Bangladesh Dialogue and Dhaka College Debating Society at Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy in the capital. He said BNP believes in liberal democracy where freedom of speech must be guaranteed. “We believe in liberal democracy. We believe I must have the freedom to speak. And you (dissidents) must have the freedom to speak. That is the essence of a functioning democracy,” he said. BNP won’t tolerate extortionists, grabber: Rizvi The BNP Secretary General stressed the need for ensuring the space for dissenting voices to strengthen a democratic state system. “It’s not about suppressing dissent; rather, we must create room for it. Even if someone disagrees with me, I must do everything to protect their right to express that opinion,” he added. Fakhrul expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh, saying, “I’m hopeful that better days will come for Bangladesh. One day, we will proudly stand tall as a nation.” Expressing satisfaction with the activities of today’s youths, he said  “Many say nothing will change. But our youths have already surpassed us. I am now very hopeful that change will come. There will be debates, disagreements — and we must defend each other's right to disagree. Even if I don't agree with someone, I’ll risk my life to defend their right to express their view. That is what we believe in.” Referring to a word ‘honourable’ used during the debate earlier, Fakhrul said he has an objection to one thing in the debate. “Do we really need to use the word ‘honourable’ before saying ‘Prime Minister’ or ‘Speaker’? I believe the excessive use of such terms breeds authoritarianism.” In the event, BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Committee member Israfil Khossru, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Rasheda Imam and Dhaka College Principal Prof AKM Elias were, among others, present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday warned that the party will not tolerate any extortionist or grabber within its ranks. “This party (BNP) does not accommodate any anti-social elements, grabbers or extortionists,” he said at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital. Rizvi said someone can create anarchy and chaos using the name of BNP, but the party has not hesitated to take organisational action against them whenever such incidents are reported. BNP has relentlessly struggled to establish the rule of law and justice by developing legal and institutional frameworks for democratic governance since its inception, he said. “This party believes in an ideal state and society, the leadership must be entrusted to competent, skilled, honest and humane persons,” Rizvi said, adding that whenever BNP was in power, it prioritised these principles. Noting that now various types of social crimes are being manifested, he said the prevalence of 'mob culture' is on rise due to administrative stagnation. The BNP leader said attempts are being made to create chaos in the society in the name of ‘mob culture’ under the influence of illegal black money and secret evil-activities. “On the other hand, a vested quarter is using technology in a very planned way and are spreading various propaganda through social media against the name of BNP. People believe that this planned propaganda, activities and artificially created social unrest are obstructing the path of democracy and a far-reaching plan to delay the election,” he said. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  Rizvi likened the ongoing narratives around delaying the election to the “strange rhetoric of development” seen under the Sheikh Hasina regime. He said BNP is taking prompt organisational actions against those found misusing the party’s name to commit wrongdoings. “Those involved in misdeeds from within the party are not being spared under any circumstances.” Many leaders and activists have already been expelled, relieved from the party, suspended their posts, or served with show-cause notices, Rizvi said. Citing that law enforcement agencies for playing a ‘suspiciously relaxed role,’ he said despite repeated requests from the party to take legal action against miscreants and instigators, the administration remains indifferent, he said. Since the interim government came to power, the police administration has not been very active. Rather, in some cases, it is clearly evident that some ones are deliberately stirring up trouble, the BNP leader claimed.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on a BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Tuesday. The meeting was held at around 11 am at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan political office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the Chinese envoy had a cordial discussion with the BNP leaders, following their recent visit to China. BNP hopeful of February polls: Fakhrul Apart from Fakhrul, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Begum Selima Rahman and the BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant ABM Abdus Sattar were present. Details of the discussion were not disclosed, but party sources said they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. On June 22, a high-level nine-member BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visited China for five days at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Convenor of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has accused political parties of betraying both the July Uprising and people after the movement. Addressing a roadside NCP rally in Pabna’s Shaheed Chattar on Monday night, Nahid said, “The fascists and murderers must be brought to justice. We said fascist Hasina’s President (President Mohammed Shahabuddin) cannot be there as president. This generation removed her, but political parties were too afraid of acting more. They have deceived the movement and the people of the country.” He stressed the need for reforming the media, police, bureaucracy, military and the constitution, saying a new Bangladesh would be built through reforms. “Our student activists painted graffiti on school and college walls during the uprising — those graffiti already expressed the aspirations of post-August 5 Bangladesh. A new constitution has essentially been written with those,” he added. NCP fighting for an equal, democratic Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Nahid said a proposal for a new constitution and judicial reforms would be presented on August 3, urging public participation. NCP leaders Ariful Islam Adib, Nasiruddin Patwary, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Tasnim Jara and Pabna student leader Barkatullah Fahad also addressed the rally.

Jatiya Party (JaPa) on Monday appointed its former MP Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary as the party’s new Secretary General, removing Mujibul Haque Chunnu, amid growing tensions within the party ahead of the national council. JaPa Chairman GM Quader, using the authority given to him by the party’s constitution, removed Mujibul Haque Chunnu from the post of Secretary General and appointed Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary to the vacant position, said a party press release. Mujibul Haque Chunnu had been serving as Secretary General since October 9, 2021, following the death of then-Secretary General Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu. Soon after the new appointment, GM Quader also removed three senior party leaders --Anisul Islam Mahmud, ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, and Md Mujibul Haque Chunnu -- from all party posts for violating party discipline, said another party press release. PBI to probe Jatiya Party's alleged nomination trade prior to 2024 polls According to the media release, district and city-level party leaders at a meeting held on June 25 raised the allegations of breaching party discipline against the three senior leaders and called for action. Later, on 28 June, a meeting of the party Presidium decided to relieve the three of all party responsibilities. “Exercising the authority given by the party constitution, GM Quader has relieved Senior Co-Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud, Co-Chairman ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and Secretary General Md Mujibul Haque of all party posts, including primary membership,” the press release said. It said the decision has already been put into effect. Shamim Haider Patwary previously served as MP from Gaibandha-1 and is known to be a close associate of Chairman GM Quader. Tensions within the Jatiya Party have worsened, as the party now seems divided into two rival groups over its leadership. The issue became more visible last month after the party announced its upcoming national council. The party earlier planned to hold the national council on June 28 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. However, on June 16, Chairman GM Quader postponed the event, saying the venue was unavailable.  In defiance of this decision, a group of senior leaders led by Co-Chairmen Anisul Islam Mahmud and ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader announced that the council would go ahead as planned. They later withdrew this decision. Meanwhile, Co-Chairmen Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ruhul Amin Hawlader issued a joint statement opposing the appointment of Shamim Haider Patwary. Another Jatiya Party office, this time in Khulna,  vandalised They called the decision highly undemocratic, unconstitutional and a direct violation of the party’s charter. The two leaders accused GM Quader of taking one-sided, autocratic actions, which they warned could seriously harm the party’s future. In their joint statement, they said Mujibul Haque is the party’s legitimate and respected Secretary General. “No appointment or dismissal can be considered valid before the announced national council,” the statement said. They also said removing Mujibul Haque without any reason and appointing Patwary without consultation clearly goes against party discipline and democratic values. “Such a decision breaks down the party’s internal democratic system.”