United News of Bangladesh

BNP brought out a massive colourful rally in the capital today (Friday), marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, wearing colourful caps, assembled at Nayapaltan since noon, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the areas. After a brief address, party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the rally around 3:32pm. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also spoke at the gathering. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, at Manik Mia Avenue. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists are chanting slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. BNP ready for a massive showdown in Dhaka On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take effective steps to meet the expectations of people in order to foil any plots by evil forces.                          “I want to warn the freedom-loving people of one thing, and I myself also want to remain alert that the conspiracy of the anti-democratic evil forces has not stopped yet against the interim government, he said virtually from London to a mammoth gathering at Nayapaltan. The BNP leader said the associates of the deposed Awami League regime are still active in the country’s administration, in different positions, as well as abroad, to undermine the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led government. He renewed his party’s support for the interim government, saying this administration can never be allowed to fail. “But, if the interim government wants to keep itself alert, it must take effective steps to fulfil the expectations of people. It is now the demand of people,” Tarique said. He congratulated the people of the country and the students for ending fascism through a successful popular uprising. "The 7th November, 1975 was the day to distinguish between friends and foes of Bangladesh, while 5th August 2024 was the day to identify the enemies of Bangladesh," Tarique said. He also said as long as the pro-Bangladesh forces remain united, no one will be able to undermine the country's independence. The BNP leader said their rally is not aimed at raising a storm of protests against anyone, but rather a procession to safeguard the country’s interests and the voting and other rights of people. “This procession of millions on the streets is a march of resolve to build a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh as envisioned by countless students, citizens, and martyrs as well as those who were injured in the anti-fascist movement,” he observed. Tarique emphasised that it is crucial for every citizen to elect their representatives through their votes to ensure that fascism never returns to Bangladesh.  “As long as those aspiring to become representatives, from local governments to the central government, won’t remain dependent on the people’s vote, the people will not be able to fully enjoy the benefits of democracy,” he said. Even in an environment free from autocracy or fascism, Tarique said it will be impossible to free low-income people from the curse of market syndicates unless their right to elect their representatives through direct voting is guaranteed. “Let us ensure that this massive procession does not go in vain. With this expectation, I declare the auspicious inauguration of this rally,” the BNP leader said. Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir said that although Sheikh Hasina fled the country during the uprising, her cohorts are still lurking everywhere, ready to harm Bangladesh in various ways. He said the nefarious efforts to destroy Bangladesh must be resisted by strengthening national unity. “No dictator will be allowed to strip the people of their rights again. Let us unite and ensure that only democracy will prevail in Bangladesh,” he declared. Later, the party brought out a massive colourful rally in the capital around 3:32pm, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. It proceeded towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir concluded the rally with a brief address at Manik Mia Avenue at around 6:30pm. Earlier, tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, many of them wearing colourful caps, assembled at Nayapaltan since noon, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar has demanded that the national parliamentary elections be held within a reasonable timeframe.“Our demand is for a reasonable timeframe for the election,” he said.The Jamaat leader made the remark on Friday morning while answering questions from journalists after the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Kushtia district branch members’ (Rukan) conference, held at the Abdul Wahid Hall Room of Haji Shariat Ullah Orphanage along the Kushtia-Rajbari Highway.He also mentioned that as soon as the election schedule is announced, Jamaat-e-Islami will publish its election manifesto.The conference was chaired by Kushtia district Jamaat Ameer Professor Abul Hashem and conducted by Kushtia District Secretary Suja Uddin Joarder.

Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday to bring out a massive rally, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Since noon, BNP leaders and activists assembled at Nayapaltan, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, they chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. Streets and alleys from Bijoynagar to Fakirerpool were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area. BNP to take out rally in city on Friday marking Nov 7 The rally is set to start at 3 pm from the BNP’s central office. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will briefly address the crowd before the rally begins. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated, “This will be a massive rally that will make history. The martyrs of August 5 will be remembered in the rally,” he added. The BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. On November 7 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

The leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies observed the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday amid various programmes, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising' of November 7, 1975. On October 31, BNP declared a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical significance and background for the younger generation. As part of the programme, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country on Thursday morning. BNP leaders and activists, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of their party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. BNP Standing Committee Members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Ameer Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, Senior Leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Aman Ullah Aman, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Abdus Salam Azad, Mir Sarafat Ali Sofu, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab were, among others, present. BNP to take out rally in city on Friday marking Nov 7 They also participated in a munajat seeking salvation of the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman. The party’ cultural wing, Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas), arranged a cultural programme in front of the FDC in the afternoon. The party also arranged a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, on Wednesday. Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units also arranged various programmes, including discussions, cultural programmes, essay competitions, photo exhibitions and publishing supplements in newspapers, across the country, marking the day with due respect. The BNP will also take out a rally in November from in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday afternoon.  The party has already made the necessary preparations to ensure massive participation from its rank and file in the rally. Similar rallies will also be brought out in every division of the country. On this day in 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.

BNP is all set to take out a colourful rally on Friday in the capital to observe ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of November 7, 1975. The rally is scheduled to be brought out at 2:30pm from BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. It will then proceed to Manik Mia Avenue via Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar and Farmgate. Senior BNP leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will briefly address the gathering before the rally begins. Similar rallies will be arranged in every division of the country. BNP submits 5 names to search committee for EC formation BNP standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said they have already made the necessary preparations to ensure the rally’s success and massive participation from its rank and file. “This will be a massive rally that will make history. The martyrs of August 5 will be remembered in the rally,” he said. Zahid said the leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies from Dhaka’s south and north city units will participate in large numbers. Besides, he said, BNP leaders and activists from districts around Dhaka, including Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj, will also join the rally. On October 31, BNP declared a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical significance and background for the younger generation. As part of the programme, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country on Thursday morning. BNP leaders and activists, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of their party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The party also arranged a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, on Wednesday. On November 7, 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.  

Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday urged the political parties to work together for the sake of the country burying all divisions. He was speaking at an event at Al Falah auditorium in Bara Moghbazar here. It was organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan Unit of Jamaat to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day. He called upon everyone to work together to build a non-discrimination society and a new Bangladesh. Tabligh Jamaat(Saad) demands safe arrival of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi in Bangladesh "If we still think of divisions among us, there will be conspiracy, and a bigger danger will come," he said. He told Jamaat activists that "There is no compromise on the question of independence and sovereignty of the country. You have to live like a tiger, not like a cat." The Ameer said that Jamaat has been hit again and again because of transparent politics. "We never engage in anti-social activities like corruption, rape and extortion.  But the Awami League always targeted us and banned the party twice. The only reason behind this is our transparency," he added. Jamaat calls for uninterrupted reforms dismissing constitutional constraints Referring to the army's patriotic role on August 5 when Hasina government fell, he said the cancer of corruption must be uprooted. That is why political parties and leaders have to fix their political character. "If the leaders are not corrupt, the country will be free from corruption," he asserted.

A four-member BNP delegation went to China on Thursday at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The delegation, led by BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 3pm on a flight of China Southern Airlines, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP leaders are scheduled to participate in a programme to be held in Beijing from November 7 to 16. BNP submits 5 names to search committee for EC formation The other members of the delegation are BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Organising Secretary Anindya Islam Amit, and the party’s Media Cell member and Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Joint Secretary Mahmuda Habiba. Sayrul said the Communist Party of China has invited BNP and other political leaders from around the world to take part in an event titled "Political Party Plus" Cooperation in China’s capital, Beijing. He also said the BNP leaders are expected to return home on November 16. END/UNB/ARJ/SAM/

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party leaders and activists have taken a fresh vow to resist the hegemonic forces in a bid to protect democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty. Talking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he also expressed the hope that the interim government would be able to arrange the national election within a proper and reasonable timeframe. “We made a vow on November 7, after paying homage to Ziaur Rahman, that we will resist fascism together with people. We will launch a strong movement, if necessary, to protect democracy and preserve the country's independence and sovereignty," Fakhrul said. He also expressed the confidence that the people of Bangladesh would unite to reinforce the spirit of the student-led revolution. Earlier, Fakhrul, accompanied by thousands of leaders and activists, placed wreaths and offered fathea at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. The day commemorates the ‘civil-military uprising’ of November 7, 1975. On this day in 1975, during a period of political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then-Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, clearing the way for him to assume power. Read: Stay alert against conspiracies, warns Fakhrul Fakhrul said the fascist Awami League government had repeatedly plotted and resorted to repressive actions to eliminate the BNP. He alleged that the Awami League had falsely implicated 60 lakh people, subjected around 700 to enforced disappearance and killed several thousand others in its efforts to establish a one-party rule and fascism. “But by the grace of Allah, fascism and hegemonic forces have been defeated for the third time in Bangladesh through the student-led mass movement in 2024,” Fakhrul added. In response to a question, Fakhrul said the interim government indeed played an effective role over the past three months. “They have done many things and continue to do so. If we all cooperate with them, they will be able to hold the election at the appropriate and logical time to meet the challenges facing the nation,” the BNP leader said.

Deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has since been accused in over 200 cases of murder in Bangladeshi courts, has congratulated US president-elect Donald Trump on his victory over Democrat rival Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election. She stated that his “resounding election victory is a testament to his extraordinary leadership qualities and the immense trust bestowed on him by the American people”. This was notified in a press release circulated via the Awami League’s official, verified Facebook profile on Wednesday evening. The release is signed by AL Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua. Sheikh Hasina recalled with fondness her several meetings and interactions as Prime Minister with Donald J. Trump and Melania Trump during his first presidency, the release said, and that she (Hasina) hoped that under a second Trump presidency, bilateral relations between the friendly countries of Bangladesh and the United States of America “would be further strengthened”. She also expressed her commitment to working together “again”, to advance the bilateral and multilateral interests of their two countries. She wished the President-Elect and his family good health, long life, and happiness, and the friendly people of the United States of America continued peace, progress, and prosperity. It was not made clear in the release if the greetings were delivered via letter, phone, or any other medium. Sheikh Hasina is currently residing in the Delhi area of India, where she was forced to flee in the face of a massive popular uprising led by university students on August 5.