United News of Bangladesh

BNP will observe what it calls the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, marking the ‘civil-military uprising' of November 7, 1975. 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. On October 31, the BNP declared a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical significance and background for the younger generation. BNP wants people’s fate-changing reforms: Tarique Rahman Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units will also hold various programmes, including discussions, cultural programmes, essay competitions, photo exhibitions and publishing supplements in newspapers, across the country to mark the day with due respect. As part of the programmes, the party flag will be hoisted atop all its offices across the country on Thursday morning while BNP leaders and activists, led by party  Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of their party founder, ex- President Ziaur Rahman at 11am. The party will also arrange a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh today (Wednesday), marking the day. The BNP will also take out a rally in November from in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 4pm on November 8 (Friday).  The party has already made the necessary preparations to ensure massive participation from its rank and file in the rally. BNP seeks public role in political decisions Similar rallies will also be brought out in every division of the country. The party’ cultural wing Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) will arrange a cultural programme at the Central Shaheed Minar at 6pm on November 7.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged all to stay slert, warning that conspiracies are underway to once again plunge Bangladesh into new dangers. “All of you need to remain alert and strengthen the organisation. The danger is not over yet. New dangers are likely to emerge,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, he said attempts are being made to undermine and destroy democracy once again. The event was organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal at the Jatiya Press Club to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day on 7th November. Fakhrul said Sheikh Hasina, during her 16 years of autocratic rule, brutally repressed BNP leaders and activists, including those from Mohila Dal. "Hasina used to speak arrogantly while illegally remaining in power. She caused deaths to many people, including students. But we were freed on 5th August by removing that dreadful monster. It is a fact that Hasina fled the country in the face of a mass uprising," he said. Fakhrul said the nation is going through a critical time, despite the ousting of the autocratic regime. "We must proceed very carefully in this challenging situation." The BNP leader also called upon the interim government to hold the national election after swiftly implementing necessary state reforms. "We believe that an elected government is the best government to serve people with their support," he said. Fakhrul emphasised that elections are the key to restoring democracy in the country. He said there have been numerous efforts to eliminate the BNP, but no one has been able to divide the party. "On the contrary, BNP has grown stronger. We will move forward by further strengthening the party, and we will undoubtedly work to rebuild the state by winning the elections."

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said their party wants such state reforms that will help change the fate of the country’s crores of people and ensure their rights. Speaking virtually from London at a rally, he also said the nation is still passing through a critical juncture, as the evil ghosts of the deposed autocratic regime are still hatching various plots against the country. “Many of us now hear about reforms and many people are talking about various reforms. But it is the BNP that first presented reform proposals in Bangladesh to change the fate of people and transform this country,” Tarique said. He said their party chairperson Khaleda Zia outlined state reforms in 2017 by unveiling BNP’s Vision-2030 charter. Later, Tarique said, the BNP also presented reform proposals in 2023, outlining a 31-point charter for state reforms in consultation with democratic parties that joined the simultaneous movement for the restoration of democracy. BNP seeks public role in political decisions “What is the main purpose of these reforms? Is it just to change a few lines in the constitution? Of course, reforms are necessary to cope with changing times and the evolving world order in running the country. But I, as a political activist, believe reforms should be about changing the fate of crores of common people across the country and bringing positive changes to the nation,” he said. As a political activist,” the BNP leader said he thinks simply changing a few lines in the constitution is not reforms. BNP's Jashore district unit organised the rally at the Town Hall Ground in the district in memory of the late minister and BNP Standing Committee member, Tariqul Islam, marking his sixth death anniversary.   Tarique said the BNP’s 31-point state reform proposals clearly outline the steps needed to carry out the necessary reforms for ensuring a qualitative change in the country and improving the fate of its people. "In one sentence, as a political activist, I mean reforms that will change the fortune of the people, bring employment to the unemployed, ensure the freedom and rights of women, guarantee people’s safety, ensure our children get better education, and provide people with minimum healthcare services," he explained. He said the country is still going through a period of crisis, even after the fall of the autocratic regime through the mass uprising. “Although the autocratic regime was ousted and its head fled the country, their ghosts remain in society and different places of the administration. From there, they are still trying to sow the seeds of various conspiracies. I call this a critical time,” the BNP leader said. Tarique also expressed his feeling of the absence of a political figure like Tariqul Islam, especially during this difficult time for the nation. “Had someone like Tariqul Islam been alive now, he could have offered me valuable and important suggestions that would contribute to the welfare of both the country and our party,” he said.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Tuesday called upon the interim government to immediately announce the election date and present a clear outline for state reforms, without resorting to any trickery. Speaking at a discussion, he also said those who describe the recent mass uprising as the "second independence" are actually against the country's independence, the Liberation War, and the proclamation of independence by Ziaur Rahman in 1971. "Clearly inform the nation when the election will be held, without any deceit or manipulation. The nation wants to know the election date. If you leave the nation in uncertainty, there is no reason for them to sit idle and watch your mockery," he said. The BNP leader said the country's situation is currently murky, and it may become even more complicated in the days to come. "In these challenging times, we want to believe that the current government will show the nation a ray of hope. But I urge them not to do anything that will cause the nation to lose faith in you." As their party has been talking about election, he said someone within the government has said BNP has become crazy to return to power. “In reply to this if we say you’re not talking about the election as you are crazy to stay in power.” Abbas said the BNP has been struggling for 17 years to restore democracy and people's freedom of expression. "Those who claim that we are desperate to return to power are mistaken. In reality, we are fighting to restore the rights of people." BNP forms new committees in four city, five district units Muktijoddha Projonmo and Projonmo Academy organised the programme titled "The Spirit of the Liberation War and Today's Bangladesh" at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 21st death anniversary of veteran freedom fighter Mesbah Uddin Ahmed Sabu. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, criticised the government's advisers for making confusing statements about the reforms and the election. "You're not saying anything clearly about how long it will take to implement these reforms. In fact, we do not see any signs of reform. You are not saying anything clearly also about the election," he said. The BNP leader said people within the government are also making misleading remarks about constitutional amendments and changes to the constitution. "Who are you to amend the constitution? Will you change the constitution without Parliament? You must remember that the constitution is not a rough draft that you can alter as you wish," he stated. Abbas said it is imperative to seek the opinions of the freedom fighters and other relevant stakeholders if the government wishes to amend the constitution. He observed that some individuals, who had fled abroad instead of joining the movement against the Awami League government, have now returned home and are speaking out loudly. "They’re also talking about changing the constitution." The BNP leader said an abnormal situation has been prevailing in the country as the government is not clarifying its position on the election and the reforms. "The people of the country want peace, they want relief. Enough is enough—give us peace, give us back relief. You came for elections, but now you are talking about reforms without any clear outline. Tell the people clearly what you intend to do. We won’t let you do whatever you want at your whim, leaving the nation in the dark," he said. Abbas hoped that good senses would prevail upon the government to take steps for holding the national election without any unnecessary delay. "The people of the country did not accept an unelected government in the past, and they will not accept one in the future." The BNP leader said it is not understandable why their party's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is unable to return to the country. "We don’t understand why his cases, or the cases against us, are not being withdrawn. These cases can be removed through an ordinance, but you are not doing this.”

In a move to overhaul the party and prepare for the next national election, the BNP has announced new committees in four metropolitan cities, including Dhaka North and six districts. The announcement was made in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. The approved committees are those for Dhaka North, Chattogram, Barishal and Sylhet cities, as well as new committees in Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, Brahmanbaria, Kushtia, Mymensingh South, and Sherpur. Aminul Haque, a former national football team captain, has been appointed as convener of the Dhaka North city unit, while Mostafa Zaman will serve as the member secretary of the six-member partial convening committee. Other joint conveners include Mostafizur Rahman Segun, SM Jahangir, Ferdowsi Ahmed Mishti and Abdur Razzak, who will also take on the role of office secretary. This restructuring follows the dissolution of the previous convening committee for Dhaka North, headed by Saiful Alam Nirob. On September 29, the BNP dissolved the Dhaka North city unit’s convening committee, around two and a half months after its formation. The earlier committee had been constituted on July 7, with a three-month deadline for the new leaders to form full committees. Saiful Alam Nirob was initially named convener, with Aminul Haque as the member secretary. In Chattogram, a 53-member full-fledged convening committee for the BNP city unit has been announced, with Ershadullah being appointed as its convener and Nazimuddin Rahman as the member secretary. The BNP’s Barishal city unit has also been restructured with a 42-member full-fledged committee, appointing Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk as its convener and Ziauddin Sikder Zia as the member secretary. Besides, the party announced a 170-member full-fledged committee for its Sylhet city unit, making Rezaul Hasan Koyes Ludi as its acting president and Imdad Hossain Chowdhury as its general secretary. The BNP also formed two separate 32-member convening committees in Moulvibazar and Sunamganj districts, appointing Faizur Rahman Moyun and Kalim Uddin Ahmad Milon as conveners, respectively. No member secretary has been designated in these two districts, with the remaining members serving as committee members. In Brahmanbaria, Advocate Abdul Mannan has been appointed as convenor, with Sirajul Islam Siraj as member secretary of a 32-member BNP’s convening committee. Kutub Uddin Ahmed has been designated as convenor, while Engineer Md Zakir Hossain Sarkar has been appointed as member secretary of a 31-member convening committee for the BNP's Kushtia district unit. Md Zakir Hossain Babul has been appointed as convenor of a three-member partial convening committee the BNP's Mymensingh South district unit, with Rokonuzzaman Sarkar Rokon as member secretary. In Sherpur district, Md Hazrat Ali has been appointed as convenor, while Advocate Md Sirajul Islam serves as member secretary of a three-member partial convening committee for the BNP.

Amidst calls to ban the Awami League and Jatiya Party, BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday stated that it is ultimately up to people to determine whom to accept or reject, through a transparent national election. Speaking at a discussion, he expressed that restoring democracy will serve as a form of retribution for those who have undermined it. “We have been asked to clarify BNP's stance on banning the Awami League and Jatiya Party. Why should the BNP need to clarify its position on this issue?” Gayeshwar questioned. He added that both the people of Bangladesh and the BNP desire the interim government to quickly hold the national election. “People will decide who should be rejected and who should be accepted through the election. So, any imprudent decision will not bring welfare or peace to the country,” he stated. BNP delegation set visit China at Chinese Communist Party’s invitation The Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to commemorate National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. Gayeshwar, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said that the term ‘reform’ became stigmatised during the 1/11 political changeover due to ulterior motives. He said that while there is widespread support for necessary state reforms, attempts to consolidate power by banning a political party or promoting depoliticisation will not serve the nation’s interests. BNP announces 10-day prog to observe ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ “Those who deserve banning have, in effect, banned themselves and departed from the country; now there is no one to raise their banner or slogans,” he asserted. The BNP leader said political parties should not engage in retribution against each other. “We are fighting for democracy, and the restoration of democracy is the means of taking that revenge on (the Awami League).” He also mentioned that Sheikh Hasina had to leave the country due to her long history of disregarding the law. “After her downfall, how could she abide by the law? If she were not afraid of the law, she would not have left the country; she would have stayed in jail.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday warned that no one should think of the Minus-Two formula again or engage in any actions excluding the BNP as part of a plot. Speaking at a memorial meeting, he also said there were failed attempts to depoliticise and implement the Minus-Two formula during the 1/11 political changeover in 2007. "No one should even think about following that path. We want to make it clear that you should not try to do anything to exclude the BNP as part of any plots because the people of Bangladesh will never accept it," Fakhrul said. He said the Awami League had tried to split the BNP in various ways but has failed, and no one will be able to do so in the future either. Without naming anyone, he said an adviser to the interim government made an unexpected and unwarranted comment suggesting that politicians are restless to go to power. “This is very unfortunate. We do not expect an individual of his stature to make such remarks.” Don't allow fallen fascists to return : BNP The Dhaka South City unit of the BNP organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the fifth death anniversary of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, the former mayor of the undivided Dhaka City Corporation and BNP vice-chairman. Earlier on Saturday, Road, Transport and Bridges and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said, "There's no money in the banks. Politicians seem desperate to go to power, and we, too, wish to return to our work." Fakhrul said politicians not only aspire to return to power, but they have also sacrificed their lives, endured repression and suppression, and worked tirelessly to free Bangladesh from Sheikh Hasina's grip. He said they are advocating for the prompt restoration of democracy by holding national elections, as the longer the government delays the polls, the greater the chance Hasina and her cohorts will have to revive. Fakhrul reiterates BNP's opposition to banning political parties "I would like to say it again that create an atmosphere for holding the elections quickly by removing garbage from the state institutions. You have been given that responsibility, and we are cooperating with you. Now, you should cooperate with us. Don’t try to mislead people by claiming that we are anxious to return to power,” the BNP leader said. As a political party, he said the BNP aims to return to power, with its leaders and workers actively engaging in politics to run the country and ensure the welfare of the people. Describing how BNP leaders and workers have faced various acts of repression and sacrificed their lives during Awami League rule, Fakhrul said the immense sacrifices of the BNP cannot be in vain.   He urged the BNP leaders and workers not to engage in any actions that could tarnish the party’s image or lead to criticism of the party. “Don’t let anyone do that. Keep it in mind.” The BNP leader observed that Bangladesh still cannot overcome the crisis, even though the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina has fled to India. “We have been freed from the grasp of an awful monster, but there is no relief, as it seems we are still trapped since the government of the people has not yet been established,” he said. No haste over constitutional matters: Tarique to interim govt Fakhrul said they have extended their support to an interim government headed by a respected figure like Dr Muhammad Yunus, which will oversee the government until the elections is held. “Our Madam (Khaleda Zia) has always respected him, and we hold him in high regard as well. The entire world respects you (Yunus). You have a huge reputation globally, and maintaining that is now your major responsibility. You have been entrusted with the task of restoring democracy in Bangladesh, which means you must hand over power to an elected parliament and government by conducting a fair and acceptable election,” he said. Fakhrul said the Awami League has devastated the country and its economy over the past 15 years by plundering and siphoning off public funds abroad. “The greatest damage has been done to the morale of the people of Bangladesh, and now thieves are everywhere, from banks to other offices.” He recalled Sadeque Hossain Khoka's contributions to the country’s Liberation War, nation-building, and the strengthening of the BNP. From head to toe, Fakhrul said Khoka embodied the spirit of a politician who was genuinely friendly and approachable with his workers. The BNP leader said they feel the absence of a charismatic leader like Khoka during any national and political crisis.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged all to keep fighting against fascists and stop the return of the deposed Awami fascism.  Talking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he also said  the court's order declaring BNP leader Dr Shahadat Hossain as the elected mayor of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has proved that all elections held under the Awami League regime were rigged and usurped. “We drove the fascists out of the country through a student-led mass uprising. Now, the nation expects that fascism won’t return and that it will be eliminated forever through the united resistance of people,” Fakhrul said. He also expressed the hope that future elections will be conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. BNP leader Shahadat Hossain takes oath as Chattogram city mayor On behalf of BNP and its two top leaders, Fakhrul congratulated Dr Shahadat on his swearing-in as the mayor of Chattogram City Corporation. He claimed that Dr  Shahadat was elected mayor by people’s votes in the CCC polls, but the Awami League had unlawfully taken that victory away. Fakhrul expressed gratitude to the court for overturning the rigged election results and declaring Dr Shahadat the rightful winner. He also thanked the interim government for accepting the court's verdict and for swearing in Dr Shahadat today (Sunday. Earlier in the Day, Shahadat Hossain took oath as the mayor of CCC. Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, AF Hassan Ariff, administered the swearing-in ceremony in the conference room of the Local Government Division at the Secretariat on Sunday morning. Need to hold polls quickly; only elected govt can make visible changes: Fakhrul After taking the oath, Dr Shahadat, accompanied by party leaders and workers, including Fakhrul, visited Zia’s grave to pay homage by placing a wreath there. Earlier, on October 1, Joint District and Sessions Judge and Election Tribunal of Chittagong, Mohammad Khairul Amin, declared Dr Shahadat Hossain the mayor in response to a lawsuit regarding the CCC election. In the January 27, 2021, CCC election, Awami League candidate Rezaul Karim Chowdhury was initially declared winner with 369,248 votes, while Dr Shahadat Hossain, the BNP candidate, received 52,489 votes.  However, on October 8, the Election Commission announced Dr Shahadat as the winner and published the gazette that same night.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed his party’s opposition to banning any party by the interim government. “Who are we to ban political parties? It’s the people of the country who will take the decision in this regard,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks as journalists sought his comments about a quarter’s demand for banning Jatiya Party. Mirza Fakhrul recalls former secretary Sabihuddin’s contributions to country He said what is not an issue is being made an issue as part of a new plot. The BNP leader said plots have been hatched to destabilise the country and put the country’s future in uncertainty. Earlier, he joined a memorial programme at BRAC Center Inn, marking the second death anniversary of Sabihuddin Ahmed, an ex-adviser of the BNP Chairperson. Fakhrul said Sabihuddin Ahmed, as a patriot and a man of nationalist ideals, will always be remembered with respect and love by the people of the country. Need to hold polls quickly; only elected govt can make visible changes: Fakhrul He said Sabihuddin Ahmed worked for the people and democracy of the country all his life. Fakhrul also said that Sabihuddin Ahmed, a sports enthusiast, was full of energy. “He would be happy if he could see Bangladesh free from fascism.” Interim Government Finance Advisor Salehiddin Ahmed, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, among others, spoke at the program.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday remembered the contributions of Sabihuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Chairperson's advisory council and former secretary, on the occasion of his second death anniversary. Speaking at the memorial programme, Fakhrul stated, "Sabih dedicated himself to the country and the people in every role he held." "What stands out most to me is his unwavering commitment while working alongside our Madam Begum Khaleda Zia; he approached his duties with the highest sense of responsibility," Fakhrul added. Fakhrul remarked, "Together with Sabih, who began his journey in student politics, we shared a common goal: to transform society, and we will achieve that." He noted that while it wasn’t possible at the time due to Sabih’s commitment to his government job, Sabih, however, never deviated from that objective. The BNP Secretary General stated that under Sheikh Hasina's government, Sabihuddin faced severe persecution. "He was subjected to brutal attacks at that time... Riaz Rahman was shot, Sabihuddin's car was set on fire, and another individual was also assaulted." Fakhrul added, "His loss is a heavy blow for us. It’s deeply painful for those of us who stood by him." "We were like brothers. He possessed boundless energy and faced every challenge with unwavering determination," Fakhrul stated. The memorial meeting was hosted by the family of the late Sabihuddin at the BRAC Center conference hall in Mohakhali, Dhaka. Among those in attendance were Senior Editor Shafik Rehman, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zahir Uddin Swapan, and Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud, along with dignitaries from various fields, including retired diplomats, bankers, and economists. Sabihuddin's wife Rownak Ahmed, son Sayab Ahmed, and other close relatives were also present at the memorial.  Sabihuddin Ahmed died at the age of 76 while undergoing treatment at the United Hospital in Gulshan in 2022. Sabihuddin served as the private secretary to then prime minister Khaleda Zia in 1991. He later returned to the information cadre. In 2001, Sabihuddin Ahmed joined the environment ministry as secretary. Later, he was appointed as Bangladesh's high commissioner to the UK. After retiring as a secretary, Sabihuddin actively joined BNP politics and was a member of BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council till his death.