United News of Bangladesh

Miscreants have set fire to the BNP office in Guthia union under Wazirpur upazila of Barishal district ahead of Awami League’s countrywide ‘lockdown’ for Thursday. Locals said the attackers poured petrol around 3am and fled after igniting the blaze. Residents rushed to the scene and tried to control the fire but the office and its valuables were completely destroyed. Abandoned train coach set on fire in Tejgaon; two suspects held Sources suspect the attack is linked to the Awami Leagues’ ‘lockdown’ programme to create panic among people. Officer-in-Charge Abdus Salam of Wazirpur Police Station said a police team was sent to the spot and legal action would be taken upon investigation.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday (12th November 2025) urged political parties not to make the country’s situation volatile by imposing various conditions, but instead to face people in next year’s national election, rather than issuing threats to the ‘fragile’ interim government. Speaking virtually at a discussion, he also said it is up to the interim government to decide whether it will implement the aspirations of any particular political party or prioritise holding the February election to establish a government accountable to the people of the country. “As preparations are underway to establish a government accountable to the people through their direct votes and to restore citizens’ rights, we have observed that a few political parties seem to be positioning themselves against the restoration of the political rights of democracy-loving people, taking advantage of the weaknesses of the interim government,” he said. Tarique said many of BNP’s allies from the anti-fascist street movement are expressing doubts about the February election next year. “I would like to draw the attention of our allies present here today that, instead of issuing threats to the interim government, let us face the people in the upcoming February election. Let us all come forward and stand before the people,” he said. Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin BNP arranged the discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre to mark the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, commemorating the civil-military uprising on November 7, 1975, which marked 50 years. Senior leaders of different political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, addressed the programme and stressed the need to maintain unity among the anti-fascist political parties to ensure the restoration of democracy through the next national election, removing differences of opinion among them. Tarique Rahman warned that if any political party, seeing the interim government as weak, tries to get whatever it wants or uses tricks to deny the BNP a victory, such actions could ultimately lead to political disaster for that party. “I urge our allies on the streets --and anyone trying to muddy the waters--please do not try to make the situation volatile,” he said. The BNP leader said the international community has made it clear that without an elected government, they will not release funds. He said at this critical juncture--when the economy is struggling, unemployment is rising, and everything seems to be falling apart--some political parties are setting various conditions. “Some of those who once stood with us on the streets are now trying to obstruct the national election by attaching various preconditions. Creating complications over holding the election essentially means either trying to seize control of the state machinery without participating in the election or paving the way for the return of a fallen, defeated, and fugitive dictator,” Tarique said. He said associates of the runaway autocrat recently carried out arson attacks even in the capital. “This should serve as a warning for all forces that once fought against fascism.” In the past, the BNP leader said, some leaders of a party took shelter under the fascist umbrella to save themselves from repression as part of their political strategy. “In today’s changed circumstances, it seems the fallen and defeated autocrats are now trying to find refuge under the umbrella of that very party which once stood against fascism. It is time for everyone to take a hard look and think seriously about this situation,” he said. Tarique also expressed concern that a party may be trying to create scope for the rehabilitation of fallen, fugitive forces into politics under the guise of a referendum before the national election. “I call upon all democracy-loving people of the country to remain vigilant against such moves.” He said the people do not expect complete success from a short-term interim government in all areas, and it is not the interim government’s primary responsibility to fulfil every demand of the people. “The interim government has set the schedule for the national election in February. Now the government has to decide whether it will fulfil the aspirations of a particular political party or prioritise the February election to establish a government that is accountable to the democracy-loving people of the country,” the BNP leader said. He said the BNP has remained fully committed to maintaining unity in the anti-fascist alliance. “If we review the Consensus Commission’s discussions, it will be seen that the BNP has presented a positive stance on most points. Our position is very clear: the commitments made in the July Charter, which we signed, will be fully upheld by the BNP, and we remain strongly committed to fulfilling them,” Tarique said. He said over 1,500 people were martyred during the July–August movement, and students, the general public, women and men, farmers, and workers took to the streets. “The people took to the streets to assert their rights in the state and in politics. As a political activist, I believe that surely the people did not sacrifice their lives to create an opportunity for a particular political party or group to establish its rights or to engage in political bargaining,” the BNP leader said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the politics of reconciliation initiated by Zia is now much needed in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin He said an unnecessary crisis has been created with the motive to obstruct the election, which is necessary for reforms and the restoration of democracy, and to prevent uncertainty over the people’s future. The BNP leader urged all political parties to work together to resist any plots and ensure the restoration of democracy under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed recounted how BNP founder Ziaur Rahman came to politics and initiated various reforms to develop the country as a true patriot. “Ziaur Rahman was fully devoted to Bangladesh and worked only for the country and its people. He began reforms but could not complete them. I urge Tarique Rahman to continue from where your father and mother left off. We will provide our support,” he said. Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Jatiya Party (Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, Gonoforum President Subrata Chowdhury, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, AB Party Chairman Mojubur Rahman Monju, and Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, educationist Prof Mahbub Ullah, among others, addressed the programme. BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Hafizuddin Ahmed, and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also addressed the programme. Read more: Violence cannot halt elections, says Amir Khosru

Eight like-minded parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Wednesday announced to stage demonstrations across the country on Thursday to resist what they described as the ‘subversive and destructive activities of fascist forces’. They will also stage protest processions at district and metropolitan levels across the country on November 14 to press home their five-point demand, including issuing an order to hold a referendum before the national election over the July National Charter. The announcement came at a press conference on Wednesday where Prof Mujibur Rahman, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former MP, announced the programmes on behalf of the eight parties. Earlier, a joint meeting of the eight parties, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, was held at 11 am at the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The seven other parties are Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, National Democratic Party (JAGPA) and Bangladesh Development Party. They called upon all patriotic and anti-fascist groups to join them on the streets. They also announced that a meeting of the top leaders of the eight parties will be held at 11:00 am on November 16 which will followed by a press conference at 12:30 pm at the Al-Falah Auditorium. The eight like-minded parties threatened to go for an indefinite sit-in programme in front of Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, if their demands are not met. Tension rises in Dhaka ahead of planned ‘lockdown’ amid fears of violence They urged the people, law enforcement agencies, transport owners and traffic police to extend their full cooperation in making their announced programmes a success. The eight parties' other demands are introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper or both houses, ensuring a level playing field for all parties during the election, ensuring visible justice for all acts of repression, killings, and corruption committed by the previous  government and banning the activities of  Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.  

Urging the government to be tougher and active on maintaining law and order, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday (12th November 2025) said no one can obstruct the upcoming election by indulging in violence. “There is no reason to believe that anyone will be able to disrupt the upcoming election through acts of violence or sabotage. The people of Bangladesh are very aware and alert. They are eagerly waiting for the election,” he said. Talking to reporters after European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller’s meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said election activities are now in full swing across all 300 constituencies of the country with great enthusiasm and participation. “Almost all political parties are now active on the ground, taking part in election-related activities. Campaigns and preparations are progressing smoothly in every area,” he said. EU Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul, discusses polls Asked for his comment on recent incidents of political unrest and violence, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said such issues concern everyone. “Law and order is always a matter of concern. We also have our concerns.” He said they hope the government will ensure that its law enforcement agencies remain strong, vigilant, and effective in addressing any such incidents. Responding to questions about the Awami League’s alleged violent activities and lockdown programme, the BNP leader said, “The Awami League is neither in the race nor active in the country. Their leader is not even present. So, there is nothing to discuss.” He also said they believe anyone, not just the Awami League, can potentially carry out such violent acts. “It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to perform their duties properly to protect the country from such activities.” Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul Khosru said those who are not contesting in the election or are absent from the country, and whose activities have been suspended, may attempt violent acts, and other quarters could also be involved. “But it is the government’s responsibility to deal with them. They have intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies, and we hope the government will be more active in handling these matters effectively. Through this, we will be able to move forward towards the election.” Speaking about BNP’s nomination list, Khosru said, “After announcing candidates for 237 seats, the list has been widely accepted. Reports from various quarters indicate that the nominations are well received.” Regarding Jamaat’s Amir’s comment that no election will be held next year without the legal recognition of the July Charter, he said, “We have already discussed and reached an agreement. The charter was signed. Beyond that, we are not aware of any remaining issues. After so many discussions and the signing of the charter, it is not clear what else could still be pending.” Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Wednesday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed Bangladesh’s overall political situation, the upcoming national election and the EU’s engagement in the electoral process. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. Talking to reporters after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their discussions centred on election preparations, the current political situation and the EU's role, including financial support for the Election Commission and the planned deployment of election observers. IMF team meets BNP, discusses reforms in financial, social sectors “Naturally, our discussions revolved around the election---our preparations, the current political context, and how we are moving forward,” he said. Khosru said they told the EU envoy that the announcement of their party’s nomination list has already created an election atmosphere across the country. “People are now engaged and working for the election. In almost every area, there is a growing sense of election momentum.” He said the EU has been extending support to Bangladesh’s Election Commission and civil society groups ahead of the polls. “They are providing financial assistance to the Election Commission, working with civil society and maintaining communication with political parties. They have also decided to send election observers,” Khosru said. The BNP leader said the discussions also touched on the EU’s ongoing involvement in the election process. He said the European Union is giving significant attention to Bangladesh’s upcoming election, as they want the process to be completed on time, smoothly and successfully. “At this moment, their main focus is on ensuring a fair and credible election. Since the EU has a major involvement in this election, they want it to be held properly so that the country’s democratic order can be restored,” Khosru added.  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return home by the end of this month, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “We are hopeful that he (Tarique) may come back by the end of this month. If not, it might be delayed by a few days,” he told UNB on Tuesday night (11th November 2025). Tarique Rahman, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been living in London for the past 17 years since leaving the country with his family during the state of emergency in 2008. Although all legal complications against him were resolved following the fall of the Awami League government in the July uprising, Tarique has yet to return home. Over the past few months, several senior BNP leaders have repeatedly said Tarique would return “soon”, though none has mentioned a specific date. Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul In an interview with BBC Bangla on October 6, Tarique Rahman was asked when he planned to return to Bangladesh. He replied, “Very soon, Inshallah.” Asked whether he would be in the country before the election, Tarique said, “As a political worker, it’s natural that I should be with the people during an election. Where there is a people’s election – one expected by the nation – how can I stay away? I will do my best to be with the people during that time, Inshallah.” Although Tarique has long been involved in leading the party and shaping its election strategies, he has never contested a parliamentary election himself. This time, however, he is set to run in the 13th national parliamentary election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. July Charter signatories not bound by decisions beyond its scope: BNP to govt His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been contesting elections from Bogura-7 (Gabtoli and Shahjahanpur) since 1991 and from Bogura-6 (Sadar) since June 1996 — never losing in either seat. Tarique is now stepping forward to contest from his mother’s long-held constituency. Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, situated on a 32-katha plot donated to her by the government in 1981, has been prepared for Tarique Rahman to stay with his family upon his return. Party insiders said Tarique will be given a grand reception from the airport to the Gulshan house, making his homecoming a historic and memorable day. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Read more: BNP, Jamaat block highway over Gazipur-6 seat issue

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday said that recognising the ‘July Revolution’ is a prerequisite for participating in the 2026 national election. “Those who do not recognise the July Revolution, there will be no elections in 2026 for them. To give recognition to the July Revolution, the July Charter must have a legal basis. Without this legal basis, elections cannot take place,” he said. The Jamaat chief was speaking at a rally organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami along with seven other political parties in the city’s Paltan area to press home their five-point demand. The rally, which began shortly after 2 pm, caused major traffic disruptions in Paltan and surrounding roads, triggering traffic chaos. “The demand of the people of this country is clear, a referendum must be held before the national election. All parties agree on the referendum, so why this confusion over the date?” he added. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the next national election will be held based on the July Charter. “When the elections are held, there will be no doubts or suspicions. We want the national elections to take place before Ramadan next year. No one should try to create smoke and mirrors around this.” Jamaat’s assistant secretary general, Hamidur Rahman Azad, said that if all constitutional provisions are followed, elections are due in 2029, not in 2024 or 2026. He criticised claims that the constitution does not provide for a referendum, noting that the provision was annulled through constitutional amendments during the Awami League’s rule. Jamaat Secretary General Golam Parwar said that almost nine months of discussions with the National Consensus Commission on constitutional, political, and administrative reforms have led to near consensus, but conspiracies have been hatched since then. He warned the government about potential disruptive plans on November 13. Speakers at the rally included Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Ameer, Islami Andolan Bangladesh), Maulana Mamunul Haque (Ameer, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis), Maulana Sarwar Kamal Azizi (Ameer, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party), Rashed Pradhan (Senior Vice President, National Democratic Party – JAGPA), Maulana Abdul Basit Azad (Ameer, Khelafat Majlis), Maulana Habibullah Miazi (Ameer, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan), and Advocate Anwarul Haque Chan (President, Bangladesh Development Party). The eight parties’ five demands are: issuing an order to implement the July Charter; announcing the referendum date before the election; introducing proportional representation in both houses in the next national polls; ensuring a level playing field for a free, fair, and acceptable election; and initiating visible accountability measures for past incidents of repression, killings, and corruption. The parties also demanded a ban on the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the government will be entirely responsible if anything beyond the consensus on some reforms is imposed by force. “Regarding some reforms, we have reached a consensus, but if anything is forcibly imposed beyond that, the government alone will have to take full responsibility," he told a meeting at Kismat Keshur Bari Laxmirhat High School ground in Borgaon Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. About the election, he warned that Bangladesh will turn into a ‘failed state’ if the upcoming national election is postponed. He criticised a particular political party for spreading distorted religious messages to women at the grassroots level and urged people to stay cautious about those who act ‘hypocritically’. The BNP leader pledged that if his party is reelected one million jobs would be created within 15 months. He also emphasised the party’s commitment to making the judiciary fully independent. On education sector reforms, he said the scrapping of physical education and music teachers’ posts from schools is not right and it creates a gap in the education system. The meeting, presided over by Borgaon Union BNP President Dr Ahmad Ali, was attended by District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Md Poigam Ali, Sadar Upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid, and several other district and upazila-level leaders.

National Citizens Party (NCP) wants to form an alliance with those who independently support reforms and oppose Indian hegemony, said party’s chief coordinator for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday (11th November 2025). Speaking at the inauguration of the Narayanganj district office of the NCP at the Somobay Building in the city, Hasnat said, “We are ready to join hands with those who independently stand for reforms.” “We can form alliances with those who support reforms, stand for Bangladesh, oppose Indian dominance, and uphold communal harmony,” he added. Hasnat, however, made it clear that the NCP would not align with any group or party that has opposed reforms or obstructed the country’s reform process. “The NCP has always made sacrifices in the greater interest of the nation,” he said. Cocktail explosion near NCP office in Banglamotor, 5 detained Calling the Awami League “irrelevant” in today’s Bangladesh, Hasnat remarked, “The Awami League has become irrelevant now. We need to look ahead. But we’ve seen that some paid intellectuals and beneficiaries of the Awami League have tried to generate legitimacy for the party through talk shows.” He said recent events have made it clear who were behind the acts of arson both in the past and the present. “The fall of the Awami League did not come through ballots; it came through a mass uprising. When a party falls through a popular uprising, it loses its political relevance. Those who are now trying to restore the Awami League’s legitimacy through ballots are, in fact, legitimising arson terrorism. That’s why unity among all anti-fascist political forces is the only way forward,” the NCP leader added. Read more: NCP’s candidate list on Nov 15; likely to skip Khaleda’s constituencies

Supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied political parties have gathered at Paltan in the capital to press their previously announced five-point demand. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 pm. The decision to hold the rally was announced on November 3 at a press conference by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque. Leaders present at the press briefing included Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir), Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Prof Ashraf Ali Akon, Jamaat leaders Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Nizami Islam Party’s Mufti Harun Izhar, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) spokesperson Rashed Pradhan. Supporters of Jamaat, allies gather at Paltan to push for 5-point demand The five-point demand focuses on the implementation of the July Charter and related electoral reforms. The five demands are issuing an order to hold a referendum before the national election over the July National Charter, introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper or both houses, ensuring a level playing field for all parties during the election, ensuring visible justice for all acts of repression, killings, and corruption committed by the previous  government and banning the activities of  Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance. On November 6, Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied parties submitted a five-point memorandum to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, seeking the implementation of the July Charter and calling for a national referendum ahead of the next general election scheduled for February. Read more: Police intercept Jamaat, Islami Andolon procession near Matsya Bhaban