United News of Bangladesh

Ahmad Abdul Quader, secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, on Thursday said the proposed establishment of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Dhaka poses a threat to the country’s stability. Speaking at a roundtable organised by Islami Jubo Majlish in the capital, Quader alleged that of nearly 200 UN member states, OHCHR offices exist in only 16—most of which are unstable. "Despite having offices in Palestine and Syria, the UN has failed to prevent genocides. Meanwhile, in India, the hardline Hindutva-led Modi government is openly persecuting minorities, demolishing mosques and Islamic heritage sites, yet no OHCHR office has been established there. Myanmar also continues to violate human rights, but the UN has not opened an office there either,” he said. He claimed the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) selectively advocates for particular global agendas and groups, often failing to address broader humanitarian crises. Quader warned that over 90% of Bangladesh’s population are Muslims with strong cultural and moral opposition to LGBTQ and same-sex relations. “The OHCHR is known to promote LGBTQ rights. Establishing such an office in a socially conservative country like Bangladesh could destabilize the nation,” he said, urging the interim government to cancel any related agreements immediately. Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam appointed new Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN Offices in Geneva The roundtable titled “Establishment of UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka: Threats and Realities” was held at the Majlish Auditorium in Paltan while Islami Jubo Majlish Central President Tawhid Islam Tuhin presided over the session. Conducted by Islami Jubo Majlish General Secretary Maulana Sohail Ahmed, the event was also addressed by Khelafat Majlish Joint Secretary General Muhammad Muntasir Ali, Professor Abdul Jalil, Central Cultural Secretary Maulana Ruhul Amin Sadi, Islami Chhatra Majlish President Muhammad Raihan Ali, senior lawyer Advocate Md Sheikhul Islam, and political analyst Asad Parvez. Among others present were Maulana Azizul Haque, General Secretary of Khelafat Majlish Dhaka North; Advocate Rafiqul Islam, Central Executive Member and Joint General Secretary of Lawyers Majlish; HM Ershad, General Secretary of Shramik Majlish; Kazi Arifur Rahman, Joint General Secretary of Khelafat Majlish Dhaka South; and several youth and student leaders.

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Thursday said Bangladesh lags behind its competitors in securing favourable agreements with the US. “Bangladesh’s export trade heavily depends on effective tariff policies with the United States, but the country lags behind its competitors in securing favourable agreements,” he said while addressing a discussion in the capital. The Centre for Macroeconomic Analysis (CMEA) of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government, arranged the event titled “the July edition of its Monthly Macroeconomic Insights (MMI)’ at PRI’s conference room. Former Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Muhammad Abdul Mazid said the country’s fiscal space is limited. “Reforms, particularly in tax policy, debt management, and GDP calculation, are essential, even if they are painful. Without a clear separation between policymaking and implementation within the NBR, meaningful progress will remain out of reach,” he said. PRI chairman Zaidi Sattar and PRI principal economist Ashikur Rahman delivered the keynote presentation. Export from BEPZA increases by 16.22%, creates 33,000 jobs in FY25 Delivering the keynote presentation, Dr Sattar said Bangladesh’s economy is still investment-driven, not consumption-led. “A slowdown in private credit growth, reduced capital machinery imports, and lower investment, now accounting for around 29% of GDP, are contributing to slower GDP growth, although the macroeconomy remains stable.” The PRI chairman said Bangladesh has been exporting to the US on the basis of comparative advantage in labor-intensive products such as RMG and footwear. “Given that the US is a large and expanding market, we need a favorable trade agreement with them,” he said. “Relying on labor-intensive competitive advantage is no longer sufficient. We need a competitive trade deal because if our competitors obtain better trade terms, our global competitiveness will be undermined. This presents a new and pressing challenge that we have to deal with,” he added. Dr Ashikur Rahman underscored that the measures and policies taken to restore good governance in the financial sector will require continuity over the next one to three years. Bangladesh may get reduced tariffs on exports to USA: Finance Adviser PRI Executive Director Khurshid Alam said revenue remains a key challenge and that reforms, such as separating policymaking from implementation in the NBR, are still a work in progress.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday met with the members of five families who lost their children in the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College in the city’s Uttara area. Fakhrul, along with some BNP leaders, first went to Tarartek in Diabari of Uttara and offered fateha at the graves of three students killed in the aircraft crash — Umayer Nur Ashiq, Borhan Uddin Bappy, and Mahit Hasan Arian — around 11am at their family graveyard, and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls. Later, he met with the bereaved family members and spent time with them, offering words of comfort and support. Ashiq, Bappy, and Arian belonged to the same family and were cousins. The three of them grew up together in the Tarartek Mosque area of Diabari, Uttara. Fakhrul then went to the nearby Nayanagar area and offered fateha at the graves of two more students — Junayed and Shariar. He also spoke to the family members of the two students and consoled them, saying, “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, not just for you but for the whole nation. We stand with you in this painful time.” Like the entire nation, Fakhrul said the BNP is also mourning this deep loss. Uttara jet crash: Death toll stands at 30 He said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had asked him to visit the grieving families to convey the party’s deepest condolences and to assure them that the party stands beside them in this difficult time. Expressing his sorrow over the tragedy, Fakhrul said, “Whenever we hear about the death of children in any accident, it deeply hurts us. Children are always the future — of the family, of the nation.” “The pain of losing a child is beyond words. We have no language to offer comfort. But we stand with you in this time of sorrow,” he added. BNP Dhaka North city unit Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman, Joint Convenor SM Jahangir and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, among others, were present.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday thanked the government for detaining former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque, who he said caused great harm to the country by misusing his position. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also demanded exemplary punishment for the ex-chief justice so that no one in the future can harm the nation by abusing such positions. “We thank Allah that one of Bangladesh’s major enemies who caused serious damage to the nation while holding a high position is finally held (by law enforcers),” he said. From his position as Chief Justice, Fakhrul said Haque was responsible for determining the fate of Bangladesh, but he resorted to deception. He said the ex-Chief Justice deceived both the people and the state through the verdict he delivered on the caretaker government system. The BNP leader said there was a huge difference between the short order he gave regarding the caretaker government and the full judgment that came later. “We believe that even the short verdict he gave went against the interest of the state. We sincerely thank the government for the action it is taking against him, even if it was delayed,” he said. Replying to a question, he said Haque was “100 percent responsible” for the political crisis that followed the verdict. When asked about the punishment their party seeks for the former Chief Justice, Fakhrul said it would not be right for him to comment on that. “We hope that these matters will be properly investigated and that the trial will be properly conducted according to legal provisions. But there should be an exemplary punishment so that in the future, no one can misuse that position to harm the state,” he said. Fakhrul slams attack on NCP rally, urges stern action against perpetrators The BNP leader said the judiciary is supposed to be the institution people trust the most. “But he destroyed that trust because of his political mindset, which caused major damage to the country.” A team of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained ABM Khairul Haque from his residence in the capital’s Dhanmondi area on Thursday morning. Fakhrul said they have come to know from newspapers that there were discussions or proposals underway to demolish the Shishu Academy building, which is located opposite Curzon Hall and beside the High Court. “We are against this move.” “We oppose it because it is a children’s institution run by the Government of Bangladesh, through which various programmes are organised for the development of children – including their growth, mental development, and extra-curricular activities,” he said. Fakhrul said that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman established the Shishu Academy, which now has branches all over the country. “So, I think moving this institution from its current location would not be the right decision at all. Our clear position is that we do not want the Shishu Academy building to be moved or relocated elsewhere. I believe such a move would become a barrier to nation-building.” BNP Vice Chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Social Welfare Affairs Secretary Kamruzzaman Ratan, and Deputy Office Secretary Taiful Islam Tipu were present.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia underwent health checkups at Evercare Hospital in the capital early Thursday. She went to the hospital from her Gulshan residence around 1:48am for some urgent medical tests as per the advice of her medical board, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP chairperson stayed at the hospital for nearly 35 minutes and underwent several tests. Later, the BNP chief left the hospital and reached her residence around 2:52am, Sayrul said. Khaleda's personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain said she was taken to the hospital on the advice of the medical board formed earlier, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Tarique calls for calm amid national mourning “She underwent some tests as the medical board urgently needed to assess her physical condition,” he said. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health complications for several years. She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board consisting of specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors since her return from London on May 6 after undergoing four months of advanced treatment. During her stay in London, she received specialised medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Khaleda, Tarique ask party leaders to stand by plane crash victims: Fakhrul Her travel to London and return home were arranged with the support of a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nasir Uddin Patwari on Tuesday said a mass upsurge is sweeping across the country in support of forming a new government under NCP’s leadership. He made the remarks while addressing a roadside rally in Doa Bhanga area of Shahrasti upazila in Chandpur, as part of the party’s ongoing month-long July march. “People from all walks of life—from religious scholars to women—are placing their trust in the NCP’s leadership and uniting under one banner,” said Patwari. He said that once the NCP comes to power, all incidents of murder will be properly investigated and both the armed forces and police will be restructured. NCP postpones rallies in Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur after Milestone plane crash “No political party or vested interest group will be able to obstruct us,” he added. The rally was presided over by Amanullah Patwari, NCP’s Shahrasti Upazila Coordinator. After the rally, NCP central leaders departed for Cumilla in the evening. Earlier in the day, NCP leaders including Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam and Nasir Uddin Patwari—prominent figures in the July 24 Movement—inaugurated Shaheed Azad Square at the Bishwa Road intersection in Hajiganj.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer  Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party does not want any delay in the upcoming national election but stressed that it must be free, fair, and transparent. “We do not want a delayed election, but it must be acceptable and neutral. Jamaat-e-Islami will not accept any rigged election like in the past,” he said while addressing a gathering of party leaders and supporters in Beanibazar upazila of Sylhet. “We will not allow anyone to exploit the nation for personal gain anymore. No one will be allowed to misuse public resources,” he added. Shafiqur also said, “We don’t want a divided Bangladesh. We want a humane and equitable nation. To build such a country, we need the love, support, and participation of the people.” Jamaat warns of resistance against ‘AL evil quarters’ over jet crash Referring to Jamaat's initiative after August 5, he said, “Despite facing persecution, we called for national unity because we want stability in the country. We ensured the safety of religious minorities in the past and continue to do so. But during previous governments, minority communities faced the worst repression.” He alleged that no government in the past 52 years has truly cared for the people. “They were busy securing their own interests and strengthening their political bases. We must remain vigilant so that such a time never returns,” he added. The event, a manpower and community gathering, was organised by the Beanibazar upazila and Pourashava units of Jamaat. It was presided over by Upazila Ameer Maulana Faizul Islam and conducted by Secretary Abul Kashem and PourashavaAmeer Kazi Jamir Hossain. Jamaat offers medical support for Uttara tragedy victims Special guests included Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zobayer, Central Executive Committee Member and Dhaka North City Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Sylhet District Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman, and Sylhet Metropolitan Ameer Fakhrul Islam, among others.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the interim government is on the right track over the national election. “We had detailed talks on accelerating the election process. The Chief Adviser reiterated his commitment to holding the national election between mid-February and March. We believe necessary steps should be taken accordingly and he assured us they would be,” he said. Fakhrul was talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office following a meeting with ‘Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party’. Responding to a question from reporters over Tuesday night's meeting with the Chief Adviser, he said, “The Chief Adviser suddenly called us. He does it from time to time, especially when a crisis arises in government. We responded because we are committed to supporting this government and will do whatever is necessary to restore democracy.”  He said they believed such interactions should be held more frequently. Fakhrul urges unity despite political differences as BNP envisions rainbow state Referring to the recent jet crash in Uttara, the BNP leader said, “Many young lives were lost in the accident. I personally visited the site. We expressed our condolences. In the aftermath, two advisers were confined at Milestone School.”  “Again, due to complications surrounding the exams students entered the Secretariat, and everyone saw that it created an administrative crisis. A few days earlier, fascist elements created chaos in Gopalganj. It felt like a sign of their resurgence,” he added. He said the Chief Adviser told them that political parties had resisted the fascist forces and invited them for discussions. “It's natural that this government will have flaws. But rather than focusing on the weaknesses, we should appreciate their intent. I don't see any lack of sincerity in their approach to the election,” Fakhrul said responding to another question. When asked about the National Consensus Commission’s proposal that the head of government and the party chief should not be the same person, Fakhrul said, “That is their proposal. Political parties are expressing their opinions both in favor and against. All voices must be heard—that’s the essence of democracy. Let all flowers bloom.” Asked whether the government showed any negligence in handling the situation over Uttara aircraft crash, he said, “There was no negligence, but there was a lack of experience. They have never run a state before. Unlike us, they lack the experience of governance.” “One more issue is ego. They don’t consult us on anything. They don't take advice from us—perhaps out of ego,” he added. In response to whether recent unrest is aimed at disrupting the election, Fakhrul said, “Some chaos is indeed happening. It’s clear that fascist forces are trying to stir up trouble.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called upon all pro-democracy stakeholders in Bangladesh to maintain calm and cohesion during the ongoing period of national mourning, following the recent plane crash that has plunged the country into grief. “During this mourning period in the nation, I call upon all pro-democracy stakeholders for calm and cohesion. Khaleda, Tarique ask party leaders to stand by plane crash victims: Fakhrul We must form a society based on tolerance and restraint, and thus stop divisive confrontation or mob culture,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page.  The BNP leader said there are worrying reports of members of certain banned student political organisation causing agitation between the public and the police and instigating violence.  “These groups should restrain from taking advantage of a tragic moment in Bangladesh's history for their own gains,” he said.  Tarique emphasised that this is a time for collective empathy and national unity, not political opportunism. He urged all to focus on supporting the victims and their families, helping identify the missing, and ensuring the injured receive the best possible medical care.  The BNP leader also stressed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the cause of the crash. “As our hearts go out to the innocent lives lost and the families shattered, Bangladesh must remain united and face every crisis with solidarity,” he added.  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman have instructed party leaders and activists across the country to stand by the families of the students killed and injured in the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara area. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir conveyed the directive during his visit to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Monday, where many of the injured students are currently undergoing treatment. “I have come here on the instructions of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman,” Fakhrul told reporters after speaking with doctors. “I’ve learned about the condition of the injured children directly from the medical team. Our party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been deeply concerned since the incident took place. I have briefed both her and the Acting Chairman on the latest situation," he said. Prof Yunus assures probe into aircraft crash, urges all not to crowd hospitals Fakhrul also said the BNP top leadership has directed party workers and leaders to rush to hospitals treating the victims and assist the families in every possible way. “Madam (Khaleda) and the acting chairman have asked us to ensure that BNP leaders and activists are present at the hospitals, and that there is no shortage of blood for the injured. We have conveyed these instructions to the party units,” he said. They also expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the plane crash. Regarding the medical situation, Fakhrul said, “I spoke to one of the doctors treating the victims. There are 52 patients here, and more than half of them are in critical condition. Many have suffered severe burns, including damage to their respiratory tract.” Jamaat offers medical support for Uttara tragedy victims “We pray to Allah for the quick recovery of the injured and express our deepest condolences to the families who lost their children,” he added. Meanwhile, following the instructions of the Acting Chairman, the party’s Health Affairs Secretary, Dr. Rafiqul Islam, along with a rescue team and an ambulance fleet, rushed to the plane crash site at Milestone School in Uttara and took part in the rescue operations. Identifiable Uttara aircraft crash victims to be handed over soon: CA’s office According to the BNP central office, members of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Nurses Association, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Chhatra Dal, and other affiliated organisations also mobilized volunteer teams in Uttara to assist in rescue and relief efforts. The devastating crash earlier in the day killed at least 20 people and left more than 171 others injured.