United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will hoist black flags and organise prayers across the country on Tuesday to mourn the tragic deaths of students from Milestone School in the Uttara plane crash. The announcement came through a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. According to the release, black flags will be flown at all BNP offices nationwide, including the central office in Nayapaltan. The party will also hold milad and doa mahfils in Dhaka and other districts to pray for the departed souls and the recovery of those injured. The central programme will take place at 11:30 am at the BNP’s Nayapaltan office, where senior leaders, including the party’s Secretary General, will attend.

In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Dhaka’s Uttara area, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday raised questions over how a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft was allowed to operate over such a densely populated area. “This is a densely populated area. Operating a training flight to learn to fly in such places seems mysterious to me,” he said, talking to reporters after visiting the injured at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital around 5pm. Rizvi also said running flight training in such a crowded area is deeply concerning. He said such a training flight should be operated in open and wide areas like Jashore or Cox’s Bazar, where there’s sea and space. “I just cannot accept training flights in such a crowded residential area,” the BNP leader said. “I may not know the technical or navigational aspects, but what I saw with my own eyes was so many houses, people all around. So, It doesn’t make sense to train pilots here,” he observed. The BNP leader said the government and administration have serious responsibilities in this regard. “If they neglect, people’s lives will continue to be at risk.” Rizvi also pointed out the need for proper urban planning around airports. “There should be a clear plan for what kind of residential areas are allowed near airports. From what I see, this neighbourhood wasn’t developed with any planning. Such dense housing should not exist in this area.” He said BNP leaders and activists have been asked to provide all-out support to the victims as per the instructions of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. "We are helping with treatment, donating blood, and even suspending some party programmes in solidarity with the victims," According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at least 20 people, including the aircraft’s pilot, were killed when the training aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara earlier in the day.  

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has postponed its scheduled rallies in Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur in the wake of the Bangladesh Air Force aircraft crash in Dhaka’s Uttara. NCP central committee member Ehsanul Mahbub Jobair confirmed the development at around 5pm on Sunday. He said that the entire nation is in shock following the tragic plane crash in Uttara. “Our central leaders had left for Feni after the march in Khagrachari. Many leaders and activists had already gathered at the Feni venue as per the pre-scheduled programme. However, given the current situation, it is not appropriate to hold any political event,” he said. NCP convener vows to resist ‘fascism, Mujibism’, urges people to stay vigilant He further said that the party's central leaders have already departed for Dhaka. Tomorrow’s programmes in Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts have also been postponed, said the NCP leader. At least 19 people were killed and 164 others injured after a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara, according to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR).

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged all political parties not to betray the blood of the martyrs of the mass uprising by pursuing narrow political gains through cunning tactics aimed at disrupting the national election. “From my position, I would like to make a humble appeal to those who are taking advantage of the situation and using various deceitful tactics to maintain their influence over the state and government, instead of working to uphold the rights of people—please, do not betray the blood of the martyrs,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion. The Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to honour the families of martyrs and professionals who suffered torture during the struggle to restore democracy. Tarique alleged that certain quarters, by putting a gun to the interim government’s neck, want to keep their hold on power, influence the government and secure their own benefits through various means. “They are tactfully creating obstacles towards holding the national election. This is now gradually coming to light, and people from all walks of life are beginning to speak out about it.” The BNP leader said the credit for the mass uprising does not belong to any single group or political party, as people from all backgrounds sacrificed their lives for a democratic Bangladesh. “They took part in the uprising to establish their rights. Let us not forget the sacrifices of all the martyrs of the mass uprising amid the ongoing political calculations and or political polarisation,” he said. Tarique also said while new demands continue to emerge every day, the nation must not lose sight of the martyrs’ sacrifices amid fresh political developments. “The rulers may have changed, but the nature of governance seems to have stayed the same. If such a perception takes hold among the people, it will cause a serious crisis in the process of institutionalising democracy,” he warned. “That is why I want to say again and again that it is now time for us to repay the debt we owe to the brave sons of the nation who gave their lives to free the country from fascism,” the BNP leader said. PR to Trigger Fascism Tarique expressed concerns that introducing a proportional representation (PR) electoral system in Bangladesh could open the door to separatism, fascism and extremism. “We have recently seen a few political parties suddenly raising demands for the introduction of a PR-based electoral system. But the implementation of such a system in Bangladesh may pave the way for the growth of separatism, fascism, and extremism in the state and political landscape,” he said. The BNP leader warned that the PR system is misleading and may lead to division in society, instability in politics, and chaos in governance. “In the context of Bangladesh, it could put our national independence and sovereignty at risk. If we want to maintain unity among the people, we strongly believe such a system should not be introduced.” Hasina can never be forgiven, says Fakhrul  He said while some parties may see the PR system as a democratic right, BNP believes that such an electoral system is not suitable for the country. “We believe this system does not serve the interest of the people or the nation.” Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, Tarique said it once again proved that the unity of the people is the strongest force to keep Bangladesh free from foreign control and fascism. He stressed that fascism or autocracy cannot be stopped by laws and regulations alone. “In fact, when laws are ignored, individuals find space to become fascist or autocratic.” To resist fascism in politics and governance, the BNP leader said people must be politically and economically empowered. “If the people remain empowered and can freely exercise their rights, then their united strength will be enough to defeat fascism and autocracy.” Tarique also said BNP has always supported the idea of a democratic government directly elected by the people and fully accountable to them. He said those who sacrificed their lives for the country deserve national honour, remembrance and recognition. At the beginning of his speech, Tarique expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft at Milestone School and College in the capital’s Diabari area. He offered prayers for the departed souls and wished a quick recovery for the injured. He instructed party leaders and workers to stand by the victims and provide all necessary support for their treatment. The programme was cut short due to the tragic incident, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery without addressing the event. Tarique Rahman also paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the 2024 struggle to defend the country’s independence, and all who gave their lives in the fight for democracy over the years. Fakhrul-led BNP delegation visits Jamaat Ameer in hospital A minute of silence was observed in honour of those who died in the air crash and the martyrs of anti-fascist movements. Special prayers were offered for the departed souls. The event featured a documentary on the role of professionals in anti-fascist movements, including the July Uprising. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presented crests to family members of those who were killed during various anti-fascist movements and political repression under what BNP described as the Awami League’s autocratic rule.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that after the country’s independence in 1971, all people embraced freedom. “We do not want any division here. The narrative of who was for or against independence was created by the Awami League,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks on Sunday at an event titled "Sphulingo Theke Dabanol: Ovyutthaner Ojana Oddhay'", organised by Adarsha Publication at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University. Salahuddin said, “They are the ones who have remained outside by arranging the forces of pro- and anti-independence. Will we use the same political weapon?” He said, “We want a united Bangladesh. And what is that unity? That unity is the anti-fascist national unity of the student masses’ uprising of July 24. That unity is our national strength. And by utilizing that unity, we will build a democratic Bangladesh in the days ahead.” He further said, “In the history of the world, no dictatorship has fallen naturally. Because they do not leave any path for their downfall. Just like Sheikh Mujib did. Taj Uddin’s daughter has written in her book that ‘you left no path for a normal transfer of power.’” Salahuddin Ahmed called for ensuring that the student mass uprising of July 24 does not become another subject of spirit-business (political commodification of ideology), like the way the spirit of ’71 has been used. The BNP leader said, “As long as the bloody history of Bangladesh is written, the name of Shaheed Abu Sayeed will shine brightly.” It is to be noted that “Sphulingo Theke Dabanol” is a book on the July uprising written by DU Chhatra Dal Joint Secretary Abidul Islam Khan, which was unveiled at today’s event.

Stating that their party dreams of a rainbow state upholding pluralism, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said there is no reason to be disappointed by the differences of opinion among political parties following the July mass uprising. “Here, the father of a martyr expressed his sorrow, saying that we had hoped the political situation would calm down quickly after the mass uprising, a proper political structure would be formed, and we would be able to enter a new Bangladesh. But politics is not such an easy path… it’s not a bed of roses,” he said. While speaking at a tree-plantation event titled ‘The Mass Uprising 2024 – National Unity and Democratic Journey –Evergreen Memories,’ Fakhrul said problems are part and parcel of politics, as that is its very nature. “But there’s no reason to be disheartened by it.” “We believe there will be differences of opinion, a variety of views and paths. Some will believe in democracy, some in socialism, and others in a welfare state. Bringing all these together, we want to build a ‘rainbow state’—just like a rainbow rises with many colours. Our leader Begum Khaleda Zia dreamed of creating such a state long ago,” he observed. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder The BNP leader said their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman already presented a 31-point outline, and every reform proposal currently being discussed was put forward by the party back in 2022. Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal and ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ jointly organised the programme on the grave premises of late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where saplings of neem trees were planted in memory of the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising. Mirza Fakhrul also planted two neem trees at Zia Udyan, adjacent to the grave of Ziaur Rahman, in memory of the martyrs—one named after Shaheed Saikat and the other after Shaheed Abu Sayed. This event is part of a wider tree plantation programme being carried out by BNP in Dhaka and across the country with the aim of planting 10 lakh saplings. Fakhrul said he did not want to get into debates over how many of their party leaders and workers were martyred, how many were killed, what sacrifices they had made, or who did what. “Because I feel that focusing on such things is a bit self-centred. My responsibility is to lift this nation up. Those who gave their lives did so with a clear declaration—that they would remove the fascists and build a free and democratic country,” he said. He said their party wants to build a truly liberal democratic Bangladesh as dreamt by the martyrs. “We want to build a country where people can live safely, freely and peacefully. We are highly hopeful that our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is leading us towards that goal.” The BNP leader expressed the hope that the interim government, which has pledged to hold elections by mid-February, will honour its commitment. “Through that election, we will be able to form a people’s government—one that will honour our martyrs, give them the respect they deserve, and take all necessary steps to establish a truly democratic state in Bangladesh, which was the cause they fought for,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina can never be forgiven for the killings and brutalities during the July Mass Uprising, calling her a ‘disgrace to humanity and to all mothers’. “Hasina will never be forgiven. Hasina is a disgrace to humanity, a disgrace to mothers,” he said while addressing a programme titled, ‘The Mass Uprising 2024 – National Unity and Democratic Journey – Evergreen Memories’. Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal and ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ jointly organised the programme on the grave premises of late president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where saplings of neem trees were planted in memory of martyrs of the July Mass Uprising. Recalling a grieving mother’s cries, Fakhrul spoke emotionally about the loss of her son in the movement. “She dreamt of a future through her son. They took him away. He was shot, then dumped in a van along with others — alive or dead, no one checked. Later, the bodies were set on fire. Think about it—we are citizens of an independent country,” he said. Fakhrul suspects plot to thwart February polls The BNP leader said they fought the war of 1971 for an independent country. “The police and administration of this country, who were meant to protect the people, whose salaries were paid with taxpayers’ money, burned and killed our children. What could be more cruel and inhuman than this?” “Our first task is to bring them to justice. Second: to rehabilitate the families of the martyrs. Those who are injured and lost their eyes must be given proper treatment and support. If we fail, future generations will not forgive us,” he added. Fakhrul also announced that BNP would create a fund for the families of those killed and injured in the movement. “I said it yesterday (Saturday), and I say it again today -- there will be an election. Whether we are given power or not is another matter. We will raise a fund on behalf of our party, and with this fund, we will help these families as much as we can,” he said. Fakhrul said he would talk to party acting chairman Tarique Rahman about creating the fund, though Tarique has already been helping the families of martyrs and injured through ‘Amra BNP Poribar’. He said their party wants to build a truly liberal democratic new Bangladesh as per the desire of the martyrs.  “Our goal is to build a truly liberal democratic state. We want a new Bangladesh. We want change. We don’t want corruption. We don’t want bribery. We don’t want murder. We don’t want torture. We want to build a country where people can live safely, freely and peacefully,” the BNP leader said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday delivered a firm rebuke to those who would like to see a restoration of the country’s “rotten old system,” saying, “First bring back the lives of those who sacrificed themselves in the July struggle—if you have the power. But you won’t be able to.” He made the remarks while addressing a large national rally at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan, the party’s first-ever public gathering at the venue. “The martyrs of July gave their lives for the freedom of the nation. If everything from the past is to be restored, then what did they die for?” Dr Rahman asked. “We are indebted to those who were tortured, disabled, or martyred in the fight against tyranny. May Allah grant us the strength to repay that debt as long as Jamaat-e-Islami exists.” The Jamaat chief mentioned several individuals who fell ill during the rally, including Khulna's upazila-level leader Maulana Abu Sayeed and Pabna’s elderly activist Mustafizur Rahman. “May Allah grant Paradise to those who passed away,” he said. Dr Rahman fell ill himself while delivering his speech and had to pause briefly. Upon recovering, he resumed his remarks and declared, “As long as I live, I will fight for the people, InshaAllah. Our struggle will continue until the people of Bangladesh are truly free.” He emphasized that the next major battle would be against corruption: “Another war is coming—against corruption. With the strength of our youth, we will launch that fight, InshaAllah.” Dr Rahman made a series of promises in case Jamaat comes to power in the future.“If Jamaat-e-Islami forms the government with Allah’s mercy and the people's support, no MP or minister will take government land allotments. No one will use duty-free vehicles. They will not handle public funds personally.” He further added “If any MP or minister receives a development allocation, they must report back to the 18 crore people of the country upon completion of the work. We will neither take bribes nor tolerate corruption.” Referring to past incidents, he said “We must not forget or neglect those who were martyred—from October 28, 2006, to the Shapla Square massacre and the 2024 killings. We demand visible steps toward justice for all these atrocities. Until then, the old system cannot be allowed to continue in Bangladesh.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi’s Shankar branch on Saturday night, following the Ameer’s sudden illness. Fakhrul was accompanied by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan during the hospital visit around 8:30 pm. They spoke with Dr Shafiqur Rahman and enquired about his physical condition. Fakhrul said that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was concerned about the Jamaat chief’s health and asked him to visit on his behalf.  “It is our political responsibility to be present when any political leader falls ill. That’s why we came here to see the Jamaat Ameer,” Fakhrul said. He also wished Dr Shafiqur a speedy recovery, adding, “In the current critical political situation, it is very important that the Jamaat Ameer recovers quickly.” Jamaat-e-Islami Naib Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar were also present during the visit. One of the Jamaat leaders expressed heartfelt gratitude to the BNP delegation for the visit. Dr Shafiqur was hospitalised earlier in the evening after falling ill while delivering a speech at Jamaat’s national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. According to the party’s press wing, Dr Shafiqur’s condition is currently stable, with his blood pressure and sugar levels under control.  The party has urged all to pray for his quick recovery.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the country’s people and political parties to stay alert and watch closely whether any group, with the support of a section of the interim government, is trying to create a planned situation to derail the upcoming election. Speaking virtually at a discussion, he also said the concerns raised by many over the interim government’s capacity to hold the national election can no longer be overlooked. “If you listen to what people are saying on social media and in different places, it seems that some are trying to create a planned or deliberate situation in the country, possibly with the help of a section of the interim government. This question is now in the minds of many people,” Tarique said. He also mentioned that some recent brutal and unexpected incidents have raised serious questions among the public about the interim government's ability to manage such situations. “Whether the interim government is truly capable of holding an election is now being questioned by different quarters. These concerns can no longer be dismissed as isolated comments,” the BNP leader added. “I also call upon the people, all democratic political parties, and those involved in the movement to stay alert and closely observe whether anyone is trying to delay the national election beyond the possible timeline promised by the interim government,” he said. Tarique also called on the interim government to play a more transparent and courageous role in tackling the country’s current situation. “The people of Bangladesh who believe in democracy will support you. The democratic parties will stand by your side, if your role is more transparent and bold.” He highlighted the significance of the upcoming national election, saying it will play a vital role in establishing democracy in an institutional way. “This election is very important for our national life… We must all act responsibly and remain alert so that no form of extremism or fascism can return to our state or politics in the future because of any emotional or wrong decisions on our part,” the BNP leader said. July uprising succeeded under Tarique Rahman’s leadership: Murad Private university teachers and students organised the programme at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital to honour the contributions of private university teachers, students, and the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. At the beginning of his speech, Tarique respectfully remembered the role of private university students and teachers in the movement and said the martyrs of 2024 will be remembered by the nation just like the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. The BNP leader said that although the party fully supported the quota reform movement from the start in 2024, it acted strategically to ensure that the Awami League could not brand it as a political party-led movement. "Instead of abuse of state power, or administrative manipulation, the means to fulfill someone's political ambitions should be the verdict, trust and confidence of people,” he said. Tarique also warned that without political empowerment of the people, no arrangement or efforts for the state reform will be of any use or sustainable. Addressing the youth, he said one must become more enriched with knowledge and science to lead a state. “A state built on the sacrifices of the martyrs of 1971 and 2024 cannot be achieved through slogans or outdated, traditional political practices alone.” “The first condition for building the kind of state the martyrs dreamed of is to establish a government responsible and accountable to the people and chosen by their direct vote. For that, a free and fair election is absolutely essential…to completely dismantle the structure of fascism, there is no alternative to exercising and practising people’s political rights through elections,” he said. CPC invites Tarique Rahman to visit China The event began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the martyrs of the mass uprising. Some family members of those who lost their lives during the movement shared their pain and memories, creating an emotional atmosphere at the event.