United News of Bangladesh

Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman on Tuesday called on people to rise above political differences and work together for the welfare of those affected by national disasters. “During any national disaster, we must think of people first,” she said while addressing the '21 July Milestone Tragedy Tribute and Remembrance Programme' at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital as the chief guest. She said standing beside disaster victims is the highest expression of humanity and helps strengthen compassion and solidarity in society. “It is our moral responsibility to stand by those who have suffered. Such humanitarian support sets a unique example of love and empathy in society,” she said. Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Milestone tragedy, Zubaida prayed for the eternal peace of the victims and asked Allah to grant them Jannatul Ferdous. She remembered the students and the mothers who lost their lives in the tragedy. “Today is a day when our nation is deeply saddened and grief-stricken. Everyone was shocked and helpless in the face of this sudden, horrific and unexpected tragedy,” she said. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she wished a speedy recovery to the injured and urged them to transform their grief into strength. She praised the courage and resilience shown by the injured teachers, students and staff members, saying their determination had become a source of inspiration for the nation. “Even after such a terrible experience, the courage and determination with which you are moving forward will never be forgotten by the nation,” she said. She added that the difficult experience would give the victims strength to face future challenges, strive for excellence and stand beside others in times of distress. “Your courage, resilience, humanity and selfless support will remain exemplary for the nation,” she said. Although the painful memories may still cause fear, she said the victims had demonstrated remarkable bravery by overcoming that fear. “You are the heartbeat of the nation. Your example teaches us never to lose hope in the face of adversity,” she added. She said the courage, compassion and self-sacrifice shown during the tragedy had become a rare example in history and had been witnessed by people around the world. “To serve humanity, one must overcome fear,” she said. She assured the affected families that the helping hands they felt on the day of the tragedy would continue to remain beside them in the future. Among those present at the event were bereaved family members of the Milestone tragedy, Special Guest Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit, Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, Dr Farhad Halim Doner, injured student Abidur and other injured students, physicians, nurses and officials of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, representatives and dignitaries from the United Kingdom, China, India and Singapore, and volunteers. At the programme, several organisations and individuals who had assisted during the Milestone tragedy were honoured for their contributions.

Newly appointed Political Affairs Assistant to the Prime Minister, Rashed Khan, on Monday said Bangladesh must never again fall under the grip of fascism and called on all anti-fascist political forces to work together for rebuilding the state. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying tribute and offering prayers at the graves of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital following his appointment. Jamaat’s downfall imminent: Rashed Khan Rashed said he has so far done nothing that would cause the Prime Minister to lose confidence in him. “The Bangladesh that emerged through the mass uprising must never again be crushed under the wheels of fascism,” he said. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had entrusted him with the responsibility of Political Affairs Assistant based on trust and confidence, noting that he had maintained both personal and organisational relations with the Prime Minister. Rashed said he had actively participated as a political activist in the simultaneous movement launched in 2022, the one-point movement and later the student-led mass uprising by following Tarique Rahman's directives. “Until now, I have not done anything that would make the Prime Minister lose confidence in me,” he said, reiterating that Bangladesh should never again experience fascist rule. He said the time has come to rebuild the state and urged all political forces that fought against fascism to remain united despite ideological and political differences. “There may be political and ideological differences among us, but there should be no differences when it comes to rebuilding the country,” he said. Rashed alleged that some political parties that emerged or gained political opportunities following the mass uprising were now attempting to obstruct the country's new journey and the Prime Minister's vision of rebuilding the state. Addressing Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), he said, “The language you are using against the BNP is no different from that used by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. I see no difference.” He also alleged that those parties did not want the Prime Minister to succeed. “The Prime Minister of Bangladesh will certainly succeed, Insha'Allah. No anti-state force will be able to obstruct his vision and the country's progress,” he said. Earlier, Rashed Khan was appointed as Assistant (Political Affairs) to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the rank of Secretary on a contractual basis. A notification signed by Deputy Secretary Md Golam Rabbani of the Ministry of Public Administration was issued on Sunday under the order of the President. According to the notification, Rashed has been appointed on the condition that he relinquishes any other profession, business or employment with any government, semi-government, private institution or organisation. It said he will serve as the Prime Minister's Political Affairs Assistant with the rank of Secretary from the date of joining until the end of the Prime Minister's tenure or until the Prime Minister decides otherwise, whichever comes earlier.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said democracy could once again come under threat if political parties fail to maintain a minimum level of mutual understanding on key national issues. “Political parties must collectively maintain at least a minimum understanding on some fundamental national issues. If they fail to do so, democracy will once again be endangered. Along with democracy, the country's independence and sovereignty could also be put at risk,” he said at a discussion at the auditorium of the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology. He alleged that the previous “fascist” government systematically dismantled democratic institutions including the Election Commission, judiciary and media in order to remain in power indefinitely. “All democratic institutions were destroyed. The judiciary had no independence, the Election Commission became a tool for staging farcical elections and the media was tightly controlled. This is how fascist regimes operate everywhere,” he said. He said oposition political parties were subjected to repression, citing the imprisonment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia under harsh condition and describing it as part of an effort to weaken the opposition. Recalling the July uprising, Rizvi said the painful memories of those days remain vivid. He said the July-August movement had at least restored some democratic space by ensuring conditions for a free and fair election and allowing people to criticise the government without fear of enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killing. “In a democratic society, people must be able to speak and criticise freely. That was absent before. The July movement restored that right. Its significance is therefore profound,” he said. He called for further discussions among the government and political parties over the July Charter, saying any remaining issues should be resolved through dialogue.

Dhaka, July 19 (UNB): BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said decisions on who will or will not get to participate in the upcoming local government elections are matters for the court and the Election Commission (EC), not political parties. He also noted that the elections this time are returning to the non-partisan format, which means political parties will not be direct participants, nor will their symbols be used. They can however back candidates. “Whether someone will contest the election or not is a matter for the court and the Election Commission. What other political parties say is not the issue,” Rizvi told reporters after submitting BNP’s audited financial report for 2025 to the EC at its Agargaon office in Dhaka. A three-member BNP delegation formally submitted the audited financial report to the EC Secretariat shortly after noon. The delegation was led by Rizvi, while other members included BNP Treasurer and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Assistant Office Secretary Monir Hossain. Responding to a question about the participation of political parties in the upcoming local government elections, where Jamaat-e-Islami already demanded to bar Awami League from participating, Rizvi said the issue should be determined according to existing laws. “Our candidacy issue and who will be allowed or not allowed to contest, this is a matter for the Election Commission. This time the election is being held on a non-party basis; no party symbols will be used,” he said. He added that the EC would decide who can participate after reviewing the relevant laws. “Whether any other political party says something or not is not important. According to the existing laws and the laws that have now been enacted, the Election Commission is responsible for monitoring who can or cannot participate in the election. We leave the matter to them,” Rizvi said. Asked how BNP would select its candidates, he said the party’s highest policymaking forum would sit and make a decision later. “No decision has been taken so far in this regard,” he added. Regarding BNP’s proposed council in December, Rizvi said the party has already made an announcement about holding the council. “The party’s Secretary General has spoken about it, and BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has also said that it will definitely be held. However, the exact date or month has not yet been decided,” he said. “We hope the council will be held very soon. Once the date and month are finalised, we will inform you,” Rizvi added.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said it is up to the Election Commission (EC) and the courts to determine who is eligible to contest the upcoming local government elections. "The local government elections will be held in a non-partisan manner. Who can contest and who cannot is a matter for the courts and the Election Commission. They will determine eligibility in accordance with the existing laws," he said while talking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Rizvi, also the PM’s political adviser, made the remarks replying to a question about Awami League’s participation in the local government elections.  Earlier, a three-member BNP delegation submitted the BNP’s annual financial statement for 2025 to EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. Responding to a question about Jamaat-e-Islami's letter to the Election Commission seeking to prevent Awami League leaders from participating in the local government elections, Rizvi said the issue should be resolved strictly in accordance with the law. "It does not matter what any political party says. It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to determine who can contest the elections and who can’t do as per the existing laws and the new legal provisions. We are leaving the matter to the Commission," he said. Asked about BNP's process for selecting candidates in the non-party local elections, Rizvi said the party's highest policymaking body would decide the process. "As the elections are being held without party symbols, our highest policymaking forum will determine how our candidates will participate. No decision has yet been taken on the matter," he said. Replying to another question whether BNP would allow anyone to seek its support in the local polls, Rizvi said the party has not yet finalised its policy. "Once a decision is made, we will inform you," he added. Regarding BNP's next national council, Rizvi said party Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have already indicated that the council would be held. "The council will definitely take place. However, no decision has yet been made on the month or date. We hope it will be held very soon, and we will announce the schedule once it is finalised," he said. The two other BNP delegation members are BNP Treasurer and State Minister for Civil Aviation M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Assistant Office Secretary Monir Hossain. According to the audited financial statement, BNP earned some Tk 22.20 crore (exactly Tk 22,19,55,182) and spent Tk 15.26 crore (Tk15,26,10,857), leaving a surplus of nearly Tk 7 crore (Tk 6,93,54,325) during the 2025 calendar year. BNP began 2025 with an opening balance of Tk 21.14 crore. BNP had the balance of a total of Tk 28.07 crore at the end of 2025.  

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday submitted its annual audited income and expenditure statement to the Election Commission (EC), reporting that its income exceeded expenditure in the last fiscal year. A three-member BNP delegation led by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi formally submitted the audited financial report to  EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at the EC Secretariat. BNP announces 151-member committee for Cumilla city unit According to the party's financial statement, BNP earned a total of Tk 22.19 crore during the fiscal year while its expenditure amounted to Tk 15.26 crore.  The party currently has a surplus of Tk 6.93 crore in its fund. Other members of the delegation included BNP treasurer and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Assistant Office Secretary Monir Hossain. Expenditure typically includes costs related to organisational activities throughout the year, implementation of political programmes, publication of campaign materials and posters, maintenance of central and local party offices, salaries of party officials and employees, and financial assistance provided to distressed party leaders and activists.= On July 7, the Election Commission (EC) directed all 59 registered political parties to submit audit reports of their annual income and expenditure by July 31. Under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), every registered political party in Bangladesh is required to submit its financial report for the previous calendar year to the Election Commission by July 31. The law also stipulates that the registration of any political party may be cancelled if it fails to submit its financial report for three consecutive years.

Zakir Hossain Nannu, former vice-president of the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, has passed away. He was 58. He breathed his last at 2:20am on Sunday while undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the capital. BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said that Nannu was admitted to the hospital after suffering from heart-related complications. He is survived by his wife, one son, two daughters, and a host of relatives and well-wishers. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, and General Secretary MP Nurul Islam Nayon expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nannu.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a show-cause notice to Fakhar Uddin Ahmed Bachchu, MP from Mymensingh-11 constituency and convener of Bhaluka upazila BNP, on charges of violating party discipline and engaging in unethical activities. According to the notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Bachchu was expelled from the party on September 1, 2024 over specific allegations of involvement in controversial activities that violated party discipline following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Later, following his apology and an application expressing regret over his actions, the party withdrew the expulsion order and restored his primary membership on October 24, 2025. The notice said recently, reports from different media outlets and party sources revealed that Bacchu and his associates have again been involved in activities, including attempts to control local scrap (jhut) businesses and exerting unethical influence, in breach of party discipline. He was asked to submit a written explanation to the party’s central office within 48 hours.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain on Saturday called for the full implementation of the referendum verdict. "We have to move away from that framework and formulate a new caretaker government system. The July Charter contains such a proposal," he said while addressing a roadside rally in Fulbari upazila of Dinajpur on the third day of the party's northern region tour under its nationwide road march programme. The MP for Rangpur-4 also alleged that the BNP wanted to retain the old caretaker government formula instead of accepting a new one. He said people had expected a "new Bangladesh" after the mass uprising, where the administration would remain neutral, jobs would be available without bribery and merit would be valued. "People cast two votes – one to form a government and another in the referendum. The government has been formed, but the referendum verdict is not being implemented," he said. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Joint Convener Dr Atik Rahman Mujahid MP, Joint Chief Coordinator Dr Abdul Ahad and other leaders also addressed the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned the government that it would face a strong public movement if it failed to implement the verdict of the recent referendum, claiming that nearly 70 percent of voters had supported the proposals placed before the people. "If the referendum is ignored, this government will also lose its legitimacy. If you make the referendum fail, you will be made to fail. The people will compel you to respect the referendum," he said. Addressing an 11-party divisional rally at Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah Maidan in Barishal, Dr Shafiqur urged the government not to embark on what he described as a "path of deception." "Our position is clear—the people's verdict through the referendum must be honoured. Those who reject the referendum reject democracy itself. They are enemies of democracy. We urge the government to return to the path of respecting the people's mandate," he said. The rally was organised to press for implementation of the referendum verdict, easing public suffering, controlling soaring commodity prices and improving the country's transport system. Dr Shafiqur said the July movement was not fought to create another form of discrimination but to eliminate discrimination altogether. "Be cautious while there is still time. Respect the mandate of the people," he said. Recalling political events between 2009 and 2024, the Jamaat chief said many people had sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment and suffered persecution but did not bow before what he termed "fascism." "People drove fascism out of Bangladesh. You may become a dummy version of fascism, but you cannot become Awami fascism," he said. He criticised the BNP, alleging that it had retained all ordinances introduced against what he called the previous fascist regime. Calling the parliamentary Constitution Amendment Committee "illegal," he said Jamaat had rejected it outright. "There is no such thing as a Constitution Amendment Committee. It is illegal. If anyone attempts political trickery, the nation will not spare them," he said. He accused the government of repeatedly changing the committee's identity. "First it was called the Constitution Amendment Committee, now it is being described as a special committee. How long will the government continue deceiving the people?" he asked. Warning the government against what he called "lies and deception at every step," Dr Shafiqur said it should be prepared to face the consequences. Referring to the country's political history, he said the significance of the 2024 mass uprising should not diminish the importance of the 1971 Liberation War. "Twenty-four must remain honoured as Twenty-four, and Seventy-one must remain honoured as Seventy-one. We will not allow the legacy of Twenty-four to disappear," he said. He demanded proper state recognition for those killed and injured during the 2024 movement. "Whether martyrs or survivors, they deserve full state honour. The nation will not tolerate any neglect of the heroes of Twenty-four," he said. He also alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the July Memory Museum established to commemorate the movement. "If any changes are made to the July Memory Museum, we will raise our voices again. We will not remain silent. If any part of that heritage is erased, we will recover every bit of it. There are continuous attempts to suppress the spirit of July," he said. On the economic front, Dr Shafiqur criticised the government's handling of inflation and rising living costs. "People are being crushed under the burden of rising prices. Gas, electricity and fuel prices have increased. Taxes have gone up for every family. Commodity prices have doubled, yet family cards provide assistance worth only Tk 2,500 while the additional burden is around Tk 5,000. How will the government compensate people for this?" he asked. Issuing another warning to the government, he said failure to implement the referendum verdict would trigger a massive rally in Dhaka. "If you do not accept the referendum verdict, prepare for a grand rally in Dhaka. People will march to the capital carrying only flattened rice and puffed rice if necessary," he said. However, he expressed hope that the government would eventually "come to its senses" and implement the referendum verdict before such action became necessary. Highlighting regional development issues, Dr Shafiqur said Bhola remained isolated due to the absence of a bridge. "The people of Bhola deserve a bridge. We want to know why the project has still not been placed before ECNEC," he said. He also criticised the lack of railway connectivity in Barishal. "The people of Barishal have heard stories about railways, but they have never seen one. Barishal must get a railway. Balanced national development is impossible if Barishal continues to be deprived. The region must receive its rightful share," he said. He added that Jamaat would continue to raise its voice against all forms of discrimination. "Wherever there is deprivation, we will speak out, InshaAllah," he said. The rally was chaired by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Barishal regional director Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal. Among others, Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Bangladesh Labour Party President Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA Vice President Engineer Rashed Pradhan and Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Khan addressed the gathering. Leaders from the participating political parties at the central, divisional and district levels were also present.