United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party will ensure the security of the warriors of last year’s July–August mass uprising if it is elected in the upcoming national election. “Many of the July fighters of ’24 are concerned about what will happen to their security once the interim government leaves and a new government comes to power. I want to state this clearly that if we are elected through people’s votes, we will ensure the security for the July fighters,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party will not allow the July fighters to remain vulnerable or insecure. He said the upcoming national election will determine whether Bangladesh moves forward on a democratic and liberal path or goes backwards. Fakhrul also voiced concern that false propaganda and violence are being used to weaken BNP and tarnish its image. Referring to the recent attack on BNP activist Osman Hadi, he said the party strongly condemned the attack, held protest programmes across the country and demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers. “The attacker has been identified. It has been found that he is a killer and a terrorist linked to the Awami League. Yet they are asking why BNP should respond. Their only aim is to malign BNP with ill intentions,” Fakhrul said. BNP organised the discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Victory Day. At the beginning of the programme, a special prayer was offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Fakhrul said all major positive achievements of Bangladesh came under the leadership of martyred President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP. “The contributions of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP are inseparably linked with Bangladesh’s development, democracy and achievements,” he said. Fakhrul said a new vision for the country is now emerging under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul also recalled BNP’s sacrifices during the long 17-year struggle against fascism. He warned that a group is trying to undermine democracy, stressing that the upcoming national election is extremely important for the country. The BNP leader said the Pakistani forces and their collaborators carried out brutal repression and genocide against the people of this country, which the nation can never forget. “Tomorrow, December 16, marks the defeat of the Pakistani occupying forces, and we must firmly remember this truth. The war that began with the declaration of independence by martyred President Ziaur Rahman in 1971 ended in victory after nine months of bloody struggle. This victory is the victory of our existence, territory and national identity,” Fakhrul said. The BNP Secretary General said the political force that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 had also opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947. “Today, that same force wants to undermine Bangladesh’s independence, destroy democracy, and crush the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said nationalist forces will remain united, upholding the flag of independence, sovereignty and democracy. Fakhrul prayed for the good health of Khaleda Zia, paid tributes to the martyrs, and called upon all to turn Victory Day into a commitment to restore democracy. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, carrying the national flag of independence, democracy and nationalism. BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said the younger generation does not know enough about history. “It is true that martyred President Ziaur Rahman declared independence. But did he declare it and then go to sleep? He fought in the war,” Abbas said. He said while the offices of all other sector commanders during the Liberation War were located inside India, Ziaur Rahman’s command office was inside Bangladesh. “He (Zia) stayed inside the country, took up arms, lived in bunkers and fought on the battlefield. That is why we are proud soldiers of Ziaur Rahman,” Abbas said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged people to stay united against all conspiracies, assuring that there is no reason to fear and that the national election will be held on schedule. Speaking at a discussion virtually, he said the gun attack on Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a potential independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency, is part of a conspiracy to disrupt the election. “I would like to say clearly at this proud moment of Victory Day that those who try to frighten the freedom-loving, pro-democracy people will surely fail, InshAllah. There is no reason to be afraid,” Tarique said. Stating that victory and defeat, life and death are all determined by the Almighty Allah, he said if the nation moves forward together, united and trusting in Allah, to establish the rights of the people, the conspirators will be forced to retreat. He said history has repeatedly shown that when people remain united, no force can stop them from winning. “This was proven in 1971, in 2024, on November 7, 1975, and during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. I firmly say that the election will be held at the scheduled time, InshAllah,” he added. Expressing his wish to personally take part in election campaigning, Tarique said amid loud applause, “Ahead of the upcoming election, in villages and towns, ports and cities, wards and neighbourhoods, lanes and streets, and on the highways, I will also be with you in the people’s march to establish their rights, InshAllah.” ‘71 intellectual killings a planned blueprint to cripple nation: Fakhrul BNP has already announced that Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka on December 25 after spending 18 years in exile in London. BNP organised the discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Victory Day. At the beginning of the programme, a special prayer was offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Tarique said the people of Bangladesh have long been witnessing that an anti-Bangladesh vested quarter has repeatedly tried to obstruct the election by adding condition after condition without reason, or by using various excuses. “Defying all kinds of hurdles, after more than one and a half decades, the Election Commission has finally announced the date of the much-desired national election of the people,” he said. Urging everyone to remain alert, the BNP leader said, “The conspiracy has not stopped yet. The shooting of Osman Hadi, a brave son on the side of democracy, is part of that conspiracy. What was Osman Hadi’s crime? As a political worker, some questions have arisen in my mind, and I believe the answers to these questions clearly expose the nature of the attackers.” Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile As a political worker, he said, the questions are: “First, who would be happy if the current interim government is made to fail? Second, who would benefit if the interim government continues without an election? Third, who would gain if a people’s government is not formed through the people’s vote? I believe the answers to these questions hide the attackers of Hadi. The enemies of independence and democracy are lurking within these answers.” Tarique said a fallen and fugitive fascist clique has long distorted the history of Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War to serve its narrow and partisan interests. He said attempts were made in the past to turn the history of independence into party history, and even now a defeated group is trying to create a new “history of victory”. In contrast, the BNP leader said this Victory Day should be marked not by revenge, but by a pledge to build a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh by ensuring that the benefits of victory reach every household. He said the message of victory must not remain limited to slogans alone. “To ensure that the fruits of victory reach every home, BNP and the Sheaf of Paddy are seeking the support and cooperation of the people in the upcoming national election.” Tarique said BNP believes that independence and democracy cannot be sustained without the political and economic empowerment of the people. “Whenever democracy has been threatened in the country’s history, independence and sovereignty have also been put at risk.” Noting that a country cannot become strong by keeping its people powerless, he said establishing a government elected directly by the people and accountable to them is BNP’s core objective. “That is why the party has always taken a firm stand in favour of free, fair and neutral elections.” Tarique Rahman said the upcoming national election is not just an election for ‘experience’ or ‘experiment’. Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy “This election is more complex and more important than any previous one,” he said, adding that it is linked to the dreams, hopes, interests and future of both present and future generations, as well as the sovereignty of Bangladesh. The BNP leader said the party has prepared its nation-building programme with the vision of making the next decade a decade of transformation. “Half of our population is women, more than 40 million are young people, and there are millions of farmers and workers. Using the strength of this working population to consolidate Bangladesh’s victory is BNP’s main goal. By building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, we want to make every future Victory Day more meaningful and more glorious,” he observed. Tarique reiterated that democracy and independence cannot be sustained unless people are politically and economically empowered. “Whenever democracy has been threatened in Bangladesh, the country’s sovereignty has also been endangered. This has been proven time and again.” The discussion was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed, along with Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury, Jubo Dal leader Nurul Islam Nayan and Swechchhasebak Dal leader Rajib Ahsan, among others, spoke at the programme.    

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday accused a section of political players of attempting to rehabilitate ‘fascist forces’ and push Bangladesh back to what he described as a ‘rotten past’, warning that the nation would not forgive them if they failed to reform. “They have already been identified. For years they remained disguised; now their true face has been exposed,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dhaka Metropolitan South, at the Jatiya Press Club. The Jamaat chief urged the collaborators of fascists to repent, apologise and refrain from wrongdoing. “Otherwise, the nation will not forgive you.” Paying tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War and to victims of alleged repression during what he termed ‘15 and a half years of fascist rule’, Shafiqur Rahman said political parties, religious scholars, civil society members and journalists had all faced killings, enforced disappearances and persecution. Referring to the July 24 mass uprising, he said the actual number of martyrs remained unknown and was likely higher than available figures. He expressed deep concerns over the condition of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a shooting and has been taken to Singapore for treatment. “We pray that Allah restores him to us,” he said. The Jamaat chief also criticised a recent remark by the Chief Election Commissioner, saying it had hurt public sentiment. He urged the CEC to clarify his statement and prove his neutrality, noting that the nation had not received it positively. While acknowledging government steps regarding Hadi’s treatment, Shafiqur Rahman said such responses should not come only after lives are pushed to the brink. He urged the authorities to ensure public safety so that no one dares to show such audacity again. On calls for resignations from officeholders, he said stepping down was not the solution. “Prove your eligibility by fulfilling your responsibilities,” he said, warning that failure could invite renewed unrest—something he said Jamaat does not desire. Calling for a united, humane and corruption-free Bangladesh, he said the party seeks “unity, not division; love, not violence; transparency and accountability, not corruption; justice for all; and jobs in hand, not black money.” He said Jamaat would work with all forces committed to three principles: zero tolerance for corruption, an independent judiciary free from political interference, and sincere implementation of agreed reform proposals. “Those who agree on these will find our doors open,” he said. Stressing respect for both 1971 and 2024, he said denying anyone’s contribution would harm the nation’s future. “July 24 is not just history; it is part of our very being,” he said. Pointing at journalists, Shafiqur Rahman urged accurate and complete reporting, cautioning against selective quotations that could mislead the public. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s support for free, responsible media, including fair criticism, provided it is grounded in truth and national interest. Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South Ameer Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul presided over the programme.  

BNP has formed a new partial convening committee for its UK chapter, as the president and general secretary of the previous committee are set to contest the upcoming national election. The committee was announced in a press release on Monday, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The party said a full committee will be announced soon. According to the media release, Abul Kalam Azad has been appointed convener of the new committee, while Khosruzzaman Khosru made member secretary. The previous UK BNP committee was led by MA Malek as president and Koysor M Ahmed as general secretary. Following the student-led mass uprising on August 5, both leaders returned to Bangladesh and became active in BNP politics. MA Malek has received a BNP nomination from the Sylhet-3 constituency, while Koysor M Ahmed has been nominated from Sunamganj-3.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party will prioritise ensuring law and order and tackling corruption if voted to power. “Those who will form the government after winning the election must first ensure one thing, and that is the rule of law. In simple terms, it means people’s security or law and order. I think our foremost effort should be to ensure this with all our strength,” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing a discussion programme titled 'Upcoming Election and People’s Expectation', organised by BNP as part of its initiative to exchange views with professionals and noted citizens. The programme was held at a city hotel, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presiding. The BNP leader said that if the next government can ensure the rule of law and maintain the law and order, there will be a strong possibility that many problems will start to ease, and then it will be possible to move forward with other necessary work. Referring to the long period of what he described as autocratic rule in the past, Tarique said unhealthy practices had developed in different sectors of society, including administration, business and other areas, where people received benefits and privileges they did not deserve. “This has almost become a habit over time. So this situation and this mindset must be changed. In simple words, corruption must be firmly brought under control. We have to pull the reins on corruption,” he said. The BNP leader said corruption will have to be controlled in all sectors, including development activities and public procurement. He said there is no reason to knowingly waste public money when other options are available, especially if those options could deliver services to people more quickly. As an example, Tarique said that if faster health services can be ensured through an alternative approach, it should be seriously considered and efforts should be made to implement it, as that is their objective. Presenting his party’s various plans for the country’s development and people’s welfare, he acknowledged that the issues discussed are not easy to address and required courage and responsibility. “The right decision is not always the popular decision. Popular decisions can be taken easily, but the correct decision is not always popular,” the BNP leader said, adding that this is why decision-making is often very difficult. He stressed that despite these challenges, taking correct and responsible decisions will be essential to meet people’s expectations and build a stable, secure and accountable state. The BNP leader sought full cooperation from professionals to secure a strong public mandate in the upcoming national parliamentary election. “We need public support to implement the plans we have prepared. To do this, the next government must stand on a strong mandate,” Tarique said. If f the mandate is weak, he said it may not be possible to carry out many important tasks. “To get a strong mandate, public support is essential, and you can support us from your respective positions.” Addressing the professionals, Tarique said their shared goal should be to begin building the Bangladesh people aspire to through the next government. “This work has no end. There will always be scope for improvement. But we must make a good start,” he said. Tarique also outlined BNP’s plans for building future Bangladesh, particularly in areas such as education, unemployment, family cards, farmers’ cards and health cards. University teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, human rights activists, cultural workers and people from various professions attended the programme. Professor Borhanuddin Khan presented the keynote paper at the discussion.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday described the 1971 killing of intellectuals as a premeditated conspiracy and a calculated blueprint by anti-liberation forces aimed at depriving the nation of its intellectuals. “The day of Shaheed Intellectuals is extremely painful for us. Just two days before Victory Day on December 16, there was a well-planned conspiracy, following a clear blueprint, to leave the nation intellectually empty,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the party to mark Shaheed Intellectuals Day at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul said those who collaborated with the Pakistani occupation forces went door to door, including university quarters, and abducted teachers and intellectuals. “Sadly, those who did this were Bengali sons. Today we clearly know who they were. History proves that the political forces which opposed Bangladesh’s independence were behind the abduction and killing of our brightest sons. There is no room to take this matter lightly,” he observed. He also said such conspiracies have been repeated again and again in Bangladesh to prevent the nation from rising through knowledge, education and intellect. Fakhrul alleged that similar conspiracies occurred in different forms during the last 15–16 years of Awami League rule. “Our education system has weakened, our health system has collapsed, and our economy has been ruined. We have repeatedly seen conspiracies against our nation.” Referring to the recent attack on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Fakhrul said the attempt on his life came immediately after the election schedule was announced. “They tried to kill Hadi — a brave soldier who stood against fascism. They want to create the same fear that the Awami League used for the last 15 years,” he said. The BNP leader said the Awami League tried to rule the country by creating fear and intimidation, and is now attempting to use the same fear to silence those fighting for democracy. “But history shows that BNP never bows to fear. We will not bow,” Fakhrul said. He vowed that BNP will fulfill the dream of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and party founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, to build a truly democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. “I only want to say this — conspiracies will continue from all sides. But BNP will stand firm with its head held high, and InshAllah, we believe we will win,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said BNP is a liberal democratic party that believes in democracy and wants to establish it, adding that despite years of repression, BNP could not be defeated. He said no matter how many conspiracies or plots are carried out, the people of Bangladesh have the courage to break and defeat them and move forward, and that the BNP has played the leading role in this struggle. Fakhrul said BNP had fought for the last 15–16 years, during which false cases were filed against around 6 million party leaders and activists, about 20,000 were killed, and some 1,700, including Ilias Ali, were forcibly disappeared. “Yet they could not defeat us or suppress us. That is why new hope has emerged today.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said the shooting of Hadi was carried out by an identified party. “This party will never allow Bangladesh to remain peaceful.” He warned that BNP will resist the violence and the plot of target killings. “Do not think that we are silent or that we will remain silent. That does not mean that if we are attacked, we will simply salute and walk away. There is no scope to think like that.” The discussion was chaired by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.  BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Abdus Salam, and Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, among others, spoke at the programme.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the upcoming national election will be a contest between a pro-Bangladesh force and a backward force that uses religion to mislead people. “This election will be a contest between two forces. One force stands for Bangladesh. This force stands for liberal democracy and the true establishment of democracy,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said the other force is backward and has always tried to confuse people in the name of religion. Fakhrul said those who took part in the Liberation War to create an independent homeland can never forget 1971. “Because of 1971, we are alive today and living on this land.” He raised the question of choice before the nation — whether to stand with the force of independence or with those who tried to destroy it. Expressing optimism, the BNP leader said he believes people will make the right decision in the election. “That decision is to choose the sheaf of paddy symbol. That is why Shaheed Intellectuals Day is very important this year,” he observed. The Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo organised the discussion meeting titled ‘National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation’ at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul said the country is now facing deep polarisation. “The people of Bangladesh must decide what they will choose — independence, sovereignty and democracy, or the backward forces that opposed our independence in the past and tried to block our progress.” He said these questions are being raised because that force has once again resurfaced and is misleading people in the name of religion, just as it did in 1971. The BNP leader also said the same force opposed the struggle of the Muslims of this region in 1947, when they fought for self-determination. “I want to say this clearly — the same force opposed the Pakistan Movement in 1947 and opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971,” he said. Fakhrul said that force has now changed its appearance and is trying to show that it can build a “new Bangladesh”. “But the people of Bangladesh cannot trust them.” “Those who denied our birth and our independence cannot be trusted by those of us who fought in the Liberation War,” he observed. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have always fought for their rights and existence, from the Mughal period to the struggles of leaders like the Bara Bhuiyans and Titu Mir. “A nation with such a history can never bow its head or be defeated,” Fakhrul said. Recalling December 14, 1971, Fakhrul said the Pakistani army killed the nation’s brightest intellectuals. He said the occupation forces abducted and killed philosophers like Govinda Chandra Dev, writers like Shahidullah Kaiser, doctors like Abdul Alim, journalists and writers like Selina Parvin, and many others. The BNP leader said these were planned killings, and there is no reason to forgive such crimes. He said the nation recently fought again to free democracy and drove out fascist forces through a student-led mass uprising. “But that does not mean we will allow another fascist force to take over. Any force that wants to push Bangladesh backwards must not be allowed to rise again,” Fakhrul said. He alleged that defeated fascist forces are now trying to create instability in the country. “The defeated fascists could not accept their defeat and fled the country. From there, they are continuing to conspire. They have learnt nothing, even after facing such consequences,” Fakhrul said. Referring to recent gun attacks on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi in Dhaka and BNP leader Ershad Ullah in Chattogram, Fakhrul said such acts are carried out to destabilise the country. “But we know the people of Bangladesh will never allow these conspiracies to succeed,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be given an unprecedented public reception on his return to Dhaka from London, unlike any reception given to a political leader in the past. “I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Almighty Allah that after living in exile for a long 18 years, our leader, Insh’Allah, will return to us on December 25. This is a great source of inspiration for us,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks at a discussion meeting titled ‘National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation’, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium in Kakrail. “Let us welcome him on December 25 in such a way that no leader in Bangladesh has ever received before. We are all prepared, Inshallah,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile Referring to Tarique Rahman’s return, Fakhrul said the news has brought reassurance at a time of great anxiety. “On one hand, our leader and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and undergoing treatment in hospital. On the other hand, amid uncertainty, Tarique Rahman is the guiding light who shows us the way forward, and he will be among us on the 25th,” he said. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Abdus Salam and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, party Liberation War Affairs Secretary (retd) Lt Col Zainul Abedin, and several leaders of the Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddho Projonmo addressed the meeting. Earlier on Friday night, Fakhrul at a press conference announced that the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 18 years of exile. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile 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.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) voiced concern that incidents similar to the gun attack on Sharif Osman Hadi may recur, warning that the enemies of Bangladesh are once again resorting to targeted killings in an attempt to destabilise the country. “When Bangladesh is seeing a new sun and moving towards a new chapter, and when the people of Bangladesh are dreaming of building a democratic country through a fair election, at that very time its enemies have once again indulged in a killing spree,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying tributes to the martyred intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur in the morning. He said their party strongly condemned the attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. “We fear that similar incidents may happen again,” Fakhrul said. Read more: What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka on Friday, a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, leaving him seriously injured. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital with a bullet injury to his head. Recalling the history of December 14, Fakhrul said when the defeat of the Pakistani occupation forces became inevitable and the Liberation War forces surrounded Dhaka, the occupation army, with the help of their collaborators, abducted and killed the nation’s brightest minds to destroy Bangladesh intellectually. “They picked up university teachers, doctors, researchers, writers, journalists and many others and killed them. It was a planned massacre aimed at making the nation intellectually weak,” he said. Fakhrul said the nation remembers this painful history every year on this day. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile On behalf of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently ill, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, he said they came to the memorial to pay homage to the martyred intellectuals, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day. “We have taken an oath that, at any cost, we will protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and move the democratic journey forward,” Fakhrul said. He paid deep respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and democracy, and also remembered BNP founder and proclaimer of independence, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, for his role in bringing fundamental changes to Bangladesh. The BNP leader also remembered the young people who were killed during the mass uprising in 2024. BNP senior leaders and leaders and activists of its Dhaka city units and affiliated organisations were present there. Read more: Roots of Hadi's would-be assassins to be uprooted: Attorney General

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain travelled to Singapore on Sunday for a follow-up health check-up, as he received treatment there for a brain tumour in 2023. The 80-year-old BNP leader, accompanied by his wife, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Singapore on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 8:25am, his younger son Khandaker Maruf Hossain told UNB. He said Dr Mosharraf is scheduled to receive medical consultations and undergo tests at the National University Hospital in Singapore. “He will undergo several tests to assess the current condition of the tumour,” Maruf said. He said sphenoid wing meningioma was detected outside his father’s brain in 2023. Later, doctors at Singapore National Hospital provided upfront radiotherapy to control the tumour and manage its adverse effects. Maruf also said his father earlier gone to Singapore for a routine health check-up on February 12 this year. On behalf of the family, Maruf sought prayers from the country’s people for his father’s good health and well-being.