United News of Bangladesh

Nearly 87,000 expatriate Bangladeshi voters from different countries across the world have so far registered through a mobile app, ‘Postal Vote Bd’, in the past 10 days to vote in the upcoming national election and the referendum. The Election Commission (EC) on November 19 opened the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app initially for 53 countries and then for a total of 143 countries. But on November 27, the EC suspended the registration process for the expatriates living in seven countries -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after many applicants input incorrect or incomplete mailing addresses. As of 7:10 pm on Saturday, a total of 86,844 expatriates—72,938 males and 13,906 females—had registered through the app. Among the registrants, the highest number came from the USA (16,835), followed by South Korea (9,275), Canada (8,027), Australia (7,102), Japan (6,712), Singapore (6,058), the UK (4,721), South Africa (4,667), Italy (3,441), Maldives (2,279), China (1,831), France (1,735), Portugal (1,674) and 1,674 (Germany). Among the registered expats, the highest 17,961 will vote in Dhaka district from abroad, while 6,582 in Cumilla, 6,044 in Sylhet, 5,320 in Noakhali, 5,036 in Chattogram, 2,500 in Munshiganj, 2,469 in Feni, 2,149 in Chandpur, 2,118 in Moulvibazar and 1,987 in Brahmanbaria district. In terms of constituencies, the highest 2,226 registered expats will vote in Sylhet-1, while 1,820 in Dhaka-18, 1,812 in Noakhali-1, 1,559 in Sylhet-6, and 1,558 in Dhaka-10 constituency. The expatriate registration process for expatriates will continue till December 18 next. Besides, the app will remain open for the government officials, polling personnel, prisoners under lawful custody from December 19 to 25. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practiced in the previous elections. This is the first time the Election Commission is introducing a hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel and inmates to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. The EC aims to facilitate voting for approximately 5 million expatriate Bangladeshis living in 143 countries through this IT-supported postal voting mechanism. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the next general election in the second week of December. “Hopefully, what we expect is that it will be declared in the second week of December. When the schedule is announced, then you will know the dates (voting date, nomination deadline and the last date for withdrawal of candidacy),” he said, replying to a question from reporters. The CEC was talking to reporters after inspecting a mock voting exercise demonstrated at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls High School in the capital.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday emphasised the urgent need for reopening factories and industries closed over the past 15 years, reminding that their shutdown has left 1.4 million people unemployed. Speaking at the ‘4th Bangladesh Economic Summit 2025’ in Dhaka, Fakhrul said policymakers must reconsider the approach toward businesspeople and focus on job creation. “Where will these people go? Why are we creating this unemployment? We need to look at how we can restart these factories and create jobs for these people through these institutions,” he said. The BNP leader criticised the treatment of entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in corruption, arguing that while wrongdoers should be punished, the closure of factories harms thousands of workers. “Shutting them down has left 1.4 million people unemployed,” he reiterated. "I believe the mindset towards businesspeople in Bangladesh needs to change. Those who have looted, stolen, or committed financial crimes over the past 15 years must be held accountable and face proper punishment," the BP leader said. Fakhrul also claimed that BNP has always prioritised the economy, asserting that the country’s economic growth was strongest when the party was in power. He highlighted the party’s current focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens, including farmers and labourers and ensuring economic stability. The BNP leader cited the country’s progress in food security, noting that Bangladesh, which faced a food deficit of 2.8 million metric tons in 1971, is now nearly self-sufficient. He stressed that even greater achievements are possible if farmers receive timely access to fertiliser and seeds. Mirza Fakhrul reiterated the party's commitment to comprehensive reforms, referencing the July Charter signed by the BNP. He pointed to earlier proposals, including Vision 2030 presented by Begum Khaleda Zia in 2016 and the 31-point demand of 2023, covering economic and political reforms. BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented a summary of the party’s plans for economic reforms if it forms the next government, emphasising that the party aims to transform Bangladesh into a prosperous nation.

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas on Saturday (November 29) claimed that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s illness is ‘not natural’, alleging that she was subjected to ‘slow poisoning’ while in prison under the Awami League government. “Begum Khaleda Zia’s illness is not a natural one…she has been a victim of an abnormal situation. While she was in jail, she was subjected to slow poisoning,” he said. Khaleda’s condition still unchanged, says BNP leader Khokon The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at the prize-giving ceremony of the ‘Ruposhi Bangla Photography Exhibition and Competition’ at the Bangladesh Photojournalists Association auditorium. “I would request the nation to pray for Begum Khaleda Zia in every home,” he said. Abbas said Khaleda faced oppression and repression due to her uncompromising stance on democracy and on the country’s independence and sovereignty. Stating that he visited the BNP chief last night at Evercare Hospital, Abbas said she is now ‘slightly better than before’. “She is a leader deeply loved by people, a leader who fought for democracy. I urge everyone once again to pray for her recovery,” he added. BNP urges supporters not to crowd hospital, requests prayers for Khaleda Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday urged party leaders, activists and the general public to refrain from gathering at Evercare Hospital, cautioning that large crowds are hampering the treatment of Begum Khaleda Zia and causing inconvenience to other patients. He also called on all to pray for the BNP chairperson’s quick return to health. In a video message, Rizvi said Khaleda Zia is undergoing treatment in a very critical condition at the Evercare Hospital, and people across the country are praying for her recovery. “We are all praying to Almighty Allah to grant her full recovery.” 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda He said many leaders, activists and well-wishers have been going to Evercare Hospital out of love, respect and deep emotion for Khaleda Zia. But their presence, the BNP leader said, is creating difficulties for her treatment as well as for other patients. “Your emotions and respect are understandable. You are going there to express your love and to pray for her. But the crowds are causing problems for the treatment of Begum Khaleda Zia and for other patients who are admitted there,” he said. Rizvi requested everyone to offer prayers for Khaleda’s recovery from their homes or from wherever they are, instead of going to the hospital. “Please pray for her from your own place. Do not gather at the hospital,” he urged. Rizvi said the BNP leadership, party members and the general public should follow this request, which has also been conveyed by Khaleda Zia’s family. “Her family has asked that no one crowd the hospital, so that she can receive proper treatment and recover quickly.” Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad.  

BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon on Saturday said their party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains in a stable condition, with no notable improvement or deterioration in her health. “I went to the fourth floor of the hospital and spoke to her doctors. They said it is still not possible to say when her condition might improve. But they remain hopeful. They told me they are trying their best and expect she may improve — now we just have to wait and see,” he said while talking to reporters after meeting the doctors treating Khaleda at Evercare Hospital. Khokon said the medical board is closely monitoring her and carrying out further tests. “They told us she is stable, but there has been no clear improvement yet. Her condition shows neither any significant progress nor any deterioration.” Khaleda’s condition not good at all: Law Adviser He said doctors have taken her to the operation theatre area for more intensive observation and examinations. “This does not mean she is undergoing surgery. They moved her there for essential tests under strict monitoring.” Khokon said the medical board will decide the next steps in her treatment, and there has been no discussion about sending her abroad at this stage. He also mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is deeply worried about his mother’s condition and may return to Bangladesh at any time. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad. Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the BNP and several other parties have been gathering at Evercare Hospital to enquire about the former Prime Minister’s health, as her condition remains very critical. 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Three leaders of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) also visited the hospital to inquire about her condition. NCP Senior Joint Member-Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah went to Evercare Hospital around 10:10am and spoke with the doctors about Khaleda’s current condition and treatment. Later, speaking to reporters, they urged the people of the country to pray for the BNP chief’s speedy recovery. In a Facebook post, Nasiruddin Patwari wrote: “Begum Khaleda Zia’s condition remains critical but stable. Alhamdulillah, she is able to follow the instructions of doctors and nurses. In this difficult moment, we humbly request everyone to pray for her. Your sincere dua is the strongest support she needs right now.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday night expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus for his humane concern over the critical health condition of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.  “BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has conveyed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Chief Adviser for the courtesy and humane sentiment reflected in Dr Muhammad Yunus’ statement regarding the national leader (Khaleda), who is currently undergoing treatment at hospital,” said a BNP press release, signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The party said Khaleda Zia is receiving treatment in a critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The release added that in a statement issued on Friday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over her illness and called upon the people of the country to pray for her quick recovery. The BNP said the Chief Adviser has been regularly receiving updates on the medical condition of the three-time former Prime Minister and has instructed all concerned authorities to remain fully prepared to provide every necessary support and coordination for her proper treatment. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s current health condition and urged the nation to pray for her speedy recovery. Chief Adviser seeks prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery “There must not be any shortcomings in Begum Khaleda Zia’s treatment. The government is prepared to provide all necessary assistance,” said the CA’s press wing. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the hospital, with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the interim government not to hurriedly pass two major laws, warning that such moves by a non-elected administration can obstruct the country’s democratic process In a statement, he said, “We have learned from reliable sources that the current interim government is trying to hurriedly pass two laws—one is a revised draft of the Police Commission Ordinance, 2025, and the other is a law related to NGOs.” Fakhrul said BNP fears there are “other motives” behind pushing these laws just before the national election, which can obstruct the country’s democratic transition. Khaleda’s health ‘very critical’, says Fakhrul, urges all to pray for her He stressed that it will not be appropriate for an interim government without a public mandate to pass such important laws in haste. “We believe it will be more appropriate to enact the above-mentioned laws through proper debate in the next National Parliament. We urge the government to refrain from taking such steps,” Fakhrul said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the health condition of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is “very critical” and urged the nation to pray for her recovery. “You all know that our leader Begum Khaleda Zia has fallen ill and been hospitalised. Last night (Thursday), doctors said her health condition is very critical,” he said while talking to journalists after a special prayer programme following Juma prayers at the Nayapaltan Central Jam-e-Mosque. On behalf of the party, Fakhrul said they requested people across the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery after Juma prayers. “As part of this programme, we offered prayers at the New Paltan Mosque and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant her recovery and good health.” “We have prayed to Allah to heal her completely so that she can return to the people and continue serving them. Once again, we appeal to the people to pray for her speedy recovery. Please, you all pray for the Madam,” he added. The BNP leader also highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong struggle for democracy, saying, “She has fought for democracy, faced persecution, and endured imprisonment. She is now hospitalised due to illness.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged journalists to strengthen their own unions and move away from becoming aligned with any political party, saying this is the only way to protect their professional rights and ensure true media freedom. Speaking at the opening session of the biennial council of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club, he also expressed concern that social media are being used to create anarchy in the country and obstruct the democratic transition. “Golam Parwar (Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami) has rightly said that journalists should prioritise their own demands, their own work, and the main responsibility of their unions is to work with the owners or the government on these demands,” Fakhrul said. He also said aligning with any political party, whether the ruling or the opposition, does not solve journalists’ problems. “Over the last 15 years, fascism under Sheikh Hasina has completely destroyed that space in the media sector in a planned way. I would request your (journalists’) leaders to try to move away from that position,” the BNP leader said. He said that if journalists want to establish their rights—whether in employment or other areas—their unions need to become stronger. “You must stand strong, and you must stand on your own without being involved with any political party. Only then will you be able to secure what you deserve. In other words, you have to carry out the true responsibility of the union with full accountability,” Fakhrul said. BNP to join election as part of democratic movement: Nazrul Islam The BNP leader also praised journalists who opposed fascism during the anti-fascist movement. Representatives of 18 affiliated journalist unions from across the country, including the Dhaka Union of Journalists, took part in the council. Speaking about the upcoming national election, Fakhrul said the entire nation is waiting for the February polls, hoping to return to a democratic system. “We all want the election. At the same time, we must remember that if we want to return to democracy, we must also value others’ freedom of expression. There will be unity where unity is needed, but there will also be differences. Democracy means I may not agree with you, but I will defend your right to express your views,” he said. The BNP leader bemoaned that people in Bangladesh are often treated as enemies for holding different opinions and subjected to “false propaganda”. “I think all of us should refrain from these things,” he added. Fakhrul said social media has become a serious problem worldwide, including in Bangladesh, because of the lack of accountability. “Anyone can say anything. Negative campaigns against political leaders, public figures and businesses are being carried out in a way that does not strengthen democracy,” he said. The BNP Secretary General also said it is unfortunate that such campaigns have created a serious problem in Bangladesh. “They (social media influencers) are trying to create a kind of anarchy, a sort of chaos. Mob violence is being instigated, false campaigns are being run against people. Individuals are being misrepresented — and without doubt, this is obstructing our democratic journey,” he said. Fakhrul said BNP has a proven record of supporting press freedom, noting that its founder Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party politics from one-party rule and reopened all newspapers that were closed by Awami League under Baksal. Later, he said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia made every effort necessary to ensure media freedom. He mentioned that in their 31-point programme, they clearly committed to guaranteeing full and independent media freedom. At the beginning of his speech, Fakhrul sought prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is hospitalised with serious health problems. “Doctors are trying their best. Please, you all pray for her quick recovery,” he said. BNP optimistic about smooth national election in Feb: Fakhrul Addressing the programme, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the biggest strength of journalists in difficult times is unity and keeping it intact. “There is division within various journalist unions across the country. If we can preserve unity among journalists, we can also play a role in uniting the nation,” he said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly condemned a planned attack by armed Jamaat-e-Islami activists on its leaders, activists and civilians during an election campaign in Pabna’s Ishwardi on Thursday afternoon. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party said more than 50 of its leaders and activists were injured in the attack and are receiving treatment. The statement alleged that Abu Taleb Mandal, the local candidate for Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atghoria) nominated by Jamaat-e-Islami, personally led the attack. It said Jamaat leaders and activists used religious appeals and controversial tactics, including “selling tickets to heaven,” as part of their campaign. When people protested, Jamaat activists allegedly attacked them violently.  Later, BNP’s leaders and activists who were campaigning peacefully, were also attacked without provocation, added the statement. It said a photograph published in Daily Manab Zamin shows a Jamaat activist, Tushar, attacking with a firearm. The party, however, claimed some media outlets deliberately reported misleading news to divert attention from the incident, and said the attack exposed the extremism of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political practice and maintaining a safe electoral environment. “It would not be right to interpret BNP’s restraint, despite millions of supporters, as weakness,” the statement reads. It said the party is determined to show patience even in the face of provocation to safeguard the democratic process in the upcoming national election. BNP has demanded government action to identify the real culprits and bring them to justice through a fair investigation, while ensuring a peaceful environment for the next election. Earlier, clashes broke out multiple times on Thursday between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists in Char Gorgori area of Sahapur Union of Ishwardi.