United News of Bangladesh

At the second time of asking, the National Citizen Party (NCP) successfully passed the primary stage of scrutiny in its bid for registration with the Election Commission (EC). In a Facebook post on Sunday, Akhtar Hossain, the party’s Member Secretary, announced the development, stating: “It is with great pleasure that we inform you that the National Citizen Party–NCP has passed the primary scrutiny for registration with the Election Commission.” Following the announcement, party leaders and activists across the country have been urged to step up their organisational efforts. The NCP leader called on members to expand the party’s presence nationwide, implement its programmes, organise workshops to clarify the party’s stance, activate party offices, and strengthen outreach to the general public.

The National Youth Conference 2025 will be held on Tuesday (Aug 12) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital, marking International Youth Day. The event is being organized for the first time by the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), ‘Jatiya Juboshakti.’ Speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ event at the organization’s central office in Rupayan Tower, Dhaka, on Sunday afternoon (Aug 10), Jatiya Juboshakti convener Advocate Tarikul Islam said the NCP youth wing will announce the country’s first National Youth Manifesto during the conference. “We want to build a youth community where there will be no place for discrimination based on religion, race, or gender. This is not just a political conference—it is a historic initiative to hear the voices of young people, give them leadership opportunities, and make them aware of their responsibilities,” he said. According to him, the conference will be attended by young leaders from different districts, representatives from national and international organizations, UN officials, and prominent political figures. Tarikul said International Youth Day serves as a reminder that any change begins at the local level. “Young people are not just dreamers—they are the driving force of change. From sustainable development to just governance—they play an essential role in every sphere,” he added. The National Youth Manifesto will emphasize equal dignity for all, honest leadership, building a corruption-free society, fostering local unity, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, and ensuring no one is left behind due to gender, religion, or ethnicity. At the end of the conference, participants will take an oath never to betray public trust or misuse public resources—whether in or out of power. In response to a question from journalists, Tarikul Islam dismissed as ‘baseless’ the rumors surrounding the Cox’s Bazar incident and his meeting with a former US ambassador. He alleged, “NCP leaders are constantly being subjected to media trials. We have not come to extort money—we have come to serve the country. Some political quarters cannot accept young leadership and are therefore trying to question their credibility.” He also said there are currently around 3 million unemployed young people in the country. “We want to create job opportunities for them. The sacrifices made by young people during the July movement will be remembered in history,” he added.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said the main challenge for the nation is now to establish people’s rule and ensure their political and voting rights. “The main goal of the movement was to establish the political rights of people and protect individual freedom. The autocratic regime fled the country in the face of the movement. Now, it is essential to establish people’s rule and ensure political rights. The key way to achieve this is by creating a system where people can directly exercise their voting rights,” he said. Speaking virtually at the Rajshahi city unit BNP’s biennial conference, the BNP leader said that through such voting, people will decide who will govern the country for a specific term in the future. He said the interim government is gradually moving in that direction as it has announced that a national election will be held before the upcoming Ramadan. Tarique said this election will mark the first step towards realising people’s rights. He, however, said holding elections and forming a government through voting is not enough. Tarique said people want to know from BNP leaders what the future of the country looks like, what BNP plans to do next because the people of Bangladesh want to place their trust in the party. He acknowledged the many challenges ahead for the country in the days to come to rebuild the state institutions. “If BNP is able to form the next government, it will need to rebuild the state, as the autocratic regime destroyed education, justice, law and order, the economy, and healthcare in pursuit of its self-interest,” the BNP leader said. Stating that BNP was the first to propose state reform, he said BNP presented a 31-point outline containing various reform proposals nearly two and a half years ago during the autocratic period. Tarique urges nationwide democratic practices for govt accountability The BNP leader said many of the ideas currently being discussed by the interim government’s reform commission were already in the 31-point outline because BNP believed well in advance that the nation needed structural reform. Tarique accused the Awami League’s autocratic government of organising the healthcare system in such a way that people were forced to go to a neighbouring country for treatment. He said the Awami regime deliberately ruined hospitals in the country and created scopes for siphoning money abroad in the name of treatment in the neighbouring country. “We now have to develop our own doctors and nurses so that the people of the country get quality medical services in hospitals in our country,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said the autocratic government was forced to flee in the face of a public movement after holding power for over a decade. He said they carried out enforced disappearances, killings and filed false cases against opposition voices, including many present at the event. “Even family members not involved in politics were harassed.” The BNP leader said not only political activists, but also ordinary people who raised their voices against the autocratic regime were victims of severe oppression. Tarique said the election system was destroyed at every level, the judiciary was weakened, law enforcement was politicised, and the economy was damaged. “Under the name of mega development, massive corruption and money laundering took place.” He said jobs must be created for the youth through skill development and education reform. The BNP leader said small industries must grow, the justice system must be faster, and agriculture needs support with timely fertiliser, fair crop prices, and affordable goods. Tarique said only BNP can rebuild the country, and people now believe in that. “But to face the challenges ahead, unity is essential.” He urged party leaders and workers to stay united and maintain public trust through good work and a positive attitude. BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Abdus Salam inaugurated the council in the morning at the historic field adjacent to the Madrasa ground in Rajshahi.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmad said on Sunday that reforming the state structure will be pointless unless rulers, politicians and citizens change their mindset and attitude. “Let us adopt a mindset where we go through reform every day — a reform aimed at public welfare, so we can work towards building a welfare-oriented state and society,” he said while addressing a programme at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader said everyone is now talking about reform at the state level, but reform of the system alone is not enough. “If we truly want a welfare-oriented and humane state, we must also reform our way of thinking. Those who will run the state must go through mental reform, the people must also go through mental reform, and our mindset as a whole must change,” he observed. Salahuddin said only a collective transformation of the people, the society and the political leadership could help implement true structural reform.  He believes that if that happenes, it would lead to the creation of a humane and welfare-oriented state. “We have to see reform as a continuous process. Only then can we build a state structure that serves the people, where both the leaders and the citizens share responsibility,” the BNP leader said. ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ arranged the programme to provide financial assistance to injured activists from the 2024 student-led mass uprising, cancer patients and other sick and helpless people. The BNP leader said the country will now have a democratic constitution through reforms. He, however, questioned how a humane state can exist if neither the rulers nor the people change their mindset. Prof Yunus’ move clears confusion over next national election: Salahuddin Salahuddin said that if people think all responsibility lies with the government, it is a wrong idea.  He mentioned that Robert Kennedy once said he might not be able to give anything to the first two generations, but maybe the third one would benefit. He said their vision should be the same -- what they could do for the country, not just what the government could do for them. Salahuddin said this is the change of mindset the nation now needs, and only then would it be possible to have a dynamic government, state and society that reflect the dreams of the martyrs and freedom fighters. Referring to the sacrifices made during the student uprising of 2024 and the Liberation War, the BNP leader said, “We must work to build the kind of society they dreamed of – so that the next generation can live in a better country.” He urged all to work so that fascism never rises again and that the state is run in a way that reflects the will and welfare of the people. Salahuddin said those who sacrificed their lives and got injured during the democratic movements, including the mass uprising last year, are national heroes. The BNP leader expressed sorrow that the interim government still could not prepare a proper list of those killed and injured in the mass uprising. Presided over by BNP family convener Atikur Rahman Ruman, the meeting was conducted by member Zahidul Islam Rony. BNP Media Cell convener Moudud Hossain Alomgir Pavel, treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millah, and assistant secretary for information and technology Ashraf Uddin Bakul were also present.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said the interim government should have presented an interim budget of its own nature without following the budget of the deposed Awami League regime. “The budget of fascism nature did not need to be carried forward; the interim government should have given an interim budget,” said the BNP leader while speaking at a dialogue organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at a hotel in the capital, marking the first anniversary of the interim government. There has been a major shift in the mindset of the people of Bangladesh following the fall of the fascist regime, he said, adding that no political party or individual will survive if they fail to understand this change. The BNP leader said many problems would be resolved naturally if the opportunity for open discussion continued. He advised all to move away from confrontational political culture. “The practice of hurling insults in speeches must stop. Democracy means listening to and tolerating others’ opinions and respecting their views.” Those afraid of elections should join NGOs, not politics: Amir Khosru Khosru went on to say, “Without a change in political culture, reforms are impossible. Countries that held elections quickly after a revolution did well; those that delayed faced increased internal conflicts.” According to him, Bangladesh is moving towards a democratic process. “This is an interim government. Its primary responsibility is to restore democracy from the point where it was destroyed and to return ownership of the country to the people,” he said. Khosru described efforts to reach a consensus as a positive step. “There will be different ideology, but everyone must come together. Any imposed change will not be sustainable,” he said, adding that economic improvement was a major challenge for the government. Khosru noted that no investment came during the tenure of the interim government but added that it was not their fault. “Bangladesh ranks very low in investment. Without serious deregulation and serial liberalism, the economy will not progress,” he said. “The government must leave many responsibilities to the private sector. It should hand over many activities to trade bodies to reduce its burden. Without reducing physical contracts, corruption cannot be curbed. The more regulations there are in the country, the more corruption will increase. The economy must be democratised with the participation of all,” Khosru added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday night said the party has full confidence in the honesty and integrity of the advisers to the interim government. In a statement to the media, he strongly denied any BNP link to recent media reports about allegations of corruption against some advisers of the interim government. He said a report was published in newspapers quoting a former secretary as claiming that eight advisers are involved in corruption. “I want to make it very clear that this is not our statement and the BNP has no connection with it. We respect all the advisers, including the Chief Adviser of the interim government. We trust their honesty and integrity,” Fakhrul said. Some newspapers, including the Daily Prothom Alo, published reports of corruption allegations against eight advisers quoting ABM Abdus Sattar, who is known as the personal secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul said he heard that a former secretary made such comments about the advisers. “If he made those remarks, it was entirely his personal matter and the BNP has no link to it in any way.” He said the responsibility for those comments lies solely with the person who made them, and the party has no involvement in the matter. Speaking at a seminar on Friday at BIAM Auditorium in the capital, Abdus Sattar, who is also the General Secretary of the Officers Club and President of the Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum, brought the corruption allegations against the advisers without mentioning any names. He said intelligence agencies have evidence of corruption against at least eight advisers who came to power through the blood of the July movement. He also claimed that Tk 200 crore was found in the bank account of an APS (assistant personal secretary) of one of the advisers, but no steps had been taken in this regard. Sattar also questioned the appointment of people without proper experience to important ministries such as Health, Local Government and Youth and Sports.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said ensuring government’s accountability to people requires the establishment of democratic practices across all sectors of the country. "The people of Bangladesh have many expectations from BNP. One of the most fundamental among them is to establish a proper system and ensure accountability," he said while virtually addressing the council session of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB). The BNP leader said people from all walks of life are now looking forward to seeing a positive change and a transformation in the state system. "If we can gradually build a transparent, fair and democratic system everywhere, we will be able to ensure accountability at all levels," he said. Tarique said it is not entirely true that there is no democratic practice within political parties. "Today's DAB council proves that the claim of no democratic practice inside political parties is not entirely accurate." He mentioned that since DAB has begun practising democracy, BNP will also be able to gradually implement democratic practices at various levels within the party. "I firmly believe that, Insha'Allah, we can gradually introduce accountability at all levels — from local to national — across the country," the BN leader said. Drawing from his long experience of living in London, he explained that in the UK, doctors who face abuse receive justice, and if patients or others are denied proper service, they too receive justice, as there is accountability in the state system. "Such a system of accountability is needed in Bangladesh." The BNP leader mentioned that although Bangladesh gained independence more than 50 years ago, the democratic process has been repeatedly obstructed here. "Unfortunately, I have to spend many years abroad... I have an experience that since there is accountability in this country (UK), when a patient goes to the government hospital, he gets a minimum service,” he said. Tarique said it is not only about patients, but about everyone -- wherever they go, they should receive the service they are entitled to. "This is because, through years of effort, they built a system of accountability in society and in the state system. But this has not yet been developed in Bangladesh." The National Council-2025 of DAB, a pro-BNP platform for doctors, was held at the auditorium of Willes Little Flower School and College in the capital's Kakrail area. Tarique seeks public support for BNP to implement reform proposals Tarique said almost 99 percent of the reforms the current government is talking about were actually presented to the nation by BNP about two and a half years ago. He said BNP, along with like-minded political parties that stood on the streets, fought to remove dictatorship and create an environment where people could breathe freely, presented the 31-point reform proposal to the nation. The BNP leader said if his party gets a public mandate to form the government, it will need everyone’s cooperation to implement the 31-point proposals, including the health sector reforms. “In particular, we will need your (doctors’) support to carry out the specific point in the 31-point that deals with healthcare. Because implementing these 31 points is not something the government alone, our party’s MPs alone, or just our leaders can do. To make this happen, we will need the cooperation of every single person,” he said. Tarique said people believe that BNP would at least take the initiative to ensure a better future, especially as BNP has the highest potential to run the country through an election. “For that reason, they expect BNP to deliver something better, a positive change… BNP must take the first steps to bring about that change.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called Tarique Rahman the “future Prime Minister” of Bangladesh if BNP wins the upcoming national election. “Our Acting Chairman is not only our present leader but also our future leader, our future torchbearer. The future Prime Minister of the country is sitting here today,” he said. Praising Tarique’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, as a renowned physician who graduated in medicine, Fakhrul urged him to give special attention to the country’s healthcare system if the party comes to power. With a population of 180 million, he said, ensuring healthcare in Bangladesh is a huge responsibility and expressed hope that Tarique Rahman, as future prime minister, would prioritise this sector. As Fakhrul referred to Tarique as the country’s future leader, the entire auditorium erupted in applause, with doctors warmly congratulating him. The BNP Secretary General said the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh is facing a serious crisis as some manufacturers recently told him that current government policies and laws, introduced by the government, are making it very difficult for factories to operate. “Many factories that once competed globally and exported medicines are now at risk of shutting down.” He highlighted that Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform outline includes important changes for the health sector which are crucial for the nation. Fakhrul said building a prosperous Bangladesh means ensuring not just democracy and voting rights, but also people’s rights to health, food, and survival.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Moyeen Khan on Saturday said there is a clear difference between the political analysis of August 5 a year ago and August 5 this year, reflecting the changed reality in the country’s political landscape. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘July Revolution : The Advancement of Democracy’ organised by the Human Research and Analysis Foundation ( HURAF)’ at the Jatiya Press Club, Dr Moyeen Khan stressed that all must work together to protect democracy in Bangladesh. He noted that BNP, one of the country’s major political parties, has survived through continuous struggle since its inception in 1978 until 2025. Citing examples from the Mughal Empire to Pakistan’s history of discrimination against its eastern wing, he said that although Bangladesh achieved independence after defeating Pakistan, the country has yet to fully establish a democratic environment, and neither has Pakistan. Moyeen Khan also criticised the role of ruling authorities, warning that there is no guarantee today’s rulers will not turn into tomorrow’s oppressors. BNP leader Moyeen Khan urges end to division, calls for unity He said democratic governance requires accountability in decision-making and urged all to uncover the social and political truths of the nation. Referring to the political situation over the past year, he said Bangladesh has faced numerous challenges, and the ruling structure has once again shown signs of deep political inequality — similar to what was seen under the Mughals and during Pakistan’s rule — and that such disparities have resurfaced in 2024. The BNP leader warned against the dangers of political dominance, noting that when one party holds 80-90% of parliamentary seats, it creates a crisis of governance, as seen in the past.  He also recalled the sacrifices made by thousands who were killed under authoritarian regimes, saying, “We are able to stand and speak today because of their blood.” Calling for free, fair and inclusive elections, Dr Moyeen said democracy cannot function in Parliament without the participation of all major political forces. He also claimed that from 1978 to 2025, over 5 million BNP leaders, activists, and rural students have faced politically motivated cases. Professor at Dhaka College Anowar Mahmud presented the keynote speech while convenor of HURAF Ahmed Husaain presided over the discussion. Dean of Arts Faculty at Dhaka Univerisry Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman spoke as the special guest while injured July fighter Fahim Hossain shared the experience of the July revolution.

The Jahangirnagar University Unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has extended their convention and formed new committees for 17 halls, as well as a separate committee for the Faculty of Business Studies on Friday to make their organizational activities more dynamic. A press release signed by the central JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir announced a convening committee extended by 370 members - 75 joint-conveners and 295 members. JU unit convener Zahir Uddin Babor and member-secretary Wasim Ahmed Anik approved the hall and faculty committees, including 11 male halls, 6 female halls, along with the two members Business Studies Faculty Committe for JU. The Convener and Member –secretary of the JU JCD has called upon everyone of these committees to work with honesty, discipline and organizational integrity to strengthen the JU committee of JCD. Notably, directives have been given to form full-fledged committees within the next 15 days.  

BNP Standing Committee Member Hafizuddin Ahmed has opposed the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the upcoming national election, saying the people in Bangladesh have long been accustomed to voting for individuals rather than symbols. Speaking at an event at the Jatiya Press Club, he said, “Voters want to elect a person they can trust... someone who will stand by them in their happiness and sorrow. In such a context, discussions over a symbol-centric PR election are irrelevant.” Expressing confidence in the Election Commission, the BNP leader said the party is ready to contest the election under the current government and commission.  He hoped the upcoming polls would pave the way to end the “misrule” of the Hasina era.  “Through a credible election, the interim government should set an example,” he added. Criticising Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafizuddin accused the party of spreading confusion to delay the polls.  “For a long time they were BNP’s allies. Now, ahead of the election, the issues they are raising are surprising,” he said. “Jamaat has claimed that the July declaration did not emphasise the establishment of Pakistan. Those who remember history know that this same Jamaat opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947, and later, in 1971, stood for Pakistan and opposed our Liberation War,” he added. Hafizuddin alleged that several parties have already assumed they will lose their security deposits in national election, which is why they are supporting the PR system. It’s painful to see 1971 sacrifices questioned, says BNP’s Hafizuddin The BNP leader also said the current government should have carried out major reforms in the police force but failed to do so.  “The police turned into a partisan force during previous rule. It is doubtful how much law and order can be maintained during the election with such a police force,” he said. On constitutional reforms, Hafizuddin said the current government has no mandate to amend the constitution, though it can provide an outline.  “The reforms will have to be done by an elected government,” he added. Reiterating that BNP will accept any election result if the polls are fair, Hafizuddin said, “If anyone comes to power through a credible voting process, we will accept it. But it is the government’s responsibility to ensure a free and fair election.” He, however, alleged that some quarters are still trying to foil the election.  While praising the Chief Adviser for attempting to work for the country’s welfare, he said many of the adviser’s associates have been overcome by a lust for power.  “They want to monopolise authority instead of walking the electoral path,” Hafizuddin claimed.