United News of Bangladesh

Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday to bring out a massive rally, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Since noon, BNP leaders and activists assembled at Nayapaltan, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, they chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. Streets and alleys from Bijoynagar to Fakirerpool were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area. BNP to take out rally in city on Friday marking Nov 7 The rally is set to start at 3 pm from the BNP’s central office. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will briefly address the crowd before the rally begins. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated, “This will be a massive rally that will make history. The martyrs of August 5 will be remembered in the rally,” he added. The BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. On November 7 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

The leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies observed the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday amid various programmes, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising' of November 7, 1975. On October 31, BNP declared a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical significance and background for the younger generation. As part of the programme, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country on Thursday morning. BNP leaders and activists, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of their party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. BNP Standing Committee Members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Ameer Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, Senior Leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Aman Ullah Aman, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Abdus Salam Azad, Mir Sarafat Ali Sofu, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab were, among others, present. BNP to take out rally in city on Friday marking Nov 7 They also participated in a munajat seeking salvation of the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman. The party’ cultural wing, Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas), arranged a cultural programme in front of the FDC in the afternoon. The party also arranged a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, on Wednesday. Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units also arranged various programmes, including discussions, cultural programmes, essay competitions, photo exhibitions and publishing supplements in newspapers, across the country, marking the day with due respect. The BNP will also take out a rally in November from in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday afternoon.  The party has already made the necessary preparations to ensure massive participation from its rank and file in the rally. Similar rallies will also be brought out in every division of the country. On this day in 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.

BNP is all set to take out a colourful rally on Friday in the capital to observe ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of November 7, 1975. The rally is scheduled to be brought out at 2:30pm from BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. It will then proceed to Manik Mia Avenue via Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar and Farmgate. Senior BNP leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will briefly address the gathering before the rally begins. Similar rallies will be arranged in every division of the country. BNP submits 5 names to search committee for EC formation BNP standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said they have already made the necessary preparations to ensure the rally’s success and massive participation from its rank and file. “This will be a massive rally that will make history. The martyrs of August 5 will be remembered in the rally,” he said. Zahid said the leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies from Dhaka’s south and north city units will participate in large numbers. Besides, he said, BNP leaders and activists from districts around Dhaka, including Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj, will also join the rally. On October 31, BNP declared a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical significance and background for the younger generation. As part of the programme, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country on Thursday morning. BNP leaders and activists, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of their party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The party also arranged a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, on Wednesday. On November 7, 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.  

Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday urged the political parties to work together for the sake of the country burying all divisions. He was speaking at an event at Al Falah auditorium in Bara Moghbazar here. It was organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan Unit of Jamaat to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day. He called upon everyone to work together to build a non-discrimination society and a new Bangladesh. Tabligh Jamaat(Saad) demands safe arrival of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi in Bangladesh "If we still think of divisions among us, there will be conspiracy, and a bigger danger will come," he said. He told Jamaat activists that "There is no compromise on the question of independence and sovereignty of the country. You have to live like a tiger, not like a cat." The Ameer said that Jamaat has been hit again and again because of transparent politics. "We never engage in anti-social activities like corruption, rape and extortion.  But the Awami League always targeted us and banned the party twice. The only reason behind this is our transparency," he added. Jamaat calls for uninterrupted reforms dismissing constitutional constraints Referring to the army's patriotic role on August 5 when Hasina government fell, he said the cancer of corruption must be uprooted. That is why political parties and leaders have to fix their political character. "If the leaders are not corrupt, the country will be free from corruption," he asserted.

A four-member BNP delegation went to China on Thursday at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The delegation, led by BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 3pm on a flight of China Southern Airlines, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP leaders are scheduled to participate in a programme to be held in Beijing from November 7 to 16. BNP submits 5 names to search committee for EC formation The other members of the delegation are BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Organising Secretary Anindya Islam Amit, and the party’s Media Cell member and Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Joint Secretary Mahmuda Habiba. Sayrul said the Communist Party of China has invited BNP and other political leaders from around the world to take part in an event titled "Political Party Plus" Cooperation in China’s capital, Beijing. He also said the BNP leaders are expected to return home on November 16. END/UNB/ARJ/SAM/

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party leaders and activists have taken a fresh vow to resist the hegemonic forces in a bid to protect democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty. Talking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he also expressed the hope that the interim government would be able to arrange the national election within a proper and reasonable timeframe. “We made a vow on November 7, after paying homage to Ziaur Rahman, that we will resist fascism together with people. We will launch a strong movement, if necessary, to protect democracy and preserve the country's independence and sovereignty," Fakhrul said. He also expressed the confidence that the people of Bangladesh would unite to reinforce the spirit of the student-led revolution. Earlier, Fakhrul, accompanied by thousands of leaders and activists, placed wreaths and offered fathea at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. The day commemorates the ‘civil-military uprising’ of November 7, 1975. On this day in 1975, during a period of political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then-Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, clearing the way for him to assume power. Read: Stay alert against conspiracies, warns Fakhrul Fakhrul said the fascist Awami League government had repeatedly plotted and resorted to repressive actions to eliminate the BNP. He alleged that the Awami League had falsely implicated 60 lakh people, subjected around 700 to enforced disappearance and killed several thousand others in its efforts to establish a one-party rule and fascism. “But by the grace of Allah, fascism and hegemonic forces have been defeated for the third time in Bangladesh through the student-led mass movement in 2024,” Fakhrul added. In response to a question, Fakhrul said the interim government indeed played an effective role over the past three months. “They have done many things and continue to do so. If we all cooperate with them, they will be able to hold the election at the appropriate and logical time to meet the challenges facing the nation,” the BNP leader said.

Deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has since been accused in over 200 cases of murder in Bangladeshi courts, has congratulated US president-elect Donald Trump on his victory over Democrat rival Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election. She stated that his “resounding election victory is a testament to his extraordinary leadership qualities and the immense trust bestowed on him by the American people”. This was notified in a press release circulated via the Awami League’s official, verified Facebook profile on Wednesday evening. The release is signed by AL Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua. Sheikh Hasina recalled with fondness her several meetings and interactions as Prime Minister with Donald J. Trump and Melania Trump during his first presidency, the release said, and that she (Hasina) hoped that under a second Trump presidency, bilateral relations between the friendly countries of Bangladesh and the United States of America “would be further strengthened”. She also expressed her commitment to working together “again”, to advance the bilateral and multilateral interests of their two countries. She wished the President-Elect and his family good health, long life, and happiness, and the friendly people of the United States of America continued peace, progress, and prosperity. It was not made clear in the release if the greetings were delivered via letter, phone, or any other medium. Sheikh Hasina is currently residing in the Delhi area of India, where she was forced to flee in the face of a massive popular uprising led by university students on August 5.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday. “Congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump on his electoral victory. We look forward to a future of strengthened ties and collaboration between our two nations,” he said in a Facebook post. The BNP leader said the victory demonstrates America's robust democratic processes. "The people of Bangladesh are eager to move forward with their own free and fair elections and cement our shared commitment to democratic values and fundamental freedoms," he added. Trump secured victory on Wednesday, surpassing the 270 electoral college votes needed to win. In a victory speech before the official declaration, he vowed to “put our country first” and bring about a “golden age” for America.

The BNP on Wednesday submitted five names to the search committee formed by the interim government to appoint the next chief election commissioner and other commissioners. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and Joint Secretary General Shohiduddin Chowdury Anee submitted the list of the names to the Cabinet Division, BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB. A party leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the  list proposed by the BNP includes the names of former members of the judiciary, former bureaucrats, a former military officers and a woman.  Meanwhile, the 12-party alliance submitted five names to the search committee on Wednesday afternoon.  The list was handed over to the Cabinet Secretary's office, said the alliance Spokesperson and Bangladesh LDP Chairman, Shahadat Hossain Salim. On October 31, the government formed the search committee for the formation of the Election Commission.  The search committee will recommend names to the President for the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners (ECs) in accordance with Section 3 of the "Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022." The six-member search committee is chaired by Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury of the Appellate Division. On Sunday, the search committee called on political parties, professional organisations, and individuals to submit potential candidates to the Cabinet Division by 7 November.  Each party, organisation, or individual may propose up to five names, along with their full CVs.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged his party rank and file to avoid actions disliked by people and focus on earning their trust and love, rather than becoming overconfident about electoral victory. Speaking at a discussion meeting, he also advocated for the political and economic empowerment of people to ensure the sustainability of democracy, development and state reforms. "I would like to ask the leaders, workers, supporters, and well-wishers of my party at all levels to earn the trust and love of people, stay with people, and keep people with you," he said. Tarique said the BNP would surely emerge victorious if people could exercise their right to vote in a free and fair election. “It’s good for every leader and activist to have the confidence of victory. But be cautious not to become overconfident, alienate yourself from the public, or engage in actions that people don’t like. Because, in any situation, people are your most trusted friends, and they are the source of all the power of the BNP,” he said. The BNP leader said the head of the Awami League’s mafia regime fled the country after rendering all state institutions dysfunctional and making the country dependent on imports and foreign debt. "But people are still bearing the brunt of the consequences of 15 years of misrule under the deposed autocratic regime," he added. Through the defeat of the runaway autocratic ruler on 5 August, the BNP leader said, it has been proven once again that there is no alternative to a greater unity of Bangladesh's nationalist forces to safeguard the freedom of the country and its people. He said the country's people expect effective steps to be taken and implemented to build a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for future generations, learning from the past. In the current situation, Tarique said, the plots by the associates of the ousted Hasina regime have not stopped, with ongoing attempts to turn the interim government into a failed one. He said the Awami League government had engaged in malicious efforts to brand Bangladesh as a militant country to cling to power. "The defeated forces of August 5 are now once again making sinister attempts to portray Bangladesh as a communal country on the world stage," the BNP leader alleged. BNP wants people’s fate-changing reforms: Tarique Rahman He urged the pro-Bangladesh forces to remain alert alongside the interim government to resist the conspiracies of the defeated forces. Stating that the term of the interim government will be completed in just one day, Tarique said a three-month period may not be enough to assess the success or failure of a government. However, he pointed out that for those who go to the market daily and struggle to cope with rising commodity prices, three months may feel like three years to them. "So, it’s crucial to strictly control the market, especially to alleviate the hardships of farmers, daily wage workers, low-income people, and the lower-middle class," the BNP leader said. He warned that if the government fails to bring commodity prices within the purchasing power of people, all its reform efforts could be questionable to the people. BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising' of November 7, 1975. On this day in 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. Regarding the government’s reform initiative, Tarique said his party supports reforms but it believes that the reform of politics, political parties, and political activists and supporters is more crucial than book-based state overhauling aimed at political empowerment of the people. "Because, in the end, the state is run by politicians within the democratic process," The BNP leader observed that even the highest court of the country had collaborated with fascism over the past 16 years. "So, we must realise that the political and economic empowerment of the people is essential if we don't want state institutions to become supporters of fascism. Otherwise, the country’s independence, democracy, development, or reforms of rules and regulations will not be sustainable," he warned. Drawing the attention of the interim government, Tarique said if the people's courts and the state courts or judiciary in the country remain strong and effective then fascism will never be able to snatch people’s freedom and right to vote. “A people's court is not a mob justice, it means that the ultimate power to empower or disempower any person or politically is vested in the hands of the people,” he explained. As a political activist, Tarique said he believes that only by making the judiciary and people's courts effective and strengthening them can a significant qualitative reform of politics and the state be ensured. "If the people's voting right is guaranteed, the state will not need to take the unpopular step of banning or promoting any political party or individual, as the people themselves will reject murderers, looters, money launderers, corrupt figures, and mafias hiding behind political identities by exercising their right to vote," he said. Tarique said any criminal offense should be tried in the state court or by the judiciary. “But I believe that if the culture of deciding the political fate of a person or party is introduced in the political field or on in the people's court, it will undoubtedly be considered as an important political reform.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the nation was freed from Awami League’s fascist rule through the student-led mass uprising on 5 August. "But, we must now proceed with caution to resist the plots of fascist forces," He urged the interim government to complete state reforms to promptly hold a credible national election, restoring democracy and the rule of the people's representatives. BNP standing committee members Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Hafizuddin Ahmed, Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Nazrul Islam Khan, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Mirza Abbas and Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, among others, addressed the programme with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.