United News of Bangladesh

A five-member BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will take part in the July Declaration programme to be held at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital today (Tuesday). The other members of the delegation include BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the decision to join the event was taken at a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee on Monday night at the party chairperson's office in Gulshan. One year on: Bangladesh remembers sacrifices of July Mass Uprising Sayrul said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus invited the party leaders to attend the event. He said Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin have also been invited to the programme. The Chief Adviser will read out the July Declaration at 5:00 pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged all political forces to avoid the politics of blame and mudslinging and instead work together to restore democracy and rebuild Bangladesh’s economy. “I want to call upon everyone—let us stop throwing mud at each other. We have now got an opportunity to restore democracy and build a prosperous economy in Bangladesh. Let us work together to take Bangladesh forward and stand raising our heads. Inshallah, we will succeed,” he said while addressing a discussion in the capital. Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, a youth wing of BNP, arranged the discussion, titled "Anti-Fascist Movement and My Unspoken Words", held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking the anniversary of the 2024 July-August Mass Uprising. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke as the chief guest at the event presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna.  Fakhrul  urged all to be alert as a conspiracy continues to create obstacles in the transition to democracy. "Today, a conspiracy is underway, a plot is underway to create instability in the country again, to create a conspiracy in the country so that the transition to democracy in Bangladesh does not go smoothly," he said. The BNP leader said the country is now in a transitional period and the people are now dreaming to move towards restoration of democracy, which is now the biggest challenge. “Now the economy and political structures are damaged. But we’ll have to move forward by rebuilding these by creating foundations for these (economy and political structures),” he added. He said historically, BNP has come forward to rebuild the country and its economy every time these were destroyed. “Once again, it seems BNP will have to shoulder that responsibility and face this challenge,” he went on. Fakhrul described the vision of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman for rebuilding Bangladesh as similar to Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. "The path that our leader Tarique Rahman is showing us, the words that he is saying about the economy and politics... When I hear the dream that he is presenting to the country, one thing comes to mind and that is Martin Luther King's historic words... 'I Have a Dream'," he said. “Tarique Rahman is a dream. Inshallah, we will move forward with that dream, and we shall overcome, Inshallah,” he added. Another drama is being started: Mirza Abbas Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas at the event alleged that the government is staging a “fabricated drama” to delay the election. “We heard someone --major named Majed or Sajed-- is conspiring to destabilise the government or create an incident in the country. We understand such tricks. They have started a staged drama so that the election can be delayed,” he said. Mirza Abbas said the people of this country have fought for 17 years to restore their right to vote. “We must realise that right from this government. No matter what conspiracy is being hatched within or outside the government, BNP don’t consider any conspiracy is irresistible.” The BNP leader said if needed, they are ready to struggle for another 17 years under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, but will not allow any autocratic regime to take root in this country. BNP honoured family members of 78 Jubo Dal activists who were killed during the July uprising, providing financial support to the families. The BNP secretary general handed over the financial support to the victim families at the event conducted by Jubo Dal general secretary Nurul Islam Nayan.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged his party leaders and activists, including those from Jubo Dal, to uphold public trust and confidence to emerge as true leaders. “Uphold the trust of people. Remember, if people accept you, you’re a leader. If they reject you, you are not,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion arranged by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of BNP, in the capital. The discussion, titled ‘Anti-Fascist Movement and My Unspoken Words’, was held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking the anniversary of the 2024 July-August Mass Uprising. Tarique called upon all pro-BNP forces, regardless of whether they belong to Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, or the party’s lawyers' forum, to reach out to people with BNP’s programmes and vision. Prof Yunus’ leadership united global support for Bangladesh when needed: Shafiqul Alam “All our political programmes are designed for the welfare of the general people….. if you believe in the ideology of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and have accepted Khaleda Zia as your leader, it’s your responsibility to raise these visions before the people because the public verdict matters most,” he said. "We need the support of people. We need the cooperation of the people to implement these plans designed for the people," said the BNP leader. Focusing on the role of Jubo Dal during anti-fascism movement, Tarique said even amid brutal crackdowns by the fascist regime, Jubo Dal did not back off or leave the streets. As many as 78 leaders and activists of Jubo Dal sacrificed their lives alone during the July-August Mass Uprising. “It was possible because people stood by you, because they trusted you. So, keep up this public trust in you,” he said. BNP ready to sign July National Charter anytime: Salahuddin Outlining his party’s future plans, Tarique pledged initiatives in employment, healthcare and environmental sustainability, if BNP is elected to power. He said international language courses would be introduced for unemployed youth and school students to enhance prospects for overseas employment. Primary healthcare services would be ensured, with a plan to employ 80 pc of primary healthcare workers from women, he added. “If elected, our goal is to plant around 30 to 32 crore trees over the next five years,” said Tarique Rahman. A video documentary highlighting the 2024 mass uprising and anti-government movements during the Sheikh Hasina regime was also screened at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and its standing committee member Mirza Abbas, among others, spoke at the event presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna.

BNP is ready to sign the July National Charter anytime, said its Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday, emphasising that any confusion over the matter is politically motivated. “If the final draft of the July National Charter prepared by the National Consensus Commission is sent to us tomorrow, we will sign it the same day. We are ready to sign it at any time—there is no dispute over this,” he told reporters at his Gulshan Gulshan residence. Salahuddin said if political parties wish to hold discussions on the implementation process of the charter, BNP is open to participating in such talks. Curtailing executive branch’s power may disrupt governance: Salahuddin The BNP leader said the party has already made its position clear, adding notes of dissent on some issues while reaching consensus on others. “Whenever we receive the document reflecting both the agreed points and our notes of dissent, we will sign it. We have made that commitment, and there should be no room for confusion over it.” He said questions have been raised about whether the commitments in the July Charter will remain limited to just signing the document or whether further discussions will take place on its implementation. Salahuddin mentioned that some parties have expressed doubts and said they would not sign the charter until this matter is clarified. He said a misleading narrative is being spread that BNP is not cooperating, but it is clear to people how the party has worked with the consensus commission. The BNP leader said they have shared their party’s position and the outcomes of the discussions with the media through regular press briefings.  “We’ve extended maximum cooperation and continue to do so. These reforms are part of our own commitment — we made a promise to the nation long ago to implement the 31-point agenda. So no one should question our intentions or sincerity. We believe the confusion being created is entirely intentional and reflects a politically motivated sense of insecurity,” Salahuddin said. Tackling rumours, misinformation to be harder before polls: Salahuddin He said BNP wants everything to be done in a lawful and constitutional manner, with the involvement of elected public representatives. “We are ready to take part in all discussions. BNP has declared before the nation, and made it clear, that for establishing national consensus and building a strong democratic state through reforms, the party will support any process and join all forms of talks,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP agrees with the National Consensus Commission’s proposal to ensure full legal and constitutional safeguards at every stage of implementing the July National Charter 2025. Referring to the July 2024 student movement and democratic uprising against inequality, Salahuddin said these historic events must be properly recognised in the constitution. “We fully agreed with this proposal and submitted our response on the night of July 30.” The BNP leader called upon all to remain united, uphold anti-fascist national unity, and turn that unity into strength to help build a strong democratic Bangladesh. He also informed journalists that discussions have taken place on 19 core reform issues under the Consensus Commission in the second phase where BNP has agreed on 12 of them and submitted notes of dissent on the remaining 7. About the July Declaration, he said BNP had shared its views on it much earlier and is still waiting to receive a formal invitation to the upcoming declaration ceremony. He said the July Declaration holds significant historical and political value. “BNP responded to the proposals made in the declaration back in February.” Salahuddin said the July Declaration ceremony is being organised by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and will be attended by Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at Manik Mia Avenue. “But BNP has not yet received an invitation to attend the event.” Replying to a question, he said BNP is still waiting for Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to inform the nation and the Election Commission—through due process—about holding the next election in February as per his earlier commitment. The BNP leader said they came to know that the Chief Adviser may announce the election timeline in his address to the nation on the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. “We’re waiting for that.”  

BNP will hold victory rallies in all upazilas and thanas on Tuesday, and in all districts and metropolitan cities across the country on Wednesday, marking the first anniversary of the fall of fascism and the victory of students and the masses in the July Uprising. The party announced the programme in a press release signed by its Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. “To mark the anniversary of the fall of Awami fascism and the victory of students and the masses following the July uprising, victory rallies will be held across the country on Tuesday (August 5) at all thana/upazila levels, and on Wednesday (August 6) in all districts and metropolitan cities,” he said. In Dhaka, Rizvi said the victory rally will be held on Wednesday starting at 2pm in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan. He called upon all, especially Dhaka city residents, BNP leaders and activists and members of its affiliated and associate bodies, to join the rallies on time. JCD shifts Aug 3 student rally from Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh Earlier on June 26, the BNP announced a 36-day-long programme titled ‘July-August Uprising: Mourning and Victory Observance’ to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, which led to the ousting of autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5, 2024. The programme includes discussion meetings, silent marches, rallies, seminars, blood donation campaigns, graffiti painting, street theatre, football tournaments, children’s rights events and public awareness drives on dengue and COVID-19 prevention. Party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman inaugurated the long programme on by virtually joining the party’s discussion, ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’, held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on July 1.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday unveiled a 24-point manifesto titled “New Bangladesh” pledging to establish a ‘Second Republic’ through sweeping political, legal and administrative reforms. The manifesto was unveiled by NCP convener Nahid Islam during a public rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, marking the first anniversary of last year’s July Uprising. “Our party’s birth, our struggle, is rooted in the people’s dream for a new Bangladesh,” Nahid said. “Exactly one year ago, from this place, we vowed to free this nation from tyranny. Today, we present a 24-point charter to shape a democratic, just and inclusive republic.” The first point of the manifesto calls for a new constitution through a people’s constituent assembly to formally launch a “Second Republic.” It promises to abolish authoritarian, dynastic and fascist political structures and build an inclusive state that guarantees dignity, livelihood and rights for all. The second point demands full recognition of the July uprising, justice for those killed or injured, and accountability for crimes committed during what the party describes as the era of 'Awami fascism', including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and what they call the Shapla Chattar (Hefazot e Islam) and BDR massacres. NCP also called for deep electoral reforms, including a new law governing the Election Commission, provisions for state-funded elections, and measures to reduce the influence of black money in politics. On governance, the party pledged to transform state institutions into neutral, transparent and citizen-serving bodies. It proposed increased powers and independence for constitutional institutions to counter executive overreach.

One year on from the Students Against Discrimination announcing their historic 1-point demand (the resignation of the then-government) at the Central Shaheed Minar, the same venue on Sunday witnessed the unveiling of the National Citizen Party, or NCP’s “Manifesto for New Bangladesh”. The NCP is the political party that evolved in the aftermath of last year’s student-led Uprising that brought down the Awami League-led government. As with the 1-point demand from 2024, the 24-point manifesto declared today was read out by Nahid Islam, one of the six central coordinators of the SAD movement last year who has since gone on to become the convenor of the NCP, which was launched in March, after serving a stint on the advisory council to the interim government.   Some of the key points of the manifesto include writing a new constitution for ‘New Bangladesh’, legal recognition of the July Uprising and justice for the victims of the state’s crackdown against it, extensive reforms in state institutions alongside democratization, judicial reforms, people-friendly law enforcement, and a service-oriented state that is free from corruption.  Earlier, party leaders also demanded constitutional recognition of what would be its ‘July Declaration’, while also publicly apologizing for failing to ensure justice for abductions, killings, and sexual violence even one year after the massive student-led uprising. NCP ready to unveil 'New Bangladesh Manifesto' at Shaheed Minar The rally was held on the first anniversary of the student leaders’ embrace and announcement of the one-point demand, following which the government failed to survive even 48 hours.  They also called for formal constitutional recognition of the “July Declaration.” Leaders from different regions of the country emphasized the need for fundamental reforms, judicial independence, a people-oriented administration, and an end to the politicization of state institutions. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain stated, “The July Declaration must be granted constitutional status.” He added, “To ensure the implementation of the July Charter and Declaration, the people of Bangladesh must stay vigilant as guardians of the nation.” Akhtar Hossain stressed the urgency of saving Bangladesh’s institutions from partisan influence. “We will not allow the judiciary to fall under the control of any political party. Policies made in the Secretariat must serve the public interest and be transparently presented to the people.” He further said that political parties united under the National Consensus Commission to bring about fundamental reforms. “We joined the commission with high hopes, and some expectations have been met. Now, every promise made must be implemented in Bangladesh.” NCP’s Southern Region Chief Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah warned that any threats or intimidation against NCP activists will now be met with political resistance. NCP leader calls EC ‘spineless’, urges it to ‘rectify’ course “We’ve passed one year since the July revolution. So far, we’ve only talked—now it’s time for action,” said Hasnat Abdullah. “Our convener and member secretary will give us direction, and we will implement it, even if it means sacrificing our lives.” Md Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator for the Northern Region, declared that the 1972 Constitution was tailored for one party and was passed from another country. “We cannot allow this Mujibist (Mujibbaad) constitution to continue in Bangladesh. From this very stage, we call for its dismantling and demand a new constitution.” He added, “Even after 54 years, the people of this country have not received their rights. One year ago today, we came to this Shaheed Minar and called for the fall of Hasina. A year has passed, and our rights remain unmet. We will no longer accept words of despair.” Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara stated, “We aim to build a healthcare system where no one is denied treatment due to lack of money. Healthcare should not be a luxury for anyone.” Marking one year since the uprising, NCP’s Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud publicly apologized to the people for the party’s failure to ensure justice to the victims of the state’s violent crackdown on the protests. July Declaration draft ready; to be unveiled on August 5 “At this Shaheed Minar, exactly one year ago, we declared that the people of this country would no longer tolerate fascist rule for even a moment,” he said.  “We said that from this very place would begin the rebirth of democracy, humanity, justice, and morality. But today, standing here one year later, we must admit—we have failed to keep our promises. We bow our heads before the people and ask for their forgiveness.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged students and the young generation to stay alert and play an active and responsible role in resisting fascism, extremism and radicalism in Bangladesh in the days ahead. Speaking virtually at a student rally, he also encouraged first-time voters to cast their vote for BNP’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy, in the upcoming election to help build a self-reliant and forward-looking Bangladesh through the united efforts of both the young and old. “I want to draw the attention of students, young people, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists across the country. The youth and students must remain alert and play a conscious role in preventing the rise or return of fascism, extremism or radicalism in the future days of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, organised the rally at Shahbagh, drawing a large gathering of leaders and activists from across the country, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Presenting his party’s various plans and programmes to the younger generation at the rally, Tarique Rahman said BNP wants to build Bangladesh the way a mother envisions it with the united efforts of both the young and the old. Out of nearly 13 crore voters in the country, he said around four crore new voters have been added to the voter list over the past fifteen years. “Although you are voters, the fascist clique had taken away your right to vote.” With the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said, the young voters have a great opportunity to regain their lost voting rights. “Taking advantage of this opportunity, we want the support and cooperation of everyone, including the young voters who were deprived of their voting rights over the past decade and a half during the rule of the fugitive autocratic ruler, to implement the plan adopted by BNP to build a self-reliant Bangladesh,” he said. Through the rally, Tarique made an appeal to all students and the younger generation across the country: “Let your first vote be for the Sheaf of Paddy.” He also called upon the JCD leaders and workers present at the rally to spread his appeal to all young people and students throughout the country. “Let us pledge today that we will do whatever is necessary to make ourselves worthy of building the future Bangladesh as dreamed by the martyrs. Let this be today’s pledge: may the first vote of the youth be for the Sheaf of Paddy,” the BNP leader said. He said the people of Bangladesh no longer want politics based on division, conflict and revenge. “Bangladesh is now a mature country. In today’s Bangladesh, people reject the old politics of hostility and retaliation. They now want a better and more positive political culture.” The BNP leader also shared several plans, including a complete reform of the education system, job-focused education, building leadership skills, learning English and other languages, promoting e-commerce and outsourcing, supporting talented students for higher education, and creating more job opportunities abroad. “Our future politics will focus on creating jobs and ensuring a safe workplace. BNP’s goal is to turn today’s population into a skilled and productive national asset,” said Tarique. He said BNP is also working on a value-based and practical education system that will help students become skilled and responsible citizens. “In today’s world of globalisation, both men and women have endless opportunities. Because of technology, young people and students must learn how to turn these chances into success. For that, we are making a practical and well-planned policy. BNP wants to share this with the youth so their future path becomes easier,” the BNP leader said. Tarique blamed Sheikh Hasina’s government for ruining the education system. “They have turned schools and colleges into safe zones for political thugs.” He stressed the need for technical and hands-on education and said BNP is working to redesign the curriculum with this in mind. “Besides academic studies, if students are guided early based on their interests like technical or vocational areas they can gain real-life skills,” Tarique explained. “This kind of practical learning means students won’t have to suffer from unemployment after finishing school, college, or university. With real skills, they won’t have to wait long for a job even after graduating,” he added. Tarique said this is why BNP is planning to change the education system, giving strong focus to technical and practical learning from school level. “In today’s digital world, if we want to compete globally using skills and knowledge, then all of you must become skilled in ICT and technical education,” he said.   The BNP leader also called for bringing back Dhaka University’s proud role as a place of learning and research, mentioning its deep ties to Bangladesh’s history and the Liberation War. He asked student leaders to prepare proposals to solve problems like poor housing and food on campus and said BNP is also looking into similar issues at other universities. Tarique said students are the future of Bangladesh and that young people will build the country the martyrs dreamt of. He also said thousands of Chhatra Dal activists have been jailed, tortured, disappeared, killed and attacked. “More than a hundred Chhatra Dal activists were killed during the July movement and over two thousand were arrested. But these sacrifices will not be forgotten,” he said. The BNP leader remembered those who laid down their lives in various movements—from the Liberation War to the anti-fascist mass uprising of 2024—and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls. Tarique said students do not need to be connected with any political party, as their main duty is to prepare themselves to become good citizens and capable leaders who can lead the country forward. He said competent student leaders in every sector can play a key role in building a new and developed Bangladesh. The rally formally started at 3:16pm on Sunday with the recitation from the Holy Quran, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Students from various educational institutions, including those from outside Dhaka, have joined the rally, along with family members of the JCD martyrs during the July-August movement. Since morning, thousands of JCD leaders and activists have been gathering in Shahbagh area to attend the rally. Roads around Shahbagh are packed with JCD activists which has caused traffic congestion in nearby areas. Police have shut down traffic on Shahbagh, Dhaka University and Matsya Bhaban roads since morning due to the rally. Earlier, on Wednesday, JCD decided to shift the rally venue from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh following a request from the National Citizen Party (NCP), which had also planned a rally at the same time and place.

Leaders from across Dhaka and various districts gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday as the National Citizen Party (NCP) is set to formally launch its much-hyped ‘New Bangladesh Manifesto’. The event, imbued with both solemn remembrance and spirited participation, focused on demands for justice for the martyrs of the July Movement, calls for structural reforms, and the articulation of a renewed political vision for Bangladesh. Never allow fascist Hasina to do politics in Bangladesh: Fakhrul     Thousands of supporters, activists and observers attended the gathering, particularly students and first-time voters, reflecting a rising tide of youth involvement in the nation’s political landscape, gathered at the Shaheed Minar. Party leaders urged a united national effort to uphold justice, dignity and democratic values. They described the ‘New Bangladesh Manifesto’ as a people-first roadmap committed to inclusive and accountable governance. The symbolic stage was framed with banners reading: ‘Justice. Reform. Future.’ At the heart of the day’s programme was a renewed call for justice for those who lost their lives in the July Movement, a wave of youth-led protests that rose up against corruption, inequality and political violence last year. Thousands of JCD activists converge at Shahbagh for student rally The New Bangladesh Manifesto, a 48-page policy document available both digitally and in print, outlines the party’s commitments across six core pillars.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called upon people from all walks of life to take a vow not to allow fascist and deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to do politics in Bangladesh again. “We must take an oath from today’s rally that we will never allow this fascist Hasina any space in the politics of this country. We must also pledge that we will never bow our heads to anyone. We will build a self-reliant Bangladesh with our own strength,” he told a student rally in the capital. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, organised the rally at Shahbagh, with a huge turnout of leaders and activists from across the country, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Fakhrul praises interim govt for easing US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports Fakhrul also urged students and anti-fascist forces to stay united against what he called attempts to divide the country and create instability. He alleged that Sheikh Hasina and her allies, who have taken shelter in neighbouring India, are issuing threats against Bangladesh. “They are not just doing that—they are also trying to create unrest inside the country in various ways.” The BNP leader emphasised that students and young people must take responsibility for the nation’s future by developing knowledge, intellect, and scientific thinking. “Without wisdom, we cannot move forward. We need to pursue education and science to shape the country’s future.” Fakhrul reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to restoring democracy, saying, “We are on a path to build a truly democratic state.” He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in London, decided that the next general election will be held in February. “The people of Bangladesh are waiting for that election. And before that, they are eagerly waiting for Tarique Rahman’s return. Isn’t that right?” he asked the crowd. Fakhrul said the BNP’s goal is to fulfil the dreams of late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, we will build a happy, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh.” Fakhrul for mutual understanding among political parties to avoid toxic politics He observed that hundreds of students, ordinary citizens, and workers had laid down their lives with the hope of building a just, livable country with good governance.