United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday enquired about the health condition of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, who is now recuperating after a bypass surgery at United Hospital in Gulshan. On behalf of the BNP acting chairman, party’s Joint Secretaries General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel visited the hospital to know about the Jamaat chief’s condition. The BNP leaders also spoke to the doctors and senior Jamaat leaders present at the hospital. Talking to reporters after the visit, Annie said, “We came here on behalf of our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to enquire about the health condition of Jamaat Ameer.” Jamaat Ameer undergoes 'successful' bypass surgery As a goodwill gesture, they handed over a bouquet of flowers, sent by Tarique Rahman, to Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, wishing the Ameer a speedy recovery. Dr Shafiqur Rahman underwent a successful coronary artery bypass surgery at United Hospital on Saturday.  

Amid the Election Commission’s ongoing efforts to redraw parliamentary constituencies, the BNP has formed a five-member committee to review the changes and coordinate the party’s response. The committee was announced in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday. BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan has been made the committee convener. The other members of the committee are BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, former Acting Secretary of the Election Commission Md Jakoria, former Deputy Secretary Shamsul Alam and BNP Executive Committee Member Belayet Hossain Mridha. People may rise up again if democratic transition delayed: Dr Moyeen The committee will review the latest decisions made by the Election Commission regarding constituency boundaries and will provide recommendations to the party.

Thousands of leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, have started gathering in the city’s Shahbagh area since Sunday morning to attend their student rally. The JCD leaders and supporters from different parts of the country are joining the rally to mark the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The rally is scheduled to formally begin at 2:30pm with the recitation from the verses of the Holy Quran. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and other senior leaders will address the event. Roads around the Shahbagh intersection are crowded with JCD activists, causing traffic disruption in the adjoining areas. They have already set up a large stage at Shahbagh intersection and installed loudspeakers for the rally. Several projectors and big screens have also been installed at the venue. A medical booth has been set up to provide basic healthcare services for those arriving at the venue. NCP wants huge turnout for 'manifesto rally' at Shaheed Minar on Sunday Earlier, on Wednesday, JCD decided to move its planned student rally from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh, despite having secured permission for the original venue. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib said the decision was made in response to a request from the National Citizen Party (NCP), which had also scheduled a rally at the same time and place. As the rally at Shahbagh, a key intersection in Dhaka, is expected to cause traffic disruptions, JCD President has apologised in advance to city residents for the inconvenience. The JCD earlier announced a series of programmes marking the anniversary of the July August mass uprising, with the August 3 student rally being one of the key events. This is the first major public gathering by the BNP’s student wing since the mass uprising last year. However, unlike traditional rallies, this time there will be no processions, banners, or festoons. NCP will win next election with people's support: Nahid Islam In preparation for the event, the student wing has already issued six specific instructions to its activists. The central leadership has clearly directed participants not to bring any banners, festoons, or placards.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called on people from all walks of life, including party leaders, activists, and supporters, to join a public rally at the Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday, where the party will unveil its manifesto for a "New Bangladesh." In a video message, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said, “On the first anniversary of our one-point demand, the NCP will announce its manifesto for a new Bangladesh at the Central Shaheed Minar. We urge everyone—regardless of affiliation—to join this rally.” The event scheduled for 3pm, will press for the adoption of the July proclamation, the implementation of the July Charter, the trial of  Awami League for genocide, and a new constitution. In another video message, NCP Convener Nahid Islam also encouraged public participation, urging people to maintain the same trust in the NCP as they had during the July Uprising.

Nipun Roy Chowdhury, general secretary of Dhaka District unit BNP and President of South Keraniganj BNP, called on the public to support the BNP in the upcoming national elections during advancedcampaign in Jinjira under the Keraniganj Model Police Station area on Saturday evening. Accompanied by BNP leaders Omar Shah Newaz, Mokaram Hoson, Sajjad Hossain, and activists from Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechhasebak Dal, Nipun Roy engaged with pedestrians and passersby, urging them to vote for the BNP symbol of "sheaf of paddy". Speaking during the campaign, Nipun Roy said, “You will make BNP Standing Committee Member Babu Gayeshwar Chandra Roy victorious in the Dhaka-3 constituency by a huge margin. Your valuable votes will be the decisive force in this election.”  

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday warned that if the transition to democracy is delayed further, the people of Bangladesh will rise up again. “I urge the interim government, you please, do not prolong the path to democratic transition. If you do, the people of Bangladesh will rise again,” he said while addressing a discussion. Dr Moyeen, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said the people of Bangladesh fought for independence in 1971 because they knew democracy could never flourish under Pakistan's rule. People to reject PR system like EVM: Mirza Abbas He reminded the government that the people and pro-democracy political parties of Bangladesh have been struggling for the past fifteen to sixteen years to restore democracy. “Has that expectation been fulfilled? No… not even in the past one year. Why not? We have seen examples in the past where fair and neutral elections were held within 90 days. We have that precedent right before our eyes,” the BNP leader said. The Revolutionary Workers Party organised the discussion titled ‘Looking Back at Bloody July–August: Expectations and Realities’ at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) auditorium. Dr Moyeen questioned why, even after one full year, the country has not been able to move forward in its democratic transition. “I often fear whether this new arrangement may turn into a permanent one. We want change, but not all change is true change. Back in 1/11, we saw banners and festoons across Dhaka calling to change everything, to overhaul everything. But not everything in the world can or should be changed,” he said. The BNP leader said when many people talk about change it should not be changed for the sake of change. Fakhrul praises interim govt for easing US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports “When we talk about reforms, I say reforms must not be superficial. Cosmetic changes will not change the fate of 180 million people. You may amend a few lines of the Constitution—or even rewrite the whole document—but it won’t matter unless the hearts of the people who run this country change,” he observed. Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said while caretaker governments in the past could hold elections within three months, even after one year has passed, citizens still lack confidence in whether a free and fair national election can be held under the current situation in the country.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday stressed the need for anti-fascist unity to uphold the spirit of the July uprising. “If we fail to save the nation from corruption and misrule, all our achievements will go in vain. Therefore, anti-fascist unity is essential. I believe such unity will keep the spirit of July alive,” Nazrul said at a mock parliamentary debate organised by Debate for Democracy on the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) premises in the capital. Nazrul said political differences among BNP, Jamaat, NCP and other parties might exist but no one of them are undemocratic. “All are democratic parties,” he added. “So, I don’t see any obstacle to holding elections. Preparations and public aspirations both support elections. We want elections as soon as possible,” he added. Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to forming a national government if elected, he said, “We will form a national or consensus government with all allies of the movement.” He warned that the fallen Awami League is still conspiring to destabilise the country. In the debate, Eden Mohila College emerged victorious over Tejgaon College. Trophies, crests and certificates were handed over to the participating teams Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron presided over the event.

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas on Friday said the people of Bangladesh will reject the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the election just as they rejected Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “Teach people first how to vote. Then speak about the PR system. Don’t confuse the nation with strange experiments like PR,” Abbas said while addressing a rally in the capital’s Jatrabari area. The rally was organised by BNP Dhaka South City Unit to mark the first anniversary of the July-August Mass Uprising, commemorating the martyrs. Mirza Abbas said many elderly voters have forgotten how to cast their vote over the past 17 years, while the younger generation has yet to experience the voting process. Calling the PR initiative a ploy to delay the next national election, he said there is an evil purpose behind introducing the PR system. Some parties will agree to participate under the PR system, and others will refuse. Then it will be said elections camnot be held and the government should be given more time, he added. “Stop these tricky and nonsense acts,” Mirza Abbas said, adding the election should be held in a voting system which the people of this country are habituated to. “This nation didn’t accept EVMs when Sheikh Hasina tried to impose it. So, they won't accept your PR system either,” said the BNP leader. In a veiled reference to Jamaat-e-Islami, Abbas said there is a certain party which always wants to do the opposite of what BNP does. They have never dreamt of becoming ministers on their own merit. They climb up by clinging to others—sometimes riding Awami League, sometimes BNP, and now the NCP. “But this won’t help them,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday appreciated the interim government for saving the country from a crisis by negotiating with the US administration to reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi products from 35 percent to 20 percent. “There is some good news… Our Foreign Ministry and advisers have managed to bring down the US tariffs on our goods to 20 percent through discussions. That’s why I want to thank this government as they have helped the country avoid a major crisis,” he said while addressing a rally. The BNP leader said the United States had imposed a 35 percent tariff on Bangladesh’s products exported to their country. “It means that for the goods we export, they would charge a 35% tax... At that price, our goods would no longer be competitive or sell well.” He, however, said the biggest challenge now for the government is to hold the national election in February next year as promised by the Chief Adviser. “We want this election, and so do the people. The people of this country want to see the country governed by an elected government,” the BNP leader said. Khosru terms US tariff cut on Bangladeshi products a satisfactory development He said that at present, there is no one to represent the common people or to resolve their problems due to the absence of an elected parliament and local government bodies. “If I face a problem now, where do I go? There’s no Member of Parliament. Who will raise my issue in Parliament? There’s no one. Who will speak for me and my demands in the House? No one! That’s exactly why we urgently need elections and a Parliament where we can raise our voice,” the BNP leader said. BNP Dhaka North City unit organised the programme in front of Azampur’s Amir Complex in the capital’s Uttara area, in memory of those martyred in democratic movements, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Fakhrul also thanked the government as the Consensus Commission has completed its discussions with political parties to finalise reform proposals based on mutual agreement. “Just yesterday (Thursday), the reform meeting ended. We hope a full report will be released within the next couple of days.” US tariff cut signals stronger, competitive trade ties with Bangladesh He said many people make different remarks about the government and also criticise them. “Yes, they have made mistakes and have shortcomings, as they lack experience.” Fakhrul said they hoped that the interim government would prepare a proper list of martyrs and take steps for their rehabilitation within a year. “Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to fully achieve that. But they are trying." He urged BNP leaders and activists to change their mindset and refrain from any wrongdoing in order to build a new Bangladesh with the love and support of the people. “We have been freed for the time being from an awful fascism. This liberty will only be complete when we can completely defeat them (fascist forces) politically,” Fakhrul said. He warned that their party will not compromise with those who loot, rob banks, extort money, or grab people’s property. “We will never accept them and we will not let them move forward in any way.” Prof Yunus sees bright future for Bangladesh as it secures 20% US tariff rate The BNP leader said their party dreams of building a beautiful and united Bangladesh, but that will not happen just by clapping, carrying posters, or chanting slogans. He urged BNP members to look around, listen to what people are saying, and understand what they really want, cautioning the that people are not fools. The BNP leader said the people of the country had trusted Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia by electing their party to run the country. “The same way,  people are now trusting Tarique Rahman. We are waiting for the day he returns to the country and leads us. We are praying to Allah that Tarique Rahman comes back soon, unites us, and leads us—that is our wish,” he said. Fakhrul also said their party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has long been talking about building a new Bangladesh where everyone will have equal rights, where people can vote freely, and where poor and ordinary people will not remain poor but gradually move towards a better life. “He has also repeatedly said that justice will be established.” The BNP Secretary General expressed his solidarity with the pain and grief of the families of student martyrs who gave their lives during the final phase of the anti-fascist movement, recalling how Uttara was in turmoil on this very day one year ago.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said except for 51 points his party has no disagreement with the National Consensus Commission on the remaining recommendations. “We are hopeful that the July Charter will be signed soon. Apart from 51 points, BNP has no disagreement with the commission on the remaining recommendations,” he said. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Uloom Muinul Islam Madrasa in Hathazari of Chattogram on Friday. The BNP leader reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the July Charter. BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, who also visited the madrasa, expressed confidence that there would be no obstacle to holding elections in February. They visited the madrasa on behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Upon their arrival, Salahuddin and Nazrul Islam were welcomed by senior madrasa teachers. The BNP leaders visited the graves of former Hefazat-e-Islam leaders Shah Ahmad Shafi and Allama Junaid Babunagari and offered prayers. Later, the BNP leaders held a courtesy meeting with the institution’s head scholar Sheikh Ahmad and Director General Mufti Khalil Ahmad Qasemi at the madrasa auditorium. Local BNP leader Barrister Mir Helal Uddin and others were present during the visit.