United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed hope that the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will ensure a fair trial in line with international standards. Mirza Fakhrul made a post on his verified Facebook page in the morning saying, “In Dhaka, the verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina will be announced within a few hours. I hope a fair trial consistent with international standards will be ensured. The nation is waiting.” ICT-1 reading out verdict in Hasina’s case  “Mughdha, Wasim, Abu Sayed and many others are waiting, Bangladesh future is waiting,” he added. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver the verdict today in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July mass uprising which led to the fall of Hasina’s government.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday (November 17) alleged that the fascist Awami League is using ‘money looted from various banks and mega projects’ to buy cocktails and carry out acts of sabotage. “Those who committed crimes during the fascist era are now the ones shamelessly setting buses on fire. Cocktails are being bought with money looted from different banks. Funds misappropriated from projects like the Padma Bridge and Metro Rail are being used to finance acts of sabotage,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. During the fascist rule, he said the Awami League controlled the media and carried out vicious propaganda against BNP leaders and activists who were fighting for democracy, falsely linking them to arson attacks. “Even then, we repeatedly said that pro-democracy people had no connection with these arson incidents, and BNP leaders and activists had no involvement. We also presented clear evidence at the time that pro-democracy activists and the BNP had absolutely no link to arson violence,” he said. The BNP leader said the true perpetrators of arson violence are now visible to everyone. Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He said their party wants a peaceful Bangladesh where people of all opinions can speak freely, and where elections take place smoothly, fairly, and in an inclusive environment. Rizvi said the crimes committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure must face due punishment. “If Sheikh Hasina is properly punished for her crimes, it will stand as a powerful example. The previous fascist government controlled the media to spread propaganda. People believe there will be no more dictated courts like in Sheikh Hasina’s era. The country’s people want fair justice, and they are now witnessing it and will continue to witness it,” he said. He recalled the brutal mass killings during the July–August uprising carried out by the Hasina regime using law enforcement agencies. “We still remember how Abu Sayed, Mugdho, and Waseem Akram were brutally murdered, and how many children were mercilessly killed. Those horrific memories remain with us.” The BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been making unfair statements from India to create chaos in Bangladesh. “Why is India allowing this? By sheltering a criminal and giving her the scope to incite violence and carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh, India is violating the law. The people of Bangladesh do not view this positively. Such behaviour is unacceptable.” Replying to a question, Rizvi said, as in the previous year, instructions have been given not to hold any programmes, including cutting any cake, on Tuesday (20 November) to mark BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s birthday. Read more: Fakhrul calls for resistance against ‘vested quarter’ ahead of Hasina verdict

Political parties participating in Sunday’s electoral dialogue, urged the Election Commission (EC) to strictly uphold neutrality, to be bold and remain uncompromising on enforcement of electoral rules and the code of conduct to hold the upcoming national election in a free, fair and credible manner. The EC held two separate discussions with a total of 11 parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on the second day of its ongoing electoral dialogue with registered political parties. Six parties attended the morning session and five others joined the afternoon session. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin presided over both sessions, while election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, as well as EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present. Gonoforum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikyajote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party took part in the first session; Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Bangladesh Jasod), Bangladesh National Awami Party (Bangladesh NAP), Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh joined the second session. Gonoforum’s acting President Subrata Chowdhury said those who worked in the previous election commissions were competent, but unfortunately neutrality was missing among them. “There were invisible forces around them,” he said. He urged the current Commission to ensure neutrality at all levels. “During your tenure, you need to uphold impartiality both in the national and local government elections and the neutrality must be visible to the people. We still have confidence in you… There will be a national election in February and a referendum as well,” he added. About the referendum, he questioned the format of single option ‘yes’ or ‘no’ against several questions -may make it ineffective. “Make sure the referendum does not become a matter of mockery. You must stand firm.” He stressed the responsibility of political parties to follow the code of conduct. “The current EC must ensure a good election,” said Subrata Chowdhury. Gono Front Secretary General Ahmad Ali Sheikh said the Commission must ensure it has every capacity necessary to conduct a proper election. Bangladesh Jatiya Party’s acting chairman ANM Sirajul Islam recommended arrangement of the divisional-wise balloting and installing CCTV cameras at polling stations to make the election fair as well as reducing security deposits. Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Matin) Secretary General Jafor Ahmed Joy expressed worry whether the commission can uphold the rules it issued: "You have taken the oath. The responsibility of the nation is on your shoulders. If you cannot perform your responsibility due to pressure from someone, then there is a better way, take that path. But don't bow down (to anyone)." Islamic Front Bangladesh Chairman Syed Bahadur Shah Mojaddedi placed nine proposals. “The last three elections held over the past 15 years were all controversial. They created a crisis of confidence over voting. The entire electoral system is in crisis,” he said. He asked for ensuring a level playing field and holding the next election in four phases instead of a single day. Addressing the first session, the CEC sought cooperation from political parties to create a safe environment for voters during the upcoming national election. Nasir Uddin said the commission’s main objective is to hold the next election in a fair, acceptable environment. “To achieve this, we need your cooperation,” he said. “We need your support in bringing voters to the polling stations and creating a safe environment,” he said. The CEC said the Election Commission has already formulated a code of conduct for the upcoming election. “A fair election largely depends on the proper implementation of the code of conduct. If candidates comply with it properly, the election will be fair. In this regard, we seek your cooperation.” Opening the afternoon session, the CEC said if the parties cooperate, the burden on them regarding enforcement of the code of conduct becomes far lighter. “If the parties cooperate with us, we won't have so many headaches with the code of conduct. Many people think that if we work for them, the commission is their man. We can't work for anyone." Noting both misinformation and disinformation as one of the biggest challenges in the upcoming election — a challenge previous Commissions did not have to face. “This has become a major concern,” he said. Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Kader Siddique said he hadn’t joined discussions with the government in the last 15 months despite getting invitations, but he came to attend the EC’s dialogue as a mark of respect for its constitutional positions. He claimed that the current government divided the country completely: “There are 40-50 registered political parties, but they invite only two-three parties. It’s neither neutral nor universal.” Bangladesh NAP Chairman Jebel Rahman Ghoni said the dialogue should have been held earlier and expressed concern that the Commission did not collect opinions from all stakeholders while amending the RPO and the code of conduct. “If we make recommendations now, these things may not be implemented,” he said. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Jalal Uddin Ahmed emphasised the need for EC’s neutrality. “If neutrality is questioned, the national election itself will be questioned,” he said. Islami Andolan Bangladesh Senior Presidium Member Syed Mosaddeq Billah Al Madani opposed holding the referendum and general election on the same day. “If both are held together, the referendum loses its importance. We want the referendum on a separate day,” he said. Pointing at Awami League, Bangladesh Jasod General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan said the leaders of a political party fled the country and it won’t participate in the election. “Those who are participating must have a congenial environment. The EC must ensure that environment. The Commission must create it,” he said. The Commission will sit with 12 more political parties in two separate sessions on Monday. On November 13, the EC opened its pre-election dialogue with registered political parties and already held talks with a total of 23 ones out of 53 registered political parties on the first two days of the electoral dialogue. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC recognised three new parties, including NCP, as registered parties. The Commission aims to complete the dialogue with all registered political parties within this month before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists frm different media outlets, election experts and election observers.

Eight like-minded political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to be present on the streets on Monday as the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three others, accused of crimes against humanity, is delivered. Speaking at a joint press conference on Sunday at Al-Falah Hall in Moghbazar, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the ‘eight-party alliance’ would defy the ‘lockdown’ called by the ruling Awami League in connection with the verdict. “We have been active in previous programmes, and this time too, the nation will not allow any sabotage in favour of fascism. The Awami League will not get that chance. The eight-party alliance will be on the ground,” Parwar said. He said the coalition had decided to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum and would encourage the public to support the proposed reforms. “The advisory speech delivered to the nation has partially fulfilled public expectations for free and fair elections. We will continue our programmes to achieve the remaining demands,” he said. Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case Earlier, on Sunday, leaders of the eight-party alliance met at Al-Falah Hall under the chairmanship of Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Senior leaders present included Mufti Syed Md Rezaul Karim (Pir Saheb, Chormonai), Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis; Principal Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, Ameer of Khilafat Majlis; Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Senior Naib Ameer of Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party; Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Co-President and Spokesperson of JAGPA; Advocate Anwarul Haque Chan, Chairman of Bangladesh Development Party; and Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Haqqani, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan. At the meeting, they discussed the country’s current situation, the advisory speech, and the next steps in their ongoing movement. The ‘alliance’ emphasised that their five-point demands remain central to their agenda and vowed to continue activism until all objectives are achieved.

Youth participants on Sunday urged all political parties to include a firm commitment to enacting a comprehensive Road Safety Law in their election manifestos, ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. Marking the “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”, the call came during a youth march and candlelit vigil organised by the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Shyamoli playground around 5pm on Sunday. The event was held in memory of those killed in road crashes. Speaking at the programme, young participants said road crashes have taken the form of an “epidemic” as lives continue to be lost on the country’s roads every day. They noted that youth remain the most vulnerable group among road users and that road crashes are one of the leading causes of death for young people. They stressed the need for integrated safe road management to prevent further loss of lives, and said political parties must pledge to formulate and properly enforce a strong road safety law in their upcoming election platforms. More than 50 youths, including road crash victims and their families, officials from the Dhaka Ahsania Mission’s Health Sector, and people from various professions joined the candlelit vigil. The participants demanded the adoption of an effective Road Safety Act aimed at reducing road crash-related deaths and injuries in Bangladesh by half by 2030, says a press release. Earlier, a 4-hour workshop on the Safe System Approach and road safety was held for youth from noon.

Leaders and activists of District and Upazila units of Juba Dal in Patuakhali on Sunday blocked the path of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi by wrapping themselves in shrouds. They were out there protesting the expulsion of former Patuakhali District Juba Dal vice-president and former Sadar Upazila convener Md Rimanul Islam Rimu. Rizvi was visiting the Kazirhat Bridge area in Sadar Upazila to provide financial assistance to a helpless family on behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman when the protesters took position on the road. Lying down in shrouds, they chanted slogans demanding that the expulsion order against Rimu be withdrawn.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged the authorities to ensure full justice as the International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Fakhrul said, “Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal is going to announce the verdict tomorrow (Monday) in the case against Sheikh Hasina, in which five charges of crimes against humanity have been brought over the deadly violence and repression that occurred in Dhaka last year.” “We demand full justice! Bangladesh deserves a transparent and fair trial,” he writes. BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case Earlier in the day, speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, Fakhrul urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarters’ that, he alleged, are trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. He also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he added. ICT sets Nov 17 to deliver verdict on Hasina case The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said great national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani will always remain a source of inspiration for the nation in securing the just rights of the helpless and in protecting democracy, human rights, freedom and sovereignty. “His immense patriotism, unwavering commitment to national interest, and courage to stand against enemies of democracy and humanity will inspire us for generations to come,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks in a message issued on the occasion of Maulana Bhasani’s 49th death anniversary, which will be observed across the country with due respect on Monday. He recalled Bhasani’s role in anti-colonial movements, the fight for the rights of farmers and workers, and his contributions to the country’s independence and democratic movements. “On the occasion of the death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, the leader of the downtrodden, I pay my deep respects to his memory and pray for the salvation of his departed soul,” the BNP leader said. He said Maulana Bhasani is an unforgettable and significant name in national history. From the anti-British movement to broader struggles across the subcontinent, Tarique said this iconic leader stood firmly and courageously for the oppressed and persecuted, becoming a powerful voice against imperialism, colonialism and all forms of domination. “Maulana Bhasani will always be remembered as a guide on the path to the nation’s liberation. He was a shining luminary in Bangladesh’s independence movement, in democratic struggles, and in the fight for the just rights of farmers, workers, and the toiling masses,” he observed. The BNP leader said Bhasani’s stance was always against exploitation and in favour of the exploited, and through his fearless and decisive leadership, he continuously inspired the people of this country to stand up for their rights. “His thunderous voice shook the thrones of oppressive rulers and exploitative forces. In the nation’s darkest times, he stood firmly for the public interest, earning the trust and confidence of the people,” he said. In another message, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also paid tribute to the late leader and sought blessings for his departed soul. He said Maulana Bhasani was a strong voice for the oppressed people of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and a fearless advocate for the rights of the deprived. Calling him a ‘friend of the downtrodden’, Fakhrul said Bhasani consistently protested against imperialism, authoritarianism, and exploitation. “At a time when the nation faces direct and indirect aggression against its environment, culture, and identity, the path shown by Maulana Bhasani remains our guiding light,” he added. Fakhrul urged all to dedicate themselves to the welfare of the nation by being inspired by Bhasani’s ideals of patriotism, justice, and humanity.

Eight like-minded political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon, on Sunday urged citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum, expressing concern over public confusion after the government announced a national parliamentary election and a referendum on the same day. The parties, now united in a joint movement for five-point reform, called on the government to resolve the uncertainty and ensure a smooth process. Speaking at a press conference at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, representing the eight-party alliance, said, “The date of the referendum should have been announced before the national election to give legal validity to the proposed reforms. The failure to do so has created confusion, and it is the government’s responsibility to address this.” He said the top leaders of all eight parties had agreed to support the reforms in the referendum and would actively encourage a ‘Yes’ vote. Earlier, a joint meeting of the top leaders of the eight parties was held at the same venue, chaired by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Participants included leaders from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party, National Democratic Party (JAGPA), Bangladesh Development Party and Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan. The leaders discussed the political situation and strategies to implement the July National Charter reforms through the referendum. Parwar emphasised the need to appoint neutral officials at all administrative levels, including Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, to ensure free and fair elections. “If loyalists of a particular party are appointed in the administration, conducting a neutral election will be impossible,” he said. He also claimed that public sentiment strongly favours a ‘Yes’ vote, while those campaigning for ‘No’ oppose both the reforms and a neutral electoral process. On the continuation of the eight-party movement, Parwar said, “The eight-party liaison committee is responsible for our programme. They will convene and make announcements. Not all our demands have been met, so our movement will continue.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (November 16) urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. Speaking at a discussion, he also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he said. The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He urged all political parties to unite on the question of establishing democracy and move forward towards the coming election. “Guided by the ideals of Maulana Abul Hamid Khan Bhasani, we must work to establish democracy in this country.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August. BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 49th death anniversary of Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a legendary politician and one of the dreamers of Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul said the country’s politics has now fallen into a state of confusion, with ‘contentious’ elements entering the political arena that the people of Bangladesh could never imagine. He said it is unfortunate that the country is now facing a critical crisis due to bad politics practised by some parties. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case The BNP leader reiterated that elections are the only path to a transition to democracy. “An election is the only way through which we can move towards democracy and reflect the people’s aspirations.” Despite confusion, frustration and uncertainty, he said a possibility has now emerged that the national election will be held on 26 February. Fakhrul, however, warned that certain quarters are still deliberately trying to create uncertainty in the country by raising various demands with the intention of obstructing, halting or delaying the election. “But the people of this country now need one thing above all — an elected government that has public support,” he said. Fakhrul urged all political parties to support the election process instead of making efforts to derail the polls, for the sake of the country and its people. “Support the election so that the people can express their opinion, their belief, and elect their representatives through this vote.” He warned that the economic situation is deteriorating day by day and will worsen further without an elected government. “The law-and-order situation is already bad, and without an elected government it will deteriorate even more.” Fakhrul recalled how Bhasani devoted his entire life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and deprived, living very simply as a lifelong champion of the people. BNP to reinstate ‘faith in Allah’ in constitution if returns to power: Salahuddin He urged BNP leaders and workers to read books on the life and work of Bhasani and follow his ideals. Fakhrul also recalled that Bhasani had recognised in Ziaur Rahman a leader capable of changing the country’s fate, and blessed him, and had encouraged NAP leader Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia to work alongside Zia.