United News of Bangladesh

Stating that the goal of overthrowing fascism has not been achieved yet, senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday said the main task now is to establish an elected government through people’s votes in a credible national election. “We think the main task at this moment is to establish people's rule with the aim of fulfilling the aspirations of the martyrs to build a humane, democratic and progressive modern Bangladesh. This is only possible through people's votes and through elections,” he said. Nazrul, a standing committee member of BNP, made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to their party founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave along with the leaders of the newly formed committee of BNP Mymensingh South District unit. He said BNP fought against Sheikh Hasina's fascism and dictatorship for over 15 years, bravely facing severe repression and suppression.  “At the final stage of this struggle, fascism collapsed through the uprising of students, workers and the people of this country. But our demand was not only the fall of a government, our main demand was also the restoration of democracy. For that, the fall of fascism was necessary,” Nazrul said. He said the one-point demand of BNP and its like-minded parties included the fall of fascism and the establishment of the rights of the people of the country through a parliamentary election under a non-partisan and neutral government. The BNP leader said the first part of their demand has been fulfilled as the head of the fascist government and its leaders have fled the country. July uprising succeeded under Tarique Rahman’s leadership: Murad “But the goal for which we ousted the fascist regime has not yet been achieved. The people of Bangladesh have not yet been able to establish their elected government by exercising their fundamental right to vote,” he observed. Nazrul accused a vested quarter of trying to disrupt unity among democratic political parties. “We believe people who know it very well are autocratic and who stand for democracy. They know who established autocracy in the country, who directly or indirectly supported that dictatorship, and who have been relentlessly oppressed for fighting for democracy!” He said the people of the country also know that several thousand BNP leaders and activists were subjected to enforced disappearance, killing, and repression while lakhs of cases have been filed against them. “People have seen all this. They also know who has remained uncompromising in the struggle for democracy. So, we do not believe that people will accept it if any political party says something unjustified,” the BNP leader said. In response to a question, Nazrul Islam Khan said, “If any BNP leader is involved in a crime anywhere in the country, organisational action will be taken against them. If legal action is taken against them, BNP will not obstruct it; we will welcome it instead.”

Dhaka District unit Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad on Tuesday said the July-August mass uprising might not have succeeded without the leadership of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Tarique Rahman was the main figure behind the success of the July-August mass uprising. Under his leadership, students and people made the movement a success by ousting the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina,” he said. Murad made the remarks while speaking at a views-exchange meeting organised by the local BNP at Amtala Union in Dhamrai upazila of Savar. Murad said many people who now speak loudly about the movement often forget that BNP has made the biggest sacrifices in the country’s democratic movement. BNP to launch ‘July-August Uprising’ programme Tuesday “Even after facing enforced disappearances, killings, and brutal repression over the last 17 years, our leaders and activists never stepped back from the movement,” he observed. Calling the uprising the result of a long struggle by the BNP and other democratic parties, he said, “The mass movement did not succeed in one day or one month. It took 17 years of continuous movement and sacrifice.” Local BNP leaders Khandaker Abu Taher Mukut, Lokman Dewan, Enayet Hossain, Ansar Ali, Khandaker Aiyub, and Akhtaruzzaman Liton, among others, spoke at the meeting presided over by Amtala Union BNP’s former Senior Vice-President Wasel Ali Khan Swapan.  

Stating that people’s unity is now more important than ever, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to carefully consider whether the proportional representation (PR) election system is suitable for Bangladesh, warning that it could lead to division. “Some political parties have raised the demand for a proportional representation (PR) electoral system. While this system of elections exists in certain countries around the world, I urge everyone to carefully consider how suitable—or whether it is suitable at all—for Bangladesh at this moment, given the country’s current reality and its geographical-political context,” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing the party’s discussion, ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’, held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.   To establish Bangladesh on a strong democratic foundation, he said the country must be freed from subservience. “At this moment, national unity is more important than ever. But I would like to humbly appeal to the leaders of all political parties to seriously consider whether the proportional representation system could lead to a divided society and an unstable government instead of national unity,” the BNP leader said. He said all parties need to seriously consider whether, under the cover of the proportional representation electoral system, they are unknowingly being used to rehabilitate a previously defeated, fugitive and deposed dictator into Bangladesh’s politics. The BNP leader said the interim government remains active in arranging a national election to establish a government that will be accountable to the people through their direct votes. At the same time, he said, the government has started the trial of the ousted fascists and begun reforms in the state and politics. Mentioning that reforming the state and politics is an ongoing process, Tarique said he firmly believes that the future government elected by the people will continue the work started by the interim government to ensure democracy and the rule of law in both the state and society. Khaleda calls for upholding unity, quick steps to institutionalise democracy “So, democracy-loving people believe it is logical not to link one issue with the conditions of another,” he observed. In the reform process initiated by the interim government, the BNP leader said political parties are making thoughtful proposals. “Everyone is putting forward good suggestions keeping people in mind. But it is important to consider whether all these proposals are truly suitable in the context of Bangladesh.” He warned that if political parties continue to raise new issues one after another, conspirators might find a chance to re-emerge. Noting that it is not possible for the interim government to solve every problem of the people, he said, “If we keep the interim government constantly occupied with reform matters, it may end up depriving the people of their political and economic rights.” He said there is now an opportunity to build a democratic and discrimination-free Bangladesh as the country has been freed from fascism through the mass uprising. The BNP leader said establishing democracy and forming an elected government through a fair national election is necessary to honour the sacrifice of the martyrs. Tarique Rahman expressed his respect to the martyrs and conveyed his sympathy to the families of those who were martyred or injured during the mass uprising and the long democratic movement. He said just as people have not forgotten those who laid down their lives for the country’s independence in 1971, the nation will also not forget those who were martyred during the mass uprising in 2024. If BNP comes to power, Tarique said, the party will name various state institutions and establishments after the martyrs in their honour. Tarique reiterated that if the BNP is voted to power in the next national election, it will form a national government. “This government will make the highest effort to carry out every programme for the development of the country and its people. To build a corruption-free, safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh, it is important that all democracy-loving individuals, organisations, and political parties come together,” he said. Although differences in views and programmes may seem to cause division among anti-fascist political parties, the BNP leader said he strongly believes all democratic forces are united in the national interest. Tarique inaugurates BNP’s 36-day programme marking July Uprising anniversary “It is not necessary for all political parties to agree on every issue, but agreeing on national interest is most important… I firmly believe, and our party BNP believes, that this anti-fascist national unity will stay strong and, Insha’Allah, it will continue in the future,” he said. Tarique made a call to all, saying, "Let us not be guided by revenge or hatred. Let us begin a competition of light, a competition of goodness to build the Bangladesh our martyrs dreamed of. Let us come out from the darkness of fascism and return to the light of democracy." He also called upon all leaders, activists, supporters, and well-wishers of BNP and every democratic political party in Bangladesh not to increase more conditions or demands. “Instead, let us try to understand Bangladesh through the spirit of the martyrs." "Let us try to see Bangladesh through the inner vision of those who lost their eyes in battle. Let us feel the pain of the injured and the suffering, and build Bangladesh in the light of the martyrs’ hopes,” he said.  BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said many sacrifices have to be made to free the country from the Awami League’s fascist rule. The BNP leader said the mass uprising has created a chance to build a new democratic Bangladesh. He said a false campaign has been run to portray BNP as being against reform, which is not true. “We will not compromise when it comes to unity and democracy. As a liberal democratic party, we want change through democratic means and in parliament. I ask all to consider this positively,” Fakhrul said. About the July Charter, he said BNP had already extended its support to finalise it. “Now it is the government's responsibility to complete the process.” BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said certain quarters are subtly trying to keep BNP from coming to power, as the party has a strong chance of winning the next election. “Many parties are making various demands to disrupt the election, which is contributing to national disunity… We must stay united to move the country forward.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said national unity against fascism must be upheld, adding, “It will be our strength in building a new Bangladesh.” Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, 12-party Alliance Chief Coordinator and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Bangladesh Jatiyo Party (Manzu) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Zonayed Saki, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Biplobi Workers' Party Saiful Haq, Nizam-e-Islam Party Chairman Ashraful Islam, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju , Former MP and JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan, National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Gono Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Muhammad Rashed Khan, spoke at the programme. Family members of the martyrs of the July-August uprising and the democratic movement, along with families of the victims of enforced disappearance, sat in the front row of the event. They held photos of their loved ones who were killed or became victims of enforced disappearance. On behalf of BNP, the party Secretary General gave crests to the families of the martyrs. Tarique Rahman also inaugurated the party’s 36-day-long programme titled ‘July-August Uprising: Mourning and Victory Observance’, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones. Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims. BNP leader Salahuddin questions mandatory consensus on NCC proposals Martyred Abu Sayed’s elder brother Ramjan Ali, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s father Mostafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram’s father Safiul Alam, Yamin’s father Mohiuddin, Abdullah bin Zahid’s mother Fatima Tuz Zohr,  Farhan Fiaz’s sister Saima Islam Farin, Kazi Fahim’s mother Kazi Lulfa, missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali's wife Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for family members of enforced disappearance victims, enforced disappearance victim and BNP leader Anisur Rahman Talukdar, Adiba Islam Hridi, daughter of enforced disappearance victim and Chhatra Dal leader Parvez Hossain, crossfire victim Nuruzzaman Jony’s brother Moniruzzaman Hira, as well as the fathers of Biswajit and Abrar Fahad, who were brutally killed by ruling party cadres during the Awami League’s rule, Redwad Hossain Riyad, who lost his eyes in police firing during the mass uprising, and Navil, who was maimed in a police shooting, also spoke at the programme.  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday called for seizing the current opportunity to institutionalise democracy afresh and maintain national unity. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday said the opportunity created to institutionalise a new democratic system must be utilised quickly while maintaining national unity. “We must complete the task quickly to institutionalise democracy anew by grabbing the opportunity created before us,” she said while addressing a discussion held in the capital through a virtual platform. BNP arranged the discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the afternoon, inaugurating its 36-day-long extensive programme marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Khaleda Zia stressed the need for employment generation and ensuring people’s security. “Above all, we must safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty at any cost,” she said. Referring to the sacrifices made in the past political movements including the 2024 Mass Uprising, she said, “We must ensure that the blood of our heroes and the tears of grieving mothers are not in vain. The unity must be maintained.” The BNP chairperson, in her brief speech, said the blood-soaked July-August has returned after a year. For 16 years, the fascist rulers wanted to destroy democracy and perpetuate one-party rule through carrying out brutal oppression, arrests, killings and enforced disappearances. She said the fascism fell through the collective uprising of the students and masses. “An opportunity has been created to build Bangladesh afresh." Khaleda Zia paid homage to those who lost their lives in the movement and expressed sympathy for the injured. “The nation will always remember their sacrifices,” Khaleda said. Khaleda’s Sweet Diplomacy: Seasonal fruits headed to Qatari royalty and PM The BNP chairperson called for compiling a list of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and extrajudicial killings. “There must be a quick process of trial and state recognition. The dignity of each affected family, rehabilitation and a secure future for them must be ensured,” she said. Khaleda Zia urged all to work collectively to realise the vision of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. “Let us all work together to fulfil Shaheed Zia’s dream...to build a new Bangladesh as dreamt by millions of people,” she said. Khaleda to virtually address BNP’s discussion today  BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman inaugurated the event by joining virtually from the United Kingdom. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as a special guest addressed the event presided over by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The family members of those who lost their lives in past political movements, including last year’s mass uprising, spoke at the event.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the party’s 36-day-long programme titled ‘July-August Uprising: Mourning and Victory Observance’, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The BNP leader formally launched the programmes 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. “We have taken the month-long programme to observe the anniversary of the mass uprising. We have many other programmes. I inaugurate the programmes wishing for their all-out success,” he said. BNP’s discussion on first anniversary of July uprising underway Earlier, the discussion began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran at around 3:10pm. A munajat (prayer) was offered, seeking peace for the souls of those who were martyred during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements. A one-minute silence was then observed while standing in honour of the martyrs, followed by the playing of the national anthem. A documentary titled ‘National Unity and Democratic Journey’ was also screened on the occasion. A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones. Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims. Martyred Abu Sayed’s elder brother Ramjan Ali, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s father Mostafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram’s father Safiul Alam, Yamin’s father Mohiuddin, Abdullah bin Zahid’s mother Fatima Tuz Zohr,  Farhan Fiaz’s sister Saima Islam Farin, Kazi Fahim’s mother Kazi Lulfa, missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali's wife Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for family members of enforced disappearance victims, enforced disappearance victim and BNP leader Anisur Rahman Talukdar, Adiba Islam Hridi, daughter of enforced disappearance victim and Chhatra Dal leader Parvez Hossain, crossfire victim Nuruzzaman Jony’s brother Moniruzzaman Hira, as well as the fathers of Biswajit and Abrar Fahad, who were brutally killed by ruling party cadres during the Awami League’s rule, Redwad Hossain Riyad, who lost his eyes in police firing during the mass uprising, and Navil, who was maimed in a police shooting, also spoke at the programme. Khaleda to virtually address BNP’s discussion today  BNP leaders said the discussion was organised to honour the memory and sacrifices of those who were killed, made enforced disappear or suffered during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements. BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia addressed the event virtually as the chief guest. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the event as a special guest, with the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders from different democratic parties also addressed the programme. A good number of family members of those who lost their lives, went missing during past political movements, including last year’s uprising, and others affected, attended the event. Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be observed from July 1 to August 6, marking one year since the July-August mass uprising that led to the fall of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina 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.

BNP’s discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ began on Tuesday afternoon, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The programme started at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital around 3:10pm with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran at around 3:10pm. A munajat (prayer) was offered, seeking peace for the souls of those who were martyred during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements. A one-minute silence was then observed while standing in honour of the martyrs, followed by the playing of the national anthem. A documentary titled ‘National Unity and Democratic Journey’ was also screened on the occasion. A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones. Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims. Prof Yunus launches July Uprising commemoration prog with QR code Martyred Abu Sayed’s elder brother Ramjan Ali, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s father Mostafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram’s father Safi Alam, Yamin’s father Mohiuddin, Fihan Fiaz’s sister Saima Islam Farin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for family members of enforced disappearance victims, enforced disappearance victim and BNP leader Anisur Rahman Talukdar, Adiba Islam Hridi, daughter of enforced disappearance victim and Chhatra Dal leader Parvez Hossain, as well as the fathers of Biswajit and Abrar Fahad, who were brutally killed by ruling party cadres during the Awami League’s rule, Redwad Hossain Riyad, who lost his eyes in police firing during the mass uprising, spoke at the programme. BNP leaders said the discussion was organised to honour the memory and sacrifices of those who killed made enforced disappear or suffered during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements. BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to address the event virtually as the chief guest, while Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the 36-day programme. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to speak as a special guest, with the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presiding over the programme. A good number of family members of those who lost their lives, went missing during past political movements, including last year’s uprising, and others who were affected, attended the event. Senior leaders from various political parties, along with families of martyrs and injured victims from last year’s mass uprising and other movements, have also been invited. Govt declares Aug 5 as 'July Uprising Day' and Aug 8 as 'New Bangladesh Day' Banners displayed photos of several martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayed, who was shot dead by police during the July-August uprising. The banners also featured graffiti artworks by students and citizens, with slogans such as ‘One Point, One Demand’ and ‘Down with Autocracy’. The July-August observance began at one minute past midnight on Tuesday, when BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, lit candles at the Central Shaheed Minar in a commemorative event titled ‘Glowing Memories in Light’. Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be observed from July 1 to August 6, marking one year since the July-August mass uprising that led to the fall of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina 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.

BNP is set to hold a discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Tuesday afternoon, inaugurating its 36-day-long extensive programme to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will virtually addressed the programme, scheduled to begin at 3pm as the chief guest, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the party’s media cell. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the event by joining virtually from the United Kingdom. Sayrul said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will attend the event as a special guest, while Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will preside over the programme. He said family members of those who lost their lives in past political movements, including last year’s mass uprising, will speak at the event. BNP to launch ‘July-August Uprising’ programme Tuesday With this event, the BNP’s 36-day-long extensive programme titled ‘July-August Uprising: Mourning and Victory Observance’ will formally begin.  Senior leaders from various political parties and families of those who were martyred or injured during last year’s mass uprising and the democratic movements have been invited to join the event. Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be held from July 1 to August 6, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, which resulted in the ousting of autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5, 2024. The programmes include discussion meetings, rallies, blood donation drives, graffiti art, street theatre, football tournaments, events on children’s rights, and public awareness campaigns on preventing dengue and COVID-19.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday said those trying to create confusion over the issue of proportional representation (PR) are in fact undermining the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for democracy. “PR can be a subject of discussion. Of course, there may be PR. It’s not a big issue whether PR is adopted or not. But if anyone uses PR to create conflict in people’s aspirations for democracy, I would say they do not believe in the ideals of Bangladesh,” he said while addressing the general meeting of Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal in the capital. Moyeen Khan said BNP’s history and activities prove that the party has never shown any disrespect to the people of other faiths as it bears the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who founded Bangladeshi nationalism. BNP to launch ‘July-August Uprising’ programme Tuesday Its (Bangladeshi nationalism’s) core principle is that every citizen, regardless of religion, caste or ethnicity, will live in this country as a Bangladeshi, he said. Criticising many other political parties, he said, “We’ve seen different political parties that say one thing and do the opposite. But the BNP has never done such kind of politics.”  The BNP leader said their politics is based on the honesty of Ziaur Rahman and the uncompromising principles of Begum Khaleda Zia. “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was an honest leader in heart, speech and deeds. We do politics with the ideal of honesty. We work (do politics) bearing the uncompromising principle of our leader Khaleda Zia,” said Moyeen Khan. Speaking at the same event, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abedin Farroque alleged that the political parties that want election under the PR (proportional representation) system are basically engaged in an ill-attempt to trap Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. China keen to deepen ties with Bangladesh’s next elected govt: Fakhrul He also claimed that a vested quarter is conspiring over the recent meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the Chief Adviser (Prof Yunus) in London. BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee also spoke at the meeting presided over by Olama Dal convener Maulana Kazi Md Selim Reza at the Diploma Engineers’ Institute.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday underscored the need for forming an elected government through a credible election, saying it is essential to reinvigorate the country’s slowing economy. “There is no alternative to an elected government to revive the economy,” he said while speaking to Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Shawkat Aziz Russell at BNP’s Gulshan office. Fakhrul said BNP is working to ensure that a democratic government is established through a free, fair and acceptable national election. Stating that the private sector plays a vital role in generating employment, he said BNP will prioritise private sector development to tackle unemployment. BNP to launch ‘July-August Uprising’ programme Tuesday BTMA President Russell praised BNP for its commitment to multi-party democracy and for respecting different views and opinions. He recalled that BNP’s founder and former President Ziaur Rahman gave importance to the private sector to strengthen the national economy. Criticising the former Awami League government, Russell alleged that corruption during Sheikh Hasina’s rule has severely damaged the country’s trade, commerce and banking sectors. He assured that the business community would fully support BNP, if it voted to power, in overcoming the current economic crisis and building a corruption-free Bangladesh. During the meeting, they also discussed various aspects of the country’s economy.

BNP’s 36-day-long extensive programme titled ‘July-August Uprising: Mourning and Victory Observance’ will begin on Tuesday with a discussion meeting at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The programme is scheduled to start at 3pm, with participation from various political parties and families of those who were martyred or injured during last year’s mass uprising and the democratic movement, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the party’s discipline committee—formed to ensure the success of the party’s programmes—at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, Rizvi said the discussion meeting would serve as the inaugural event of their 36-day observance. He said the inaugural programme is especially planned to honour the families of the martyrs. He said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman are expected to deliver messages virtually at the discussion meeting, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Addressing the members of the discipline committee, Rizvi urged them to carry out their responsibilities sincerely. He specifically requested them to treat invited political leaders, members of martyred families and families of those subjected to enforced disappearances and killings with respect, ensuring they are properly seated. BNP to file case against former CECs, EC Commissioners Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be held from July 1 to August 6, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, which resulted in the ousting of autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5, 2024. The programmes include discussion meetings, rallies, blood donation drives, graffiti art, street theatre, football tournaments, events on children's rights, and public awareness campaigns on preventing dengue and COVID-19. In preparation, the party formed a 58-member committee titled the ‘July-August Mass Uprising, Mourning and Victory Anniversary Observance Committee’, with Rizvi as the convener and Dhaka University Prof Morshed Hasan Khan as the member secretary. Besides, different sub-committees have been formed to coordinate different aspects of the observance, including management, publicity, discipline, reception, media, communication, hospitality and office affairs.