United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said China has expressed its willingness to work more closely and warmly with Bangladesh’s next elected government. “China has expressed the hope that it will work with Bangladesh’s next elected government with even greater sincerity, steadfastness, love and affection,” he told a press conference. The press briefing was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, following a recent visit to China by a nine-member BNP delegation led by Fakhrul. During the visit, Fakhrul said the BNP team discussed the Teesta project with Chinese authorities. “We explained our needs and requirements regarding this project and they responded positively. He said the Chinese side is still working on the Teesta River water management project. “If they (China) propose this project in the future when we are given the responsibility of running the government, we think we will consider it positively.” Fakhrul said the BNP delegation also urged China to play a more effective role in ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. He said the Chinese authorities assured them of their sincere efforts to convince the Myanmar government to agree to a quick repatriation of the Rohingyas. The BNP leader said their visit has opened a window to improve and strengthen the friendly relations between the two “brotherly” countries—a bond he hopes will grow stronger in the future. On June 22, a high-level nine-member BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visited China for five days at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The other eight members of the BNP delegation were BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Begum Selima Rahman, Chairperson’s Advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, Professor Sukomal Barua, the party’s media cell convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, and BNP Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar. Fakhrul demands tough punishment for Cumilla rape accused During the visit, Fakhrul said the BNP delegation held meetings with senior CPC leaders and discussed bilateral issues and ways to strengthen ties between the CPC and the BNP. Replying to a question, he said China is very positive about helping Bangladesh return to a democratic process. “They have expressed interest in working with an elected government.” The BNP leader said they clearly conveyed their party’s firm stance on the ‘One China Policy’. “BNP believes in the One-China Policy. We have never deviated from it. A Taiwanese Trade Centre was opened here in Dhaka during BNP’s rule for a few days, but it was later shut down.” During the meeting with the Communist Party leaders, Fakhrul said they clearly expressed their strong support for the 'One China Policy'. "At the same time, we respectfully acknowledged the remarkable development and global progress achieved by China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, as well as the positive aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he said. When asked about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the BNP leader said work on the projects is already underway. “If there is any remaining work that the Bangladeshi government believes would benefit the country, they will undoubtedly consider it.” Responding to another question, Fakhrul said China wants Bangladesh to maintain good relations with its neighbours. He said they urged the Chinese authorities to play a greater role in the development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure, digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, medical and healthcare services, higher education, communication, modern agricultural technology, SME businesses, the blue economy and the transfer of advanced technologies. During the meeting with CPC Politburo member Li Hongzhong, Fakhrul said a formal invitation was extended to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China. He said Li Hongzhong also expressed hope on behalf of China for starting fresh engagement with a newly elected government in Bangladesh in the near future. “We have called for cooperation based on mutual respect, with a shared vision for development and prosperity—where the highest priority is placed on people and public welfare. At the same time, considering the changing regional and geopolitical context, we respectfully appreciated China’s stance in support of the oppressed and called for greater visibility and a broader scope for that position,” the BNP leader said. BNP leader Salahuddin questions mandatory consensus on NCC proposals He said they also discussed a range of other issues, including the construction of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital, taking practical steps to preserve agricultural products from the northern region and boost export opportunities, making treatment easier for Bangladeshi patients in four specialised hospitals in Kunming and initiatives to establish international land connectivity between China and Bangladesh. Fakhrul said the CPC has proposed signing a two-year political memorandum of understanding with BNP. “We have accepted this as a positive move.”

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned why reform dialogue is needed if all parties are asked to fully agree with every proposal put forward by the National Consensus Commission. “If we are asked to agree 100 percent with all proposals of the Commission, then why were we invited for discussion?” he told reporters after the seventh day of the second phase of talks between the commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. The BNP leader said the July Charter or National Charter is supposed to be signed by bringing together all the issues on which the parties agree. “Now if we are forced here to agree on all the issues - that is not right,” he said replying to a question. Noting that they never express disappointment, he said, “We express optimism. We are making this proposal -- all the issues that the parties and everyone will agree on will be signed as the July Charter.” Focusing on BNP’s support to many reform proposals, Salahuddin said they agreed on the change in the article 70 of the constitution, the chairmanship of key parliamentary standing committees, conditionally agreed on the proposal of limiting a person’s tenure as prime minister to a maximum of 10 years during their lifetime (but in that case, the proposal to form any authority like National Constitutional Council or Appointment Committee for the constitutional and statutory institutions must be avoided). He said BNP also agreed on the issue of electing the president through a secret ballot, allowing MPs to vote independently. Fakhrul demands tough punishment for Cumilla rape accused Salahuddin raised BNP’s previous position, objecting to the proposal to form an appointment committee for the constitutional and statutory bodies and introduction of Proportional Representation (PR) system (based on votes) in the proposed 100-seated Upper House. He said BNP rather supports that the political parties should have representation in the Upper House based on the number of their respective MPs in the lower house in case of the bicameral parliament. But most of the political parties including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party-NCP, want the formation of the appointment committee and the PR system in the Upper House.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday demanded strict punishment for the reported rapist of a Hindu expatriate’s wife in Cumilla’s Muradnagar and said those who torture women should not be linked to any political party. In a statement, he also criticised Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, accusing him of misusing his power in Muradnagar for personal gain and thus encouraging miscreants to engage in anti-social activities. “We are deeply concerned about a brutal, shameful and horrifying incident of molestation and torture of a Hindu woman. This barbaric act has shocked and saddened the people of the country. But a vested quarter is trying to politicise this cowardly and disgraceful incident and divert it in another direction,” he said. The BNP leader said just like during fascist rule, the pattern of grabbing the homes and properties of minority communities and torturing them continues, while the blame is passed onto others. “An adviser (of the interim govt) from that area has been abusing his power in Muradnagar for his own interests. Encouraged by this, criminals have become active in various anti-social activities, and they are even getting continuous support from both inside and outside the country,” he said. Fakhrul warned that if the adviser continues to prioritise personal gain over public service, peace in the area will remain disturbed. “Since becoming the adviser from Muradnagar, he has been busy establishing his control and influence in the area, just like Awami MPs.” Amir Khosru sees no sign of uncertainty over national election in Feb     He alleged that an inhuman and brutal group is trying to use the rape and violence against Hindu women in Muradnagar to serve their political purpose. The dirty tricks of Awami League to destroy communal harmony and thus gain political benefits are being repeated.” Fakhrul said even after the fall of Hasina, instead of restoring the tradition of harmony that once existed, efforts are being made to destroy it for political gain.  “As the accomplices of the fallen autocratic regime have money and resources, they are involved in secret and dangerous activities to damage the image of BNP by committing violent acts, including violence against women, and then shifting the blame onto BNP,” he observed. The BNP leader said miscreants are encouraged to commit such crimes because they have the backing of a powerful quarter. “But for the sake of truth, dignity, and self-respect, everyone --irrespective of religion, race, or group --must stand against these evildoers and cruel criminals to build a healthy society and a safe nation.” “The criminals who torture women cannot have any political identity. They are enemies of human civilisation. I strongly demand immediate and exemplary punishment for those who raped and tortured the wife of the Hindu expatriate,” Fakhrul added.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday expressed the hope that the national election will be held in February next year, as he sees no sign of uncertainty about it. "I don't see any sign that the election won't be held in February. There's no need to question it unnecessarily. I see the election is going to be held in February," he said. He made the remarks during a press briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan in response to a journalist’s question about demands made by various Islamic parties at Saturday’s Islami Andolon Bangladesh rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, where they called for local government elections to be held before the general election. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said preparations for the election are already underway across the country. “People across the country are preparing for the February election. The Election Commission is also making preparations. Everything is on track. So, there's no point in unnecessarily questioning something that hasn't happened yet, or trying to disrupt the upcoming election for no reason," he observed. The BNP leader said it is normal for political parties to have differences of opinion and disagreements over various issues. "There is nothing wrong with that. Everyone has the right to express different views." Canadian envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses polls, bilateral ties The press briefing was held after a meeting between Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. In response to a question, Khosru said the incidents of rape are not limited to one area, but are happening in different parts of the country. “Many of these cases are not reported. The government needs to be more capable and increase its vigilance to deal with the issue effectively.” He strongly criticised efforts to politicise such incidents for narrow political gain. "Those who are committing such acts and seeking an opportunity to gain an electoral advantage in the future will, unfortunately, not succeed," The BNP leader said. Khosru also said attempts to divert public attention by politicising sensitive incidents like rape will not work. "Everyone knows who was involved in the incident in Cumilla. From what I’ve come to know, the person involved had links with Awami League politics. This has been reported on social media and in several newspapers." Replying to another question about relations with India, he said it is important for neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and India to maintain good ties. “But relations between two countries must be based on some key principles. A good relationship must be built on mutual respect and protecting each other’s interests,” the BNP leader said. He said such a relationship should also ensure that there is no interference in each other’s internal affairs. “These aspects must be prioritised. When these matters are ensured, I believe it will be much easier to advance our relationship."

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed the upcoming national election and areas of bilateral cooperation. The nearly hour-long meeting, which began at 3pm, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were present at the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Khosru said they had a long discussion on various issues of mutual interest. He said they obviously talked about Bangladesh’s national election expected to be held in early February 2026. “We discussed the preparations by the government, political parties and the BNP for the election.” Mirza Abbas alleges ploy to delay election through unreasonable demands The BNP leader said the Canadian envoy informed them that his country is ready to provide cooperation in the Bangladesh election process, as they are already working with the Election Commission in this regard. Khosru said other issues related to bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Canada were also discussed. He said they talked about the future of Bangladesh-Canada relations and explored areas where the two countries can work and cooperate if the people vote BNP to power in the days to come.  Khosru said they discussed how Canada could extend its cooperation to Bangladesh’s agriculture sector for its development and modernisation through technology and agricultural programmes. Besides, he said, they talked about Canada’s cooperation in the improvement of Bangladesh’s IT, education and health sectors.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that there was a sinister attempt to tarnish their party’s image by falsely blaming it for the rape of a Hindu woman though she was raped by an Awami League leader in Muradnagar, Cumilla. “For 15 years, the Awami League carried out a smear campaign against the Zia family, and now they are secretly spending money to continue that propaganda in order to tarnish BNP’s image. A clear example of this is the recent incident in Muradnagar,” he said. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi said an Awami League leader committed a heinous act at a Hindu house in Muradnagar. “It’s so disgraceful that I feel ashamed of even uttering it. Yet they tried to shift the blame onto us. Similar incidents are being orchestrated in other places as well,” he said. Though Sheikh Hasina fled the country, the BNP leader said, her accomplices still remain in the administration, across various sectors and at the grassroots level throughout the country. “The associates of Awami League are still present in various places, including in the administration, and they have huge amounts of money at their disposal. They are using this money to continue their efforts to smear political parties that support democracy and the current government. I believe the incident in Muradnagar of Cumilla is a reflection of such evil efforts,” he observed. BNP leader Salahuddin suspects plot behind PR and local election push Rizvi also said the deposed Awami League and its associates are trying in various ways to destabilise Bangladesh. “The incidents of push-in through the borders are part of their scheme. They do not want the people of Bangladesh, democratic political parties, or the government to remain in a stable condition.” He said the Awami League and its associates have built a network, and it is the government’s responsibility to dismantle it. Rizvi said BNP and other democratic political parties have long been demanding the arrest and prosecution of Awami League's accomplices who are still lurking in the administration and other places. “But due to the slow pace and inaction, they are now getting involved in such a heinous crime (rape) — and even daring to shift the blame onto others,” he said. The BNP leader demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the Muradnagar incident, so that people can see the government is acting properly and fulfilling its duty. Earlier on Friday, a case was filed with Muradnagar Police Station as a man raped a Hindu woman at knifepoint in Ramchandrapur Panchkitta village in the upazila, where she had gone to visit her father’s house about two weeks ago. The main accused, Fazor Ali, 36, and four others were arrested in connection with the rape case.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday said a group is trying to delay the national election and harm the country by making unreasonable demands like introducing a proportional representation system and holding local polls first. “Some people are trying to delay the elections, ruin the electoral process and destroy the nation by making different demands,” he said at a programme organised by the Dhaka South City Unit BNP. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, urged politicians to be united and take steps for the good of the country. “Only your words will do. First, the local government elections will be held. Then the PR system will be used for voting. Why, brother, where did you invent these things? Who gives you this ill advice? A group of people have come to the field now to destroy this country and the nation with all this bad advice. They will not let the nation move forward,” he said. The programme was held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh to launch the Ramna unit of Dhaka South City BNP’s new membership form distribution and membership renewal campaign. Referring to Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Abbas said a political party—that applauded Sheikh Hasina from afar and indirectly supported her when she was oppressing BNP and Jamaat and did not protest against three rigged and flawed elections—is now making tall claims that local government elections should be held first, and that there will be no polls if there is no PR system. “Today, I appeal to leaders at all levels of the nation who love the country to come to one point from which it will be possible to ensure the welfare of the country and its people. Don't send the wrong message to the people by holding big rallies,” he said. If a rally can prove a party’s popularity, Abbas said, then BNP can bring the whole of Bangladesh under the umbrella of rallies in one day. “We can hold rallies across Bangladesh in a single day.” “So, I would like to request everyone not to say all this foul talk (PR system and local govt polls), I am sorry to say it like that… Don’t mislead the people of the country by saying things like ‘if there is no PR system or local government elections, polls will not be held’,” he said,” he said,  The BNP leader said their party does not want to enter into any confrontation with other political parties. “We fought on the streets for 17 years. We don’t want to fight on the streets anymore. We don’t want to fight with our brothers, our friends, or the people of the country.” BNP pledges to create 1 crore jobs in 18 months if elected: Amir Khosru He said they want to unite the people against the enemies of the country and build the country beautifully and smoothly. “Let us reach a consensus at a point that will ensure the betterment of the country. We will do the work that will be good for the country, and you and I will be able to sleep in peace,” Abbas said. He said their party wants new members to strengthen it. “But it doesn’t mean we’ll give place to those who belonged to Awami League, because they are not good. No gentleman can do the optics of Awami League.” The BNP leader said BNP has been in politics with the love of the people and based on the sacrifices of many of its leaders and workers. “So, we can’t allow the party’s image to be dented for only some bad elements lurking in the party.” He alleged that people belonging to other parties are indulging in extortion using the name of BNP. “We must contain the extortionists. Even if the extortionists have links with BNP, they can’t be spared.” BNP leader Salahuddin suspects plot behind PR and local election push The BNP leader urged people to catch anyone involved in extortion using his name or the name of the party and hand them over to the police.  

Chief Coordinator of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nasiruddin Patwary on Saturday said that Bangladeshi people witnessed revolution against bullets, now they will see a revolution on the ballot papers in the next national election. He said this while speaking at a discussion meeting and prize awarding ceremony on the occasion of ‘International MSME Day 2025’, held at the auditorium of Diploma Engineers’ Association in Kakrail, Dhaka. He said the past Awami League government established a syndicate amongst their politically linked people to provide bank loans and other facilities of MSME sectors. As a result, general Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) were deprived of their legal right of doing smooth businesses. But now that rule will not be longer, the National MSME Association has been formed to create equal opportunities for expanding business, he pointed out. Nasiruddin Patwary said that the days to rule the country by setting up any kind of syndicate in the banking sector, stock market, MSMEs, export-import and any other sector, are over. Rather educated youth will establish innovative and tech-based business models under different universities of Bangladesh, where merit will be given priority. CPB warns of tough movement if port leased, corridor granted to foreigners Through these activities, discrimination free Bangladesh would be established for all citizens, he said. Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary of NCP, said that there is no option to go back again. A social movement has to be established for creating entrepreneurship. So that an entrepreneur garners honour in the society for their family. Chief coordinator Sarjis Alam said that 10 lakh entrepreneurs will be created among the educated youth in the next two years in the country to empower youths. He said the NCP encouraged both male and female youths to come forward to establish themselves as entrepreneurs. The National MSME Association will guide them and provide all out support for establishing business and its knowledge. He also emphasizes to revise curriculum at the intermediate level to give knowledge among youths how to become entrepreneurs. “Social respect, acknowledgement in family, even in state, will increase support for youth to become entrepreneurs,” he pointed out. NCP leaders Akram Hossain, and Advocate Humayra Nur among others, spoke in the event. The National MSME Association gave prizes to the innovative youth entrepreneurs at the end of the event.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) on Saturday warned of launching tougher programmes after August 5 if the government does not withdraw its decisions to lease out the Chattogram port and allow corridors, which they termed as "anti-sovereignty activities." The warning came from the concluding rally of their two-day road march held in front of the Chattogram Port Building in the afternoon. Speaking at the rally, Ruhin Hossain Prince general secretary of CPB, urged the interim government to immediately scrap the port lease plan. CPB calls for elections by December, warns against delays “Don't waste a single second — declare that the port will not be leased. If you don’t stop these anti-national, anti-sovereignty activities, we will announce tougher programmes after August 5, which marked as the day of mass uprising,” he said. Referring to recent remarks by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus regarding the port lease, Prince said, “Dr Yunus came here and said if anyone doesn’t understand the need for the lease, they should be made to understand. Fine, come and convince the people. Let the workers of the port explain their position. We will all talk to the people. Democracy means listening to what the people say.” “But what did Dr Yunus say the day before Eid? Those who don't listen, they will be dealt with!” he added. Discussion between CPB and Consensus Commission held The CPB and its allies held the programme demanding an end to initiatives such as including foreign companies in the management of Chattogram Port, establishing a humanitarian corridor for Myanmar's Rakhine state, and introducing Starlink internet service — which they claim is an attempt to drag Bangladesh into "imperialist war conspiracies."

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said that if voted to power, his party would create employment for one crore people within 18 months, with top priority given to the information technology sector. “Youths with at least an SSC qualification will be provided jobs in the IT sector,” he said while addressing the Sylhet Business Dialogue held at the Jalalabad Gas Auditorium. The event focused on the current challenges, opportunities, and the path to collective progress in Sylhet and the national economy. CPB warns of tough movement if port leased, corridor granted to foreigners Khosru, a former commerce minister, emphasised the need to keep business free from political interference and to liberate it from fascist influence. “From the very first day in office, BNP government will start working for the development of trade and commerce—there will not be a single day of delay,” he declared. He also pledged to create opportunities for those willing to invest in agriculture and said that BNP would work towards exporting agricultural products. PKSF to create small enterprises to generate jobs for youth The BNP leader said that the creativity once evident in Bangladesh’s economy has been destroyed over the past 17 years. He also remarked that politics can no longer continue in the old ways, as the mindset of the people has changed. The event was presided over by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, and jointly moderated by Metropolitan BNP Vice-President Barrister Riasad Azim and Treasurer Enamul Kuddus Chowdhury.