United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday said their party does not believe in mobocracy or any form of illegal persecution. “We don’t believe in any mob culture. Who does politics or not is a matter of law or the government. BNP has never created mob culture anywhere, nor does it believe in mobocracy.  BNP never believes in any kind of illegal oppression and torture under any circumstances,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting in the capital. The discussion was organised at the Jatiya Press Club by Uttaranchal Student Forum, marking the 18th anniversary of the release of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from prison. On September 3, 2008, Tarique Rahman was freed on bail after serving 18 months in jail following his arrest during the 1/11 political changeover. About a recent remark of Jatiya Party secretary general Shameem Haider Patwary that BNP should take the responsibility so that Jatiya Party can do politics, Rizvi said now BNP is not in the state power and no free fair election has been held yet. “What responsibility are you talking about?... Why are you saying that BNP should take the responsibility? Who are you?” he said. The BNP leader harshly criticised Jatiya Party for its role played during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. “What role did the Jatiya Party play? Who protected the bloodthirsty fascism of Sheikh Hasina? Who facilitated the looting of lakhs of crores of public money for 16 years? Who did help establish the dire Awami autocracy in this country?...One of those parties was the Jatiya Party,” he alleged. He also questioned the loyalty of Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, saying, “Before the 2024 election, he went to India. On return, when journalists asked him about his discussions there, he replied he would not disclose anything without their (India’s) permission. Are you the leader of a political party in India or Bangladesh?” Talking about Tarique Rahman, Rizvi said the purpose of taking him (Tarique) to prison was to keep this nation subdued (in face of foreign influence) so that a neighbouring country can gain dominance over the economy, culture and all people of Bangladesh. “That is why Tarique Rahman was tortured,” he said. Rizvi questions prospect of fair polls, blames ex-govt allies for ‘plots’ At the event, Rizvi also announced five top leaders of the newly formed committee of the student forum. The five leaders are its president Imtiaz Raja Saurav of Dhaka University (hailed from Kurigram), senior vice president Farzana Akhter Rimi of Jagannath University (Bogura), general secretary Mujahidul Haque of Jagannath University (Bogura), senior joint general secretary Mohammad Abir Kazi of Dhaka University (Bogura) and organising secretary Naim Islam of South Asian University (Rangpur).

A delegation from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) on Monday night congratulated the BNP on its 47th founding anniversary.  The delegation, led by NCP's Chief Organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 7:30pm and  presented him a bouquet of flowers. Other members of the NCP delegation included Senior Joint Conveners Shamanta Sharmin and Arifur Islam Arif and its Dhaka North City unit leader Moinul Islam. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed was also present. After the meeting, Shamanta told reporters, “BNP is a name of democracy, and we came here to greet their leaders on their founding anniversary.” During the discussion, she said, they talked about the attacks, repression and legal cases filed against opposition leaders and activists over the past 17 years under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Shamanta said they have observed that many BNP leaders are still facing jail terms, fines and even their families are being subjected to harassment. “We, the political parties, are all concerned about this.” Meanwhile, BNP leaders and workers are celebrating their 47th founding anniversary today (Monday) through various programmes. The party flag was hoisted atop its Nayapaltan central office and all other BNP offices across the country at 6am. Besides, BNP senior leaders placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of its founder Ziaur Rahman. BNP dissolves Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad committee The party also arranged a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on Sunday in observance of the day. On September 1, 1978, Ziaur Rahman formed BNP with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. BNP ruled the country for several terms.

BNP on Monday dissolved the convening committee of the Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad (Combined Professionals Council). The announcement was made through a press release, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. In the media release, Rizvi said the existing convening committee has been dissolved, and a new 11-member preparatory committee has been formed to organise the organisation’s council within the next 90 days. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabihullah has been made the convener of the new council preparatory committee. BNP cancels rally, launches voluntary canal cleaning drive in Dhaka The other members of the committee include Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Professor Morshed Hasan Khan, Kader Gani Chowdhury, Shahreen Islam Tuhin, Zahirul Islam Shakil, Professor Abdus Salam, Professor Mostafiz, Zakir Hossain, Rafiqul Islam, and Moksedul Momenin Mithun. On October 27, 2022, the BNP approved the convening committee of the Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, making Professor AZM Zahid Hossain the convener and Kader Gani Chowdhury the member secretary of the organisation.

BNP on Monday announced a voluntary canal and drain cleaning campaign in Dhaka North and South on Tuesday, cancelling its previously scheduled rally in the capital to mark its 47th founding anniversary. In a video message, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the rally scheduled for Tuesday has been revised considering the traffic congestion and public inconvenience. “We had earlier planned a rally for tomorrow (Tuesday) in Dhaka, but we have decided to cancel it,” he said. Rizvi explained that the reason for the cancellation is that such a rally would cause the entire city to be stuck in traffic, leading to immense suffering for the city dwellers. “So, we are cancelling the rally to avoid causing public suffering." As an alternative, he said BNP's Dhaka North and South city units will carry out a voluntary clean-up drive to make the city's canals and drains clean. He said the leaders and workers of the party’s other organisations and associate bodies will also participate in the drive “Our leaders and workers will clean the drains and canals with necessary materials like bleaching powder and other cleaning agents. It will all be done on a voluntary basis, without hiring any external workers," Rizvi said. Earlier on August 20, the party announced a six-day event, including taking out a colourful rally from BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the founding anniversary. Meanwhile, BNP leaders and workers are celebrating their 47th founding anniversary today (Monday) through various programmes. The party flag was hoisted atop its Nayapaltan central office and all other BNP offices across the country at 6am. Besides, BNP senior leaders placed wreaths and offered fateha at the grave of its founder Ziaur Rahman. The party arranged a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on Sunday in observance of the day. On September 1, 1978, Ziaur Rahman formed BNP with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. BNP ruled the country for several terms.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said they have been assured by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus that the national election will be held on time in February. “He (Chief Adviser) called us to ensure that the election will take place at the right time (in February). There should be no confusion or doubt about that,” Fakhrul said while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the Chief Adviser. He said they also talked about the recent attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and expressed their serious concern. “This incident was extremely unfortunate and alarming in the current political situation. We have clearly told the Chief Adviser that it must be investigated properly,” the BNP leader said. He hoped that the judicial inquiry committee formed by the government will carry out a fair investigation. The BNP leader suspected that some forces might be trying to delay the election through such incident. “But we have been assured that the election will take place in February. The Chief Adviser told us this today and agreed with our view.” The meeting with the eight-member BNP delegation, led by Fakhrul, took place from 7:30 pm to 8:40 pm at the Chief Adviser’s residence Jamuna. The other delegation members are BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and AZM Zahid Hossain. Earlier in the day, Prof Yunus also met leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at 4:30 pm and National Citizen Party (NCP) at 6:30 pm. When asked about Jamaat’s concern that the Chief Adviser might be favouring one party as he met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, Fakhrul rejected the claim. “This is completely baseless. The Chief Adviser has the full authority to speak with leaders of any political party, especially the biggest ones in the country. He exercised that authority and it was a fruitful discussion,” he said. “After today’s meeting, we believe the whole nation is now confident that the election will be held in February,” Fakhrul added.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, will ‘definitely try to disrupt’ the upcoming national election. The adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat. The meeting primarily focused on the upcoming national election while addressing the Police Reform Commission, political party activities, drug control, social media provocations and the spread of fake news. When asked about the discussions regarding the election, he said the unity that existed between political parties after the fall of the fascist government must be revived and protected. “Even if there are disagreements, all political parties must set aside personal and party interests to work together in the interest of democracy. If this unity breaks, fascist groups could create chaos and unrest,” he added. Tarique warns of ‘evil forces’ trying to foil polls Regarding election security, Jahangir Alam said the fairness and peaceful holding of the election depend on the behaviour of the political parties involved. The law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to provide security and maintain law and order, he added. Emphasising the importance of public participation, he said, “It is crucial that people take part in the election voluntarily and enthusiastically. Political parties must ensure everyone can participate. With everyone’s cooperation, we believe the interim government will be able to hold a free, peaceful, and festive election.” When asked about public concerns regarding the neutrality and inaction of the police, the adviser said if the police act early, people complain they stopped a peaceful event. But if they act too late, there is criticism again. “It’s very difficult to balance. We are trying. For example, yesterday (August 30) there was an arson attack. If police had acted before it happened, many would say they interfered unnecessarily,” the adviser said. Responding to questions about recent incidents of violence across the country, he said they are making all necessary preparations. “A police training programme will begin on September 7. We are ready.” Prof Yunus holds talks with Jamaat leaders He sought public and political support to reduce such incidents. “We need help from everyone so that these incidents gradually decrease. Only then can the election be held fairly.” Asked whether certain groups were deliberately trying to prevent a fair election, the adviser said that those who are no longer active in politics will definitely want to cause disruption. Some of them are still out there. “It is the duty of all of us—political parties, the public and the authorities—to stop them,” he added. Updated list takes Bangladesh’s total voters to 12.64 crore

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said the ‘unholy efforts of evil forces’ to create a ground for thwarting the next parliamentary elections are gradually becoming visible. “Almost a year ago, I said invisible forces were working, centering the upcoming election. Now people have started noticing that the evil-efforts of the ill-forces are slowly becoming visible in recent times in preparing the ground to destroy the opportunity for people to establish their rights in Bangladesh through elections,” he said while addressing a discussion virtually. The discussion, titled ‘Purpose and Significance of the BNP’s Establishment’, was held at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, marking the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). While the interim government is walking on the path of upholding people’s rights in a deposed, defeated and fugitive autocratic-free Bangladesh, some political parties are imposing conditions in the name of election to serve their partisan interests, Tarique said. “By doing so, they may be attempting to create obstacles in the electoral path in a planned way,” he added. He said BNP from the very beginning has been pressing the demand for holding an election at the quickest possible time, as the party believes that people need political power first. “If an elected government formed through direct voting fails to fulfill public expectations, people will get a chance to change that government through the next election, something that is practiced in democracies worldwide,” he added. The BNP acting chairman urged the democratic political parties to refrain from blocking the electoral process with conditions saying that no reform initiatives would be sustainable by creating obstacles to the practice and application of the people's rights. “Establishing people’s rights through effective democratic political practice is much more urgent than textbook reforms,” he said. He said BNP fully agrees on the matter of reforms in the state and politics. Since reforms are important, his party announced a 31-point reform agenda and actively supported and cooperated with reform initiatives taken by the interim government. Awami League will definitely try to obstruct election: Home Adviser But he cautioned that no reform will be sustainable if obstacles are created in the exercise of people’s rights. “I would like to call on my fellow fighters on the streets, every democratic political party, that reforms are definitely needed, but no reform can be sustainable by creating obstacles in the way of the exercise and application of people's rights,” he added. Though the interim government came based on public desires, Tarique said, he does not think that there is any logical reason to expect this government to perform like an efficient and accountable political government. The longer the interim government stays in power, the more its weaknesses will become visible, giving anti-uprising evil forces scope to create confusion, he warned. Pointing to recent incidents, including the attack on Gonoparishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Tarique said the country’s stability is either becoming complicated or being made complicated. The BNP leader questioned if the slogan like ‘elections will not be allowed to be held’ weaken the unity of anti-fascist forces, or will they create relevance for the resurgence of fascist evil forces. “The defeated evil-forces are waiting for scope,” he added. BNP to celebrate founding anniversary Monday He urged the political parties to refrain from the politics of blocking BNP’s victory and instead join efforts to form an accountable government through elections in Bangladesh and then explore the ways to solve rational demands of the political parties. “It is time to walk on the path of election by relaxing conditions for establishing people’s rights in the state and politics, so that we can institutionalise democracy in the state and society through application of people’s voting rights and democratic rights,” he said. “As a political activist, I believe that democratic political parties will find it easier to implement democratic demands over time,” Tarique added. Pointing at the BNP supporters, he said BNP thinks that politics is not merely about promises but about improving people’s lives and building a safe Bangladesh for future generations. He said BNP has already presented concrete outlines of its plans for future Bangladesh through various programmes and speeches, and the party is finalizing detailed strategies on implementation. The BNP acting chairman asked his party activists to maintain close ties with people from all walks of life, including women, youths, teachers and students, and raise the party’s reform agenda before them. Criticising mob violence, he said, “No one of us will tolerate mob violence. Every soldier of Shaheed Zia and Leader Khaleda Zia will be sensitive and respectful towards the dignity and rights of women.” People not to accept attack on Nur, warns Moyeen Khan “We must be alert. Ahead of the national election, various conspiracies are spreading their wings. But if we have ties with the people, no conspiracy can stop BNP’s march forward, InshaAllah,” he added. On the party’s founding anniversary, Tarique urged BNP leaders and activists to renew their pledge to democracy, justice, rule of law and people’s rights. “Just as BNP never deviated from this path of establishing the people’s rights in the past, InshaAllah, we will not deviate in the future either,” he said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, its standing committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, among others,  spoke at the discussion conducted by BNP Publicity Affairs Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Ahmed Tuku.

BNP is set to celebrate its 47th founding anniversary across the country on Monday with various programmes. On September 1, 1978, late president Ziaur Rahman founded the party with a 19-point programme to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. BNP and its associate bodies have taken up various programmes, including rallies and discussions, to mark the day. As per the programmes, the party flag will be hoisted atop its Nayapaltan central office and all other offices of BNP across the country at 6am on Monday. Besides, BNP senior leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of its founder Ziaur Rahman at 11am on the day. The party earlier announced a six-day programme to celebrate its 47th founding anniversary. As per the announcement, the party arranged a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh today (Sunday) in absorbance of the day. The district and city units of the party will hold discussions and colourful rallies across the country the same day. On September 2, a colourful rally will be brought out in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the anniversary. BNP’s all upazila and municipality units will hold rallies and discussions on September 3. On September 4, the party will observe several mass programmes like releasing fish fries, planting trees, and arranging sports events and free medical camps across the country. The party will organise a roundtable discussion on contemporary political issues on September 5 as part of its anniversary observance. Apart from the central programmes, BNP's associate bodies and all their units across the country will mark the day with due respect by arranging their own programmes. On the occasion of the anniversary, BNP and its associate bodies will publish posters and supplements. In its 46-year journey, the BNP had been in power four times and on the opposition bench twice. BNP has been out of power for nearly 19 years since the 1/11 political changeover. BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in separate messages congratulated the people of the country, party leaders, workers and well-wishers on the occasion. On August 18, BNP formed a 16-member ‘national celebration committee’ to celebrate the party’s 47th founding anniversary on September 1. BNP National Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has been made convener of the committee while Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi its member secretary.

At least six people, including the presiding officer, were injured in a clash between rival BNP factions during a committee election in Lamchar Union No. 6 under Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur on Saturday evening. The presiding officer AGS Kashem — who also serves as joint convener of Ramganj Upazila BNP — was severely beaten during the altercation. He has been sent to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment, while the other injured are being treated at the Ramganj Upazila Health Complex. The clash erupted around 6 pm at a madrasa adjacent to the Beribazar Central Mosque, shortly after the results of the union-level committee election were announced. According to locals, tensions between two BNP factions escalated over the pre-declared results, leading to the violence. Md Abdul Bari, officer-in-charge (OC) Ramganj Police Station, said they have received information about the attack. Legal action will be taken once a complaint is received. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order, added the OC.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organizer (South) Hasnat Abdullah on Saturday warned that without systemic reform, the fate of party leaders and activists may mirror that of Nurul Haque Nur, who was recently attacked. “The attack on Nur bhai is a message for all of us,” said Hasnat while addressing a courtyard meeting titled ‘Uthane Notun Songbidhan’ at Chhatarpur School Ground in Bijoynagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. The event was organised by the NCP’s Bijoynagar Upazila Committee to demand Constituent Assembly elections, a new constitution, justice, and reforms. Sarjis smells deeper conspiracy behind attack on Nur Referring to past incidents, Hasnat said, “We saw Tarique Rahman forced to leave the country on bond after being brutally beaten. If we cannot change the system, we risk the same fate. What happened to Khaleda Zia may happen to us too. That’s why we must stay united to bring about change.” Criticizing the current political environment, he added, “We are being labeled anti-election. The BNP is talking only about elections, but we are raising two additional points — justice and reform. Without clear decisions on these, what guarantees do we have that the police won’t detain us from our homes without charges or trial? Nothing has changed yet.” Addressing recent rhetoric in political circles, he mentioned, “We hear someone saying that if the paddy symbol isn’t present, ballot papers will be printed independently. I’m not saying this reflects an official party position, but it does reflect the psychological state of many parties. We shouldn’t believe this represents all political entities.” Level playing field must be ensured prior to election: Hasnat Abdullah Regarding his dispute with BNP leader Rumeen Farhana, Hasnat said that despite disagreements with her, she sent her people to check on the event and extended gifts. “This is a positive gesture, and we welcome it,” he said. Several other NCP leaders also spoke at the event, including joint member secretaries SM Saif Mostafiz and Dr Mahmuda Mita, joint chief organizer Md Ataullah, and Bijoynagar Upazila Committee chief coordinator Aminul Haque Chowdhury.