United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh "soon", party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday. “Tarique Rahman will certainly return to the country. Of course, he will come back,” he said while speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Asked by journalists when exactly the BNP acting chairman might return home, Fakhrul said, “He will return soon.” Fakhrul, however, did not give any exact date for the return of Tarique who has been living in the United Kingdom since 2008. Earlier, the BNP leader confirmed that Tarique will hold a formal meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting the UK, on Friday, June 13, in London. Tarique is set to meet Chief Adviser Yunus at a time of significant disagreement between his party and the interim government over the timing of the next general election. Tarique Rahman to meet Prof Yunus in London on June 13 Fakhrul expressed the hope that the meeting could prove to be a major turning point, stating that if all goes as planned, many issues could be resolved, and new dimensions may emerge. In another positive development for the party, the BNP leader said Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health has improved significantly. “Alhamdulillah, she appears to be physically better than before. That’s what the doctors are saying. She is much better,” Fakhrul said. Tarique, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, went to London with his family in 2008 after being released from prison during the 1/11 caretaker government period. During the Awami League’s rule, he was convicted in five cases in absentia and faced over a hundred legal proceedings. He was declared a “fugitive” by the courts, and the broadcast of his statements was banned. After his passport expired, Tarique had to seek political asylum in the UK. Following the fall of the Awami League government during the mass uprising of July–August, the political landscape began to shift. Both Khaleda and Tarique were acquitted in all the cases in which they had previously been convicted. Fakhrul urges interim govt to rethink about April election timing Earlier this year, Khaleda Zia travelled to London for medical treatment and stayed at her son’s residence. Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman also visited Dhaka last May, ending her 17 years of exile in London.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said April is not a favourable time for the national election and hoped that the interim government will take the matter into account based on realities. “We have not taken any party decision on this issue (election in early April) yet. We hope that the government will consider this issue in light of reality,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the time set by the interim government for the national election is not right. “We said on the first day that the time is not good for the election. The month of Ramadan will end, Eid will be over and then the election will be held a few days later. Just think about the conditions that candidates and political workers will have to endure throughout Ramadan,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said he is worried from now that he will have to arrange an Iftar party every day, which will contribute to making the election expenses double. He also highlighted the difficulties of running an election campaign during Ramadan, especially considering the extreme heat and the potential for rain and storms. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April Besides, he said, it would be impossible to gather people for election rallies due to the severe heat. “Programmes will have to be held at night.” He also mentioned that all the national elections in Bangladesh, except two problematic ones, were held either in December or January. “Our party has said that the election is possible by December, and we firmly believe this is a viable option,” Fakhrul said In response to a question, he said BNP is prepared for elections at any time, as it is an election-oriented party.  “We’ve already said—if you can hold the election tomorrow, we’re ready tomorrow." "BNP is a party of elections. BNP is always ready for elections. “We are not a revolutionary party. We want to go to power through elections, with the people’s votes,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul refuted the misconception that BNP does not reform, describing it as "false propaganda." He recalled that it was the BNP which first advocated for the Vision-2030 agenda and later presented a 31-point outline for reforms well before the mass uprising. The BNP leader urged all, including political parties, organisations, and social media activists, to refrain from dividing the nation. “The nation is united on one point: we want democracy restored, and we want the country to be governed by a democratic system. We also want to cast our votes, elect our representatives, and see reforms. So, do not create unnecessary divisions,” he said. Fakhrul warned that any division within the nation would provide an opportunity for external forces and conspirators to harm the country. “I believe that during this transitional period for democracy, it is essential for all of us to act responsibly. We must choose our words carefully. Everything we say should contribute to overcoming the current challenges, not disrupt or undermine the transition process,” he said. The BNP leader said their party always advocated for national unity during their movement against the Awami League’s autocratic rule. “We are still emphasising that national unity is the most crucial requirement for moving the country forward.” He said the interim government may lack political experience, but not sincerity, as it is operating amid pressure and emerging political challenges. Fakhrul said rebuilding institutions after 15 years of the Awami League’s “destructive rule” poses a major national challenge and will require time. In response to a question on whether the interim government should transform into a caretaker government before the election, he replied, “I have said before, there should be a caretaker government to ensure free and impartial elections…The elections should be conducted under a caretaker government.” Fakhrul said his party wants the election to be held promptly, based on experience, as an elected government is essential for the proper functioning of the country and its economy. “Some time ago, a number of investors and major businessmen visited my residence to express their concerns. What are those concerns? They are not getting any direction… They are unsure of what steps to take, and the banks are not cooperating as expected. These matters are quite alarming…The root cause is the absence of an elected government. Foreigners are saying that without an elected government, they will not invest… these are the realities,” he observed. When asked whether the BNP would share seats with its political allies, Fakhrul said, “This is not unusual…This is entirely normal in parliamentary politics and it should happen. We have already committed to forming a national government after the elections.” Regarding discussions in the political arena about the BNP potentially sharing seats with Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) based on mutual understanding, he said he had no knowledge of such talks. “As the Secretary General of the party, I am not aware of any such discussions… In parliamentary democracy, there is no final word in politics.” When questioned about the possibility of an understanding with the Awami League, Fakhrul said there is currently no political activity by the deposed party. He said BNP did not oppose the ban on political activities of the Awami League. “We have said it was all right. However, our party believes that democracy should be allowed to function as democracy.” It’s people’s victory as HC clears way for Ishraque to take oath: Fakhrul  

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to hold a formal meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting the United Kingdom, on June 13 (Friday) in London. “Our acting Chairman has been formally invited to a meeting on June 13 from 9am to 11am London time,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he said the meeting will take place at the hotel where the Chief Adviser is currently staying in London. Fakhrul, however, mentioned that there is no specific agenda for the meeting. Despite being physically unwell, he said, Tarique had convened a meeting with the party’s Standing Committee members on Monday night to discuss the upcoming meeting. “Our standing committee meeting welcomed the initiative. We hope this meeting will play a positive role in resolving the challenges facing the political landscape of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. In the context of recent political developments, he said this meeting could prove to be a major turning point if all goes as planned. “This meeting is the most significant event at present and holds great importance both nationally and internationally. Many issues could be resolved through this meeting, and new dimensions may emerge,” Fakhrul said. He also said the meeting holds immense potential though it ultimately depends on how the Chief Adviser and the BNP acting chairman choose to advance those possibilities. On behalf of the BNP, Fakhrul said full authority has been given to Tarique to make decisions during the meeting. Fakhrul urges interim govt to rethink about April election timing He said the BNP standing committee also wished for the success of the meeting between the Chief Adviser and Tarique. “The current interim government's chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus will meet our acting chairman, who has been running the party for so long, who has been a major focal point in politics in Bangladesh and has also played a major role in the student uprising... I consider the chief advisor's meeting with him a major event... It's a major political event,” Fakhrul said. Since the announcement of Prof Yunus’ visit to the United Kingdom, there has been much political speculation about the possibility of a meeting between him and Tarique. The meeting was, however, not included in the official itinerary of the Chief Adviser. In response to a journalist’s question on June 4, Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique said he had no information about any meeting between the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman. The Chief Adviser left Dhaka for the UK on Monday evening for a four-day official visit. Tarique is going to hold a meeting with Chief Adviser Yunus at a time when there is significant disagreement between his party and the interim government over the timing of the next election. In an address to the nation on the eve of Eid al-Azha, Prof Yunus announced that the election would be held in early April next year. This announcement has disappointed the BNP, which has been demanding elections by December. The party argues that there is no justification for delaying the election until April. Under the leadership of Prof Yunus, the National Consensus Commission has been working to build a consensus among political parties on necessary reforms. But the BNP disagrees with several of the commission’s reform proposals. The BNP maintains that constitutional reforms should only be undertaken by an elected government within parliament — not by an interim administration. On the other hand, the NCP, formed by student leaders of the mass uprising, and some other Islamic parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami support implementing key reforms before the election.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday raised concerns over the government's preparedness in tackling a potential new wave of coronavirus, as new sub-variants of the virus keeps spreading in neighbouring countries, including India. “We learned during the last COVID wave that, except for a few private hospitals in Dhaka city, oxygen availability was extremely limited,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. The BNP leader said there was also a shortage of test kits and other essential medical equipment at that time. “If another wave hits, does the government have the necessary life-saving drugs, injections and equipment in place? So far, we have seen no initiative or assurance from the government in this regard,” he said. Rizvi criticised the Health Ministry for remaining silent about its readiness to combat any resurgence of COVID-19. He said the ministry should proactively inform and reassure the public about the availability of sufficient medical supplies, including oxygen and emergency drugs — not just in Dhaka but also in district hospitals. DMTC urges Metro passengers to wear masks amid rising COVID-19 cases “Despite cases already being detected, we haven’t heard anything from the ministry about public awareness or readiness. We don’t even know whether the government has taken any real preparation,” the BNP leader said. He said the Health Ministry, on its own initiative, should tell the people to remain aware and provide reassurance that the country will not face the same problems it did in the past. Rizvi’s remarks came in the backdrop of health authorities issuing a new alert amid rising cases of a COVID-19 sub-variant in India and other neighbouring countries. As the spread of a new sub-variant of the coronavirus has increased in India and several neighbouring nations, there are concerns it may spread to other countries.  The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Health Ministry, has already issued a new alert. The alert advises people to avoid travelling to India and other affected countries unless absolutely necessary and instructs all land and airports to strengthen health screening and surveillance measures to tackle the potential risk. Rizvi also slammed the government over the recent drop in rawhide prices during Eid-ul-Azha, claiming that people failed to sell their sacrificial animal hides at government-set rates. “People didn’t get the prices fixed by the government. They were forced to sell at half the rate. Why should this happen?” he questioned. The BNP leader said the government should have created a mechanism to ensure that those offering sacrifices could sell the hides of animals at a fair price. “But we saw no such system. This is a clear failure to protect public interest.” Rizvi also questioned the logic behind the government’s decision to hold the next parliamentary election in April. Covid-19: Railways Ministry urges Eid holidaymakers to wear masks He alleged that the government keeps swinging like a pendulum based on the suggestions of one or two political parties. “How can it explain choosing April for the election? There are major public exams scheduled around that time — SSC, HSC, madrasa exams — and also seasonal natural problems. So why is the government trying to hold the election amid such adversities? People want to know the real reason behind it,” Rizvi said.

BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday said their party will remain on the streets to realise its demand for arranging the next general election in December this year. “Our movement for elections is going on. It doesn’t need to be tied to Eid, the monsoon, or any other timeline. We’ve been pressing for this (a credible election) for 17 years. We now want to see an end to this,” he said while talking to reporters at his Nayapaltan office. The BNP leader said their party wants to see an election to be held where voters can cast their ballots without fear. “We are in the movement and we will always demand the election until it is held.” When asked about possible programmes in support of their demand, he said the nature of the movement will be determined on the streets. BNP terms April election plan an ‘imprudent decision’: Rizvi Gayeshwar criticised the government's stance on holding the election in April, saying that this time is not suitable for voting due to the unfavourable weather and the month of Ramadan. “There’s a trust deficit among  people as they fear the election may be delayed again on the pretext of weather and Ramadan. Can people trust this government? The government must earn people’s trust and show they are sincere in handing over power through a proper election,” he said. The BNP leader emphasised that the demand for elections is not their party’s demand alone. “BNP speaks on behalf of the people. The demand for credible elections reflects public sentiment.” He said the government set April for the election due to an ego problem. “If the government sheds its ego, it can reconsider the election time.” Stating that demanding an election is nothing unfair, Gayeshwar said, adding, “If the government holds it in November instead of December, does that hurt its prestige?” He questioned why elections cannot be held in December instead of April, asking what the obstacle is. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April The BNP leader criticised the government for not providing a clear explanation as to why it has set April for the election instead of December. “The transition to democracy or the election should have been the main agenda of the government. But it has created a debate about irrelevant or impossible issues instead of keeping the election on the main agenda,” he observed.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday criticised the plan to hold the national election in April, describing it as an "imprudent" and "irrational" decision. “People believe the decision to hold the election in April is unwise and an ill-considered one,” he said while speaking at a food distribution event organised by the Jatiyatabadi Van and Rickshaw Sramik Dal in the capital. He said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’ announcement regarding the election in early April raises serious concerns about both motive and timing. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April “Why is the Chief Adviser speaking of holding the election in April based on the words of just one or two individuals or political parties? April is a month of intense heat, storms and rainfall. It is also when the SSC and other public examinations take place,” the BNP leader said. At that time, he noted, Eid-ul-Fitr will have just concluded. “If the election is held in April, campaigning would have to take place during Ramadan. How can one campaign while fasting? Will people observe their fasts or run election campaigns?” Rizvi alleged that the interim government has pitted democracy against reform. Not just BNP, entire nation frustrated over CA’s April election plan He said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina both dreamt of remaining in power indefinitely. The BNP leader said questions are now being raised as to whether the interim government is harbouring the same ambition. He accused the Awami League of systematically eroding democratic institutions over the past 15–16 years. “People  of this country have been denied their right to vote. Elections have been rigged, and Sheikh Hasina has crushed the sanctity of free and fair elections.” The BNP leader said democracy fundamentally relies on free and fair elections. “People must have the right to disagree and to choose their leaders freely. That is what elections are about.” Rizvi reiterated BNP’s demand for the election to be held in December, which he described as a more suitable time for voting. Govt resorting to ploys to delay election: Rizvi

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said the nation does not want another ‘questionable election’ and stressed that a credible national election would only be possible if justice, reforms, the July Charter and July Declaration are ensured along with a level- playing field. “The nation does not want another ‘questionable’ election. If justice, reforms, the July Charter and Declaration, and an equal electoral field are ensured, then an election following the roadmap will be possible,” he said after offering Eid prayers at his native village in Tulapur Panchgaon Eidgah under Bhatera union of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district. He mentioned that people were denied the opportunity to vote in the last three elections, and this time, the youth and new voters “must be allowed to exercise their voting rights.” Dr Shafiqur also said if the chief adviser seeks cooperation, his party will respond positively. He, however, emphasised that resolving the ongoing political crisis is crucial for holding a free and fair election. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April Earlier, delivering an Eid message, the Jamaat chief said, “Eid-ul-Azha is a symbol of sacrifice and a test of seeking Allah’s pleasure. On this sacred day, let us pledge to unite against injustice, oppression and corruption.” He added that the nation must overcome the current crisis by standing united for truth, justice, and Islamic values. After the prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with local residents.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday that April is not suitable for holding the national election and December would be the most appropriate time. “April is not appropriate for holding an election in Bangladesh. There is intense heat and the possibility of storms and heavy rains at that time. April will also come just after Ramadan, and public examinations are scheduled during that time,” he said. Talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul also pointed out the difficulty of conducting election campaigns during the month of fasting. “Campaigning during Ramadan is extremely difficult.” He said their party does not think the government has taken the decision of conducting the election in April with careful consideration. “Our Standing Committee discussed the issue last night and has already shared its position. We believe that elections can be held in December, which will be the most suitable time for the nation (to go for voting),” the BNP leader said. Not just BNP, entire nation frustrated over CA’s April election plan Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice and democratic progress. Reacting to the announcement, Fakhrul said, “We expressed our party’s reaction yesterday (Friday). We have always demanded elections be held by December. That was also the expectation of the people.” “That expectation, however, has not been fulfilled,” he observed. Fakhrul, accompanied by senior BNP leaders including Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, and AZM Zahid Hossain, paid tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, marking Eid-ul-Azha. They also offered fateha there and a munajat seeking divine blessings for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Abdus Salam and Abdul Halim, Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Mir Newaz Ali, and Aminul Haque, among others, were present. It has been a tradition for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to visit Ziaur Rahman’s grave every Eid prior to her jailing in 2008. In her absence, the party’s senior leaders continue to honour the tradition. Extending Eid greetings to the nation, Fakhrul said, “On behalf of the party, Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, I wish everyone Eid Mubarak.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed disappointment over the Chief Adviser’s announcement regarding the national election timeline, saying it has disheartened not just the BNP, but the entire nation. “We have always demanded a prompt election and hoped that a date for holding it by December would be announced,” he said while speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from Bangkok early Saturday. Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, has announced that the polls will be held in early April. “Undoubtedly, this has frustrated not only us but the whole nation,” he said. The BNP leader said their party’s official statement on the matter would be given later following an internal discussion and decision. He extended Eid greetings to the country’s people and expressed his gratitude to them for praying for his speedy recovery. BNP unhappy with April election plan, renews Dec polls demand Fakhrul, who underwent treatment for an eye condition in Bangkok, returned home on a Thai Airways flight that landed at 1:25am. He was accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum. The BNP Secretary General travelled to Bangkok on May 13 on the advice of physicians at United Hospital. The following day, he was admitted to Rutnin Eye Hospital, where he underwent successful surgery on his left eye. Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice and democratic progress. “After reviewing the ongoing reforms in justice, governance and the electoral process, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026,” he said.

Stating that the Chief Adviser’s announcement to hold the next national election in early April 2026 has “disappointed and angered people”, BNP has reiterated its demand for the polls to be held by December this year. “People’s victory was achieved through the immense sacrifices made by students and the mass people during the July–August 2024 movement. But the unwarranted delay in arranging the election has disappointed and angered the people,” the party said in a statement. “So, the (BNP’s) National Standing Committee meeting reiterates its proposal to hold the election by December this year, taking into consideration Ramadan, secondary and higher secondary or equivalent examinations, and weather conditions, etc,” it added. Following an emergency virtual meeting of the party’s highest policy-making body, the statement was issued early Saturday based on the decision of the party’s Standing Committee. The Standing Committee meeting, presided over by BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, was convened following Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ televised address to the nation. CA's speech fails to fulfill nation's expectations: Salahuddin The statement said the meeting extensively reviewed the contents of the Chief Adviser’s speech and concluded that the announcement ignored the aspirations of a nation striving to reclaim its right to vote through prolonged struggles. “The people of this country, deprived of their basic voting rights for almost a decade and a half, have continued their struggle to restore democracy through voting, despite being disappeared, murdered, imprisoned, injured, and tortured,” the BNP policymakers said. They said although the non-partisan interim government speaks of building consensus, it has put its own neutrality into question by becoming influenced by a particular political quarter. “So, the meeting believes that the people of the country may be rightly concerned about the possibility of a free and fair election (under this government).” The BNP Standing Committee observed that holding the election in early April could lead to complications—both due to adverse weather conditions and the challenges of conducting campaigns and election-related activities during Ramadan—which may ultimately be used as grounds for deferring the polls. Besides, they said the Chief Adviser’s address did not provide any clear justification as to why holding the election by December would not be feasible. The meeting unanimously observed that the Chief Adviser’s statement, initially intended as a message marking Eid-ul-Azha, instead turned into an address to the nation. In his lengthy speech, the BNP policymakers said Prof Yunus touched upon issues such as ports and corridors—topics which, by his own admission, do not fall within the three mandates of the interim government. “The meeting expressed anger at his choice of words in the speech, which crossed the limits of political decorum.”