United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday voiced concern that the ‘enemies of Bangladesh’ are reemerging and attempting to create chaos and instability in the country. “We are seeing that the enemies of Bangladesh are rising again. As time goes by, there are growing attempts to create a completely anarchic situation in the country,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, Fakhrul said they are also, unfortunately, noticing a spread of propaganda and false information on social media aimed at fuelling unrest and disorder in the country. He said the current political situation is full of uncertainty and frustration. “People are constantly wondering what will happen next.” Earlier, Fakhrul attended a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies to finalise a 10-day programme to observe with due respect the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975. BNP announces 10-day programme to mark November 7 The BNP leader said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics. He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms. “That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution,” Fakhrul said. He recalled how late President Ziaur Rahman united the nation and how party Chairperson Khaleda Zia led long struggles against autocracy and for democratic change. “In the same way, our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly from London to unite the nation and lead the party. He is giving new hope to the people of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Reflecting on the events of November 7, 1975, and Ziaur Rahman’s rise to state leadership, Fakhrul said the country witnessed new enthusiasm and development under Zia’s rule. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach “During his rule, the country was engaged in a wave of development, and a spirit of enthusiasm spread among the people. Sadly, the enemies of Bangladesh brutally killed President Ziaur Rahman at the Chattogram Circuit House, marking another dark chapter in our history,” he said. He said the philosophy of Ziaur Rahman, based on Bangladeshi nationalism, “can never be defeated”. “That’s why the BNP has never been defeated as it has risen again and again from the ruins, just like the mythical phoenix.” Fakhrul also highlighted Zia’s contributions to introducing multi-party democracy and reforms in the administration, judiciary, economy, education, industry, agriculture, media and women’s empowerment.  “November 7 remains an important day in our political life. We want to remember this day with respect and move forward with the spirit of the revolution and solidarity it represents,” the BNP leader said. BNP Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Abdus Salam Azad, Chairperson’s Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and leaders of the city units and associate bodies of the party were present.    

BNP on Sunday announced a 10-day programme to observe with due respect ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies. He said the observance of the day will begin on November 5 with a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and end on November 13. As part of the programmes, he said the party flag will be hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country on the morning of November 7, while senior BNP leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late president and party founder Ziaur Rahman at 10:00am. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach The BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units will also hold a rally the same day, starting from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party will bring out rallies on the same day. Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units across the country will organise various programmes, including discussions, cultural events, photo exhibitions, distribution of educational materials among orphan students, release of documentaries through electronic and print media, and on Facebook, YouTube, and online platforms. Supplements will also be published in newspapers across the country to mark the day with due respect. On November 12, the party will arrange a discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Salahuddin warns against politicising Islam Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975, jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. Speaking at the press conference, Fakhrul said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics. He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms. “That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution. We want to make this day memorable and move forward with the philosophy of November 7,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), has strongly condemned an attack on his party activists by BNP supporters following a procession in Bhola on Saturday. In a Facebook post, Partho said thousands of people had joined a BJP election procession in Bhola Sadar on Saturday morning. “When the peaceful procession ended before Zuhr prayers, only a small number of leaders and activists remained at the BJP office. At that time, out of jealousy, a group of 400–500 BNP supporters attacked our leaders and activists without any reason and vandalised the party office,” he wrote. “This is sad and disappointing, and I strongly protest against it,” he added. Partho warned that if such incidents continue, the respect of the nationalist force could be severely damaged nationwide, affecting the country’s entire voting process. “There is no alternative to remaining united,” he said. 50 injured as BNP, BJP supporters clash in Bhola, party office vandalised However, witnesses said the violence flared when BNP and BJP brought out separate processions around the same time. Both parties traded blame over the incident. At a press conference later in the day, BNP leaders claimed that BJP activists launched an attack on their peaceful procession near the Bangla School Bridge area. “BJP members threw crude bombs and bricks at us, injuring several of our leaders and activists, many of whom were hospitalized,” said district BNP member secretary Raisul Alam, accompanied by joint conveners Humayun Kabir Sopan and Enamul Haque. On the other hand, Bhola district BJP’s organizing secretary Advocate Monirul Islam alleged that BNP supporters attacked their rally and vandalized their party office during a leaflet distribution campaign in support of party chairman Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha. “Around 30 of our activists were injured, six of whom were sent to Barishal for advanced treatment,” he said, accusing a faction of BNP of attempting to disrupt unity within the party ahead of the national elections.

At least 50 people, including journalists, were injured as clashes broke out between activists of the BNP and Andalib Rahman Partha's Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) in Bhola on Saturday. The two groups engaged in chases, counter-chases, brickbat throwing, and crude bomb explosions. Several motorcycles parked on the road and the BJP’s local office were vandalized during the violence. The clashes erupted around 12:30 pm near the New Market and Bhola Municipality areas. Witnesses said the violence flared when BNP and BJP brought out separate processions around the same time. BJP leaders and activists held a rally at their office in the Mahajan Patti area before bringing out a procession, while BNP members marched from their office toward New Market. As the two groups came face to face, they began hurling bricks at each other, leaving dozens injured. Police later intervened to bring the situation under control and deployed additional forces in the area. Both parties traded blame over the incident. At a press conference later in the day, BNP leaders claimed that BJP activists launched an attack on their peaceful procession near the Bangla School Bridge area. “BJP members threw crude bombs and bricks at us, injuring several of our leaders and activists, many of whom were hospitalized,” said district BNP member secretary Raisul Alam, accompanied by joint conveners Humayun Kabir Sopan and Enamul Haque. On the other hand, Bhola district BJP’s organizing secretary Advocate Monirul Islam alleged that BNP supporters attacked their rally and vandalized their party office during a leaflet distribution campaign in support of party chairman Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha. “Around 30 of our activists were injured, six of whom were sent to Barishal for advanced treatment,” he said, accusing a faction of BNP of attempting to disrupt unity within the party ahead of the national elections.  

BNP has formed seven specialised teams to strengthen its communication with mainstream media, social media and grassroots networks across the country. The announcement came through a press release, signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Saturday. According to the release, BNP has launched a coordinated communication initiative to improve the party’s engagement with the mainstream media, digital platforms, and grassroots level. It said the initiative has already been approved by the party’s National Standing Committee. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will oversee the overall activities of the initiative as its convener. The seven teams are headed by Mahdi Amin (Spokesperson), Saleh Shibli (Press), Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel (TV and Radio), Ziauddin Haider (BNP Grassroots Network), AKM Wahiduzzaman (Online Activist Network), Saimum Parvez (Content Generation) and Rehan Asad (Research and Monitoring).

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday urged people to remain vigilant against those who attempt to create political confusion by misusing religion, particularly Islam. “When elections approach in our country, we often see attempts to use religion in politics,” he said while addressing the Azmate Sahaba Conference at the central Eidgah Maidan in Narayanganj city. Salahuddin said, “Ninety-two percent people of Bangladesh are Muslims. We believe in the Islam of Madinah, the Islam of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We do not believe in Maududi’s version of Islam.” He called on people to be wary of those who seek to create division and unrest in society. “I was not supposed to speak here; I came to listen to the respected scholars who do not use Islam for political gain. Those who value faith above worldly matters are present here — that is why I have come. We welcome anyone who speaks for political reasons, but no one should harm our religion,” Salahuddin added. Salahuddin slams ‘mismatch’ between July Charter and Commission report Criticising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, he termed it “anti-Islam and anti-Muslim,” alleging that Islamic scholars have been oppressed under her rule. “We have witnessed how their politics has come to an end by the will of Allah,” he said. Salahuddin also urged the BNP to uphold “ideological politics” in Bangladesh. “We must work to end the Awami League’s non-ideological politics and establish true ideological politics in the country,” he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will not take responsibility for any part of the July Charter that was added after the party had formally signed it. “Our position is very clear. We will take responsibility for the parts of the July Charter that we signed. But we won’t take responsibility for what we didn’t sign,” he said while speaking at a rally of freedom fighters. Fakhrul, however, said his party still wants these issues to be resolved through discussions. He recalled that when the Charter was signed in front of Parliament amid rain, it was agreed that the points all political parties supported would be signed, and the points they disagreed on would be recorded as a ‘note of dissent’ in the Charter. “We signed the Charter with that understanding. But now, in the proposal sent to the Chief Adviser, they have completely ignored those notes of dissent and added some new issues. This is unfair and deceptive to the people,” the BNP leader said. Even after such deception by the National Consensus Commission, he said BNP acted responsibly. “We held a press conference to express our position. We didn’t take to the streets, lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s residence, or to the Election Commission.” Read more: BNP to create 1 crore jobs if voted to power: Khosru Fakhrul criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for what he said is taking to the streets and forming alliances with some parties to put pressure on the government to act as they wish. The pro-BNP platform Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the rally titled ‘The Upcoming National Parliament Election is Essential to Protect Freedom, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the upcoming National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. About the upcoming election, Fakhrul said it should be held in February 2026 as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. “Whether proportional representation (PR) will be introduced or not will be decided by the next parliament,” he said. The BNP leader also said his party agreed to a referendum although it was not necessary. “We agreed to hold the referendum on the same day as the election to save costs. Holding it separately would cost over Tk 1,000 crore.” He said their party proposed holding the election and the referendum on the same day with two ballots--one for the referendum and another for the election of parliament members. “But now they (Jamaat) are saying the referendum should be held first, and the election later. It is they who are talking about delaying the election, not us. We have always said the election should be held as soon as possible,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election When Jamaat and other parties talked about reforms after the mass uprising, he said BNP took it positively as the party had already presented a 31-point reform plan in 2022. “Our leaders have discussed it (310-point) across the country. Most of the points now included in the Charter are already part of our 31-point outline. So how can anyone say that we don’t want reforms?” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said it was wrong to claim that BNP does not support reforms. “We are in favour of reforms. But we want real reforms, not the kind of deceptive ones they are trying to push by misleading the public. We must make this clear before the people.” He said Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India, has been giving interviews to different media outlets there without showing any sign of remorse for her misdeeds and killing of people. “Not even once has she expressed any regret. When journalists asked her if she would apologise for her actions, she said, ‘No, we will not apologise.’ That same person, that same lady, is now spreading propaganda from India,” he said. He urged the Indian government to return Hasina to Bangladesh to face trial under Bangladeshi law. “We want to say clearly to the Indian government, please send her back to Bangladesh and ensure she faces trial under Bangladesh’s law. Do not always go against the people of Bangladesh. The people will not accept that.” Read more: BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said their party would abolish the indemnity provision in the power sector if it returns to power. Speaking at the ‘CAB Youth Parliament 2025’ organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at Dhaka University, Rizvi said the indemnity law had legalised massive corruption in the power sector. “During the fascist regime, hundreds of thousands of crores of taka were looted from the energy sector. Using the indemnity law as a tool, money was siphoned off abroad,” Rizvi alleged. He said through rental and quick rental power projects, the previous government unleashed a wave of plunder in the energy sector, and the indemnity provision had paved the way for further large-scale corruption. “BNP stands firmly against such looting. Once in power, BNP will definitely repeal the indemnity,” he affirmed. Read more: Salahuddin slams ‘mismatch’ between July Charter and Commission report Rizvi said investment in the energy sector had declined and stressed that Bangladesh must start focusing on renewable energy now. “The previous government never thought about energy for people. Although the current interim government’s intentions regarding renewable energy seem right, their actions are not yet visible,” he observed. The BNP leader said that the party’s 31-point reform agenda places special emphasis on renewable energy, adding that acting chairman Tarique Rahman has repeatedly highlighted the issue in his speeches. “BNP has also pledged to plant 250 million trees across the country,” Rizvi said, adding that the party has always been serious about environmental issues. Apart from tree planting, our acting chairman has repeatedly talked about restoring the navigability of 20,000 km of canals, wetlands, and dead rivers,” he added. On the country’s renewable energy potential, Rizvi said Bangladesh needs to explore more alternative sources beyond solar and wind power. “Currently, only 4.71 percent of the national grid’s electricity comes from renewable sources. If Bangladesh can produce biofuel like Brazil—from sugarcane husks and other byproducts—it can make significant progress in this sector,” he said. Rizvi identified investment as the major challenge in renewable energy, saying that foreign investments are often delayed or blocked due to bureaucratic hurdles. “Overcoming these challenges is crucial to take the renewable energy sector forward,” he added. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of misleading the public by spreading lies about the upcoming national election. “A party is saying BNP wants to delay the election… but it is they who are actually trying to derail the polls,” he said while speaking at a rally of freedom fighters. Fakhrul said BNP has never called for delaying the polls as it is an election-oriented party. “Ever since the mass uprising we have been calling for elections. We have repeatedly said the election should be held as soon as possible. So, I would like to tell them—don’t deceive people with lies or try to mislead the public.” BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul Referring to a recent remark by Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Fakhrul said the Jamaat leader wrongly blamed BNP for obstructing the election. “In reality, it is you who have created the obstacles. You are now demanding PR (proportional representation), which was never part of the discussions. You are forming alliances, taking to the streets, and issuing threats that if it’s not done your way, the election won’t happen. Don’t think people are foolish,” the BNP leader said. The pro-BNP platform Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the rally titled ‘The Upcoming National Parliament Election is Essential to Protect Freedom, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the upcoming National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. Fakhrul said the country is passing through a very critical time. “This is a test for us—how patiently we can face this period and ensure that the election is held.” Reacting to a recent comment by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the BNP leader said, “He himself said there could be attacks at any time. He should have clearly mentioned from where such attacks might come and who would carry them out.” He said the nation is ready to resist any attack and face any conspiracy or evil force. “I want to make it clear—the people of this country cannot be defeated through fear or threats. The people of Bangladesh want democracy and a democratic system.” Fakhrul alleged that an anti-liberation force is now trying to belittle the history of 1971. “A force that opposed independence in 1971 is now trying to downplay 1971 and exaggerating the July 2024 mass uprising.” He said BNP made huge sacrifices and faced severe repression during the long struggle against what he called Sheikh Hasina’s fascist rule, which led to the success of the July uprising. “So, if anyone now wants to take sole credit for it, we are not willing to accept that.” The BNP leader said his party does not want division, but “some people and some forces are trying, in a planned way, to create division in society.” “They want us to forget 1971. Their goal is to deny that Bangladesh became an independent and sovereign state through struggle and war in 1971. They even want to deny the proclamation of independence made by our leader Ziaur Rahman,” he said. Fakhrul said there was no room for forgetting 1971 as that year marked the nation’s birth and the time when the country gained its independence. “We must always remember that.” He said that 1971 was the essence of the nation’s identity, its existence, and distinctiveness while the declaration of independence made that day marked its emergence as a new nation. Crisis created by govt, consensus commission will end soon, hopes Fakhrul Fakhrul said the anti-liberation forces are now showing their arrogance. “I would like to ask them to remember their own past… Think about the role you played in 1971 and keep it in mind.” He reminded Jamaat that in 1971 the party had branded the Liberation War as chaos caused by miscreants. “You also tried to portray it as an uprising by some troublemakers. I am saying this clearly, and if it displeases you, I have nothing to do.” Fakhrul said the nation has not forgotten those who joined hands with the killers from the Pakistani occupation in 1971 and those who murdered ordinary people, intellectuals and other learned citizens and dumped their bodies in mass graves. Pointing to the freedom fighters, the BNP leader said Bangladesh exists today because they fought and won independence. “Your struggle established this nation. It is now everyone’s responsibility to protect the country. Those enemies who try to destroy the country and plot against the people, we will foil all their conspiracies with the support of the people. We will establish democracy in the country,” Fakhrul said. BNP Standing Committee Member Hafizuddin Ahmed said the interim government formed after the mass uprising seems indifferent to recognising the contributions of freedom fighters. He said there are visible attempts to undermine the Liberation War and erase its spirit from the nation’s memory. Hafiz warned that living freedom fighters would resist any move to distort the Liberation War or glorify anti-liberation forces. He hoped the government would hold an election as promised and form an elected parliament where the July Charter would be implemented. The BNP leader, however, said nothing should be added to the July Charter without agreement among all political parties. He said that the people of the country do not need the July Charter as they need a free, fair, and acceptable election. “The July Charter will mainly serve to protect the future security of the advisers, not the interests of the people.” Hafiz said BNP has made many sacrifices and concessions for the sake of holding an election on the basis of national consensus, but some view these concessions as a sign of weakness. He also said that a political party, driven by its desire for power, is trying to disrupt the election process, which is an ominous sign for the country’s democracy. The BNP leader said the next parliament will be the centre of the country’s politics and development, where elected representatives will decide which reforms are needed for the nation’s progress. Hafiz also warned that a certain quarter is conspiring to delay or disrupt the national election and urged the people and freedom fighters to unite and resist such efforts.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said his party, if voted to power, will create one crore jobs within 18 months. He made the remarks at a discussion titled ‘Business, Trade and Economy’ at the Zila Parishad auditorium. Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Khosru said BNP would ensure a democratic economic system so that everyone has equal opportunities to participate in economic activities. He also criticised the government saying that they are trying to impose their opinions on the public without mandate and accused them of delaying the upcoming election process. BNP to ensure Bangladesh Bank’s full independence: Khosru Talking about the country’s trade and business situation, he said it is in a dire state, with investors unable to make new investments. “Why do you wait until February? If possible, hold the election now and free the businessmen,” he said, quoting business leaders. Former FBCCI director and ex-president of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Md Lutfor Rahman presided over the event, while BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and former Rajshahi City Corporation mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu attended it as the special guest. Leaders from the Chapainawabganj, Natore, Naogaon and Joypurhat chambers, along with the presidents of the Hili and Sonamasjid land ports’ CMFFs, also joined the programme, organised by Rajshahi Divisional Business Forum. Read more: BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi