United News of Bangladesh

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Sunday returned home from London after a long exile. The BNP leader arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a Thai Airways flight at 2pm. BNP leaders and activists welcomed him at the airport. Talking to reporters at the airport, Tuku said he was overwhelmed with emotion at this moment as he returned to the country after an exile of two and a half years. “Today I feel what I did after coming to Bangladesh on December 16, 1971 when I was a 22-23-year old youth,” he said. The BNP standing committee member returned home after meeting BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. Later, he went to the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman in the capital’s Sher-e Bangla Nagar area and placed a wreath there. He was accompanied, among others, by BNP leaders Habibur Rahman Habib, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and Amirul Islam Alim at the time.

A BNP delegation led by its standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury met the diplomats of three Nordic countries –-Sweden, Denmark and Norway-- here on Sunday. The meeting was held at the residence of Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks in the city’s Gulshan area in the morning.  Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen and Deputy Head of Danish Embassy Anders B. Karlsen were present in the meeting. Two other members of the BNP delegation are Shama Obed and Barrister Kayser Kamal. BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus Talking to reporters after the meeting, Shama Obed said it was a breakfast meeting. “They invited us. They actually wanted to know the situation in Bangladesh following the August 05 student-people revolution,” she said. The meeting discussed what BNP thinks regarding the future of Bangladesh and how it can make a recovery from the current destroyed economic situation, said Shama Obed. 15 injured in BNP factional clash in Khulna; 4 expelled  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday that their party proposed two distinct timelines -- one for implementing effective reforms and another for holding elections. “There will be a roadmap on reforms and another roadmap will be on the election. If reforms are successful, elections will also be successful. That’s why we have put emphasis on these two issues. There will be more dialogues with them,” he told reporters after his party’s talks with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.      The Jamaat Ameer urged all to wait as both sides will come up with details soon, adding that they are giving priority to reforms first. Jamaat Amir calls for national unity Regarding Puja celebrations, he said the government needs partnership with people to help the Hindu community celebrate Durga Puja in a festive way. “There will be a need for partnership between the government and people. People’s engagement with the government is required. If the government, people of the country and law enforcement agencies work together, our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to celebrate the Durga Puja in an unprecedented way,” he said. After BNP's dialogue with the interim government, a seven-member delegation of Jamaat, led by its Ameer held the dialogue with the chief adviser.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed deep condolences over the passing of former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury. During a teachers' assembly organized by the Teachers-Staff Unity Council at the Engineers Institute in Ramna on Saturday morning, Mirza Fakhrul paid tribute to the late leader. “Our party's founding Secretary General, Badruddoza Chowdhury, has passed away today. Although he was not with us in recent times, he was the founding Secretary General of our party,” Fakhrul said. “I extend my deepest condolences on his death, express my sorrow, and pray for the salvation of his soul,” he added. Following his speech at the Ramna event, he participated in the funeral prayer for Professor B. Chowdhury in Baridhara, paying his respects. Badruddoza Chowdhury played a key role in country’s democratic transition in 90s: Prof Yunus Professor Chowdhury passed away late Friday night while undergoing treatment at Uttara Women’s Medical College Hospital. He was 94 years old at the time of his death. On November 14, 2001, Professor AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury was elected President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. However, due to political differences with the BNP, he resigned from the presidency on June 21, 2002. Later, on May 8, 2004, Chowdhury founded a new political party named 'Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh' after leaving the BNP. He continued to serve as the party's president until his death. In 1978, he was elected the first Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Munshiganj, in 1979, 1991, 1996, and 2001 on the BNP ticket. He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Ziaur Rahman’s government and as Minister of Education and Foreign Affairs under Khaleda Zia’s government.

Any effort of the interim government will not succeed if the “ghost of fascism” is not eradicated from the administration, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday. Speaking at a discussion on the occasion of World Teachers' Day, Fakhrul highlighted the state of the country's administration. The discussion was organised by the teachers-employees union at Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital’s Ramna. Refering to the interim government, Fakhrul said that the fascist regime, which had long oppressed the people, engaged in corruption and looting with the support of these "ghosts," who remain entrenched in the administration. BNP reiterates call for fair elections to ensure democratic Bangladesh "These ghosts must be eliminated; otherwise, you won't be able to achieve anything," he added. Regarding the timing of elections, he said, “We will certainly allow time, but it must be reasonable. The people of Bangladesh believe in democracy. A parliamentary government should be established through free and fair elections, and that government must lead the nation.” "We do not support depoliticisation. We reject the idea of 'minus two' formula, as well as any resurgence of radicalisation, militancy, or terrorism. What we truly desire is a healthy, liberal democratic system in the country," he said. Fakhrul added, "That’s why we have entrusted the interim government with this responsibility. We believe these individuals are qualified and capable, and we urge them to act with urgency." Expressing optimism, the BNP leader said, "We have never failed. We emerged victorious in 1952, '69, '71, and in 1990 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. Our movement is now being led by Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman. Inshallah, we will win again this time." Regarding nationalisation of teachers, Fakhrul said, "Nationalisation alone will not solve all your problems. We need to enhance the quality of education and bring in qualified individuals." Fakhrul against banning Awami League "Let me emphasize this: teachers should not be involved in party politics. They need to stay away from political affiliations; otherwise, our educational institutions will suffer," he observed. "You might not like this, but I know the Awami League has influenced everything—from the peon to the president of the governing body. We must move beyond this situation and create a positive environment in our educational institutions. We should focus on bringing in individuals who are connected to the community, educated, and capable of making a difference. If this is done sincerely, then change will follow; otherwise, it will remain elusive," he said. Reflecting on the potential for new possibilities in the country, the BNP Secretary General said, "I am an optimistic person. We will forge national unity with everyone and establish true people's rule in this country. We will fulfill the dreams of Madam (Khaleda Zia) and Tarique Rahman." Interim Government must announce an election roadmap: Hafiz Uddin During the meeting, leaders of the teachers-employees union, including Chowdhury Mugis Uddin Mahmud and Zakir Hossain, as well as Nurul Haque Nur, convenor of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, spoke. The meeting was presided over by Salim Bhuiya, president of the teachers-employees union.

Clashes between two local factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over a gathering in Khulna city on Friday night left at least 15 people injured. Witnesses and party leaders said BNP had organised the gathering at the Khalishpur Peoples Circle and an altercation began between leaders to factions party factions about who could sit in the front chairs and who could take the stage, triggering clashes around 9:30 pm. Senior leaders, including the coordinator and member secretary of the metropolitan BNP brought the situation under control. The injured people were admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital for treatment. BNP city unit expelled four members involved in the clashes and to formed an investigation committee to look into the incident. The expelled members include the joint convener of Ward 11 BNP Md. Sarwar Hossain, youth leader Nazmul Hossain Babu, Masud Hossain, and Fakir Shahidul Islam. Habib Biswas, member secretary of Khalishpur BNP, acknowledged that there was a scuffle over stage access, resulting in several minor injuries. He said they visited the injured people at the hospital. Rafiqul Islam, the officer-in-charge of Khalishpur Police Station, said he heard about the scuffle, but no one has filed any complaints at the police station yet. This decision of expelling four leaders was confirmed by the BNP media cell late on Friday night.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman called for unity and justice on Friday, urging the nation to rise above divisions in politics and religion. Addressing a gathering at Rajbari Maidan, Gazipur, he stressed the importance of coming together as a single nation and honouring the sacrifices of those who have fought for justice. “We want a united nation,” he said at the event, organised to meet families of martyrs who lost their lives in the recent mass uprising. “No divisions based on party or religion should exist. There is no majority or minority here. We are all equal in this state,” the Jamaat leader said. He said that the families of the martyrs be treated with the respect they deserve, demanding that the government provide at least one member from each family with a respectable job. He emphasised the need to support those who were injured during the movement, ensuring that they are not left dependent on others' mercy. “We will not allow the nation to be divided further,” Shafiqur said. “The only ones who seek to divide us are the enemies of the country. There will be no more scope to split us along political or religious lines.” The Jamaat Amir also called for an independent judiciary, free from political influence. “We want judges who can uphold justice without bias,” he said. “No rogue should sit in the chair of justice. Let justice be based on law and evidence.” He also urged the government to recognise the martyrs and include their stories in educational curricula so that the future generation can learn about their sacrifices. “Martyrs are national assets, and the state must fulfill its moral duty toward their families,” he said. Concluding his speech, Rahman called for unity, saying, “We have cast all divisions aside. Our duty is now to unite and build the country together.”  

Awami League presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak on Friday accused Professor Muhammad Yunus of illegally seizing power and committing acts of violence, including killing, arson and looting. “I strongly condemn these atrocities. Those who support these criminals will face justice one day on the soil of Bangladesh, Inshallah,” he stated in a post on the Awami League’s verified Facebook page. Nanak expressed concern that the everyday the lives of ordinary people are being affected, with soaring prices of essential goods.     He accused the government of focusing on eliminating the Awami League rather than addressing these issues. He also mentioned the desecration of Durga Puja idols, which he said was causing deep distress to the Hindu community. According to Nanak, criminals involved in looting police stations and possessing illegal weapons are neither being caught nor arrested. He claimed that these 'militant terrorists' have been allowed to attack both civilians and Awami League members with impunity. Nanak said the Awami League is alarmed by the ongoing violence against its members, including those in the Juba League and Chhatra League, across various parts of the country. Awami League calls on supporters, people of the country to celebrate Hasina’s 78th birthday on Sept 28 He blamed the BNP and its allies for these attacks, including looting and arson, while alleging that no legal action was being taken against the perpetrators. “I strongly condemn these actions,” Nanak said. He also described the situation in the country as one of extreme misrule, alleging widespread extortion across different regions. He added that in addition to the violence, Awami League leaders and activists are being arrested on false charges in almost every upazila. “From teenagers as young as 15 to elderly men of 90, no Awami League leader or activist is being spared from arrest,” he said. Awami League Expresses Deep Concerns The Awami League’s top brass has voiced its alarm at the rising number of attacks against its members in recent weeks. Several senior party figures have pointed fingers at the BNP and its affiliates, holding them responsible for the uptick in violence and accusing them of creating a culture of impunity. While the allegations have yet to be substantiated, the ongoing unrest in various parts of the country has exacerbated tensions between the two political factions, leading to widespread condemnation from civil society groups. Nanak’s statement also highlighted the adverse impact on religious harmony, as incidents of idol desecration have generated anxiety among minority communities. This, according to him, reflects the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.

The BNP will participate in the new phase of talks initiated by the Prof Muhammad Yunus-led interim government on Saturday to discuss reform issues and the current political situation. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead a party delegation in the talks scheduled to be held at the State House Jamuna, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said BNP senior leaders, including standing committee members, will be there in the party delegation. Meanwhile, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press briefing on Thursday said the talks will begin at 2:30pm on Saturday. He said the BNP and several other political parties have been invited to participate in the dialogue on the first day. Earlier, on Wednesday, Shafiqul Alam said the Council of Advisers will begin a fresh phase of dialogue with major political parties on Saturday, as part of the ongoing consultations with stakeholders.  “The key purpose of the dialogue is to inform the political parties about progress over the six reform commissions’ work and discuss the law-and-order situation of the country and seek their suggestions,” he said. There were two rounds of dialogue between the political parties and the Council of Advisers led by Prof Yunus after the formation of the interim government on August 8. It is not decided yet how many days the dialogue with the political parties will continue. The Press Secretary hoped that the six reform commissions will fully be formed with required members within the next two-three days. The BNP formed six committees to determine the party's position on the interim government's state reform initiatives. A BNP standing committee member said they will concentrate on the government's proposed roadmap for state reforms and the upcoming election during the talks with the government. The BNP leader said they are worried about the slow pace of the government's efforts toward state reforms. “We’ll join the talks to understand their exact thoughts on the reforms and the election. We will also seek clarity on the interim government's reform initiatives, particularly regarding the roadmap and timeline for these reforms.” He said many members of their Standing Committee believe that the government is unnecessarily delaying the reforms.

BNP senior secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday asked the interim government to arrange a free and fair election soon by completing the necessary reform tasks for the sake of building a new and democratic Bangladesh as per the aspirations of the recent revolution. “We’ve to move towards the establishment of a new, revolutionary, democratic Bangladesh with the rule of law Bangladesh and independence of the judiciary. So, a free and fair election should be held as soon as possible,” he said while addressing a rally in the city. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) jointly arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal all ‘false’ cases filed against Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman and opening the daily Amar Desh.     Rizvi said the aspirations of the revolution could be implemented soon if the power of the people is given to (the representatives of) people by completing the necessary reform tasks. Noting that fascism and Nazis should never be politically and socially rehabilitated in the country, he said Mussolini hadn’t returned to Italy and Hitler hadn’t been resettled in Germany. “So, mafia-nazi-fascists should no way be resettled in Bangladesh,” he said. Referring to sending Mahmudur Rahman to jail, the BNP leader said it is a question of the nation as to why the government that came through a huge sacrifice is torturing the pro-democratic revolutionary people by using the laws enacted by Sheikh Hasina. "We want to see a revolutionary government. A government will have to work realising the public sentiment. We don’t want a government like Sheikh Hasina's one,” he said. Rizvi questioned why Mahmudur Rahman had to go to jail in the 'fascism-free Bangladesh.' Citing that the law adviser is surely a dignified man and very close to them, he said the law adviser mentioned about laws in this regard, but the revolutionary government should not work on the basis of the traditional laws. Referring to Jagannath University student Khadijatul Kubra who was sent to the jail in a case filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA) by the Awami League government, he questioned why master's student Khadija still in the jail and how does the administration run. "If a student is still in jail just because of a (facebook) post, then we have to understand the ghosts of Sheikh Hasina are in the court, the administration and the police today and they are disturbing this government at every step," he said. The BNP leader claimed that now the secret associates of Sheikh Hasina are trying to create confusion in the administration, the police and everywhere. "Your police stand idle. How come a murder is committed in front of the police! Then the responsibility (of the murder) goes on the interim government,” he said. Addressing the function, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said they feel very sad that they had to take to the streets to meet their demands after the students-people mass uprising. “We demand all closed media outlets including newspapers be opened. We demand the withdrawal of the false cases filed by killer Hasina against the journalists and political leaders," he said. DUJ President Shahidul Islam said the law adviser must tell why Mahmudur Rahman had to go to jail. BNP's Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sapu, among others, spoke at the rally presided over by BFUJ acting president Obaidur Rahman Shahin.