United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed the hope that deposed Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts involved in mass killings, torture and fascist attacks on people will be brought to justice. “We always believe that everyone in any political party that supports fascism and acts as a fascist, as the Awami League has done, must be brought to justice,” he said.  Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Dr Abdul Kuddus and Dr Sirajuddin at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in the capital. As journalists sought his remarks on BBC World’s special report on ‘The Battle for Bangladesh: Fall of Sheikh Hasina’, Fakhrul said every individual involved in mass killings and repression should be brought under the law and face justice. “Especially the chief of that party, Sheikh Hasina, I believe she is solely responsible for the killing of thousands of people and the torture inflicted on them,” he said. The BNP leader said the process of Sheikh Hasina’s trial has already begun. “We are hopeful that everyone involved in these killings, genocides, and fascist attacks along with her (Hasina) will be brought to justice,” he said. Fakhrul said he also believes that the Awami League, as a party, should be brought under the trial process as well. BNP has been the biggest victim of the Awami League’s repression, torture, killings, and enforced disappearances, he said. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul The BNP leader also mentioned that he himself had been accused in 112 cases and had gone to jail 13 times. In response to a question, he said if there is any true force for democracy in Bangladesh, it is the BNP, and no other party has fought as strongly for democracy as the BNP has. Fakhrul recalled that the BNP was the party that ended one-party rule in the country and introduced multi-party democracy, and later, a parliamentary democratic system. “The country must be saved through the united efforts of all, and it is the responsibility of every political party to put the country on the right track. The sooner it can be placed on this track, the better,” he observed. The BNP leader also said those who believe elections are unnecessary should reconsider their position, as elections are essential for the people. Fakhrul said Bangladesh needs an elected government that is connected to the people. That is why, he said, BNP supports reforms and is taking part in the process and discussions with the National Consensus Commission. Fakhrul said their party believes there is no conflict between reform and elections, and both can go on together. Later, the BNP Secretary General visited ailing singer Farida Parvin at Ayesha Memorial Hospital.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. “It’s unfortunate that democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. Perhaps this stems from the legacy of Pakistan politics…..We saw democracy being practised only for a short time, and then we went far away from this practice again,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of a national debate competition titled ‘Civil Discourse National 2025’, organised by The Bangladesh Dialogue and Dhaka College Debating Society at Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy in the capital. He said BNP believes in liberal democracy where freedom of speech must be guaranteed. “We believe in liberal democracy. We believe I must have the freedom to speak. And you (dissidents) must have the freedom to speak. That is the essence of a functioning democracy,” he said. BNP won’t tolerate extortionists, grabber: Rizvi The BNP Secretary General stressed the need for ensuring the space for dissenting voices to strengthen a democratic state system. “It’s not about suppressing dissent; rather, we must create room for it. Even if someone disagrees with me, I must do everything to protect their right to express that opinion,” he added. Fakhrul expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh, saying, “I’m hopeful that better days will come for Bangladesh. One day, we will proudly stand tall as a nation.” Expressing satisfaction with the activities of today’s youths, he said  “Many say nothing will change. But our youths have already surpassed us. I am now very hopeful that change will come. There will be debates, disagreements — and we must defend each other's right to disagree. Even if I don't agree with someone, I’ll risk my life to defend their right to express their view. That is what we believe in.” Referring to a word ‘honourable’ used during the debate earlier, Fakhrul said he has an objection to one thing in the debate. “Do we really need to use the word ‘honourable’ before saying ‘Prime Minister’ or ‘Speaker’? I believe the excessive use of such terms breeds authoritarianism.” In the event, BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Committee member Israfil Khossru, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Rasheda Imam and Dhaka College Principal Prof AKM Elias were, among others, present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday warned that the party will not tolerate any extortionist or grabber within its ranks. “This party (BNP) does not accommodate any anti-social elements, grabbers or extortionists,” he said at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital. Rizvi said someone can create anarchy and chaos using the name of BNP, but the party has not hesitated to take organisational action against them whenever such incidents are reported. BNP has relentlessly struggled to establish the rule of law and justice by developing legal and institutional frameworks for democratic governance since its inception, he said. “This party believes in an ideal state and society, the leadership must be entrusted to competent, skilled, honest and humane persons,” Rizvi said, adding that whenever BNP was in power, it prioritised these principles. Noting that now various types of social crimes are being manifested, he said the prevalence of 'mob culture' is on rise due to administrative stagnation. The BNP leader said attempts are being made to create chaos in the society in the name of ‘mob culture’ under the influence of illegal black money and secret evil-activities. “On the other hand, a vested quarter is using technology in a very planned way and are spreading various propaganda through social media against the name of BNP. People believe that this planned propaganda, activities and artificially created social unrest are obstructing the path of democracy and a far-reaching plan to delay the election,” he said. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  Rizvi likened the ongoing narratives around delaying the election to the “strange rhetoric of development” seen under the Sheikh Hasina regime. He said BNP is taking prompt organisational actions against those found misusing the party’s name to commit wrongdoings. “Those involved in misdeeds from within the party are not being spared under any circumstances.” Many leaders and activists have already been expelled, relieved from the party, suspended their posts, or served with show-cause notices, Rizvi said. Citing that law enforcement agencies for playing a ‘suspiciously relaxed role,’ he said despite repeated requests from the party to take legal action against miscreants and instigators, the administration remains indifferent, he said. Since the interim government came to power, the police administration has not been very active. Rather, in some cases, it is clearly evident that some ones are deliberately stirring up trouble, the BNP leader claimed.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on a BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Tuesday. The meeting was held at around 11 am at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan political office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the Chinese envoy had a cordial discussion with the BNP leaders, following their recent visit to China. BNP hopeful of February polls: Fakhrul Apart from Fakhrul, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Begum Selima Rahman and the BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant ABM Abdus Sattar were present. Details of the discussion were not disclosed, but party sources said they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. On June 22, a high-level nine-member BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visited China for five days at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Convenor of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has accused political parties of betraying both the July Uprising and people after the movement. Addressing a roadside NCP rally in Pabna’s Shaheed Chattar on Monday night, Nahid said, “The fascists and murderers must be brought to justice. We said fascist Hasina’s President (President Mohammed Shahabuddin) cannot be there as president. This generation removed her, but political parties were too afraid of acting more. They have deceived the movement and the people of the country.” He stressed the need for reforming the media, police, bureaucracy, military and the constitution, saying a new Bangladesh would be built through reforms. “Our student activists painted graffiti on school and college walls during the uprising — those graffiti already expressed the aspirations of post-August 5 Bangladesh. A new constitution has essentially been written with those,” he added. NCP fighting for an equal, democratic Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Nahid said a proposal for a new constitution and judicial reforms would be presented on August 3, urging public participation. NCP leaders Ariful Islam Adib, Nasiruddin Patwary, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Tasnim Jara and Pabna student leader Barkatullah Fahad also addressed the rally.

Jatiya Party (JaPa) on Monday appointed its former MP Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary as the party’s new Secretary General, removing Mujibul Haque Chunnu, amid growing tensions within the party ahead of the national council. JaPa Chairman GM Quader, using the authority given to him by the party’s constitution, removed Mujibul Haque Chunnu from the post of Secretary General and appointed Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary to the vacant position, said a party press release. Mujibul Haque Chunnu had been serving as Secretary General since October 9, 2021, following the death of then-Secretary General Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu. Soon after the new appointment, GM Quader also removed three senior party leaders --Anisul Islam Mahmud, ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, and Md Mujibul Haque Chunnu -- from all party posts for violating party discipline, said another party press release. PBI to probe Jatiya Party's alleged nomination trade prior to 2024 polls According to the media release, district and city-level party leaders at a meeting held on June 25 raised the allegations of breaching party discipline against the three senior leaders and called for action. Later, on 28 June, a meeting of the party Presidium decided to relieve the three of all party responsibilities. “Exercising the authority given by the party constitution, GM Quader has relieved Senior Co-Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud, Co-Chairman ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and Secretary General Md Mujibul Haque of all party posts, including primary membership,” the press release said. It said the decision has already been put into effect. Shamim Haider Patwary previously served as MP from Gaibandha-1 and is known to be a close associate of Chairman GM Quader. Tensions within the Jatiya Party have worsened, as the party now seems divided into two rival groups over its leadership. The issue became more visible last month after the party announced its upcoming national council. The party earlier planned to hold the national council on June 28 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. However, on June 16, Chairman GM Quader postponed the event, saying the venue was unavailable.  In defiance of this decision, a group of senior leaders led by Co-Chairmen Anisul Islam Mahmud and ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader announced that the council would go ahead as planned. They later withdrew this decision. Meanwhile, Co-Chairmen Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ruhul Amin Hawlader issued a joint statement opposing the appointment of Shamim Haider Patwary. Another Jatiya Party office, this time in Khulna,  vandalised They called the decision highly undemocratic, unconstitutional and a direct violation of the party’s charter. The two leaders accused GM Quader of taking one-sided, autocratic actions, which they warned could seriously harm the party’s future. In their joint statement, they said Mujibul Haque is the party’s legitimate and respected Secretary General. “No appointment or dismissal can be considered valid before the announced national council,” the statement said. They also said removing Mujibul Haque without any reason and appointing Patwary without consultation clearly goes against party discipline and democratic values. “Such a decision breaks down the party’s internal democratic system.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said there has been a consensus on decentralisation of subordinate courts, with all parties agreeing on specific directives for establishing courts at the upazila level. Talking to journalists at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital following the National Consensus Commission's dialogue with political parties, Salahuddin highlighted the unified stance on this judicial reform. “Certain issues regarding subordinate courts have been clearly defined,” said Salahuddin Ahmed, adding, “For instance, there is no need to establish courts in upazilas that are part of district headquarters. Since those specific sadar upazilas can be integrated with the district judge courts located in the district headquarters that effectively establishes the upazila courts there.” He said that some upazilas in Bangladesh, which were once called 'chowkis' during the British period, as well as island and other selected areas, already had courts established. “For upazilas located very close to district headquarters—say within 15 to 20 kilometres—given the improved state of communication, it becomes administratively burdensome to build new structures, provide housing for officers and staff, and maintain them. Therefore, based on a detailed survey, it has been recommended that no new courts be established in such upazilas,” Salahuddin pointed out. Fakhrul urges BNP leaders, activists to begin election preparations The BNP leader stated, “Factors such as the distance between upazilas, population density, economic conditions, communication facilities, and the number of pending cases in specific upazilas should be considered. Following a survey, a phased approach to establishing courts in all upazilas has been agreed upon.” On the issue of establishing permanent High Court benches in divisional cities, Salahuddin advised involving the judiciary. The previous discussions on setting up permanent High Court benches in divisional cities were included in the Judicial Reform Commission’s report, he said, suggesting that this matter should be discussed with and involve the judiciary. “In 1988, a Supreme Court judgement declared the relevant constitutional amendment for such benches unconstitutional, and as a result, those benches were never established. To avoid repeating such complications in the future, we have recommended a solution be found in consultation with the judiciary, with both the National Consensus Commission and the government bearing responsibility,” Salahuddin reminded. Emergency Provisions Salahuddin also addressed the issue of emergency powers in the Constitution, stating that Articles 141A, 141B, and 141C clearly define the President’s authority to declare a state of emergency, the process for doing so, which fundamental rights may be suspended, how long it can last, and what must happen if Parliament is not in session. Work together, shun negativity for democratic progress: Fakhrul urges political parties  He said, “The Consensus Commission has proposed adding two or three more clauses related to this. There have been detailed discussions on maintaining fundamental human rights during emergencies, especially in relation to international treaties and agreements with the United Nations.” “Our proposal is that the matter should be determined through a detailed debate in the National Parliament. This is a complex issue. Laws may be enacted under these constitutional provisions, and Parliament would be the appropriate forum for such considerations,” Salahuddin explained.

Four leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), student wing of BNP, were suspended on charge of assaulting central Vice President Masud Rana Riaz in Boda upazila of Panchagarh district on Sunday. According to a press release, signed by the party’s central Office Secretary Jahangir Alam, Boda upazila JCD member secretary Jibon Sarkar, Boda municipal unit president Nazmul Imon, Sakoa union convenor Ashiq and joint convener Jashim Islam were suspended. On Sunday afternoon, Riaz came under attack on his way to pay homage to late Mozahar Hossain, three-time MP for Panchagarh-2 and former district BNP president, at Sakoa Bazar of the upazila. A 13-second video of the assault went viral on Facebook showing Riaz being beaten indiscriminately. He is now undergoing treatment at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital. Riaz previously served as joint secretary of Chhatra Dal’s central committee and at Government Titumir College unit. JCD leader killed, 15 injured in Brahmanbaria clash He recently expressed interest in contesting the next election for Panchagarh-2 constituency as a BNP candidate. Speaking to reporters, Riaz alleged that supporters of Farhad Hossain Azad, a potential BNP candidate for the same seat, were behind the attack. “They attacked me on Azad’s instigation. Central BNP leaders are monitoring the situation,” he added. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said, "We have already taken organizational action and informed senior BNP leaders. Rizvi Bhai is aware and assured us of further steps." Ex-Kushtia JCD leader killed in road accident District BNP leader Farhad Azad accused Riaz of creating internal conflicts by working with expelled BNP members and Awami League activists.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called upon party leaders and activists to begin preparations for the next election by earning people’s trust and refraining from wrongdoings. “It is now your (BNP leaders and activists') responsibility to prepare for the elections without quarrelling or engaging in internal disputes,” he said. Speaking at a doa mahfil-cum-discussion, Fakhrul said, “What does that preparation mean? It means creating love for BNP among people. We must create a situation where people feel compelled to support the BNP and believe there is no alternative.” Sylhet City Unit BNP organised the event to pray for the recovery and well-being of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and for the good health and long life of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul recalled that BNP leaders and activists have made immense sacrifices, endured many hardships and faced torture and oppression over the last 16 years. “But we have a dream — the dream of building a new Bangladesh, free from injustice and oppression,” he said. The BNP leader urged party rank and file to behave responsibly so that no one can accuse them of wrongdoing such as taking over businesses or occupying land, or engaging in extortion. Work together, shun negativity for democratic progress: Fakhrul urges political parties  He also called for unity within the party and urged his party colleagues to move forward by following the path shown by its founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “Our victory is certain.” Fakhrul thanked Chief Adviser Professor Mohammad Yunus for deciding to hold the national election in mid-February next year during a meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. “Let us all come together to build a new Bangladesh, but it will not be easy. We have many enemies who will try to create obstacles, cause delays and try to stop us. We must overcome all those and keep moving forward,” he said. The BNP leader also warned the government and other political parties that any delay in holding the election will set Bangladesh back. “Investment will not come. Employment opportunities for the youth will not be created. Our mothers and daughters will become more insecure. Mobocracy will increase, and the judicial system and law and order will collapse.” He stressed that only an elected government with public support can ensure lasting peace and stability in the country. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  “Always remember, no government is stronger than one elected by the people. Ahead of us, we have one clear message — we want a democratic Bangladesh. We want to create employment opportunities for our youth. We want to transform Bangladesh into a developed country,” Fakhrul said. He mentioned that the BNP has presented a 31-point outline for overhauling the state to build a new Bangladesh. “These 31 points contain the future of Bangladesh and reflect our dream of a new nation. We do not want to remain a poor country forever.” Election delay anti-democratic, it goes against July-August spirit: Fakhrul  Fakhrul said the younger generation is now ready to step forward for a better future. “To make this a reality, the BNP must take responsibility and lead the country towards building the new Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday expressed support for the proposal made by the National Consensus Commission to decentralise the lower judiciary and extend its reach to the upazila level, aiming to bring justice closer to people. Talking to reporters during a break on the tenth day of the Commission's second round of meetings with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said their party agreed with the proposal. “Jamaat has agreed with the Commission’s proposal on decentralisation of the lower judiciary, bringing it from district to upazila level. We have supported their proposal because today’s National Consensus Commission, today’s interim government, and the overall situation in Bangladesh—all centre around the public aspiration for change on 5 August. In the interest of the people, we want to bring the courts to their doorsteps,” said Azad. Explaining the reasoning behind this support, Azad highlighted the hardships faced by rural citizens in accessing justice. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  “If someone living in an upazila seeks justice, they have to overcome significant communication barriers to reach the district level. There is an economic aspect to this. Distance and time are also factors. Once at the district level, arranging a lawyer and undergoing the judicial process brings about psychological suffering, as well as costs for accommodation and food,” he said. He went on to say, “The situation becomes even more unbearable if the litigant is financially constrained. Therefore, to reduce public suffering and ensure justice, and to ease the legal burden on courts, we supported the idea of bringing courts to the upazila level.” Azad said Bangladesh has 495 upazilas and that some judicial benches are already in place under constitutional provisions. “We proposed that all upazilas gradually be brought under the court system and that existing benches be transformed into permanent courts,” he said. He also acknowledged concerns that decentralisation of the judiciary might lead to increased corruption, given the presence of broker syndicates that often collude with judiciary officials or deceive litigants with false promises. “This issue came up in discussions. But as the saying goes, we don’t cut off the head to cure a headache. If people develop moral values, awareness increases, and if we can educate them, such problems can be eliminated. And is corruption absent in district-level courts? Didn’t you yourselves report how a verdict was issued using a forged signature of a High Court judge?” Azad mentioned. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat leader said the discussion also touched on village courts. “There are some limitations within the village court system. We proposed making it more effective. For instance, it currently allows a maximum fine of Tk 75,000. That jurisdiction could be increased.” There is also a lack of qualified individuals to mediate disputes. If they are given proper training and empowered with more authority and skills, many issues can be resolved at the union level itself through village courts, Azad said, adding that could be a useful mechanism for quick dispute resolution.