United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday met Mongolian Non-Resident Ambassador Ganbold Dambajav at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The ambassador’s flag-bearing car entered the office premises at around 11am, where Mirza Fakhrul welcomed him. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Organising Secretary Shama Obaef, International Affairs Secretary Rashedul Haque and Mongolia’s Honorary Consul General in Bangladesh Nasreen Fatema Awal were also present at the meeting. Party leaders said the two sides held open discussions on various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Mongolia.    

Stating that some parties have accepted the national election and referendum schedule with heavy hearts, BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said those who had earlier pushed for delaying the polls belong to an “anti-democracy camp”. “The announcement of the election schedule on Thursday was a successful step for democratic transition. We welcomed it. We expressed satisfaction… But many were forced to welcome it with heavy hearts,” he said. Speaking at the opening session of the sixth day of BNP’s “Plan to Build the Country” workshop at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, he said the main expectation of the mass uprising was to ensure people’s voting rights. “This schedule is a step towards that.” He criticised the parties and individuals who demanded “no PR, no election”, wanted local government polls first, asked for a referendum along with the national vote, or even urged waiting until 2029. “I don’t want to name them… but they all belong to the anti-democracy camp. They want democracy in their own way as their definition of democracy is different,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said late President Ziaur Rahman founded BNP to unite people of all classes, professions, religions and cultures, making the party “a school of inclusive politics”. He said BNP never wants to create divisions based on religion, ethnicity or language. “Everyone’s constitutional identity is that of a citizen of Bangladesh,” he said. Salahuddin also accused a political party of avoiding criticism of the Awami League as they are trying to attract its voters. “In our village saying, they don’t even dare to mention their brother-in-law’s name. They are doing everything to pull Awami League’s votes,” he said. The BNP leader urged party activists not to forget the “painful history” of democratic struggles and the corruption, repression and rights violations that he said took place during the Awami League period. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Referring to economist Debapriya Bhattacharya’s report “White Papers on the State of the Bangladesh Economy”, he said BNP activists should explain the findings to people in simple language. Salahuddin claimed the misuse of public funds from 2009 to 2023 could have financed “two education budgets or three health budgets”. He also said the reported losses in the banking and non-banking sectors could equal the cost of “24 Padma Bridges or 14 metro rail systems”. The BNP leader alleged that more than Tk 29 lakh crore was sent abroad through financial irregularities. Salahuddin said some political parties who historically opposed Bangladesh’s interests now claim to be “pro-Liberation War”. “We sometimes wonder whether that Liberation War was actually in favour of Pakistan,” he said. The BNP leader said Bangladeshi voters are now more aware and no one will be able to get votes by using religion. Salahuddin urged Chhatra Dal leaders to take BNP’s plans—such as family cards, farmer cards, health cards, education initiatives and employment proposals—to the people in simple language to draw their attention. He said BNP leaders must go door to door. “People will understand that BNP is the party of the people. They will understand that another name for democracy is BNP, and the symbol of liberation is the paddy sheaf." BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chaired the event, while Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan conducted the programme. Salahuddin inaugurated the fifth programme at the KIB auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Tarique Rahman warns of tough election, urges party to engage people Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls.

For the first time in the country’s parliamentary election history, the Election Commission (EC) appointed three of its own officials, along with two divisional commissioners and 64 district deputy commissioners (DCs), as returning officers for the February 12 election and referendum. According to the EC officials, the Regional Election Officers of Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna have been given the responsibilities of returning officers for specific constituencies in the election. Besides, the divisional commissioners for Dhaka and Chattogram as well the deputy commissioners of 64 districts were made the returning officers in the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025. The Dhaka Regional Election Officer will act as the returning officer for Dhaka-13 and 15 constituencies, while the Chattogram Regional Election Officer for Chattogram-11 and Khulna Regional Election Officer for Khulna-3 constituency. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday announced the election schedule for the national election and referendum. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11 and the appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18. The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. The balloting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any break on February 12.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming national elections. He described it as a positive step toward free, fair, and impartial elections, while emphasizing that significant challenges remain ahead. Speaking to reporters after a public outreach program in Khulna-5’s Zero Point area, Parwar said ensuring a level playing field is crucial for credible elections. He highlighted the importance of administrative neutrality, stating, “Just announcing the schedule does not make the election fair. The role of DCs, SPs, UNOs, and polling officials, and whether they act impartially, is a critical question.” Parwar noted that after the election schedule is published, the Election Commission assumes control over administrative transfers and postings, placing responsibility for election neutrality on the commission. He stressed the need to ensure safe voting for all citizens, pointing out that in national elections, each voter casts two ballots, making every vote count a major challenge. He called on the government, Election Commission, political parties, and the public to act responsibly to reflect the aspirations of 180 million voters, ensuring a festive and secure voting environment free from extortion or intimidation. Jamaat also welcomes election schedule announcement  Parwar also highlighted the roles of the Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, urging strict action against corrupt individuals. He expressed hope that the Election Commission would carry out its responsibilities courageously at every stage, acting in the interest of democracy and the voters rather than any political party. Earlier, Parwar addressed business owners and workers at Allahdan Brickfield in Kulbaria, Dumuria Upazila, stressing the need for governance based on the Quran and Sunnah to benefit the country. He added that eight Islamic parties will field a single candidate in each constituency under a consensus arrangement in the next elections.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital, where she is on ventilator support and receiving intensive care for multiple serious complications, according to the medical board overseeing her treatment. In its latest update provided on Thursday, the board said that the former premier is being treated round the clock by a team of local and foreign specialists, as several of her vital organs continue to be under severe stress. It said over the past few days, several serious complications have been detected. “Her breathing difficulties increased, her oxygen level fell, and carbon dioxide levels rose. She was treated with High Flow Nasal Cannula and BiPAP support, but as there was no improvement, she was placed on elective ventilator support to give rest to her lungs and other vital organs,” the board said. On November 27, it said doctors diagnosed acute pancreatitis, which is still being treated. “Due to severe bacterial and fungal infections, she is receiving advanced antibiotics and antifungal medicines. Her kidney function has stopped completely, and she is undergoing regular dialysis,” the board mentioned. Owing to gastrointestinal bleeding and a condition called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), it said she is being given blood and blood products as required. “As her fever persisted and echocardiography showed issues in the aortic valve, a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) was performed. It confirmed infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valve. Treatment for this has been started according to international guidelines,” the physicians said. The also said the multidisciplinary medical board, led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, said specialists from Bangladesh and abroad are continuously monitoring her and providing every possible treatment. The board urged all concerned not to circulate speculation or misinformation about her condition and to respect her privacy and dignity.“Our medical team is working with the highest level of care, attention and sincerity.” Khaleda in Evercare ICU; getting top-level treatment: Dr Zahid The medical board and Khaleda Zia’s family have requested everyone to pray for her recovery. Khaleda Zia has long been suffering from a number of chronic and complex health problems, including liver complications, kidney disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and recurring infections. While staying at her Gulshan residence recently, she developed shortness of breath, cough, fever and increased weakness. As her condition worsened, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November. Following tests, doctors found a rapid deterioration in the functions of her lungs, heart and kidneys. She was immediately shifted from a cabin to the Critical Care Unit for advanced treatment and close monitoring.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the national election. The reaction from the party came shortly after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the election timetable in a televised address in the evening. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, the party’s central media and publicity wing chief, came up with the reaction at a press conference held at Jamaat’s Moghbazar central office. Zubair, who is also the party’s Assistant Secretary General, said the long-awaited announcement had eased concerns about whether the election would be held. “There were uncertainties over the polls, but the announcement of the schedule has reassured us,” he told reporters. Calling on the Election Commission to ensure a fair electoral process, Zubair said establishing a level-playing field for all political parties must now be the Commission’s top priority. “Without this, there is no scope for making the election meaningful.” Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said ensuring a level playing field is essential for a credible election. He urged the Election Commission to take tough measures to recover illegal weapons, arrest armed criminals and improve law and order. He expressed dissatisfaction over previous electoral processes, saying, “In the past, although assurances were given ahead of elections, fairness could not be ensured. We hope this trend will change in the upcoming polls.” Zubair said Jamaat will fully cooperate with the Commission to help ensure a festive and peaceful election environment that reflects the expectations of the August-5 ‘revolution’. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Zubair called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to give legal recognition to the July Charter. Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven other allied parties, will continue programmes aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum, he said, adding that the alliance of eight protesting parties would extend all cooperation to the EC to conduct the national election and referendum smoothly. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central executive council member Mobarak Hossain and Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin were present at the briefing. According to the schedule announced by the CEC, voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The balloting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Meanwhile, BNP welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

BNP on Thursday welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB. Giving his party’s initial reaction, the BNP leader said the schedule shows that Bangladesh has started its journey toward a desired democracy for which the people have risked their lives and struggled for more than a decade and a half. “We are happy with the schedule announced by the Chief Election Commissioner… There may be minor inconsistencies, but we consider them insignificant. The important thing is that the announcement of the election and referendum schedule is undoubtedly a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history,” he said. “We also hope a new chapter will begin in Bangladesh’s politics through this announcement,” Fakhrul added. He expressed hope that all pro-democracy parties would take part in the upcoming election and that voting would take place peacefully. Fakhrul said it is now the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that the election is free, fair, neutral, and credible. The Election Commission on Thursday evening announced that the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the schedules in a pre-recorded speech aired on state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar. Talking to reporters in front of BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul later said, “This is undoubtedly a very happy day for us… The election must be held and the date has now been announced.”   “We expect the Commission to ensure a fully neutral, fair, free, and credible election. All political parties and candidates should participate responsibly and make this election a festival-like event,” he added. Fakhrul urges BNP to prepare for Tarique’s ‘imminent return’ The BNP leader said elections had been made a farce over the past 15 years, undermining democracy. “Now, through this new election and the student-led mass movement, we have a chance to form a parliament that truly represents the people.” Speaking about reforms, he said political parties have discussed them for nearly nine months. “We have agreed on many points, but some could not be finalised. These will now be decided through the referendum.” Regarding candidate lists and seat-sharing with BNP’s alliance partners, Fakhrul said the party has not yet finalised its candidate list, though primary lists of contenders were earlier announced. “Those who have fought with us in the simultaneous movement will be properly evaluated through discussions. I believe there will be no problem and all pro-democratic forces can participate together,” he said. On the issue of certain points not being included in the referendum, Fakhrul said, “Some problems are inevitable, but if we all work together, we can overcome those.”        

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday once again warned his party colleagues that the next election will be a tough one amid a constant spread of lies and false campaigns, urging them to be serious and reach out to people with the party’s plans and programmes. “You must study our plans. If you don’t read them, if you don’t know them, then how will you explain what you want to do and what your party wants to do? Others--I won’t mention any names --but you know very well that in your constituencies, in your upazilas and municipalities, they are always spreading different kinds of lies to mislead people,” he said. Speaking virtually at the closing session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop, Tarique said there is no need for BNP leaders and workers to respond with lies. “You don’t need that. You already have many correct, truthful and realistic issues on your side to counter those,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul urges BNP to prepare for Tarique’s ‘imminent return’ He said when BNP leaders and activists are active in the field with BNP’s plans and programmes in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy, other parties will not be able to confuse people. The BNP leader called upon the party leaders and activists to take the party’s national plans directly to the people, saying the proposed plans can only be carried out if they win public support in the upcoming election. He said their party has this time not only given promises but also explained how those promises will be implemented within Bangladesh’s existing administrative and economic structure. Tarique said he warned over a year ago that the upcoming election would not be as easy as many believed. “At that time, many people laughed it off and did not take my words seriously. But today each one of you can understand exactly what I meant… The warning I gave is slowly being proven true. I want to tell you again — if we still do not become serious, the very existence and sovereignty of this country will be at risk,” he said. The BNP leader said only the restoration of democracy through the next election can save the country and its people. “It is you, every single member of the BNP, who can strengthen the foundation of that democracy. If you go to the field, if you go door to door and reach the people, then we can protect this country.” Bangladesh election, referendum on Feb 12; schedule announced He stressed that BNP’s proposed plans are for the people and the country, not a partisan document, and every leader and worker has the responsibility to take its message to citizens. “Our work is for 20 crore people. If we confine ourselves to our own problems, we become smaller.” Tarique said many leaders have genuine complaints about cases, repression and the lack of development in their areas, but the bigger responsibility now is to convince people about BNP’s vision for rebuilding the country. “I could have spoken about my mother and our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her physical condition. I could have shared my own pain with you. But I am not doing that. You must understand something. All of you must understand this. We are in politics for the country and its people. If we keep talking only about our own suffering, then where will the people go? Whom will they turn to with their pain and their struggles? They will come to you. That is why, leaders, we must rise to a position where we truly represent the people,” he said. Tarique asked the BNP leaders and workers that they must build themselves in a way that will earn the people’s trust and make people feel confident that the party is truly there for them. “From my 30 years of political experience, I can say that if we can take these eight issues discussed at the workshop to the field and later implement them with public support, people from every class and profession will benefit in some way.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the fifth day’s programme in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders and activists of BNP from different parts of the country joined the programme to receive training on eight issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Bangladesh is now facing two major challenges, building a strong political and economic foundation and resisting forces that are misleading people using religion. “We want to state something very clearly that the year 1971 is our very existence. Remember this loudly and firmly. Today I saw in a newspaper that someone has called the generation of 1971 ‘the worst generation.’ How can they show such audacity in saying this?” he said. Speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, the BNP leader also said certain quarters are trying to confuse the people by exploiting religion. “A dark claw seems to be emerging from behind the shadows…another form of fascism is trying to grip us. Unfortunately, by using our beloved religion, they are trying to mislead the people of Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader called upon his party colleagues to stand firm against these forces. “Today we face a new struggle. On one side, it is the struggle to place Bangladesh on firm political and economic footing. On the other side, it is the struggle to resist these destructive forces. You must move forward keeping both in mind. We always practise positive politics. We always think progressively,” he said. Bangladesh urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 genocide, historical issues Fakhrul told the party leaders and workers joined the workshop that it would not be enough to simply listen to the discussions and take notes. “You must present these ideas to the people… these are the things we want to do. If you do this, the people will surely be drawn to you. You have to win them over,” he said. The BNP leader said struggle is a part of human life, and a nation also has to struggle to rise. “We have carried out these struggles again and again. Our people have sacrificed their lives, our boys have sacrificed their lives. The boys of this generation also gave their lives in the July 2024 movement, just as our freedom fighters did in 1971. Let us unite all our strength and take a vow to win this battle.” Fakhrul said the upcoming struggle is the party’s toughest and most important yet, urging leaders and activists to move forward with determination and a strong mindset. He recalled the party’s long fight against autocratic regimes over the last 16 years, including the deaths of 20,000 party members and the hardships they faced amid immense repression and harassment. Fakhrul also highlighted the party’s historic contributions to Bangladesh’s development, recalling reforms by party founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in democracy, education, women’s empowerment, youth employment and the economy. He urged party members to unite, reach out to the people, win their hearts, and bring them to the polls. “This election is different from those under the Awami League. It will be a truly neutral election. You must ensure the people vote for us by understanding our leader’s vision and the plans we have for the country.” Fakhrul also prayed for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and expressed hope that a new phase of struggle will begin once Tarique Rahman returns home. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the KIB auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. It’s painful to see 1971 sacrifices questioned, says BNP’s Hafizuddin BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises before the polls.

Just hours before the announcement of the election schedule, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (December 11, 2025) called on party leaders and activists to get ready to welcome their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he will return to the country ‘very soon’. “Since all our leaders are here today, I want to tell you that our leader (Tarique) will come back to us very soon,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop. The BNP leader called on his colleagues to be ready to give Tarique a grand reception on the day he returns home, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “The day our leader arrives and sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should shake. You must remember this… You will be able to do it, InshaAllah. On that day, we want to change the face of the entire country,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory Fakhrul said the party wants to move forward with a progressive vision to take Bangladesh ahead. “We want to move ahead. We want progress. To place Bangladesh in a position of dignity, we want to carry forward our leader’s thoughts and plans.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation in the evening to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. Fakhrul said the election schedule will be announced today, opening the way for the people to establish new leadership for Bangladesh through a fresh election. “We now have the chance to work with the people to form a truly representative parliament — a parliament that will lead Bangladesh towards a new horizon, under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ He said the BNP must win the upcoming election and secure a full victory so it can take Bangladesh forward. “Many barriers will come. Many difficulties will appear. There are many campaigns against us, and there will be more. But we want to stand tall by overcoming all of these. BNP has never been defeated, and it will not be defeated,” he added. Describing BNP as the party of the people, the Liberation War and the struggle for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stay united. “Nothing else will bring you success. What will bring success is unity — a strong, steel-like unity — and the spirit to move forward with our nationalist and democratic ideals,” he said. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs: Mirza Abbas The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls. Read more: ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces