United News of Bangladesh

The eight-party alliance, preparing to contest the 13th national parliamentary elections, will begin seat-sharing discussions from Tuesday. Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Coordinator of the liaison committee of the eight-party alliance, confirmed the development on Monday. The decision was taken at a meeting of the alliance’s liaison committee held today (December 8) at 6:30 pm. The meeting took place at the central office of Khelafat Majlis, presided over by its Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader. Azad stated that in every constituency, a single candidate, nominated jointly by the eight parties, would contest based on mutual agreement, and no other party would put forward a candidate. The alliance also decided to carry out nationwide campaigns until December 31 to build public opinion in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. Jamaat to form national govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer Azad said the alliance will announce its next course of action after the national election schedule is published and reviewed by top leaders. In addition, each of the eight parties will observe separate programmes marking the Great Independence Day. Dr Azad also said that district and upazila-level liaison committees will be formed to strengthen the activities of the alliance. Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader said, we had initially hoped for the referendum to take place before the election, but after the government’s announcement, we accepted it in the larger interest. Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters Those present at the meeting included Gazi Ataur Rahman, Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Musa Bin Izhar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party; Abdul Majed Athari, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of the same party; Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Hokkani, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan; and Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan. The meeting was also attended by Engineer Rashed Prodhan, Vice-President and Spokesperson of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA); Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Chan, President of Bangladesh Development Party; Nizamul Haque Naeem, its Secretary General; and Ashraful Alam and Fazle Bari Masud, Joint Secretaries of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, among others.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) urged party leaders and activists to prioritise the party and its electoral symbol, the “Sheaf of Paddy,” over individual candidates ahead of the upcoming election, warning that a serious setback could follow if unity is not maintained. “There is no time for us to sit idle. Candidates have already been announced in various areas. For your area, the party has made a decision based on who we thought would do best,” he said while speaking virtually at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. Tarique also noted that perhaps the candidate announced in their area was not the one they personally preferred, or that their connection with the candidate was not very strong. “But you are not working for the candidate. You are working for your Sheaf of Paddy. The candidate is not the main focus. What matters is that our party, BNP, the Sheaf of Paddy, and the country. If people vote for the Sheaf of Paddy, we will be able to carry out every plan for building the country,” he said. Read more: Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman He also said the plans to build the country will not just remain on paper but will be implemented at any cost with people’s involvement. “Our promise and our work for the next two months are to involve the people of Bangladesh in these plans. There is no other work beyond this.” Tarique called upon Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to reach out to people in their areas, explain the party’s plans, gather support, and mobilise voters. Urging the younger generation to unite, he said, Bangladesh’s immediate future depends on them. If you move forward together, the country has a future. Otherwise, a terrible situation may wait. If we unite and work from our respective positions, the country will move forward.” The six-day programme, titled ‘Plans to Build the Country’, was announced on November 27 and involves BNP’s affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the national election. Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme so they can explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises to the people ahead of the polls. The programme highlighted BNP’s detailed plans for the country, including canal excavation, air pollution control, environmental improvement, waste management, nationwide sports development, education, health, reducing unemployment, and social support initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and Health Card. Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take these plans directly to people. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

More than 258,000 expatriate Bangladeshi voters from different countries across the world have so far registered through a mobile app, ‘Postal Vote Bd’, since November 19 last to vote in the upcoming national election and the referendum. The Election Commission (EC) on November 19 opened the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app initially for 53 countries and then for a total of 143 countries. As of 7:50 pm on Monday, a total of 258,485 expatriates, including 236,998 males and 21,487 females, registered through the app. Among the registrants, the highest number came from the Saudi Arabia (66,505) followed by USA (20,102), Qatar (17,124), UAE (15,774), Malaysia (14,457), Singapore (13,673), UK (12,202), Oman (9,706), South Korea (9,560), Canada (9,516), Italy (8,710), Australia (8,094), Japan (7,008), Kuwait (5,971) and South Africa (4,879). Among the registered expats, the highest 30,866 will vote in Dhaka district from abroad, while 27,771 in Cumilla, 21,760 in Chattogram, 16,670 in Noakhali, 14,024 in Sylhet, 10,311 in Chandpur, 10,005 in Feni, 8,657 in Brahmanbaria, 8,064 in Lakshmipur and 6,415 in Moulvibazar. In terms of constituencies, the highest 4,447 registered expats will vote in Noakhali-1, while 4,195 in Feni-3 constituency, 4,153 in Sylhet-1 constituency, 3,810 in Noakhali-3 constituency, 3,796 in Chattogram-15 constituency, 3,583 in Cumilla-10 constituency, 3,421 in Noakhali-5, 3,413 in Feni-2 constituency, 3,409 in Cumilla-11 constituency, 3,332 in Sylhet-6 constituency.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, will not be flown to London for the time being as her health has not improved sufficiently for travel. A member of her medical board, wishing anonymity, told UNB on Monday (December 08, 2025) that Khaleda Zia’s recovery is still not at the level needed for an air trip. “Whenever one complication improves, another appears. While one health parameter is under control, another rises,” the doctor said. He said while her long-standing liver complication is being managed, the medical board remains concerned about her kidney problem. “So, our medical team has decided not to send her abroad until her condition improves further.” Read more: Khaleda’s London medical trip 'depends on her health condition' Khaleda Zia, 80, has been treated at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) on November 27 due to multiple health complications. Her treatment is supervised by a board led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, including specialists from Evercare Hospital and from the UK, USA, and China. The former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney, liver, lung, heart, and eye problems. Currently, a medical board of around two dozen local and foreign specialists meets daily at Evercare to adjust her treatment. Another board member said her health is not worsening, but she is still at risk. “Advanced care is being given in the CCU. Each night, the board reviews her condition. Specialists discuss individual issues, adjust medications, change doses, or stop and restart medicines as needed.” He said Khaleda’s daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife, attends the board meetings in person while meals are sent daily from her Gulshan home as advised by the doctors. Read more: Air ambulance delay likely to push Khaleda Zia’s London travel to Sunday Air Ambulance Not Arriving Tuesday The air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar to fly Khaleda Zia to London will not arrive on Tuesday either as the operator has asked to cancel its previously approved landing at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A senior official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said Germany-based FAI Aviation Group submitted a formal request through a local agency to withdraw its earlier landing slot. Earlier, CAAB had approved the ambulance to land in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The BNP had planned to fly Khaleda Zia to London on Friday for advanced treatment in a special air ambulance from Qatar. However, the flight was first delayed due to a “technical issue,” and later the Qatari embassy said the Emir’s special ambulance would not come and promised a replacement aircraft from Germany. BNP has not yet confirmed when the new air ambulance will arrive or when Khaleda Zia will be flown to London. Read more: Khaleda’s London trip to be delayed until she’s fit: Dr Zahid

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) said his party intends to form a national government if it comes to power, even if it secures 200 parliamentary seats independently, aiming to safeguard national interest and ensure political stability. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying a courtesy call on European Union Ambassador Michael Miller in Gulshan. Ambassadors and diplomats at the meeting also included Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Wicks; Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen; German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz; Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro; French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza; Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra; EU Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarina; and Sebastian Rieger Braun, First Secretary at the EU Delegation. Read more: 'No govt in 54 years has worked for people’s welfare': Jamaat's Mujibur Rahman During the meeting, EU representatives asked about issues including the Rohingya crisis, public security, the party’s election manifesto, and its 100-day plan after assuming office. In response, the Jamaat chief assured them that his party would work to build an ‘inclusive Bangladesh’, if elected. “We will not exclude any political party. A national government is essential for the next five years to restore the economy, ensure stability, establish the rule of law, and curb corruption,” he said. He also outlined two conditions for joining the national government: no member would be allowed to engage in or tolerate corruption, and equal justice must be ensured with no political interference in the judiciary. Read more: Now Jamaat replaces election candidate in Lalmonirhat-3 Speaking about holding the national election and referendum simultaneously, Shafiqur Rahman said voter awareness was still not adequate for two major ballots on the same day, warning that both processes could be hampered. He recommended keeping them separate. Responding to allegations of using religion in politics, he said religion is part of Jamaat’s ideology, not a tool. “We do not exploit religion. Those who suddenly appear with caps and prayer beads only during elections are the ones using religion,” he said. He reiterated that the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February must not be postponed. “We believe the election should be held on time, in February.” Read more: Jamaat leader Parwar pushes for referendum before national election The Jamaat chief also reaffirmed the party’s support for the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, saying it has been demanded in the interest of the people and that Jamaat would implement it, if elected.

Shahadat Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), joined BNP on Monday dissolving his own party. He formally joined the party around 4:20 pm at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, presenting a bouquet to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. “I have dissolved our party and joined the BNP,” Selim told UNB. He said he will contest the 13th national parliamentary election from Laxmipur-1 (Ramganj) with BNP’s electoral symbol, the “Sheaf of Paddy.” Selim said Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury conveyed to him categorically that BNP will nominate him to contest the Laxmipur-1 seat. He has been actively involved in all BNP-led democratic movements on the streets in the past, serving as the spokesperson for the 12-party alliance. He contested the Laxmipur-1 constituency in the 2018 national election as a member of the LDP under the BNP-led alliance.

Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad said on Monday that “murderers, extortionists and drug dealers cannot be leaders of any political party. He alleged that the behaviour of a section of the BNP resembles that of certain political groups seen during the Awami League regime. He made the remarks at a press conference organised by the Party at the Barishal Reporters Unity in the afternoon. Fuaad said he was harassed despite his efforts to contribute to a development project. “We know exactly who was behind this,” he said, urging BNP to bring those involved under proper party discipline. He further alleged that although all members of the local administration were present during Sunday’s incident, they remained silent. “If no action is taken against the Babuganj administration, a fair election here will not be possible,” he warned. “I have exercised patience in the interest of the nation because we want to change Bangladesh. We want respectful and dignified politics. We do not want any form of gangster politics,” he added. Earlier on Sunday, following the inauguration of the Mirganj Bridge foundation stone in Barishal, Fuaad told reporters that locals had made various extortion demands to the bridge construction contractor. At that moment, local BNP leaders and activists surrounded him, demanding the names of those allegedly involved.  A scuffle broke out between supporters of Barrister Fuaad and BNP activists. As Fuaad attempted to leave the area, BNP leaders and activists followed him in a procession, chanting “bhua, bhua” slogans.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the country is witnessing an abnormal situation due to the absence of democracy and a lack of accountable governance, warning that several plots are underway to undermine the democratic system and ensure its collapse. Speaking at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, he said promoting the idea that everyone except one particular party is bad is very harmful to democracy. “Only democracy can ensure accountability in society and in the state. It is only a democratically elected government that must answer to the people and ordinary citizens,” the BNP leader said. He said real improvement in the country and people’s lives-- even step by step--can only be achieved through a democratic system and a democratically elected government. “Yet many conspiracies have taken place in the past and are still going on now to make the democratic system fail.” Tarique said that many ‘abnormal’ conditions have arisen in Bangladesh due to the absence of accountability. “Every day, when we open newspapers, we see attempts to hide the truth. But hunger speaks the truth. Empty pockets speak the truth,” he said. ‘Religion card’ no longer fooling citizens, says Salahuddin The BNP leader said people across different sectors are suffering, with mills and factories shutting down, local and foreign investors losing confidence, many hospitals failing to provide proper treatment, and numerous educational institutions struggling to operate properly He said people now worry about mugging when they go outside, and even if they escape that, there is no guarantee they will return home safely because of frequent road accidents. “More than 7,000 people were killed in road accidents last year. What happened to the families who lost their only income earner? Does anyone think about them the next day?” Tarique asked. He questioned why such “abnormal” situations--regular road crashes, factory closures, a falling stock market, and collapsing banks--keep happening again and again. “This is not normal. And we cannot allow this abnormal situation to continue. If we want to change it and bring the country back to normal, there is no alternative to democracy. Because only democracy ensures accountability,” the BNP leader said. He accused previous Awami League governments of running the state without any accountability. “That is why whether people lived or died — there was no responsibility towards them.” Preparations complete for upcoming national election: Home Adviser Referring to the anti-government movement and the political change on August 5, Tarique said the people of Bangladesh, including housewives, small shopkeepers, rickshaw-pullers and even the 63 children who died during the movement, were the “masterminds”. He said people fought for an accountable government because only accountability can gradually bring positive changes. Tarique criticised the political behaviour of saying one person is good and everyone else is bad. “For 16 years we saw — one is good, everyone else is bad. Sadly, even after the recent change, that mindset has not fully gone. This attitude must change. It is very dangerous for democracy.” He said democracy allows different opinions and discussions, not blaming anyone who disagrees. The BNP leader also urged political parties to clearly show how they will improve people’s lives. “Many claim they will bring justice and good governance. But how? Where is the plan?” He said BNP is the only party presenting detailed and practical plans covering education, agriculture, women’s welfare, farmers, healthcare and economic reforms. “Tell me, which other party has held such specific discussions? BNP has. No one else.” Tarique said BNP believes in multi-party democracy and wants to build a country based on people’s rights, accountability and economic security. “Step by step, we will fix these abnormal conditions and take Bangladesh towards a normal, responsible and democratic future,” he pledged. Election schedule soon as request made for recording CEC’s address Tarique said if BNP is voted to power, they will again dig canals following Ziaur Rahman’s initiative to prevent flooding, ensure irrigation for farmers and stop the decline of surface water. Tarique said they will also launch major tree plantation programmes to protect the environment. He said BNP will train unskilled people to improve their abilities so they can secure better jobs at home and abroad. Tarique said nation building is now BNP’s main task after the fall of the Awami League through a mass uprising. He said half of the country’s population are women and true development is not possible by leaving them behind. “We need to empower them. That’s why we have planned the Family Card for women.” He said they aim to provide the Family Card to 50 lakh families in the first year if they can form the government. Tarique said BNP will introduce the Farmers’ Card for marginal and small farmers to strengthen their economic standing. He said they will focus on primary education to ensure quality learning for children by recruiting good students as primary teachers and providing training for existing teachers. He said BNP will also prioritise job creation in different sectors to reduce youth unemployment. On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme and received training on eight topics — family welfare, agriculture, health, education, sports, environment, religious affairs and employment — so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises ahead of the polls.

A new 20-party political alliance, named the National Democratic Front (NDF), was launched under the leadership of two factions of the Jatiya Party, led respectively by Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju. The alliance was announced at a press conference held at a convention hall in Gulshan on Monday, attended by leaders of the two factions of Jatiya Party – JaPa and JP-- and other member parties. Anwar Hossain Manju has been named the chief adviser of the alliance, while ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, secretary general of a faction of Jatiya Party, will serve as spokesperson. Golam Sarwar Milon, acting chairman of Janata Party Bangladesh, has been appointed secretary general of the NDF. Alongside JaPa and JP, the other member parties include Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Sanskritic Muktijot, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement, Bangladesh Muslim League, Jatiya Islamic Mahajote, Jatiya Sangskar Jote, Bangladesh Labour Party, Jatiya Shwadhinata Party, Bangladesh Manbadhikar Party, Bangladesh Sarbajanin Dal, Bangladesh Janakalyan Party, Applied Democratic Party, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Andolon, Democratic Party, and Bangladesh Jatiya League At the press conference, Anisul Islam said, “We have decided to form this political alliance to ensure genuine democratic transformation, build national consensus to overcome the ongoing political crisis, uphold the spirit of the Liberation War, and reflect the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising.” “We want to advance state reforms, promote Bangladeshi nationalism, strengthen centrist liberal democratic politics, uphold Islamic values and interfaith harmony and to establish an independent judiciary, end fascism, and give voice to citizens seeking good governance,” he added. Anisul Islam said the alliance members will maintain their own ideology and identity while participating in future elections and political activities based on shared principles and agreed demands. A meeting was held on November 30 to draft the outline of the new alliance. Sixteen parties attended that discussion, with several more expressing interest in joining later.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday (December 08, 2025) said the people of the country have already unmasked those who have no political principles or development plan, but are still trying to deceive the nation by selling a ‘religion card’. Speaking at the inauguration of BNP’s second day of the “Plan to Build the Country” programme, he also said anyone attempting to obstruct the democratic transition or the restoration of voting rights through various tactics will be rejected by the people. “Those who want to enter Jannah (heaven) without any effort should first find out where its bus station is. People understand these things,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, also said their party is preparing plans for how it will govern the country if voted to power, because, in their view, planning is half the job. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters “If you don’t plan, you are planning to fail. If we do not prepare a proper plan before running the state, we are actually preparing for failure. I think this message is meant for our friends who are indulging in business using religion,” he said. In a veiled reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP leader said this party leaders claim that anyone voting for their symbol will easily reach paradise. “But what about survival in this worldly life? They have no guidance on that. Just a few days ago, they even recruited a (Hindu) friend in Khulna. I won’t say more about it,” he added. Salahuddin said a party that has no principles, no ideology, no plans--only trying to cheat the nation by selling a ‘religion tablet’--the people have already identified them. “Their real face has been exposed.” He said BNP is planning for a modern, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh and is involving professionals, experts, and citizens in shaping the country’s future roadmap. “BNP’s policies and plans are designed for the people’s welfare, not for emotional exploitation. We are not here to sell a religious tablet. We must present our plans for economic freedom and public welfare in a simple and clear way so that people understand,” the BNP leader said. Referring to various initiatives by the late President Ziaur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia – including literacy campaigns and the Food-for-Education programme – Salahuddin said BNP has a record of implementing transformative national programmes through careful planning. Read more: No compromise with terrorism, extortion, drugs: Mirza Abbas “First comes policy, then programming, project implementation and monitoring. This is how a state is run, not by making false promises about Heaven,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP’s 31-point outline a realistic vision for good governance, democracy, and development, which the party will implement if voted to power. Salahuddin urged party activists to communicate BNP’s policies to the public in simple, relatable terms, highlighting programmes such as the Family Card for women and the Farmer Card for peasants which aim to empower the people, provide social security, and improve economic welfare. He stressed that BNP’s vision focuses on people’s education, health, and economic strength, noting that informed and empowered citizens form the backbone of the nation. Salahuddin also highlighted BNP’s democratic legacy under Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that safeguarding democratic institutions and prioritising Bangladesh’s national interest remain central to the party’s agenda. “A strong democratic Bangladesh can only be built if state and constitutional institutions are strengthened on firm foundations,” the BNP leader said. He urged the party leaders and activists to raise awareness about the importance of exercising voting rights in the upcoming elections. Tarique slams Jamaat for ‘propaganda’ against BNP echoing Awami League “We achieved the right to vote through years of struggle and sacrifice. The success of that democratic movement now depends on how we use that right. Anyone who tries to create obstacles in this democratic journey will be rejected by the people,” Salahuddin said. Addressing the programme, BNP Senior joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said JCD leaders and workers will be trained on eight subjects so that they can reach out to people in their areas and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises ahead of the election. He said some parties are trying to mislead people using religion by talking about a ‘ticket to heaven’ and urged JCD leaders to counter this with suitable arguments. Rizvi said by talking about the ‘ticket to heaven’, Jamaat is following an old European practice in the Middle Ages, when priests sold indulgence letters from the Pope to exploit people. On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election. Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the concluding session in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the event. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party