BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused the interim government of creating confusion about the national election by making contradictory statements, similar to those of the ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. "We see attempts to create confusion about the election. December, June or March – they are making different statements at different times. This is similar to some of Sheikh Hasina's statements," he said. Rizvi made the comments while distributing Eid gifts among rickshaw-van pullers and auto-rickshaw drivers on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Tarique sends Eid card to Chief Adviser  He called upon the government to assure the nation about the election by announcing a clear and specific deadline for the polls, rather than making such contradictory statements. The BNP leader criticised those who claimed the movement was not for only to hold the national election. "The movement was carried out because Sheikh Hasina did not ensure free and fair elections. She turned the country into a battlefield to cling to power," he said. Rizvi said the current interim government was formed after a massive movement, with many sacrifices and much bloodshed. Although the interim government was not directly elected by people, Rizvi said it enjoys the support of the public and all the parties involved in the anti-fascist movement. Ishraque Hossain leaves mayor oath decision to party He urged the interim government to take steps to eliminate the confusion surrounding the election in order to maintain public confidence. Rizvi also lamented that workers from 122 garment factories have still not received their wages, and workers from 150 garment factories have not received their festival bonuses. He said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the payment of workers’ salaries and bonuses, demanding that these be arranged without delay. “The government should act as an intermediary between employers and workers. The responsibility for these matters lies with the government. If a worker goes hungry or does not receive their salary before Eid, their family will not be able to enjoy the festive spirit. This is a philanthropic duty the government should have addressed,” the BNP leader said. There’s nothing like ‘2nd independence’ in sovereign Bangladesh: Mirza Abbas Rizvi mentioned that 17 rickshaw-pullers lost their lives during the July-August movement, and their families are enduring extreme hardship. He said the families of those who died in the anti-fascism movement should not be left to suffer from hunger. "The government must take responsibility for these families, ensuring that their children receive proper education. Those family members who are eligible for employment should be provided with jobs."  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday sent a card to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie delivered the card to the Chief Adviser’s office in the morning. Fakhrul to attend Bangabhaban reception today He handed the card to Chief Adviser's secretary Saifullah Panna, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. As per tradition, the leaders of the major political parties extend greetings to the head of state by sending cards on the occasions of both Eids and Pahela Baishakh.

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain welcomed the court's decision declaring him the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) but said his oath-taking will depend on his party's decision. “I have received justice. Whether I will take the oath as mayor or not will be decided by our party, as I was the party's candidate. I will follow the party's directives,” he said. Speaking to journalists at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office after the verdict, the BNP leader also said justice has been served through the court's verdict. "I respect the court's decision. May the trend of justice continue in the future. Our main goal is to establish justice for all people, regardless of their background," he said. BNP pays homage to Liberation War heroes, Zia Earlier in the day, a Dhaka court cancelled the results of the 2020 DSCC election and announced Ishraque Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Judge Md Nurul Islam of Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal passed the order. Later, a jubilant procession led by Ishraque was brought to the court premises following the verdict. Ishraque said the entire nation witnessed how the votes were stolen and the election was manipulated in broad daylight. “We were assured of credible elections from the very beginning of the campaign. But our campaign faced numerous obstructions. Our posters were torn, microphones were damaged, and I was even attacked during a procession. Many of our leaders and activists were killed or injured. Yet, we received no remedy from the Election Commission,” he said. On Election Day, the BNP candidate recalled that polling stations did not open until 9:30 AM. "Later, voting took place for just two hours before being closed again. Despite that, the election was rigged throughout the day to inflate the number of votes in favour of my opponent. I filed a case in the tribunal regarding these issues and submitted all the relevant documents. The court announced its verdict today (Thursday)." Court declares BNP leader Ishraque DSCC mayor In March 2020, Ishraque Hossain, son of the former Mayor of undivided Dhaka City Corporation, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, contested the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) polls for the post of mayor as a BNP candidate. Later, on March 3 of the same year, he filed a case with an election tribunal in Dhaka, demanding the cancellation of the election, claiming that the polls were held amid irregularities and vote rigging and manipulation.  

The BNP on Wednesday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War and party founder Ziaur Rahman, marking the 55th Independence Day, calling for upholding the dignity of the Liberation War. Party leaders and activists, led by Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, placed a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar in the morning to honour the martyrs. BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Member Aman Ullah Aman, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq, General Secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Organising Secretary Irfan Ibne Aman, Dhaka District Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad, and others were also present. Later, speaking to reporters, Mirza Abbas said there is no such thing as a "second independence", adding that those who talk about it have an intention to undermine the historic Liberation War of 1971. “Just a few days ago, in July-August, we experienced a new wave by driving out the autocracy through a student-led mass uprising. Many claim this to be the second independence. In reality, today’s Independence Day proves that there is no such thing as the second independence in Bangladesh,” he said. He urged those advocating such views to exercise restraint and show respect for Independence Day. Later, Fakhrul and Mirza Abbas, along with thousands of leaders and activists, went Zia’s grave to pay homage to the party founder, whom they regard as the proclaimer of the Liberation War. After laying the wreath, they also offered Fateha, praying for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. Leaders and activists from BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units, along with various associated bodies, including Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Muktijoddah Dal, and Mohila Dak, separately placed wreaths at Zia’s grave. On behalf of BNP Chairperson and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul extended greetings and congratulations to the entire nation. “We also express our hope that, very soon, we will regain the democracy we desire," he said. The BNP Secretary General paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for the country under the leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as the proclaimer of the 1971 Liberation War. "Millions of people sacrificed their lives for this independence, countless mothers and sisters lost their honour, millions lost their loved ones, and through innumerable sacrifices and hardships, we achieved this freedom," he said.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday said that the events of 1971 and 2024 are not separate and that the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War has been revived through the popular uprising of 2024. "We believe that 71 and 24 are not separate; rather, through the popular uprising of 24, the spirit of 71 has been revived,” he said while talking to journalists in the morning at the National Memorial in Savar, after paying tribute to the war heroes of the Liberation War. Emphasising the significance of Independence Day, he said, “On Independence Day, we respectfully remember the martyrs of the great Liberation War. It was in exchange for the blood of millions of martyrs that we gained an independent country. The people of Bangladesh have sacrificed their lives and shed their blood at various stages of history for independence, democracy, justice and rights.” BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity He added that the journey from the colonial struggle to the independence movement continued, leading to the popular uprising of 2024. “From the colonial struggle to our struggle for independence, this continuity led to the popular uprising of 2024.” Nahid also spoke about the repeated sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh in their pursuit of freedom. “We believe that the independence we gained has been repeatedly snatched away, and the people have had to shed blood time and again. Our wish is that the people do not have to shed blood in the future.” In response to questions from journalists, Nahid reiterated his view that the two historical moments—1971 and 2024—are deeply interconnected. “We believe that 71 and 24 are not separate; rather, through the popular uprising of 24, the spirit of 71 has been revived. What we wanted in 71 was not achieved in 54 years, which allowed fascism to dominate Bangladesh for 15 years, making another popular uprising necessary. As a result of this uprising, the autocrat Hasina fled the country.” There’s nothing like ‘2nd independence’ in sovereign Bangladesh: Mirza Abbas “The talk of equality in 71 is reflected in our call for a society free of discrimination in 24, and those who oppose this claiming them to be contradictory or in opposition to each other have dishonest intentions. We believe that they have failed to truly grasp the significance of the popular uprising of 24 and the victory of the student community. The new young people who have come forward and the message of the new era are something they cannot comprehend,” Nahid also said.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said there is no such thing as a “second independence” in a sovereign, independent Bangladesh. “Today’s celebrations would serve as evidence that the concept of a ‘second independence’ does not exist in the country,” he said after paying tribute to the martyred war heroes on the occasion of the 54th Independence Day at the National Memorial in Savar. The notion of a "second independence" was an attempt to undermine the significance of the country's hard-earned freedom from 1971, Abbas said. "Second independence": An Attempt to Undermine Original Freedom “Those who talk about a second independence want to undermine today’s Independence Day. In other words, they had no role in the independence of 1971,” Abbas added. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity He urged those propagating such views to show restraint and respect for the day, calling for the preservation of Bangladesh’s hard-won independence. “I would say they should remain quiet and respect Independence Day. Let’s make sure we can preserve this independence.” On National Unity and Political Diversity When asked about the current state of national unity, Abbas said there was no real disunity in the country. “There is no disunity; there is a place for interest. Every party has its own ethical stance and ideology. Each speaks from their perspective. I wouldn’t call this disunity.” He added that while different political ideologies may create the appearance of division, the country would unite when the need arose to protect its independence and sovereignty. “If a time comes, when national unity is required, we will all come together.” On Upcoming Elections Regarding the upcoming national election, Abbas expressed his confidence in the statement made by the chief adviser, who confirmed that elections would be held in December. “We want to believe in this, and we don’t want to change our faith.” Remembering Ziaur Rahman Reflecting on the legacy of independence, Mirza Abbas also remembered President Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence and fought for its freedom during the war. “Ziaur Rahman declared independence and fought for the country’s freedom.” Fakhrul to attend Bangabhaban reception today Abbas added that despite 54 years of independence, the nation had, at times, lost the true essence of freedom. However, recent movements, particularly the student-led protests on August 5, had revived hope and led to the removal of the "autocrat" prime minister Sheikh Hasina. “The people of the country have been freed once again from autocracy and oppression,” he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will attend a reception at Bangabhaban this (Wednesday) afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana will host  the reception, marking the Independence Day. “BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will participate in the reception at Bangabhaban at 4 pm, at the invitation of the President, on the occasion of 26 March,” said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP media cell. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity The reception is expected to be attended by the Chief Justice, advisers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries, Supreme Court judges, the chiefs of the three armed services, senior political leaders, journalists, academics, business leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters, family members of the Birshreshtha gallantry award recipients and other distinguished citizens. Every year, 26 March brings to mind the darkest chapter in the nation's history, marking the beginning of a nine-month-long bloody struggle from the night of 25 March 1971, which culminated in the hard-won independence on 16 December of the same year, at the cost of immense sacrifice.

Voicing frustration over Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' address to the nation, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed disappointment that the interim government head did not present a clear roadmap for the national election. “I am very disappointed that the Chief Adviser did not mention a clear election roadmap in his speech yesterday (Tuesday),” he said while speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave. Fakhrul, along with party leaders and workers, placed a wreath at Zia’s grave, paying tribute to him on the occasion of Independence Day. He said the announcement of election between December and June is a vague statement. “It is very vague. December to June... six months. So, no roadmap has been given.” The BNP leader reiterated that their party has consistently called for a clear roadmap and prompt elections. Otherwise, he warned, the crisis that has been created will not be resolved. Fakhrul said their party is not talking about the election merely to come to power. BNP holds prayers seeking early recovery of Tamim “BNP is advocating for the election in the interest of the nation, to protect the nation, to protect independence and sovereignty, and for the establishment of an elected parliament and government,” Fakhrul said. He said they hope the interim government will quickly carry out the necessary minimum reforms for the election and subsequently announce the election schedule. Fakhrul, along with BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, led thousands of leaders and activists to Zia’s grave to pay homage to the party founder, whom they consider the proclaimer of the Liberation War. After placing the wreath, they also offered Fateha, praying for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. Earlier in the day, party leaders and activists, led by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, laid a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar, paying tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War. Fakhrul also expressed disappointment that in his speech, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus did not mention the name of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the brave freedom fighter who declared independence, even once. “But this was history,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want the history distorted by the Awami League to be altered again. The BNP leader said the sooner a democratic and elected government is established in the country, as per the people’s desire, the sooner the country’s problems will be resolved.

Nationalist Citizens' Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam has tried to explain how he managed to organise a convoy of 100 vehicles for his visit to his home district Panchagarh, where he looks set to seek his party's nomination for a parliamentary seat. Responding to a Facebook post by Tasnim Jara, another leader of NCP, Sarjis attributed it to his family's generosity, particularly the inheritance left behind for him by his grandfather. In his Facebook status, he said, "More than half of the vehicles were arranged voluntarily by my family members, relatives, friends, and well-wishers from the district, and we did not bear the expenses for those. For the remaining 50 vehicles, we paid approximately Tk 3 lakh, with each vehicle costing Tk 6,000. My family had the financial capacity to afford this even 50 years ago. I firmly believe that with what my grandfather left for me, I can even manage my election campaign without external support, Inshallah." The chief organiser (North) of NCP also distinguished between online discourse and on-ground political realities. "Without demonstrating manpower and resources, one cannot sustain in electoral politics. Even ordinary people will not take you seriously, as people naturally gravitate towards power. While we must work towards change, we cannot completely discard the existing political mechanisms overnight. The right time to do so will come." Earlier, Tasnim Jara, senior joint secretary of the National Citizen's Party (NCP), raised concerns over the entry of Sarjis Alam into his home district, Panchagarh, with a convoy of over 100 vehicles. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Jara urged Sarjis to provide a clear and acceptable explanation to the public regarding the event. She emphasised that such transparency would further strengthen the party's image among the people. Hannan injured as NCP event in Hatiya comes under attack; finger points at BNP She wrote, "I am writing this letter as a political worker of our party, on the basis of our party’s principled stance and commitment to transparency. Recently, the entry of a large convoy of over 100 vehicles into your home district has understandably raised some questions among the public." Quoting Sarjis, she said, "Not long ago, you publicly stated, ‘I have no money at the moment. I am living on loans. That is the reality. I don’t even have a wallet in my pocket.' Your simple lifestyle had deeply impressed us and made our struggle more relatable to the public." She further questioned how such a large event could be organised, asking about its funding and management. "Given this context, it is natural for people to question how such a large event was possible. How was it financed and managed? Our party, which has pledged to create a new political culture based on transparency, honesty, and accountability, must provide clear and reliable answers to these questions." "I hope you will consider this matter with sincerity and provide a clear and acceptable explanation to the public. I believe this will further strengthen our party’s image among the people,” the status read. Judging by people's reactions so far, the public are not quite convinced by the explanation Sarjis gave. Some are questioning how he could ever be penniless (not even carrying a wallet) with such generational wealth running in his family. Others are befuddled at NCP leaders' tendency to carry on having discussions that look best-suited for internal party platforms on social media. Some are even suggesting it is a deliberate tactic on their part, and that Jara and Sarjis planned their exchange in advance.

BNP organised a milad-mahfil on Tuesday to pray for the speedy recovery of former national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal. The event was jointly arranged by the BNP Dhaka North and South City units at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in the city. Addressing the function as the chief guest, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said party acting chairman Tarique Rahman is regularly inquiring about Tamim’s health.  The programme was organised on his instructions. Mirza Abbas said Tamim needs better treatment. Ulama Dal Dhaka south city unit joint convener Abdus Samad conducted the prayer seeking the blessings for Tamim Iqbal , BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul warns of future election campaigns dominated by large vehicle convoys BNP sports affairs secretary and its Dhaka north city unit convener Aminul Haque,  BNP Dhaka south city unit convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Rabin also spoke on the occasion. Tamim was hospitalised after he suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) ground in Savar on Monday morning. He regained consciousness after undergoing a stent procedure at a hospital in Savar. While leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a match against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP, Tamim experienced chest pain shortly after the toss. He was initially treated on the field and then rushed to the nearby KPJ Specialist Hospital, where a blockage in his heart was detected. On Tuesday, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Abu Jafar said Tamim Iqbal's health condition has improved, but it will take at least three months for him to return to regular sporting activities.