United News of Bangladesh

BNP on Friday paid tributes to Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi as his body arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from Singapore in the evening. On behalf of the party, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and Acting Chairman’s adviser Dr Mahdi Amin paid the tributes to Hadi by placing a wreath on his coffin at the airport, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, the duo along with some interim government advisers and senior leader from different parties received the mortal remains of Hadi, who passed away in a Singapore hospital on Thursday. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-585 carrying Hadi’s body landed at 5:48 pm, having departed from Singapore’s Changi International Airport at 2:03 pm, Bangladesh time. Hadi, a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election from the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan, Dhaka. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he passed away on Thursday night.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became more stable on Friday after a small medical procedure was successfully carried out on her, said her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. “Alhamdulillah. As I told you yesterday (Thursday), by the mercy of Allah and everyone’s prayers, her condition was stable. I would like to add that compared to her previous condition, she is now much more stable following the treatment of the medical board,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while briefing reporters about Khaleda’s health condition outside Evercare Hospital. Dr Zahid said a small medical procedure was carried out on the former prime minister on Friday in the operation theatre of the hospital. “She was able to receive it very successfully. The procedure went smoothly.” He said Khaleda is now receiving treatment at a Critical Care Unit cabin that has ICU facilities, under a medical board made up of specialist doctors from home and abroad. “At this moment, her condition is stable. This means her condition has not deteriorated,” the BNP leader said. Khaleda Zia integral to an important chapter in Bangladesh history: Prof Yunus Dr Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and the wife of late Arafat Rahman Koko Syeda Shameela Rahman and other family members urged the country’s people to pray to Allah so that Khaleda continues to remain stable and moves towards full recovery with the treatment being provided by the medical board. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November with several health complications. Three days later, she was moved to the Critical Care Unit after a lung infection was detected. Her treatment is now being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with the involvement of both local and foreign specialists.    

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday urged patience, responsibility and national unity following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and a July Movement activist, who died on Wednesday while receiving treatment in Singapore. In a statement, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the nation is mourning Hadi’s death amid public anger over the failure to ensure his safety. He said while grief and anger among students and the public are understandable, no group should exploit the situation for political gain, warning that such actions could derail the movement from its proper course. Osman Hadi no more Dr Rahman underscored the need for safeguarding media freedom, describing attacks on journalists as attacks on democracy and the rule of law, and stressed that protests must remain peaceful and lawful. He also demanded quick identification and exemplary punishment of those responsible for Hadi’s killing, urging citizens and students to act with restraint and responsibility, adding that national unity and democratic processes are the only way forward during this critical period.

BNP on Friday postponed two scheduled programmes of its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, considering the overall situation in the country. The party has also called an emergency meeting of its Standing Committee tonight at 8:30pm at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. “The two pre-announced programmes have been postponed, and an emergency standing committee meeting has been called for tonight at 8:30pm,” he said. Sayrul said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will join the meeting virtually and preside over it. He said the programme of Fakhrul, which was scheduled to be held at 3pm at Sech Bhaban in the Sangsad Bhaban area, has been postponed. Another programme of the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, planned for 4pm in front of the WASA Bhaban at Karwan Bazar, has also been postponed,” Sayrul added. BNP sources said the two programmes were postponed after Inquilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi, who was shot and injured earlier, died on Thursday in Singapore and violence broke out afterwards in Bangladesh. They also said the Standing Committee meeting has been convened to discuss the country’s latest political situation, organisational matters, and to work out the party’s next course of action.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s verified Facebook account has been temporarily deactivated due to repeated hacking attempts. “Attempts were being made to hack the account since morning. That is why it has been kept deactivated for now,” said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. In the early morning, Fakhrul issued a statement on his verified Facebook account condemning the attacks on several media houses and the assault on New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. “While the grieving nation was praying for the (departed) soul of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, shameful attacks were carried out on media organisations, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as on respected journalist Nurul Kabir and several others,” he said in the post. Fakhrul also said those who wait for national crises to take advantage of them are enemies of the country. “They wait for moments of crisis. Today, they turned this tragic moment into an act of destruction. I strongly condemn this act of terror.” “We urge all parties to work together responsibly and in unity. The government must take action immediately,” he said. Soon after the post, attempts were reportedly made to break into his account, prompting its temporary deactivation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday strongly condemned the attacks on The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir and other media professionals, saying those who carried out such violence are “enemies of Bangladesh”. “While the grieving nation was praying for the soul of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, shameful attacks were carried out on media organisations, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as on respected journalist Nurul Kabir and several others,” he said In a Facebook post early Friday, Fakhrul said Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country, and the government is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of every citizen. He said those who wait for national crises to take advantage of them are enemies of the country. “They wait for moments of crisis. Today, they turned this tragic moment into an act of destruction. I strongly condemn this act of terror!” The BNP leader also said Hadi was a candidate in the upcoming national election and had gone to people seeking votes. “The election will be held, and a democratic government elected by people will be formed in Bangladesh, InshaAllah.” He said the assailants of Hadi must be brought to justice and every act of mob violence must also be punished. Fakhrul said the country has witnessed various mob attacks for over a year, which have divided the nation. After the fall of the autocratic Awami League regime, he said, the first and foremost responsibility of the interim government is to unite the nation and build a democratic, stable and inclusive society. “We urge all parties to work together responsibly and in unity. The government must take action immediately,” he said.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed profound sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a steadfast July activist, in a condolence statement on Wednesday. In the statement, Ameer said, “Sharif Osman Hadi was a courageous July activist and a true patriot. He never bowed to injustice. His voice resonated against all forms of imperialist forces and oppression. He was an unwavering fighter, untouched by worldly greed or temptation.” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman added that Hadi dreamed of a humane, new Bangladesh and played a pivotal role in the struggle for a society based on justice, truth, and fairness. Osman Hadi no more “With his martyrdom, the nation has lost a fearless voice and an idealistic fighter. The void created by his death cannot be easily filled. His strong voice must inspire the new generation to work towards realizing his vision, regardless of party or ideology. The nation will remember his contributions with respect,” he said. The Ameer prayed for Allah’s mercy on Hadi’s soul and extended heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, including his young children, wife, fellow activists, and well-wishers, praying that Allah grants them the strength to bear the immense loss.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said a historic reception awaits BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who will reach Dhaka at 11:55am on December 25. “Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land at Dhaka airport at 11:55am on December 25 by a regular commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines from London,” he said. Talking to reporters in front of BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after visiting Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with the reception committee for Tarique’s return, Salahuddin said people across the country are eager for a glimpse of him, and the BNP is working to ensure the gathering does not cause any public inconvenience. He said their committee inspected security and logistical arrangements at the airport ahead of the BNP Acting Chairman’s arrival. Salahuddin said the party is looking for suitable locations near the airport and Evercare Hospital to organise the reception programme. He said they want to ensure a reception that will surpass all previous gatherings in the last 55 years and will not be forgotten in the next 55 years, marking Tarique’s homecoming. Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the BNP leader said, Tarique will be taken under tight security by road to Evercare Hospital, where his ailing mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is undergoing treatment. Salahuddin, the convener of the party’s reception committee for Tarique’s homecoming, said, “We, the members of the reception committee, inspected the area where our leader will land. We checked where he will get down, where he will sit, how he will get into his car and which roads his motorcade will take to reach Evercare Hospital and then his residence. We are coordinating everything with the authorities.” He said Tarique is coming back after 17 years of painful exile. The BNP leader said the government is cooperating to ensure Tarique’s reception and security. He said BNP’s security team, led by retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, has held several meetings with the heads of relevant government departments over the past few days to finalise the security arrangements. Salahuddin said BNP leaders and activists from across the country will travel to Dhaka to welcome Tarique. “We are instructing leaders of BNP and affiliated organisations in every district, upazila and union on how they should arrive in Dhaka on the night of 24 December or by the morning of 25 December. There is huge excitement among people all over the country,” he said. Reception committee member secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the committee is working full swing under the leadership of Salahuddin Ahmed. He said Tarique’s arrival will draw a ‘historic crowd’, and they are working day and night to make the gathering historic and memorable. Meanwhile, BNP has written to Bangladesh Railway authorities requesting to reserve trains on different routes on the night of 24 December to facilitate the arrival of leaders and activists in Dhaka.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains stable without any change, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Thursday, expressing hope that her condition will gradually improve. “Her condition is stable, Alhamdulillah. She has so far been able to receive all the treatment prescribed by the doctors properly,” Dr Zahid said while briefing reporters outside Evercare Hospital. Dr Zahid Hossain, who is also a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition has remained at the same level as it was a few days ago. “Alhamdulillah, this has made the doctors and everyone involved in her treatment, including all of us at the hospital, very hopeful. Insha’Allah, Madam Begum Khaleda Zia will gradually recover,” he added. He said Khaleda’s health complications are very serious as her illnesses are more severe than what her age may suggest. “Over past years she was pushed into a situation in a planned way where her health was harmed. She was not given treatment in time or was not allowed to receive treatment. Because of that, her complications increased greatly. Now she needs more time in hospital,” the physician said. Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman are constantly monitoring Khaleda’s medical updates. “Among her family members, Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Shameela Rahman, Begum Zia’s brother Shamim Eskandar, elder sister SelimaIslam and other relatives are also staying close, monitoring her condition,” he said. As Khaleda Zia is in the Critical Care Unit, Zahid said they cannot remain beside her physically. “They are staying at the hospital or nearby and keeping constant contact with the doctors.” Zahid thanked the Chief Adviser of the interim government, advisers, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party Standing Committee members, and hospital doctors, nurses, and staff for their full cooperation. He requested BNP leaders and activists and visitors to maintain discipline at the hospital. The physician said the hospital has many patients under treatment and law enforcers are helping so that the treatment of other patients at the hospital continues without any disturbance “I want to request everyone through the media that this hospital is open to all. People come here for treatment. So please do not do anything that may interrupt services for other patients because of Khaleda Zia’s treatment,” Zahid said. Khaleda Zia integral to an important chapter in Bangladesh history: Prof Yunus He said they believe BNP leaders and activists will show respect to hospital rules. “No one will create any trouble. We are confident and hopeful about that.” The BNP chief has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. She was shifted to the hospital’s Critical Care Unit on November 27 due to multiple health complications. Her treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with the involvement of both local and foreign specialist doctors.    

The distribution of nomination forms for the 13th national parliamentary election is ongoing across the country. On the sixth day of distribution, Jamaat candidates collected a total of 57 nomination forms over the past two days, Monday (December 15) and Wednesday (December 17). Mujibul Alam, Senior Assistant of Jamaat’s Central Publicity Department, confirmed the figures, noting that 6 forms were collected on December 15 and 51 on December 17. According to the official schedule, nomination forms have been distributed to candidates since Saturday, December 13. Candidates must submit their completed forms along with a BDT 50,000 deposit by December 29. Returning and assistant returning officers’ offices will remain open even on weekly and public holidays to ensure uninterrupted electoral processes. Earlier today, Abdus Sattar Sumon, Assistant Publicity Secretary of Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan South, said four party-nominated candidates had already collected their forms. Three collected theirs from the Divisional Commissioner’s (Regional Election Office) office in Dhaka, while one collected the form from a district returning officer’s office outside the capital. The candidates are: Dr. Helal Uddin, central council member and Naib Ameer of Dhaka Metropolitan South, from Dhaka-8; Mohammad Kamal Hossain, central Majlis-e-Shura member and assistant secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South, from Dhaka-5; Syed Zainul Abedin, Dhaka Metropolitan South council member, from Dhaka-4; and Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, central executive council member and Ameer of Dhaka Metropolitan South, from Chapainawabganj-3 (Sadar).