United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called for unity in the face of challenging times, asserting that the party has historically saved the country from the brink of destruction and will do so again. Speaking virtually at the inauguration of a digital memorial honouring the martyrs of the July Uprising at Shaheed Titu Auditorium in Bogura, Tarique remembered Sharif Osman Bin Hadi as a fearless soldier of democracy.  Tarique said Hadi believed in the politics of votes and became a candidate to serve the people. Rizvi demands probe, visible punishment over killings, arson “We must work together to build the country and preserve the honour of the martyrs of the July Movement and the Liberation War of 1971,” he said. Tarique emphasised that the country is now free from tyranny, but to make independence meaningful, it must be rebuilt from the rubble. The event drew a large crowd of current and former district BNP leaders. As part of the digital memorial, free Wi-Fi has been introduced in 20 key locations across Bogura, including Satmatha and Government Azizul Haque College, with plans to expand to 40 more locations in phases. District BNP leaders said the initiative aims to keep the sacrifices of martyrs alive for younger generations, allowing citizens to learn about them while contributing to the vision of a digital Bangladesh. Attack on two media outlets is a shame for nation: Salahuddin District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha, Chairperson’s advisors Advocate AKM Mahabubur Rahman and Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, former district president VP Saiful Islam, former convener Golam Md. Siraj, acting general secretary Mosharraf Hossain, and other senior BNP leaders, also present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday demanded proper investigations and visible punishment for those involved in recent killings and arson and violent attacks at different parts of the country. “A series of secret attacks and killings have created fear and serious questions in people’s minds, which is alarming for the state,” he said while talking to reporters after visiting a burn patient from Lakshmipur at the Burn Institute in the capital this afternoon. Referring to the killing of Osman Hadi and other targeted attacks nationwide, he said, “People want to see visible punishment for such crimes. They want justice.” The BNP leader said it is the responsibility of the government to identify the real offenders through proper investigations. “If there is a lack in this process, people will think differently and become afraid.” The BNP leader said people were also questioning whether there was a bigger conspiracy behind the attacks. “This conspiracy could be linked to the election, or intended to create confusion in many ways. There are even concerns whether any foreign power or their followers at home are trying to destabilise the country,” he pointed out. About the government’s role, Rizvi said, “This government is supported by the people. As a democratically supported government, people expect them to judge the situation carefully and take strong action against the criminals. This is what the nation wants.” BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, its Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam and other senior BNP leaders were present at the hospital.  

Amjanatar Dal on Sunday received the registration certificate with election symbol of ‘butterfly’ from the Election Commission The registration certificate, signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, was handed over to the party’s General Secretary Tarique Rahman. Earlier, the Election Commission held a hearing on December 15 to review two objections submitted against the registration of Amjanatar Dal. Following the hearing, the EC said the party had fulfilled all the required conditions for registration under Chapter VI(A) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and expressed its satisfaction in registering the party as a political organisation. With the inclusion of Amjanatar Dal, the total number of registered political parties in the country has now risen to 57, while the registration of the Awami League remains suspended, according to the EC website.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed solidarity with the 24-hour ultimatum issued by Inqilab Moncho, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, urged the government to clarify its position and swiftly apprehend and prosecute Hadi’s killers. He made the remarks while addressing a prayer gathering at Al-Falah Hall in Mogbazar on Sunday, organised by Jamaat-e-Islami to commemorate the martyrdom of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and July Movement activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Parwar described Hadi as a courageous revolutionary who sacrificed his life with dignity. He said Hadi’s clean and honest life had inspired the nation and the overwhelming public response to his funeral, including the participation of political leaders and millions of citizens, was unprecedented. Highlighting the government’s inaction, Parwar demanded answers on how the killers managed to flee the country within six hours of the attack and urged an investigation into potential collusion by intelligence agencies. He called for immediate legal action against those involved in Hadi’s murder and stressed the need to honour Hadi’s vision of a just, sovereign, and oppression-free Bangladesh. Hadi’s elder brother, Omar bin Hadi, also addressed the gathering, calling on citizens to continue his brother’s unfinished revolutionary mission and uphold the struggle for justice and equality. The prayer session was led by Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and included speeches by Assistant Secretaries Maulana Abdul Halim and ATM Mashum, Central Executive Council member Saiful Alam Khan Milan, Dhaka Metropolitan South Amir Nurul Islam Bulbul, North Amir Selim Uddin, former Vice President of Chaksu Ad. Jasim Uddin, and Hadi’s elder brother Omar bin Hadi. Other party officials and senior members were also present.

The Election Commission has instructed law enforcement agencies to treat courteously only those who act humanely with fairness, while taking strict action against individuals who disrupt the electoral process through vandalism and violence. “We have clearly instructed all forces and agencies that we will be humane towards those who are humane. But there is no need to be humane towards those who want to carry out banditry, vandalism, destroy the election environment or kill our brothers. The message is very clear,” Election Commissioner Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Sunday. He was briefing reporters after a two-hour security meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city on the occasion of the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the meeting with participation of chiefs of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming elections. Sanaullah said that since August 5, 2024, all forces had been instructed to operate in a more humane manner upholding human rights, but the Election Commission believes some quarters have taken undue advantage of that good initiative. Raising other directives issued for the law enforcing agencies, he said any activities that disrupt the election environment would not be tolerated. “Strict instructions have been given to the forces to discourage and prevent any activities that harm the electoral environment, taking whatever steps are required,” Sanaullah said. The Election Commissioner said those trying to undermine the election process are mainly targeting urban areas. “Those who want to disrupt the festive atmosphere of the election will fail,” he said replying to a question. Noting that the security for the aspirants was discussed in the meeting, Sanaullah said the security agencies assured the Election Commission to ensure security for those who want to contest the election. “The police have already put a protocol in place, and security is being ensured according to that protocol for those who have sought it. Even beyond this, if anyone feels a lack of security, they can approach the police and appropriate measures will be taken,” he said. Sanaullah also said the issue of electoral code of conduct was discussed in the meeting. “The Election Commission generally expressed satisfaction about it (maintaining of polls code),” he said adding that political parties and candidates are, on the whole, playing a cooperative role, for which the Commission has appreciated them. He said intelligence agencies have been instructed to assess why prior information could not be adequately gathered in the case of the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and to take necessary measures so that such incidents can be prevented in future. Sanaullah said the EC has directed that joint forces operations at the field level will be resumed. The objectives of these operations include recovery of illegal arms and ammunition, arresting terrorists and bringing them under the law, and creating an atmosphere of confidence among voters, candidates and political parties. Area-based checkpoints will be set up and checkpoint operations will be strengthened, he said, adding that special drives have also been ordered, particularly in remote and sensitive areas where the presence of arms has been reported. Noting that several acts of sabotage have taken place recently in different areas, the commissioner said such incidents undoubtedly influence the election environment to some extent. He, however, said based on preliminary assessments received from the relevant agencies, no involvement of any mainstream political party has yet been found in these incidents. Rather, all parties have condemned such activities and highlighted their negative impact. “Nevertheless, regardless of whether the perpetrators are small or large entities, the Election Commission has strictly instructed that appropriate legal action must be taken against anyone involved,” the EC said. At the beginning of the meeting, prayers were offered seeking salvation for departed souls of several persons, including Sharif Osman Hadi, Air Vice Marshal AK Khandker, and six members of the Bangladesh Army who were killed recently in a terrorist attack in Sudan. He said discussions were also held to examine whether recent incidents had any direct link to the elections and whether they were affecting the electoral atmosphere. Based on this, several specific directives were issued by the Election Commission. Regarding the investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, Sanaullah said the Commission was informed that six people have been arrested so far, all of whom are linked to the incident in some way. The EC has instructed the agencies to pursue the investigation thoroughly and with sincerity, he said. On postal voting, he said there are only four days left for eligible voters to register and urged them to complete the process within the stipulated time. He added that the Commission may consider extending the deadline for election officials, as their appointment process has been slightly delayed. Replying to a question about recent attacks on the offices of two leading national dailies—Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—Sanaullah said the EC shares the same concerns as journalists, noting that such incidents definitely have implications for the election environment. The Election Commissioner said when all were mourning during a national mourning and people had naturally gathered to express their anger and sorrow, some vested quarters exploited the situation and carried out these incidents by overpowering the law enforcement agencies. “This opportunity will not be given again. The message is very clear,” Sanaullah said. In reply to another question, Sanaullah said that since the launch of the ongoing ‘drive against crime’, one force alone has recovered 56 firearms, while on average around 2,000 criminals are being arrested every day. Three other election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed and Anwarul Islam Sarker were present at the meeting, which began at 2:50pm. The Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, Directors general of Border Guard Bangladesh, the Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with additional IGPs of Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Inspector General of Prisons joined the meeting. Earlier, the chiefs of three services met the CEC at 12pm at Nirbachan Bhaban and informed him about the overall preparations of their respective forces for the elections.

The Election Commission has extended the deadline until December 31 for local election observer organisations to apply for deploying their observers in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum. According to the Election Observation Policy 2025, observer organisations were earlier asked to submit written applications within 10 days of the announcement of the election schedule by December 21, said an EC press release. Following requests from observer organisations, the Commission has now decided to extend the deadline for submitting applications. The Election Commission said that once permission is granted identity cards and vehicle stickers for central observers will be issued by the Election Commission Secretariat. For local observers, identity cards and vehicle stickers will be provided by the offices of the respective returning or assistant returning officers.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday described the recent arson attacks on two leading newspapers as a shame for the nation, questioning the government’s role over the incidents. “The unfortunate incidents that occurred a few days ago, where several leading newspapers in Bangladesh — including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo — were burned and set on fire, have been witnessed by the whole world,” he said. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with editors and senior journalists at a city hotel ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming, Salahuddin said, “As a nation, this is a matter of shame for us. We cannot simply end it with an apology and an expression of regret." The BNP leader said newspapers and the media reflect the conscience and opinion of a nation, shaping public thought and holding power to account. “That mirror has now been shattered,” he said, adding that journalists must not be allowed to lose that vital pride of being that mirror. Salahuddin, a , alleged that the government failed to act despite intelligence warnings following Hadi’s death that such attacks might take place. “There should have been predictions, intelligence reports and preparations to prevent it. We also came to know about those reports. But why was that report not taken into account?” he asked. The BNP leader said they heard that after informing the law-enforcement agencies, the response came one to two hours later. “The role of those who are responsible for running the state and for holding a neutral election — their role in this matter is now questionable.” He also said targeted attacks on the media were not new, and several outlets had faced similar pressure in recent months. “It should have been predicted and assumed. The way mobocracy has been allowed at certain establishments shows that though we wanted democracy, somehow it has turned into mobocracy,” Salahuddin said. He questioned why such a culture was allowed to grow. “I am pointing to the weakness of the government. Such mobocracy must be suppressed more strictly.” After the mass uprising, Salahuddin said that the public’s expectations for the country are very high. “Everyone in Bangladesh wants full democracy, and democracy must be established in all institutions. To achieve this, these institutions need to be strong. Constitutional institutions must be set up to act as guardians of democracy.” He said that many people consider the media the Fourth Estate. “If the people give BNP the responsibility of running the country, our party will fully cooperate with the media. We want to move on from past mistakes, but we must remember what fascist forces have done.” Referring to Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Salahuddin said the public hopes it will strengthen democracy in the country. “We want to use his return to strengthen democracy. We are not trying to empower any individual.” He also said BNP will not support autocracy, whether personal or party-based. The BNP leader emphasised that while the media can provide constructive criticism and understanding, it is vital to prioritise national unity and the country’s interest. He warned about the rise of harmful forces, especially after 5 August, and said that both print and electronic media play a crucial role in keeping the nation informed and united. The meeting was attended by editors, senior journalists, media personalities, and senior BNP leaders.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited the grave of martyred Sharif Osman Hadi at Dhaka University (DU) early Sunday. After offering Fajr prayers at the Central Mosque of the DU, the Jamaat chief, accompanied by party leaders and activists, paid homage at the grave and offered prayers seeking forgiveness for the departed soul and acceptance of his martyrdom. Hadi laid to rest beside National Poet’s grave at DU Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Islami Chhatra Shibir Central President Zahidul Islam, Jamaat Central Executive Council Member Md Mobarak Hossain, Central Working Committee Member and Dhaka Metropolitan South Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Advocate Helal Uddin, Central Working Committee Member and Dhaka Metropolitan South Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Islami Chhatra Shibir Central Office Secretary Sibgatullah Sibga, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Vice President Shadik Kayem, GS SM Farhad, among other central and metropolitan leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, were present at the prayer session. Hadi was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the DU campus on Saturday following a Namaz-e-Janaza at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area with a huge turnout. 

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Saturday alleged that a section within the interim government had patronised an attack on him earlier in the year and said the failure to ensure justice at that time emboldened criminals to kill Sharif Osman Hadi. “If there had been justice for what happened to us, Sharif Osman Hadi would not have been killed. Because this government failed, the killers dared to murder Hadi,”  Nur said, while addressing a pre-rally gathering at Bijoynagar in the capital. The party organised the programme demanding the arrest of the accused and justice for Hadi’s killing. Party Secretary General Rashed Khan and other leaders and activists were present. Nur said the nation has been left stunned by Hadi’s death. “Leftists once said they did not want to take the country from a boiling pan to a burning one. That is exactly what has happened now,” he said, accusing the government of fostering political hooliganism and patronising fascism. “It has pushed revolutionaries towards death.” The former DUCSU vice-president also blamed the government’s failure for mob attacks on media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and for the harassment of New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. Nur further warned of a “deep conspiracy” behind mob violence aimed at destabilising Bangladesh and spreading negative narratives globally.  “The conspirators want to eliminate those who are revolutionary today, just as intellectuals were killed before independence,” he said. Speaking at the programme, Rashed Khan questioned how Hadi’s killers managed to flee. “What are the country’s intelligence agencies doing?” he asked, adding that a culture of impunity had prevailed in the past and continues now because the government is “completely failed.”

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has announced that he will resign from his post and contest the parliamentary election from Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa) constituency on the paddy sheaf symbol. “I will submit my nomination papers for the parliamentary elections along with everyone. I want to become an MP for the development of the area and for building a terror-free Shailkupa,” he said. He made the remarks at a prayer meeting on Saturday organised by Shailkupa Upazila BNP to pray for the forgiveness of the soul of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP’s chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Md Asaduzzaman said, “We will contest the election on the paddy sheaf. Alhamdulillah, we have been informed about this by the top leadership of BNP. From December 28, I will work with you in the polling field for 24 hours.” Addressing the leaders and activists, he said, “Women activists of a party are going door to door selling tickets to heaven. But we believe that Allah is one and unique. On the Day of Judgment, it will be decided who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. Yet a particular party is selling tickets to heaven in the hope of votes, which is blasphemy. All of you go door to door and dispel this idea among the people.” Upazila BNP General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz, Organizing Secretary Mustafizur Rahman Turki, Co-General Secretary Bablu Mollah and other leaders and activists attended the prayer meeting.