United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday questioned why reforms are being considered instead of elections, expressing concern that the interim government might be working with a ‘hidden agenda’. “Is this government working with any agenda and planned design? This is now a big question in people's minds. That is why a smokescreen has been created,” he said while addressing a doa mahfil. The M Ilias Ali Ghum Protirodh Committee organised the event on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the anniversary of his enforced disappearance and seeking any trace of the BNP leader. Restoring voting rights is the nation’s aspiration this New Year: Rizvi Rizvi warned the government that the consequences would not be good if it played tricks with people. He also expressed regret that, even after nine months since the formation of the current government, no steps have been taken to relieve BNP leaders and activists from the 60 lakh cases filed against them during the Awami League regime. “I won’t say the government is doing nothing—maybe they are doing something—but why is the voting right, for which we struggled immensely for 15–16 years, being delayed? Why is reform being positioned as an alternative to elections and voting rights?” the BNP leader questioned. He said reforms or anything else cannot be an alternative to democracy, elections, and voting rights. Defeated force provides false info to NY Times: Rizvi “When we talk about the need for elections and voting rights, the government keeps presenting more alternatives. Democracy means elections. Democracy means justice,” Rizvi said. He said political parties are in talks with the Consensus Commission on reforms as the process nears its end. “But why is Bangladesh’s election still hanging between the December and June swings? The government must clearly answer this,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that many cohorts of the previous regime still hold positions within the administration and no action is being taken against them. On the contrary, Rizvi claimed, no one having any links with the BNP is being placed in key positions within the administration.  

Tahsina Rushdir Luna, the wife of missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, on Thursday urged the interim government to clearly inform her family about the fate of her husband after being subjected to enforced disappearance 13 years ago. “It is the government’s responsibility to clarify the fate of Ilias Ali. I urge the current administration, in particular, to resolve this issue without delay,” she said while addressing a doa mahfil. The M Ilias Ali Gum Protirodh Committee organised the event on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the anniversary of his enforced disappearance and seeking any trace of the BNP leader. BNP organising secretary M Ilias Ali along with his driver Ansar Ali went missing on the midnight of April 17, 2012 from the capital’s Banani area. Since then, BNP has been blaming the security agencies and the Awami League regime for the disappearance. Luna, also a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, said her family still holds the hope that Ilias Ali is alive and that one day he will return. “May this hope come true. Everyone, please keep Ilias Ali in your prayers.” Human chain demands return of missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali in Sylhet She accused the "fascist ruler" Sheikh Hasina and her associates of orchestrating Ilias Ali's disappearance as part of a government-backed plan. “We had been waiting a long time for Bangladesh to be freed from fascism, and to get Ilias Ali back,” Luna said. She mentioned that they had lodged a complaint with the inquiry commission on enforced disappearances established by the interim government. “We were hoping that this time we would receive a clear picture on Ilias Ali, but unfortunately, seven to eight months have passed, and we have yet to receive any clear statement from the government on this matter,” Luna lamented. She urged the current government to clarify the status and whereabouts of all those who have been victims of enforced disappearance, including Ilias Ali. “You must also explain clearly what actions you have taken regarding these incidents of enforced disappearance.” 10 years of Ilias Ali’s disappearance; Sylhet BNP submits memo to Home Ministry Luna further called on the government to strengthen the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance in a bid to identify those specifically involved in such heinous crimes and bring them to justice. Speaking at the programme, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also called upon the government to unearth what exactly happened to Ilias Ali.

BNP on Thursday told the Consensus Commission that the party is not against reforms but wants to utilise the opportunity that has been created for reforms. “We have another opportunity before us, and we want to seize it. We are cooperating with this commission and this government with that expectation (in mind),” he said BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan. The BNP leader made the remarks at his opening speech at the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The Consensus Commission is holding talks as part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. A BNP delegation joined the talks that started at 10:35am with Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Pointing at the BNP's 31-point reform agenda Nazrul Islam Khan said even if there would be no reform charter by the National Consensus Commission, BNP has its own charter and that is the charter for reform. BNP delegation joins talks with Consensus Commission “So, we are in favour of it (reform). We would like to say only one thing that the people are at the root of everything. Everything should be done with the consent of the people. And we know through whom the people give their consent,” he said. Focusing on different reform programmes and initiatives taken by BNP and the past BNP governments, Nazrul Islam said they told the Chief Adviser on Wednesday that no political party in Bangladesh has carried out more reforms than BNP. “So, BNP is not against reform — it is a reform-oriented party,” he said. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was among the members of the BNP delegation. Earlier in the day, a BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and expressed its dissatisfaction about the outcomes of the meeting as the Chief Adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 11 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals. Jamaat wants Dr Yunus' election promise fulfilled In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build a national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.  

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joined the ongoing dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Thursday morning. The Commission is holding a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. A BNP delegation participated in the session that began at 10:35am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  The discussion is going on  with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Nazrul Islam Khan were among those representing the party. Gonoforum, Jamiat-e-Ulemaey Islam submit reform opinions to Consensus Commission Earlier, on April 16, a BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and voiced dissatisfaction over the meeting's outcome, particularly the absence of a specific election timeline. “We are not happy at all. We clearly stated that if the election is not held by December, the country’s political and social situation will worsen and become increasingly difficult to manage,” Mirza Fakhrul told reporters after the meeting. The National Consensus Commission began its dialogue process with political parties on March 20, aiming to build a shared position on key reform proposals initiated by the interim government.  So far, it has held talks with 11 political parties. Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission is tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. In its initial phase, it compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback.  Consensus Commission resumes talks with parties on reforms Saturday To date, 34 parties have responded. The Commission aims to complete its first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May, begin a second round in the second week of May, and reach a national consensus by mid-July.

BNP on Wednesday urged the United States to maintain reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh at a reasonable level to ensure smooth trade and economic relations between the two countries. “The economic aspects and the tariff issue came up during the discussions. We discussed Bangladesh’s perspective on the tariff matter,” said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury while speaking to reporters after a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nicole Chulick. He said they told the US leader that the tariff issue must be resolved through discussions with all stakeholders. “We stated that our exports to the USA will be affected if the tariff is not kept at a tolerable level.” The BNP leader said they also voiced concern that the economic ties between the US and Bangladesh will be strained a bit. “On behalf of BNP, We have said what we’re going to do in this regard. We’re working on it further.” The visiting US official held a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the Gulshan residence of the US Deputy Head of Mission in Dhaka. Amir Khosru and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present. Khosru said they also discussed other issues of bilateral interest between the two nations during the meeting. BNP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Thursday He mentioned that they had an extensive discussion regarding Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, as the US side was interested in knowing when the election would be held and what the BNP’s position was on the matter. The BNP leader said they informed the meeting that their party wants the national election to be held by December this year. “We also said the election could be held even before December… we can outline the reforms on which a consensus will be reached within a month.” He said it is only a matter of time before all parties sign the July charter if a consensus is achieved. Khosru said the interim government's main responsibility is to complete all necessary steps to return to the democratic process. “There is no scope to delay the election for the sake of reforms.” He said they told the US official that decision-making in various areas, both domestically and internationally, is facing difficulties due to the absence of a restored democratic order.   “It is easier for an elected government, backed by public support, to take many important decisions. Those planning to invest from within the country or abroad are all waiting to see when an elected government will be formed and what its policies will be,” Khosru said. He also said the meeting included a detailed discussion on what the BNP’s policies would be, including their economic strategy. Khosru said they told the US Deputy Assistant Secretary that all the major reforms Bangladesh has undergone—economic and political—were introduced during BNP’s tenure. He mentioned that multi-party democracy and a free market economy were also established under the BNP’s rule. “The country’s economic prosperity has resulted from BNP’s economic reforms. In the coming days, we will pursue major economic reforms. They [the US] are convinced by our commitments.”

Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday called for the implementation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ promise regarding the 13th parliamentary election. He made the remarks during a press briefing following a meeting with Nicole N Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, at a hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan area. “We had a candid discussion with the US delegation. They wanted to know about the current political landscape in Bangladesh, when and how the next election would be held, and what kind of reforms all parties are demanding,” said Dr Shafiqur Rahman. He said the US delegation enquired about their economic policy and foreign relations if they are to assume responsibility for the country in the future. “We had an open exchange on these topics.” The Jamaat chief said the US officials also raised concerns about minority rights, women’s rights and labour issues — all of which were addressed during the meeting. He urged the US administration to reconsider the 37% tariff imposed on Bangladeshi goods amid the current complexities and critical juncture the nation is facing. “We’ve requested that they convey this appeal to President Trump,” he said. About democracy, Dr Shafiqur said, “We practise democracy within our own party and wish to see democratic practices flourish across the country. We are prepared to do what is necessary to ensure that.” BNP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Thursday When asked about the timing of the next election, Dr Shafiqur referred to a promise reportedly made by Dr Yunus. “The Chief Adviser has said the election will be held either by December this year or by June next year. We hope it will take place within that timeframe — preferably before Ramadan.” He expressed concern about the monsoon season, which may bring natural disasters and potentially disrupt the electoral process. “That is why we want the election held before such risks materialise,” he added. On the issue of justice, Dr Shafiqur said, “The nation is traumatised. Many are still in hospitals, disabled from violence. Families of the martyrs are still grieving. Justice for the Awami League’s actions must be ensured. We want proper trials and punishment.” Also present at the briefing were Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Central Executive Committee member Mobarak Hossain, and the Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan.

The National Consensus Commission is set to hold talks with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday morning as part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. The discussion will start at 10:30am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital. A five member delegation, led by BNP standing committee member and former speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, will attend the talks, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan on Wednesday.  Earlier in the day, a BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and expressed its dissatisfaction about the outcomes of the meeting as the Chief Adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election. “We are not happy at all, we have clearly said if the election is not held by December the country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control,” Mirza Fakhrul told reporters emerging from the meeting with the Chief Adviser. But Law Adviser Asif Nazrul at a press briefing said the government clarified its stance saying the election would be held in between December 2025 to June 2026. BNP wants India to reconsider Waqf law to uphold communal harmony "December to June does not mean that we will deliberately delay the elections till May. December to June means that we will hold elections as soon as possible after December…the elections will be held as soon as possible between December and June," he said. Noting that BNP is very positive over the reform recommendations of the National Consensus Commission, the party is going to sit with the consensus commission. “We feel that the BNP is very sincere about reforms ... .they (BNP) agreed to most of the reform recommendations and they have a long tradition to support reforms,” said Asif Nazrul. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 11 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals. In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.

BNP on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus reiterated that the national election will be held in between December and June next. “We are not satisfied at all, we have clearly said if the election is not held by December they country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said emerging from the meeting with the Chief Adviser at the state guest house Jamuna. He also voiced frustration as the chief adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election.  “He (CA) said again today (Wednesday) that he wants to hold the election in between December and June. We have told him that December is our cut-off time for the election,” the BNP leader said. A seven-member BNP delegation led by Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held the meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state house Jamuna to press for a specific roadmap to hold the national election by December this year. BNP’s meeting with Dr Yunus underway; election by Dec on top of agenda The meeting, which lasted for nearly one hour and 45 minutes, began at 12:10pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The delegation also included BNP Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Chowdury. When asked about the BNP's strategy following the disappointing meeting with the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said the party would decide its next steps after holding discussions internally and with its like-minded allies. In response to a question on whether the government was attempting to prolong its stay in power by pushing back the election timeline, the BNP leader said the chief adviser mentioned a timeframe between December and June for holding the election.  “He didn't say it wouldn't be held in December. He kept the window open until June. But we have said December is our cut-off time,” Fakhrul said. He said the main focus of their discussions with the Chief Adviser was on a clear and specific roadmap for the upcoming national election. Considering the current situation in the country, Fakhrul said their party firmly believes that a credible and widely acceptable election must be held soon to resolve the ongoing political and national crises. He said the BNP is fully cooperating with the government-initiated reform commissions currently in place. The BNP leader said their party submitted its opinions and recommendations to the Consensus Commission a few days back and is scheduled to hold another meeting with the body on Thursday.  Fakhrul said the BNP is open to preparing a charter based on consensus among all parties. “Once such consensus is reached and the charter is formulated, we can move forward with the election and the reforms.” He said any agreed reforms would be implemented by the elected representatives of the respective political parties in the next government. “This is the core position of the BNP.” Earlier, on 10 February, a BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with the Chief Adviser. During the discussion, the chief adviser reportedly informed the team that preparations were in progress to hold the national election by December next.

A seven-member BNP delegation led by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is holding a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to press for a specific roadmap to hold the national election by December this year. The meeting began at the state guest house Jamuna at 12:10pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The delegation also included BNP Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan,Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Chowdury. Earlier, on Tuesday night, BNP standing committee members, led by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, met to discuss the party's stance on the election and potential talking points for the meeting. Talking to UNB, BNP senior leaders said they will deliver a ‘strong message’ that they will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. The party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty. Fakhrul hopes election uncertainty to be resolved through dialogue, unity They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December. BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring. They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters. If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year. Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings. BNP’s Salahuddin questions Dr Yunus’ motive behind vague election timelines The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month.

National Citizens Party (NCP)’s Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday warned against branding his party’s firm anti-Awami League stance as a “breach of decorum.” In a post from his verified Facebook account, Hasnat wrote: “The day our anti-Awami League position and rejection of compromise politics began to be called ‘indecorous’ was the day Awami League processions started growing bigger.” Targeting those he accused of indulging in compromise politics, he said, “I’m warning those who are compromising—make up your mind about the Awami League very soon. Otherwise, you will continue with your compromise politics, and I will respond with indecorous behaviour.” BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage He added: “You won’t be able to handle it if I start breaching decorum. Be careful.” His statement came just hours after a video of an Awami League protest march went viral on Facebook. According to several posts by AL supporters, the march took place in Dhaka’s Badda area, reportedly led by a former Chhatra League leader. Hasnat, however, did not clarify whom he was directly referring to in his comments or who he considers to be engaged in compromise politics.