United News of Bangladesh

Tasnim Jara, the independent candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, has assets worth some Tk 19.14 lakh and her annual income is Tk 7.14 lakh, according to the affidavit she submitted to the Election Commission ahead of the 13th National Parliament election. The affidavit shows that she is not a dual citizen her educational qualification is MSc, her permanent address is at Khilgaon Chowdhurypara in Dhaka and she is 31-year-old, born on October 7, 1994. Tasnim Jara mentioned her profession as physician, teacher and entrepreneur, while her spouse Khaled Saifullah is also the same by profession. Her cash amount is to Tk 16 lakh, while her spouse’s cash amount stands at Tk 15 lakh. Tasnim Jara has jewelry worth Tk 2.50 lakh. in her affidavit submitted to EC, said the amount of her assets worth Tk 19,13,509 and her annual income was Tk 7,13,597 as shown in her latest income tax returns.Tasnim Jara on Monday last submitted a nomination paper with nearly 5,000 signatures of voters to contest as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9 constituency (Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mudga) in the upcoming national election. The Election Commission on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The time for the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would never be able to evade responsibility for the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “On February 8, 2018, Khaleda Zia walked into jail on her own feet after being subjected to personal vengeance of fascist Hasina. But she came out of prison seriously ill,” he said while speaking at Manik Mia Avenue shortly before Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza.  Nazrul Islam said Khaleda’s prolonged imprisonment, denial of proper medical treatment and restrictions on treatment abroad had severely damaged her health and ultimately led to her death. “According to doctors at home and abroad, her illness worsened because she was denied the opportunity to receive treatment overseas during four years of house arrest. As a result, this unconquerable leader eventually succumbed to death. So, the fascist Hasina will never be free of responsibility for this death,” he said. Khaleda’s body was taken to a temporary stage set up at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad around 2:45pm for her janaza. Later, Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief life sketch of Khaleda Zia on behalf of the party. He explained the circumstances that led her to enter politics and highlighted her long struggle for democracy, her unwavering commitment to democratic values and her deep patriotism. The BNP leader also recalled her contributions to the country and urged everyone to pray for her departed soul. Inspiration Against Fascism Nazrul said Khaleda Zia never bowed before any domestic or foreign force, nor did she compromise on democracy, freedom of expression or voting rights, despite facing repeated repression. “She was jailed during the rule of autocrat Hussein Muhammad Ershad, during the so-called 1/11 regime and again under Sheikh Hasina,” he said. The BNP leader said Khaleda was evicted from her residence linked to the memory of her martyred husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, and sentenced to 17 years in prison on what he described as false charges. “Yet she never compromised with authoritarian politics. This is why she became an enduring inspiration in the struggle against fascism,” Nazrul said. He said Khaleda Zia was now being bid farewell amid the love, respect and prayers of millions of people. “Those who sent her to jail and made her homeless could not live in peace and were forced to flee,” he said referring to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in a mass uprising on August 5, 2024, and forced to seek refuge in India. Political Journey Nazrul said Khaleda Zia joined BNP on January 3, 1982, to keep the morale of party leaders and activists intact after the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman in 1981. “She began her tireless political journey at a time of national crisis…the entry of Begum Khaleda Zia into politics was sudden, but it was inevitable in the interest of the country,” he said. Despite being the party founder’s wife, Nazrul said Khaleda Zia rose through its ranks constitutionally, first as a primary member, then vice-chairperson, acting chairperson and later elected chairperson through the party council. Of her 43-year political life, he said, she led BNP for 41 years as its top leader, strengthening and organising the party. Role in Restoring Democracy Nazrul said Khaleda Zia led a continuous nine-year movement against Ershad’s military rule and restored democracy through a free, fair and neutral election in 1991. “For this, the nation honoured her with the title ‘Uncompromising Leader’,” he said. The BNP leader noted that she served as prime minister three times and won all parliamentary seats she contested, describing her electoral success as rare both nationally and internationally. “She was the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world,” he said. ‘Pray for my mother,’ Tarique urges all from Khaleda’s janaza     Governance and Legacy Nazrul said Khaleda Zia introduced landmark programmes for public welfare, including female education stipends, the ‘Food for Education’ programme, and separate ministries for expatriates and freedom fighters. He said Bangladesh gained international recognition as an “emerging tiger” during her tenure. “She used to say, ‘We have friends abroad, not masters,’” Nazrul recalled. Contributions to Liberation War Nazrul said during the 1971 Liberation War, Khaleda Zia was detained by Pakistani forces along with her two young sons from July 2 until victory, while her husband declared independence and served as a sector and forces commander. “The contribution of this family to the Liberation War is unparalleled,” he said. Final Farewell Nazrul said Khaleda Zia used to say Bangladesh was her only address, as she had no home outside the country. “She breathed her last on this soil and will rest forever beside her martyred husband. He expressed his confidence that BNP will move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, following Khaleda Zia’s ideals of democracy, peace, development and public welfare. Bidding farewell to Khaleda, the BNP Standing Committee member said, “She is departing with the respect, love and prayers of the entire nation, regardless of political affiliation. She leaves behind the unique legacy of a great woman, a fighter in politics and a patriotic stateswoman—an example that will remain a guiding inspiration for future generations of political leaders and activists.” Nazrul thanked the Chief Adviser, members of the advisory council, political leaders, chiefs of the three services, law enforcement agencies and all those involved in maintaining security and discipline during the funeral. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital at the age of 80 after suffering from multiple critical health complications.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged the people of Bangladesh to pray for his late mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and asked forgiveness on her behalf if she had ever hurt anyone. Addressing a sea of mourners at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad complex shortly before her namaz-e-janaza, Tarique said, “I am Tarique Rahman, the elder son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. If my mother had taken any loan from anyone during her lifetime, I request you to contact me. I will arrange repayment, Insha’Allah.” He further said, “If anyone was hurt by any of her actions or words during her lifetime, I sincerely seek forgiveness on behalf of the departed. Please pray that Allah Almighty grants her Jannah.” Tarique delivered the very brief and simple address at around 2:58pm, speaking emotionally, like any son of an ordinary Muslim family, as part of funeral formalities.

At the gate of Majumdar Bari in Fulgazi, Feni, a neem tree planted decades ago by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia still stands, quietly preserving a living memory of her ties to the ancestral home. Back in 2008, during a visit to her ancestral house, Majumdar Bari at Shreepur village of Fulgazi Upazila, Khaleda Zia planted a neem tree on the banks of the South Shreepur Dighi pond. Over the years, the tree grew under careful care and a tile bearing her name was placed at its base. Today, the tree stands as a silent tribute to her presence. Khaleda Zia, former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, passed away on Tuesday (December 30) at 6:00 am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Upon hearing the news of her passing on Tuesday morning, the residents of Fulgazi were seen weeping openly. At her ancestral home, people gathered near the neem tree, taking photographs, remembering her as a living part of Majumdar Bari. For them, even in her absence, the tree serves as a lasting memory of Khaleda Zia. Majumdar Bari holds numerous personal relics of Khaleda Zia’s life—the chairs she sat on, a small cot she used for rest, and the dining table, all bearing the mark of her touch. Farewell to a leader; Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour Neigbours and family members recall that during her 2008 visit, Khaleda Zia also paid respects at the grave of her grandfather Salamat Ali Majumdar before beginning her election campaign. Her cousin, Shamim Hossain Majumdar, said, “She always showed respect to elders and gave immense affection to the young ones. The nation has lost an irreplaceable leader. This loss can never be filled.” Khaleda Zia also contributed to her ancestral area by establishing several institutions, including madrashas, mosques, schools and colleges for people. Her death has cast a shadow of mourning in Fulgazi and the entire Feni district. According to BNP’s website, Khaleda Zia was born to Iskandar Majumder and Taiyaba Majumder on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur district. She is the fourth among her four sisters and two brothers. Throughout her leadership of BNP, Khaleda Zia earned respect not only from her followers but also across political parties. Analysts describe her as a unifying figure, a champion of democracy, and a symbol of perseverance who transformed Bangladesh’s political landscape, paving the way for women to lead at the highest level. Her ancestral home in North Shreepur village, Sadar Union, Fulgazi Upazila, Feni, remains a symbol of her enduring legacy. Nomination papers were submitted on behalf of Khaleda Zia from this constituency for the 13th parliamentary election on Monday.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman recited from the Holy Quran at his Gulshan residence and prayed for his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, shortly after her body arrived there on Wednesday morning. Sitting alone next to his mother's coffin inside the residence, Tarique Rahman appeared deeply grief-stricken as he prayed for his mother. Several relatives were seen reciting the Holy Quran and praying to the Almighty Allah, while others wept and expressed their sorrow. Earlier, a freezer-van wrapped in the red-and-green national flag, carrying Khaleda Zia’s body, left Evercare Hospital at around 8:55am amid tight security. The vehicle reached Tarique Rahman’s residence at House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue at about 9:16am. Following a brief stay at the residence, family members, close relatives and senior BNP leaders are expected to pay their last respects. Later, Khaleda Zia’s body will be taken to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, where her namaz-e-janaza will be held. After the funeral prayers, she will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at around 6:00am on Tuesday after undergoing treatment for more than a month.

The aspirants from 51 out of 59 registered political parties, along with hundreds of independent candidates, submitted nominations to contest the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to the data compiled by the Election Commission. Among the parties, the highest 331 aspirants from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) submitted nomination papers (multiple candidates in some constituencies) to run the election scheduled for February 12, 2026. Besides, 276 aspirants from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party (JaPa), 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, 65 from Communist Party of Bangladesh CPB), 53 aspirants from AB Party, 44 from National Citizen Party-NCP, 42 from Insaniat Bangladesh and 41 aspirants from Basod. The other political parties who joined the race have less than 40 aspirants each. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: Registration time for postal voting extended till Jan 5 Several registered parties, including Samyabadi Dal (ML), Krishak Sramik Janata League, NAP, Workers Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Trinamool BNP and BNM have no aspirants in the election. A total of 2,569 aspirants, including 478 independent candidates, filed nomination papers in the country's 300 constituencies. The Election Commission is now scrutinising the nomination papers before finalising the list of valid candidates for the polls. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. Read more: Election season kicks off in Bangladesh; 2,582 candidates submitted nomination papers According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The time for the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18.

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was the most popular leader Bangladesh has ever seen. “If we make an assessment up to this moment, Begum Khaleda Zia was the most popular leader in Bangladesh. Today, the entire nation is united, without any question, in mourning her and paying respect,” he told reporters. Taher made the remarks around 7:45pm in front of the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, after signing the condolence book opened there in memory of Khaleda Zia. He said Khaleda Zia was an uncompromising leader in the struggle to establish people’s rights. “She proved this through every step of her political life. She was very patriotic and never compromised on national interests, even under pressure from powerful neighbours. Because of this, she often became a victim of political persecution,” he said. The Jamaat leader also said during her illness, people from all political backgrounds prayed anxiously for her recovery and stood united. “That itself shows how widely she was loved and respected,” he said. “Khaleda Zia died with the highest honour and love from the people. She was successful in her political life. The nation should now fulfil its responsibilities by following her patriotism and dedication to the country,” Taher said. Khaleda Zia passed away around 6:00 am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital after receiving treatment for more than a month.

Gonoforum Emeritus President Dr Kamal Hossain on Tuesday described late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as an inspiration of Bangladesh’s democratic struggle. In a condolence message, he also expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda’s death and conveyed sympathy to her bereaved family members and BNP leaders and activists. “We have lost a patriot and a democratic guardian with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia. She will remain a unique source of inspiration in the country’s democratic struggle,” he said. Dr Kamal said Khaleda Zia took charge of her party at a difficult time and, under her capable leadership, BNP became united and earned the confidence of the people. He said her uncompromising leadership during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s, the formation of the outline of the three alliances, and her role in the restoration of democracy would be remembered by the nation lifelong with deep respect. Dr Kamal also recalled Khaleda Zia’s role in establishing the parliamentary system in Bangladesh and her repeated imprisonment during democratic movements, saying her refusal to compromise with injustice set a shining example for future generations. He observed that the people of the country never accepted the boundless oppression, persecution and humiliation inflicted upon her during the previous Awami League government; rather, she emerged as a shining symbol of the people’s aspirations. In his message, Dr Kamal prayed for the salvation of Khaleda’s departed soul and urged the country’s people to pray for her.

Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, personal physician of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday recalled her deep sense of motherly affection towards those around her. He shared his memories while speaking to journalists at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. “Those of us who had the opportunity to work closely with Begum Khaleda Zia saw two sides of her,” Dr Zahid said. “On the one hand, she was truly a guardian figure, and on the other, she cared for us with deep motherly affection.” He said no one could leave her residence without eating. “She would always ask whether the doctors had eaten, whether those working with her had been served food,” he recalled. Dr Zahid, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda was attentive even to small details. “If a doctor arrived a little late, she would ask why it took so long. She would say, ‘I have been waiting.’ When she was at home, specialist doctors visited her every day, and she spoke to everyone.” He urged the country’s people to pray to Almighty Allah to grant her Jannah. “May Allah give the leaders and activists of BNP the strength to bear this loss, and grant BNP Acting Chairman the strength to carry out his responsibilities amid this grief.” Asked when he last spoke to Khaleda Zia, Dr Zahid said dialysis began on December 1 and she was later placed on elective ventilation. “Even after that, there were times when we spoke to her. When we visited, she tried to respond and answer our questions.” He said doctors always acted according to her physical condition. “As physicians, we never do anything that could worsen a patient’s condition. At this moment, given my mental state, it is difficult for me to specify exactly when our last conversation took place.” Dr Zahid noted that whenever they visited her, she was responsive. “If she was asked something, she always tried to reply.” Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment for more than a month. Following her death, the BNP announced a seven-day mourning programme, during which party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at all offices of the party. Khaleda will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon.

The Election Commission has extended the registration time by five days till January 5 next for expatriates and other entitled voters to vote through the postal ballots during the upcoming national election and referendum, slated for February 12, 2026. “Now the deadline for the postal ballot registration is December 31. But the time for postal ballot registration has extended to January 5. The registration will be closed at 12:00am after January 5 Midnight,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. He said the time was extended on requests from the expatriates and the entitled voters from inside the country. This is the first time the Election Commission has introduced an effective IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff who are posted outside their respective constituencies, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. The Election Commission opened the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app for the Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) on November 19 and for the In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV) on December 17. More than one million eligible voters including some 631,000 expatriates registered their names to vote through the postal ballots in the upcoming national election and the referendum, scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12, 2026. A total of 1,082,541 voters, including 137,317 females registered through the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app till 8:38pm on Tuesday. Among the 450,632 voters who registered from inside the country, as many as 367,248 are government employees, 72,512 solely polling personnel, 5,842 Ansar and VDP members and 5,030 prisoners. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).