United News of Bangladesh

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has resigned from the cabinet and been appointed Political Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with ministerial status. The Cabinet Division issued two separate notifications in this regard on Saturday. The first notification, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, said the President accepted the resignation of Swapon as Information and Broadcasting Minister. The other notification, also signed by the cabinet secretary, said Swapon was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser under Rules 3B(1) and 3B(2) of the Rules of Business, 1996. During his tenure as the PM’s Political Adviser, he will enjoy the status, salary, allowances and other benefits and facilities of a minister, it said. Earlier, as part of the first reshuffle of the cabinet, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho has been given the charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, replacing Swapon. Partho, along with three others, took oath as full ministers at Bangabhaban on Friday evening.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad on Friday criticised what he described as the government's "narrow-minded" assessment of the opposition's participation in the presidential election. In a statement, he said the government is viewing the opposition's participation through a politically “narrow-minded” perspective instead of assessing it from a liberal and democratic lens. Referring to a recent remark by a cabinet member that the oath taken by opposition members to the Constitution Reform Council could no longer remain valid because they participated in the presidential election while retaining Article 70 of the Constitution, Hamidur questioned the logic behind the argument. "If this argument is acceptable, then how can the oath taken as Members of Parliament remain valid? Because no parliamentary election was held through a constitutional process in 2026," he said. He said their position is "very clear", adding that the opposition's participation in the presidential election was a symbolic protest against the limitations of the government's desired reform process and an effort to introduce a new form of democratic practice. "We already knew what the outcome of the election would be. Even so, we participated to make our position clear to the people and strengthen the demand for democracy," the Jamaat leader said. He said the people have once again realised why constitutional reform is essential to make democracy in Bangladesh effective, accountable and sustainable. Hamidur urged the government not to interpret the opposition's participation in a narrow manner and instead understand its underlying democratic message. "The government must respect the people's expectations by implementing the verdict of the referendum and taking effective initiatives for necessary constitutional reforms," he said. "No government can run the state in the long term by ignoring the aspirations of the people," the Jamaat leader added.

The Ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will contest the upcoming local government elections independently, the party’s Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Thursday. He announced the decision to journalists after an important meeting between BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and leaders of the Rajshahi division at the party chairman’s office in Gulshan in the evening. At the meeting, the Prime Minister said grassroots leaders should be given priority in selecting candidates after the Election Commission announces the schedule for the local government elections, according to Rizvi. Union and upazila-level leaders, with assistance from district leaders, will sit together and select a single candidate, he said. He urged grassroots leaders and activists to make collective efforts to ensure that no candidate contests the election against the party-supported candidate, Rizvi added. Tarique Rahman particularly warned against multiple candidates contesting for the post of Union Parishad chairman in violation of the party’s decision, saying the party would support only one candidate for each position. Rizvi said everyone must remain fully committed to the party’s decisions and discipline in the local government elections. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has given clear instructions that strict organisational disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who violates party discipline in any way, he said. Earlier Thursday evening, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined an organisational meeting with leaders of the party’s Pabna and Chapainawabganj district units in Rajshahi division as part of efforts to further organise and strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Tarique Rahman has been holding a series of such organisational meetings with leaders of different district and metropolitan units to strengthen the BNP’s grassroots organisational structure.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munnna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayon congratulated BNP Standing Committee member Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed on his appointment as the party’s acting secretary general. In a congratulatory message issued by Jubo Dal on Thursday, they extended their greetings and best wishes to Rizvi. Rizvi named BNP acting secretary general The Jubo Dal leaders said Rizvi has played an important and glorious role in Bangladesh’s democratic movement, anti-autocracy struggle and the long journey of nationalist politics. His political acumen, experience, sacrifice and organisational skills have long been considered valuable assets for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), they said. They said Rizvi’s appointment as acting secretary general is not only recognition of his long political experience and contributions, but also an important opportunity to utilise his experience and leadership on a broader scale in guiding the party’s present and future course. The Jubo Dal leaders expressed hope that under Rizvi’s farsighted leadership, political experience and organisational wisdom, the party’s unity, solidarity and organisational strength would be further strengthened. They also hoped that the ongoing movement to establish the rights of the country and its people would gain further momentum. In the message, Munnna and Nayon wished the newly appointed BNP acting secretary general good health, long life and success.

Finance Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is the best choice for the country’s highest constitutional office, describing him as a seasoned political leader. Reacting to Fakhrul’s election as Bangladesh’s 23rd President, Khosru said the BNP leader has spent his political life fighting for democracy and enduring repression and imprisonment. “Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is, through and through, a political personality. There could hardly have been a better choice,” he told journalists in front of Parliament after the election result was announced. “He has gone through a long struggle, endured imprisonment and repression, and fought against authoritarianism, sacrificing and suffering throughout his life,” the minister said. He said Fakhrul’s contribution to the democratic movement had been at the forefront and described him as an honest and competent person. “I am happy that such a person is going to occupy the President’s Office,” he said. Khosru said the presidential election itself reflected the return of democratic practices in Bangladesh. “We have been talking about democracy for so long, and today we are seeing its reflections. I think people had almost forgotten when Bangladesh last had a real presidential election,” he said. “Today, a President has been elected by an elected Parliament. This is also a major achievement for us,” the minister added. He said the democratic process and culture must be sustained to fulfil the vision of building the Bangladesh envisioned by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The BNP leader said they have fought, suffered and made sacrifices to restore the democratic process, while the people have also sacrificed their lives and endured repression for the cause. “We must continue this democratic journey and sustain the culture of democracy. If this continues, Insha-Allah, we will all be able to build the Bangladesh that our Prime Minister has envisioned,” he said. Asked about his expectations of the new President, Khosru said Fakhrul has long been a torchbearer of democracy and expressed hope that he will continue to play the same role from his new constitutional position. “He is coming here today as a torchbearer of democracy. The role he played in the past in ensuring that democracy continues and will remain the same,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul was elected Bangladesh’s 23rd President after securing 255 votes in the presidential election held in Parliament on Thursday.

BNP has appointed its National Standing Committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as the party’s acting secretary general. The appointment was announced in a press release signed by BNP Assistant Office Secretary Muhammad Munir Hossain shortly after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected the country’s 23rd President on Thursday. According to the release, Rizvi was appointed acting secretary general in accordance with Article 7(B)(6) of the BNP constitution. The appointment will take effect immediately, it said. The post of BNP secretary general fell vacant following Fakhrul’s election as President. Earlier, on August 15, Rizvi was inducted into the BNP National Standing Committee along with three other leaders. Five days later, he was given the responsibility of acting secretary general. Rizvi was elected the party’s senior joint secretary general at its sixth national council in 2016.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as the country’s 23rd President. Fakhrul secured 255 votes, while his rival Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad, the candidate of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat, received 88 votes in the presidential election held on Thursday. In a congratulatory message posted on his verified Facebook page after the results were published, Shafiqur said, “The 23rd presidential election of Bangladesh was held today, August 20, 2026. I sincerely congratulate Mr Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on being elected as the 23rd President.” He expressed hope that, as the guardian of the state in the coming days, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will use his highest competence and wisdom to establish justice, uphold democracy, and protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. The opposition leader also wished the newly elected President good health and long life.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur on Thursday called on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to drop the word “Islam” from its name, alleging that the party has caused significant harm to Islam by using its name. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting Sohanur Rahman Sohan, president of the Kushtia Government College unit of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, who was injured in a clash between Jamaat-Shibir and the Gono Odhikar Parishad in Kushtia, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in the afternoon. Sohan is receiving treatment at a cabin in the old building of the DMCH. “Jamaat-e-Islami should drop the word ‘Islam’ from its name. If Jamaat gets an opportunity, it will become an even bigger fascist force than the Awami League,” said Nur, also president of Gono Odhikar Parishad. He alleged that Jamaat has caused the greatest harm to Islam by using its name and said the party has suffered a decline in moral standards. Referring to Jamaat lawmakers Amir Hamza of Kushtia and Gazi Nazrul Islam of Satkhira, Nur said their alleged conduct was an example of the party's moral decline. He also alleged that Jamaat has been seeking to come to power and has started making “irritating” remarks against the government only six months into its tenure. The Gono Odhikar Parishad chief further accused Amir Hamza of making obscene and derogatory remarks about lawmakers, including Rubina Farhana and Farzana Putul, as well as making offensive comments about late Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. “Jamaat is supporting such filthy and hypocritical remarks,” he alleged. Referring to the conduct of Satkhira MP Nazrul Islam, Nur said if Jamaat continues to claim itself as an Islamic party, that will be contradictory to the principles of Islam. “I would urge them to drop the word ‘Islam’ from Jamaat-e-Islami because they are causing the greatest harm to Islam by using the name of Islam as a guise.”

Vote counting in the presidential election has started as the balloting ended at 5:00pm, with members of Parliament (MPs) casting their votes through an open ballot to elect the country’s 23rd President. Voting was held from 2:10pm to 5:00pm in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad. BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance contender Col (retd) Oli Ahmad are contesting the election. At the beginning of the balloting, Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal cast their votes at 2:10 pm, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at 2:11pm. Just before the balloting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, who is also the election returning officer, announced the names of the two candidates for president. He explained the voting procedure for Members of Parliament. He also explained how the ballot papers should be placed in the ballot box. With BNP holding an absolute majority in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is widely expected to be elected as the country’s 23rd President. Under Article 70 of the Constitution, lawmakers, elected as candidates of political parties, will lose their seats if they vote for any candidate in this presidential election, going against their respective party’s decision. The last contested presidential election was held on October 8, 1991, when BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated Awami League candidate Badrul Haider Chowdhury to become the country’s 11th President. Abdur Rahman Biswas secured 172 votes, while Badrul Haider Chowdhury received 92. Since then, no voting was required in the successive presidential elections as a single candidate was elected uncontested in each election. CEC Nasir Uddin will announce the election result immediately after the vote count in Parliament. Then the Election Commission will publish the election result in an official gazette on Thursday. On the other hand, Bangabhaban is making preparations to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening. Since the Chattogram-4 parliamentary seat remains vacant, the number of voters is 349. The voters include 247 BNP lawmakers, 77 Jamaat MPs, eight NCP lawmakers, eight independent MPs, three Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, Khilafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Ganosamhati Andolon are allies of the ruling BNP. The ruling camp has 250 lawmakers who are expected to vote for Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in this presidential election. On the other hand, Jamaat, NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party are components of the 11-party opposition alliance. The opposition camp has 90 lawmakers in Parliament, who are expected to vote for Oli Ahmad. On July 24 last, Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took charge as the acting President. According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacant office of the President must be held within 90 days of the post becoming vacant due to resignation.

Voting has started in the presidential election on Thursday after 35 years, with Members of Parliament to elect the country’s 23rd President through an open ballot. The three-hour balloting began at 2:10pm in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad which will continue till 5pm. A total of 349 MPs are eligible to cast their votes. BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance contender Col (retd) Oli Ahmad are contesting the election. At the beginning of the balloting, Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal and presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cast their votes. Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal cast vote at 2:10 pm, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at 2:11pm. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin announced the names of the two candidates for president, along with the names of their proposers and seconders. He explained the voting procedure for Members of Parliament. He also explained how the ballot papers should be placed in the ballot box. With BNP holding an absolute majority in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is widely expected to be elected as the country’s 23rd President. Under Article 70 of the Constitution, lawmakers, elected as candidates of political parties, will lose their seats if they vote for any candidate in this presidential election, going against their respective party’s decision. The last contested presidential election was held on October 8, 1991, when BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated Awami League candidate Badrul Haider Chowdhury to become the country’s 11th President.   Abdur Rahman Biswas secured 172 votes, while Badrul Haider Chowdhury received 92. Since then, no voting was required in the successive presidential elections as a single candidate was elected uncontested in each election. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, who is the election officer for the polls, is conducting the balloting and will announce the election result immediately after the vote count in  Parliament. Then the Election Commission will publish the election result in an official gazette on Thursday. On the other hand, Bangabhaban is making preparations to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening. Each ballot paper has two parts — a counterfoil and the ballot portion. The counterfoil will contain three pieces of information and a blank space: the serial number, the name of the MP and the divisional number (constituency number) provided by the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat. An MP needs to sign his or her full name in the designated space before receiving the ballot paper. The names of the contesting candidates were printed on the right-hand side of the ballot paper in alphabetical order in Bangla. There is a designated space beside each candidate’s name where MPs need to sign their full names and cast their votes. The MPs will then deposit their ballots into the designated ballot box. Ballots will be accepted until 5:00pm, after which counting will begin. A total of 349 MPs are voters in the presidential election as the Chattogram-4 parliamentary seat remains vacant. The voters include 247 BNP lawmakers, 77 Jamaat MPs, eight NCP lawmakers, eight independent MPs, three Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, Khilafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Ganosamhati Andolon are allies of the ruling BNP. The ruling camp has 250 lawmakers who are expected to vote for Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in this presidential election. On the other hand, Jamaat, NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party are components of the 11-party opposition alliance. The opposition camp has 90 lawmakers in Parliament, who are expected to vote for Oli Ahmad. On July 24 last, Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took charge as the acting President. According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacant office of the President must be held within 90 days of the post becoming vacant due to resignation.