United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman left Heathrow Airport early Thursday for Dhaka, ending nearly 17 years in exile in London and sparking widespread interest, emotion and political excitement across the country “Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-102, carrying Tarique and his entourage, took off around 12:23 am (BST),” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50 am on Thursday, via Sylhet Osmani International Airport. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at the airport. Tarique is travelling with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family.” It will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders say her return symbolises the close of a long chapter of forced separation from the country.

The Election Commission has asked for keeping the country's scheduled banks open on Saturday next to facilitate the nomination paper submission in the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. “It is requested, in accordance with instructions, to keep all scheduled banks across the country open on Saturday, December 27, 2025, to enable candidates to deposit the required money for their security deposits and purchase CDs of the voter list through bank draft, pay order, or treasury challan,” said a letter sent to the Governor of Bangladesh Bank by the EC on Wednesday. The letter said that the Election Commission announced the schedule for the 13th National parliamentary election on December 11, 2025. According to the schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is December 29, 2025. However, banks will be closed on December 25 (Thursday, Christmas Day) due to the public holiday as well as on December 26 (Friday) and December 27 (Saturday) due to weekly holidays, which would prevent candidates from depositing the necessary fees and payments during these three days. In this circumstance, the EC asked for keeping the scheduled banks open on Saturday next EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters, “We have requested Bangladesh Bank to keep scheduled banks open this Saturday so that prospective candidates or their agents can complete the required payments without any inconvenience.”

A union-level Chhatra Dal leader in Bhola was stabbed to death Wednesday evening while traveling to Dhaka to attend the homecoming event of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The incident occurred in the Closer Bazar area, reportedly stemming from a longstanding personal feud. The deceased, Rezwan Amin Sifat, 28, was the son of Md. Alauddin Howlader, general secretary of Ward No. 9, Rajapur Union BNP, and a postgraduate student in accounting at Bhola Government College. Relatives and locals said Shifat had ongoing disputes with his cousins over past conflicts. On Wednesday afternoon, an argument took place between Sifat and his cousins Hasib and Sakib. Later, while Sifat was on his way to Dhaka, a group including his cousins ambushed him at Clouser Bazar, stabbing him and leaving him injured. Locals and family members rushed to his aid and took him to Bhola 250-Bed General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Shifat’s father, Md. Alauddin, and Rajapur Union Parishad panel chairman Shajahan Bepari said hundreds of thousands of BNP leaders and activists from Bhola were traveling to Dhaka to attend Tarique Rahman’s event. On Wednesday night alone, 10 launches departed Bhola for Dhaka. Sifat was preparing to join the procession when he was attacked. Bhola Sadar police OC (Investigation) Zia Uddin confirmed that the police visited the scene and efforts are underway to arrest the perpetrators.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman strongly condemned the crude bomb explosion near Moghbazar Flyover that killed a young man named Siam. He said the death of innocent Siam came as a price for the failure to apprehend the killers of martyred Sharif Osman bin Hadi. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, and Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed his condemnation through a post on his verified Facebook page. He prayed for the departed soul, writing, “May Allah forgive the deceased Siam, have mercy on him, and grant patience to his grieving family.” Jamaat Ameer further stated, “The innocent Siam had to pay the price because the murderers of martyred Sharif Osman bin Hadi have not yet been brought to justice. A malicious group is carrying out covert attacks to destabilize the country.” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged the authorities to diligently perform their duties and called on the public to strengthen preventive measures against such attacks.

Leaders and activists of Barishal BNP set off for Dhaka on Wednesday night in a fleet of launches, celebrating Tarique Rahman’s return with fireworks and traditional drums. The launch convoy began departing the ghats one after another after 9:30 pm, carrying party members from across the district. Ziauddin Sikder, member secretary of Barishal City BNP, said five launches from the city alone are heading to Dhaka, while more than 15 launches have departed from other parts of the district. Abu Naser Rahmatullah, a member of BNP’s national executive committee, said the launches will enter Dhaka via Kanchpur and proceed directly to Kanchan Bridge, from where participants will march to the venue of the public gathering. BNP Chairperson’s adviser Mojibur Rahman Sarwar added that after the rally, everyone will return to Barishal by launch. He said arrangements for food and accommodation have been made on the vessels for the traveling party members.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return home on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years in exile in London, a historic event that has generated widespread interest, emotion and political anticipation across the country. The flight carrying Tarique is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50am via Sylhet airport from London’s Heathrow along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and others. BNP has completed extensive preparations to welcome its top leader, with efforts taken to ensure maximum security. Senior leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. After arrival, Tarique will briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation near the 300 Feet area of the capital, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. He will offer thanks to the people and perform a brief prayer of gratitude for his safe return. Tarique’s political adviser Mahdi Amin said the BNP Acting Chairman’s first and main priority upon landing is to visit Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment there since November 23. However, considering the huge turnout of people and respecting public sentiment, he will stop briefly at the July 36 Expressway (300 Feet area) to express gratitude to the nation before proceeding to the hospital. After visiting his mother, he will go directly to his residence at House 196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay with his family. Mahdi Amin said the programme at 300 Feet is not a rally or reception. “It is only a short moment to thank the people and request prayers for the country, its people and Madam Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman will be the sole speaker,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience, BNP has set up 20 medical camps across Dhaka with doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances. A six-bed temporary field hospital has also been arranged near the 300 Feet area, supported by ICU-equipped ambulances. Pure drinking water, mobile toilets and several thousand volunteers have been deployed to assist the public. Separate bus parking areas have been designated at key entry points to the capital to ease traffic congestion. Help desks have been set up at Kakoli, in front of the airport and at Abdullahpur to ensure smooth movement of airport-bound passengers, returning expatriates and ambulances, including motorbike escorts for emergencies. Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the entire programme will be broadcast live on BNP’s official Facebook pages, including BNP, BNP Media Cell and Our BNP, so people at home and abroad can watch it. Thirty large LED screens have been set up so people can watch the programme live. A three-layer security system has been put in place at the reception venue. Alongside government security, BNP has its own special arrangements. Retired Brigadier General ATM Shamsul Islam, head of Tarique’s security team, said tight security will be maintained throughout the programme. “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security,” he said. Shamsul Islam said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. Large banners welcoming Tarique have appeared on major roads and intersections in the capital. The banners show him greeting people with raised hands, carrying slogans such as “Leader is coming,” “Tarique Rahman’s return, awakening of democracy,” “Bangladesh for all, Bangladesh first,” and “Tarique Rahman is coming, hope is rising.” Top leaders of parties that joined the long anti-fascist movement and leaders of the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, have been invited to attend the brief programme near 300 Feet. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats After returning, Tarique will regularly work from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where a new office room has been prepared for him on the second floor. A separate chamber has also been set up for the Acting Chairman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Both the Nayapaltan central office and the Gulshan chairperson’s office have been freshly painted, cleaned and decorated to mark his return. In preparation for the upcoming election, BNP has rented a four-storey building on Road No 90 in Gulshan as an election office. The building has strict security arrangements, a briefing room on the second floor, seating for various departments and a research cell. Mahdi Amin said the office will serve as a coordination centre for all election-related activities. Tarique has spent more than a decade and a half in exile in London. During this period, he lived there with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. From abroad, he continued to run the party, stayed in touch with leaders and activists, and guided BNP’s political strategy. Tarique Rahman is travelling on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ (BG-102) flight along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and his late brother Arafat Rahman Koko’s two daughters—Jahia Rahman and Jafia Rahman. Journalist Saleh Shibli and a few of his personal aides are also on board the flight. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family. Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes It will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders say her return symbolizes the close of a long chapter of forced separation from the country. Tarique’s homecoming has sparked strong emotions among political circles, BNP leaders and activists, and the general public. Many political observers see the return not merely as that of a party leader, but as the end of a long wait and a moment tied to broader public hopes and expectations, with the possibility of one of the largest political gatherings in the country’s history. They also consider his return as a significant step towards political unity and the restoration of democracy through an inclusive and credible election. Excitement and enthusiasm have swept through BNP leaders and activists in the capital and beyond as the long-awaited return of the party’s Acting Chairman is set to take place on Thursday, ending years of speculation and debate over his homecoming. BNP activists from different parts of the country have already begun arriving in Dhaka to catch a glimpse of their leader. BNP leaders said nine special trains have been arranged to bring supporters from different parts of the country to Dhaka. BNP leaders say Tarique will lead the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He is expected to contest the election from Bogura-6 constituency. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique will be the party’s main leader in the election. “Under his leadership, we will cross the electoral hurdle successfully. If we receive the people’s mandate, Tarique Rahman will lead the next government,” Fakhrul said. Tarique Rahman awaits a historic welcome on Dec 25: Salahuddin He also said despite living in exile for years, Tarique remained closely connected with the party and proved his leadership through effective organisational management. BNP has asked its leaders and activists not to carry the party’s electoral symbol during the reception, as the election schedule has already been announced. Banners, festoons and placards will be allowed, but no election symbol will be displayed. Tarique left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after being released from jail during the military-backed caretaker government period and later settled in the United Kingdom with his family. During his exile, he faced numerous cases and legal hurdles. Following recent political changes and legal processes, he was cleared of all cases. Though Dr Zubaida Rahman visited Bangladesh twice earlier, Tarique Rahman was unable to return until now. Political analysts say the ongoing political crisis can only be resolved through elections, and Tarique Rahman’s return may help ease tensions. They note that he successfully united dozens of parties in the anti-fascist movement, proving his political experience and organisational strength. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at a press conference on Wednesday sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. He said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience.            

Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator of the NCP’s southern region, said on Wednesday that their demand for political reform in Bangladesh will continue, and they will not step back even if it costs them their lives. He made the remarks at a condolence and solidarity gathering organized by the Democratic Reform Alliance at King Community Centre in Feni, protesting the killing of revolutionary Osman Hadi. Hasnat Abdullah urged voters to support reform and justice in upcoming elections, and oppose authoritarianism. He criticized some political parties for dissolving their organizations for the sake of single constituencies, calling it an injustice to their own party. “We wanted a ballot revolution, but some parties are preparing for a bullet revolution. Everyone must fight against injustice,” he said. He also criticized the administration and police, saying, “In the last three elections, law enforcement acted as players rather than referees, causing the nation to pay a price. It may happen again if impartiality is not maintained.” In his remarks, Hasnat Abdullah further criticized those who demeaned martyr Osman Hadi, saying, “This generation will reject those who call Osman Hadi a ‘guinea pig’ and cannot even pronounce his name correctly.” He also warned that many officials appointed through controlled lotteries as DCs and SPs have started showing allegiance to certain parties. “Those who betray their party will have to flee like Benjir and Harun,” he cautioned. Hasnat Abdullah expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation into Hadi’s killing, calling it a dire warning. He urged the administration to act impartially, warning that failure to do so could again confront the younger generation with injustice. AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju said Bangladesh has never bowed to authoritarian forces and will not do so in the future. He warned that those trying to return the country to a fascist era will never be forgiven. The leaders said the next election will be a vote for justice in Osman Hadi’s killing and for political reform. Other attendees included NCP Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin, Joint General Secretary of the State Reform Movement Didar Bhuiya, AB Party Joint General Secretary Barrister Zobayer Ahmad Bhuiya, and central and district leaders of the Democratic Reform Alliance.

All banks across Bangladesh will remain open on Saturday to facilitate financial transactions linked to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. According to a circular issued by the Department of Off-site Supervision of the central bank, the decision followed a request from the Bangladesh Election Commission Secretariat made earlier on Tuesday. The central bank said the temporary opening will allow candidates to deposit nomination fees and purchase Voter List CDs through bank drafts, pay orders or treasury challans. The directive will apply to all branches of scheduled banks throughout the country. The circular said the move is aimed at supporting the electoral process and ensuring smooth completion of administrative formalities within the stipulated time.

Barrister Rumeen Farhana, International Affairs Assistant Secretary of BNP, has collected a nomination form to contest as an independent candidate from the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency in the upcoming 13th national election. Ali Hossain, former Organising Secretary of Sarail Upazila unit Jubo Dal, collected the nomination paper on behalf of Rumeen from Sarail Upazila Nirbahi Office on Wednesday afternoon. A number of former leaders and activists of BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal from Sarail and Ashuganj upazilas were present at the time of Rumeen collecting the nomination form. Brahmanbaria-2 constituency consists of Sarail and Ashuganj upazilas and Budhanti and Chandura unions of Bijoynagar upazila. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats BNP did not elect any candidates from the constituency as it left this seat for their alliance partner, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. Maulana Junayed Al Habib, vice president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, will contest the seat.      

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday urged the Election Commission (EC) to reconsider the dates for the submission of nomination papers and withdrawal of candidacies, keeping the voting date unchanged for the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12. “They have given us several dates — when nomination papers will be submitted and when the candidacy can be withdrawn. We requested them today (Wednesday) to think about whether these dates can be reconsidered," NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary told reporters after a meeting between a NCP delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter’s office in the city. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order on February 12 next. According to the announced schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers is December 29, the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from December 30 to January 4, while the last date for 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). Patwary alleged that the Awami League, in different ways, along with India, is trying to destabilise Bangladesh in an attempt to delay the election. “The Election Commission wants to organise the election on February 12. From the National Citizen Party, we have said that this announced date must not be postponed and that the election should be held on time. Because the Awami League, in different ways, and India, are trying to destabilise Bangladesh to delay the election. We asked the Election Commission today to ensure that the election is held on schedule,” he said. Replying to a question if there are any concerns regarding the February 12 elections, he said there are concerns in Bangladesh, but NCP repeatedly urged the Election Commission to ensure that the election is held on February 12. “We have asked the Election Commission not to make any small mistakes that could cause the (polling) date to be postponed. Today, we requested whether the nomination papers related dates could be reconsidered,” he said. Asked whether NCP candidates would contest the election using any other party’s symbol, the NCP leader said they will not contest using any other symbol. “We’ve formed an electoral alliance, but we will contest the election with the ‘Shapla Kali’ (Water Lily Bud) symbol. We will urge other parties not to sell off their own distinct identity. There may not be opportunities today, but opportunities will come in the future,” he said. ​​​​​​​NCP backs restoring political rights of ordinary AL supporters: Nahid In reply to a question if NCP has any doubts or concerns regarding the election, Nasiruddin said they do have concerns as one aspirant has already been killed. “We have instructed our candidates to follow the Election Commission rules. At the same time, we have told the Election Commission to ensure security for candidates of all parties,” he said. NCP Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa was present at the time.