United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday claimed that his party is set for a landslide victory in the national election and alleged this is why some parties are trying to block it. “Only 23 days are left before the election. In these few days, many parties are saying they are not sure whether the election will even be held. Some keep saying, again and again, that the election will not be allowed. If voting takes place, it is doubtful whether they would even get three votes,” Fakhrul said while addressing a programme at Diploma Engineers Institution in Dhaka, marking the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Expressing optimism, Fakhrul said BNP would win the upcoming election by a landslide as people are eager to see the party back in power. “People want to see a modern state under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. They want Tarique Rahman to implement his vision and future plans for Bangladesh.” Criticising a party for seeking votes in the name of religion, Fakhrul termed such practices as 'hypocrisy'. “They say that voting for the ‘daripalla’ symbol will ensure heaven without iman or amol. What could be a bigger act of hypocrisy than this? BNP is working on a plan to rebuild the country, while another party is driven by vengeance and violence.” Stating that Jamaat had never stood for the aspirations of the people, Fakhrul said, “Their leader Maulana Maududi opposed Pakistan and ignored Muslim aspirations. The same party opposed the Liberation War in 1971 and disregarded the aspirations of the Bengali people. Now they are spreading various kinds of misleading propaganda.” Fakhrul also accused the interim government of deception and bad faith over the reform process through a referendum. “It was agreed that issues on which there was consensus would go to a referendum. But matters BNP did not agree with were included without informing us. Still, in the interest of the country, we accepted it. Yet we are questioned on whether we want reforms. The reforms the government is now talking about are what we have been advocating since 2022. We are even ready to sacrifice our lives for those reforms," he said. Highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, Fakhrul said the former president gave the people of Bangladesh a distinct identity. “There are many Bengalis, but Ziaur Rahman gave the Bengalis of this country a separate identity — ‘Bangladeshi’.” Coordinated bid underway to manipulate election results: Abbas He said the banner of democracy carried by Ziaur Rahman passed through Khaleda Zia and is now in the hands of Tarique Rahman. “As soon as Tarique Rahman sets foot on the soil of Bangladesh, he has said to the people, ‘I have a plan’. His goal is to build a new, democratic Bangladesh based on the ideals of Ziaur Rahman.” At the programme, BNP standing committee members paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman and called for building a new Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman’s leadership by upholding his ideals.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party is confident that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to conduct the upcoming national parliamentary election in a competent and credible manner. “The scrutiny of nomination papers always brings some issues — this is nothing new. So far, we have seen that the Election Commission is working more or less with competence,” he said while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Fakhrul said their party placed a few of its concerns before the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday. “We believe this Election Commission will be able to conduct the election with competence.” Asked whether all candidates are getting equal opportunities in the polls, the BNP Secretary General replied, “We have no such complaint.” Fakhrul along with BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed placed the wreath at Zia’s grave, marking his 90th Birth Anniversary. They later offered a munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia who were buried there on December 31 last year. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Nazim Uddin Alam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Mir Newaz Ali, Helen Zerin Khan, Shah Nesarul Haque and SM Jahangir were also present, along with leaders of different front organisations. Later, leaders of the BNP’s different associate bodies, including Metropolitan units, Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Chhatra Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal also placed wreaths at the grave. Fakhrul said they came to the grave of Zia, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, the architect of modern Bangladesh and promoter of multi-party democracy, to pay tribute to him, marking his 90th birth anniversary. “Beside him rests another extraordinary and indomitable leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, who dedicated her life to democracy, freedom and sovereignty of Bangladesh,” he said. Calling Zia “an immortal name in the politics of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said the late president introduced multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of press and judiciary and transformed the country’s economy from a ‘bottomless basket’ to a growing economy. “We remember him every year, and we pledge to move forward on the path he showed for establishing a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul accuses EC of ‘questionable acts’ in many cases Referring to the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said the election has been scheduled for 12 February. “After a student-public uprising forced fascist Hasina to flee, we are now taking a fresh oath to rebuild an economy devastated by misrule and to institutionalise democracy.” Through this oath, he said, the BNP and its all front and affiliated organisations are renewing their commitment to carrying forward and implementing the ideals of Ziaur Raham in Bangladesh.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) urged political leaders and people to remain united in safeguarding the gains of last year’s July mass uprising, saying the sacrifices of the young people who lost their lives must not go in vain. “Let us work together to consolidate the victory we achieved through the movement of July 2024,” he said while addressing the publication ceremony of four books written by prominent economist Professor Mahbub Ullah and his wife Umme Salma Alo. Fakhrul said the differences of opinion may exist among political parties, but those must not undermine the hopes and dreams of the nation. “The sacrifices of the young men who gave their lives must not go in vain — we must remain united to turn our dreams into reality.” The programme, organised at the Jatiya Press Club, also coincided with the 81st birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah. Read more: BNP worked to curb corruption, fake voter claims baseless: Nazrul Praising the noted economist, Fakhrul described Mahbub Ullah as one of the most respected intellectuals in the country. He said Mahbub Ullah has long been associated with BNP’s reform efforts, playing a key role in policy discussions and initiatives taken by Begum Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul recalled Mahbub Ullah’s contributions to the party’s political, constitutional and economic reform proposals, including those placed in 2016 as part of BNP’s Vision-2030 for Bangladesh. He said the main points of the BNP’s Vision-2030 emerged from the thoughts Mahbub Ullah. “He has a connection with BNP, and denying that would be denying the truth. Whenever Begum Khaleda Zia wanted to hold discussions on any matter in the country, she would call him,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique He also mentioned that Mahbub Ullah also played a key role in forming Oikayfront-led by BNP against Awami League’s authoritarian government before the 2018 national election. Fakhrul said the renowned economist always advocated for shaping the country into a democratic state, establishing an economy free from inequality, and ensuring that ordinary people enjoy their voting rights and other freedoms. “He has always been at the forefront of efforts to create a democratic and anti-authoritarian Bangladesh, and his contributions can never be denied. From the books of Prof Mahbub Ullah that I have read, the same message resonates — a vision of a truly democratic, equitable, and free Bangladesh. I want to thank him again today and wish him a very happy birthday,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul also mentioned that it is the birthday of another remarkable woman, Begum Rokeya, who played a pioneering role in awakening women in the country and across South Asia, as well as the birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah’s third daughter, and extended greetings to them. “I also hope that Mahbub Ullah will continue to guide and support Bangladesh’s politics and economy with his wisdom, scholarship, and experience,” he said. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (November 15) said his party will give top priority to resolving longstanding water-sharing disputes and stopping what he described as ‘Indian hegemony’ with Bangladesh. Talking to reporters after inspecting a rubber dam built on the Mahananda River in Chapainawabganj, Fakhrul said issues related to the Teesta and Farakka, fair water shares, and border killings will be among top priorities if their party is elected to power. Ensuring Bangladesh’s fair share of water and stopping border killings are priorities of BNP’s politics, he asserted. Read more: Global democracies push for fair election in Bangladesh: Khosru Fakhrul said India, as a neighbouring country, has every opportunity to maintain good relations with Bangladesh. “During the Liberation War in 1971, India stood by us. They should extend even greater cooperation now. But unfortunately, we have witnessed the opposite. The Modi government has put pressure on Bangladesh, taken everything, and given us nothing. That was the failure of the Awami League government,” he added. “The relations must be on the basis of equal footing. Our national interests must come first,” Fakhrul added. The BNP secretary general arrived in Chapainawabganj to join a mass rally organised as part of the ‘Save the Padma, Save the Country; Bangladesh First’ campaign. Read more: BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations amid grassroots unrest

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (10th November 2025) alleged that a vested group is conspiring to erase the spirit of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. “Those who had collaborated with the Pakistani army to kill freedom fighters and committing atrocities against women are now attempting to swallow the country,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting with freedom fighters and their descendants at the Thakurgaon District Freedom Fighters Complex. Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad district unit organised the event. Moyeen Khan calls for united efforts to build democratic Bangladesh “There is a growing attempt to promote a notion that the freedom fighters of 1971 made no contribution to the Liberation War or the nation, and that only those active in 2024 deserve credit for everything,” Fakhrul said. “Thousands of my brothers were martyred in 1971, countless people had to leave their homes and seek refuge in India and our mothers and sisters were subjected to atrocities and killings. Can we forget that?” he said in an emotion-choked voice. He said the conspirators who had supported the Pakistani army in 1971 are now trying to ‘swallow ‘the country, exploiting religious sentiments. “We cannot allow that. We must stand firm and uphold the spirit of our Liberation War,” he said. “I want to make one thing clear—delaying the election through the ongoing conspiracies means our destruction, the destruction of this country. An elected government is urgently needed,” he added. Fakhrul calls ‘all national crises’ staged dramas to mislead people Fakhrul also urged the interim government to announce the election schedule promptly and establish an elected government. He told the freedom fighters that Begum Khaleda Zia established the Ministry of Freedom Fighters and today freedom fighters and their families are receiving allowances. “It was Begum Khaleda Zia who initiated these benefits.” He urged all to avoid creating divisions saying, “We, Hindus and Muslims, are brothers here, united. No one should be allowed to divide us.” Investment, daily life stalled as nation awaits election: Khosru Thakurgaon District Unit Command Muktijoddha Sangsad convener Bir Muktijoddha Nur Karim and its central command council member Nayeem Jahangir, among others, spoke at the programme.

BNP on Sunday announced a 10-day programme to observe with due respect ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies. He said the observance of the day will begin on November 5 with a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and end on November 13. As part of the programmes, he said the party flag will be hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country on the morning of November 7, while senior BNP leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late president and party founder Ziaur Rahman at 10:00am. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach The BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units will also hold a rally the same day, starting from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party will bring out rallies on the same day. Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units across the country will organise various programmes, including discussions, cultural events, photo exhibitions, distribution of educational materials among orphan students, release of documentaries through electronic and print media, and on Facebook, YouTube, and online platforms. Supplements will also be published in newspapers across the country to mark the day with due respect. On November 12, the party will arrange a discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Salahuddin warns against politicising Islam Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975, jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. Speaking at the press conference, Fakhrul said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics. He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms. “That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution. We want to make this day memorable and move forward with the philosophy of November 7,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will not take responsibility for any part of the July Charter that was added after the party had formally signed it. “Our position is very clear. We will take responsibility for the parts of the July Charter that we signed. But we won’t take responsibility for what we didn’t sign,” he said while speaking at a rally of freedom fighters. Fakhrul, however, said his party still wants these issues to be resolved through discussions. He recalled that when the Charter was signed in front of Parliament amid rain, it was agreed that the points all political parties supported would be signed, and the points they disagreed on would be recorded as a ‘note of dissent’ in the Charter. “We signed the Charter with that understanding. But now, in the proposal sent to the Chief Adviser, they have completely ignored those notes of dissent and added some new issues. This is unfair and deceptive to the people,” the BNP leader said. Even after such deception by the National Consensus Commission, he said BNP acted responsibly. “We held a press conference to express our position. We didn’t take to the streets, lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s residence, or to the Election Commission.” Read more: BNP to create 1 crore jobs if voted to power: Khosru Fakhrul criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for what he said is taking to the streets and forming alliances with some parties to put pressure on the government to act as they wish. The pro-BNP platform Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the rally titled ‘The Upcoming National Parliament Election is Essential to Protect Freedom, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the upcoming National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. About the upcoming election, Fakhrul said it should be held in February 2026 as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. “Whether proportional representation (PR) will be introduced or not will be decided by the next parliament,” he said. The BNP leader also said his party agreed to a referendum although it was not necessary. “We agreed to hold the referendum on the same day as the election to save costs. Holding it separately would cost over Tk 1,000 crore.” He said their party proposed holding the election and the referendum on the same day with two ballots--one for the referendum and another for the election of parliament members. “But now they (Jamaat) are saying the referendum should be held first, and the election later. It is they who are talking about delaying the election, not us. We have always said the election should be held as soon as possible,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election When Jamaat and other parties talked about reforms after the mass uprising, he said BNP took it positively as the party had already presented a 31-point reform plan in 2022. “Our leaders have discussed it (310-point) across the country. Most of the points now included in the Charter are already part of our 31-point outline. So how can anyone say that we don’t want reforms?” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said it was wrong to claim that BNP does not support reforms. “We are in favour of reforms. But we want real reforms, not the kind of deceptive ones they are trying to push by misleading the public. We must make this clear before the people.” He said Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India, has been giving interviews to different media outlets there without showing any sign of remorse for her misdeeds and killing of people. “Not even once has she expressed any regret. When journalists asked her if she would apologise for her actions, she said, ‘No, we will not apologise.’ That same person, that same lady, is now spreading propaganda from India,” he said. He urged the Indian government to return Hasina to Bangladesh to face trial under Bangladeshi law. “We want to say clearly to the Indian government, please send her back to Bangladesh and ensure she faces trial under Bangladesh’s law. Do not always go against the people of Bangladesh. The people will not accept that.” Read more: BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, and discussed the country’s latest political situation and the upcoming election. The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, began at 10 am on Thursday and took place at Jacobson’s residence. Rizvi smells support from Jamaat shoring up govt BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid accompanied Fakhrul at the meeting. Speaking to reporters afterward, Shama Obaid said they had visited the US envoy’s residence for breakfast at her invitation. BNP, IAB agree on 10-point consensus for quick, credible polls “The new US Chargé d'Affaires is engaging with various political parties, and this meeting was part of those discussions,” she said. During the meeting, Shama said the country’s current political situation, economic conditions, and BNP's views on the upcoming election were discussed. “The US envoy tried to understand BNP's perspective on these issues.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stepped into 78 on Sunday, receiving birthday wishes from family, party colleagues and friends. Fakhrul was born on January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon. His father, the late Mirza Ruhul Amin, was a leader of the Muslim League and a minister in the Pakistan government. As in previous years, the BNP leader celebrated his birthday with a low-key affair, with only family members and party leaders and activists offering their greetings. Fakhrul began the day surrounded by his two daughters, Mirza Shamaruh and Mirza Safaruh, his wife Rahat Ara Begum and his grandchildren. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, senior party leaders, friends and well-wishers also called to wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’. Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Fakhrul said a birthday signifies another year passing by in his life. BNP’s Khosru seeks impartial interim govt for national election "In other years, my elder daughter would call from Australia, but this time, that didn’t happen this time. My elder daughter and her family arrived in Dhaka just a few days ago. So now, my entire family, including both my daughters, is here in Dhaka. My daughters wished ‘Happy Birthday’. Your sister-in-law (Rahat Ara) also wished me a Happy Birthday after waking up this morning," he said. Fakhrul said his grandchildren also wished him a ‘Happy Birthday’. "It’s a unique kind of joy. From the first hour of my birthday on January 26th, many friends, relatives and leaders called to wish me." He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called from London to greet him, followed by other senior leaders of the party. "The birthday reminded me that I’ve grown old...now I’m on the verge of departure from this world," the BNP leader said. Fakhrul expressed his belief that his dreams and hopes would be realised through the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. Those discovering 'Ziaism' have bad intentions: Amir Khosru “At this stage of life, I firmly believe that most of the political crises and challenges we face can be resolved, and Bangladesh will regain democracy. I hold onto that hope," he said. The BNP leader said his health condition is not good, but he is in good spirits as his entire family is together this time.  Asked about his feelings on his birthday, Fakhrul said, “I don’t actually celebrate my birthday... I’ve turned 77...you could say it’s a long journey. Over these 77 years, I’ve seen many changes, witnessed many events, encountered many people and been inspired. I’ve found the meaning of remaining alive.” “Now, it’s time to go... but my hope, my expectation, is only one: Bangladesh will move towards democracy, and it will regain democracy. For this democracy, the people of our country, and the millions of leaders and workers of BNP have sacrificed so much and endured immense repression during the fascist rule," he added. Fakhrul, who was involved in leftist politics during his student life, completed his graduation and post-graduation from Dhaka University’s Economics Department. Mirza Abbas warns of dire consequences over 1/11 accusations against BNP Later, he pursued a teaching career through the BCS examination. Fakhrul resigned from teaching in 1986 and formally entered politics. In 1988, he won the Thakurgaon Municipality election and became its chairman. In 1979, during Ziaur Rahman's government, Fakhrul served as the personal secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister SA Bari. In 1992, he became the president of Thakurgaon District BNP and gradually rose through the ranks, from a member of the party’s executive committee to ultimately becoming the party's secretary general. Before reaching the top leadership of BNP, he served as the first vice-president and later the president of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal for a long period. Fakhrul was appointed acting secretary general of BNP after the death of the party’s then-secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain in 2011. He was given full charge of the party’s secretary general position five years later, in 2016. He was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 with the BNP ticket in 2001 and appointed as a state minister. He was also elected MP from the Bogura-6 seat in the 11th parliamentary election but has not yet taken the oath, as BNP rejected the election results.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the interim government is failing to maintain neutrality in certain matters. “Yesterday (Wednesday), in an interview, I said if the interim government can’t remain impartial, a neutral government will be required during the election. There is a reason for making this statement. We observe that the interim government is unable to maintain neutrality on several issues,” he said while addressing a discussion on Thursday. He urged the interim government to carry out its responsibilities impartially and address the problems the country is currently facing. The Shaheed Asad Parishad organised the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 56th martyrdom anniversary of student leader Asaduzzaman Asad, who became a symbol of resistance during the mass uprising against the then Pakistani autocratic ruler Ayub Khan in 1969. Movement leaders shouldn’t join govt, BNP leader Alal says On January 20, 1969, Asad, a hero of the 1969 mass upsurge, was shot and killed by the Pakistani police during a protest rally near Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) against the atrocities inflicted on the people of East Pakistan. Fakhrul said the government should arrange the election as soon as possible after carrying out the necessary minimum reforms related to the election. “The government formed through that election will be responsible for fully implementing the commitments to the reforms and working to meet the public’s aspirations. We can’t allow the blood of Asad and Abu Sayed to be in vain. For this reason, we must unite and realise their (martyrs’) dreams. Let this be our pledge today,” he said. Fakhrul said countless people, including Asad in 1969 and Abu Sayed and many others in 2024, sacrificed their lives to establish a truly democratic state. “If we want to make this truly meaningful, what is needed is for us to unite on the minimum (reform) issues.” No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru He said BNP and other parties that have carried out a movement together against the fascist regime have placed a 31-point reform outline. “If any changes or additions are needed, they can come to the forefront and we should move forward with them.” The BNP leader claimed that his party is seeking the election not merely to gain power, but because he fears that evil forces may exploit the situation if the election is unnecessarily delayed. “From our experience, we know that if such an election is not held quickly and time is wasted, other forces begin to raise their heads. In that case, the people's demands will be completely ignored.” He said some people criticise him for advocating the prompt holding of the next national election. “The reason I say this, and have tried to say it repeatedly, is that we believe the people, who have been deprived of elections for 15 years, will have the opportunity to elect their representatives through the polls.” The BNP leader said he has been repeatedly saying that who comes to power is not significant, but the establishment of people's rights is crucial. Those who have fought for 15 years to ensure the rights of the people have high expectations from the current interim government, he added. "Naturally, after a student-led mass uprising, people's expectations have risen significantly. But sadly, the truth is that, given the current state of society, we still do not see any efforts to ensure that the expectations of the people of the country will be fulfilled," Fakhrul said. BNP, Khelafat Majlis agree on holding elections by 2025 He also said all political parties agree on the necessity of holding elections, as it is the gateway to the democratic system. The BNP leader said some people are arguing that the government should hold the election only after all reforms. “But should we wait four to five years or until the reforms are completed? People would be deprived of their voting rights for such a prolonged period,” he said. He alleged that the bureaucracy still operates in the same way as it did before, with no changes in the administration from the Secretariat to other government offices while education in universities has almost come to a halt, schools and colleges are not functioning properly and the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. "That is why we have said that the election needs to be held quickly. The party that comes to power will definitely be responsible for fulfilling the political commitments to the people," Fakhrul said.