United News of Bangladesh

The condition of BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, now undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital, has improved further. “He (Abbas) is being treated in a cabin. His condition is better than before,” said BNP leader’s Assistant Private Secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel. He said Abbas is receiving therapy every day and remains under full care of doctors. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited him at the hospital on Thursday afternoon along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum. They stayed there for some time and enquired after Abbas’ health condition, Sohel said. He also said Fakhrul and BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan are currently in Singapore. Nazrul Islam Khan also visited Abbas at the hospital a few days ago, Sohel said. On March 15, Abbas was taken to Singapore General Hospital by an air ambulance from a hospital in Dhaka. Earlier, on March 11, he was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital after he suddenly lost consciousness at his Shahjahanpur residence during iftar in Ramadan. A medical board was formed under leading neurologists in the country, and following their decision, he underwent brain surgery. He was then shifted to Singapore within 72 hours for advanced treatment.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday voiced optimism that Bangladesh will become a democratic, happy, and prosperous country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “People across the country are very hopeful and have strong confidence in Tarique Rahman. Under his leadership, we believe that Bangladesh will surely become a democratic, happy, and prosperous country,” he said. Fakhrul, who is also the LGRD and Cooperatives Minister, made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the 56th Independence and National Day. He extended greetings to  people on behalf of BNP on the occasion of Independence Day. Fakhrul said this year’s Independence Day is being observed in a different context, recalling what he described as a long period of political struggle. “Despite repression and hardships, people continued their movement, and the July mass uprising created an opportunity to rebuild a democratic system,” Fakhrul said. He said Tarique Rahman, who led the party from abroad for years, is now working to rebuild the country with a fresh vision after forming the government. “He has already taken Bangladesh a long way forward under his leadership in just one month.” The BNP leader mentioned several initiatives taken by the government, including the introduction of family cards, allowances for imams and religious leaders, canal excavation programmes, and interest waivers for marginal farmers. At the beginning of his speech, Fakhrul paid deep respect to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, who, by declaring independence, inspired the people of Bangladesh to take part in the Liberation War. He said Ziaur Rahman led the patriotic armed forces alongside the people of Bangladesh through nine months of battle to secure the country’s independence. On behalf of BNP, Fakhrul also paid homage to all those who were martyred in the Liberation War, as well as those who suffered and were injured, during the war. He also remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her contributions to democracy and paid profound tribute to her. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the graves as head of government and later as BNP Chairman, accompanied by senior party leaders. They later joined a munajat seeking salvation for the departed souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, as well as for the wellbeing of the country and its people.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami over its role during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, saying the party must clarify its position on the country’s independence. “Jamaat leaders are currently making statements in television talk shows, online platforms and newspapers, but they should first explain their position during the country’s struggle for independence,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at Farabari High School ground in Thakurgaon. “Where were you in 1971? Whose side were you on?” the BNP leader asked. He also alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had assisted the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War and attempted to obstruct Bangladesh’s independence. There is no scope to forget about 1971 and just as the people would not forget 2024, when the country regained its democratic system, he added. The country achieved independence through the Liberation War and that history must never be erased, said the BNP leader. After 15 long years, the country now has a real opportunity to hold a fair, free and credible election, he said. Read More: Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul The interim government currently in charge and those who are elected through votes will form the government—that is their objective, he said. If people participate spontaneously and cast their votes, the election would become historic and widely acceptable, he hoped. Referring to his political future, Fakhrul said this might be his last election, and pledged to establish an airport and a medical college in Thakurgaon, if elected, along with creating employment opportunities to reduce unemployment. He also said the female voters of the district will be given training under the guidance of Tarique Rahman so that they can earn from home. “We must train our women and youth and create jobs by making them skilled and educated.”

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said his party would ensure the safety and security of Hindu community people  if it comes to power. “Some people are trying to divide Hindus and Muslims  but there is no scope for such division. We live together and will continue to do so,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks Friday afternoon during election campaign at Sholtihori Bazar in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Addressing a series of rallies and roadside meetings from afternoon to evening at Sholothori, 11 Mile, Bairagi, Paysafela, Munshirhat and Debipur in Sadar upazila, Fakhrul urged voters to support BNP in the upcoming national election. He said over the last 15 years ballots were cast the night before elections or taken away, depriving people of their voting rights. “Now an opportunity is coming. Our Hasina Apa has gone to India. It is good that she has left, but she has put those who supported her  in danger. We are saying that no innocent person will face any trouble. We are standing by them. Those who have done no wrong will not be punished,” Fakhrul said. He said Jamaat-e-Islami has never governed the country while BNP is a tested party. “Only BNP, with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, can deliver development. No one else can,” he said. He said BNP activists are  ‘soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia’ who have always stood by the people in times of distress. BNP awaits landslide victory; some parties don’t want election: Fakhrul Making voters alert ahead of the February 12 election,Fakhrul said, “One party asking for votes with Scales symbols. Have they ever formed a government? Have they done any work for you? They have not. We have governed before and worked for the people.” Emphasising communal harmony Fakhrul said he works with people of all religions—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—and wants to ensure equal security for everyone.

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