United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said ahead of the upcoming national election, one of his party’s key responsibilities is to restore public trust, especially among the younger generation. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, he said, “With the upcoming national election scheduled for February, one of our key responsibilities is to ensure the trust of every voter in the country.” To that end, as a democratic political party, the BNP leader said the party is reaching out to people from all walks of life, especially to reflect the hopes and aspirations of today’s and tomorrow’s youth. “From the grassroots to the centre, the party is working to further strengthen its organisational structure. Through a united effort, we aim to ensure transparency and accountability in our politics,” he said. The BNP leader also mentioned that, based on various complaints, organisational action has already been taken against over 7,000 party members. The BNP leader said disciplinary measures, including expulsion and removal from positions, were enforced for charges such as corruption, extortion, and misconduct. Tarique calls for vigilance to prevent troubles during Puja “Amid widespread propaganda and misinformation, taking such decisions was not easy but given the reality, they were absolutely necessary. Discipline is not a weakness; rather, it is our strength. By holding our own members accountable, we have once again proven that BNP is sincere about integrity. We demand certain standards from those in power, and we hold ourselves to those very same standards,” he observed. Tarique said this was how they aimed to rebuild the trust of the people, especially the youth, who, he said, do not view politics merely as a game of power, but rather as a noble platform shaped by inclusive participation. He said that BNP has always modernised itself to meet the demands and challenges of the time and has prioritised direct connection and communication with the people. The BNP leader also noted that their policies are being shaped around a 31-point programme focused on commitments to education, healthcare, youth employment, climate change, and digital innovation. He said BNP is prioritising inclusivity by ensuring greater participation of women, young leaders, and professionals so that the nation can move forward and politics remains in the service of the people. World must act now to stop Israeli genocide against Palestinians: Tarique Tarique said they want BNP to be known as a symbol of service, justice, and competence — not of division or privilege. He said that Bangladesh is facing a unique set of challenges, and therefore, their actions need to be driven by fresh thinking. The BNP Acting Chairman, however, made it clear that they do not reject history — rather, they intend to move forward based on its foundation. Tarique recalled how the late President Ziaur Rahman reintroduced multi-party democracy and empowered the people, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia led an uncompromising struggle against authoritarianism to protect democratic rights. “We are now moving forward into a new era with their aspirations in mind, an era where honesty, youth leadership, and the ability to compete globally will be the key foundations of nation-building,” he said. Referring to the party’s legacy, he said that BNP is moving forward with discipline, vision, and a commitment to building a modern Bangladesh. “We know that the youth want real opportunities — not empty promises. The people want stability — not chaos. And the world wants to see Bangladesh as a credible and respected democratic state. We are firmly committed to fulfilling these expectations,” the BNP leader said. Tarique urged BNP leaders and activists to remain united, disciplined, and committed to public service. “Just as I trust each of you, you should trust me. Only then will the path of democracy shine brighter. Together, we will prove that it is indeed possible to build a Bangladesh with accountable governance, stable institutions, and a future that reflects the people’s aspirations, Insha’Allah,” he said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali on Sunday urged police forces to enhance their image by working positively for the people of the country. He also stressed the importance of gaining public trust by providing them with the lawful services they expect. The DMP commissioner said this while visiting the Grand Master Parade held at Rajarbagh Police Lines on Sunday. The GrandMaster Parade was organised in a vibrant and festive atmosphere to enhance the physical fitness and discipline of police officers and members. The DMP chief said, “The key objective of the Master Parade is to ensure discipline among officers and forces. Police is a disciplined force where there is no room for indiscipline or activities outside the law and regulations.” DMP bans rallies, processions in CJ’s residence, Judges Complex He instructed all officers to clean their respective workplaces once a week and to carry out their duties with utmost responsibility to further enhance the image of the police force for the welfare of the people. “By working together in unity, we can transform DMP into a more modern, dynamic, and trusted institution for the public,” he added. He also stressed the need for professionalism and dedication in every task, saying, “Every service rendered to the public must be done with sincerity and professional integrity. Any situation must be faced with strong morale. Keep your spirits high at all times and dedicate yourselves fully to public service in a neutral and impartial manner.”  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday directed the police force to grow as the last resort of the people who come to them seeking protection for their lives and dignity.   “In our country, the police will also have to acquire public confidence so the people think the force as their last resort in protecting their lives and dignity. The people can get their shelter,” she said, joining a function of Bangladesh Police through a videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban. In the function, the premier opened five projects of Bangladesh Police, including two newly constructed police stations –Padma Setu Uttar Thana and Padma Setu Dakkhin Thana—on the two sides of the much-desired Padma Bridge. PM Hasina also asked the police to stay vigilant against different social diseases and crimes to maintain a peaceful environment in the country. Noting that the police drive against militancy and terrorism has been a success, she said the drive should continue. She said police is playing a significant role to check drug abuse, cybercrimes, money laundering, spreading rumours, human trafficking and other offenses, which are very harmful to the people and the country. “You’ll have to stay vigilant always in this regard,” she said, asking them to pay special attention to prevent such crimes in the society. Referring to recent communal incidents the PM said the police played an excellent role in thwarting bid to destroy communal harmony, intercepted the perpetrators promptly and showed their excellent efficiency. READ: PM opens two police stations on both sides of Padma Bridge “We want peace in our country. If a peaceful situation prevails, we'll be able to make economic development,” she said. Talking about the global food crisis, she renewed her call not to leave a single inch of land uncultivated to attain food autarky in the country and prevent the brunt of the world economic meltdown. She said the prices of essentials and the inflation rate are on rise creating instability throughout the world. “So, we’ll have to remain alert,” she added. Among projects inaugurated today are 12 newly constructed district-level police hospitals, six women barracks for Bangladesh Police, the online GD (general diary) activities to reach the services to the doorstep of the people, and the distribution of 120 houses constructed in the second phase for homeless families. As part of the government's initiative to construct separate barracks for female members of Police in 64 districts, the six barracks have been constructed. With the newly constructed 120 abodes, the Police have so far provided a total of 520 houses for the homeless families. The two modern police stations were set up at Mawa side and Jajira side of the country's longest 6.15-km Padma Bridge in order to ensure security to the multipurpose rail-road bridge and its users alongside maintaining the law and order in the surrounding areas. The premier will open the iconic Padma Bridge on June 25 next. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of Public Security Division Md Akhter Hossain and Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed spoke at the function from Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital.   Besides, the participants including police members and beneficiaries attended it virtually from Rajarbagh Police Lines, Padma Bridge North Police Station in Munshiganj, KMP Women Barrack in Khulna, Mymensingh Police Hospital and Pirojpur Police Lines.

The Election Commission will do its best to remove the trust deficit about it for holding a credible national election, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said on Monday. “We want to hold elections remaining above all (sorts of biasness) by removing the crisis of trust,” the chief election commissioner said this at a dialogue with media personalities at the Nirbachan Bhaban here. Read: EC to hold polls with cooperation from all parties: CEC  Awal said they started talks with stakeholders as soon as they took over the charge of the Election Commission. “We’ll note your opinion and review it. The roadmap for the next 12th national election will be prepared taking opinion from of the dialogues,” he said. Senior journalists from different electronic media joined the dialogue on Monday as part of a series of such meetings to elicit opinion on how to hold a free and fair election in the country. Read: New CEC’s sweet words not a guarantee: BNP Earlier, the EC, constituted in February last, sat with educationists, civil society members and senior journalists from print media in three phases.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday asked the police personnel to gain public trust and confidence by developing themselves as the ‘force of people’.