United News of Bangladesh

A BNP delegation held a meeting with a visiting team from the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) on Thursday morning, focusing on the country’s evolving political situation, upcoming polls and reforms. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting. The other members of the BNP delegation were Organising Secretary Shama Obaed and Acting Chairperson's Adviser Mahadi Amin. The IRI delegation included Asia Pacific Director Stephen Cima, Deputy Director Matthew Carter and Senior Programme Manager Amitabh Ghosh. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Moyeen said the discussion covered the post-uprising political context in Bangladesh, ongoing reform initiatives and the BNP’s views on the future election. PR demand ‘suspicious, unrealistic’, says BNP’s Nazrul He said they presented the BNP’s strategic vision and plans to the IRI representatives. “The meeting was constructive…we explained how we view the current political transition in Bangladesh and shared our thoughts on democratic reforms and the upcoming election,” Dr Khan said. The IRI delegation is holding separate meetings with various political parties in Bangladesh as part of its ongoing engagements. On August 19, the same delegation held talks with senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at its central office. The IRI is a Washington-based organisation that supports democratic practices and institutions across the world through engagement with political parties, civil society and government bodies.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on a BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Tuesday. The meeting was held at around 11 am at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan political office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the Chinese envoy had a cordial discussion with the BNP leaders, following their recent visit to China. BNP hopeful of February polls: Fakhrul Apart from Fakhrul, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Begum Selima Rahman and the BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant ABM Abdus Sattar were present. Details of the discussion were not disclosed, but party sources said they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. On June 22, a high-level nine-member BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visited China for five days at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joined the second day dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Sunday morning. The Commission is holding a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. A five-member BNP, led by its Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, participated in the talks at 11:00am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The discussion is going on with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Jabiullah, former secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman and former Supreme Court Bar Association general secretary Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol are the other members of the BNP delegation. No need for movement against interim government: BNP’s Nazrul Earlier on Thursday, BNP attended the first day talks held from 10:35am to 4:45pm with a lunch break at the same venue. The National Consensus Commission began its dialogue process with political parties on March 20, aiming to build a shared position on key reform proposals initiated by the interim government. So far, it has held talks with 13 political parties. Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission is tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. In its initial phase, it compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback. BNP in talks for constitutional reform consensus: Salahuddin To date, 34 parties have responded. The Commission aims to complete its first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May, begin a second round in the second week of May, and reach a national consensus by mid-July.

BNP on Thursday told the Consensus Commission that the party is not against reforms but wants to utilise the opportunity that has been created for reforms. “We have another opportunity before us, and we want to seize it. We are cooperating with this commission and this government with that expectation (in mind),” he said BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan. The BNP leader made the remarks at his opening speech at the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The Consensus Commission is holding talks as part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. A BNP delegation joined the talks that started at 10:35am with Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Pointing at the BNP's 31-point reform agenda Nazrul Islam Khan said even if there would be no reform charter by the National Consensus Commission, BNP has its own charter and that is the charter for reform. BNP delegation joins talks with Consensus Commission “So, we are in favour of it (reform). We would like to say only one thing that the people are at the root of everything. Everything should be done with the consent of the people. And we know through whom the people give their consent,” he said. Focusing on different reform programmes and initiatives taken by BNP and the past BNP governments, Nazrul Islam said they told the Chief Adviser on Wednesday that no political party in Bangladesh has carried out more reforms than BNP. “So, BNP is not against reform — it is a reform-oriented party,” he said. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was among the members of the BNP delegation. Earlier in the day, a BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and expressed its dissatisfaction about the outcomes of the meeting as the Chief Adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 11 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals. Jamaat wants Dr Yunus' election promise fulfilled In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build a national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.  

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joined the ongoing dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Thursday morning. The Commission is holding a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. A BNP delegation participated in the session that began at 10:35am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  The discussion is going on  with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Nazrul Islam Khan were among those representing the party. Gonoforum, Jamiat-e-Ulemaey Islam submit reform opinions to Consensus Commission Earlier, on April 16, a BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and voiced dissatisfaction over the meeting's outcome, particularly the absence of a specific election timeline. “We are not happy at all. We clearly stated that if the election is not held by December, the country’s political and social situation will worsen and become increasingly difficult to manage,” Mirza Fakhrul told reporters after the meeting. The National Consensus Commission began its dialogue process with political parties on March 20, aiming to build a shared position on key reform proposals initiated by the interim government.  So far, it has held talks with 11 political parties. Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission is tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. In its initial phase, it compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback.  Consensus Commission resumes talks with parties on reforms Saturday To date, 34 parties have responded. The Commission aims to complete its first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May, begin a second round in the second week of May, and reach a national consensus by mid-July.

A seven-member BNP delegation led by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is holding a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to press for a specific roadmap to hold the national election by December this year. The meeting began at the state guest house Jamuna at 12:10pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The delegation also included BNP Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan,Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Chowdury. Earlier, on Tuesday night, BNP standing committee members, led by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, met to discuss the party's stance on the election and potential talking points for the meeting. Talking to UNB, BNP senior leaders said they will deliver a ‘strong message’ that they will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. The party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty. Fakhrul hopes election uncertainty to be resolved through dialogue, unity They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December. BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring. They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters. If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year. Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings. BNP’s Salahuddin questions Dr Yunus’ motive behind vague election timelines The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month.

A four-member BNP delegation is set to travel to China in early November at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The delegation will participate in a programmme scheduled to be held in Beijing from November 7 to 16, said BNP Organising Secretary Anindya Islam Amit. The delegation comprises BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Organising Secretary Anindya Islam Amit, and Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Joint Secretary Mahmuda Habiba. A letter signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said an event titled "Political Party Plus" Cooperation will be held in China’s capital Beijing with representatives from Southeast and South Asian countries. It also said the Communist Party of China has invited BNP and other political leaders from around the world to take part in the event.

A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, had a closed-door meeting with visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Afreen Akhter, on Saturday. The hour-long meeting that began at 3pm was held at the Westin Hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas was also present at the meeting. After the meeting, a post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka said, “We welcomed a fruitful discussion with BNP’s Secretary General about the current political landscape in Bangladesh and the thousands of opposition members in prison. Looking forward to continued engagement.” It also said engaging in constructive dialogue is key to understanding different perspectives and finding common ground. The embassy also shared a photo of the meeting. Read more: Bangladesh wants to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN by its next Summit in October The other member of the BNP delegation includes party Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid. Talking to reporters about the meeting, Amir Khosru said they joined the meeting at the invitation of the US and talked about various issues. “That's all I can say... I don't have anything more to say." Asked what they discussed at the meeting, he parried the questions saying he is not willing to say anything about it. Replying to another question about whether they talked about the last national election in Bangladesh, he also preferred to remain tight-lipped, saying he had nothing to say. No one from the US side briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting. Read more: Story of Bangladesh’s economic growth, development an inspiration for many countries: World Bank MD This was the first meeting of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khusro with foreigners after being released from prison. Fakhrul and Khosru were arrested in connection with the violence on the streets ahead of the 12th National Assembly elections centring the party's grand rally in the capital on October 28. They were recently released on bail after spending three and a half months in jail. Meanwhile, a three-member high-level US delegation arrived in Dhaka on a three-day visit on Saturday morning to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to "strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region." Their visit will also include meetings with youth activists and civil society leaders, labour organizers, and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media, said the US Embassy. After the January 7 election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties." Read more: US to work with Bangladesh to ‘enhance economic investment’ in next 50 years and beyond

A two-member BNP delegation is going to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner's office to try to end the impasse over the party's  December 10 rally in Dhaka. BNP vice chairman Dr AZM Zahid Hossain and law affairs secretary Kayser Kamal will go to DMP office at 2pm to finalise the venue for the rally on Saturday. Read more: ​​​​​​​BNP to hold press conference this afternoon BNP sources said their party is now thinking of holding the rally at Dhalpur ground while the government is willing to permit holding it at Mirpur Bangla College. The delegation will talk to the DMP Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq seeking permission to hold the rally at Dhalpur ground or any other ground in Dhaka south city. To decide their next course of action regarding the detention of two top leaders of the party by detectives, the leaders of the BNP standing committee have sat for an online meeting that started at 11:40am. Meanwhile, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, the most senior member of the BNP's standing committee, will address a conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office at 3pm, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a BNP media cell member. Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Mirza Abbas picked up by detectives: BNP BNP in the early hours on Friday claimed that plainclothes police picked up its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas from their homes in separate raids in the capital city. Earlier on Thursday night, a BNP delegation had a six-hour meeting with the DMP commissioner where they talked about holding the rally on Saturday (December 10) either at Kamalapur Stadium or Mirpur Bangla College ground. Later, Abbas with some BNP leaders visited the two venues. At that meeting, police authorities assured of reopening the BNP office at Nayapaltan. On Wednesday, a Swechchasebak Dal leader was killed and around 50 others were injured in a clash between police and the BNP activists in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office ahead of its December 10 rally. Read more: Police control of BNP office at Nayapaltan continues amid mounting tension Following the clash, police raided the BNP office and arrested around 300 party leaders and activists from there. With only 24 hours left of the Dhaka rally on December 10, it becomes totally uncertain to hold the rally at the designated timeframe as the venue has not finalised yet as well as the detention of the party's two top leaders.

A BNP delegation on Wednesday met Rory Mungoven, the head of UN Human Rights Commission's (OHCHR) Asia-Pacific section, at a city hotel and discussed the country’s human rights situation. The four-member BNP delegation, led by the party’s human rights affairs secretary Advocate Asaduzzaman Asad, had around an hour-long meeting starting at 1:30pm with Mungoven at Hotel Intercontinental. The other members of the delegation are Shyama Obaid, Tabith Awal and Barrister Abrar Ilias. Read:BNP renews call for Khaleda’s unconditional release Taking to reporters after the meeting, Asad said they talked about the human rights situation in Bangladesh at the meeting. “We have explained the human rights situation in Bangladesh and talked about different incidents of human rights violation that were reported in the media,” he said. Asked whether Mungoven made any comment about the human right situation in Bangladesh, he said, “He heard our speeches, but didn’t give any feedback. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights may talk about it during her press conference today (Wednesday).” Shyama Obaid said they talked about the overall human rights situation of the country. “We met Mungoven and gave our observations about the human rights condition. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet did not meet any politician in Bangladesh, we met her team member Mungoven,” he said. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet arrived in Dhaka on August 14 on a four-day visit as Bangladesh looks forward to having a "constructive dialogue" with her for the promotion and protection of human rights.