United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the Chief Adviser has violated the July National Charter through his outlines on the implementation of the charter in his speech to the nation. “The Chief Adviser himself signed the July Charter. In his speech, he violated the charter by including matters beyond the signed charter and adding new elements that were not mentioned in it,” he told UNB giving his initial reaction to Prof Yunus' address to the nation. “If we analyse his speech alongside the signed charter, we will see that he has grossly breached it.” the BNP leader added. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council,” he said. Later, speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence, Salahuddin said the interim government and the July National Consensus Commission have created the current political crisis by going beyond the signed July National Charter. He said the order issued by the government to implement the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) included ‘many new and personal ideas’ that were never part of the original signed charter. “We have already made it clear through our party’s press briefing that we will not agree to any matter imposed outside the signed July National Charter, and it will not be binding on the political parties that signed it,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that several issues have been forcefully added, and political parties were being asked to say ‘yes or no’ to matters not included in the signed charter. “Many of the provisions in the order issued today (Thursday) are new and reflect their (govt’s) personal preferences.” The BNP leader warned that such steps could lead to division instead of unity. “Some may be happy with this, but are we heading towards disunity in the nation? Are we creating divisions instead of harmony? Will the Chief Adviser take responsibility for that?” He said the party would review the Chief Adviser’s address to the nation in its forum and issue a formal reaction. Responding to a question about how the July Charter was violated, Salahuddin said the document was signed in a historic event witnessed by the entire nation. “The printed copies of the signed charter are available to all. Each section contains clear notes on proposals, consent, and notes of dissent from different parties.” “This was not a conventional note of dissent. It was specifically stated that if any party mentions its differing views in its election manifesto and wins the people’s mandate, it can implement those issues accordingly. Has that principle now been abandoned? If the Chief Adviser goes beyond his own signed document, it amounts to a breach of the charter,” he clarified. Referring to the proposed ‘Constitution Reform Council’, Salahuddin said the idea was never discussed or agreed upon in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the intention behind including such new ideas in the order without the consensus of the political parties. The BNP leader said the Election Commission, under the Constitution, is responsible for conducting parliamentary and presidential elections. “The MPs elected through that process will take oath as members of parliament — not as members of any Constitution Reform Council… Setting a timeframe, forming a council, and proposing constitutional reforms within 180 days are new ideas. Do they have the authority to do that?” Salahuddin asked. He questioned whether dictating the next parliament through such orders has any legal basis. “Is this not interference in the sovereign authority of parliament?” In Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, there is only one sovereign body — the National Parliament — as per the Constitution. “No court can interfere in discussions or proceedings inside parliament. So imposing such obligations would amount to interfering in the sovereignty of parliament.” Salahuddin also said the idea of forming a constituent assembly or a reform council was contradictory. “If there had been any national consensus to form such a council, the Constitution would first need to be amended to empower the Election Commission for that purpose. Are we back in the pre-independence situation where we need a constituent assembly again? Bangladesh already has a Constitution. These ideas are conflicting.” Replying to a question, he said both the government and the National Consensus Commission were responsible for the ongoing crisis. “They formed reform commissions first, then a National Consensus Commission. After nine months of discussions, the National Charter was prepared and signed. Why are you going beyond it now?” The BNP leader said the crisis began when the consensus commission, chaired by the Chief Adviser himself, made recommendations to the government going beyond the signed charter. “He signed it as the Chief Adviser and then made recommendations to himself.” He reiterated that BNP wants only the signed July Charter to be implemented. “The charter was prepared and signed based on consensus, including the Chief Adviser’s signature. Let’s just implement that.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday (8th November 2025) described Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a ‘self-declared president’ and Sheikh Hasina as a ‘fascist ruler inspired by Baksal ideology’. Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the city marking the November 7 ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day’, Salahuddin said the day symbolises the nation’s restoration of freedom and democracy. “After the Liberation War, November 7 was the most significant day in our national history. When all democratic avenues were blocked, the nation found a solution through bloodshed as it did during the July uprising,” he said. Defending his remark, the BNP leader said Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution in only 13 minutes to establish one-party rule under Baksal and declared himself president without any election. “Staying in power without election is the hallmark of Awami-style democracy. From Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina that has been their way. Democracy does not exist in their blood, in their ideology, or in their DNA,” he alleged. Citing the 1983 compilation of the documents of independence by poet Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Salahuddin claimed historical records show that the declaration of independence came through Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He said, “…on March 26, announced the country’s independence from Chittagong’s Sholoshahar area as the provisional chief of state.” Some political parties’ actions may endanger people’s rights, warns Tarique Referring to writings by Tajuddin Ahmad’s family members, he added, “Tajuddin went to Mujib that night with a tape recorder, but Sheikh Mujib refused to give any declaration. Yet, the April 10 proclamation states Mujib had ‘formally declared’ independence — how is that possible?” “The way Awami League manipulated the declaration issue shows that its politics is built on lies,” he said. Salahuddin, however, acknowledged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a national leader and credited his contribution during the Liberation War, saying his post-independence actions must also be part of the discussion. “The nation expected freedom, rights, and democracy from Sheikh Mujib, but he buried democracy with his own hands. Sheikh Hasina has done the same,” the BNP leader said. He said, “At least Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution before forming Baksal, but Sheikh Hasina has imposed fascism under the guise of democracy.” Turning to Awami League’s November 13 ‘lockdown’ programme, Salahuddin said BNP will resist it, adding, “Awami League has lost its sanity. If people really supported their calls, why were they driven out of the country on August 5 last year?” He claimed the ruling party called the lockdown centering the verdict in a case involving Sheikh Hasina. “If you have courage, come back to the country and face trial in court,” Salahuddin challenged. Read more: Constitution has no referendum provision, says Amir Khosru

Offering Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus the full liberty to find a way to implement the reform recommendations related to the Constitutional amendment, BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday warned that failure to hold the next national election within the announced February timeline could pose national and regional security threats. “Please find a fully implementable process. You have already taken opinions from many experts. If you feel any of their suggestions are appropriate and decide to implement them, you are at liberty …we will have no objection,” he told the Chief Adviser. Speaking at the National Consensus Building Commission meeting at the Foreign Service Academy, in the presence of the Chief Adviser, the BNP leader also urged Prof Yunus to seek opinions from the judiciary if he thinks it necessary. “We do not think that 15 out of 19 constitutional reform proposals are legally feasible for implementation in the current context. But if you take the initiative, consult the judiciary, or decide on another course of action, and invite us to discuss it, we will always cooperate,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, however, said reforms, justice and elections should not be seen as mutually interdependent. Consensus must; polls to be a grand festival: Prof Yunus “Reform will continue as reform is a continuous process. Justice can never be bound by a time limit...no matter which government is in power, the trial will go on,” he said. The BNP leader mentioned that their party leaders and workers have been the worst victims of injustice, enforced disappearances, killings, and repression during the rule of the Awami League. “So, holding the trials is our commitment and the nation’s commitment, and this will continue. But elections cannot be made conditional on these issues,” he said. Salahuddin warned that creating uncertainty over the election in February, as per the commitment of the Chief Adviser, will only serve fascist forces. “If we take any actions that give fascist forces an opportunity or indulgence, many believe it would become a national security threat. I think it could even become a regional security threat. Two regional powers and a global power could get involved. We do not want to take Bangladesh into that situation,” he said. Reaffirming BNP’s position, Salahuddin said the election must be held on schedule in February as directed by the Chief Adviser. National charter a document of political unity: Prof Riaz “There can be no conditions attached to it. We believe that through further efforts by the National Consensus Commission, and with the Chief Adviser’s personal initiative, a solution will be achieved,” he concluded. About reaching a national consensus on many issues, he said there are still several areas that need reform, which perhaps could not be fully traced due to time constraints. “Those issues need to be traced and addressed in the days to come.” The BNP leader said they received 826 proposals for reforms and submitted their party’s written opinions after discussions in the party forum. We disagreed on only 51 proposals, and placed different views over 115 proposals. He warned against the faulty implementation process saying the reforms will not sustain if it is challenged in the court in future. “It should take a proper time to make the implementation sustainable,” Salahuddin said. Referring to dissenting notes on some issues in the National July Charter, he said the ‘notes of dissent’ were registered on some of the 19 constitutional issues and the political parties should sign the charter with notes of dissent. The party which gets the public mandate (in the election) must implement the charter except the issues with their notes of dissent. Only July Charter can ensure fair election: Jamaat Over the question of authority to implement the constitutional reform issues by any other forum other than parliament, the BNP leader said the legal advice can be taken from the Supreme Court on this. “We can go there and take assistance (from the Supreme Court). “Beyond that, if there is anything, let us know—we agree. We are ready to sign the Charter,” he said. Calling for keeping up the anti-fascist unity and transforming it into strength, Salahuddin said compromise and more negotiations are necessary to find an implementation way. “If any path is found through dialogue, we will agree.” Noting that the final version of July Charter has some clerical mistakes and slight confusion. He said, “We will correct those—it is not major.” But since it is a national, political, and historic document, it must be flawless. Issues not discussed should not be included. The less the controversy, the better,” he said. Describing the July Charter as a national and historical document of political compromise, he said it must be flawless. Salahuddin said the Charter should be kept above the Constitution and should be made immune from judicial review. “No document can exist that cannot be questioned in court. Placing the Charter above the Constitution is unacceptable. Still, there are ways to give it legitimacy—such as seeking advice from the Appellate Division whether an Extra Constitutional or Special Constitutional Order can be issued,” he said. Rizvi warns of rising ‘dangerous forces’ endangering democracy National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Jamaat leader AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and National Citizen Party leader Akhter Hossen also spoke at the programme, conducted by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday alleged that those advocating for a proportional representation (PR) system and prioritising local government elections may have intentions to delay or obstruct the upcoming national election. “Those who are talking about a proportional election system have a motive. Those who want local government elections before the national election also have a motive. Either they want the election to be delayed, or they want no election at all in Bangladesh. This could be their intention,” he said. Salahuddin made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a commemorative publication and archive unveiling programme on martyred President Ziaur Rahman, organised by the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN) at the International Mother Language Institute Auditorium. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh are united in their demand for the national election to be held in early February next year. “All the democratic people of this country have not struggled for local government elections. We have fought for 17 years for a free, fair and neutral national election. We have lost countless lives to establish our right to vote,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee Member, said the sacrifice of blood made by martyrs during the student-led mass uprising reflects the desire for a truly democratic state in this country. “We will certainly be able to build that democratic state if a political government is established through a free and fair national election,” he added. He said a consensus proposal has been made through a joint statement to hold the national election in the week before Ramadan begins and in the first half of February 2026, following discussions in London between Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “It will only be effective when the Chief Adviser conveys the message and instructions to the Election Commission through the appropriate process in this regard…When the Chief Adviser’s Office, the Election Commission, or both together inform the nation, only then will we be truly assured that the election will be held at that time,” the BNP leader said. Opposing the Proportional Representation (PR) system, Salahuddin said it is not feasible in the Bangladesh context. “The PR system is not suitable for elections in Bangladesh. It is a complicated method,” he said. In a proportional representation system, the BNP leader said voters in a constituency will not know who their Member of Parliament will be, and they will not find a specific person to approach as their representative. BNP seeks polls timeline after Prof Yunus-CEC meeting: Rizvi “BNP rejected the idea of proportional representation a long time ago. This voting system has never been suitable for Bangladesh. We support the current system—one person, one vote—where voters elect their representative directly in each constituency,” he said. Salahuddin, however, said some may raise this as a political demand, and that is their right. “But there is no justification for imposing this demand on everyone.” Earlier in the day, addressing a grand rally organised by Islami Andolan Bangladesh at Suhrawardy Udyan, most Islamic party leaders, including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, said the people of the country will not accept any national election without the PR system. They also demanded that the local government election be held before the national one. Earlier speaking at the programme, Salahuddin raised questions about how consensus can be achieved through the ongoing discussion of the National Consensus Commission if the Commission wants its proposals to be accepted by all. The BNP leader said reforms are not a one-off event, but a continuous process. “What is the intention of the National Consensus Commission? If the intention is that everyone must accept the Commission’s proposal, then how can there be genuine consensus?” He said they are discussing the reform proposals and getting closer to a consensus. “We will adopt what is good for the nation. This is how we will move forward through this reform process and this reform will not end today as it is an ongoing process.” Salahuddin said the National Consensus Commission wants to carry out reforms in such a way that constitutional changes become permanent, preventing anyone from reversing them in the future. He, however, argued that the constitution is not like a sacred text or religious scripture. “Reforms should be flexible and able to be changed again after 10 or 20 years based on new demands from future generations.” Salahuddin said BNP is committed to carrying out constitutional, legal, and other reforms, as the party is the main proponent of the reform process. “We put forward our reform proposal one and a half years before the formation of the interim government. Our 31-point proposal has become a kind of political epic among the people of Bangladesh and within political circles,” he said. BNP’s ties with China strengthened through 'successful' visit: Fakhrul Salahuddin called upon the younger generation to follow the ideals of late President Ziaur Rahman, highlighting his life of honesty and dedication. Addressing the programme, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said it is unimaginable how Ziaur Rahman achieved so much and accomplished so many things within such a short span of his rule. “I think for all our political parties—those who will be in government in the future or in the opposition—Ziaur Rahman can serve as a good guide for them to follow,” he said. The adviser observed that Ziaur Rahman introduced the concept of Bangladesh nationalism, bringing together people from all communities to build an inclusive nation. At the beginning of the programme, a documentary on Ziaur Rahman was screened. Later, Salahuddin Ahmed inaugurated a commemorative publication compiled on the late President Ziaur Rahman, along with an internet archive dedicated to him.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned whose agenda Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is serving by repeatedly citing vague election timeframes—such as December or June—instead of providing a specific and concrete roadmap. “Why can't you settle down on one timeline? You are a world-famous and respected person. Such shifting won’t be well received nationally and internationally,” he said while addressing the National Representative Council 2025 of the Bhasani Anushari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Chief Adviser, during his last meeting with BNP, promised that his government’s activities would be carried out with the aim of holding the national election by December this year. He said their party also spoke to the Election Commission, which informed them it would be ready by June this year to conduct the election. The BNP leader urged the government to take prompt steps to establish a democratic government elected by the people’s vote. “Several thousand people were martyred for the restoration of the right to vote, democratic rights, and constitutional rights, ultimately achieving the return of elections. Fascism also collapsed through mass uprisings. Now, by denying that very election, whom are you trying to encourage, and which unconstitutional force is benefiting from it?” he said. Current Govt Unelected Salahuddin said whenever BNP demands the promised electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser to hold the national election by December various advisers make conflicting statements at different times to divert attention from the issue. He said the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed people want the interim government to remain in power for five years. BNP requests meeting with CA to dispel election confusion The BNP leader also referred to Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter’s remarks on Saturday, where she claimed that the interim government was 'elected' by the people through a mass uprising. "If that’s the case, then why does the country even have an Election Commission? A change in government through street movements may reflect public sentiment, but it cannot be a substitute for an elected government. You are undoubtedly unelected, and that will be reminded to you every day," he said, pointing at the current government.  Depoliticisation Salahuddin expressed frustration that not all democratic parties are speaking out in unison in favour of holding timely elections and restoring democracy promptly. “We have a wide range of experiences. Even those who orchestrated the 1/11 changeover remained in power for two years under various pretexts,” he recalled. Referring to the political shift in 2007, Salahuddin said the then Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin-led regime made significant efforts to depoliticise the country. “I’m not saying similar steps are visible at present. But we are like a burnt child that fears even the slightest sign of fire,” he said. Salahuddin said the one-point movement that launched against Sheikh Hasina regime was rooted in a deep desire to restore democratic and constitutional rights and to establish a fair and equal society. He clarified that the recent student uprising was not a social or economic revolution, but a democratic movement against fascism aimed at reclaiming the people’s rights. Salahuddin recalled Bhasani’s contributions to the country and to establishing the rights of working people. The BNP leader bemoaned that though Moulana Bhasani was one of the founders and key leaders of the Awami League, the party did not recognise his role and contributions. He welcomed the Bhasani Janashakti Party, a new political group formed by the Bhasani Anushari Parishad, which aims to build a fair and prosperous Bangladesh. “Another new force has joined the journey of democracy in Bangladesh. We hope they will play a positive role in favour of the country's democracy and the people,” Salahuddin said.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday urged the interim government to remain alert to ensure that no rift is created in the anti-fascist unity over the ‘July Declaration’. Talking to reporters after attending a meeting between the Chief Adviser and political parties and other forces at the Foreign Service Academy, the BNP leader said he raised the question at the meeting of whether a declaration for the July mass uprising was necessary after five and a half months had elapsed. Babar breaks down in tears at Ziaur Rahman’s grave “If any political document becomes a historical record, we will certainly respect it. But we have suggested including all concerned parties and taking their opinions into account when formulating such a document. We have requested the Chief Adviser and all relevant advisers to pay attention to this matter and take appropriate steps to ensure that no rift is created in national unity and no confusion arises among us,” the BNP leader said. He said it is now the biggest challenge for the nation to turn the national unity formed through the July-August mass uprising against fascism into a mass unity and nurture that unity within the country’s political culture and practice it. The BNP leader said the nation must maintain this unity and move forward by upholding it. “As part of our effort, we want to issue an inclusive political statement with all anti-fascist political parties. We must ensure that no fascist forces or their cohorts can sow the seeds of division within us." Salahuddin said he, on behalf of the BNP, attended the meeting and engaged in discussions in response to the Chief Adviser’s call. He said they provided their suggestions and thoughts on governance and various other matters they deemed necessary. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul In response to a question, Salahuddin Ahmed said discussions took place regarding the July mass uprising declaration, and the leaders of all political parties shared their views. “We questioned whether there was actually any need for the proclamation of the July mass uprising after five and a half months. If so, the political, historical, and legal significance of the declaration must be determined. We have to be alert so that no rift is created in anti-fascist unity over this declaration,” he said. Responding to another question, Salahuddin said, "We have given various suggestions regarding the preparation of political documents." Asked whether BNP had any objections to the declaration, Salahuddin avoided the question. Earlier, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said all political parties have reached a consensus about an inclusive “July Declaration” recognising the contributions of all parties and forces that participated in the recent mass uprising. BNP’s Salahuddin to join talks with interim govt over July Declaration  Briefing reporters after the meeting, he also said a work plan would be worked out soon regarding the formation of the July Declaration based on consensus.  Dr Asif said leaders of all political parties and forces involved in the July mass uprising, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefajat-e-Islam, Ganatantra Mancha, the Anti-Discrimination Movement, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yuns at the Foreign Service Academy.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed left for London on Friday. He took a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40 am, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said Salahuddin is travelling to London to meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss party matters. Protect country’s resources from ‘vulture eyes’: Tarique Sayrul also said Salahuddin’s daughter resides in London and he is expected to spend some time with her during his visit. Earlier, on November 30, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir travelled to London and returned on December 12. During his stay there, Fakhrul met Tarique Rahman, participated in various party events, and exchanged views with local journalists.

BNP on Thursday urged the government to bring back its Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed who was recently acquitted by the judge court in India's Shillong in a case filed against him over trespassing into the neighbouring country in 2015. "Salahuddin Ahmed is a prominent politician of Bangladesh. He has been forced to spend eight years in jail and under house arrest in India for no valid reasons,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also said it is the government's responsibility to bring him back as he was acquitted by the Indian court. "We call upon the government of Bangladesh to take steps for bringing back Salahuddin Ahmed to the country as a free man," Fakhrul said. He also sought the Indian government’s cooperation in this regard. “We want our beloved leader Salahuddin Ahmed back to us immediately.” Read more: BNP demands cancellation of power deal with Adani Fakhrul urged the Indian government to send Salahuddin Ahmed back to Bangladesh with dignity by ensuring his human rights. He also said Salahuddin is one of the victims of the repressive activities of the ‘fascist’ Awami League government. The BNP leader said Salahuddin has been forced to live in exile in India for 8 years facing a ‘false case’. “He was put on trial in an Indian court for illegally entering that country. Salahuddin Ahmed was acquitted by the judgment of the trial court and the appellate court. With his acquittal, Fakhrul said it has been proven that Salahuddin Ahmed has been subjected to endless torture and harassment by the ‘illegitimate’ government of Bangladesh. "We want him back now unconditionally." He also called upon the government to ensure BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s unconditional release so that she can be taken to any advanced centre abroad for her treatment. On February 28 last, the judge court in India's Shillong upheld a magistrate court’s verdict that acquitted BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed in a case filed against him over trespassing into India. Earlier on October 26, 2018, the court of the first class judicial magistrate, DG Kharshiing, acquitted Salahuddin Ahmed in the case and asked the state government to take necessary steps for his immediate repatriation.  After remaining missing for around two months, Salahuddin, a former state minister, was found in Shillong, the capital of the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya on May 11, 2015. He was arrested for entering India without any valid documents. A case was filed against him under the Foreigners Act. Later, Shillong police pressed charges against him in the case. However, BNP claimed that Salahuddin was picked up from a house in the city's Uttara area on March 10, 2015 allegedly by unidentified men who introduced themselves as detectives. END/UNB/ARJ/JA