United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday. The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue. He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia. At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers. The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions. The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia. Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday described the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as “irreparable”, saying the nation would never be able to fill the void created by her death. “We never imagined that we would have to stand before you with this news. We were hopeful that just like before, she would recover once again. But we’re now devastated,” he said in an emotional voice during a briefing at the Evercare Hospital in the morning. Fakhrul further said, “As you have already heard, the head of the medical board Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, announced that at 6:00am today our Mother of Democracy, the guardian of the nation, left us. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. This grief, this loss, is unusual and irreparable. This nation will never be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda devoted her entire life to the rights and welfare of the people. Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “That leader, who dedicated her whole life to the rights and well-being of people, our leader Begum Khaleda Zia, is no longer with us. For us, her colleagues and political workers, this is something we cannot yet comprehend,” the BNP leader said. He said her death created a huge vacuum not only in Bangladesh’s politics but also in democratic movements worldwide. Emergency Standing Committee Meeting Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP Standing Committee would hold an emergency meeting at 12:30pm to finalise elaborate programmes. “We will also coordinate our programmes with those announced by the government and inform you accordingly,” he said. Earlier, Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment, formally announced that the BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am at the ICU of Evercare Hospital. Hope ex-PM Khaleda's vision, legacy will continue to guide our partnership: PM Modi During the briefing, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and members of the medical board were present. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition deteriorated on November 27, she was shifted to the CCU. She remained on life support until her final moments.  

Extending his deepest condolences, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has long embodied Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and stood as a steadfast champion of freedom. "With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of BNP, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and your beloved mother," he said in a message sent to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister have respectively sent a message of condolence to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain. Read more: Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Ambassador Yao said her leadership helped shape the nation’s history, and her resilience has inspired its people. "She is also a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose contributions left a lasting mark on our bilateral ties. The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect," he said. The Communist Party of China will continue to maintain its longstanding and friendly ties with the BNP under your leadership, said the Ambassador. "Please accept my sincerest condolences once again. May Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her contributions to Bangladesh and to China-Bangladesh relations be forever remembered," said the Ambassador. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) expressed profound sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her a towering figure in the country’s democratic movement. "With the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its most significant political guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death," said Prof Yunus in a condolence message. He said Khaleda Zia was not merely a political leader, but an inseparable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. “In recognition of her long struggle, historic contributions, and the deep sentiment of the people toward her, the government declared her a person of great national importance earlier this month,” he added. Chief Adviser calls Council of Advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The Chief Adviser said that her role in establishing democracy, nurturing a multiparty political culture and safeguarding people’s rights would be remembered with respect. He said through her firm and uncompromising leadership, the nation repeatedly found inspiration to overcome undemocratic conditions. "Her contributions to the country and its people will remain etched in national memory." Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and unwavering resolve consistently guided the nation toward welfare and democratic values, Prof Yunus said. "With her death, Bangladesh has lost an experienced, tested, and influential statesperson," he said. Prof Yunus recalled that Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and led the struggle to restore democracy during periods of authoritarian rule. Entering politics in 1982 following the assassination of her husband, former President, Army Chief, and heroic freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, she rose from a homemaker to a central figure in national politics. Her decisive leadership played a pivotal role in ending the nine-year autocratic rule of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, helping to restore democratic governance in the country. The Chief Adviser highlighted several of her landmark initiatives, noting that many of her policies carried the nation forward. In particular, the introduction of free education and stipend programs for girls is widely regarded as a milestone in advancing women’s education in Bangladesh. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away He said Begum Khaleda Zia’s political career was marked by notable electoral success, having been elected from multiple parliamentary constituencies between 1991 and 2001, and winning all seats she contested in the 2008 general election. Following her assumption of office in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the national economy through economic liberalization and reform-oriented policies, the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus described Begum Khaleda Zia as a powerful symbol of struggle and resistance during what he termed the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Her steadfast stance, he said, inspired the nation throughout a prolonged period of political adversity. He also stated that she became a victim of severe political vendetta due to her success and influence. “She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in what were widely viewed as false and fabricated cases and spent a prolonged period in incarceration,” he said. The Chief Adviser extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. On this day of irreparable national loss, he called upon citizens to remain calm and patient, and urged everyone to offer prayers and supplications for the departed leader from their respective positions. Read more: BNP announces 7-day mourning programme

BNP has announced a seven-day mourning programme following the death of its Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a media briefing on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country for a week starting Tuesday while party leaders and activists will wear black badges during the period. Chief Adviser calls, council  of advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The party will also open condolence books at all its offices including the central office at Nayapaltan and the chairperson’s office in Gulshan to allow people to pay their respects. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters that the programmes announced were preliminary and tmore programmes would be declared later. The BNP also said that decisions regarding Khaleda Zia’s janaza and burial would be announced in due course. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called BNP leaders to inform them that the Council of Advisers will discuss issues, including state honour and burial arrangements for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing at Evercare Hospital, Fakhrul said the Chief Adviser would place the matter before a meeting of the Council of Advisers scheduled for 10:00am. He said the decisions taken would later be coordinated with the government’s programmes. Fakhrul also said a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee would be held. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death “The mother of democracy and our national guardian left us at 6:00am. This loss is irreparable. The nation will not be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the welfare of the people and that her death has created a political vacuum in the country. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, 80, breathed her last at 6:00am on Tuesday (Dec 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. In a post shared on the social media platform Facebook on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025), the Jamaat Ameer prayed for Khaleda Zia. Khaleda Zia, former PM and Bangladesh's tallest leader, passes away In his message, the Jamaat Ameer said “May the Almighty Allah, gave mercy on BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, forgive her and accept her as a guest in His beloved Paradise. May Almighty Allah grant patience and steadfastness to her family, loved ones, Amen.” The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, according to AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary and head of its Online Activists Network. Read more: Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians

The long, turbulent and towering journey of Khaleda Zia — three-time former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — came to a solemn end on Tuesday morning at the age of 80. The chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday, according to AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary and head of its Online Activists Network. Khaleda Zia had been receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara residential area since November 23. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, and ailments affecting her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and eyes. She has been under medical care for these conditions for several years. Widow of slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia had long been woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s political drama — its rises, ruptures, hopes, and hostilities. Her final months were marked by an unrelenting battle against pneumonia, chronic lung infections and persistent cardiac complications. Even as her frail condition worsened, those close to her recall a woman who held on with the same resolve that once defined her political life. Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians For supporters, her passing marks the end of an era — a painful goodbye to a matriarch who shaped oppositional politics for decades. For others, it seals the chapter on a figure whose legacy will forever spark debate. But for Bangladesh, the departure of Khaleda Zia leaves behind a silence — one heavy with history, conf “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson,” Fakhrul said, his voice choked with emotion. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of a medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She had been nominated for three constituencies — Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7 — for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh politics. She was known for her firm commitment to democracy and her significant contributions to national politics and governance. She is survived by her eldest son Tarique Rahman, three granddaughters, and millions of supporters and admirers. Her long political career has left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political landscape and inspired generations. Khaleda had long been suffering from liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart and eye problems. Since her conditional release in 2020, she had been receiving regular treatment under a medical board led by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death In June 2022, she suffered a heart attack caused by a 95 percent blockage in her left artery. A stent was placed to remove the blockage. Doctors detected two more blocks, but they could not be removed due to her fragile health. On June 23, 2024, specialist doctors led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder implanted a pacemaker in her chest. During the Awami League government, her doctors repeatedly recommended sending her abroad after she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021. Despite the severity of her condition, she was not granted permission to travel, as the government cited legal complications relating to her convictions. On October 26, 2023, as her condition worsened, a group of US specialist doctors performed a TIPS procedure to stop water accumulation in her abdomen and chest and to prevent bleeding caused by liver complications. On August 6, 2024, a day after the fall of the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia was fully freed through an order from President Mohammed Shahabuddin, clearing the way for her overseas treatment. After a tearful reunion with her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at London’s Heathrow Airport — their first meeting in more than seven years — she was taken directly to the London Clinic. She received treatment there for 17 days under a medical board led by liver specialist Professor John Patrick Kennedy. After being discharged on January 25, she moved to Tarique Rahman’s residence, where she continued treatment under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Jennifer Cross. She celebrated Eid in London with her family for the first time in more than six years. On May 6, she returned home on a Qatari royal air ambulance, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, including Dr Zubaida Rahman. The return followed nearly four months of advanced treatment in London and drew a large and emotional public reception. Since her return, Khaleda had been under the care of a medical board and her personal physicians at her Gulshan residence. She was also hospitalised at Evercare on several occasions. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia led a simple early life before her marriage to General Ziaur Rahman, who would later become President of Bangladesh. She played a supportive role during the 1971 Liberation War. After Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, she entered politics. She became BNP Chairperson in 1984 and held the position for nearly four decades. She became a central figure in the movement against military ruler HM Ershad, earning wide respect for her steadfast and uncompromising commitment to democracy. Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. On 20 March 1991, She was sworn in as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history. She played a key role in reintroducing the parliamentary system of government, replacing the presidential system. The 12th constitutional amendment, which she piloted, was passed by the Jatiya Sangsad on 6 August 1991, and Khaleda Zia took oath under the new parliamentary system on 19 September 1991. During her first term (1991–1996), her government made significant progress in education, including introducing free and compulsory primary education, tuition-free schooling for girls up to class ten, stipends for female students, and the Food for Education program. Her administration also promoted nationwide tree plantation campaigns and initiated the construction of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge. On the regional front, Khaleda Zia revitalised the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by hosting a summit in Dhaka in 1993. However, her first term was also marked by political challenges. Opposition parties, including the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami, launched movements demanding a neutral caretaker government to oversee parliamentary elections, creating significant political unrest. Khaleda Zia was re-elected for a second consecutive term after BNP’s victory in the 6th Jatiya Sangsad elections on 15 February 1996, although all major opposition parties boycotted the polls. To address demands for a caretaker system, the 6th Jatiya Sangsad passed the 13th constitutional amendment. Khaleda subsequently handed over power to a caretaker government on 30 March 1996. In the elections held under Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman’s caretaker administration on 12 June 1996, the BNP was defeated by the Awami League. Between 1996 and 2001, she served as Leader of the Opposition. In the October 1, 2001 election, held under a neutral caretaker government, Khaleda Zia’s BNP-led alliance won a landslide victory, and she took office as Prime Minister for the third time on October 10. During her third term, her government oversaw a significant rise in export earnings and remittances from Bangladeshi workers abroad. The industrial and telecommunications sectors grew steadily, and foreign direct investment gradually increased. Her administration also took major steps to improve law and order, including launching Operation Clean Heart and creating the Rapid Action Battalion. There was a strong crackdown on Islamic extremist groups, including the JMB and HUJI. Her administration faced ongoing criticism over allegations of corruption and political unrest. Khaleda Zia held the unique record of winning from five constituencies in different elections and never personally losing any seat. Khaleda Zia left office on 28 October 2006. In the subsequent Ninth Jatiya Sangsad election on 29 December 2008, held under the two-year caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, her party won only 30 seats. During the caretaker government period in 2007–2008, several corruption cases were filed against her. On September 3, 2007, she was arrested on corruption charges and spent nearly a year in detention before her release on September 11, 2008. After a heavy defeat in the December 2008 election, she again became Leader of the Opposition. She continued her push for electoral reforms after the abolition of the caretaker system in 2011. Her political activities faced restrictions, including confinement to her house and office before the 2014 election, which BNP boycotted. In 2014, her Gulshan office was blocked by sand trucks for weeks, limiting her ability to protest. She remained in her office for 92 days. During this time, she could not even attend the funeral of her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, due to arrest warrants issued in graft cases. Her family members gradually moved abroad after 2008, leaving her largely isolated as she battled both legal and health challenges. On February 8, 2018, she was jailed after being sentenced in the Zia Orphanage Trust case. The High Court later extended her sentence to 10 years, and she was also convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust case. She was released on March 25, 2020, on humanitarian grounds during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was restricted to her home and barred from leaving the country. On August 6, 2024, Khaleda Zia was fully freed after President Mohammed Shahabuddin, exercising his authority under Article 49 of the Constitution, exempted her from all remaining sentences. She made her first public appearance in six years at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on November 21, 2024, and attended the same event again this year, just two days before being admitted to hospital. Khaleda Zia is remembered as an uncompromising champion of democracy. In 1986, when major political parties joined the election under military ruler Ershad, she boycotted it, refusing to legitimise an autocratic regime. Even when the army-backed government later tried to negotiate, offered her ways to return to power, and attempted to send her abroad, she firmly refused. She said Bangladesh was her only home and she would never leave her country or her people. Her resolve was also clear in 2017. Although she could have stayed in the UK as convictions in what she described as “false cases” loomed, she returned to Dhaka knowing she would likely be jailed. Six months later, she indeed went to prison. Such decisions defined her character — a leader who never compromised on principles, never surrendered to authoritarian pressure, and never abandoned her people. Khaleda Zia was an icon of unity, widely respected and accepted not only by the people but also by leaders across most political parties. Khaleda in critical condition, undergoing challenging treatment phase: Dr Zahid During times of national crisis, she brought people together and guided the nation through challenging periods. Her broad acceptance was evident when she was admitted to the hospital: leaders from numerous political parties visited to inquire about her condition, many publicly expressed concern, and offered prayers for her recovery. Social media was also flooded with messages and well-wishes, reflecting the deep respect and affection she commanded across the country. Her journey of life — from a private homemaker to a defining figure in national politics — reflects her unwavering dedication to public service, even though personal tragedy, political turbulence and prolonged imprisonment. Her legacy will continue to shape Bangladesh’s democratic history.  

The health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is being treated in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, has worsened and become extremely critical, members of her medical board said on Monday night (December 29, 2025). “Khaleda Zia’s condition is extremely critical. She is being kept on life support and is now receiving regular dialysis,” said her medical board member Dr Ziaul Haque. He said whenever the dialysis is stopped, her physical condition worsens significantly. “Due to her advanced age and multiple health complications, it is not possible to provide all treatments at the same time.” Another board member Dr Zafar Iqbal said Khaleda Zia’s condition could be described as “critically ill”. Read more: Nomination papers submitted on behalf of Khaleda in Feni-1 “We seek prayers from everyone. Some further tests have been advised, and decisions will be taken after the results are available. She remains under treatment in the CCU,” he said. Another physician of the medical board, wishing anonymity, said the doctors are making their best efforts, adding that the rest now depends on the will of Allah. “She is elderly, and many long-standing illnesses have resurfaced at this age. Some of these conditions could not be treated properly at the right time earlier. Recovery from multiple complications has become very difficult due to her age,” he said. The physician said the BNP chief’s condition fluctuates between slight improvement and deterioration. “She is under constant observation, and new tests are being conducted every day.” After his return from London last Thursday, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited Evercare Hospital to see his mother. Read more: Khaleda Zia integral to an important chapter in Bangladesh history: Prof Yunus He regularly visits her after completing his daily programmes and stayed beside her hospital bed for several hours before leaving late at night. Tarique went straight to Evercare Hospital after spending more than three hours at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan. In a brief address to party leaders and workers gathered outside the party office, he urged everyone to pray for his mother’s recovery. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital for more than a month. Her treatment is being conducted under the supervision of cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Following a medical board meeting on Saturday night, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said her condition remains complex and critical. “Her condition is extremely complex, and she is now going through a critical moment. If, by the grace of Almighty Allah and the tireless efforts of doctors, she can overcome this crisis, then we may see some positive outcome,” he said. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney, liver, lung, heart and eye problems. She had been receiving treatment for these conditions for years. While staying at her residence, she recently developed breathing difficulties, cough, fever and phy sical weakness. As her condition gradually worsened, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23.Following medical examinations, rapid deterioration of her lungs, heart and kidneys was detected, prompting doctors to move her to the CCU on November 27. Read more: Khaleda in critical condition, undergoing challenging treatment phase: Dr Zahid A medical board comprising 30 local and foreign specialist doctors has been formed to oversee her treatment. The board holds daily meetings and makes adjustments to her treatment plan as needed.

Nomination papers have been submitted on behalf of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia for the Feni-1 constituency (Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya) to contest the national election. Party leaders and activists submitted her nomination form to Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Monira Haque around 1:30pm on Monday. BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu, National Executive Committee member Abu Taleb, District BNP Convener Sheikh Farid Bahar, Alal Uddin Alal and leaders from different upazilas were present. People regained voting rights: Fakhrul Rafiqul Alam Majnu, convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP and election coordinator of the Feni-1 constituency, also submitted his nomination form as an alternative candidate due to Khaleda Zia’s illness. Abdul Awal Mintu said that an alternative candidate is kept for the seat. “The decision is taken as the party chairperson is ill and an alternative may be considered if she is unable to contest at the last moment,” he added. Though Khaleda Zia is not physically present in the field, campaigning is continuing in full swing. Party sources said Feni-1 has long been known as Khaleda Zia’s constituency. She has served as prime minister three times after being elected from this seat. Local and central party leaders have already distributed leaflets seeking votes for her. Earlier, on December 21, BNP leaders led by Abu Taleb collected the nomination form for Khaleda Zia. Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Professor Joynal Abedin submitted his nomination papers for Feni-2 constituency, Jamaat-nominated candidate SM Kamal Uddin for Feni-1, and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu for Feni-3. Actively contribute to nation-rebuilding: Tarique to BNP activists Besides, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju submitted his nomination for Feni-2, Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan and former Chhatra Shibir central president Dr Fakhruddin Manik for Feni-3, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan also submit their nomination papers. Feni District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque said a total of 45 aspirants collected nomination papers—13 for Feni-1, 16 for Feni-2 and 16 for Feni-3 constituencies. The submission of nomination papers continued until 5:00pm on Monday.