United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan MP on Thursday called for stronger international cooperation, particularly in technology transfer and capacity building, to ensure inclusive development, lasting peace and justice for future generations. “We call for stronger international cooperation particularly in technology transfer, capacity building, and sharing of best practices from around the world,” he said while speaking at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul. Dr Moyeen Khan, who is leading the Bangladesh Delegation to the IPU Assembly, said no country can achieve these goals alone and stressed the need for global partnerships to expand affordable assistive technologies and effective social protection systems, according to a message received here from Istanbul on Friday. Addressing the session on the theme “Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations,” he said Bangladesh remains committed to inclusive social development, describing inclusion as the foundation of peace, stability and justice. “If we are serious about building a better future for the next generation, we must begin by empowering those who are most often left behind,” the BNP leader told the assembly. Highlighting Bangladesh’s democratic journey, he said the country was founded with the goals of democracy and economic welfare of the underprivileged, but its path has not been smooth. “We had repeated setbacks in our long struggle, but each time the resilient people of Bangladesh have risen in favour of democracy, human rights and good governance,” Dr Moyern said. He said inclusion requires systemic transformation, noting that efforts are underway to improve accessibility in education, healthcare and employment sectors. He emphasised the central role of parliament in this process through enacting inclusive laws, ensuring adequate budget allocation and maintaining effective oversight to guarantee accountability. The BNP leader also urged greater collaboration among countries to share best practices and strengthen institutional capacities. “The IPU provides a unique platform not only to exchange ideas but also to commit to practical and measurable actions that can transform the lives of millions,” he said. Looking ahead, he stressed the need to strengthen institutions, expand inclusive infrastructure and invest in human capital. “Inclusion is not charity—it is justice. And justice is the foundation of peace,” he said, adding that a society should be judged by how it empowers its most vulnerable citizens. He also underscored the importance of democratic values, saying democracy is about the rule of the majority with the consent of the minority. Concluding his speech, Dr Moyeen Khan called for peaceful coexistence and global harmony, expressing hope for a world marked by friendship and mutual respect among people.

BNP Standing Committee Member and newly elected MP from Narsingdi-2 Palash constituency, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, on Friday pledged to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to his party by the people over the next five years. Speaking to journalists after visiting his parents’ graves in his native Charnagardi village of Palash upazila before Friday prayers, he said the people of Bangladesh had exercised their right to vote correctly, choosing those who have consistently worked for the welfare and development of the country. “The people have given the responsibility of running the country to BNP, recognising the party’s past contributions to national development,” he said. Dr. Moyeen Khan added that under the leadership of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the party would steer the country towards development and establish Bangladesh in a respectable position globally. “We do politics for the people, not for power. Thursday’s election proved that the people of Bangladesh love BNP,” he said. He later congratulated party leaders and activists on their victory and pledged to work for the development of Palash. Dr. Moyeen Khan secured 92,352 votes, while his nearest rival, Amjad Hossain of Daripalla, received 55,161 votes. Jamaat alliance candidate Md. Golam Sarwar Tushar, contesting under the Shapla Koli symbol, received 19,236 votes.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan has proposed organising another long march to create public awareness about protecting the people of Bangladesh from the environmental disaster caused by lack of access to river water. He made the suggestion while addressing a memorial meeting organised to mark the first death anniversary of former International Farakka Committee Chairman Atiqur Rahman Salu on Thursday. Moyeen Khan criticises interim govt's stance on election reforms Speaking as chief guest, Dr. Moyeen said, “There are 54 common rivers to which we do not have due rights. If we cannot remedy this, a disaster will occur—disrupting the livelihood of one-third of the population.” He emphasised that a solution must be sought not only by Bangladesh but also by the 1.5 billion people in neighboring India, highlighting the friendship between the people of the two countries, which was proven during the Liberation War. The meeting, chaired by International Farakka Committee Chairman Syed Tipu Sultan and moderated by Coordinator Mostafa Kamal Majumdar, was also addressed by Jatiya Party (Jafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, International Farakka Committee Bangladesh President Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmad, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, BNP leader and former MP Zahiruddin Swapan, International Farakka Committee Bangladesh Vice President Dr. Nazma Ahmed, prominent businessman FK Md. Emdad Khan, and BFUJ General Secretary Quader Gani Chowdhury, among others. At the beginning of the program, a report was presented on the life and works of Atiqur Rahman Salu, followed by a prayer for the salvation of his soul. Resist resurgence of AL: Moyeen Khan Dr. Moyeen Khan praised Salu for his historic contributions, saying, "Atiqur Rahman Salu created history, but did we honour him while he was alive?" He recalled Salu's leadership in organizing the 'Second Farakka Long March' in Chilmari. Dr. Moyeen described Salu as a patriot, noting his call for the establishment of a democratic Bangladesh and his participation in the Kagmari Conference. He praised Salu for taking the initiative to prevent environmental harm and highlighted his efforts in advocating for the protection of river water. Dr. Moyeen also said that the aspiration of the people of Bangladesh is to have free elections every five years. He expressed concern that the new generation has not been able to experience this democratic right. "If given a choice between wealth and prosperity or freedom, the people will choose freedom first," he said. He emphasised the importance of unity, stating that it should be unity in diversity, not in the style of the BKSAL regime. He said that, while the nation has crossed one step toward democracy by removing tyranny, the second step is free elections, which would lead to the formation of a democratic government. Future reforms will follow today's changes: Dr Moyeen Khan He also mentioned that the responsibility of transitioning to democracy lies with the Interim Government, urging them to not fail in this duty. "We have three tools—politics, diplomacy, and information and communication technology—that we can use to establish democracy if we use them wisely," he added. Mostafa Jamal Haider recalled that Atiqur Rahman Salu was the first to speak of an independent democratic Bangladesh. He referenced a meeting held at Paltan Maidan on February 22, 1970, where Salu, along with leaders like Kazi Zafar, Dr. Mahbubullah, and Mostafa Jamal Haider, was sentenced under martial law for their speeches. Haider also called for the current IFC leadership to build a strong movement for the right to river water, just as Salu had done. Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmad highlighted Salu's continuous efforts for the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh until his death. He also discussed the environmental impact on the Sundarbans due to the withdrawal of Ganga water, urging national unity to present Bangladesh's viewpoint in a strong manner on this issue. Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, criticized the neglect of Bangladesh's demand for river water over the past 15-16 years, while India's demands have been consistently accepted. He lamented the concessions made to India, such as granting transit rights, while Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence have been compromised. He also mentioned the ongoing border killings and how Bangladesh's interests have been sacrificed to appease India. Zahiruddin Swapan recalled his political journey alongside Atiqur Rahman Salu, expressing confidence that Salu’s struggle for river water rights would ultimately be successful.