United News of Bangladesh

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly. “I would like to thank Professor Dr Yunus from this programme as he has instructed the Election Commission to complete all the work by December. This is a very positive matter,” he said while speaking at a discussion. “We hope that the Election Commission will complete this work very quickly and create an environment for the election,” the BNP leader added. He said their party wants the Election Commission to work in such a way that it can present the nation with a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election. “We hope they will work in that way.” The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club." Expressing strong optimism, Fakhrul dismissed concerns raised by some quarters about whether the election will be held on time. “Why wouldn’t the election be held? The people of this country want the election. They have sacrificed their lives for the election. They want a parliament with elected representatives,” he said. Fakhrul said that attempts have been made by a certain quarter to label BNP as a party that opposes reforms, but in reality, it is the BNP that has introduced all major reforms in Bangladesh. “Reform is in our blood and DNA. We were born through reforms. So, it is unfair to say that BNP is against reforms….Nothing could be a greater distortion of the truth than claiming BNP is obstructing reforms,” he said. The BNP leader, however, said that is the people who will ultimately decide on reforms. “Why should we expect everything from this interim government?” Speaking about the July Charter, Fakhrul said BNP had earlier shared their opinions on it and finalised their formal response on Wednesday night after receiving a draft on it from the government. “So, where is the problem?” Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said political parties may have different opinions, but they should stay united in the interest of the nation and democracy. BNP will always stand by footballer Rituparna Chakma’s family: Rizvi He also urged political parties to use careful and respectful language while speaking or criticising their opponents, so that people do not get the wrong message about the unity among anti-fascist forces. The Jamaat leader called upon all pro-democratic parties to stay alert, warning that any disunity among them could help fascist forces to rise. Describing journalists as the barometer of civilisation, he requested the media to play a more responsible role by practising fair and objective journalism. Parwar alleged that some media outlets are spreading false and misleading information about Jamaat, BNP and other parties to create division among the democratic forces. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid said he is concerned about the future of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as there has been no change in the mindset and attitude of the young leaders who played a role in ousting the autocratic and fascist regime of Awami League.  He urged young leaders to show more restraint and patience, and to avoid arrogance in their actions and words. "You should remain alert so that your words and actions do not reflect the mindset of fascists and autocrats." Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said there has been no major progress in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission regarding reform proposals. However, he praised the Chief Adviser for instructing law enforcers to complete all preparations by December for the election. Manna said the election should be held as soon as possible, warning that any delay may push the country into a dark future. “The mass uprising will succeed when democracy is restored in the country through a fair and credible national election,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. “It’s unfortunate that democracy has rarely been practised in Bangladesh. Perhaps this stems from the legacy of Pakistan politics…..We saw democracy being practised only for a short time, and then we went far away from this practice again,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of a national debate competition titled ‘Civil Discourse National 2025’, organised by The Bangladesh Dialogue and Dhaka College Debating Society at Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy in the capital. He said BNP believes in liberal democracy where freedom of speech must be guaranteed. “We believe in liberal democracy. We believe I must have the freedom to speak. And you (dissidents) must have the freedom to speak. That is the essence of a functioning democracy,” he said. BNP won’t tolerate extortionists, grabber: Rizvi The BNP Secretary General stressed the need for ensuring the space for dissenting voices to strengthen a democratic state system. “It’s not about suppressing dissent; rather, we must create room for it. Even if someone disagrees with me, I must do everything to protect their right to express that opinion,” he added. Fakhrul expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh, saying, “I’m hopeful that better days will come for Bangladesh. One day, we will proudly stand tall as a nation.” Expressing satisfaction with the activities of today’s youths, he said  “Many say nothing will change. But our youths have already surpassed us. I am now very hopeful that change will come. There will be debates, disagreements — and we must defend each other's right to disagree. Even if I don't agree with someone, I’ll risk my life to defend their right to express their view. That is what we believe in.” Referring to a word ‘honourable’ used during the debate earlier, Fakhrul said he has an objection to one thing in the debate. “Do we really need to use the word ‘honourable’ before saying ‘Prime Minister’ or ‘Speaker’? I believe the excessive use of such terms breeds authoritarianism.” In the event, BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Committee member Israfil Khossru, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Rasheda Imam and Dhaka College Principal Prof AKM Elias were, among others, present.

A nine-member high-level delegation of the BNP, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, left Dhaka for China on Sunday night on a five-day visit at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). They departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Beijing around 10:14 pm on a flight of Air China, said Mirza Fakhrul's personal assistant Yunus Ali. The eight other BNP delegation members are BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Begum Selima Rahman, Chairperson's Advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, Professor Sukomal Barua, party's media cell convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel and BNP Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar. BNP vows to rebuild education, curb brain drain Yunus said the CPC has given a formal invitation for the visit, which is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and sharing party-level experiences. He said the BNP delegation is expected to leave China on the night of June 27 and return home in the early hours of June 28. Earlier, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday evening at the invitation of China’s acting ambassador to Dhaka ahead of the trip. Party insiders said the visit underscores BNP’s intention to deepen relations with China, which remains a key development partner for Bangladesh. They believe the visit may play a crucial role in bolstering diplomatic engagement with Beijing, especially in the context of a possible future political transition in Bangladesh. The BNP is increasingly viewed by stakeholders as a 'government in waiting', given the present political context of Bangladesh. That wait is expected to last till the next election. BNP leaders also view the trip as part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to build and maintain relationships across the political spectrum in Bangladesh. Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5 last year, China has intensified diplomatic engagement with various political parties in the country, including the BNP, newly-formed NCP and even a number of Islamist parties. On February 24, a 21-member ‘unique’ delegation consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, visited China for an 11-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman removed uncertainty and brought a new hope through a fruitful consensus to hold the next national election before Ramadan. "The fruitful consensus reached in this meeting on holding the national election before the upcoming Ramadan has dispelled uncertainty and brought a message of relief and new hope for the people of the country," he said in a statement. The BNP leader said the meeting --held in London in a very cordial atmosphere --ensured Bangladesh’s victory. “We sincerely thank Prof Muhammad Yunus for determining a logical timeframe for the election by stepping away from the previously announced unfavourable April timeline, connecting the expectations and achievements of the entire Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Stating that the Chief Adviser has made a timely decision realising the aspirations of people, Fakhrul said it was a move worthy of appreciation. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Holding the principle of 'Bangladesh first' in his heart, the BNP leader said Tarique has proven, as always, that his highest priority is the country's interests, sovereignty and stability. “He (Tarique) has demonstrated a sense of responsibility by making concessions in response to the needs of the time. In the journey to establish democracy, he is not only a leader of the highest power on the streets, but also equally skilled and visionary at the dialogue table and in constructive engagement," he said. By gifting the Chief Adviser two books titled 'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' and 'Nature Matters: Vital Poems from the Global Majority' and a pen, the BNP leader said Tarique ushered in a new trend of political courtesy and knowledge-based state thinking. “We believe this cordial understanding between the head of the largest political party and the Chief Adviser of the interim government will lead to a victory for democracy, for Bangladesh, and for the people,” Fakhrul said. “We believe that through this harmony and consensus between the largest political party and the head of the interim government, democracy will lead to a victory for democracy, Bangladesh and its people,” he observed. The BNP leader said the expectation now is that the interim government will begin all-out preparations to hold elections before next Ramadan, keeping its stated position intact. Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul The high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly one and a half hours of discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm, Bangladesh time, on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. It was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned.

Warning of a plot to deprive people of their right to vote, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will once again take to the streets if the interests of the party and people are jeopardised. “We are not on the streets right now. We are going to people with iftar items and Eid gifts, standing by them in both their joy and sorrow. But, if any obstacle arises in the interests of the party and people, we, the BNP, will take to the streets once again,” he said while distributing Eid gifts among the poor in Beraid area of Badda. On behalf of Tarique Rahman, the Dhaka North City unit of the BNP organised the programme ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Fakhrul called upon the people of the country to prepare for a movement, as a plot, both from within and outside the country, is underway to deprive people of their right to vote and delay the elections. “We will not allow this to happen.” He said over the past 15 years, their party leaders and activists have endured serious repression in their fight for the restoration of people's voting rights. Interim govt echoing Hasina’s rhetoric: Amir Khosru The BNP leader also mentioned that the people of the country became freed from Sheikh Hasina’s "monstrous and fascist" regime on August 6 after 36 days of movement and the united efforts of political parties and students. He said the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, was formed with the primary responsibility of holding a national election by creating a level playing field in a short time. “But whenever we discuss the elections, many claim that the BNP only raises the issue of elections. It is natural for us to do so, as we have fought all our struggles for that very cause,” he observed.

Although the party has been assured that the election will be held by December this year, BNP policymakers have decided to continue escalating pressure on the interim government to present  a clear election roadmap and ensure that no local body elections are held before the national one. Talking to UNB, some party policymakers expressed concerns that certain quarters may attempt to create obstacles to the national election in various ways, potentially exerting pressure on the government to hold the local body elections first. As part of the party’s strategy, they said BNP will hold public rallies in 67 organisational districts across the country, starting tomorrow (Wednesday), to demonstrate its popularity and organisational strength. In light of the current political situation, the BNP leaders said they have already instructed their leaders and activists to remain alert and ensure massive public participation in all rallies, demanding a prompt election and protesting public suffering. Govt working to arrange polls by December: Fakhrul Besides, they said, their party will now focus on election preparations, including, first and foremost, the selection of suitable candidates. Before launching their nationwide rally programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with two other senior leaders, met Professor Muhammad Yunus to inform him of the party's stance and views on the upcoming election. Following the meeting, BNP Standing Committee members convened and held an extensive discussion on the outcome of their one-and-a-half-hour talks with the Chief Adviser. A BNP Standing Committee member, speaking anonymously, said the interim government assured them that the election would be held by December next. “However, our concerns about the election have not yet been alleviated, as there are still several visible signs indicating a potential delay.” He said BNP wants the government to keep its commitment by promptly announcing an election roadmap. “So, we have decided to maintain our pressure on the government in various ways, including through street programmes, until a clear election roadmap is presented.” The BNP leader also said student leaders involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement and Jamaat-e-Islami are trying to delay the election, exerting pressure on the government to conduct local body polls before the national election. “But we will not accept any election before the national one. We will thwart any attempt to delay the national election,” he said. BNP delegation sits with Chief Adviser The BNP leader said their party will hold rallies in all districts between February 12-25 to stage a massive show of strength and garner public support for their position on promptly arranging the national election. Another BNP Standing Committee member said there is no alternative to an election to resolve the ongoing crisis. “It seems the government has come to realise this truth. However, a certain party and group are trying to unsettle the government by opposing the national election before the local body polls. BNP will offer all-out support and cooperation to ensure that the government is not swayed by any external pressure.” “We will ensure the participation of a large number of people in all our rallies to give the government confidence that the majority of the country’s population is behind it in holding the election as early as possible,” he said. The BNP leader also revealed that their party has started its election preparations with December in mind. Having already announced its intention to form a national government if it wins the next election, he said BNP has begun initial discussions on how to allocate seats with like-minded parties that have supported them in the anti-fascist movement. At the same time, he said their party has started talks on selecting suitable BNP candidates for the election. “Basically, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is overseeing this matter. He is determined not to nominate any controversial candidates in the next election. Therefore, we will prioritise candidates with a clean image,” the BNP policymaker said. Election Roadmap: BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus Monday BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the Chief Adviser assured their party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the election would be held by December. “We want to trust this assurance. However, we will remain vigilant and closely monitor the government's activities,” he said. The BNP leader said they wanted the election to be held by July-August, but the government indicated that it would not be possible to complete preparations by that that time.  “We are giving the government until December to arrange the election. We hope they will keep their promise and announce an election roadmap very soon,” he said. Mosharraf said once the election roadmap is announced, the people of the country will rise up to thwart any efforts to derail the process. “Thus, the government must focus on holding the national election as soon as possible.” When asked about the party's ongoing nationwide rallies, he said BNP will continue to hold these rallies to press for various demands, alongside the prompt holding of the national election. In response to a question, Mosharraf said BNP may share seats with other parties, as in previous elections. Another BNP Standing Committee member, Mirza Abbas, said an evil force is attempting to delay the election under various pretexts, including holding local body polls before the national election. “We have fought for 17 years on the streets for a credible national election, not for local body elections. We hope that those advocating for local body elections will reconsider their stance in the interest of the country,” he said. Fakhrul hails govt for launching ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ Abbas warned that holding local body elections now would provide an opportunity for the fascist Awami League leaders and activists to stage a comeback. “We won’t allow that to happen.” He also reaffirmed BNP's commitment to supporting the interim government in holding a free, fair, and acceptable election. “But anyone who tries to create obstacles to the national election will be given a fitting reply.”