United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday expressed optimism that the expected meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and their party acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London will usher in a fresh breeze for democracy in Bangladesh. “I believe this meeting will be historic and bring a fresh breeze for Bangladesh’s democracy. This meeting is very important,” he told journalists during a briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi said the entire nation is now looking towards the London meeting with great expectations, as the formal talks between Prof Yunus and Tarique are seen as a source of joy. He hoped that this meeting would play an important role in safeguarding and strengthening Bangladesh’s “unfortunate democracy”. Tarique Rahman to return home soon, says Fakhrul “This meeting is expected to resist the return of fascism and ensure that democracy is not destroyed by aggressive forces. It will be crucial in reinforcing and perpetuating democratic norms in the country,” the BNP leader said. Replying to a question, he reiterated BNP’s stance on holding general election in December, saying the party has already presented logical grounds for this timeline. “The people of the country also consider December to be the logical time for elections. Discussions are going on… we will know the outcome later,” Rizvi said. He is also hopeful that the existing national problems, including the timing of the election, can be resolved through this crucial meeting. Earlier on Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that Tarique Rahman is set to hold a formal meeting with Prof Yunus, who is currently visiting the United Kingdom, on June 13 (Friday) in London. Fakhrul urges interim govt to rethink about April election timing Talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he said the meeting will take place at the hotel where the Chief Adviser is currently staying in London. Rizvi strongly criticised the neighbouring country, India, for what he said showing growing hostility towards Bangladesh and the continuing push-ins of people through the borders. “This neighbouring country is becoming dangerously antagonistic. Especially, regarding Sheikh Hasina’s downfall, they are turning increasingly aggressive,” he said. Labelling people as foreigners, Rizvi said incidents of push-in are happening every day through various borders Bhai India. “There are deliberate provocations and attempts to spark conflict. There’s now a surge in push-ins along the border. Is Bangladesh a dumping ground?” he questioned. He warned that if India tries to push people into Bangladesh by falsely identifying foreigners as Bangladeshis, the nation will not only protest but also resist. The BNP leader said India must remember that even a despotic ruler like Sheikh Hasina could not remain in power through oppression and persecution, as she was forced to flee the country in broad daylight. Rizvi expressed grave concern over the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India and the detection of some cases in Bangladesh. “India has already reported 7,000 new infections, and cases are being reported in Bangladesh as well.” He urged the government to promptly take preventive measures, criticising the health ministry for its inadequate response. The BNP leader also mentioned that the dengue situation has worsened and is now threatening public health. “The government must work more closely with the public to combat the crisis,” he said. Rizvi expressed concern over growing road accidents during the Eid holidays, saying that nearly 57 people lost their lives due to reckless driving. “There was also increased criminal activity during Eid. The joy of Eid could not be fully realised due to law and order problems,” he said.  

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said their party wants to quickly restore democracy in Bangladesh through a credible election for the country’s progress.  “We, the BNP, want to bring back democracy in the country as soon as possible and the only way to achieve that is through a fair election,” he said while speaking to reporters at party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave. He said no nation can hold its head high in the present world without democracy. Dr Moyeen, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, along with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Baul Dal, paid tribute to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave, marking the 18th founding anniversary of the Baul organisation. BNP's Salahuddin calls for national unity to rebuild country Stating that Bangladesh was created for democracy, he said, “Democracy couldn’t exist within the infrastructure of Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan at that time believed this, so they initiated a movement for democracy (and liberated the country).” After the country's liberation, the BNP leader said the Awami League, which claims to be the main force behind the independence, shamefully and disgracefully destroyed democracy—the main spirit of the Liberation War.  Election must not be delayed for any party’s convenience: BNP’s Nazrul After independence, he alleged that the party first established a one-party Baksal rule and later introduced an unwritten Baksal system. As the people of Bangladesh did not accept that system, he said, the Sheikh Hasina regime was ultimately forced to flee on 5 August 2024 as a result of public outrage. Dr Moyeen claimed that the BNP believes in both the independence of Bangladesh and democracy. “Our founder Ziaur Rahman sacrificed his life for the democracy of Bangladesh.” He said their party has long been struggling for the restoration of democracy, and insisted that it must be reinstated very soon. The BNP leader said one-party rulers may showcase power, but they do not win the love of the people. “That is why we, BNP, do not believe in the politics of revenge. We advocate for the rights and freedoms of all.” He observed that the media in Bangladesh has not enjoyed press freedom over the past 15 years. “We want freedom of speech for everyone. We want freedom of the media.”