United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that various efforts are once again underway to destroy democracy in Bangladesh, following last year’s July–August mass uprising. “After the mass uprisings in Bangladesh, there are now again different kinds of attempts and conspiracies to destroy democracy. At this moment, the Revolution and Solidarity Day inspires us to follow the path through which we can truly build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. Speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at his grave, Fakhrul said the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975, also inspires the party to work towards building a country where people’s right to vote and right to justice are guaranteed. “Along this path, Bangladesh will move forward, BNP will move forward, and we are working towards that goal,” the BNP leader said. Earlier, Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day commemorating the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975. They offered fateha at the grave of the party’s founder and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul. BNP pledges to implement signed July Charter, urges parties not to block polls with new issues Fakhrul described November 7, 1975, as a turning point in Bangladesh’s history when patriotic soldiers and mass people united to foil the conspiracies of hegemonic forces and freed Ziaur Rahman, the “proclaimer of independence,” from captivity, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the nation. He said Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s political and economic transformation by restoring multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom, guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary, and introducing a free-market economy. During his short term in office, Fakhrul said Zia vigorously reformed the country’s political and economic systems, moved Bangladesh away from one-party BAKSAL rule to a multi-party democracy, opened up the media sector—which previously had only four newspapers—and strengthened judicial independence by establishing the Judicial Council. He said Zia also set the groundwork for Bangladesh’s economic progress by launching the free-market system, encouraging industrial growth, and creating opportunities for overseas employment—initiatives that laid the foundation for today’s thriving garment industry and remittance-driven economy. “This was how the journey towards a prosperous Bangladesh began. Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for building a happy and democratic state,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said Zia, a great leader born once in a generation, established the very basis of Bangladesh’s progress. “That is why this day is not only significant for BNP but also deeply important to all democratic-minded people across the nation.” BNP is observing the National Revolution and Solidarity Day today with various programmes held with due respect. Desperation to hold referendum before election raises public suspicion: Khosru On this day in 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians together freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. On November 2, BNP announced a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical importance. As part of the programmes, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country in the morning. The BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units brought out a rally from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party also held rallies on the same day.

BNP on Sunday announced a 10-day programme to observe with due respect ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies. He said the observance of the day will begin on November 5 with a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and end on November 13. As part of the programmes, he said the party flag will be hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country on the morning of November 7, while senior BNP leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late president and party founder Ziaur Rahman at 10:00am. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach The BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units will also hold a rally the same day, starting from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party will bring out rallies on the same day. Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units across the country will organise various programmes, including discussions, cultural events, photo exhibitions, distribution of educational materials among orphan students, release of documentaries through electronic and print media, and on Facebook, YouTube, and online platforms. Supplements will also be published in newspapers across the country to mark the day with due respect. On November 12, the party will arrange a discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Salahuddin warns against politicising Islam Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975, jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. Speaking at the press conference, Fakhrul said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics. He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms. “That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution. We want to make this day memorable and move forward with the philosophy of November 7,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will not take responsibility for any part of the July Charter that was added after the party had formally signed it. “Our position is very clear. We will take responsibility for the parts of the July Charter that we signed. But we won’t take responsibility for what we didn’t sign,” he said while speaking at a rally of freedom fighters. Fakhrul, however, said his party still wants these issues to be resolved through discussions. He recalled that when the Charter was signed in front of Parliament amid rain, it was agreed that the points all political parties supported would be signed, and the points they disagreed on would be recorded as a ‘note of dissent’ in the Charter. “We signed the Charter with that understanding. But now, in the proposal sent to the Chief Adviser, they have completely ignored those notes of dissent and added some new issues. This is unfair and deceptive to the people,” the BNP leader said. Even after such deception by the National Consensus Commission, he said BNP acted responsibly. “We held a press conference to express our position. We didn’t take to the streets, lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s residence, or to the Election Commission.” Read more: BNP to create 1 crore jobs if voted to power: Khosru Fakhrul criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for what he said is taking to the streets and forming alliances with some parties to put pressure on the government to act as they wish. The pro-BNP platform Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the rally titled ‘The Upcoming National Parliament Election is Essential to Protect Freedom, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the upcoming National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. About the upcoming election, Fakhrul said it should be held in February 2026 as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. “Whether proportional representation (PR) will be introduced or not will be decided by the next parliament,” he said. The BNP leader also said his party agreed to a referendum although it was not necessary. “We agreed to hold the referendum on the same day as the election to save costs. Holding it separately would cost over Tk 1,000 crore.” He said their party proposed holding the election and the referendum on the same day with two ballots--one for the referendum and another for the election of parliament members. “But now they (Jamaat) are saying the referendum should be held first, and the election later. It is they who are talking about delaying the election, not us. We have always said the election should be held as soon as possible,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election When Jamaat and other parties talked about reforms after the mass uprising, he said BNP took it positively as the party had already presented a 31-point reform plan in 2022. “Our leaders have discussed it (310-point) across the country. Most of the points now included in the Charter are already part of our 31-point outline. So how can anyone say that we don’t want reforms?” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said it was wrong to claim that BNP does not support reforms. “We are in favour of reforms. But we want real reforms, not the kind of deceptive ones they are trying to push by misleading the public. We must make this clear before the people.” He said Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India, has been giving interviews to different media outlets there without showing any sign of remorse for her misdeeds and killing of people. “Not even once has she expressed any regret. When journalists asked her if she would apologise for her actions, she said, ‘No, we will not apologise.’ That same person, that same lady, is now spreading propaganda from India,” he said. He urged the Indian government to return Hasina to Bangladesh to face trial under Bangladeshi law. “We want to say clearly to the Indian government, please send her back to Bangladesh and ensure she faces trial under Bangladesh’s law. Do not always go against the people of Bangladesh. The people will not accept that.” Read more: BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged all political parties to take part in the upcoming national election, putting aside minor differences, to help restore the democratic process in the country. “I call upon all political parties to join the coming election by putting aside small differences so that together we can bring back democracy in the country and return to the democratic system,” he said. He made the call while speaking at a programme marking the 21st founding anniversary of the Daily Nayadiganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Fakhrul said he believes the election will be held on time in February 2026. “We also think that through an acceptable election to all, we will get an opportunity to return to a democratic system.” He said the student-led mass uprising in August 2024 created a new opportunity to establish a truly democratic state. On behalf of the BNP, Fakhrul paid deep tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 2024 for freedom and democracy. He mentioned that the interim government has already announced that the election will be held by February next year. The BNP leader expressed the hope that the reform issues have already been settled, as the political parties agreed upon them and signed the National July Charter. He alleged that around 60 lakh political leaders and activists faced false cases, about 20,000 were killed, and 1,700 others became victims of enforced disappearance during the past ‘fascist rule’ of Awami League. Fakhrul said many Islamic scholars and Alem-Ulema including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, Nayadiganta owner Mir Quasem Ali and BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, were sentenced to death in false cases, calling it a shameful chapter in the nation’s history. He also mentioned the repression of journalists during the past fascist regime. “The people of this country want a free and democratic Bangladesh, a country that is not controlled by any foreign power but run by the will of its people.” Recalling the post-Liberation War period, Fakhrul said the media, particularly the press, faced severe repression. “After the establishment of Baksal in 1975, all newspapers were shut down. I remember that many journalists became unemployed, and some even worked as hawkers in front of Baitul Mukarram, as there were no newspapers left.” After the political changeover in 1975, he said, BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman was the first to move away from the one-party system and introduce multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom. “We must not forget that the key reforms began during his (Zia’s) time and were later carried forward by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” Fakhrul added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged political parties to shift their activities and focus from the streets to parliament, emphasising the need for  strengthening parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a general meeting and conference of the Bangladesh Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union at the Multipurpose Hall of the Pani Bhaban, he also called upon political parties to set aside minor differences and come together to make the upcoming election truly meaningful. “We must come up from the streets to the parliament. How long will we stay on the streets? We have been on the streets for 50 years. We must try to solve problems and make democracy a political culture through the National July Charter,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul acknowledged the interim government’s efforts, saying they are trying to do good work. “But no one can clear all the mess in just one year. The Awami League has created heaps of problems and destroyed a lot over the past 15 years, and it is impossible to fix everything in such a short time,” he said. Fakhrul said political parties must now act responsibly to ensure a free and fair election and to strengthen the parliamentary system. Non-signing of July Charter by some parties won’t affect polls: Salahuddin “Through the parliament that will be formed by the election, we must focus on strengthening the parliamentary system. All activities must be centred on parliament. Otherwise, parliamentary democracy will not function,” the BNP leader said. He said in countries where parliamentary democracy has been successful, parliament has always been the main focus of politics. The BNP leader also called for unity among political parties ahead of the upcoming election and hoped that all parties would participate in it.  “Let us all, as we have set aside our minor differences to sign the charter, do the same in the upcoming election. Let us overcome our differences and make the election truly meaningful,” he said. Fakhrul said the next election should be free and fair, accessible to everyone, and that those elected will make parliament vibrant and meaningful, serving as the country’s political centre.  He also noted that if democracy is genuinely established, the demands of all sections of society, including workers, will be recognised and fulfilled. July Charter signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in politics, Fakhrul Fakhrul said a historic political event took place on Friday at the south plaza of Parliament, where most political parties signed the July Charter. He described it as a truly unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s political history. The BNP leader said the Charter can help bring changes to the state structure and amendments to fundamental principles, while also making politics more transparent for people. “It will strengthen existing democratic institutions, allow democracy to function properly and promote a democratic culture in society.” Commenting on an incident that occurred before the signing ceremony, the BNP leader said a group of students came and sat in front of the parliament venue, which led to a violent situation between the police and the students. “Such incidents at this time do not help democracy. I believe everyone should act in a highly responsible manner,” he observed. Fakhrul also extended support for the demands of the Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union. Salahuddin sees path to democracy through July Charter He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the July movement, saying, “Many sacrificed their lives during the July movement, and I express my deep respect to them.” The BNP leader stressed that the upcoming election is extremely important, as it will determine whether the country moves genuinely towards liberal democracy or takes a different path.  “We must never forget the 1971 Liberation War, through which a new nation was born. That war remains the foundation of our existence,” he reminded.  

Accusing a quarter of trying to create unrest by raising unnecessary issues like the proportional representation (PR) system, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said there will be no compromise on holding the next national election in February, 2026. “A certain quarter is bringing up various demands, including PR, only to create chaos in the country and delay or derail the election process. There will be no compromise over holding the next national election,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a views-exchange meeting with local people at Dhanarhat Eidgah ground in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. He alleged that a certain quarter is keeping Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus occupied with various demands in an attempt to block the national election. “A party is holding rallies and meetings about PR. Even if I don't understand what PR really means, how will people understand it? That’s why I say, let’s stop arguing and focus on ensuring a fair and beautiful election in February,” Fakhrul said. He also said the people of the country no longer want to see politics of conflict and violence as they prepare to cast their votes and make their decision in February. The BNP leader said the next parliament, to be formed through people’s direct votes, will discuss and debate the various demands of different parties and resolve them. Fakhrul urged all political parties to avoid making non-election-related demands and to cooperate with the interim government so that the election can be held smoothly. “Let’s not create further division.” ‘Don’t push the nation into chaos’: Fakhrul Calling upon voters to cast their ballots for BNP’s electoral symbol, the ‘sheaf of paddy’, he said, “For the country’s development and democracy, I call upon you to vote for the sheaf of paddy.” The BNP leader also recalled past political repression, alleging that during the Awami League government’s tenure, opposition leaders and activists were subjected to severe persecution. He claimed that nearly 2000 people were killed during the July-August mass uprising and thousands others were injured and faced various forms of repression. Fakhrul said the BNP’s long struggle was aimed at restoring people’s right to vote. “For 15 years we fought for one thing — our right to vote. I went to jail 11 times and spent three and a half years there for this reason.” He criticised the previous Awami League government for what he termed “midnight voting” in 2018 and “dummy elections” in 2024, saying the people were deprived of their voting rights. Recalling BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s eviction from her cantonment house 15 years ago, Fakhrul said, “She cried that day and said the way she was forced out, one day the people would drive Hasina out of the country the same way.” Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment, he said she was jailed for six years in a “false case” and repeatedly denied treatment abroad. Country’s political, economic future depends on next election: Fakhrul The BNP leader recalled that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina even remarked about throwing her off the Padma Bridge. But after her release, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia told the people, “No revenge, no retaliation — we will win hearts with love.” The BNP leader said a government should treat all citizens equally, regardless of religion or party, but during the previous regime, “nothing happened without the Awami League.” Fakhrul said the BNP’s 31-point reform plan aims to ensure that “no second Hasina” can ever come to power. We want a democratic system, a neutral Election Commission and judiciary, and a welfare-oriented administration.” Promising security for all communities, he said, “We’ll ensure the safety of our Hindu brothers, our mothers and sisters, and create employment for the youth.” People to reaffirm Bangladesh’s non-communal spirit in next election: Fakhrul Fakhrul has been conducting mass campaigns for the third consecutive day in his constituency, reaching out to people across Thakurgaon ahead of the national election.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, on Sunday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and had a constructive discussion on the country’s current political situation, the upcoming election, the democratic future of Bangladesh, and the Rohingya issue. The hour-long meeting, which began at 11am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Talking to reporters after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the United Nations has a commitment to help restore the democratic order in Bangladesh. To achieve this, he said, there must be democratic practices and mutual understanding among political parties. The BNP leader said their party believes all must work together to bring back the democratic order in the present context. He said people’s main demand right now is the restoration of democratic order. “That can only be ensured through a free, fair, and participatory election. We also discussed how the election, expected in the first half of February, can be held successfully.” The BNP leader said the Rohingya issue was also part of the discussion and they talked about the situation of the Rohingyas, who were living in extremely difficult conditions. “The discussion covered how the Bangladesh government and the international community can continue to work together to support them (Rohingya) . Ms Lewis assured that the UN’s support for the Rohingyas will continue until they can return to their homeland,” he said. Praising Gwyn Lewis, Amir Khosru said they appreciated her contribution to democracy and human rights during difficult times in Bangladesh. No evidence of sexual harassment found in Khagrachhari girl’s report: Adviser

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has praised Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, saying he saw in his words the reflection of late President Ziaur Rahman’s dream of a democratic, developed and corruption-free Bangladesh. “Two days ago, at a US-Bangladesh business forum, when our respected and globally respected Professor Yunus was speaking, I repeatedly felt as if I was listening to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of our country’s independence,” he said. Speaking at the NRB Connect Day in New York on Saturday evening (US time), Fakhrul said late President Ziaur Rahman, also the founder of BNP, always dreamt of building a democratic, prosperous and corruption-free Bangladesh. “All of those words seemed to come out through Professor Yunus’ speech on that day.” “One thing we must always remember is that we have to dream. The dreams that Professor Yunus has envisioned must be carried forward, and I believe we will also be able to move ahead with the dreams that Tarique Rahman has envisioned. What we need most is political commitment — we must have that trust and determination within us,” the BNP leader told his audience.  

BNP on Wednesday called as ‘blatantly false and fabricated’ an interview published in Kolkata-based Indian news outlet Ei Samay, which claimed that its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir wants Awami League and Jatiya Party in the next national election. In a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by BNP Assistant Office Secretary Taiful Islam Tipu, the party also said that Fakhrul has not given any interviews to any foreign media in recent times. “A baseless report has been published recently, claiming that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir gave an interview to the Bengali daily Ei Samay in Kolkata and said he wants Awami League and Jatiya Party in the Election,’ the so-called interview is entirely false and fabricated,” the statement said. It claimed that the imaginary interview was circulated with ill intent to damage the image of BNP and its Secretary General. “The aim of this fake report is to create confusion and doubt among the people of Bangladesh. There is no reason for the people or party leaders and activists to be misled by this false report published in Ei Samay,” the statement said. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is now in New York as part of the delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly session with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Fakhrul shrugs off Kolkata media interview as fake Earlier on Tuesday, Fakhrul himself dismissed the interview published in his name by Ei Samay as ‘fake and fabricated’. “That news is fake! They (Ei Samay) used artificial intelligence (AI) to create this false and misleading report,” he told UNB over the phone from the USA. Fakhrul said no political leader could make such ‘absurd’ comments as quoted in the report. “It is intentional. I never gave any interview to Ei Samay of Kolkata.” On its website, eisamay.com carried a report headlined “Why is India putting BNP and Jamaat in the same bracket?” asks Mirza, claiming that its correspondent Anamitra Chatterjee had recently interviewed Fakhrul in Dhaka. The interview has sparked debate on social media and drawn sharp criticism from Jamaat-e-Islami.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhter Hossain at a New York airport has once again manifested that the Awami League has no remorse for its past wrongdoings. In a post on his verified Facebook account, he wrote, “What happened at the New York airport once again proves that the Awami League does not feel the slightest remorse for its wrongdoings.” Fakhrul also said the Awami League will face trial for all the misdeeds it has done so far through the legal process. 'Not afraid of this', NCP leader Akhter says after harassment by AL in NY He urged all to remain patient for the sake of the party and the country. Akhter Hossain came under attack by Awami League supporters upon his arrival at John F Kennedy International Airport on Monday as he was also pelted with eggs.