United News of Bangladesh

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the attack on Iran as “horrible.” “We are living in very difficult and unstable times. There is a terrible lack of morality in world politics,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul, also Secretary General of the BNP, made the remarks at the first death anniversary of BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Professor Shahida Rafique, held at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) auditorium in Dhanmondi on Monday afternoon. BNP sweeps Thakurgaon as Fakhrul praises peaceful polls He said, “Interfering with the sovereignty of a country without reason, killing the head of the state, and detaining its president in prison… this is a terrible situation.” Mirza Fakhrul added, “We, who have grown up in a democratic system, have always valued human rights, democracy, and the independence of every country. We are deeply concerned about what is happening around the world. Yet in Bangladesh, thanks to Allah, the people are still taking the right decisions despite the instability.” Paying tribute to Professor Shahida Rafique, he said, “She always spoke the truth. She faced many challenges but never gave up. I am sad that when there is a chance for better days, she is no longer with us.” Professor Shahida Rafique, former Dean of Dhaka University and founding chairman of the Institute of Science and Technology, passed away on 2 March last year. Referring to the country’s challenges, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have a long way to go. Over the past 17–18 years, fascist forces have destroyed many institutions, especially the education system. “We need to rebuild our institutions, strengthen human rights, good governance, the rule of law, and the welfare state. Only then can we honour the work and wishes of Dr Shahida,” he added. He also expressed his continued support for the institution founded by Professor Shahida Rafique.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed, remains a shameful and dark chapter in the nation’s history. “By killing 57 army officers, there was a plot to break the morale of the Bangladesh Army and, at the same time, the spirit of the nation,” he said. Local government elections to be held ‘in due time’: Fakhrul Fakhrul, also BNP Secretary General, made the remarks after paying tribute at the graves of the 57 army officers at Banani Military Graveyard, marking ‘Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas’ (National Martyred Army Day). The minister said there had been a deep conspiracy on that day to destroy the country’s security system. He said that by the grace of Allah, the people of Bangladesh had stood up to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy. “Today, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a great opportunity to strengthen independence and sovereignty and to establish democracy by taking responsibility for running the state,” Fakhrul said. BNP’s Nayapaltan office springs back to life with Fakhrul’s visit He said the BNP’s main goal is to build Bangladesh as a democratic state, ensure equal rights for all, and guarantee justice through an impartial investigation into the killings. “We demand a proper and impartial investigation into this heinous crime and that those responsible be brought to justice,” the minister added. Fakhrul also prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs. Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, retired Lt Colonel Kamruzzaman, retired Major Mizanur Rahman, retired Major Siddiqur Rahman, retired Squadron Leader Zahid Hossain, JAGPA Chairman Khandaker Lutfur Rahman, Rakir Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan were, among others, present.

The central office of the ruling BNP at Nayapaltan became lively again on Monday, as its leaders and activists gathered there during a visit by party Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The office remained almost empty for the past six days after the new government was formed on February 17. But the situation changed in the morning as news spread that Fakhrul would come to the office. Leaders, activists and supporters started arriving early morning, creating a busy and cheerful atmosphere. Fakhrul reached the party office around 10:30 am and was received with a bouquet at the main gate by BNP Joint Office Secretary Munir Hossain, Tarikul Islam Tenzing and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He later went to his chamber on the second floor where party Executive Committee member Saleh Uddin, Vice-President of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Welfare Front Tapan Kumar Majumdar and office staff greeted him with flowers. This was the first time Fakhrul visited the Nayapaltan office after the 13th parliamentary election. Officials and employees said the central office remained almost empty in recent days, with very few leaders or activists visiting, and staff members having little work to do. On Monday, however, the scene was different, as staff members looked happy and the briefing room was cleaned and prepared for the day’s activities. BNP office official Rezaul Karim said they were ready in the morning for the Secretary General’s visit. “We feel good that Sir has come,” he said. An employee named Azad said the office was nearly empty over the past few days. “Today many people have come. They are chanting slogans and the office feels alive again.” During his visit, Fakhrul asked the assistant office secretaries and staff to attend the office regularly. He enquired about their work and told them not to leave any task pending. Ekushey now free, opens path to democratic Bangladesh: Fakhrul The BNP Secretary General also asked them to assist party leaders and activists coming from different parts of the country and said there should be no negligence in their duties. After staying at the office for about 45 minutes, Fakhrul, also the Local Government, Rural Development and Co‑operatives Minister, left for the Secretariat.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said they have decided that BNP MPs will not take any duty-free car. “We have also decided that no government plot will be taken by our MPs,” he told reporters after the first meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party (BNP) held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. BPP on Tuesday unanimously elected party Chairman Tarique Rahman as the Leader of the House. This means Tarique Rahman is set to form the new government as Prime Minister. The ministers are scheduled to take oath at the South Plaza of Parliament at 4pm. Fakhrul described it as a historic moment, saying that after a long period marked by repression, destruction of democracy and making parliament ineffective, the country has finally got a parliament through a credible election, achieved through the sacrifices of many people. “With a majority in parliament, we have elected our young leader Tarique Rahman as the leader of the parliamentary party,” he said. Earlier the newly elected BNP MPs were sworn in at the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said their party’s next government will face major challenges in keeping law and order, fighting corruption and boosting the economy. “The biggest challenges for the next government will be to get the economy moving, maintain law and order, control corruption, and ensure justice. These are the challenges,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the international terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from his electoral area in Thakurgaon. He said the BNP, having won a majority of seats in the 13th parliamentary election, will form the next government under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman. According to unofficial results, BNP won 209 out of 299 seats. ‘Joy and sadness together’ Commenting on the election results, Fakhrul described the moment as both joyous and sad. “One part is joy, another part is sadness. Our late chairperson and national leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, could not see this unprecedented victory, which is very sad,” he said.    

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won all three of Thakurgaon’s three parliamentary constituencies in the 13th National Election. In Thakurgaon-1, the party's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, contesting on the BNP’s  much-loved ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, secured victory. Dr. Abdus Salam, also representing the BNP on the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, won the Thakurgaon-2 seat. In Thakurgaon-3, BNP candidate Zahidur Rahman, contesting with the same symbol, emerged victorious. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir praised the voting process, saying the election was “festive, peaceful and beautiful.” Festive atmosphere beyond anyone's imagination: Mirza Fakhrul Visiting over a hundred polling centres in the district, he said the people’s enthusiasm and participation were remarkable. There are 12,55,017 voters including 5,98,488 women and 6,70,022 men and 7 transgender voters in the district. Besides, 10,292 voters have registered to cast their ballots through postal voting, including 2,326 women and 7,966 men.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the country is set to have an elected government and parliament through the ongoing national election. “None had imagined the voting would be so festive. The enthusiasm and interest of the people are remarkable. I have visited around a hundred polling centres throughout the day. The election has been held very peacefully and beautifully,” he told reporters while visiting Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School polling centre on Thursday afternoon. Expressing optimism about the outcome, Fakhrul said he believes the results will be positive. “This year, the people will get an elected government and parliament — something we have struggled for over the past 16 years,” he said. He also stated that he is quite optimistic about winning the election. According to the sources, a total of 20 candidates, including two women, are contesting in the three parliamentary constituencies of Thakurgaon district. Mirza Fakhrul casts his vote Among them, three candidates are contesting in Thakurgaon-1, seven in Thakurgaon-2 and ten in Thakurgaon-3. There are 12,55,017 voters including 5,98,488 women and 6,70,022 men and seven transgender voters in the district. Besides, 10,292 voters have registered to cast their ballots through postal voting, including 2,326 women and 7,966 men.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that BNP will always protect the rights of all people, regardless of religion, especially that of women. “I firmly believe that no one is a minority in this country. There are no minorities in this country. Everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh. Therefore, there is no reason to be afraid. I promise that BNP will remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of all citizens—Hindu and Muslim alike—especially the rights of women,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally at Jagannathpur of Thakurgaon district on Sunday. He also urged people to stand with confidence, saying he has always stood by them and that no one will be allowed to harm any citizen. Fakhrul slams Jamaat’s role in 1971 Liberation War The BNP leader also called for new leadership to steer the country forward. “Let the prime minister be a young person with fresh ideas who can take the country ahead. Let us all stand together in favour of that change,” he added. Referring to the referendum, Fakhrul urged people to vote ‘Yes’ to take a stand in favour of state reforms. “This referendum has one fundamental question—who wants reforms and who does not. Those who want reforms will vote ‘Yes’ and those who do not will vote ‘No’. We all want reforms, so I urge everyone to cast a ‘Yes’ vote,” he said. He also said reforms are essential to put the state back on the right track. “To fix the country, reforms are necessary, and this referendum is meant to decide that,” he added. Mirza Fakhrul reiterated that the BNP would always protect the rights of all people, irrespective of religion.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami over its role during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, saying the party must clarify its position on the country’s independence. “Jamaat leaders are currently making statements in television talk shows, online platforms and newspapers, but they should first explain their position during the country’s struggle for independence,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at Farabari High School ground in Thakurgaon. “Where were you in 1971? Whose side were you on?” the BNP leader asked. He also alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had assisted the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War and attempted to obstruct Bangladesh’s independence. There is no scope to forget about 1971 and just as the people would not forget 2024, when the country regained its democratic system, he added. The country achieved independence through the Liberation War and that history must never be erased, said the BNP leader. After 15 long years, the country now has a real opportunity to hold a fair, free and credible election, he said. Read More: Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul The interim government currently in charge and those who are elected through votes will form the government—that is their objective, he said. If people participate spontaneously and cast their votes, the election would become historic and widely acceptable, he hoped. Referring to his political future, Fakhrul said this might be his last election, and pledged to establish an airport and a medical college in Thakurgaon, if elected, along with creating employment opportunities to reduce unemployment. He also said the female voters of the district will be given training under the guidance of Tarique Rahman so that they can earn from home. “We must train our women and youth and create jobs by making them skilled and educated.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the nation will face grave danger if voters fail to make the right decision in the election.  “This election is extremely important. Citizens must make the right decision at the right time, vote for good leaders and a capable party to move the country forward,” he said during election campaign at Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila municipal community centre. Fakhrul said a group is trying to mislead general people by exploiting religion and attempting to undermine the spirit of the Liberation War. Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul Recalling his political journey, he said, “Before taking over as Secretary General, I never had to appear on a court premises. But for speaking the truth and standing for justice I have repeatedly faced harassment.” Local leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations attended the meeting.