United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed the hope that very good things await the nation as interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus will succeed in addressing political and other problems. “We have (political) problems, and these will be resolved. In fact, a lot of progress has already been made. I want to thank Professor Yunus for taking on the responsibility (of running the country). I believe he will be successful. Let us all help him, help ourselves and move forward,” he told a discussion. Empowerment Bangladesh and North South University ‘s Department of History and Philosophy  arranged the discussion titled ‘Ambassador Sirajul Islam's Vision of Empowering Bangladesh: Leadership, Unity and Growth, Diplomacy and Governance for the Country’s Transformation’. Fakhrul said everyone seems to be growing frustrated after listening to television talk shows and the speeches of scholars and political leaders all around. ADEUF places five-point demand to ensure neutral admin structure He said people are also getting worried about what the ultimate outcome will be, following the sacrifices of so much blood and so many lives during the July-August uprising. “I firmly believe that something good will surely happen…and it will be very good. We, the people of Bangladesh, have always fought for what is right and have triumphed time and again,” the BNP leader said. Stating that behind all of Bangladesh’s achievements are its youth, Fakhrul said youth of Bangladesh played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the July-August mass uprising of 2024. “But I want to emphasise one thing that there is no alternative to democracy and democracy cannot be imposed. It has to be practised, and the spaces for that practice must remain open,” he said. Fakhrul said everyone must understand this country belongs to them, and it is their responsibility to build its future. ANFREL delegation meets Fakhrul, discusses election issue “Trump (Donald Trump) from America or Xi (Xi Jinping) from China will not come and build it. Nor will Modi (Narendra Modi) from India be able to push us to do anything. We must instill these truths in our hearts,” he said. He emphasised that Bangladesh was founded on the principles of pluralism and unity in diversity. “Our nation was born through a convergence of many different thoughts and ideologies…during the Liberation War, we united despite having different beliefs—be it socialism, communism, or religion. We fought as one.” Drawing a parallel with last year’s uprising, the BNP leader said, “The same unity was seen in 2024 when bullets were fired at students. People from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds came to the streets in protest. That day, the nation stood together once again.” The BNP leader called upon all to unite once again, putting aside differences for the welfare of the country. He voiced concern over the neglect of the country’s marginalised people, especially farmers, labourers, and working-class people. “No one speaks for them. Our farmers, workers, and hardworking people bear the brunt of inequality. Yet they continue to work with dedication and keep this country moving forward. We must speak for them,” the BNP leader said. Dudu accuses govt of delaying election to sideline BNP He mentioned that, in his view, the most patriotic people are the farmers and those who work alongside them, including agriculturists and agricultural scientists. “As of now, the greatest success Bangladesh has achieved is in agriculture. During the Liberation War, our population was around 7 crore. It stands now at 18 crore. At that time, we had a food deficit of 2.8 million metric tonnes, but that deficit has nearly vanished. The country's farmers and agricultural scientists are working to address food shortages and ensure food security. We do not think about that or recognise it,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said the country’s policymakers are now focusing with great importance on how to address the recent issue of US tariffs on Bangladesh. “It is a fact that if this issue is not resolved, we could face even greater trouble. But I believe that if we can bring forward farmers and those involved in agriculture, give them employment, and provide them with new technology, we will be able to overcome such problems very quickly,” he observed.

BNP on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus reiterated that the national election will be held in between December and June next. “We are not satisfied at all, we have clearly said if the election is not held by December they country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said emerging from the meeting with the Chief Adviser at the state guest house Jamuna. He also voiced frustration as the chief adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election.  “He (CA) said again today (Wednesday) that he wants to hold the election in between December and June. We have told him that December is our cut-off time for the election,” the BNP leader said. A seven-member BNP delegation led by Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held the meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state house Jamuna to press for a specific roadmap to hold the national election by December this year. BNP’s meeting with Dr Yunus underway; election by Dec on top of agenda The meeting, which lasted for nearly one hour and 45 minutes, began at 12:10pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The delegation also included BNP Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Chowdury. When asked about the BNP's strategy following the disappointing meeting with the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said the party would decide its next steps after holding discussions internally and with its like-minded allies. In response to a question on whether the government was attempting to prolong its stay in power by pushing back the election timeline, the BNP leader said the chief adviser mentioned a timeframe between December and June for holding the election.  “He didn't say it wouldn't be held in December. He kept the window open until June. But we have said December is our cut-off time,” Fakhrul said. He said the main focus of their discussions with the Chief Adviser was on a clear and specific roadmap for the upcoming national election. Considering the current situation in the country, Fakhrul said their party firmly believes that a credible and widely acceptable election must be held soon to resolve the ongoing political and national crises. He said the BNP is fully cooperating with the government-initiated reform commissions currently in place. The BNP leader said their party submitted its opinions and recommendations to the Consensus Commission a few days back and is scheduled to hold another meeting with the body on Thursday.  Fakhrul said the BNP is open to preparing a charter based on consensus among all parties. “Once such consensus is reached and the charter is formulated, we can move forward with the election and the reforms.” He said any agreed reforms would be implemented by the elected representatives of the respective political parties in the next government. “This is the core position of the BNP.” Earlier, on 10 February, a BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with the Chief Adviser. During the discussion, the chief adviser reportedly informed the team that preparations were in progress to hold the national election by December next.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the collaborators of Pakistani occupation forces, who aided in the massacre during 1971, are now speaking out loudly. “Those who had carried out the massacre at that time (during the 1971 Liberation War) are now speaking loudly. I don't want to name anyone. I don't want to create bitterness. But history is history. No one can distort history,” he said. The BNP Secretary General made the remarks while presiding over a discussion in the city on the occasion of the 55th Independence Day. BNP arranged the event at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) Auditorium. Mirza Fakhrul said the Pakistani army has not apologized yet for the massacre, though they killed tens of thousands of people here in 1971. Pakistan has not apologized to Bangladesh for that massacre, he said. He alleged that now some people, parties and groups are here who are trying to change perception over the 1971 liberation war. Conspiracy started to delay election: Noting that there is no alternative to election, the BNP leader said election is the gateway to democracy. They think there is no other system except democracy that can bring welfare for the people, he said. “But today a new conspiracy has started so that this process can be longer or delayed, someone else can be helped and anarchy can be created in the country,” he said. Fakhrul said new so-called leaders (notun notun Qutub) have emerged on social media. “I don't know where they want to take Bangladesh. Their language, words, sentences and statements want to take Bangladesh towards anarchy. They don't want to take it (Bangladesh) towards democracy. So, Today we have to be careful,” he said. Citing that BNP has saved the country from crisis every time, he said that now a crisis has arisen again in the country. “Such a crisis has arisen today that attempts continue to make our patriotic army controversial, which we cannot accept at all,” he added. The BNP secretary general said, “We can never allow those who protect our country, those who stand by us in a crisis, to be controversial.” He, in an indirect reference to NCP leader Sarjis Alam, said, “We can clearly understand the intentions of those who take to the election campaign with a fleet of 100 cars.” Fakhrul Islam said BNP is with the people and will do in future as did in the past. “BNP will definitely be victorious, InshaAllah,” he said. BNP Behind Revolution Claiming that BNP laid the foundation of the revolution, he said they certainly pay deepest respect to those who lost their lives in the 2024 mass uprising and express our condolences to those who were injured. Fakhrul warns of future election campaigns dominated by large vehicle convoys Fakhrul said they fought for 15 years (against the autocratic regime) and their 800 students and youths were martyred in this movement and their six million people were implicated in false cases. “No one of our leaders and activists could sleep at home,” he said. "Even after that, we have to hear what BNP did? BNP started the movement. BNP made so many sacrifices. BNP laid the foundation,” he said. He said the revolution did not happen suddenly. “The foundation for the revolution had to be laid. And BNP laid this foundation," said Fakhrul Islam. Pointing at his party leaders and activists, he said there is no reason to belittle their party.  “You are the ones who are the masters of this revolution and this change, you will take it forward," he said. The BNP told his party leaders and activists that the future of Bangladesh depends on them. “The future of democratic Bangladesh depends on you. The future of anti-discrimination Bangladesh depends on you,” he said. No date set yet for Tarique Rahman’s return: Fakhrul Addressing the function as the chief guest, BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said various excuses are being created to delay the election. “People are suspecting that a conspiracy is going on regarding the elections. Various excuses are being created to delay it (election). Khandaker Mosharraf said if the election date is announced, all the conspiracies being hatched by the ousted fascist government could be thwarted as people would enter into electoral journey. “So, we would like to call and demand the immediate announcement of the election date without any delay for the sake of the country, people, the law and order, economy and even for the current government,” he said. BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and vice chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, among others, spoke at the discussion moderated by its publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.  

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday and discussed a range of issues relating to Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, reforms and bilateral issues. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11 am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. Chinese Ambassador meets foreign secy, discusses various issues Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru said, “We had an extensive discussion regarding the overall political and economic situation in Bangladesh, as well as bilateral matters.” He said they also talked about Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, the ongoing reform initiatives, and the restoration of democratic processes. The BNP leader said the EU is keen to assist Bangladesh in building capacity to strengthen the electoral process and various institutions through reforms.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the massacre at Pilkhana lasted for two days under the leadership of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Fakhrul made the allegation on Tuesday morning after placing wreaths at the graves of the martyred military officers and personnel at the military cemetery in Banani, Dhaka, marking the National Martyred Army Day. Tributes paid to martyrs of 2009 Pilkhana tragedy "This day is a dark chapter for the army. The enemies of the armed forces killed 57 brilliant military officers that day. Their objective was to destroy the country's security system," Fakhrul said. The BNP leader said they appreciate the government for declaring this day as a national day. “We also extend our condolences to the families of the slain military personnel."

BNP Vice-Chairman and former minister Abdullah Al Noman passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. He was 82. He breathed his last around 6 am at Square Hospitals Ltd in Dhaka, his personal assistant Nurul Azim Hiru told UNB. Hiru said that freedom fighter Noman was taken to the hospital early in the morning as was feeling unwell. But physicians declared him dead upon arrival. He is survived by a son, a daughter, grandsons-daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. In separate condolence messages, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock and sorrow at his passing. They prayed for the salvation of his departed soul and conveyed their sympathies to the bereaved family. The news of his death has left BNP leaders and activists in Chattogram in shock. His first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the Namaz-e-Janaza was held in front of the Nayapaltan party office in the capital after Asr prayers. National Award-winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan passes away BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, among others, attended the second Namaz-e-Janaza. Earlier in the first Namaz-e-Janaza, BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, vice chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Bikalpa Dhara Secretary General Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan were, among others, were present. His body will be taken to Chattogram. Noman was first elected as an MP from the Kotwali constituency of the port city in 1991. He served as the Fisheries Minister after winning the 1991 national election and later as the Food Minister following his victory in 2001. A native of Gohira village in Raozan upazila, Noman was scheduled to address a party programme in the city today (Tuesday).

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged India to resolve the Teesta water-sharing issue, stop border killings and shun its 'big brotherly' attitude to maintain good relations with the people of Bangladesh. “We would like to make it clear to India that if you want to maintain a relationship with the people of Bangladesh, you must ensure our justified share of water from the Teesta, stop shooting our people along the border, and abandon the big brotherly attitude towards us,” Fakhrul said while addressing a gathering in Lalmonirhat. While inaugurating a two-day programme across 11 points in the vicinity of the Teesta involving five northern districts, he called upon the interim government to take a stronger stance in ensuring a just share of Teesta water for Bangladesh. The Teesta River Protection Movement organised the programme under the theme "Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai," also demanding the swift implementation of the Teesta Mega Project. He said Bangladesh wants to stand on its own feet and realise all its justified rights and shares as a neighbouring country of India. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh definitely wish to maintain friendly relations with India, but that relationship must be built on dignity, with all dues and fair shares recognised. He said many had hoped India would ensure Teesta water for Bangladesh after the Awami League came to power in 2009. “But nothing happened. It (Awami League) sold Bangladesh to India but couldn't secure even a drop of water.” Fakhrul said their party fought against the Awami League regime over the past 15 years, and the chief of their party along with many leaders had fled to India following the 36-day intense movement led by students. “On one hand, they (India) don't provide us with our water, and on the other, they keep our enemy (Sheikh Hasina) in New Delhi like a queen,” he said. Sudden rise in Teesta water threatens vegetables farming in Lalmonirhat The BNP leader alleged that from India Sheikh Hasina is instructing Awami League leaders and workers to create chaos in the country. “But all the Awami League leaders fled to India.” Fakhrul said the current interim government claims itself to be impartial. “But it must not remain neutral over the Teesta water issue. You have to raise your voice to ensure our fair share of water.” He also called on the interim government to swiftly arrange the next national election to hand over power to people and their elected representatives. Govt to pursue int’l pressure for having fair Teesta water share: Adviser Presiding over the event, BNP’s Rangpur divisional organising secretary Asadul Habib Dulu said their movement is not of any party or opinion. “This is the public demand of the entire Rangpur region. Through which the Teesta master plan, including the fair share of Teesta River water, will be implemented. We want satellite villages, economic zones, tourism centres, agricultural and industrial revolutions to be built in this neglected region through the Teesta master plan,” he said.  “The people of Rangpur region have united today to realise their demands and our movement will continue until our reasonable demands are met,” the BNP leader said. Several lakhs of people from Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram and Gaibandha under the Rangpur division joined the sit-in programme, with a good number of women attending. Visiting the riverbanks, UNB’s Lalmonirhat correspondent revealed that people took position between Teesta Rail Bridge and Teesta Road Bridge after setting up tents and other makeshift structures.   The authorities concerned arranged food for those attending the programme.   BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Biplobi Workers Party’s General Secretary Saiful Haque, Jatiya Party (Jafar) Chairman Mostata Jamal Haider and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Adviser Singer Baby Nazin, among others, addressed the event where Mirza Fakhrul attended.  BNP standing committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, party’s Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki attended as the chief guests at the rest 10 spots. Tuesday's events include displaying documentation on the Teesta River, singing local songs, flying kites and playing native sports. In the districts, massive publicities were conducted to woo people to join the 48-hour event for the past few days.   

Stating that the UN fact-finding report rightly revealed Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in mass killings during the July-August mass uprising, the BNP has demanded that India return her to Bangladesh for prosecution. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the demand at a press briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka, James Goldman, on Thursday. “I would like to thank the UN fact-finding committee for their report, which correctly states that the killings were carried out as per the orders of a particular individual, the fascist Hasina,” he said. He said the report said the mass killings, all human rights violations, and the destruction of democracy and institutions were carried out by her orders. People to decide on AL ban, says Fakhrul "It has been proven that Hasina is a fascist who has tortured, persecuted and killed the people of this country. We are calling upon the Indian government today to immediately return her (Hasina) and her accomplices to Bangladesh and hand her over to the government for trial. This is our expectation,” Fakhrul said. He expressed their party’s relief as the truth about the incidents that took place has now been uncovered through the UN report. “The problem is that when the United Nations speaks, we all believe it. But when we, the political parties, say it, many are reluctant to believe. Anyway, I would like to thank the UN team that came here and presented the report.” The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released its Fact-Finding Report titled 'Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh' on Friday. Fakhrul also talked about the issue of enforced disappearances and the "Aynaghar torture cells," saying, it is a fact that the people of Bangladesh have been subjected to enforced disappearances and brutal killings. "Enforced disappearances and killings are not limited to any particular party. The people of Bangladesh have been made to disappear here (in Aynaghar), and they have been brutally killed... These are the things we have been saying from the very beginning,” he said. When the report on Aynaghar was released on Al Jazeera, the BNP leader said the Awami League government at the time had completely denied it, claiming that nothing like this was there. “But from the very beginning, these things were taking place." BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists He alleged that the Awami League regime used to pick people up and then falsely accuse them of being militants. Many people were repressed in torture cells to extract various confessions about their supposed involvement in militant activities, the BNP leader said. “Some people were kept in the torture cells to create a fake narrative, using them to stage militant dramas at different times... they showed that militant training was happening in various houses and bombs were being made, all to demonstrate that militants were spreading. But today, it has been proven that the things we said were true,” he said. Fakhrul said the Awami League government, at that time, deliberately violated human rights in Bangladesh, destroyed democracy, and targeted the opposition simply to remain in power.

Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka James Goldman met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday and discussed a range of issues relating to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and the current political situation. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, took place at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said foreign missions in Dhaka are keen to understand the latest political situation, political developments and incidents in Bangladesh. Brazilian envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses elections issues  As part of this, he said the acting British High Commissioner met him to discuss the country’s current political situation and the steps being taken by the interim government. The BNP leader said the British envoy also inquired about BNP's relations with other countries. "They (UK) wanted to know when the election might be held. Even we are unclear about that, as it is still largely speculative," Fakhrul said. Singapore’s envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses bilateral issues He informed that British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, who is currently in London, would meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman later today (Thursday).

A three-member BNP delegation, including party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, is set to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, USA. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead the delegation, with Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury as the other member. Contacted, Mirza Fakhrul confirmed that he, along with Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, will depart for Washington on Sunday evening. “The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event in the United States. Our party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has also been invited to this event. As he is unable to attend, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, will represent him,” he said. Fakhrul said Zaima will travel to Washington from London and join the event. Congressmen invite BNP's top leaders to join ‘National Prayer Breakfast’ BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir Khan said Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khosru are scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for the USA on an Emirates Airlines flight at 6:30pm this evening. The National Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for 5-6 February in Washington, D.C., is an annual event that serves as a platform for dialogue among national and international leaders. The event is organised by the US Congress and invites global political and social figures for discussions on faith, leadership, and global issues. US govt distances itself from IRF Summit, National Prayer Breakfast On 11 January, the National Prayer Breakfast Committee extended invitations to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to participate in the event.