United News of Bangladesh

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Wednesday (November 26) released the full text of its 453-page judgment that convicted and sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July Mass Uprising. International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Mizanul Islam confirmed that the prosecution has received a full copy of the verdict. “The registrar will decide when the copy of the verdict will be sent to the concerned department,” he said. Meanwhile, Zayed Bin Amjad, lawyer for former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun—who was sentenced to five years in prison in the same case—said he has also received a copy of the full verdict. State-appointed defence lawyer Md Amir Hossain, who represented Sheikh Hasina and Kamal, said he has not received any copy due to the absence of legal provision allowing it. As the two accused remain absconding, they will not have the opportunity to appeal, he added. BNP hails Hasina’s death sentence verdict, says justice served On November 17, the tribunal delivered the judgment against the three, finding them guilty on the charges brought forward. The three-member tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, began announcing the verdict at around 12:30pm, unveiling the 453-page document. Five charges had initially been brought against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina for allegedly ordering crimes against humanity during the July–August mass student uprising. The tribunal evaluated these allegations and proceeded with the trial. The charges were later reorganized into two broad charges, under which the accused were found guilty of a total of six offences. Prosecutor Gazi M. H. Tamim said the tribunal’s verdict considered two consolidated charges, within which six distinct crimes were established. The court found the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty of three counts under charge number one. Count-1: Inciting crimes through provocative speech at a press briefing on July 14, 2024, where she labelled protesters as children of Razakars. Count-2: On the night of July 14, 2024, she had a telephonic conversation with the then vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Dr ASM Maksud Kamal, where she again termed the protesters as Razakars and threatened to hang them. The tribunal found the accused had ordered and incited the violence that followed and did not obstruct their subordinates from committing the crimes. Count-3: Following that, police shot and killed Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayeed. Read more: Dhaka writes to Delhi afresh seeking Hasina’s extradition The tribunal sentenced both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to imprisonment unto death for three counts of charge number one. It also found them guilty of three counts of charge number two. Count-1: Ordering the deployment of helicopters, drones and lethal weapons against protesters, which was proved in the telephonic conversation of Sheikh Hasina with Hasanul Haque Inu. Count-2: Following the order, six unarmed students were gunned down in the capital's Chankharpul area on August 5, 2024. Count-3: Six protesters were gunned down in Ashulia on August 5, 2024, and their bodies were burned to hide evidence. The tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and Kamal to death for these offences. The tribunal also ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the property of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan. The court also asked the authorities concerned to take steps to provide adequate compensation from this property to the martyrs and injured victims of July-August movement in proportion to the extent of their losses. Besides, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison in both charges. Read more: Delhi examining request for Hasina’s extradition; Dhaka expects response

India on Wednesday (November 26) said it has received a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that the request is being examined. “Yes, we have received the request and this request is being examined,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters while responding to a question at a regular briefing in New Delhi. He said they, as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in ‘peace, democracy, inclusion and stability’ in that country. Read more: ICT releases full verdict on Hasina, Kamal’s death penalty The MEA spokesperson reiterated that they will always engage ‘constructively’ with all stakeholders to that end. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh expects an answer from India on its latest request for extradition of convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “I do not expect that they will answer within a week of Dhaka’s request but we expect we will get an answer,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday when a journalist wanted to know about the update on Hasina’s extradition request. When pressed further, Hossain said he is not saying that Dhaka is not going to get an answer but the fact is that they are not expecting a reply within seven days. Bangladesh wrote to India afresh seeking Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 against her. Adviser Hossain said the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, India through Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. He also acknowledged that Bangladesh did not receive a reply from India on its first request for extradition last year. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. Read more: Dhaka expects answer from Delhi on Hasina's extradition: Foreign Adviser The Foreign Affairs Adviser on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," it said. Read more: India’s Lt Gen Manish Luthra highlights Bangladesh-India friendship

Bangladesh has written afresh to India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi but did not elaborate further. A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. Dhaka may approach ICC to bring back Hasina, Kamal: Law Adviser After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. “I understand they need to be brought back. We will let India know our position officially. Certainly, an official letter will be sent,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 17. Acknowledging that India did not reply to Bangladesh’s extradition request for Hasina, Hossain said the situation is different now as the trial is completed and they are punished. "This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement. July Martyrs’ families demand swift execution of Hasina’s sentence Meanwhile, India said it noted the verdict announced by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning Hasina and said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders. “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country,” said India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. The India ministry said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end. President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman on Saturday said India, as a friendly neighbour, should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems and return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. "If India respects international norms and rules, and international order, then India as a friendly neighbour, should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems," he said while responding to a question during a session at the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka. UN rights body regrets Hasina’s death sentence, calls verdict important for victims Muniruzzaman said Hasina's trial has gone through all international standards legal systems under which she was convicted.  "And that's a legal system that should be respected by all our neighbours," he added. If that respect is there, Muniruzzaman said, by all accounts she should be returned to Bangladesh. The security analyst said Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty and India is almost legally bound to send Hasina back to Bangladesh under the treaty. He wanted to know what would be India's reaction if Bangladesh was housing a number of Indians and did not return them after a request made by New Delhi to Dhaka. If that is the case, Muniruzzaman said, anybody convinced under Bangladesh's law by international standards, India is legally bound to send him or her bank to Bangladesh.  "And by all those accounts, we demand that New Delhi sends her (Hasina) back to Bangladesh," he said. Verdict in Rajuk plot graft case against Hasina, Putul on Nov 27

BNP on Monday night (November 17) said it believes justice has been served through the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August Uprising. “After a long judicial process, following international standards, the International Crimes Tribunal has delivered its verdict against Awami fascist Sheikh Hasina and her two accomplices. This verdict has ensured justice,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He shared the party’s formal reaction at a press briefing after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. Fakhrul said people at home and abroad had long called for accountability for the crimes committed under the previous regime. “The people of Bangladesh and the international community have been waiting for justice for the brutal acts of murder, torture and genocide carried out by the fallen dictator and her associates,” he said. Fakhrul said the tribunal handed down the maximum punishment under the law to Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who cooperated with the court, received a reduced sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Read more: UN rights body regrets Hasina’s death sentence, calls verdict important for victims He said the BNP is firmly committed to the rule of law and urged the country’s people to stay alert in this regard. Fakhrul said their party also demanded fair trials for all other accused persons in other cases. “With this verdict, we believe the souls of those who were victims of enforced disappearances, killings and extrajudicial executions over the past sixteen years — and the thousands who were killed during the 2024 student uprising — will find some peace. The anger of their families will ease to some extent,” the BNP leader said. The BNP Standing Committee meeting, chaired virtually by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London, began at 8:30pm and continued for two hours. BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press briefing. Earlier in the day, the tribunal convicted Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, in which more than 1,000 people were killed. The ICT-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death, while former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal also received the death penalty. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who gave testimony as a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court further ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state. Read more: Awami League using looted money for acts of sabotage: Rizvi

The International Crimes Tribunal-1  (ICT-1) is reading out its verdict in a high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others for crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising. The three member tribunal led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder started to read out the verdict at 12:30 pm. Law enforcement agencies have taken all necessary preparations to tackle any possible chaos centering the verdict. Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. Dhaka under security blanket as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case today Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of verdict. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (November 17) will be executed and people will accept it. Bangladesh Television (BTV) is broadcasting the verdict live. Read more: Relatives of July uprising martyrs gather at tribunal ahead of Hasina verdict

Relatives of the martyrs of last year’s July uprising gathered at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) area on Monday morning (November 17) ahead of the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s July-August. Some of the injured victims of July movement were seen on the tribunal premises with posters and banners around their necks. Dhaka under security blanket as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case today

Dhaka remained under a stringent security blanket on Monday (November 17) as law enforcement agencies intensified vigilance ahead of a verdict by International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a case against Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity. Multiple security layers are in place from the early hours of the day to prevent any untoward incident as several teams of law enforcing agencies, including police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), were seen patrolling at key points of the city. Movement of vehicles remained normal in Dhaka as Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Workers Federation on Sunday announced that traffic would continue operating defying the planned ‘lockdown’ of the ousted Awami League. Besides, people, particularly office-goers and students, were seen moving to their destinations and availability of the vehicles was sufficient. Earlier, Awami League, which activities are banned, and its associated bodies had observed a countrywide ‘lockdown’ on November 13 as the ICT-1 led by its Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder was scheduled to fix the date for delivery of the verdict on that day. Later, the tribunal set November 17 to deliver the judgment. Several crude bombs exploded in Dhaka on eve of Hasina's verdict Though the presence of law enforcers, including police, RAB, intelligence units and BGB was noticeable, vehicular movement across Dhaka was thinner compared to usual on that day. However, the traffic flow on the city streets increased remarkably on Monday than that of November 13. Since the early morning, Doel Chattar, High Court Mazar Crossing, Shahbagh, Press Club, Farmgate and other key points witnessed an extensive presence of police and other security forces. Checkposts were set up across strategic routes where officers were performing duty by checking pedestrians, private vehicles and especially motorcyclists. Law enforcement officials said motorcyclists are facing heightened scrutiny because assailants involved in recent explosions—reported since 10 November—used motorcycles to flee the scenes. “Given the pattern of movement observed in previous incidents, we are checking every motorcycle to prevent any attempt to commit sabotage,” said a duty officer wishing not to be named at the High Court area. Since morning, security personnel were seen stopping each motorcycle, verifying identity documents and searching bags and helmets. Foot patrols and mobile patrol teams were also deployed across busy commercial zones such as Motijheel, Gulistan and Karwan Bazar. Business owners in the Motijheel commercial area reported that although the streets are calmer early in the day, security presence is “unusually high,” adding that it offered a sense of reassurance amid prevailing tension. SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case Heavy security was also reported at major city entry points including Gabtoli, Jatrabari and Mohakhali where long-distance buses, trucks and private vehicles were screened. According to law enforcement agencies, the highest level of alert remains in place to thwart any “spot violence” or organised attempts to disrupt public order on the verdict day. Authorities said the security measures would continue throughout the day and into the evening. Despite the undercurrent of anxiety surrounding the tribunal verdict, the visible security presence across Dhaka has contributed to a sense of controlled calm as the situation continues to evolve in real time.

Several crude bombs went off at different points in the capital on Sunday evening (November 16), heightening tension on the eve of the verdict in the cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity during last year’s July–August uprising. Around 9pm, two crude bombs exploded in front of the Central Road residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources. However, no one was injured in the incident. Witnesses said unidentified miscreants hurled the bombs and fled the scene immediately after the explosions. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case Earlier, around 7:30pm, two crude bombs also went off near the Saarc Fountain intersection in Karwan Bazar. In a separate incident, two more explosions occurred minutes before 10pm in the Mohakhali Kacha Bazar and Amtoli areas. Police said no one was hurt. The series of explosions came a day ahead of Monday’s (November 17) scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in the trial of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over allegations linked to last year’s July uprising. Amid the tense political climate, the Awami League last week announced a nationwide “lockdown” programme. Since November 10, incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions in Dhaka and other districts, have occurred amid tight security. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has requested the Bangladesh Army to deploy troops to bolster security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of Monday’s verdict. Besides, BGB personnel have been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur districts to maintain overall security and ensure law and order. Read more: Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case

Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in a high-profile case of crimes against humanity. The tribunal is set to deliver its judgement on cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, who stand accused of crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising. The verdict will be delivered amid fresh tensions as a series of arson and crude bomb attacks were reported in Dhaka, Savar, Kushtia, Gazipur and other parts of the country. Awami League, whose activities remain banned in Bangladesh, called for a ‘complete shutdown’ on Sunday and Monday in protest citing several demands including the cancellation of the tribunal’s proceedings. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order. Read more: Fakhrul calls for full justice ahead of ICT verdict in Hasina’s case Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment. In a press briefing on November 13, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they have appealed to the court for the highest penalty. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will be executed and people will accept it. Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incident centering the verdict, he said. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live. The live verdict will be shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the Dhaka, said MH Tamim, a prosecutor of the ICT. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said at a discussion in Dhaka. Jamaat, allies to mobilise on streets on Hasina verdict day The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report on February 12 said Bangladesh’s previous government and security and intelligence services, alongside violent elements associated with the Awami League, systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during last year’s student-led protests. Based on deaths reported by various credible sources, the report estimates that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed between 15 July and 5 August, and thousands were injured, the vast majority of whom were shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. it said. Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it. After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused. The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day. After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year. On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused. The charges include inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024, ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, shooting death of student Abu Sayed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka and burning of six people to death in Ashulia. The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10. Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused. On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness. Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman. In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial. Read more: BGB deployed in Dhaka, 3 other districts

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (November 16) urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. Speaking at a discussion, he also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he said. The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He urged all political parties to unite on the question of establishing democracy and move forward towards the coming election. “Guided by the ideals of Maulana Abul Hamid Khan Bhasani, we must work to establish democracy in this country.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August. BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 49th death anniversary of Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a legendary politician and one of the dreamers of Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul said the country’s politics has now fallen into a state of confusion, with ‘contentious’ elements entering the political arena that the people of Bangladesh could never imagine. He said it is unfortunate that the country is now facing a critical crisis due to bad politics practised by some parties. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case The BNP leader reiterated that elections are the only path to a transition to democracy. “An election is the only way through which we can move towards democracy and reflect the people’s aspirations.” Despite confusion, frustration and uncertainty, he said a possibility has now emerged that the national election will be held on 26 February. Fakhrul, however, warned that certain quarters are still deliberately trying to create uncertainty in the country by raising various demands with the intention of obstructing, halting or delaying the election. “But the people of this country now need one thing above all — an elected government that has public support,” he said. Fakhrul urged all political parties to support the election process instead of making efforts to derail the polls, for the sake of the country and its people. “Support the election so that the people can express their opinion, their belief, and elect their representatives through this vote.” He warned that the economic situation is deteriorating day by day and will worsen further without an elected government. “The law-and-order situation is already bad, and without an elected government it will deteriorate even more.” Fakhrul recalled how Bhasani devoted his entire life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and deprived, living very simply as a lifelong champion of the people. BNP to reinstate ‘faith in Allah’ in constitution if returns to power: Salahuddin He urged BNP leaders and workers to read books on the life and work of Bhasani and follow his ideals. Fakhrul also recalled that Bhasani had recognised in Ziaur Rahman a leader capable of changing the country’s fate, and blessed him, and had encouraged NAP leader Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia to work alongside Zia.