United News of Bangladesh

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said he will return to Bangladesh 'soon and take part in the upcoming national election. “Perhaps, for some valid reasons, it hasn’t happened yet. But I think the time has come. InshAllah, I will return soon,” he said in an interview with the BBC Bangla on Monday. Tarique Rahman highlighted BNP’s strategies for the next election, the Awami League’s politics, the trial of its leaders and activists and the country’s election-centric political landscape during the interview. When asked if his return could happen before the election, Tarique said, “As a political worker, I have a natural and deep connection with elections. When there is an expected election, one that the people are waiting for, how can I stay away? I will do my best to be among the people during that people-expected election, InshAllah.” Reject cruelty, embrace humanity: Tarique Rahman Responding to a question about security concerns surrounding his return, Tarique said they have often heard various kinds of apprehensions from different people. Even from government quarters, concerns were expressed in different ways through various media, he said. Asked whether he would directly contest the next election, the BNP acting chairman said, “As I mentioned earlier, I am naturally a member of a political party, a political worker. Elections are essentially linked to political parties and political activists. Therefore, in an election where the people are engaged, I cannot remain distant. I must participate. InshaAllah, I will be present on the ground.” Responding to another question whether he would be seen as a prime minister candidate, Tarique said he thinks this is a decision for the people of Bangladesh. “It is not my decision; it will be decided by the people of Bangladesh.” Responding to a question whether he himself would take part in the election, Tarique replied, “Why wouldn’t I? Certainly, I will.” About the party’s stance, he said the party will decide. “How the party will handle it is the party’s decision.” Tarique Rahman urges people to unite for democracy, fair elections In response to another question whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would play any role in the election and whether people could expect to see her actively involved, Tarique said, “If her physical ability allows, she will certainly play some roles.” Asked specifically whether this could mean her direct participation in the election, he replied, “I cannot say that right now... I just mentioned that it somewhat depends on her physical or medical condition.”

A special flight with 247 Bangladesh citizens, stranded in the USA amid coronavirus pandemic, will arrive here early Sunday.     The passengers include mostly Bangladeshi students studying in different colleges and universities in the USA, Bangladesh citizens who came to America on tourist and business visas and some government and non-government officials.   The flight, scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on Friday from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 4am (local time) on Sunday, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. 

A total of 114 Bangladesh citizens, mostly students, arrived here on Monday morning from London, the United Kingdom (UK).    They were stranded in the UK since suspension of international flights between Dhaka and London in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.   A Biman Bangladesh Airlines special chartered flight - BG 4041 - carrying the Bangladesh citizens departed London at 7:45 pm (London Time).   The flight arrived at Hazrat  Shahjalal International Airport at 9:40am with 114 passengers, Tahera Khandakar, deputy general manager (public relations) of Biman told  UNB.    Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem saw off the returning passengers at the Heathrow Airport.    The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 09:45 am today (Monday), according to Bangladesh High Commission in London.    Earlier at the request of Bangladesh High Commission in London, the government arranged the flight, being operated by the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines and chartered by Bangladesh Air Force Welfare Trust (BAFWT).    The High Commission facilitated the return of the Bangladeshis after forming a COVID-19 Emergency Repatriation Committee.   Initially, more than 200 stranded Bangladeshi citizens, including students booked their flight, but many of them had cancelled their booking at the very last moment citing personal reasons and in the fear of institutional quarantine in Bangladesh on their arrival.    However, the High Commission has already provided all the passengers with a health certificate based on their health assessment so that they would be directed to home quarantine only.    Similarly, the High Commission has assured all passengers travelling from Dhaka to London that they would be guided to home quarantine.   “We are grateful to Bangladesh Government, specially to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; and for the initiative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Air Force in particular for chartering this flight," said High Commissioner Tasneem.   From the High Commission, she said, they are humbly gratified that they could reunite the Bangladeshi citizens, in particular students, stranded in the UK with their families in Bangladesh before Eid-ul-Fitr.   “We also would like to thank particularly UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK Home Office, UK Border Agency, London Heathrow Airport Authorities and Biman Bangladesh Airlines for their tremendous support to ensure the safe return of the stranded Bangladeshis during this difficult time of unprecedented coronavirus pandemic," said the High Commissioner. 

Dhaka, Aug 26 (UNB) – Ninety-one percent dengue patients returned home from hospitals across the country after full recovery since January 1 last, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).