United News of Bangladesh

Prayers and special munajat seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be held in every mosque across the country on Friday (December 05, 2025), said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. “Arrangements have been made at all mosques nationwide to pray for her swift recovery. The people of other faiths will also offer prayers for her healing at their respective places of worship,” he told a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Thursday morning (December 04, 2025). Read more: Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s health Rizvi said Khaleda Zia has been enduring illness amid various forms of repression, and he urged people across the country to pray for her wellbeing. He also announced that the BNP’s “Desh Garar Karmasuchi” (Nation-Building Programme) will begin on December 7, with the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joining virtually. Speaking about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Rizvi said, “He is deeply concerned about Khaleda Zia’s treatment. As the eldest son of the family and a national leader eagerly awaited by the people, he will make a well-considered decision to return at the right time.” Updating on Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her condition remains unchanged and she is still in a critical state, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital under a medical board. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 with multiple health complications. Read more: Govt urges nationwide special prayers for Khaleda Zia on Friday Her condition deteriorated on November 27, prompting doctors to transfer her to the CCU, where she continues to receive intensive treatment.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said their party would abolish the indemnity provision in the power sector if it returns to power. Speaking at the ‘CAB Youth Parliament 2025’ organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at Dhaka University, Rizvi said the indemnity law had legalised massive corruption in the power sector. “During the fascist regime, hundreds of thousands of crores of taka were looted from the energy sector. Using the indemnity law as a tool, money was siphoned off abroad,” Rizvi alleged. He said through rental and quick rental power projects, the previous government unleashed a wave of plunder in the energy sector, and the indemnity provision had paved the way for further large-scale corruption. “BNP stands firmly against such looting. Once in power, BNP will definitely repeal the indemnity,” he affirmed. Read more: Salahuddin slams ‘mismatch’ between July Charter and Commission report Rizvi said investment in the energy sector had declined and stressed that Bangladesh must start focusing on renewable energy now. “The previous government never thought about energy for people. Although the current interim government’s intentions regarding renewable energy seem right, their actions are not yet visible,” he observed. The BNP leader said that the party’s 31-point reform agenda places special emphasis on renewable energy, adding that acting chairman Tarique Rahman has repeatedly highlighted the issue in his speeches. “BNP has also pledged to plant 250 million trees across the country,” Rizvi said, adding that the party has always been serious about environmental issues. Apart from tree planting, our acting chairman has repeatedly talked about restoring the navigability of 20,000 km of canals, wetlands, and dead rivers,” he added. On the country’s renewable energy potential, Rizvi said Bangladesh needs to explore more alternative sources beyond solar and wind power. “Currently, only 4.71 percent of the national grid’s electricity comes from renewable sources. If Bangladesh can produce biofuel like Brazil—from sugarcane husks and other byproducts—it can make significant progress in this sector,” he said. Rizvi identified investment as the major challenge in renewable energy, saying that foreign investments are often delayed or blocked due to bureaucratic hurdles. “Overcoming these challenges is crucial to take the renewable energy sector forward,” he added. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday voiced suspicion of a ‘master plan’ behind Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s call for a November referendum on the July Charter, suggesting it might be an attempt to delay the upcoming national election. “As for the referendum on the July Charter, now you (Jamaat) are demanding that it be held in November. But most political parties have already agreed that the referendum will take place on the same day as the parliamentary election. It won’t take extra time and will also save costs,” he said. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader said if Jamaat insists on holding the referendum in November, it will hamper the preparation for the national election. “It will only create chaos. Which one will you finish first, and when? There is simply no time. If the referendum is held in November, the national election will have to be held right after Eid-ul-Azha. So, do you have some other master plan behind your call for the referendum in November?” he said. After long discussions, debates and arguments, Rizvi said all parties reached a consensus on the July Charter. “Now, by setting a new condition, why are you again trying to create disorder and confusion in the public mind? This question is now swirling in people’s minds.” He said people are also asking why Jamaat and some other parties are trying to complicate something that could be done easily and efficiently. Jamaat asks EC to be ready for separate referendum, polls days The BNP leader said the plan to hold both the referendum and the national election on the same day would save time and ensure a smooth process, while it is not possible to hold the referendum in November by making preparations in just one month. “But you (Jamaat) are trying to drag it out unnecessarily, raising suspicion that you want to delay or derail the national election. It seems that this political party, along with a few others, does not really want the election to take place. Their past record shows that they have never had any real commitment to democracy or the electoral process,” he pointed out. Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal arranged the programme protesting the desecration of the Quran and derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Islamic party leaders. The BNP leader also launched a strong attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of misleading people in the name of religion. “Jamaat is behaving like the medieval priests who used to sell tickets to heaven. Saying that voting for them will lead to heaven is a form of deception.” Rizvi claimed Jamaat has formed online groups to spread false messages and religious propaganda through digital platforms. “They are using technology to confuse people and exploit their religious beliefs. Islam never allows this kind of manipulation. Religion is a matter of faith, not a political tool,” he said. He said such activities are damaging to both democracy and the country’s religious values. “Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country where people deeply respect Islam. But using faith to gain votes or to divide people is unacceptable.” Some Advisers backing one party in secret, alleges Jamaat leader Rizvi also alleged that Jamaat has a long history of siding with the ruling Awami League when it suits their interests. “They always find a way to stay close to the Awami League. Even now, they are trying to benefit from the Awami League’s vote base through tricks and tactics. Their record shows no real commitment to democracy,” he said. The BNP senior joint secretary general urged all pro-democracy political parties to remain vigilant and united to ensure a free, fair and credible election under the interim government.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday warned of possible subversive acts during Durga Puja and urged national unity to resist ‘evil forces’. “There are plots and conspiracies, but together, beyond religion and community, we will resist them. The people of this country have always broken the webs of conspiracies, and this time too, the evil forces will not succeed,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the Puja mandap at the Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University. He said a defeated force had planned various subversive activities centring on Durga Puja this year as well. “But, as in the past, these attempts have failed.” Rizvi said conspiracies and plots still exist, both inside and outside the country, and efforts are being made to spread misinformation and false propaganda. “Butt, it is the sense of solidarity and the bonds of harmony among the people that have successfully resisted these conspiracies.” Salahuddin warns of plots against Bangladesh’s democratic transition He said despite all conspiracies, this year’s Puja is being celebrated in a joyful and festive atmosphere across the country. “Puja is not only a religious festival, it is also a symbol of Bangladesh’s centuries-old communal harmony. This festival has created a spirit of celebration among all people.” Rizvi called on the government to ensure the rights and safety of all communities to maintain peace and harmony. “State security must be foolproof so that no provocation or evil attempt can succeed,” he said. Later, at another event, Rizvi said both domestic and foreign conspiracies are actively underway, with the main target being the Zia family and nationalist forces. Speaking to a delegation of the Association of Engineers Bangladesh (AEB) who visited BNP’s Nayapaltan office in the afternoon, he warned that attempts are being made to disturb communal peace and create unrest in various parts of the country and called on all pro-democracy political parties and citizens to remain alert. Rizvi alleges ‘deep conspiracies’ surrounding Puja celebrations Rizvi said those who do not trust democracy are deliberately playing games with the election process and attempting to disrupt it through various methods. He also said the country’s young people have been denied their voting rights for over 10 years and they will not forgive any attempt to disrupt the national election.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of ‘working with fallen fascist forces’ and criticised its opportunistic political role over the years. “Some parties are thinking of working with fascists or befriending them. Have they learnt nothing from history? In our country, I believe an Islamist political party has continuously worked to satisfy the Awami League,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He reminded that it was BNP founder Ziaur Rahman who allowed the previously banned Jamaat to participate in Bangladesh politics. “But there have never been any of their meetings or programmes where they did not criticise Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, in strong language instead of supporting him… We have seen them stand with the Awami League and act in line with its decisions in every instance,” the BNP leader said. Citing examples, he said Jamaat joined the 1986 polls alongside the Awami League and also took part in violent street movements with them during the agitation for a caretaker government. “They were also involved in killings at that time in different places. At Rajshahi University, they (Chhatra Shibir) killed Chhatra Dal leader Tito during the 1995–96 movement,” Rizvi said. He also claimed that Jamaat forced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to participate in the 2008 election against her will, threatening to leave the alliance and join the polls independently. “Now again they have shown their true face, seeking to rehabilitate the Awami League and improve ties with India. We must also remember that this party has pampered a bloodthirsty monster like Sheikh Hasina, who killed her own people,” he the BNP leader said. No compromise with Awami League, reaffirms Rizvi The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina established fascism in her style by destroying democracy and repressing and killing people to cling to power permanently. “There is no scope for a return or revival of that fascism in Bangladesh.” He said the people of Bangladesh are democratic, moderate and religious-minded, but they want to speak without fear. “Even if they eat less, they want their voices to be heard. If anyone thinks of forcing a new stream of fascism on the people of this country, the people will not allow it.” Referring to reported audio documents submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal, Rizvi said it is now clear that Sheikh Hasina directly gave orders for shootings and arson while protesters were falsely blamed. “The leaked phone conversations are shocking. Anyone who hears them will be shaken. We who fought for democracy and endured jail, remand and torture saw the brutality of Sheikh Hasina. Now we are seeing even deeper horrors — how she pushed movements towards disastrous consequences. Helicopter firing, arson attacks on government buildings, even the fire at the metro rail station — all these, we now see from those calls, happened under her direct orders,” he alleged. Smear campaigns being carried out to eliminate BNP: Rizvi The BNP leader warned that if fascist forces rise again, pro-democracy activists will face severe consequences. Rizvi also raised questions about the activities of some advisers of the interim government. “Today’s media reports say adviser Sajib Bhuiyan allocated the highest amount — nearly Tk 2,500 crore — for his own area. This is discriminatory and politically motivated. People fear he is using his position to prepare for becoming an MP in the future.” He also criticised reports that some top civil servants are showing loyalty to a particular political party and using their positions for political ambitions. “It is sad, against transparency, and immoral if senior officials or advisers use their posts for political gain,” he added.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that smear campaigns with new narratives are being carried out targeting BNP to eliminate it. “We are still the opposition. We are constantly being subjected to different kinds of propaganda and misinformation,” he said while speaking at a programme at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Rizvi said after August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled, but new narratives are being created to malign BNP. He recalled the events of the 1/11 period in 2007, saying BNP and Awami League and their leaders had been targeted under the ‘minus-two formula’. “One party later returned to power and unleashed repression, attempting to wipe out the last trace of democracy. Students and people rose up against it, and BNP with its allies fought relentlessly, sacrificing many leaders and activists in that bloody struggle. We achieved victory in this struggle,” the BNP leader said. He claimed the new narrative is aimed at covering up the failure to establish the “minus-two” theory after August 5. “There is now an attempt to erase BNP. But BNP cannot be minus-ed, as this party is deeply rooted in the soil and people of this country.” Rizvi also warned that those engaging in anti-BNP propaganda and creating new narratives against the party will not be spared from Sheikh Hasina’s wrath if she ever returns. “Just look at the mayhem in New York yesterday (Monday) — that is proof.” Fakhrul shrugs off Kolkata media interview as fake He alleged that some political actors are trying to make secret deals with fascist forces to cross the election hurdle. “You will not be spared either if Sheikh Hasina returns. Everyone must remain alert so fascism does not return through internal weaknesses of democratic forces. Those flirting with fascists to gain power through the back door will only bring misfortune upon themselves,” Rizvi said. The BNP leader also called for vigilance during Durga Puja, urging party men to guard temples and remain alert so that no untoward incidents can take place. The programme was organised under the initiative of “Amra BNP Paribar” at the directive of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to provide medical assistance to 22 families of those killed, injured or disappeared during democratic movements, as well as those suffering from cancer and other health complications.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to create a ‘state within the state’ through its activities in the political landscape and universities. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, he warned that the country’s independence and sovereignty could face a major conspiracy due to rising threats from across the border and the emergence of new forces. “Has the DUCSU VP been given magistracy power to decide which shop on the campus is legal or illegal? He fined a shop Tk 3,000 and then deposited the money into Baitul Mal (the party’s fund). What is the legal basis for this?” the BNP leader asked. ‘7th November Projonma’ organised the programme on journalist Dr Maruf Mallick’s book ‘Theoretical Analysis of Bangladeshi Nationalism: Crisis of Civic and Ethnic Nationalism’. In any university, Rizvi said, it is the administration that should monitor who runs shops or markets on campus. Student leaders can raise concerns if the peaceful and orderly environment of the campus is being disturbed, he said. Read: Awami League could return if PR system is used in polls: Manna “Instead, you are imposing fines, and that money is going into Jamaat’s party fund. This is a very serious matter. We have always seen that their activities are creating a ‘state within the state,’ and we are now observing such an environment,” the BNP leader said. He also criticised the supply of iron beds to university halls by Jamaat’s student wing, questioning whether it is the responsibility of any political party or the student union to do so. “If students have demands, they should bargain or negotiate with the vice-chancellor. If there is a shortage of accommodation, beds or other facilities, it is the administration’s duty to address it,” Rizvi said. But, he said, the student organisation or party is providing iron beds to the administration. “This is very strange. It undermines the legal foundation of the state and goes against the proper functioning of the university. Are you running an orphanage that you provide iron beds? Will you also provide dining tables for food? These kinds of actions are a very bad sign, in our view.” Rizvi said in the current reality, especially after 5 August, when the nation is facing constant threats, many divisive voices are being heard, saying that one side is bad and the other is good. “In this changed situation, with continuous threats coming from neighbouring countries, the way the political situation is moving and the rise of certain forces, I believe this is creating an opportunity for a major conspiracy that could endanger our sovereignty and independence,” the BNP leader said. He also said a planned campaign is underway to blame BNP for crimes such as extortion, sand lifting and stone theft, while similar allegations against Jamaat leaders are being downplayed. When Jamaat attempts to show itself as good, it often appears that if BNP men are involved in sand lifting, Jamaat men are also connected, Rizvi said. He, however, lamented that media outlets do not highlight the misdeeds of Jamaat leaders and activists, while allegations against BNP receive wide coverage. Read more:  ‘If confident of victory, why want to delay election,’ Salahuddin asks Jamaat “If BNP members are involved in irregularities, we expel or suspend them and take disciplinary action. But this is not highlighted. Instead, a narrative is carefully created to use against BNP and malign the party,” Rizvi said. He also said the media and social media often blame BNP for extortion, sand lifting or stone theft, but do not report that Jamaat leaders’ names also appear in such incidents, including cases of sexual harassment or abuse of women. “Every family may have a black sheep. But if the parents punish the black sheep, that is a responsible family. The same goes for political parties,” the BNP leader said. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Organising Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiyan and senior journalist Amirul Islam Kagoji, among others, also spoke at the event.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday voiced deep concern over the rise of what he described as dangerous forces in the country, saying they pose a serious threat to democracy, religious freedom and cultural diversity. “What we are witnessing now is the rise of forces that are dangerous to democracy, dangerous to democratic values, and a threat to the religious faith of our people,” he said while speaking at a discussion and doa mahfil. The Diploma Engineers Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, praying for ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and marking the 18th anniversary of party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s release from jail. Rizvi said many of those involved in the July-August mass uprising are now trying to impose a new form of cultural dominance, while BNP upholds a political and cultural tradition rooted in the soil of this country. He said Jamaat-e-Islami wants to preach Islam, even though Islam has long been established in the country. Rizvi alleged that Jamaat is in fact trying to spread Maududi’s ideology in the name of Islam and by exploiting religious sentiments. The BNP leader said Bangladesh’s cultural identity is one where people offer prayers five times a day but also watch TV dramas and listen to music. “This is our cultural reality. But when you try to make everything one-sided, fascism emerges, and the worst form of fascism is religious extremism and the spread of radical politics.” Reject cruelty, embrace humanity: Tarique Rahman He also raised questions the fairness of the recent student union elections to Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University students unions, suggesting there might be a secret plan to wipe out nationalist forces. “Is a ‘deep blueprint’ being drawn up by the state and university authorities to eliminate pro-BNP student organisations? This has now become a matter of public concern.” Rizvi alleged that ballot papers for the DUCSU and JUCSU elections were printed at a privately-owned press rather than a government press. “The owner of that press is known to have close ties with a particular political party. Isn’t this an irregularity and a breach of fair practices?” He noted that even teachers at Jahangirnagar University resigned from their duties after witnessing such irregularities. Rizvi further criticised the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University for introducing a new code of conduct that reportedly bars former students from entering the campus. “But a university is not an isolated place. Former students remain emotionally connected to it for life.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said the country is 'going through a dangerous conspiracy' hatched by both local and international quarters, but hoped that a fair election will be held before Ramadan, enabling people to cast their votes after 16 years. He made the remarks after placing wreaths and offering fateha at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Dhaka University premises on the occasion of the poet’s 49th death anniversary. Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh are still deprived of many rights. “The ultimate goal of our movement, democracy, has not yet been established. But we believe that very soon, before Ramadan, a free and fair election will take place. Then, the voters of this country, who have been unable to vote for 16 years, will finally be able to exercise their right,” he said. Alongside this, he said, other essential conditions of democracy—such as ensuring a sense of security among the people, establishing the rule of law and guaranteeing justice—must also be ensured. Election opponents will be left out of politics: Salahuddin “The courts must become the last refuge for the helpless. We must advance towards building such a society,” he added. Referring to Nazrul’s inspiration, Rizvi said, “The source of people’s inspiration in fulfilling this goal is National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He was a poet of humanity, love and rebellion. In every struggle for national achievement and rights—from the anti-British movement, the Liberation War, the mass movement of the nineties to the recent world-shaking uprising—his songs and poems inspired people, taking them to the streets reciting his verses and singing his songs.” He went on to say, “We did not hesitate to stand fearless in front of the tyrant’s bullets because our voices carried the songs and poems of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Whenever the people of this country are deprived of their rights, it is his poetry and songs that unite them, ignite their determination to break the shackles of oppression.” The BNP leader said Nazrul never hesitated to wield his sharp pen against colonial powers. People eagerly waiting to vote in February elections: Dr Moyeen “Through his poems, songs and creations, he instilled a spirit in the entire nation. With that spirit, our leader Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman have carried forward the struggle, which found its ultimate expression in the July movement,” Rizvi added.  

BNP on Sunday submitted its financial report for the 2024 calendar year to the Election Commission (EC), showing a surplus ‘income’ of over Tk 10.85 crore. According to the report, the party’s total income stood at Tk 15,65,94,842, while its expenditure amounted to Tk 4,80,04,823, leaving a surplus of Tk 10,85,90,019. A BNP delegation, led by party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, submitted the statement to EC Senior Secretary Md Akhtar Ahmed at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Talking to reporters after submitting the report, Rizvi said the party’s income came mainly from members’ monthly subscriptions, book sales, interest from money deposited in banks and one-time donations. He said the expenses were made for personal assistance, disaster response, carrying out political programmes, and printing leaflets and posters. Audit report to EC: Awami League earned Tk 2.85 crore in 2022 Rizvi criticised the past role of the Election Commission, saying that previous commissions acted under the executive branch as tools of fascism. “They held voting at night before polling day and legalised rigged and looted elections,” he said. He also alleged that the previous commissions were formed with ‘spineless, job-seeking individuals’. Rizvi expressed the hope that the current EC would act responsibly and help create an environment for free, fair, and credible elections. “BNP wants the EC to become a trusted institution that can prevent any conspiracies regarding elections,” he added. As per existing laws, registered political parties must submit their financial statements to the EC by July 31 every year. BNP submits audit report to EC showing 2.03 cr in deposit Over the past few years, BNP’s financial reports have shown fluctuations in income and expenditure. In 2023, the party earned Tk 1.1 crore and spent Tk 3.65 crore, covering the deficit by using funds from previous savings. In 2022, BNP showed an income of Tk 5.92 crore against an expenditure of Tk 3.88 crore, with a reserve fund of Tk 2.03 crore.