United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI training aircraft on Milestone School and College compound in the capital’s Diabari area. In a condolence message, the BNP leader said “The crash of a training aircraft of the BAF in Uttara, resulting in casualties among the students of Milestone School and College is extremely tragic and heartbreaking. I have no words to express my condolences for this touching and sorrowful incident.” Uttara aircraft crash: Death toll rises to 19, over 50 injured “I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased and the injured. May Allah grant them the strength to endure this immense grief,” the message read. He also demanded a fair investigation into the plane crash and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his profound sympathy to the bereaved family members. The BNP leader also prayed for swift recovery for those students who are being treated in the hospitals. A training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) crashed in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon, leaving at least 19 people dead and an unspecified number of people including students injured. At a press briefing at the scene, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md Jahed Kamal said 19 bodies were recovered from the school compound. “The rescue operation is underway,” he said.  

Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed a range of issues, including the hike in US tariffs and the upcoming national election in Bangladesh. The hour-long meeting began around 10 am at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP’s media cell. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said they held an in-depth discussion on bilateral relations between the two countries. “There was a long discussion, especially about the high tariffs that America has imposed on us. They wanted to know our opinion on how Bangladesh will handle the tariffs,” he said. The BNP leader said they expressed the view that it is necessary to find a suitable solution through cooperation and dialogue with the government. “As America has imposed high tariffs, this will seriously hamper our garment exports. We will work with the government and cooperate so that a simple and effective solution can be found,” he said. Besides, the BNP leader said, they discussed ways to increase trade and investment between the two countries in new areas. British envoy meets Fakhrul; discusses election, political situation Naturally, Khosru said, the upcoming national election in Bangladesh was also discussed at the meeting. “We talked about our party’s election preparations. They appreciated the recent meeting in London between our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus,” he said. The BNP leader said the US side recognised the significance of that meeting, as it brought a sense of relief and created a more positive environment in Bangladesh, with different parties and the public now becoming more focused on the upcoming election. Following the London meeting, Khosru said there has been some progress towards setting a timeline and date for the next election in February, which has brought relief. “This is a positive step not only for Bangladesh but also for other countries like the US that are planning their future engagement with Bangladesh. Having a clearer timeline allows them to make important decisions and move forward with their plans more effectively and easily,” he said. The meeting took place just hours before Fakhrul and eight other BNP leaders are scheduled to leave for China tonight (Sunday night) at the invitation of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday and discussed various issues related to the upcoming national election and the prevailing political situation in the country. The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, began around 10:30am at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present during the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Dr Moyeen Khan said detailed discussions were held on various issues, including the overall political situation in Bangladesh, the outcome of the discussions held in London on June 13 between Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the subsequent reaction and situation, the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and further areas of cooperation. He said there was a long discussion on Bangladesh’s relations with its neighbouring countries, considering its geographical location. Mirza Fakhrul meets EU delegation   

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, during his meeting with the party’s acting chairman, agreed to hold the next national election in mid-February next. “Everybody was expecting that this meeting could be a turning point. We express our gratitude to Allah that this meeting has truly turned into a turning point,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after the meeting. Fakhrul said Tarique proposed bringing the election date forward from April, as earlier announced by the Chief Adviser, since that time is not favourable for voting. “The entire nation noticed with immense joy that the Chief Adviser agreed to it, and they (govt) fixed the election timeframe in the middle of February.” He thanked Prof Yunus, saying that using his prudence he invited Tarique to the meeting and thus ended the political stalemate for taking the nation forward with new hopes. Fakhrul said a joint statement was issued after the meeting, clearly stating that the talks between the two leaders were held in a cordial atmosphere. The BNP leader said the election issue was the prime one among other matters discussed at the meeting. He said it is now necessary to move forward towards a fair election in mid-February by forgetting past misunderstandings and further consolidating the national unity. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Praising the leadership of BNP’s acting chairman, Mirza Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman, through this meeting, has once again demonstrated that he possesses the statesmanlike qualities that set him apart among the leaders of political parties in Bangladesh. He said the entire nation was anxious about the outcome of the meeting, but Tarique made the meeting a success. “On behalf of our party and all its leaders and activists, I extend heartfelt thanks to Tarique Rahman.” Noting that there was uncertainty all around, the BNP leader said, “Many were saying many things. But today, the two leaders have proved that the people of Bangladesh can still unite in the time of national need—and that the leaders can indeed lead,” Fakhrul said. He also described the Chief Adviser’s message for bringing forward the election timeline as good news for the country’s democracy. Fakhrul said he spoke to Tarique Rahman soon after the meeting with Prof Yunus ended, and the BNP acting chairman expressed his gratitude and respect for those who carried out the struggle over the last 15 years, shed blood and those who made sacrifices during the July-August mass uprising. He said Tarique also paid homage to all martyrs and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls. Besides, Fakhrul said the BNP acting chairman expressed gratitude to the country’s people for continuing their struggle for democracy and thanked them. Earlier, a joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London. It said the meeting between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held before Ramadan next year. “Party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also believes that holding the election during that time would be appropriate.” “The Chief Adviser said he has already announced that the election will be held in early April next year. If all preparations are completed, it may even be possible to hold the election in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. But, in that case, sufficient progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial,” the joint statement reads. It said Tarique welcomed the Chief Adviser’s position and thanked him on behalf of the party. “The Chief Adviser also thanked Mr Tarique Rahman for the fruitful discussion.” The high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after a 90-minute discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm Bangladesh time on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned.

BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to hold a formal meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting the United Kingdom, on June 13 (Friday) in London. “Our acting Chairman has been formally invited to a meeting on June 13 from 9am to 11am London time,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he said the meeting will take place at the hotel where the Chief Adviser is currently staying in London. Fakhrul, however, mentioned that there is no specific agenda for the meeting. Despite being physically unwell, he said, Tarique had convened a meeting with the party’s Standing Committee members on Monday night to discuss the upcoming meeting. “Our standing committee meeting welcomed the initiative. We hope this meeting will play a positive role in resolving the challenges facing the political landscape of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. In the context of recent political developments, he said this meeting could prove to be a major turning point if all goes as planned. “This meeting is the most significant event at present and holds great importance both nationally and internationally. Many issues could be resolved through this meeting, and new dimensions may emerge,” Fakhrul said. He also said the meeting holds immense potential though it ultimately depends on how the Chief Adviser and the BNP acting chairman choose to advance those possibilities. On behalf of the BNP, Fakhrul said full authority has been given to Tarique to make decisions during the meeting. Fakhrul urges interim govt to rethink about April election timing He said the BNP standing committee also wished for the success of the meeting between the Chief Adviser and Tarique. “The current interim government's chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus will meet our acting chairman, who has been running the party for so long, who has been a major focal point in politics in Bangladesh and has also played a major role in the student uprising... I consider the chief advisor's meeting with him a major event... It's a major political event,” Fakhrul said. Since the announcement of Prof Yunus’ visit to the United Kingdom, there has been much political speculation about the possibility of a meeting between him and Tarique. The meeting was, however, not included in the official itinerary of the Chief Adviser. In response to a journalist’s question on June 4, Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique said he had no information about any meeting between the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman. The Chief Adviser left Dhaka for the UK on Monday evening for a four-day official visit. Tarique is going to hold a meeting with Chief Adviser Yunus at a time when there is significant disagreement between his party and the interim government over the timing of the next election. In an address to the nation on the eve of Eid al-Azha, Prof Yunus announced that the election would be held in early April next year. This announcement has disappointed the BNP, which has been demanding elections by December. The party argues that there is no justification for delaying the election until April. Under the leadership of Prof Yunus, the National Consensus Commission has been working to build a consensus among political parties on necessary reforms. But the BNP disagrees with several of the commission’s reform proposals. The BNP maintains that constitutional reforms should only be undertaken by an elected government within parliament — not by an interim administration. On the other hand, the NCP, formed by student leaders of the mass uprising, and some other Islamic parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami support implementing key reforms before the election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday underwent successful surgery on his left eye for a retina problem in Bangkok, Thailand. The operation was conducted at the Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok in the afternoon, said BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. “The operation was completed at 4:15pm (Thai time). Alhamdulillah, the surgery on his left eye has been successfully carried out,” he said. Zahid said Fakhrul has been shifted to a cabin at the hospital, where his wife Rahat Ara Begum along with a few close family members is looking after him. “His condition is stable and he is doing well now.” He said the BNP Secretary General will need to stay in the hospital for a few days. “Once the hospital authorities discharge him, he will return to the country.” BNP’s Farroque urges govt to recognise public sentiment, hold early election Earlier on Monday, Fakhrul began experiencing problems with his left eye and quickly consulted eye specialists at the United Hospital in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan As the doctors recommended urgent surgery on his left eye due to retina problem, he said the BNP leader travelled to Bangkok that very night on a Thai Airways flight. The expert doctors at the Rutnin Eye Hospital examined his eye and decided to carry out the surgery,” Sayrul said. On behalf of the family members, Sayrul urged the country’s people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP Secretary General. Earlier, on April 6, Fakhrul and his wife travelled to Singapore for medical check-ups and necessary treatment.

Warning of a plot to deprive people of their right to vote, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will once again take to the streets if the interests of the party and people are jeopardised. “We are not on the streets right now. We are going to people with iftar items and Eid gifts, standing by them in both their joy and sorrow. But, if any obstacle arises in the interests of the party and people, we, the BNP, will take to the streets once again,” he said while distributing Eid gifts among the poor in Beraid area of Badda. On behalf of Tarique Rahman, the Dhaka North City unit of the BNP organised the programme ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Fakhrul called upon the people of the country to prepare for a movement, as a plot, both from within and outside the country, is underway to deprive people of their right to vote and delay the elections. “We will not allow this to happen.” He said over the past 15 years, their party leaders and activists have endured serious repression in their fight for the restoration of people's voting rights. Interim govt echoing Hasina’s rhetoric: Amir Khosru The BNP leader also mentioned that the people of the country became freed from Sheikh Hasina’s "monstrous and fascist" regime on August 6 after 36 days of movement and the united efforts of political parties and students. He said the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, was formed with the primary responsibility of holding a national election by creating a level playing field in a short time. “But whenever we discuss the elections, many claim that the BNP only raises the issue of elections. It is natural for us to do so, as we have fought all our struggles for that very cause,” he observed.

Voicing frustration over Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' address to the nation, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed disappointment that the interim government head did not present a clear roadmap for the national election. “I am very disappointed that the Chief Adviser did not mention a clear election roadmap in his speech yesterday (Tuesday),” he said while speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave. Fakhrul, along with party leaders and workers, placed a wreath at Zia’s grave, paying tribute to him on the occasion of Independence Day. He said the announcement of election between December and June is a vague statement. “It is very vague. December to June... six months. So, no roadmap has been given.” The BNP leader reiterated that their party has consistently called for a clear roadmap and prompt elections. Otherwise, he warned, the crisis that has been created will not be resolved. Fakhrul said their party is not talking about the election merely to come to power. BNP holds prayers seeking early recovery of Tamim “BNP is advocating for the election in the interest of the nation, to protect the nation, to protect independence and sovereignty, and for the establishment of an elected parliament and government,” Fakhrul said. He said they hope the interim government will quickly carry out the necessary minimum reforms for the election and subsequently announce the election schedule. Fakhrul, along with BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, led thousands of leaders and activists to Zia’s grave to pay homage to the party founder, whom they consider the proclaimer of the Liberation War. After placing the wreath, they also offered Fateha, praying for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. Earlier in the day, party leaders and activists, led by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, laid a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar, paying tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War. Fakhrul also expressed disappointment that in his speech, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus did not mention the name of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the brave freedom fighter who declared independence, even once. “But this was history,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want the history distorted by the Awami League to be altered again. The BNP leader said the sooner a democratic and elected government is established in the country, as per the people’s desire, the sooner the country’s problems will be resolved.

Voicing profound concern over the growing incidents of harassment and abuse towards women, the BNP on Friday urged the government to take stern action against the perpetrators, ensuring justice. In a statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir strongly condemned and protested the violence against women, including various forms of harassment." “I urge the government to establish justice and peace in the country by decisively addressing all anarchic situations, including violence against women,” he said. The BNP leader said women are playing a leading role alongside men in all areas of the country's development and progress. "The progress women are making in the field of education is particularly commendable. Just as in the country, women are enhancing the nation's reputation abroad by playing a significant role," he said. Fakhrul lamented that women from various professions, including students and female workers, are being subjected to eve-teasing, molestation, and harassment in various places, including educational institutions. BNP hosts iftar for foreign diplomats "Women are being raped, tortured and killed. This has seen a sharp increase since the fascist Awami League government came to power," he alleged. The BNP leader criticised the Awami League government for failing to take strict action against violence toward women. He claimed that perpetrators have become more emboldened and desperate due to the lack of justice and the prevailing culture of impunity. "We are deeply concerned to see the growing trend of harassment of women in various forms on the streets and in educational institutions. This trend is alarming," Fakhrul observed. He said the perpetrators are instigating anarchy and instability in the country through carrying out incidents. "It is our moral responsibility to protect the dignity of women and safeguard their freedom, which is a constitutionally recognised right," the BNP leader asserted. Beware of attempts to create division: Mirza Abbas He noted that the people of the country are now deeply worried about the overall state of anarchy in the country, including violence against women. "We strongly condemn and oppose this, and at the same time, we call upon everyone to play a responsible role cautiously,” the BNP leader said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the democratic forces to be more sincere in building a livable Bangladesh for the future generation.  “A ray of hope has emerged among us. We must all be more sincere to rebuild Bangladesh. We need to work together to create a sustainable and livable Bangladesh for the generations to come,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting at the Jatiya Press Club, held to mark the posthumous Ekushey Padak award given to renowned journalist late Mahfuz Ullah. Fakhrul said political parties had struggled against fascism and endured repression and suppression for a long time. “Fascism has been defeated and driven out through that movement. Today, we are all filled with hope for the country,” he said. Fakhrul expressed his satisfaction that a virtuous and talented journalist like Mahfuz Ullah has been honoured by the state with the Ekushey Padak after his passing. He said Mahfuz Ullah had always worked towards bringing about social change, establishing the rights of the people and ensuring their entitlements. The BNP leader reminisced that Mahfuz Ullah had played a significant role in uniting political parties, both left-wing and right-wing, to intensify the movement against the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina. Hold national election without delay, Fakhrul urges govt  The interim government has awarded the 2025 Ekushey Padak to 17 prominent people, including journalist Mahfuz Ullah, and the Bangladesh women's football team, in recognition of their contributions to various fields. Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus attended the ceremony as the chief guest at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday and presented the medals. Paying tribute to Mahfuz Ullah, Fakhrul said the nation would best show its respect for him by transforming Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country. "We have come a long way, and now there are many young people who are rethinking the future of the country. But, in that reflection, we must remember one thing: we should never forget Mahfuz Ullah and those who contributed to this nation.” Describing the late Mahfuz Ullah as a ‘progressive’, ‘patriotic’, and ‘brilliant’ journalist, Fakhrul said he never hesitated to call a spade a spade. "I miss Mahfuz Ullah. I truly miss him. Losing him has left a huge void for us. I am pleased that he has received such posthumous recognition, and I thank the interim government for this," he said. The BNP leader also prayed for the salvation of Mahfuz Ullah's departed soul. BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Chairperson's Advisory Council members Ismail Zabihullah, Nazmul Haque Nannu, political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury, Dhaka University Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Chief Advisor's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, BSS Managing Director Mahbub Morshed, senior journalist Amirul Islam Kagoji, and Mahfuz Ullah's son Mostafa Habib were among those who addressed the programme, with Professor Mahbub Ullah in the chair.