BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday described the Chief Adviser’s statement on the upcoming national election as "unclear and disappointing." "The statement regarding the election in the Chief Adviser's speech is ambiguous," he said while speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan. The BNP Secretary General said they had expected that the Chief Adviser would present a clear roadmap for the election within a specific timeframe. "But he did not do so. This has been somewhat disappointing for us as well as for the nation," he said. Since the Election Commission has already been formed, Fakhrul said there is no problem for it to begin preparations for conducting the election. "It is possible to do that very quickly.” He also pointed out that the "contradictory statements" made by the Chief Adviser and his press secretary about the election timeline have created confusion about the government’s exact plan for the polls. Earlier on Monday, Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, in a national address, hinted that the 13th National Parliamentary Election could be held either at the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. His Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said that it can be expected that the next general election will be held in the country by June 30, 2026. “He (CA) has mentioned a time. What could be a clearer roadmap than this? You can expect the election to be held by June 30, 2026. This is a clear roadmap,” he said while briefing reporters over the current issues at the Foreign Service Academy. Muktijoddha Dal’s gathering postponed for Khaleda’s illness   Fakhrul said the Chief Adviser had mentioned the elections would be held at the end of 2025 or early 2026. "Then, his press secretary said the elections would be arranged by June 2026.” He said the statements from the Chief Adviser's press secretary are contradictory to what the Chief Adviser himself said. “So, exactly we don't know which one is right.” Asked whether they considered the Chief Adviser's announced timeline for the elections to be logical, Fakhrul replied that it did not appear to be. "As we have said, we are disappointed by it." The press conference was organised to announce the decisions made at a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee held on Monday night. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, which he attended virtually. Fakhrul said their meeting elaborately discussed the Chief Adviser's address to the nation and the explanation given by his press secretary about the election. "The BNP Standing Committee thinks that the Chief Adviser's speech on the election was unclear. While a possible timeline for the election was mentioned, no specific details were given regarding the electoral roadmap," he said. Fakhrul said the BNP policymakers also noted that the Chief Adviser mentioned the election timeline as either by the end of 2025 or in the first part of 2026. "This is ambiguous, as no specific timeframe was provided.” On the other hand, he said, the meeting observed that the Chief Adviser’s press secretary created confusion by making a contradictory statement that the election would be held by June 2026. "The meeting believed that such contradictory statements had only added to the confusion. It also observed that, since the Election Commission has already been formed, there’s no need to delay the election. By completing the necessary electoral reforms, the polls could be held promptly," Fakhrul said. He said the people of the country expect a clear statement from the Chief Adviser on the specific timeframe for the election. "The meeting felt that the exact timing of the elections should be determined through consultation with political parties and other stakeholders." Tarique urges BNP followers to prioritise reform over revenge  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left the country for London, UK on Saturday morning on a 10-day visit. He  along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum, departed  from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 8:25am, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.  He said the BNP leader is expected to return to home on December 11. Fakhrul ready to embark on London tour According to BNP sources, Fakhrul is travelling to London to meet party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political and party matters. Once Mirza Fakhrul returns, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may travel to London for medical treatment. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is likely to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care.  

Stating that there is a plot to brand Bangladesh as a communal country by labelling false allegations of repression against minorities, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged all to remain alert to thwart such a move. "My only request is that what we have achieved should not go in vain, because there is a fascist (Hasina) sitting on the other side of the border," he said at a student convention held at the Krishibid Institute of Bangladesh (KIB). The event, titled "Student Convention 2024," was organised by the Thakurgaon Chhatra Kalyan Parishad in Dhaka. The BNP leader claimed that fascist forces, staying in India, are devising various conspiracies and instigating a series of untoward incidents. Fakhrul ready to embark on London tour "After orchestrating these incidents, they are spreading them worldwide to portray Bangladesh as a country of fundamentalists, where minorities are being persecuted," he said. Fakhrul said  that the Indian newspapers and social media present all such vile incidents of evidence of what is happening in Bangladesh. “Actually, it is not. Who is doing these things? Why are they doing them? I am saying this because we have no time to be happy that we have won… everything is over,” he said. The BNP leader said a sword is still above the heads of the democratic and pro-Bangladesh forces.  "They (fascist forces) are trying to take us back to darkness everywhere. So, we must be very vigilant and alert. Any hasty actions or chaos must be prevented to ensure that no one can instigate it," he said. The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League had depleted the country's resources through widespread planning and corruption. BNP’s Nazrul questions justification of ISKCON's agitations “The economy has been ruined, banks have been plundered, and looting, bribery, and corruption were rampant everywhere. We must put a stop to these things and build resistance against them,” he said. Fakhrul also expressed his pain over the fact that students from different colleges were fighting against each other, despite having once united to overthrow an oppressive regime. “This is not acceptable in any way,” he added. “We must stand against this, as it is a conspiracy… Your (students’) responsibility is to make them understand that this is not the way. I am deeply concerned when I see a lawyer killed on the road in the name of ISKCON, in the name of religion,” he said. It’s now time to unite, build Bangladesh: Tarique Fakhrul thanked the students for their crucial role in helping oust the fascist Hasina government through a mass uprising. "Fighting against fascism without resources is nearly impossible, but your courage made it possible." Throughout Bangladesh's history, he said whenever the people, along with students, united in resistance, victory was always achieved.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia exchanged greetings at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on Thursday. Upon arrival at Senakunja, Khaleda was seated next to Dr Yunus, and the two engaged in conversation. Both were seen smiling and greeting each other during their interactions. At exactly 4:00 pm, the reception ceremony commenced with the national anthem being played. The Chief Advisor then delivered his speech. At the outset of his address, the Chief Adviser congratulated the members of the armed forces on Armed Forces Day and paid tribute to the memories of the martyrs who gave their lives in the Liberation War. The Chief Adviser then said, "Today, we are especially fortunate and honoured to have with us Begum Khaleda Zia, the wife of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, a freedom fighter, and three-time elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh." He said for a whole decade, the BNP Chief had not had the opportunity to attend this grand gathering. "Today, she has that opportunity, and we are all delighted and proud to have been able to offer it to her." The Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to the BNP Chairperson for joining the event despite her long-standing health challenges and wished her a speedy recovery. "We thank her once again and extend a warm welcome to her at this event." BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said Khaleda Zia was warmly received by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Force Chief Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan as she arrived at the venue. After Khaleda Zia took her seat at Senakunja, he said the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, exchanged greetings with her. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived at the event and was moved to tears upon seeing Khaleda Zia at the event after a long time. Speaking to reporters at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Khaleda Zia, who has dedicated her life to protecting democracy and the country’s independence and sovereignty, had been kept away from the patriotic armed forces for 12 years. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Adviser and the armed forces, including the chiefs of the three services, for honouring Khaleda on Armed Forces Day. “The entire nation is happy, and we are grateful for the honour bestowed upon Madam (Khaleda).” Apart from Fakhrul, his wife Rahat Ara Begum, and BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and other invited senior leaders also attended the reception ceremony. Khaleda Zia, a 79-year-old former Prime Minister, accompanied by the wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, left her Gulshan residence around 3:30pm and arrived at the reception venue around 3:45pm. She got out of the vehicle, seated in a wheelchair, and made her way to the venue. This marks her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018. The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012. Khaleda also made her first appearance at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja in 12 years on Thursday. The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012. Earlier, on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office invited Khaleda, also a three-time former Prime Minister, to attend the reception at Senakunja. Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan handed over the invitation letter to Khaleda. Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has presented as the chief guest at the reception at Senakunja. Armed Forces Day was celebrated today (Thursday) with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed his party’s opposition to banning any party by the interim government. “Who are we to ban political parties? It’s the people of the country who will take the decision in this regard,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks as journalists sought his comments about a quarter’s demand for banning Jatiya Party. Mirza Fakhrul recalls former secretary Sabihuddin’s contributions to country He said what is not an issue is being made an issue as part of a new plot. The BNP leader said plots have been hatched to destabilise the country and put the country’s future in uncertainty. Earlier, he joined a memorial programme at BRAC Center Inn, marking the second death anniversary of Sabihuddin Ahmed, an ex-adviser of the BNP Chairperson. Fakhrul said Sabihuddin Ahmed, as a patriot and a man of nationalist ideals, will always be remembered with respect and love by the people of the country. Need to hold polls quickly; only elected govt can make visible changes: Fakhrul He said Sabihuddin Ahmed worked for the people and democracy of the country all his life. Fakhrul also said that Sabihuddin Ahmed, a sports enthusiast, was full of energy. “He would be happy if he could see Bangladesh free from fascism.” Interim Government Finance Advisor Salehiddin Ahmed, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, among others, spoke at the program.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the interim government should operate within the constitutional framework avoiding any imprudent steps. “The only way to overcome every crisis is to hold a credible national election after completing all the necessary reforms related to the electoral process,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, accompanied by leaders and members of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, marking its 46th founding anniversary. Asked about BNP’s position on the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin following the meeting with students, he said, “We can’t provide BNP's position like this... we have a party forum, and we will clarify our stance after discussing it at that forum meeting.” Fakhrul emphasised that what is essential is a national unity to consolidate the revolution in Bangladesh and harvest its results. “We believe that all actions should be conducted within a constitutional framework without resorting to any arbitrary measures.” He said their party has consistently urged the government to arrange an impartial election swiftly by implementing necessary electoral reforms. Sought comments if BNP believes the crisis will worsen if the election is delayed, he responded that the government must take immediate steps to organise the national election to address the crisis. “A constitutional political force should take charge of the country and govern through a neutral election. This alone can resolve all crises.” Fakhrul appreciated the role of Jubo Dal in the student-led mass uprising aimed at overthrowing the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. By placing a wreath at Zia’s grave, he said they pledged that they would protect at any cost Bangladesh’s independence. “BNP and its associate bodies never compromised on the question of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and they won’t do it in the future,” Fakhrul said. He said the nation was liberated for the second time by ousting the fascist Awami League on August 5 after a long struggle and Jubo Dal played a significant role there. Fakhrul said Jubo Dal has now become much stronger under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Jubo Dal will surely play an active role in consolidating the country’s independence and sovereignty, making the student-led mass uprising meaningful.” He urged the Jubo Dal to remain alert to resist and defeat the enemies of Bangladesh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon, along with BNP senior leaders, went to Zia’s grave at 11:30am and paid homage to Zia. They also offered fateha there and prayed for the eternal peace of the soul of Ziaur Rahman. BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, Chairperson’s advisory council member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, and former Jubo Dal President Saiful Alam Nirab were, among others, present. Later in the afternoon, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain inaugurated a day-long medical camp and voluntary blood donation programme at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the Jubo Dal’s founding anniversary.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left the country for Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday night for a weeklong personal visit to see his elder daughter. He departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at approximately 11:55 pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. “Sir (Fakhrul) is going to meet his daughter and her family members, as his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, is currently staying there,” he said.  He noted that Rahat Ara Begum has been staying with her elder daughter for the past one and a half months.  Yunus also said the BNP Secretary General is expected to return home with his wife after a weeklong stay in Australia. Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006.  While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognized as a women's organizer. In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organization allows women to talk about stigmatized topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves. In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award.  In 2022, she was honored with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year.’

Stating that Bangladesh is an example of communal harmony, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said that their party, if returns to power, will ensure justice through proper investigations and trials for all incidents of persecution against Hindus. During a visit to the Puja mandap at Dhakeshwari Temple on the first day of Durga Puja, he also expressed the BNP's sympathy for the eight-point demands of the Hindu community. “We’re considering the eight-point that you mentioned...we have our full sympathy for the core issue of the eight-point demand. We can tell you this, just as we have supported you in every problem in the past, we’ll continue to stand by you in the future as well," Fakhrul said. In an oblique reference to the Awami League, the BNP leader said this is unfortunate but true that the members of a particular political party, which claims to be the greatest savior of the minority community, have been involved in all the incidents of repression that have occurred against them in the past. BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus “They (AL men) were also behind the incidents involving the occupation of land and property belonging to your community (Hindu’s) in Bangladesh. If our party forms the government in the future, each incident will be investigated impartially, and justice will be ensured,” he said. At the beginning, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary and daily Kalbela editor Santosh Sharma highlighted the eight-point demand of their community, calling for justice and exemplary punishment for the injustices and abuses suffered by minorities. Fakhrul said some foreign media are spreading propaganda against the communal harmony of Bangladesh with biased and false reports to undermine the political changeover following the fall of the Awami League through a mass uprising. “I won't say nothing happened. Some of the incidents that happened were not communal in nature but political incidents.” The BNP leader recounted how their party leaders and activists struggled for 15 years against the Awami League government, enduring repression, killings, enforced disappearances and imprisonment in false cases. He paid tribute to the more than 1,500 people who were martyred during the recent mass uprising and called upon the government to provide compensation for the martyrs and support for their families. Fakhrul, on behalf of the BNP and its chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, extended greetings to the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja.

Any effort of the interim government will not succeed if the “ghost of fascism” is not eradicated from the administration, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday. Speaking at a discussion on the occasion of World Teachers' Day, Fakhrul highlighted the state of the country's administration. The discussion was organised by the teachers-employees union at Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital’s Ramna. Refering to the interim government, Fakhrul said that the fascist regime, which had long oppressed the people, engaged in corruption and looting with the support of these "ghosts," who remain entrenched in the administration. BNP reiterates call for fair elections to ensure democratic Bangladesh "These ghosts must be eliminated; otherwise, you won't be able to achieve anything," he added. Regarding the timing of elections, he said, “We will certainly allow time, but it must be reasonable. The people of Bangladesh believe in democracy. A parliamentary government should be established through free and fair elections, and that government must lead the nation.” "We do not support depoliticisation. We reject the idea of 'minus two' formula, as well as any resurgence of radicalisation, militancy, or terrorism. What we truly desire is a healthy, liberal democratic system in the country," he said. Fakhrul added, "That’s why we have entrusted the interim government with this responsibility. We believe these individuals are qualified and capable, and we urge them to act with urgency." Expressing optimism, the BNP leader said, "We have never failed. We emerged victorious in 1952, '69, '71, and in 1990 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. Our movement is now being led by Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman. Inshallah, we will win again this time." Regarding nationalisation of teachers, Fakhrul said, "Nationalisation alone will not solve all your problems. We need to enhance the quality of education and bring in qualified individuals." Fakhrul against banning Awami League "Let me emphasize this: teachers should not be involved in party politics. They need to stay away from political affiliations; otherwise, our educational institutions will suffer," he observed. "You might not like this, but I know the Awami League has influenced everything—from the peon to the president of the governing body. We must move beyond this situation and create a positive environment in our educational institutions. We should focus on bringing in individuals who are connected to the community, educated, and capable of making a difference. If this is done sincerely, then change will follow; otherwise, it will remain elusive," he said. Reflecting on the potential for new possibilities in the country, the BNP Secretary General said, "I am an optimistic person. We will forge national unity with everyone and establish true people's rule in this country. We will fulfill the dreams of Madam (Khaleda Zia) and Tarique Rahman." Interim Government must announce an election roadmap: Hafiz Uddin During the meeting, leaders of the teachers-employees union, including Chowdhury Mugis Uddin Mahmud and Zakir Hossain, as well as Nurul Haque Nur, convenor of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, spoke. The meeting was presided over by Salim Bhuiya, president of the teachers-employees union.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir thinks that the current constitution of the country should be rewritten, as the Awami League government has damaged it through various amendments, including the incorporation of certain unchangeable articles. In an interview with UNB, he, however, said the current interim government should only make necessary amendments to the constitution to facilitate a national election rather than pursuing major amendments or reformulating the national charter. Fakhrul said the national parliament, which will be formed through the next election, will determine whether to retain the current constitution with amendments or formulate a new one. He also said the BNP is ready for the next national election, but the party plans to hold its 7th national council before the polls to ensure better leadership and preparation. This is the final report in a three-part series based on a recent interview with Mirza Fakhrul, who discussed various issues, including the current political situation, government reforms, the national election, BNP's future plans, and the party's council. Fakhrul wants interim govt to focus on reforms for credible elections "The constitution must be changed. The Awami League has completely dented it with various amendments,” Fakhrul said. He said certain articles in the constitution cannot be amended for life. “If you change these articles, you will be hanged. Given the current state of the constitution, it should be rewritten.” The BNP leader said an elected government and parliament are necessary for making a final decision about the constitution. “A constitutional assembly also would be needed to reformulate the constitution, which takes time… let the elected parliament decide.” Article 7B of the constitution, following the 15th amendment, rendered a large section of the constitution non-amendable. According to Article 7B, “Notwithstanding anything contained in article 142 of the Constitution, the preamble, all articles of Part I, all articles of Part II, subject to the provisions of Part IXA all articles of Part III, and the provisions of articles relating to the basic structures of the Constitution including article 150 of Part XI shall not be amendable by way of insertion, modification, substitution, repeal or by any other means.” Asked about the BNP’s preparation for the polls, Fakhrul said their party is always ready for elections, as it is a party with the potential to come to power. Prof Yunus-led govt's first month in office marked by reform initiatives, diplomatic success and greater public trust “Those of us involved in BNP politics want to take responsibility for running the state and serving the people. We also do not have a shortage of suitable candidates in any constituency; we have four, five, or even 10 candidates per seat,” he said. The BNP leader said they are working to revitalise the party in various ways. 'We previously reorganised our party for a movement, so we won’t face any problems whenever the election is held." He said they are currently they planning to launch a membership drive across the country, after which they will hold the national council ahead of the election. “I believe we should convene the council immediately to strengthen our electoral structure.” Asked when BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return home from the UK, Fakhrul said he would come back once the legal barriers are removed. “There are several cases against Tarique Rahman, and he will return to the country as soon as those are cleared.” The BNP leader said the interim government committed during their first meeting to withdraw all cases against political leaders and activists, including Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. He mentioned that they will write a letter to the government requesting the withdrawal of all cases filed against BNP leaders and activists since 2007. Regarding the demand from various political parties and civil society members for introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in elections, Fakhrul said it is not suitable for Bangladesh.  “We won’t support it. This method is not practiced in Bangladesh, so there is no question of its application in this election,” he observed. Replying to a question about BNP’s current relationship with Jamaat, he said there is no visible distance between the two parties. “BNP and Jamaat have completely different politics, thoughts, and ideals. Those who wish to establish the Awami League's politics try to bracket BNP and Jamaat together. We allied with Jamaat for the sake of the movement and elections, but our political ideologies and perspectives are different,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul against banning Awami League In response to another question about whether Jamaat would be part of BNP’s coalition in the next election, he said, 'It's too early to say. We will gauge public opinion before the election and decide whether we’ll participate independently or as part of an alliance.” Fakhrul emphasised the urgent need to restructure the police force, which he stated has been destroyed by the previous government. “All members of the force involved in misconduct and misdeeds must be dismissed. Those who have been politically marginalised should be reinstated quickly. New recruitment must be completed promptly, and the new members should be trained in a short time. Additionally, some retired officers who still have the capacity could be brought back to address the current crisis,” he said.