United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia may be flown to the United Kingdom early Friday for advanced treatment by a royal air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday. “You have already heard that we have received a highly advanced air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, on his own initiative and out of his generosity. It will arrive here tonight and, most likely, very early in the morning, they will take our leader Begum Khaleda Zia to the United Kingdom,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid He said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may have also come to know who will be accompanying her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with very modern facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Fakhrul said the medical board formed with local and foreign specialists has recommended shifting Khaleda to a specialised hospital in the UK for better treatment, and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given his consent to the decision. Seeking prayers from the people, he said, “We pray to Almighty Allah to ensure her safe journey and good health, and that she returns to us fully recovered.” Fakhrul urged the people of the country to pray for the recovery of “the most popular leader of the nation — the uncompromising leader of democracy — who is seen as a guardian by people across the country, no matter their political views.” BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan was also present at the press conference. Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and party Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. Khaleda Zia only VVIP entitled to prescribed state facilities: Adviser The decision was made unanimously by a medical board including local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. “She will be taken to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said. He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda Zia during her trip to the UK. Regarding her current condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly as advised by the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.” On 8 January, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May by the special air ambulance. The former prime minister has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she is still under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. A medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, is supervising her treatment with support from specialist physicians. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety.  

Newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday and discussed issues related to the upcoming national election, trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation. The hour-long meeting, which began around 10:30am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Acting Chairman’s Adviser on International Affairs Humayun Kabir, and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said the discussion covered future cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany beyond trade and investment, including cultural exchange and skills development. “We discussed how we can work together on skills development in the coming days, how to expand existing trade,” he said. Khosru said they also discussed increasing German investment in Bangladesh. “You all know that one of BNP’s main plans, if it comes to power, is to create jobs for 10 million people within 18 months. To make this happen, our key focus is skill development. People need proper skills to get jobs in different sectors. We are giving special importance to technology and artificial intelligence because, without technology, the economy cannot move forward. In this area, Germany’s support is very important,” he said. The BNP leader said Germany has already invested in China and India and now considers Bangladesh a promising destination for future investment. “We expect to see German investment in Bangladesh as they have both initiatives and interest in this area,” he added. Khosru said the BNP has already sent its action plans on improving the investment environment to every embassy. Referring to the political situation, the BNP leader said everyone, including Germany, is waiting for a free, fair and credible election in Bangladesh. Like other countries, he said, Germany wants Bangladesh to hold the election as soon as possible so that an elected government can take office and make short-, medium- and long-term decisions. “So, they are all waiting for that — for an elected government and parliament to be in place as early as possible through a fair and credible election that will be accountable to the people and widely accepted internationally,” Khosru said. Responding to a question about three foreign envoys meeting an Awami League leader, he said BNP is not at all concerned about where diplomats hold their meetings or with whom. “Such meetings are not important in politics. Many meetings take place that you don’t even hear about. They make little difference in politics. What truly matters is bringing back a democratic order in Bangladesh’s future,” the BNP leader said. Speaking about the July Charter, he said, “Whether it is called a referendum, reform, or consensus commission—whatever issues we agree on, we will move forward with those. Where there is no agreement, every political party has the right to take those matters to the people. Beyond that, there is no further discussion.” Khosru said it is the people of Bangladesh—not any political party or leader—who have the full authority to decide the country’s future. “If there is consensus, that’s fine; if not, take your proposal to the people and seek their mandate in the next election. No party has the right to impose anything on others.” Replying to another question, the BNP leader said the party will make well-considered decisions when choosing its candidates. “It is natural for a big political party to have several aspirants, but once nominations are finalised, everyone will work together. We’ll announce the list of our candidates at the right time,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged all political parties to build mutual understanding and stop the blame game, warning that continued mudslinging will only deepen bitterness and make politics toxic. “Political parties must maintain mutual understanding. Without it, what we see now is mudslinging. There will always be some mudslinging in democracy—many harsh words may be exchanged—but there should be a limit. Otherwise, it creates bitterness, and over time, that bitterness makes politics even more toxic,” he said while speaking at a discussion. The Jatiya Press Club organised the programme at its auditorium, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Stating that the country is now going through a critical time, the BNP leader said it is a time for mutual understanding among political parties to move the country forward together. “If we try to move forward together through mutual understanding, then it is the people who will benefit. They will get their representatives and a proper government. That doesn’t mean all problems will go away instantly, but a path will be opened—a path through which our voices and the concerns of the people can reach the government. That is the space we want to reach,” he said. Despite all the challenges, Fakhrul said political parties have already reached a consensus on 12 fundamental issues. “Efforts are ongoing to reach an agreement on the rest. Meetings are happening daily for several hours. There are many points we don’t yet understand—what they really want to do,” he said. The BNP leader urged the National Consensus Commission to focus on the key unresolved issues and leave aside the complicated ones, to help create a way forward for holding the national election by mid-February next year as discussed between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. “If that happens, I believe many of our doubts and confusions will start to clear, and we’ll be able to move towards a better place,” he said. Fakhrul reiterates call for unity among parties, warns against divisive politics Fakhrul also expressed his disappointment that the interim government has not taken proper steps to support the families of those who were killed or injured during the mass uprising, or to ensure their rehabilitation over the past year. “As I was listening to a sister speak today (about the pain of losing her husband during the mass uprising), a question crossed my mind—what really is the state? And who is it for? Those who are running the state—could they not find these people even after a whole year? Couldn’t they prepare a proper list and make arrangements to rehabilitate those who gave their lives, who shed their blood to bring change to this country?” he asked. The BNP leader became emotional while speaking about a child who suffered a horrific injury—losing part of his skull—during the mass uprising." “Yesterday (Tuesday), a little boy—he must have been six or seven—suddenly came up to me and hugged me. He said, ‘My skull is missing.’ What he meant was that his head had been hit by a bullet, and later, doctors had to replace part of his skull with a plastic one—an artificial skull. What sacrifice could be greater than that? Honestly, I sometimes get a bit emotional,” a dejected Fakhrul said. “This is the price we’ve paid. And if we cannot honour that sacrifice properly—if we fail to do justice to them, to those children, to my sister, to the mothers—then without doubt, we will be committing a grave betrayal of this nation,” he added. The BNP leader, however, expressed hope that the country would not go down that path. “I truly believe we can move forward towards a better and more beautiful Bangladesh.” Recalling a 2014 incident when he was arrested after staying at the Jatiya Press Club for a day, Fakhrul said, “The Press Club president asked me about that experience, but I don’t wish to describe it. It wasn’t a happy or pleasant memory for me. Still, I accepted it as normal at the time.” The BNP leader said when he stepped outside the club gate on that day, his car was attacked with large iron hammers. “At that moment, I felt that I might not return home alive. But somehow, I did... and now I am speaking before you.” Fakhrul said those anti-fascist politicians like him who are still fortunately alive have a responsibility to stand beside the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the restoration of democracy and people’s rights through democratic movements. Before the discussion meeting, the BNP Secretary General inaugurated a photo exhibition that highlighted the Awami League government’s oppression and torture of journalists during the 15-year anti-fascist movement and the July Uprising. The Jatiya Press Club also screened a documentary at the event. Later, the Press Club honoured five senior editors: Shafik Rehman of Jaijaidin, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of Manab Zamin, Mahmudur Rahman of Amar Desh, Nurul Kabir of New Age, and former editor of Sangram, Abul Asad. Family members of two martyrs of the July-August uprising were also honoured. The Press Club’s executive committee conferred special honour on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain. The awards were presented by the club’s President, Hasan Hafiz. Khaleda Zia to contest election: BNP leader Mintoo  

Stating that a democratic system established through a national election is essential for reforms, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said it is not possible to run the country by hiring a few people from home and abroad.  “Can a country be run by hiring a few people from home and abroad? No, it cannot. This simple fact we need to understand," he said. Speaking at a discussion, he also criticised those who think reforms can happen overnight or just through a few meetings. “Reform must be carried out through a process. It is a continuous process.” The BNP leader said if the government thinks the police will stop taking bribes from tomorrow just because it wants them to, it will not happen. “You have to build a structure where bribery is discouraged.” Zia Parishad organised the programme titled 'July Uprising: Expectation and Achievement at the Jatiya Press Club,' marking the first anniversary of last year’s mass uprising that led to the fall of what he described as the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. Fakhrul also blamed the existing bureaucracy for holding back the country’s development. “Our bureaucracy is a major obstacle to development. It is a negative bureaucracy and must be turned into a positive one. To do that, we mainly need to involve the people in the process,” he said. BNP pledges to prioritise child labour elimination if elected: Fakhrul  The BNP leader said political parties should focus on returning to the people, learning about their needs and reflecting those needs in running the country. Referring to the criticism BNP faces for demanding elections, Fakhrul said, “As soon as we started talking about the election, they began saying BNP only wants polls. But has anyone thought about why we want the election?” Without elections, he said true public representatives cannot be chosen. “And without representatives, how can they go to Parliament? And if there is no elected Parliament, how can people’s rule be established?” Speaking on the topic of the PR or proportional representation election system, the BNP Secretary General said some political parties have started talking about it in different ways.  “But this has no connection with Bangladesh. They are loudly calling for elections under the PR system. But what is a proportional election? The general public simply doesn’t understand it,” he said. Fakhrul mentioned that there is currently a kind of confusion in the country regarding the PR system, as some parties are strongly promoting it and speaking in favour of it. “But our people are used to a different process. They know that a political party nominates a candidate, and on the election day, they go and vote for that candidate — whether the symbol is a Sheaf of Paddy, a Scale, or a Hand Fan. That’s the system they know. Now, all of a sudden, some people are saying elections should be held under a proportional system,” the BNP leader said. He said the concept of proportional representation is unfamiliar to most people in the country. “If you ask ordinary people, they won’t be able to explain what it means.” Narrating how the system works, the BNP leader said under the PR system, people would vote for parties, and then the party that gets the most votes would nominate members to go to parliament. He said this system would not allow people to choose a leader from their own area -- someone who can represent them and solve their local problems. For this reason, Fakhrul said, BNP does not support the idea of holding proportional representation elections for the lower house of parliament. He said the whole nation is now passing through a very critical time. “We are waiting and looking for a way to move towards democracy. Bangladesh is facing a serious crisis. We are in a political vacuum and dealing with a tough economic situation. We must come out of this and build a political and economic system that will benefit the people of Bangladesh.” The BNP leader said Awami League is a fascist force, and the damage it has done to the country will not be easy to fix. “They have destroyed all the institutions —not only the judiciary, administration, health sector and universities, but also the political parties.” Fakhrul expressed his regret over some reports in newspapers about the wrongdoings of BNP leaders and activists. Fakhrul meets 5 families of Milestone plane crash victims, offers condolences He stressed that honesty must come first for BNP’s leaders and workers as it is a party founded by Ziaur Rahman. “Without honesty, BNP will not be able to stand before the people.” He bemoaned that many types of reports are being published in the media that do not match the values of BNP or the ideals of Ziaur Rahman. “So, those who are in BNP politics must follow Ziaur Rahman and must all be honest.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday accused certain political quarters of deeply plotting to destabilise the country and derail the upcoming election and democratic process by using the Mitford murder incident to divert politics in a different direction. Speaking at a demonstration rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he said, “This plan and conspiracy are extremely dangerous. The aim is to create fresh unrest and division in the country and to push Bangladesh back to a state where democracy is once again obliterated.” Fakhrul, however, said the BNP is moving forward towards democracy in a peaceful manner. “We want democracy through peaceful means. Our only goal is to ensure that the national election is held in February 2026.” He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, after discussions in London, decided that the next general election must be held in February 2026, and there will be no exception to this. Fakhrul said when BNP leaders and activists are working to implement their 31-point proposal to rebuild Bangladesh, some political cliques are indulging in plots. “They are trying to use the Mitford incident to divert the course of politics in a different direction.” The BNP leader said this kind of conspiracy is nothing new. “As the people of Bangladesh are trying to stand tall, these conspirators make fresh attempts to create instability, prevent the election from taking place, and deny voters their right to franchise.” BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units arranged the programme protesting the continuous conspiratorial lies and propaganda and demanding exemplary punishment for the barbaric murder of scrap trader Shohag near Mitford Hospital. Fakhrul said some so-called political leaders and workers have used indecent and offensive language against Tarique Rahman, thinking it will weaken BNP and frighten its leaders and supporters. “But BNP is a party that has faced many challenges and risen again and again like a phoenix. This is the party founded by Ziaur Rahman.” In light of the current situation in the country, Mirza Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and activists to act responsibly, emphasising the party's role as a major political force and a democratic entity in Bangladesh. “My request to the party leaders and activists is that you should not fall into anyone's trap. They are trying to provoke us to fall into their trap, but we should not get excited,” Fakhrul said. He also urged the BNP rank and file to face the situation with patience and refrain from doing anything that gives any opportunity to the enemies of democracy to malign the party. “Those who use vulgar language against Tarique Rahman and speak against BNP are, in fact, enemies of democracy,” the BNP leader said. He called upon the party leaders and followers to stage their demonstration in a peaceful manner, sending out a clear message to everyone that BNP will not compromise on the issue of democracy. BNP forms probe body over Mitford murder; suspects political motive “We want elections to be held within the timeframe that has already been decided. We want to restore people’s right to vote and rebuild a new Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. He said some political party leaders have become crazy since it has been confirmed, following the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman’s meeting, the election will be held in February next. The BNP leader called upon all patriotic political parties to get united and move forward together in the interest of democracy. Condemning the brutal killing of Lal Chand Shohag, who was publicly beaten to death in the Mitford area on Wednesday, Fakhrul said, “We have clearly stated that this murder must be thoroughly investigated, those responsible must be identified, and exemplary punishment must be ensured. Those committing such brutal killings are doing so to destroy Bangladesh.” Later, thousands of leaders and workers of the party brought out a procession registering their protest against derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman. The procession passed through Bijoynagar and ended at the Jatiya Press Club. Earlier in the day, several thousand leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also staged a demonstration at Nayapaltan on the same ground. They also brought out a procession from Nayapaltan towards Shahbagh, causing serious traffic congestion in the city. Leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, from various educational institutions, gathered in front of the party's central office in Nayapaltan and started a protest march around 2pm. During the march, Chhatra Dal activists chanted slogans against those who make derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman and those who have long been involved in secret activities aimed at disrupting the academic environment. The JCD leaders and activists blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection for a short time to protest against mob incitement and the ongoing disruption in educational institutions. They also expressed strong concern over the worsening law and order situation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called upon all political parties to work together and avoid negative thinking in order to help the country move forward quickly towards a democratic system. “Let us not think negatively. Let us work together so we can move forward quickly towards a democratic system,” he said while speaking at a discussion. Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh are united in their commitment to protect national security and restore democracy. “From today’s discussion, we agreed on one thing – our people are united in protecting national security. There may be differences in opinion among political parties, but people are not divided,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  The discussion, titled “National Unity is Essential for National Security,” was organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) at a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. Fakhrul said the history of Bangladesh shows that people have always come together in times of crisis to defend national interests.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night said his party’s relationship with the Communist Party of China (CPC) has become stronger through their successful visit to the country. “This was a political visit. We went to China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China, and it was a very successful tour. We had a good meeting with the CPC’s Politburo. The party-to-party relationship has become deeper and stronger,” he said while talking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from China. Fakhrul said the CPC invited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and the CPC leaders are happy with his leadership. “We also invited them... they accepted it.” He informed that they discussed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the BNP and the CPC to hold a political dialogue within the next two years. “We were very impressed to see the progress China has made under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. China has reached a higher level in recent years with its economic, social, and political strength,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said he believed that China’s outstanding progress would not only benefit Bangladesh but also play an important role in maintaining global balance. Earlier, the nine-member high-level delegation of the BNP, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, returned home from China after a five-day visit. They reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:40pm on a flight of Air China from Guangzhou. Officials from the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka welcomed them at the airport. The BNP leaders went to Beijing, China on Saturday night. During their trip, they held formal meetings with senior CPC leaders. The BNP delegation also visited the Museum of the Communist Party, the Great Wall, and several development sites including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in Beijing, a Smart City and Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone in Xi’an, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and a village in Shaanxi Province. The eight other BNP delegation members are BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Begum Selima Rahman; Chairperson's Advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, Professor Sukomal Barua; the party's media cell convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel; and BNP Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went to Bangkok, Thailand for emergency  eye treatment early on Tuesday. Fakhrul, along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Bangkok at 2:45am on a Thai Airways flight, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP leader noticed a problem with his eyes on Monday morning and immediately visited United Hospital in Gulshan for treatment. After examination, Sayrul said, doctors at the hospital advised that surgery on the retina of one of his eyes is urgently required. "Following the doctors' advice, an appointment was promptly made at Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok for the necessary treatment," he said. On behalf of Fakhrul’s family members, Sayrul urged the country’s people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP Secretary General. 18 crore people of Bangladesh no longer want Awami League: Fakhrul Earlier, on April 6, Fakhrul and his wife travelled to Singapore for medical check-ups and necessary treatment.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the 18  crore people of the country no longer want Awami League. “On one hand, we’re holding a rally here in Chattogram; on the other, another rally is being held at New Market in Dhaka. The demand is the same — Awami League must be banned,” he said at a youth grand rally at the Polo Ground in Chattogram. Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal organised the rally.  Fakhrul said that Awami League had established BAKSAL but BNP founder Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation of multi-party democracy and freedom of press was restored by him. Tamim urges reflection on past mistakes at BNP’s youth rally in Ctg “Ziaur Rahman also laid the foundation of the garments industry… It was Khaleda Zia who introduced the caretaker government system,” he added. The BNP leader warned that some people returning from abroad are attempting to erase this history. “They must not be allowed to distort the truth,” he said. Addressing the youth, he said, “You want jobs, businesses, peaceful educational institutions — none of this is possible without genuine democracy. Today’s call to action is for the youth to rise, resist conspiracies and reclaim your rights.” He said  Sheikh Hasina has unleashed repression across the country for the past 15 years.  “It’s not one or two people—millions have suffered under this fascist rule. Thousands have lost their lives. Over 60 lakh people have been falsely implicated in cases. Around 20,000 people have been killed and over 1,700 forcibly disappeared,” he added. Take action against those formed illegal parliaments, governments: Tarique Fakhrul further said that former prime minister Khaleda Zia was unjustly kept in jail for six years while acting BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman remains unable to return to the country. “Tarique Rahman dreams of building a modern Bangladesh and will never compromise the national interest. He has declared that the final decision will be made on the streets — and that’s becoming a reality,” Fakhrul said. He praised the organisers of the rally, calling it an “unprecedented gathering” made possible by the efforts of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal.  “We always look at Chattogram with special attention because it was from this city that Ziaur Rahman declared the country’s independence,” Fakhrul added.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Monday said their party sees no reason to wait beyond December for the 13th national election as the Election Commission is ready to conduct it after June. “We do not see any obstacle to holding the elections by December since the Election Commission has said they will be ready by June,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Labour Party at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, also said the Consensus Commission has informed them that it expects to reach a consensus on reforms by mid-May through discussions with political parties, paving the way for the drafting of a national charter.  “Then I see no reason to wait longer than December for the elections after the necessary reforms are completed,” he said. The BNP leader said if any party disagrees with the BNP's position, they should explain why additional time would be necessary. Replying to a question, Nazrul said there is not much difference between the BNP and the government regarding the timing of the election. “The government hasn’t said that the election won’t be held in December.” He pointed out that the government stated the election would be held between December and June. “What does that mean? It means the election could be held in December.” The BNP leader said their party has proposed that a roadmap be announced, assuming December as the cut-off time for the election. “The government hasn't ruled out December, and we have simply asked for clarity. Their statement includes December, January, or even February, so the gap between our positions is not a matter of many months. We are just asking them to express it differently — such as by stating it will be held by December,” he said. When asked about allegations made by the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) that the BNP had placed its loyalists in the administration, Nazrul responded, “The person who made this claim was himself an adviser to the government. Does that mean they appointed BNP supporters everywhere? In reality, BNP was ousted from the administration.” BNP, left-leaning leaders hold talks on election, political situation During the previous government’s tenure, Nazrul said there was no place for BNP loyalists in the administration. He said around 700 officers, including 114 secretaries, who were subjected to discrimination and unfairly dismissed or removed from their posts during the Awami League’s rule, were granted retrospective promotions. “Yet, not a single one of them has been appointed to a position. So, where exactly have BNP people been placed? If even one of those deprived individuals had been appointed, then one could claim that BNP supporters were being placed in positions. What logic is there in such a claim?” the BNP leader said. As part of BNP’s ongoing dialogue with parties and alliances involved in the movement against the Awami League government, Nazrul and fellow BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman held a one-hour meeting with a seven-member delegation of the Labour Party, led by its Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran. The BNP formally began this new round of political talks with a meeting on Saturday with the 12-party alliance, aimed at sharing the outcome of BNP’s recent meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and deciding on its next steps. BNP backs reform efforts, says Salahuddin On April 16, a seven-member BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met the Chief Adviser at the state guest house Jamuna, urging him to provide a specific roadmap to ensure the national election is held by December this year. Following the meeting, Fakhrul expressed disappointment as Professor Yunus reiterated that the election would take place between December and June instead of offering a clear roadmap.