United News of Bangladesh

Amid a surge of prayers and concern for Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (December 02) thanked people across Bangladesh and abroad for their support, urging all to continue prayers for her recovery. In a post on his verified Facebook page, “I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, to give our most profound thanks for the remarkable outpouring of support for Begum Khaleda Zia's recovery.” Tarique Rahman likely to return home soon: Salahuddin He said the widespread expressions of concern from leaders, diplomats and friends across the world, as well as the overwhelming love and prayers from the people of Bangladesh have been incredible. “This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us. We continue to pray for her recovery and appreciate the unity, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult moment,” Tarique said. Khaleda Zia, 80, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad. BNP leaders described her condition on Friday night as 'extremely critical'. The former Prime Minister has also been suffering from multiple long-term health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is not a voter, but he could still become one if the Election Commission (EC) makes a decision in this regard, said Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday (December 01). “As far as I know, he is not a voter,” he said, replying to a question from reporters at a press briefing in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. No legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return, says Law Adviser Responding to another question whether Tarique Rahman can contest elections without being a voter, he replied, “He can, if the Commission decides so.” When journalists asked under which legal provision such a decision could be made, Akhtar Ahmed said, “Please check the Electoral Rolls Voter Registration Act.” Then he was asked whether the possibility of being allowed to be a voter applies only to Tarique Rahman. In response, the EC Secretary said it can be applicable for anyone. “Why are you identifying one person individually? It could apply to you as well,” he said. Speaking about the voter list, Akhtar Ahmed said the persons who turned 18 by October 31, 2025, have been included in the voter rolls. Read more: Only Dr Zahid to brief media on Khaleda’s health: BNP “We’ve finalised the voter lists. At this stage, seven fields—name, father’s name, mother’s name, occupation, date of birth, voter address and photograph—cannot be changed,” he said. After the finalisation of the voter list, he said, the Commission may consider reopening these seven fields for corrections if a decision is taken to do so. The EC Secretary said after the finalisation of the voter lists, the NID correction option may be considered if the Commission takes a decision to do so. However, several things can still be corrected now, he said. Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt

Stating that the justice and fairness, inspired by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (SM), will guide his party’s governance if it returns to power, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday (November 23) sought support from imams, khatibs, muezzins and Islamic scholars for his party in the next national election. “There was never any doubt about the Greatest Prophet’s fairness. InshAllah, BNP’s guiding principle in governing the country will be justice and fairness, upholding the Prophet’s ideals,” he said. Speaking virtually at the National Conference of the Sammilito Imam-Khatib, the BNP leader also said his party wants to build an equitable Bangladesh based on justice inspired by the Prophet’s teachings. “BNP seeks the prayers and support of all respected imams, khatibs, muezzins, Islamic scholars, alems and pir-mashaikh of the country in the upcoming election to build such a Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader urged Islamic scholars and ulema to pray for his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, for the leaders, workers and supporters of BNP, and for the people of the country. Don’t exploit July-August uprising for political gain: Salahuddin “May Allah grant me and our party the chance to carry out every righteous deed for the welfare of the nation and its people. For this, I seek your prayers, support and cooperation,” he added. The conference, organised by the Sammilito Imam-Khatib Parishad, was held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre. Mufti Azharul Islam, the member-secretary of the conference committee, presented the seven-point demands of the imams and khatibs at the programme. Tarique said the long one-and-a-half decades of Awami League’s oppressive rule once again proved that to protect religious faith, Islam, and the country’s independence and sovereignty, there is no alternative to unity. “So, the upcoming national election is extremely important and significant for consolidating the freedom of the country and its people,” he said. Tarique recalled that during the BNP government in 1993, mosque-based child and mass education programmes were introduced for the first time in the country and continue to this day. He said BNP also plans to involve imams and muezzins in future disaster prevention programmes and local development activities across all districts and upazilas. Fakhrul warns Jamaat against ‘misleading people’ by linking votes with ‘Jannat’ The BNP leader praised imams, khatibs and muezzins for their role as social reformers, saying, “Despite limitations, you have devoted your time to the moral and spiritual upliftment of society. BNP believes it is the state’s responsibility to provide financial support to those who are struggling.” “I believe there is every possibility of fulfilling several of the demands you have presented on a priority basis. You have called for the formulation of service rules for imams, khatibs, and muezzins. This is a very logical demand,” he said. In many mosques, Tarique said, the employment of imams and muezzins depends on the personal preferences of mosque committees. “I think this should not happen…I consider this an unfair practice against imams and muezzins. If the BNP gets the opportunity to govern the state, we will take priority measures to introduce service rules for you. The BNP government will also take effective initiatives to implement the other demands that have been presented,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the imams and khatibs to form multiple committees and submit specific recommendations on each of the demands to the BNP. Bangladesh can't progress without women’s safety online and offline: Tarique Rahman  Tarique also highlighted his party’s commitment to strengthening the Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust and implementing projects to make mosque personnel more self-reliant. “Guided by Islamic values, the BNP believes in a welfare-oriented society and state where Muslims can live according to the Qur’an and Sunnah without fear, and practise their religious duties safely and confidently,” he said. At the same time, the BNP leader said, people of other faiths will also be free and secure in practising their own religions and cultures. “The BNP has never compromised on the core principles or beliefs of Islam, and, InshaAllah, never will.” He said after independence, the Awami League drafted the constitution to suit their own interests, ignoring the aspirations of the majority. When BNP founder President Ziaur Rahman later took charge, Tarique said he added ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ to the constitution and affirmed trust and faith in Almighty Allah. “The phrase ‘trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ is no longer kept in the constitution in its original form. Why has it been changed? I place this question before you today.” Bhasani a lasting inspiration for democracy, rights: Tarique He said the BNP has always spoken out against any activity harmful to Islam or the interests of Muslims. “The fallen autocrat repeatedly tried to undermine Islam and Islamic culture in the state and society.” In 2013, Tarique said, during the crackdown on thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam supporters at Shapla Chattar, the BNP stood by them and observed two days of hartal nationwide in protest against the massacre. He said there are around 350,000 mosques in the country, where nearly 17 lakh imams, khatibs and muezzins serve. “Sustainable development is not possible while excluding lakhs of imams, khatibs, muezzins and madrasa students from national development activities.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said if the BNP returns to power, no law will be enacted that goes against the Qur’an and Sunnah, and any such existing laws will be repealed. The BNP leader said President Ziaur Rahman had inserted ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ into the constitution’s preamble, but it is no longer there, and the BNP will restore it in the future. Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital with chest infection

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of the Australian Parliament for speaking out on democracy, human rights and electoral integrity in Bangladesh, saying their position echoes the hopes and concerns of millions of Bangladeshis. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 15), he said, “Many Bangladeshis, including myself, extend our sincere appreciation to the Australian parliamentarians who have spoken with clarity and conscience on the issues of democracy, human rights, and electoral integrity in Bangladesh. Their thoughtful intervention reflects a deep commitment to universal democratic principles and to the wellbeing of the Bangladeshi people.” Across Bangladesh, the BNP leader said many citizens are expressing genuine concern about political uncertainty, security, and the need for an electoral process in which every voice can be heard without fear or restriction. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation “These concerns come from ordinary people who wish only for stability, justice, and the opportunity to choose their future through a peaceful and credible democratic process,” he said. At this pivotal moment, Tariaue said the call from Australian MPs to ensure the safety, dignity, and political rights of all election participants resonates strongly with the hopes of Bangladeshis at home. “Their message acknowledges what millions have been saying for months: that democracy is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and safeguarded from violence or intimidation,” he said. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin The BNP leader also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia for their role in raising these issues internationally, noting their contributions to Australian society and their continuing commitment to Bangladesh. “Their advocacy, driven by love for their homeland, has helped ensure that the challenges and aspirations of Bangladeshis are understood globally,” he said. Tarique also said Australia and Bangladesh share long-standing ties based on respect and cooperation. He thanked the Australian representatives who have expressed solidarity, saying their support highlights the collective global commitment to democracy. Tarique’s 31-point plan offers path to democratic revival: Ndileka Mandela “When nations come together, we can encourage one another toward peace, justice, and progress,” he said.

The BNP Standing Committee is set to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday evening (November 13) following the Chief Adviser’s announcement that the next national election and a referendum will be held on the same day, along with the approval of the July National Charter implementation order. The meeting will begin at 7pm at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will join the meeting virtually and preside over it.Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council.” A senior BNP leader said while their party welcomes the announcement of the election and the referendum on the same day, it has reservations about the implementation order and the nature of the referendum. He said the meeting of the BNP Standing, the highest policymaking body of the party, will discuss these issues in detail and decide the party’s next course of action. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday (12th November 2025) urged political parties not to make the country’s situation volatile by imposing various conditions, but instead to face people in next year’s national election, rather than issuing threats to the ‘fragile’ interim government. Speaking virtually at a discussion, he also said it is up to the interim government to decide whether it will implement the aspirations of any particular political party or prioritise holding the February election to establish a government accountable to the people of the country. “As preparations are underway to establish a government accountable to the people through their direct votes and to restore citizens’ rights, we have observed that a few political parties seem to be positioning themselves against the restoration of the political rights of democracy-loving people, taking advantage of the weaknesses of the interim government,” he said. Tarique said many of BNP’s allies from the anti-fascist street movement are expressing doubts about the February election next year. “I would like to draw the attention of our allies present here today that, instead of issuing threats to the interim government, let us face the people in the upcoming February election. Let us all come forward and stand before the people,” he said. Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin BNP arranged the discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre to mark the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, commemorating the civil-military uprising on November 7, 1975, which marked 50 years. Senior leaders of different political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, addressed the programme and stressed the need to maintain unity among the anti-fascist political parties to ensure the restoration of democracy through the next national election, removing differences of opinion among them. Tarique Rahman warned that if any political party, seeing the interim government as weak, tries to get whatever it wants or uses tricks to deny the BNP a victory, such actions could ultimately lead to political disaster for that party. “I urge our allies on the streets --and anyone trying to muddy the waters--please do not try to make the situation volatile,” he said. The BNP leader said the international community has made it clear that without an elected government, they will not release funds. He said at this critical juncture--when the economy is struggling, unemployment is rising, and everything seems to be falling apart--some political parties are setting various conditions. “Some of those who once stood with us on the streets are now trying to obstruct the national election by attaching various preconditions. Creating complications over holding the election essentially means either trying to seize control of the state machinery without participating in the election or paving the way for the return of a fallen, defeated, and fugitive dictator,” Tarique said. He said associates of the runaway autocrat recently carried out arson attacks even in the capital. “This should serve as a warning for all forces that once fought against fascism.” In the past, the BNP leader said, some leaders of a party took shelter under the fascist umbrella to save themselves from repression as part of their political strategy. “In today’s changed circumstances, it seems the fallen and defeated autocrats are now trying to find refuge under the umbrella of that very party which once stood against fascism. It is time for everyone to take a hard look and think seriously about this situation,” he said. Tarique also expressed concern that a party may be trying to create scope for the rehabilitation of fallen, fugitive forces into politics under the guise of a referendum before the national election. “I call upon all democracy-loving people of the country to remain vigilant against such moves.” He said the people do not expect complete success from a short-term interim government in all areas, and it is not the interim government’s primary responsibility to fulfil every demand of the people. “The interim government has set the schedule for the national election in February. Now the government has to decide whether it will fulfil the aspirations of a particular political party or prioritise the February election to establish a government that is accountable to the democracy-loving people of the country,” the BNP leader said. He said the BNP has remained fully committed to maintaining unity in the anti-fascist alliance. “If we review the Consensus Commission’s discussions, it will be seen that the BNP has presented a positive stance on most points. Our position is very clear: the commitments made in the July Charter, which we signed, will be fully upheld by the BNP, and we remain strongly committed to fulfilling them,” Tarique said. He said over 1,500 people were martyred during the July–August movement, and students, the general public, women and men, farmers, and workers took to the streets. “The people took to the streets to assert their rights in the state and in politics. As a political activist, I believe that surely the people did not sacrifice their lives to create an opportunity for a particular political party or group to establish its rights or to engage in political bargaining,” the BNP leader said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the politics of reconciliation initiated by Zia is now much needed in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin He said an unnecessary crisis has been created with the motive to obstruct the election, which is necessary for reforms and the restoration of democracy, and to prevent uncertainty over the people’s future. The BNP leader urged all political parties to work together to resist any plots and ensure the restoration of democracy under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed recounted how BNP founder Ziaur Rahman came to politics and initiated various reforms to develop the country as a true patriot. “Ziaur Rahman was fully devoted to Bangladesh and worked only for the country and its people. He began reforms but could not complete them. I urge Tarique Rahman to continue from where your father and mother left off. We will provide our support,” he said. Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Jatiya Party (Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, Gonoforum President Subrata Chowdhury, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, AB Party Chairman Mojubur Rahman Monju, and Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, educationist Prof Mahbub Ullah, among others, addressed the programme. BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Hafizuddin Ahmed, and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also addressed the programme. Read more: Violence cannot halt elections, says Amir Khosru

BNP on Monday announced a list of 237 potential candidates for the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the list at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s office in Gulshan in the evening. Earlier in the day, the BNP Standing Committee met at the same venue to finalise the names, with Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joining the meeting virtually from London and presiding over it. The meeting lasted for about five hours before Fakhrul came to brief the media. In the announced list, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been nominated for Dinajpur-3, Bogura-7, and Feni-1 constituencies. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been nominated for Bogura-6 while Mirza Fakhrul himself will contest from Thakurgaon-1. Among the Standing Committee members, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain will contest from Cumilla-1, Mirza Abbas from Dhaka-8, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy from Dhaka-3, Abdul Moyeen Khan from Narsingdi-2, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury from Chattogram-10, Salahuddin Ahmed from Cox’s Bazar-1, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku from Sirajganj-2, Hafizuddin Ahmed from Bhola-3 and AZM Zahid Hossain from Dinajpur-6. BNP Vice-Chairmen include Altaf Hossain Chowdhury (Patuakhali-1), Barkat Ullah Bulu (Noakhali-3), Mohammad Shahjahan (Noakhali-4), Abdul Awal Mintoo (Feni-3), Nitai Roy Chowdhury (Magura-2), Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad (Cumilla-3) and Ahmed Azam Khan (Tangail-8). From the Chairperson’s Advisory Council, Monirul Haque Chowdhury will contest from Cumilla-6, Amanullah Aman from Dhaka-2, Mahbub Uddin Khokon from Noakhali-1, Zainul Abdin Farroque from Noakhali-4, Zahir Uddin Swapan from Barishal-1, Mujibur Rahman Sarwar from Barishal-5, Lutfuzzaman Babar from Netrakona-4, Tajvir Ul Islam from Kurigram-3, Habibur Rahman Habib from Pabna-4, Mushfiqur Rahman from Brahmanbaria-4, Afroza Khan Rita from Manikganj-3, Moinul Islam Khan from Manikganj-2, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir from Sylhet-1, Tahmina Rashdir Luna from Sylhet-2, Abul Khair Bhuiyan from Lakshmipur-2, Enamul Haque Chowdhury from Sylhet-6, Abdus Salam Pintu from Tangail-2, Zainal Abedin VP Zainal from Feni-2, Fazlur Rahman from Kishoreganj-4, and Naser Rahman from Moulvibazar-3. Among Joint Secretaries General, Khairul Kabir Khokon will contest from Narsingdi-1, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie from Lakshmipur-2, and Syed Emran Saleh Prince from Mymensingh-1. Before announcing the list, Mirza Fakhrul said, “Today we are announcing the names of potential candidates in 237 constituencies. “After discussions with our allied parties, who joined the simultaneous movement with us, some changes may be made later. So this is our list of potential candidates,” Fakhrul said. Over the past few months, several parties including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Ganatantra Mancha, AB Party, LDP, and Bangladesh Labour Party have also announced their own candidate lists separately. BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Hafizuddin Ahmed, AZM Zahid Hossain, along with several organisational and assistant organising secretaries, were present at the press conference. Among the 20 constituencies in Dhaka, candidates have been named in 13. Khandaker Abu Ashfaq is the candidate for Dhaka-1 (Dohar–Nawabganj), Amanullah Aman for Dhaka-2 (Keraniganj), and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy for Dhaka-3 (Keraniganj–Jinjira). Tanvir Ahmed Robin is contesting in Dhaka-4 (Jatrabari), while Nabiullah Nabi represents Dhaka-5 (Demra), and Ishraque Hossain stands for Dhaka-6 (Kotwali–Sutrapur). Mirza Abbas is the candidate for Dhaka-8 (Motijheel–Shahjahanpur–Ramna), M.A. Quayum for Dhaka-11 (Badda), and Saiful Alam Nirob for Dhaka-12 (Tejgaon). In Dhaka-14 (Mirpur), Sanjida Islam Tuli has been named, Shafiqul Islam Milton for Dhaka-15 (Kafrul), Aminul Haque for Dhaka-16 (Pallabi), and Dewan Salahuddin Babu for Dhaka-19 (Savar).  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called a meeting of the party’s Standing Committee at noon on Monday (3rd November 2025) at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The meeting will begin at 12:30pm, followed by a press conference at 3pm at the same venue, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP’s divisional organising secretaries have also been asked to attend the meeting at the Chairperson’s office. Party sources said Tarique Rahman, who will join the meeting virtually from London, will chair the session, while other Standing Committee members will be present in person. Election uncertainty may endanger democratic transition: Tarique Several senior BNP leaders said the meeting will mainly focus on finalising single candidates for each constituency under the party and its alliance for the upcoming national election. The meeting comes a day after Tarique Rahman announced that BNP would soon release the first phase of its nomination list while launching the party’s new online payment gateway for membership renewal and registration at a programme held at a Gulshan hotel on Sunday. Tarique said it is not possible to nominate everyone, and BNP has also decided to support some candidates from other democratic parties that took part in the anti-fascist movement alongside BNP. “Because of this, some BNP aspirants may not get party nominations.” He urged all BNP leaders, workers, and supporters to accept this reality in the greater interest of the country, the people, and democracy. “Whoever receives the nomination, please work unitedly to ensure their victory. Remember, a hidden dictatorship with secret ambitions is lurking around you. So do not let petty resentments, quarrels or disputes among yourselves reach a level where the opponent can take advantage of your differences,” Tarique warned. Fakhrul urges BNP leaders to strengthen digital presence Party insiders said Tarique had held discussions with potential candidates from different divisions over the past two weeks at the Chairperson’s office. He instructed all aspirants to support whoever is officially nominated with the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Sources said the first list may include around 200 constituencies. Earlier, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that the party expected to publish its initial list of about 200 candidates in early November. “All nominated and non-nominated aspirants must work together for the officially endorsed candidate,” Salahuddin said. Bangladesh voter count hits 12.76 crore

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday voiced concern over the growing public doubt about whether the upcoming national election will be held as scheduled, saying that such uncertainty could put the country’s democratic transition at risk. “During the rule of the fallen, defeated and fugitive autocrat, people had no interest in national elections. Now, under the interim government, questions are being raised among the public — will the election be held on time?” he said. While virtually inaugurating the BNP’s membership collection and renewal drive abroad and online payment gateway activities at a city hotel, Tarique said such a situation was not supposed to arise under the interim government. “The doubts and uncertainty among people about the election may make the path of democratic transition more difficult,” he said. Tarique said the Awami League established fascism by destroying the country’s electoral system over the past 15 years only to prevent the BNP’s victory. “It is a matter of concern and surprise that even in a fascism-free Bangladesh, a coordinated campaign and various tricks are now being used to block the BNP’s possible victory.” Read more: Fakhrul urges BNP leaders to strengthen digital presence “But I firmly believe that if every believer in Bangladeshi nationalism and nationalist forces remains united, no conspiracy will be able to separate the BNP from the people, InshaAllah,” he said. As a responsible political party, the BNP leader said their party has from the very beginning chosen the path of compromise to maintain national unity against fascism. He said BNP has also extended cooperation to the interim government as much as possible from its position. “But we have seen how new conditions are being added one after another, making the path to democracy more difficult. We must stay alert about the consequences of such actions,” he said. Tarique urged all democratic political parties to remain cautious about any evil attempt that may put them in danger. “If we fail to distinguish between strategy and deception, we may ultimately end up surrendering unconditionally to undemocratic or evil forces. I sincerely urge all democratic political parties currently active in Bangladesh to keep this danger in mind.” Read more: Enemies of Bangladesh trying to create instability again, warns Fakhrul Referring to the government’s announcement of holding the national election in February next year, he said the Election Commission will declare the election schedule in due time. The BNP leader said their party is completing all necessary preparations to take part in this much-awaited election. “As part of this process, the nomination of BNP candidates or BNP-backed candidates in the country’s 300 parliamentary constituencies is now at its final stage.” As a popular and people-backed party, he said it is normal that in almost every constituency, several qualified BNP leaders are seeking nominations. “This is a matter of pride and honour for any political party.” Tarique said it is not possible to nominate everyone, and BNP has also decided to support some candidates from other democratic parties that took part in the anti-fascist movement alongside BNP. “Because of this, some BNP aspirants may not get party nominations.” He urged all BNP leaders, workers, and supporters to accept this reality in the greater interest of the country, the people, and democracy. Read more: BNP announces 10-day programme to mark November 7 “Please consider the party’s decision as final. I want to remind you of the words of the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman: ‘The party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party,” Tarique said. He said the names of BNP-nominated candidates will soon be announced in phases. “Whoever receives the nomination, please work unitedly to ensure their victory. Remember, a hidden dictatorship with secret ambitions is lurking around you. So do not let petty resentments, quarrels or disputes among yourselves reach a level where the opponent can take advantage of your differences.” Tarique also reminded those seeking nominations that they are all followers of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and soldiers of Begum Khaleda Zia. “Remember, if the BNP’s symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ wins, you win, democracy wins, and the country wins.” He urged all party leaders and activists not to engage in any behaviour that could disrespect the party founder Ziaur Rahman or its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, or embarrass the party’s countless supporters across the country. “Stay with the people and keep them with you,” he said. Tarique concluded his speech by launching the BNP’s online membership and payment gateway through the website www.bnpbd.org, which allows anyone from anywhere in the world to become a member, renew their membership, or donate to the party online. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul He said the new digital initiative would help the BNP move forward in step with technological progress. Tarique said the new opportunity for overseas Bangladeshis to vote for the first time may seem a bit complicated to some, but he congratulated the Election Commission for opening this avenue. “InshaAllah, if BNP comes to power, we will take steps to make the voting process for expatriates even simpler in the future,” he said. On women’s safety, Tarique stressed the urgency of protecting women and children. “About half of our population is female, yet the state and society often remain indifferent to their safety, and recently this negligence seems to be becoming more visible.” Referring to a newspaper report, he said that in August alone, 93 women across the country were subjected to sexual assault, seven of whom were killed afterwards and 89 women were killed during the same period. Read more: CA’s office asks officials to avoid foreign travels until election “A society where women and children are not safe cannot be considered truly civilised. I call not only on the BNP’s women’s wing but also on the conscious women of Bangladesh and all citizens to pay attention. From your positions, speak with our daughters, mothers, and sisters, prepare local-level proposals to address their problems, and ensure women’s safety,” the BNP leader said. Tarique also said the state cannot remain indifferent and the government and administration must play their role in ensuring the safety of women. “At the same time, as a political party and as party workers, it is our duty to take any position or role needed to build a safe society for women. Social initiatives to protect women and children have, in my personal view, become extremely urgent,” he said. Read more: Bangladesh voter count hits 12.76 crore

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the brutal repression by the deposed leaders of the Awami League was similar to the cruelty shown by Yazid’s forces in Karbala. “Over the last 16 years, the fallen Awami fascist regime established a rule of extreme oppression and injustice through fake elections, snatching away people’s voting rights, resorting to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, violence, unrest and siphoning off public money abroad,” he said in a message on the occasion of holy Ashura. Tarique said the Awami League regime also imprisoned BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia with dictated verdicts in politically motivated cases, and by denying her proper medical treatment, pushed her towards death. “The cruel repression carried out by the ruthless Awami League leaders, who later fled the country, was like the brutality of Yazid’s forces,” he said. Tarique said the nation must continue its struggle without pause until justice and fairness are truly established in the country, inspired by the spirit of sacrifice shown by Imam Hussain (RA) and his close companions. “The battle of Imam Hussain’s forces will always inspire us to stand against all forms of tyranny, so that such cruel oppressors can never rise again,” he observed. The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Martyr Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his martyred family members, and companions, and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls. BNP slams Jamaat for trying to 'fish in troubled waters' “On this day, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), embraced martyrdom on the land of Karbala while fighting against injustice, oppression and tyranny. This is a day of mourning, respect and sacrifice,” he said. Tarique said Imam Hussain’s protest against worldly injustice and corruption, and the sacrifice he made, remains a glorious and timeless example for Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world, as well as for all of humanity. He said the pain and martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), and his sacrifice to uphold Islam, continue to serve as a powerful source of inspiration for people around the world. “At the same time, this event also reveals the message of divine justice, piety, sacrifice, and human dignity.” Tarique said the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA) stands as an unmatched example of an ideological struggle against injustice, oppression, and despotism. “Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions gave their lives in battle against those who, blinded by the lust for power, trampled justice and humanity. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain’s (RA) followers in Karbala continues to inspire oppressed and suffering people across the world to rise against tyranny in every era and every country,” he said.