United News of Bangladesh

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.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said mob violence has become a serious threat to humanity and it can badly damage the environment needed for democratic values to develop. In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, to be observed tomorrow (Wednesday), he said, “Even though we have been freed from fascism, the process of building democratic institutions and the fair practice of democracy has not yet truly begun. A violent frenzy in the name of mob justice has become a major enemy of humanity. It will endanger the environment for building a democratic culture.” On behalf of Tarique, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi sent the message to the media. The BNP leader highlighted the importance of the UN-declared International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, saying it holds great significance. “The day is observed to show respect and solidarity with victims of torture.” He observed that although many nations achieved independence after the Second World War, violence and conflict have not ended across the world. “Dangerous bloodshed continues in many countries, causing countless deaths, injuries and permanent disabilities.” Mob violence spreading for lack of elected govt: Awal Mintoo In many countries, the BNP leader said autocratic rulers are carrying out brutal repression and suppression against their opponents with extreme cruelty. “In those countries, citizens’ lives and property are under serious threat. Under harsh rule, opposition voices are silenced through enforced disappearances, killings and false cases, forcing many to spend years behind bars.” Referring to the political situation in Bangladesh, he said the country has faced severe “Awami fascist misrule” for nearly 16 years, which has kept democracy captive. “During this period, Bangladesh was turned into an all-pervasive state. All kinds of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, were taken away. Press freedom was shackled by various black laws. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, a symbol of democracy in Bangladesh, was unjustly jailed in a false case, and the Awami government even obstructed her proper medical treatment with cruelty,” Tarique said. He also said the entire country was silenced, filled with fear and anxiety during the 16 years of Awami fascist rule. Tarique urged all to ensure that a one-party authoritarian rule does not return. “We must keep democracy active, functional and maintain its continuity. We have to build a strong tradition of humanity, justice, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. For this, the unbreakable unity of democratic forces is extremely important.” Expressing solidarity with victims of torture around the world, including Bangladesh, the BNP leader called for an end to the obstacles faced by oppressed people seeking justice. “It is only possible to defeat the cruel oppressors and dictators through united efforts by all democracy-loving people, inspired by human values.”

A high-stake political meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has officially begun in London, amid hopes for a breakthrough in the ongoing political crisis ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2:00 pm Bangladesh time on Friday, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The meeting is scheduled to end at 4pm (BST). The two-hour meeting—expected to be one-on-one but open to expansion if the leaders choose—comes at a time of rising tension over the timing of the next national election. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, along with Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, received Tarique Rahman upon his arrival at the hotel around 1:50 pm. BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said, Tarique, accompanied by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and International Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, left his London residence around 1:00 p.m. for the meeting venue. Several hundred leaders and activists from the BNP’s UK Chapter, who had gathered in front of The Dorchester earlier in the morning, warmly welcomed Tarique as he arrived. Meanwhile, Dr Khalilur Rahman and BNP leader Amir Khosru also held a separate meeting at The Dorchester Hotel, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. BNP media cell convener Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel said Amir Khosru will brief reporters on the outcome of the meeting between the Chief Adviser and the BNP Acting Chairman. The high-profile meeting has already sparked significant interest in the country’s political arena. All eyes are now on London, as many see this as a potential turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming election. BNP senior leaders and political analysts believe several key issues are likely to be raised. These include the election timeline, proposed reforms, the July Charter, justice for the victims of the July–August mass uprising, a safe and orderly transfer of power, ratification of decisions made by the interim government, a dignified exit strategy for the interim administration, and the possible return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting: What may dominate agenda? “This is going to be a very important meeting for Bangladesh ahead of the election,” said CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. “One of them is the chief of the interim government, and the other is the chief of the largest political party of Bangladesh.”                      The meeting follows Professor Yunus’ recent national address, in which he announced that the 13th general election would be held in the first half of April next year. The BNP, which has repeatedly demanded the election be held by December this year, reacted with disappointment, calling the decision unilateral and unrealistic. BNP leaders consider this meeting a significant step towards  resolving the deadlock over the election schedule, suggesting that adjusting the timeline will be a central issue in the talks. BNP insiders believe Tarique Rahman will argue that holding the election in April is not practical, citing weather conditions, Ramadan, and public examinations. A compromise date in January or February may be proposed, should the Chief Adviser show willingness. Another sensitive issue is the possible return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, ending his 17 years of exile in London. Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting to usher in a fresh breeze for democracy: Rizvi

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said there is no government bar on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's return to the country and he may come back anytime. The Adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters during a visit to Salna Highway Police Station in Gazipur on Thursday morning. Tarique has been living in London since February 2008. Asked about recent push-in incidents by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), the Adviser said those being pushed into Bangladesh are not entering through the proper channel and are being sent back in an inhumane manner. All eyes now on Prof Yunus-Tarique talks amid strained BNP-govt ties He said the Indian High Commissioner has already been informed about the issue, expressing the hope that such push-ins will be stopped immediately. Highway Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md Shafiqul Islam, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dr Nazmul Karim Khan, and Gazipur District Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md Jaber Sadeq were, among others, present during the visit.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh "soon", party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday. “Tarique Rahman will certainly return to the country. Of course, he will come back,” he said while speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Asked by journalists when exactly the BNP acting chairman might return home, Fakhrul said, “He will return soon.” Fakhrul, however, did not give any exact date for the return of Tarique who has been living in the United Kingdom since 2008. Earlier, the BNP leader confirmed that Tarique will hold a formal meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting the UK, on Friday, June 13, in London. Tarique is set to meet Chief Adviser Yunus at a time of significant disagreement between his party and the interim government over the timing of the next general election. Tarique Rahman to meet Prof Yunus in London on June 13 Fakhrul expressed the hope that the meeting could prove to be a major turning point, stating that if all goes as planned, many issues could be resolved, and new dimensions may emerge. In another positive development for the party, the BNP leader said Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health has improved significantly. “Alhamdulillah, she appears to be physically better than before. That’s what the doctors are saying. She is much better,” Fakhrul said. Tarique, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, went to London with his family in 2008 after being released from prison during the 1/11 caretaker government period. During the Awami League’s rule, he was convicted in five cases in absentia and faced over a hundred legal proceedings. He was declared a “fugitive” by the courts, and the broadcast of his statements was banned. After his passport expired, Tarique had to seek political asylum in the UK. Following the fall of the Awami League government during the mass uprising of July–August, the political landscape began to shift. Both Khaleda and Tarique were acquitted in all the cases in which they had previously been convicted. Fakhrul urges interim govt to rethink about April election timing Earlier this year, Khaleda Zia travelled to London for medical treatment and stayed at her son’s residence. Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman also visited Dhaka last May, ending her 17 years of exile in London.

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

BNP plans to develop ward-wise playgrounds for all in the capital city of Dhaka if the party comes to power through people’s mandate in the next general election, said party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. "The playground will be developed on three to four bighas of land at least between two wards that children play, elderly people walk and people inhale, we have such a thought,” he said. Tarique shared the plans on Monday while addressing virtually the prize giving ceremony of sports organiser late Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Trust Cricket Tournament at a hotel in London on May 18 (Sunday). Recalling Koko’s memories, Tarique said his younger brother had tried his best to contribute to the country’s sports arena. Tarique Rahman extends greetings to Khaleda Zia, all mothers on Mother’s Day He said the four divisional BKSP offices will be made fully operational to identify and nurture young sporting talents from different parts of the country. Highlighting the importance of sports in life, he said his party would prioritise sports along education in the primary and secondary levels of the country. Lamenting the lack of playgrounds in Dhaka, he said there is no alternative to the sports for excellence in education.