United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday (8th November 2025) cautioned that the recent actions of certain political parties, who once marched alongside the anti-fascist movement, may now be creating a situation that undermines the rights and opportunities of people. Virtually addressing the ‘Hindu Representative Council 2025’, he also said the interim government’s main responsibility is to establish a democratic administration through free and fair elections, not to serve any party’s interests. “The role of some of our allies in the anti-fascist street movement is perhaps creating a situation that could destroy the rights and opportunities of many people in the country, including yours and mine. If the country becomes unstable, it may pave the way for the rehabilitation of the fallen, defeated, fugitive fascist forces,” the BNP leader said. He urged the interim government and pro-democratic, anti-fascist forces to remain vigilant, suggesting that just as some opposition members once used covert strategies to survive under fascist rule, the defeated fascist forces might now be using similar secret tactics to obstruct the country’s path to democracy. “The defeated fugitive forces of August 5 should not be allowed to use any party as a cover to secretly create instability in the country. To protect against such covert tactics, the main strategy is to maintain and uphold a national anti-fascist unity,” Tarique said. He said BNP, therefore, remains committed to cooperation and understanding with the interim government and its partners in the anti-fascism movement. Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikya Jote arranged the programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh. Leaders and activists from different Hindu organizations and temple management committees attended the event. The programme began with the recitation of verses from the Hindu scriptures, the Vedas and the Gita, followed by the lighting of lamps by the guests. Describing BNP as a peaceful, tolerant and people-oriented political party, Tarique said respecting different views and maintaining a positive attitude towards differing parties and opinions is part of BNP’s political culture. “BNP’s politics is aimed at ensuring the people’s political and economic empowerment.” He urged the interim government to focus primarily on holding a free, fair and credible election to restore democracy in the country. “One of the main responsibilities of the interim government is to establish a democratic administration in a fascism-free Bangladesh — a government elected by the people and accountable to the people. Certainly, it is not the duty of this government to serve any party’s political interests,” the BNP leader said. “That is why, instead of putting pressure on the government, the BNP considers issuing notes of dissent in areas of differing opinions as the decent way,” Tarique added. Pointing at the Hindu community, he said the interim government has already announced that the national election will be held in February next year. “Through this election, you will freely exercise your right to vote and choose your representatives.” Read more: Hindu Mohajote seeks minority security, religious neutrality in electioneering Tarique assured that BNP has already outlined a detailed plan for building a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh. He said if given the opportunity to form the next government, it will introduce ‘Family Cards’ for 5 million low-income families, to be issued in the name of the female heads of households, as part of its poverty reduction programme. Tarique said BNP also plans to provide ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to small and marginal farmers to help them gradually become economically self-reliant. Stating that one of the biggest problems in Bangladesh is the high rate of unemployment among the country’s vast youth population, the BNP leader said their party has already taken initiatives to provide the youth with various technical training and important language education, so they can become skilled workers and find jobs both at home and abroad.  “Through these initiatives, the BNP seeks the support of you and your families in the upcoming national election to build a democratic Bangladesh of harmony and prosperity — where every citizen, regardless of religion or background, can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity,” he said. The BNP leader said only justice and the rule of law can ensure the security of people of the country, irrespective of their religion, class, or political identity. Referring to Bangladesh’s religious faiths and cultural diversity, he said, “The bond of unity within diversity is the true beauty of our nation’s cultural, social, and political life. In such a diverse society, the unifying force is Bangladeshi nationalism.” Talking about equal rights for people of all religions in Bangladesh, Tarique said, “As a citizen of Bangladesh, you have the same rights in this country as I do — neither more nor less.” He also assured the Hindu community leaders that their various demands would be met. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party wants to build a non-communal, progressive, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh as dreamt by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. He said the Matua community wants to live with dignity, and BNP wants to ensure that people of all communities can live in the country with equal rights and dignity, regardless of their caste or creed. Fakhrul sought the support of the Matua community members for BNP in the next national election, so the party can receive a mandate to form the government. Read more: Hindu Mohajot Natore unit's president found dead under mysterious circumstances

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and workers to take revenge on the Awami League, which has repressed them in many ways over the last 16 years, by implementing the party’s 31-point reform outline, rather than through any other form of retaliation. "I personally believe in a principle that the implementation of the 31-point outline is the revenge on our repressors," he said while virtually addressing three workshops on Wednesday. BNP's Jashore, Jhenaidah and Narail district units organised the programme separately to train the party leaders and workers on the party's 31-point state overhauling proposals. Tarique said that he and his family had endured the same persecution as BNP leaders and activists under the Awami League's autocratic regime. “Any repressed person wants to take revenge against their oppressors, you want it, I want it, and everyone wants it. But I think all the leaders and activists of my party will agree that I want to take that revenge by implementing our 31-point proposals,” he said. BNP plans ‘movement’ to help interim govt correct its errors: Salahuddin Tarique said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and current Chairperson Khaleda Zia faced obstacles in their efforts to establish people’s democratic and political rights, educate the country's children, create employment, double food production, expand industrialisation, and ensure economic freedom. “So, I think the revenge of all the leaders and activists of BNP will be successful on the day we are able to implement the 31-point outline on the soil of Bangladesh for its people. Only on that day will our revenge be successful against the undemocratic and evil forces who want to subdue Bangladesh,” he observed. The BNP leader said they would begin implementing the 31-point proposal if they come to power, and it would be an ongoing process. “We will make it even better gradually. What I mean by retaliation is the implementation of the 31-point outline.” He said many people believe the BNP has the brightest prospect of running the country by winning the next election with the support of the people’s votes. ‘Won’t own or shelter errant BNP leaders, workers’, says Tarique Tarique, however, said BNP leaders and activists at all levels must prepare themselves and change their mentality to bring about a positive change in the country and implement the 31-point state reform framework. The BNP leader warned that various quarters are preparing to malign the BNP and are spreading propaganda against the party both locally and internationally. “We’ll face them politically. But we must maintain the people’s trust in the BNP. It’s the responsibility of all BNP leaders and activists. We must change our mindset and be confident that we’ll be able to bring about change.” He once again cautioned party leaders and workers that the path ahead is not smooth at all, amid the local and international plots against the BNP and the nation. Besides, he said, the deposed fascist government has ruined the country’s economy and all institutions through theft, looting and corruption. “So, whoever comes to power in the days to come will face serious challenges in running the country. We’ll be able to face this challenge if we all remain united.” Tarique said all BNP leaders and activists should avoid any activities that will destroy the trust of people in the party. “At the same time, all other parties with whom we waged the movement together, endured repression and faced imprisonment together must remain united to implement the 31-point, as it is the proposal of all democratic political parties.” BNP, IAB agree on 10-point consensus for quick, credible polls As the biggest political party, he said, the BNP has the greater responsibility to maintain people’s confidence through positive activities and gestures. “Let’s take a vow to maintain the trust of the people at any cost… we have the greater responsibility to protect the country, its sovereignty, and its people, and to establish the political and economic rights of the people.” Regarding the upcoming election, the BNP leader said the entire nation is waiting for a fair and acceptable election. “People are eager to bring the BNP to power. All our leaders and workers must earn the trust of the people to come to power.” He also called upon all parties participating in the anti-fascism movement to remain united to prevent the revival of fascist forces. Tarique also responded to various questions from the participants at the workshop from the three districts. In response to a question, he said that if they return to power, they will take steps to ensure the rights of physically challenged individuals and provide them with a comfortable life. The BNP leader mentioned that they also plan to arrange health camps soon at the divisional level to provide necessary treatment to people with disabilities. Interim govt forgetting duty to transfer power after fair polls: Hafizuddin Tarique said they have a plan to establish a mechanism to ensure fair prices for farmers' produce and maintain a balance between demand and supply by dismantling the syndicates. “Action will be taken against market syndicates if they indulge in any foul play.” He stressed the importance of increasing the production of soybeans in Bangladesh to reduce dependency on foreign countries for edible oil. Tarique also underscored the need for addressing the problems in the banking sector and restoring public confidence in it, as state reforms will be difficult without strengthening the financial sector, including banks.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has welcomed the move by the students who led last year's uprising to form a political party, but warned that it would disappoint the people if it is seen to enjoy the state and current administration's support. Speaking virtually at a discussion on Saturday, he also said indulging controversies over the national elections will only strengthen the position of the defeated fascist forces. Jatiya Shikkhak Karmachari Oikya Jote arranged the programme titled “Jatiya Shikkhak Dibos and Shikkhak Samabesh” at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman (January 19).  “The country's students and youth have become interested in the state and political system, which is certainly a positive aspect,” Tarique said. He said the young people have not been able to vote in a single election in the last one and a half decades. “If any of these young people, deprived of democratic and political rights, form a new political party to establish the rights of the people, BNP certainly welcomes the initiative. But if anyone seeks help from the state and administrative support to form a political party, it will disappoint the people,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy He also said that if the behaviour, comments, or statements of those intending to form a new party are antagonistic and vindictive towards other political parties, that would also be undesirable to the people. “Of course, today’s youth are the future of Bangladesh. The youth will create a new path by coming out of the past, but not in a questionable way. The path should be transparent and normal,” Tarique opined. He also considered any misunderstanding or unnecessary argument between the interim government and the pro-democracy forces of Bangladesh as a waste of time. “But at the same time, I want to draw the attention of the government and say that if the people can patiently accept its failures in various areas, it is important for those in the government to have much more patience and tolerance,” the BNP leader said. As BNP pursues politics for the welfare of the people, he said their party aims to ensure the people’s political and economic power. "Election is one of the main effective tools to ensure the political power of the people. Creating controversy over the election arrangement means unwittingly strengthening the position of fugitive and defeated fascist forces," Tarique warned. BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections He also instructed party leaders and activists at all levels to remain alert to ensure that no one creates confusion or provokes controversy over their activities. “The people are the source of BNP's political power, and as long as the people are with us, no conspiracy will be able to defeat us, Inshallah,” Tarique said. The BNP Acting Chairman's statement comes amid a political debate triggered by his party's secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, expressing doubts over the the interim government’s neutrality with students being part of it, that Information Adviser Nahid Islam, one of the student leaders of the uprising, countered by suggesting Fakhrul's statement indicated BNP would prefer a '1/11'-type government. Tarique appealed to all sections of society, including teachers, intellectuals, and journalists, to understand that democracy develops through daily actions, attitudes, and practices, not through procedures written in books. "We’ll certainly have different opinions and paths, and that is the beauty of democracy. But our goal is one and the same... Our goal is to establish a liberal, democratic, equitable, and humane Bangladesh," he said. The BNP leader said that after the 'mafia chief' Sheikh Hasina fled the country following the people's uprising, a great opportunity had arisen to establish a democratic, equitable, and humane Bangladesh. He, however, warned that any conspiracy by the 'fugitive autocrat' and her associates, or unnecessary misunderstandings between pro-democracy forces, could jeopardise the opportunity. "Everyone needs to remain aware of it." Tarique said the BNP is in favour of both reform and election. "Both are very important. Some people try to provoke unnecessary arguments with a purposeful question: which comes first, reform or elections? If we look at the current situation in the country, it is different." BNP, Khelafat Majlis agree on holding elections by 2025 At this moment, he said it is more important for crores of families across the country to manage their households than to focus on elections and reforms. "On one hand, there is the soaring cost of living, and on the other, the burden of VAT imposed on the people. As a result, farmers, workers, day labourers, low-income people, and even lower-middle-class families are finding it difficult to maintain their families. Many families are silently suffering," the BNP leader observed. He asked how the daily suffering and hardships of the people can be alleviated, how market syndicates can be broken to keep commodity prices within the reach of the people, how people can be freed from false cases filed during the fascist regime, and how law enforcement can be made more active to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. "These issues must be at the top of the interim government's priority list." Despite the various limitations of the interim government, the BNP leader said he believes it should not be allowed to fail, he said. On the occasion, Tarique also pledged that the BNP would play a positive role in ensuring the rightful demands of teachers if it is voted into power.

BNP acting chairmanTarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the people of the country to show utmost restraint and avoid falling prey to any provocation. “I urge my fellow Bangladeshis to show utmost restraint and not fall prey to any provocation,” he said in a post on X (formerly twitter) following the attack on the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala. Tarique reminds BNP leaders of tough election, urges hard work The BNP leader said, “Bangladesh faces many challenges, but we have largely been, and will remain, a land of religious harmony and territorial sovereignty, where the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected, irrespective of race, caste, and religion.”  He said since the fall of autocrat Sheikh Hasina, there is an increase of inflammatory media commentary and political rhetoric against Bangladesh coming from certain Indian quarters. There is now an echo chamber filled with misinformation, fuelling persistent anti-Bangladesh sentiment, he added. Tarique Rahman urges unity to end political vengeance “The latest attack on the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala highlights the destabilising effects of disinformation, which only creates division and discord among neighbours,” said Tarique Rahman. He said international stakeholders must acknowledge that a destabilised Bangladesh, with near about 200 million people, is not in the interest of any country. “It is crucial to objectively understand what led to Hasina's ouster, what has been happening in Bangladesh since she fled to India, and why it’s imperative to forge people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and India, beyond any particular person or political party,” said the BNP acting chairman. It’s now time to unite, build Bangladesh: Tarique

BNP top leaders on Tuesday sent Eid greeting cards to Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sent two separate eid cards to the Prime Minister. They also greeted Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader sending cards. A BNP delegation, led by its assistant organising secretary Abdus Salam Azad, handed over the cards to Awami League leader Ali Hossain at the party president’s Dhanmondi office around 11:30am Besides, the party sent eid cards to Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh President Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain, LPD president Oli Ahmed, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, JSD president ASM Abdur Rob, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddique, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and some other top leaders and different political parties.

BNP has sought an explanation from its standing committee member Mirza Abbas about his recent statement on the disappearance of party leader Ilias Ali. A letter from BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reached Mirza Abbas’ Shahjahanpur residence on Thursday afternoon, party sources said. Talking to UNB, some party senior leaders, wishing anonymity, said the letter was sent as per a directive of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Contacted, Mirza Abbas said he still did not receive any such letter. Also read: Abbas claims media distorted his comments on Ilias’ disappearance Speaking at a discussion programme on Saturday last, Mirza Abbas said he thought neither the government nor the Awami League made Ilias Ali disappear. “But who did it? I want to know this from this government. He also called upon BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to find out those BNP leaders who engaged in an altercation with Ilias Ali the night before he went missing. As his remarks sparked various speculation and discontent within the party, BNP high command decided to send a letter to him seeking an explanation. Abbas on Sunday claimed that some media distorted his remarks about the disappearance of their party leader M Ilias Ali. Also read: Culture of ‘enforced disappearance’ came with Ilias Ali’s incident: BNP "It’s been published in a newspaper quoting me that some BNP leaders are responsible for the disappearance of Ilias Ali. Can anyone prove I made such a remark? It’s not possible to prove. I want to make it clear that my statement has been distorted,” he told a press conference at his residence.” He also alleged that some newspapers wrongly quoted him as saying that the government and Awami League had no involvement in the disappearance of Ilias. “I didn’t make any such comment. My statement has been distorted and twisted. I just rebuked the government and wanted to know where Ilias is.” BNP organising secretary M Ilias Ali along with his driver Ansar Ali went missing on the midnight of April 17, 2012 in the capital’s Banani area. Since then, BNP has been blaming the security agencies for the mysterious disappearance, an allegation denied by the government.

‘A dreadful force’ is working with the government from behind the scene to silence those who are opposing the government, alleged BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday.

Terming ‘politically motivated’, BNP on Thursday ‘turned down’ the verdict sentencing its acting chairman Tarique Rahman to two years’ imprisonment by a Narail court in a defamatory case.

BNP will form human chains across the country on Wednesday in protest against framing of charges against party acting chairman Tarique Rahman and issuing a warrant for his arrest in a sedition case.

BNP is going to celebrate its 42nd founding anniversary across the country on Tuesday in a low-key manner due to the coronavirus prevalence.