United News of Bangladesh

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday criticised Dr Muhammad Yunus for suggesting an interim government is still a good option, saying that people did not struggle for 16 years to hand the responsibility of the country to a ‘superhuman’ . “The 16 years of struggle were for the restoration of democracy, democratic order, and the return of the people’s voting rights and ownership of the country,” he said while talking to reporters after meetings with three political parties at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to a journalist’s query about the Chief Adviser’s recent interview with Al Jazeera, in which he reiterated that the next national election would be held by June 2026 and asserted that people still consider the interim government a good solution and they are not saying the interim government go now. In response, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said, “The people of Bangladesh did not fight and make immense sacrifices to hand the responsibility of (ruling) Bangladesh to any superhuman. There is no reason to believe that the people of Bangladesh should wait for any great man to provide a solution for democracy.” The BNP leader said a government elected by the people’s votes will be accountable and responsible to people, and voiced confusion over whom Dr Muhammad Yunus referred to as the people who want the interim government to stay in power. The BNP leader said BNP is the major political party in Bangladesh, representing the country's people. BNP’s Khosru seeks immediate election roadmap for democratic transition Referring to their party’s recent meetings with political parties active on the streets against Sheikh Hasina’s regime, he said around 50 such parties have already firmly stated that the election should be held before December this year. Khosru suggested that the government should move towards elections by announcing a clear roadmap, after formulating a national charter based on reform proposals that political parties have reached a consensus on. Once the national charter is established, he said the government should immediately instruct the Election Commission to set a date and schedule for the election. Khosru questioned whether the Chief Adviser meant by "people" a certain quarter or government beneficiaries who stand against democracy and the people’s democratic rights. He also said it is not difficult to understand that these people, whom the Chief Adviser referred to, are putting democracy against reform. Khosru expressed the hope that the Chief Adviser will not back off from the commitment he made during the meeting with political parties about the election. “We want elections by December…the people have sacrificed their blood for establishing effective democracy by forming a government with their elected representatives,” he said. As part of BNP’s liaison committee’s ongoing discussions with like-minded political parties regarding the upcoming election, Khosru, along with BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, participated in three meetings. People waiting for election by December: Khosru  

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday expressed doubts over whether the interim government will hold the election timely in line with people's expectations as some cohorts of Awami League affiliates are trying to mislead the Chief Adviser to disrupt the polls. "The Election Commission will conduct the election as per people's expectations. Dr Muhammad Yunus has placed us in an embarrassing situation by suggesting that the election will be held in December or June," he said at a discussion. Ganatantra Forum organised the programme titled ‘Democracy, Reform and Reality in the Current Context’ at the Jatiya Press Club. After the Chief Adviser said the election would be held by December, the BNP leader pointed out that one of his officials had stated it would take place by June. “He (CA) later endorsed it. So, there is quite a strong argument to be made that this is an effort to prevent the election from taking place.” Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said there is a saying—hope for the best and prepare for the worst. “From that worst-case thinking, I believe the government probably won't hold elections anytime soon. I see no indication of that happening. This is my personal opinion, not my party’s.” He alleged that a smokescreen has been created around the upcoming national election due to the immature and childish behaviour of certain political parties. “What some parties have begun saying—that there will be no election unless this or that conditions are met—is deeply concerning. If this, how the election will be held,” the BNP leader said. He also said some of these parties have already said they will not go to the election. “Let’s be honest—just a few days ago, hardly anyone in Bangladesh even knew who you were. And now you're issuing threats about boycotting the election. Such threats are pointless and serve no real purpose.” Abbas said BNP wants both reforms and elections. “But there is no need for unnecessary reforms beyond what the people require. Elections are the alternative to elections. We must hold the election after implementing the reforms necessary for the people of the country.” He warned Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that cohorts of the Awami League, including four serving secretaries, a retired secretary and some advisory council members, would attempt to steer him away from the right path. “They will destroy all your achievements and reputation.” Abbas described retired diplomat Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, who was recently appointed as a Special Assistant, as a “product of the Awami League.” “There are more Awami League products on your right and left,” he said, addressing the Chief Adviser, urging him to be careful of them. “They will derail you.” Abbas said the BNP and the people of the country want to uphold the dignity of Professor Muhammad Yunus and ensure the Chief Adviser’s success in building a prosperous Bangladesh. He strongly criticised National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam for his recent remark that a national election is not possible under an administration allegedly controlled by pro-BNP officials. Abbas dismissed the comment as immature, likening it to the way children argue—refusing something without proper reasoning. He explained that the BNP no longer has any presence within the administration, claiming that the fascist regime in power over the past 16 years had strategically embedded its associates across government institutions, including within the secretariat. The BNP leader questioned why NCP leaders fail to speak out against those fascists and enemies of the nation who still remain in place in the administration. “What if I say you are receiving illegal benefits from them?” He said former fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina, along with her party leaders, activists and government officials in the administration and law enforcement agencies who were involved in misdeeds, must be brought to justice. “Our struggle against those who want to rehabilitate the Awami League in the country will continue,” the BNP leader said. Abbas emphasised the urgent need for national unity in Bangladesh, stating that the country is currently in a dire state. He warned that if the people of Bangladesh become divided, the country risks once again falling under Indian hegemony. The BNP leader thinks that regardless of political affiliation—be it BNP, Jamaat, NCP, or any other party—all must remain united in the interests of the nation and its people, rising above differences of opinion among them. Abbas said the true strength of the Bangladeshi people lies in their unity. “We may not have many weapons or vast resources, but we have unity—and we proved that in July and August when national unity enabled us to challenge the fascist regime. This kind of unity was also seen during the Liberation War in 1971, when the entire nation, except for a few individuals, stood together. To protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, we must now unite once again,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed the hope that very good things await the nation as interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus will succeed in addressing political and other problems. “We have (political) problems, and these will be resolved. In fact, a lot of progress has already been made. I want to thank Professor Yunus for taking on the responsibility (of running the country). I believe he will be successful. Let us all help him, help ourselves and move forward,” he told a discussion. Empowerment Bangladesh and North South University ‘s Department of History and Philosophy  arranged the discussion titled ‘Ambassador Sirajul Islam's Vision of Empowering Bangladesh: Leadership, Unity and Growth, Diplomacy and Governance for the Country’s Transformation’. Fakhrul said everyone seems to be growing frustrated after listening to television talk shows and the speeches of scholars and political leaders all around. ADEUF places five-point demand to ensure neutral admin structure He said people are also getting worried about what the ultimate outcome will be, following the sacrifices of so much blood and so many lives during the July-August uprising. “I firmly believe that something good will surely happen…and it will be very good. We, the people of Bangladesh, have always fought for what is right and have triumphed time and again,” the BNP leader said. Stating that behind all of Bangladesh’s achievements are its youth, Fakhrul said youth of Bangladesh played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the July-August mass uprising of 2024. “But I want to emphasise one thing that there is no alternative to democracy and democracy cannot be imposed. It has to be practised, and the spaces for that practice must remain open,” he said. Fakhrul said everyone must understand this country belongs to them, and it is their responsibility to build its future. ANFREL delegation meets Fakhrul, discusses election issue “Trump (Donald Trump) from America or Xi (Xi Jinping) from China will not come and build it. Nor will Modi (Narendra Modi) from India be able to push us to do anything. We must instill these truths in our hearts,” he said. He emphasised that Bangladesh was founded on the principles of pluralism and unity in diversity. “Our nation was born through a convergence of many different thoughts and ideologies…during the Liberation War, we united despite having different beliefs—be it socialism, communism, or religion. We fought as one.” Drawing a parallel with last year’s uprising, the BNP leader said, “The same unity was seen in 2024 when bullets were fired at students. People from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds came to the streets in protest. That day, the nation stood together once again.” The BNP leader called upon all to unite once again, putting aside differences for the welfare of the country. He voiced concern over the neglect of the country’s marginalised people, especially farmers, labourers, and working-class people. “No one speaks for them. Our farmers, workers, and hardworking people bear the brunt of inequality. Yet they continue to work with dedication and keep this country moving forward. We must speak for them,” the BNP leader said. Dudu accuses govt of delaying election to sideline BNP He mentioned that, in his view, the most patriotic people are the farmers and those who work alongside them, including agriculturists and agricultural scientists. “As of now, the greatest success Bangladesh has achieved is in agriculture. During the Liberation War, our population was around 7 crore. It stands now at 18 crore. At that time, we had a food deficit of 2.8 million metric tonnes, but that deficit has nearly vanished. The country's farmers and agricultural scientists are working to address food shortages and ensure food security. We do not think about that or recognise it,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said the country’s policymakers are now focusing with great importance on how to address the recent issue of US tariffs on Bangladesh. “It is a fact that if this issue is not resolved, we could face even greater trouble. But I believe that if we can bring forward farmers and those involved in agriculture, give them employment, and provide them with new technology, we will be able to overcome such problems very quickly,” he observed.

The Office of the United Nations Secretary-General has said that UN Secretary-General António Guterres will undertake an official visit to Bangladesh from March 13-16. Not for UN Secretary-General to designate an event as genocide: Spokesman The visit follows an invitation from Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, which was handed over by Dr Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of the Chief Adviser on the Rohingya Issue and Priority Matters, during his meeting with the Secretary-General on February 7 in New York.

Information Adviser Mohammad Nahid Islam stepped down from his position on Tuesday amid discussions that he would join a new political party. Official sources said Nahid Islam submitted his resignation letter to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Nahid Islam, a former Dhaka University student and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, took oath as an adviser to the interim government on August 9 after the fall of Hasina government in a mass upsurge on August 5. Nahid Islam hints at quitting interim govt to join new party; final decision by week's end The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee announced on Monday that they would launch their political party at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on February 28. Jatiya Nagarik Committee chief organiser Sarjis Alam made the announcement at a press conference at its central office at Bangla Motors in the city.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that citizens will no longer need police verification to get passports. The government has made it a rule that there will be no need for police verification from now, he said while inaugurating the annual Deputy Commissioners’ conference at his office in the capital. “Obtaining a passport is one of the citizens’ rights. If we don't require police verification for birth certificates or NIDs, why should it be necessary for passports?” he said. Dr Yunus said the government must work as a team. “It’s a team work. We must avoid anything that hinders the success of the entire team,” he added. This year's conference will include a total of 30 working sessions with various ministries and departments, along with four special sessions. Visa issue doesn’t exist once passport revoked: Govt The special sessions include the inaugural ceremony, a meeting with the Chief Justice, an open discussion with the Chief Adviser, and a meeting with the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association. Some 354 proposals have been received from DCs and divisional commissioners ahead of the conference, which will conclude on February 18 (Tuesday).

Dhaka is ready to welcome José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste, as he arrives here on a four-day official visit starting Saturday night. He will be accompanied by a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister. President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a special Singapore Airlines flight. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will receive the President with a guard of honour and a red carpet reception. Key Meetings and Agreements During his stay from December 14-17, the President will engage in a series of high-level meetings and events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. On the second day of his visit, December 15, Ramos-Horta will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in the morning. Later, he will hold discussions with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, followed by a delegation-level meeting. After the meeting, a joint press conference will be held, during which the two countries are expected to sign agreements on visa exemption and a memorandum of understanding for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh In the afternoon, Ramos-Horta will meet honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Football Federation President and BNP leader, Tabith Awal. Participation in Victory Day Celebrations On the third day, December 16, Ramos-Horta will call on the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. He will also visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The President will attend the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971. Address to the Youth and Departure On his final day, December 17, the Timor-Leste President will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World”. DMP commissioner attends courtesy meeting with US Embassy delegation He is expected to interact with Bangladeshi students and young leaders, sharing his experiences of leading his country’s independence movement, the role of the people, and the post-independence aspirations of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta will leave Dhaka later in the day, concluding his visit aimed at fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is holding talks with the political parties as he seeks national unity. Representatives from various political parties including BNP and Jamaat -e-Islami are taking part in the talks at the Foreign Service Academy that began after 4pm on Wednesday. National Unity: Chief Adviser to hold talks with political, religious leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain are among the BNP leaders. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, Gono Samhangti's Jonayed Saki, Nagorik Oikya's Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gono Odhikar Parishad's Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan are also joining the meeting. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the Chief adviser will call for national unity at the meetings. Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus on Thursday said he considered himself as a son and adviser of Rangpur as he was moved by the “bravery and sacrifice” of July uprising martyr Abu Sayed. "Consider me as an adviser from Rangpur," said Prof Yunus while welcoming the family members of Abu Sayed at his Tajgaon office. The Chief Adviser handed over the certificate of the Shaheed Abu Sayed Foundation to the family members of martyr Abu Sayed during a brief ceremony. Read: Chief Adviser Yunus meets Shaheed Abu Sayed’s brothers, vows support and justice Prof Yunus enquired about the health condition of Abu Sayed's parents and assured them of all support from the government, said Chief Adviser’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Mokbul Hossain, the father of Abu Sayed, received the certificate. Md Liton Mia, a nephew of Abu Sayed, was also present.

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) will host the 3rd edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2024, an international geopolitical conference, which begins in Dhaka on Saturday. "We are honored to have Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, and a well known person as our inaugural speaker," said Executive Director of CGS, Zillur Rahman on Friday. He said Dr Yunus’s perspective will set the tone for three days of meaningful and impactful discussions. The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Executive Director of CGS, Zillur Rahman. Zillur said the third rendition of the Bay of Bengal Conference is the biggest event to date hosted by CGS. “This year’s conference, “A Fractured World,” brings together over 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and an audience of 800 participants hailing from more than 80 countries around the world, he said. Zillur also mentioned that Bangladesh stands at a unique moment in its history. Recent developments have opened up profound opportunities for our nation to redefine itself on democratic principles with a new openness to dialogue and collaboration. The Bay of Bengal Conversation will reflect this spirit by serving as a global platform to explore challenges that resonate across borders, from human rights and climate change to economic development, security, and technological transformation. He said, “This is more than a conference; it’s a call to action. Together, we aim to address the fractures dividing nations and communities, fostering new dialogues and solutions.” He also mentioned that the last two years of experience of this event was bitter. But CGS made it a successful event. "Hopefully this year won’t be different." Munira Khan, Chair of CGS said the Bay of Bengal Conversation has some agendas. "We want to discuss these issues. This is not for any political party but for the people.” She also said this conference is not a governmental event rather a non-governmental one and its result will be enjoyed by all the people around the world.