United News of Bangladesh

The Council of Advisers on Thursday (December 04) approved the draft Police Commission Ordinance-2025, aiming to make the police more people-friendly one. Once the ordinance is promulgated, there will be a five-member commission under it, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and the commission will make recommendations to the government on issues such as investigating and resolving citizen complaints, resolving grievances of police members. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting the Chief Adviser’s Office. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting. Read more: Prof Yunus urges police to ensure ‘festive, peaceful historic election’ Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the briefing. Adviser Rizwana said the commission members will be a retired district judge, a retired officer not below the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police, a professor of a university who can be working or retired and a person with at least 15 years of experience in human rights and good governance. Responding to a question, she said the names of the commission members will come through a selection committee and the government will make appointments based on that. Regarding the purpose of the formation of the commission, the Adviser said the police will be made people-friendly and people-oriented and this commission will work in collaboration with the government. Read more: 64 districts get SPs through lottery: Home Adviser   The commission will recommend to the government what needs to be done to ensure that the police can work free from influence. Besides, the commission will also identify where the police need to be modernized and what kind of training is needed to make the police human rights sensitive. The meeting of the Council of Advisers also approved the proposal to amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO). The meeting also approved the draft of the National Regulatory Authority Ordinance on building construction. Read more: Bangladesh sees crime spike ahead of polls; police stress preparedness The meeting gave in-principle approval to the Hi-Tech Park Authority Amendment Ordinance.

The Appellate Division on Thursday (December 04, 2025) upheld a High Court (HC) order that declared the swearing-in and formation of the interim government valid, dismissing a leave-to-appeal petition over the government. A top court bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, passed the order. During Wednesday’s (December 03, 2025) hearing, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman argued that the writ challenging the government’s legality was based on a mistaken notion. Read more: Writ petition filed challenging provision of party symbols in the alliance's vote Lawyers representing the government said that the formation of a government following a popular uprising cannot be questioned, and that raising doubts before the Supreme Court, which was reconstituted after the government took oath, is impermissible. The petitioner’s counsel defended that during the August 5 uprising, the then Chief Justice and Appellate Division judges had sought shelter in the cantonment. Consequently, under Article 106 of the Constitution, they were unable to provide the President with advice regarding government formation, rendering the current government’s oath-taking and formation process illegal. In December last year, senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid first submitted a petition with the HC challenging the legality, which the court rejected, stating that the people’s approval legitimises the interim government and no one could question it. Read more: Writ petition filed seeking stay on election activities Following that, the petitioner sought leave to appeal in the Appellate Division, which was dismissed today (Thursday).

The interim government on Thursday (December 04, 2025) called for special prayers across the country seeking the speedy recovery of the former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Muslims have been requested to offer dua after Juma prayers on Friday (December 05, 2025) at all mosques while temples, churches and pagodas have been asked to hold prayers following respective religious traditions, according to a Facebook post shared by Chief Adviser's press wing. Read more: Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ People of all walks of life have also been urged to pray individually for her recovery. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday night visited her at the hospital. Severe medical teams from the UK and China have arrived in Bangladesh to join the BNP’s chairperson treatment. Read more: Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s health

The government has promulgated the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Ordinance, 2025 with the provisions of death penalty and life imprisonment for those to be found guilty of involvement in incidents of enforced disappearances. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Law issued a gazette late on Monday (December 01). The Council of Advisers approved the draft of the ordinance on November 6. Jamaat Ameer appreciates move to try army officers linked to enforced disappearances, killings According to the ordinance, tribunals will be set up at district and divisional levels to deal with the cases of prevention and prosecution of enforced disappearances. Offences under the ordinance are non-bailable and non-compoundable. As per the ordinance, if the victim dies as a result of enforced disappearance or if the person cannot be found alive or dead even five years after the disappearance, the offender may be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. If any public servant or member of a law enforcement agency arrests, detains, abducts, or otherwise deprives a person of liberty and deny the act or concealing the fate or whereabouts of the person, thereby placing the individual outside the protection of the law may face life imprisonment or a prison term of up to 10 years, it says. Anyone found to have destroyed evidence of disappearance, or constructed, installed, or used secret detention centres for enforced disappearances may face up to seven years in prison. The ordinance also sets out penalties for senior officers or commanders of law enforcement agencies. It states that if a superior officer orders, authorises, approves, consents to or instigates the commission of such crimes by subordinates or participates in the crime he or she will face the same punishment prescribed for the offence. Warrants issued for arrest of Hasina, 29 others in 2 enforced disappearance cases A superior may also be punished if negligence, incompetence, or failure to maintain discipline or control enables subordinates to commit an enforced disappearance, the ordinance says. It further states that the location of an arrested person may be kept confidential ‘in the interest of state security’ until the person is produced before a magistrate. Trials may proceed in absentia if the accused is on the run.

The government has declared BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ (VVIP). The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers, held on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud read out the statement at a media briefing after the meeting. He, however, did not take any question. He said the meeting decided to declare Khaleda Zia a VVIP of the State, considering her current physical condition, unhindered treatment in the hospital, making plan for her advanced medical care abroad, if necessary, her security and travel facilities and her high status. All relevant authorities were instructed to implement this decision immediately, said the Planning Adviser. He said Khaleda Zia's family and her party are aware of this matter. The meeting also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of three-time former Prime Minister BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The meeting also urged the nation to pray for the speedy recovery of Khaleda Zia. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing. The BNP Chairperson is receiving her prescribed treatment properly and is expected to recover, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday. “We firmly believe she will recover this time and return to us. She is properly receiving the treatment being administered to her,” he said. Talking to reporters during a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital at noon, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is responding to the treatment provided by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. Tarique expresses gratitude, reiterates call for prayers for Khaleda

The interim government on Saturday (November 29) said there is no restriction or objection regarding BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made it clear when he was asked whether there is any restriction or objection from the government regarding Tarique's return to Bangladesh. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already expressed deep concern about the physical condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and has sought doa for her from the people of the country. Earlier, at the weekly meeting of Council of Advisers, prayers and doa were offered for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the munajat. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Monday (November 24) reaffirmed support for the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an "inclusive, just and prosperous" future for all Botchwey met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed the country’s national transition and the Commonwealth’s role in supporting the people’s democratic expectations. "During our meeting, we discussed Bangladesh’s national journey and our renewed partnership to support the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an inclusive, just and prosperous future for all," she said after the meeting. The Secretary-General said she is grateful to the Chief Adviser of the interim government and the people of Bangladesh for their generous hospitality. The Chief Adviser sought the Commonwealth’s full support for holding the upcoming general election, scheduled for the first half of February. “We need your support in our democratic transition as well as in the upcoming general election,” he said during the meeting. The Chief Adviser thanked the Secretary-General for her strong interest in Bangladesh’s forthcoming election process. He reaffirmed the Interim Government's commitment to holding a free, fair, credible, and festive election. In response, the Secretary-General assured the Chief Adviser of the Commonwealth’s full support for Bangladesh’s election and the post-election transition, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. “There are vast resources within the Commonwealth—56 countries, including members of the G7 and G20"—that Bangladesh could draw on to strengthen one another, she said. The Secretary-General added that she had held meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, the Law Adviser, Foreign Affairs Adviser and the Chief Election Commissioner, noting, “I’m very hopeful about the future of the country.” She also confirmed that the Commonwealth is preparing to deploy several observer teams ahead of the elections. The two leaders also discussed youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, creating more social businesses and advancing the three-zero vision aimed at reducing unemployment, carbon emissions, and inequality. She also met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We discussed ways to deepen cooperation at the national and international levels in our shared efforts to improve the lives of all Bangladeshi people," said the Secretary-General after her meeting with Foreign Adviser Hossain. Read more: Jatiya Party meets Commonwealth delegation in Dhaka Her first official visit to Bangladesh came ahead of the general election in the country expected to be held in February 2026. On Sunday, Botchwey said their Commonwealth family remains firmly committed to the people of Bangladesh. “I had fruitful discussions with Dhaka-based High Commissioners on how the Commonwealth can continue supporting Bangladesh to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter for the benefit of its people,” she said on Sunday commenting on the meeting. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Maldives Shiuneen Rasheed, among others, joined the meeting. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and thanked him for updating me on preparations for the upcoming general election. “We discussed the importance of an inclusive and credible process, and how the Commonwealth can support in facilitating the full participation of all Bangladeshis,” she said. She met all major Bangladeshi political parties. "I valued hearing their views for a peaceful, credible and participatory election, as reflected in our Commonwealth Charter," Botchwey said. The Secretary-General said they will always stand with and support Bangladesh on its democratic journey. During her meeting with Chief Justice of Bangladesh Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, the Commonwealth Secretary-General appreciated his reflections on the rule of law and judicial independence – values central to their Commonwealth Charter – and on the judiciary’s role in contributing to inclusive governance under a democratic dispensation. “The Commonwealth will support Bangladesh to build the capacity of its judiciary and benefit from best practices from our family of nations,” she said. Her first meeting in Bangladesh was with youth leaders. “I was moved by their passion as they spoke about this moment of transition and their expectations for a democracy that works for all, for a future they are working hard to shape.” Read more: Bhutanese PM leaves Dhaka after 2-day state visit Botchwey said the Commonwealth will always work alongside their young people to build a just and prosperous future for all. The Commonwealth Secretary-General is listening to a wide range of stakeholders and discussing how the Commonwealth can continue to support the people of Bangladesh at this important moment and beyond. During the engagements, the Secretary-General is briefing stakeholders on the Commonwealth’s new Strategic Plan – which places democracy among its three core pillars – and listens to how tailored support can best assist the people of Bangladesh. Speaking ahead of her visit, Shirley Botchwey described Bangladesh as a valued member of the Commonwealth, noting that it was the first intergovernmental organisation the country joined soon after independence. “The Commonwealth and Bangladesh have a strong partnership, one that matters even more now as the country heads towards the polls next year,” she said.

The interim government has reversed years of aggressive bank borrowing, opting instead to repay outstanding loans in a move economists said could unlock fresh credit for the private sector and cool inflationary pressures. The policy shift marks a clear departure from the previous administration, which had leaned heavily on bank financing to meet its fiscal needs, they said. In contrast, the new government has prioritised debt reduction, expenditure restraint and project rationalisation, a combination analysts describe as rare in the country’s recent fiscal history. “The country’s economic landscape has seen a notable change over the last year, as the interim government is repaying its outstanding loans to the banking system,” said Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). He said the administration’s approach is already forcing banks to reorient their portfolios towards the private sector after years of safe lending to the government. Mustafizur Rahman praised the decision not to take fresh bank loans this fiscal year while paying down legacy debt, calling it “a clear example of fiscal discipline” and a shift towards “a more responsible pattern of public expenditure”. Economist Abu Ahmed echoed that view, arguing that spending cuts – particularly on “highly ambitious and unnecessary” projects – had become essential to rebalance the credit market. Ahmed, who also chairs the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), noted that government borrowing had previously crowded out private investment by drawing banks into low-risk lending to the public sector. Devt partners push govt for tougher tax measures amid debt pressure: NBR head “Banks got an opportunity to lend to the government, and they felt shy to invest in the private sector as there is a risk of recovery,” he said. Debt Reversal Data from the Bangladesh Bank shows a dramatic turnaround. Between July and October of FY2025–26, the government repaid Tk 503 crore to the banking system. During the same period last fiscal year, it had borrowed Tk 15,450 crore. The total net government debt with banks has also edged down. From Tk 5,50,904.96 crore at the end of June, it fell to Tk 5,50,401.65 crore by 30 October.On that day alone, repayment totalled nearly Tk 1,009 crore, including Tk 899 crore to the Bangladesh Bank and Tk 2,541 crore to scheduled banks, driven largely by clearance of short-term “Ways and Means Advance” obligations. Non-Bank Funding Rises The government has simultaneously strengthened its reliance on non-bank financing. Between July and October, it raised Tk 9,565.52 crore through treasury bills and bonds sold to non-bank financial institutions, insurers and individual investors. Excluding National Savings Certificates, total domestic borrowing from non-bank sources stands at Tk 9,062 crore. Economists say the fiscal tightening reflects a broader rethink of development spending. The interim government has cancelled or suspended numerous non-priority and non-profitable development projects, while slowing the pace of many others. IMF-WB proposes unified debt management office in Dhaka to strengthen public debt governance Insiders attribute the lower debt needed to this project screening, along with stricter revenue management. Former National Board of Revenue chairman Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid said stronger-than-expected tax collection in the first quarter had also supported the government’s ability to repay loans. “This strong revenue position, combined with the government’s firm stance on expenditure control, has made it possible to repay debt instead of taking new loans,” he said. He said reduced government borrowing should ease inflationary pressure while expanding banks’ lending space to the private sector, a shift that could boost production and job creation. Risks Ahead Despite widespread praise for the government’s fiscal prudence, analysts warn that prolonged delays or cuts in development projects risk slowing investment and dragging on growth. For now, however, Bangladesh’s banking sector is preparing for a new era in which the government is no longer its largest and most reliable borrower – and the private sector may once again take centre stage in the credit market. Read more: Banking, power, revenue reforms in focus as govt faces IMF debt concerns: Salehuddin

Bangladesh’s economy is caught in a debilitating ‘waiting vortex’ of stagnant investment, high inflation and weak business confidence, with experts saying only a credible and participatory election can restore stability and drive recovery. The prevailing consensus across the business and policy landscape is that the economy is currently ‘breathing, but unable to walk’ as it is paralysed by political uncertainty ahead of the general election expected next February. Business owners and entrepreneurs unanimously assert that new initiatives and investments are impossible without political stability and certainty. Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir of Dhaka University, Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, Senior Vice-President of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), and former Chief Economist of Bangladesh Bank Dr Mustofa K Mujeri talked to the UNB correspondent about the current economic situation in Bangladesh. Read more: Bangladesh’s reserves still remain above $31 billion after ACU payment The economy is sustained by political trust, and it is the government’s responsibility to restore that confidence, said economists, underscoring that without a stable political environment, the recovery process cannot begin. This sentiment is echoed by the country’s development partners. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly linked the disbursement of the next tranche of its $4.7 billion loan to the formation of an elected government. Similarly, both domestic and foreign investors are reluctant to take risks, preferring instead to adopt a cautious ‘wait-and-see’ stance. Worrying Economic Indicators Private Sector Credit Growth: Loan growth to the private sector has dropped to around 6.5 per cent — roughly half the normal rate — signalling a sharp contraction in new business activity and entrepreneurship. Capital Machinery Imports: Imports of capital machinery, a key indicator of future industrial output, have declined by 25 per cent, casting a shadow over upcoming production and employment prospects. Inflation and Savings: Inflation has been persistently high, hitting 8.36 per cent in September 2025, hitting hard the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, with the sales of national savings certificates falling by over Tk 6,000 crore, making it clear that many are being forced to liquidate their savings. Foreign Investment: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) fell by 22 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, as international investors remain cautious — with some existing firms even scaling back their operations. Govt moves to make SMEs a driving force of economy: CA’s office “Investment is now not just an economic question, but a question of social confidence,” one analyst observed, noting that political instability and deteriorating law and order are heavily discouraging entrepreneurs. Social Costs and Unemployment The economic stagnation is inflicting a deep social toll, with experts warning of rising poverty and worsening unemployment. Professor Titumir cautioned that high inflation has “reduced the purchasing power of the common people, increased poverty, and may push another 30 lakh people below the extreme poverty line.” The country now faces a mounting unemployment crisis, with around 13 lakh jobless youths — including one in every three university graduates. Industry Leaders Demand Clarity Business leaders across key sectors have emphasised the urgent need to restore political and policy clarity. Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan said that new investment in manufacturing, real estate, banking, and services has “nearly stopped.” Inamul Haq Khan noted that foreign buyers and partners, including the IMF, have little confidence in a temporary setup. Dhaka’s economy driven by manufacturing sector with 56% share: DCCI “IMF and foreign stakeholders are waiting for the new government. Only then will confidence and investment surge,” he added. Path to Recovery Economists argue that the top priority for the current interim administration must be to hold a swift, credible, and widely accepted national election, paving the way for an elected government to take charge. Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) told UNB that clarity on the election timeline and assurance of a peaceful process are the most crucial prerequisites for restoring economic stability. Dr Mustofa K Mujeri observed that the economic environment will remain fragile as long as high interest rates persist and political uncertainty continues to limit capital flow. Ultimately, analysts suggest that the nation stands at a “historic juncture,” where it must either accept the current stagnation or move decisively towards a new economic model anchored in political stability and trust. Read more: IMF to decide Bangladesh’s next loan installment after formation of political govt: Adviser

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