BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned to his Gulshan residence on Monday afternoon after receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Savar Cantonment for over two hours. The BNP Secretary General returned home at 2 pm, said party’s standing committee member Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. He said Fakhrul’s condition is now stable, and he is doing well. “He is now taking rest.” Fakhrul falls sick, taken to Savar CMH Zahid said the BNP Secretary General underwent several tests at the CMH. “The reports are good. The doctors at the CMH reviewed the results and discharged the BNP Secretary General, allowing him to return home.” He said that Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths at the National Memorial. “There was a huge crowd there. When the Secretary General was about to speak to the press after paying tribute, he fell ill due to the pressure of the crowd,” Zahid said. Rizvi slams interim govt over price hike, extortion He was rushed to the CMH. “By the grace of Allah, upon arriving at the hospital, specialist doctors from various departments, including Medicine, Cardiology, and ICU, promptly began treating the Secretary General and conducted some tests.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday hoped that the interim government will arrange the national election soon in line with people's desire.  "We’re always optimistic. We’re cooperating with the interim government. Hopefully, an election will be arranged soon as per the will of the people," he said while speaking to reporters after paying homage to the martyred intellectuals. The BNP leader said people will get the opportunity to elect their representatives through a free, fair, and impartial election. BNP pays homage to martyred intellectuals Fakhrul said a new opportunity to build the country has been created by defeating the fascist forces through the student-led July-August mass uprising. “By taking advantage of this opportunity, we want to establish Bangladesh as a truly democratic and modern state without discrimination,” he said. Fakhrul recalled the self-sacrifices of the intellectuals in the country’s Liberation War. “Today is Martyred Intellectuals Day. On this day in 1971, we lost the best sons of the nation as the Pakistani occupying forces abducted and killed Bangladesh's prominent journalists, intellectuals, professors, scientists, and prominent figures of civil society just moments before the victory,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh fought in 1971 to build an independent, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. He urged all to take a vow to build a self-reliant, new democratic Bangladesh to materialise the dream of the martyred intellectuals and those who sacrificed their lives for liberating the country. Fakhrul said they paid homage to the martyred intellectuals on behalf of their party, its chairperson Khaleda Zia, and acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Chief Adviser pays tribute to martyred intellectuals “We pray for the salvation and eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyred intellectuals,” he said. Earlier, Fakhrul along with some party senior leaders, paid tributes to martyred intellectuals by placing a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in the city, marking the Martyred Intellectuals’ Day. BNP kept the national flag at half-mast and hoisted black flags atop all its, including the Nayapaltan central one, to mark the day.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday protested Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam's accusation that political parties were trying to undermine the interim government and demanded the statement be withdrawn. “I don't know why or in what context he said this, or whether he understood the meaning of it. This is a dangerous allegation. I strongly condemn and protest against it. I think he should withdraw his comment,” he told a discussion. The BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day, which will be observed across the country on Saturday. Fakhrul called upon the interim government to be cautious in making its statements. “Please don't make political parties your opponents.” He said the students, the people, and political parties, including the BNP, have all entrusted the interim government with the responsibility to create an environment in which a fair election can be held and a people's government and parliament can be established. Turkish jurists meet BNP leaders, discuss judicial system “Political parties are supporting you (govt), but you're claiming they are working to make you fail. We have stated this countless times, and our acting chairman has also said that the failure of this government would mean the failure of the people and of us. So, why do you make such statements?" the BNP leader said. He said the government and democratic forces must be very cautious with their words and actions. “We shouldn’t say anything that undermines our victory or destroys our achievements. This is the most critical time—one wrong step could lead to a setback, causing you to fall into a ditch," Fakhrul cautioned. Fakhrul said the "fascist" ruler Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh and took refuge in India, is actively working against the interests of the country. He also said the Awami League leaders and workers are continuously engaging in false propaganda and spreading misinformation against the country using social media. The BNP leader urged his party colleagues to be active on social media, countering the misinformation with facts and intellectual discourse. He said BNP leaders and workers must continue their efforts to institutionalise democracy and establish a healthy democratic political culture in Bangladesh. BNP criticises Adviser Nahid over remarks on political parties “There is still much work ahead of us. Many people believe their job is done now as Hasina has fled, but we have a long way to go before we can make democracy both a culture and a system. Let’s take an oath that we will build ourselves into worthy citizens of the country and dedicated democratic workers,” Fakhrul said. He said democracy is not just a notion but a culture. “We must learn how to speak, how to behave, how to interact with our neighbours, and how to engage with our political opponents in a democratic way. Democracy does not mean cutting someone's throat for supporting the Awami League or BNP. Democracy means absolute tolerance.” Fakhrul also expressed concern over a current tendency to overshadow the 1971 Liberation War by glorifying the recent mass upsurge. “I believe this is part of a larger conspiracy to distance the nation from its original history. We see this as a distortion of history, and we must be careful about it.”

Expressing relief over the High Court's acquittal of Tarique Rahman in the August 21 grenade attack cases, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated on Sunday  said this verdict has manifested all the cases filed against their party Acting Chairman were politically motivated and conspiratorial. “Tarique Rahman was acquitted by the High Court after legally facing the charges brought against him,” he said in a statement. Fakhrul, now in London, issued the statement following the High Court's verdict in the two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack. The judgement has shown that the Awami ‘fascist’ government accused Tarique Rahman in these cases with political motives, he said. “Through this historic verdict, it has been demonstrated once again that all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman were political conspiracies,” Fakhrul said. He expressed his gratitude to Allah for the verdict and called upon party leaders and activists across the country to pray for Tarique's well-being. Commission to recommend dropping of word 'Cadre' from civil service Earlier, at a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed his satisfaction, saying that justice has been served as the High Court acquitted Tarique Rahman and the others convicted in the two cases. Rizvi said when retired police officer Abdul Kahar Akhand was reappointed and made the investigation officer (IO) of the cases during the Awami League rule, it became clear to them that the government had malicious intentions. The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League government had used state power to forcibly convict Tarique Rahman and other BNP leaders in the cases. “We have got the proper judgement from the apex court. Some of the justice for which we have been engaged in a long political struggle has been reflected in the verdict,” he said. Earlier in the day, the High Court (HC) had overturned the verdict of a lower court in two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack, acquitting all convicts, including BNP's Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar. Appeal depends on review: AG about grenade attack case verdict   An HC bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain delivered the judgement on Sunday. The court also declared the charge sheet in the case illegal. The grenade attack, a shocking incident, occurred on Dhaka's Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.  

- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday warned that there is a possibility for the return of fascism due to disruptive activities and disunity among those who contributed to the success of the student-led uprising. “Fascism has been defeated, but it can return any time. We must not pave that path. Unfortunately, we are engaging in such activities that have created a significant chance for its return,” the BNP leader said while speaking at a views-exchange programme at the Jatiya Press Club. Jatiya Kobita Parishad arranged the event titled “The role of writers and artistes in overhauling”. The BNP leader also said that fascist forces are attempting to create an awful situation in Bangladesh in a calculated way. “But why are those of us who had fought are now creating disunity? We become fearful when we hear conflicting statements from different places. There are efforts underway to push the country to a different direction through various street agitations.” Fakhrul said that the nation must now unite around a single goal: to build a truly democratic state by re-establishing parliament after implementing the necessary reforms. BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues “Overall, I would like to say, we all should not create division. We must move forward utilising the scope (created through the mass upsurge) keeping the unity intact. It is also our misfortune that, even after 53 years of independence, we have not been able to ensure a peaceful transfer of power," he said. The BNP leader called on people from all walks of life, including writers, artistes, and intellectuals, to play a responsible role in inspiring the nation to achieve the desired goal. Fakhrul said writers and artistes have long played a vital role in reshaping the state. "But this was not evident during the movement against the fascist regime of Hasina.” He also said building a democratic Bangladesh and fostering a democratic culture through necessary reforms is a challenging task. "We must accomplish this through the united efforts of people from all sectors of society. “After the fall of fascism, it is essential to build a state and society that truly serves the needs and well-being of the people.” Suspended assistant commissioner Urmi gets bail upon surrender Indian Media’s Negative Role Fakhrul slammed the Indian media for playing a negative role in the ISKCON issue. "Some of the Indian journalists called me last night (Wednesday night). Their only question was, 'what are you doing about ISKCON?' This question is clearly intentional, aimed at provoking a (problematic) situation. They failed the first time, and now they are trying to create it again. We need to be cautious about this." The BNP leader said everyone should now avoid any activities that could foster division. "What is needed right now is for everyone to remain calm, understand the situation, and move forward together. I don't believe there is any other path but to progress with unity." Fakhrul also said he thinks democracy is not just about elections. “But the democratic process must be followed in order to achieve the nation's desired goals.” He urged the youth, who are entrusted with the responsibilities of the state, to fulfill their duties with responsibility. "Do not engage in reckless activities that could push us back into darkness." Writer and educationist Prof Salimullah Khan said efforts are underway to internalise the outcomes of the July-August revolution. He said those responsible for the massacres during the July-August movement should not be allowed to participate in elections until they face trial. Khan expressed concern about recent incidents in Chattogram and different other parts of the country, calling them an ominous sign for the nation. "It may be a dark cloud, but it’s a forecast of a coming storm." He said poets, writers and politicians must unite on the national question, standing together to prevent the rise of autocrats once again. Khan also said the fundamental condition for ensuring that all institutions, including the military and bureaucracy, remain under the authority of the people is to keep the state itself under the control of the people.

In the wake of some untoward incidents over the past few days, a five-member BNP delegation, led by the party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is holding a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday evening. The meeting began around 6pm at the state guest house Jamuna, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The other BNP delegation members are party standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed. Party sources said the BNP leaders will discuss the country’s latest political situation, the party’s position on reforms, and the next election. Read: Fakhrul warns of 'evil efforts' to divide nation via social media  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday remembered the contributions of Sabihuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Chairperson's advisory council and former secretary, on the occasion of his second death anniversary. Speaking at the memorial programme, Fakhrul stated, "Sabih dedicated himself to the country and the people in every role he held." "What stands out most to me is his unwavering commitment while working alongside our Madam Begum Khaleda Zia; he approached his duties with the highest sense of responsibility," Fakhrul added. Fakhrul remarked, "Together with Sabih, who began his journey in student politics, we shared a common goal: to transform society, and we will achieve that." He noted that while it wasn’t possible at the time due to Sabih’s commitment to his government job, Sabih, however, never deviated from that objective. The BNP Secretary General stated that under Sheikh Hasina's government, Sabihuddin faced severe persecution. "He was subjected to brutal attacks at that time... Riaz Rahman was shot, Sabihuddin's car was set on fire, and another individual was also assaulted." Fakhrul added, "His loss is a heavy blow for us. It’s deeply painful for those of us who stood by him." "We were like brothers. He possessed boundless energy and faced every challenge with unwavering determination," Fakhrul stated. The memorial meeting was hosted by the family of the late Sabihuddin at the BRAC Center conference hall in Mohakhali, Dhaka. Among those in attendance were Senior Editor Shafik Rehman, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zahir Uddin Swapan, and Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud, along with dignitaries from various fields, including retired diplomats, bankers, and economists. Sabihuddin's wife Rownak Ahmed, son Sayab Ahmed, and other close relatives were also present at the memorial.  Sabihuddin Ahmed died at the age of 76 while undergoing treatment at the United Hospital in Gulshan in 2022. Sabihuddin served as the private secretary to then prime minister Khaleda Zia in 1991. He later returned to the information cadre. In 2001, Sabihuddin Ahmed joined the environment ministry as secretary. Later, he was appointed as Bangladesh's high commissioner to the UK. After retiring as a secretary, Sabihuddin actively joined BNP politics and was a member of BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council till his death.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left the country for Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday night for a weeklong personal visit to see his elder daughter. He departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at approximately 11:55 pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. “Sir (Fakhrul) is going to meet his daughter and her family members, as his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, is currently staying there,” he said.  He noted that Rahat Ara Begum has been staying with her elder daughter for the past one and a half months.  Yunus also said the BNP Secretary General is expected to return home with his wife after a weeklong stay in Australia. Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006.  While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognized as a women's organizer. In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organization allows women to talk about stigmatized topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves. In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award.  In 2022, she was honored with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year.’

The latest 24-hour road-rail-waterway blockade, called by BNP, is underway across Bangladesh with reports of arson attacks. Dhaka is witnessing usual traffic this morning despite the blockade. Commuters were seen going to their respective destinations in a rush while activities at government and private offices were going on as usual. 24-hour blockade: 428 RAB patrol teams deployed Many students with guardians are going to their respective schools for their final exams. A bus of Turag Paribahan was set on fire by miscreants at Dholaipar in Shyampur area of Dhaka at 5:30 am. A total of 428 patrol teams of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order during the ongoing 24-hour rail, road and waterways blockade called by BNP. BNP to enforce blockade Wednesday, hartal Thursday BNP called for a daylong blockade today and a daylong hartal on Thursday to protest the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC). Party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the announcement at a virtual press briefing on Monday. Rizvi said the programmes are also meant to mount pressure on the government to quit, hold the next election under a non-party neutral government, and release BNP leaders and activists, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. 230 BGB platoons deployed on day 2 of blockade

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (September 09, 2023) urged everyone to remain alert as the government is plotting to carry out violence and communal attacks to shift the blame onto opposition parties. "They (govt) are conspiring. It won’t work, no matter how much plot they hatch,” he told a rally at Nayapaltan after the party’s two mass processions. As part of that plot, the BNP leader said his ruling party counterpart Obaidul Quader talked about violence and communal attacks two days ago. “By making such attacks by Awami League, they (government) will try to put the blame on the opposition parties. That's why everyone should stay alert,” he warned. Read more: BNP, like-minded parties set to hold mass processions in Dhaka Saturday Fakhrul said the government has no strength to resist the people who took to the streets to ensure its fall. “We must take to the streets with more courage to defeat this demonic government,” he told the opposition leaders and workers. The BNP leader said people from all walks of life, including farmers, labourers and hardworking people, regardless of their party affiliation, have got united to unseat the Awami League government through a united movement. “You’re going through suffering in the rain. You have to endure more pains and suffering in the days to come to establish a people's government through a credible election under a truly neutral non-partisan government by defeating the current regime,” he said pointing at the opposition followers. Read more: Polls experts, politicians say political parties should resolve differences over next elections