United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said former President Ziaur Rahman’s greatest contribution was providing the people of Bangladesh with a distinct national identity through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism. He said the people of Bangladesh had become fully convinced in 1971 that it was no longer possible to remain part of Pakistan and that they had to wage a war for independence. “And that war was launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.” Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent Foreign Policy in the Current Context” and a newspaper exhibition organised at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) auditorium, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the former President. Describing Ziaur Rahman as a courageous patriot who responded to the aspirations of the nation at a critical moment in history, the BNP leader said, “At a time when the entire nation was waiting for a declaration to begin the war, and when such a declaration did not come from the expected leadership, this then little-known major suddenly announced rebellion against Pakistan and declared war from Chattogram.” Calling Ziaur Rahman a unique and inspirational figure, he said the BNP founder’s most significant achievement was giving the people of Bangladesh a distinct sense of identity through Bangladeshi nationalism. “He gave the people of this land a sense of selfhood and identity. He made it clear that we are different and that our existence is unique,” he said. Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Fakhrul said some intellectuals and sections of the media had predicted that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as a major political force. “Many even suggested that I would lose my own election. But people did not make that mistake. They chose BNP because it represents a liberal democratic political tradition,” he said. “BNP is a party of liberal democracy. We believe in liberal democratic values and want to establish them. We do not seek to create divisions in society,” the BNP leader added. He said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s slogan, “Bangladesh First,” reflects the same spirit and philosophy championed by Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman entered politics at a time when Bangladesh was facing economic collapse, institutional breakdown and political divisions. “Rather than creating further divisions, he brought together people of different political views. His main objective was reconciliation and moving the nation forward together,” he said. According to him, one of Ziaur Rahman’s defining political characteristics was his ability to unite people and maintain friendly relations with all countries. Explaining Ziaur Rahman’s enduring popularity, the minister said Bangladeshis have always aspired to build a nation free from external influence and domination. “The people of Bangladesh want to stand on their own feet. They do not want to lean towards any external power. That aspiration was reflected in Ziaur Rahman’s politics,” he said. He said the people of Bangladesh have consistently stood up to protect the country whenever it faced threats, including during the July 2024 movement. “The people once again created an opportunity for Bangladesh to move forward on a new path,” he said. Fakhrul expressed confidence that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be able to lead the country in line with the ideals and vision of Ziaur Rahman. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon presided over the programme. Economist Dr Mushtaq Khan of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, attended the event as a special guest, while Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), delivered the keynote speech. Among the discussants were Abu Rushd, editor of the Bangladesh Defence Journal, and Dr Shafiqul Rahman, executive director of Brain. PIB Director General Faruk Wasif moderated the programme.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman brought an unprecedented change to Bangladesh within just three and a half years of his rule. “On one hand, he reintroduced multiparty democracy and brought the country back from one-party rule and BAKSAL. On the other hand, he introduced a free-market economy. I believe this was the first phase of Bangladesh’s transformation,” Fakhrul said. “In just three and a half years, he brought such an extraordinary change that Bangladesh, once labelled a ‘bottomless basket’, turned into a country moving towards prosperity,” he added. Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, made the remarks after paying tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman at his grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary. Describing Ziaur Rahman as the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, a pioneer and reintroducer of multiparty democracy and the architect of modern Bangladesh, he said BNP could not properly observe the day for nearly 17 years due to what he termed fascist repression. “I still remember that when we came here once, many of our leaders were injured in police firing. Today, we are observing the day in a free environment,” the BNP leader said. He said Ziaur Rahman tried to transform the country’s old and decaying system after being elected to state leadership through a democratic process. Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman had rescued the country from the aftermath of the 1974 famine and economic mismanagement and led Bangladesh towards food surplus and increased agricultural production. “That period was a time of transformation for our society and country, and he provided the leadership for that change by uniting the people,” he said. Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as Zia’s worthy successor, the BNP secretary general said the government has already launched programmes aimed at reforms and production growth. “We have started reform initiatives and production-oriented programmes. Family Card, Farmers’ Card and other initiatives have already created a new momentum in Bangladesh,” he said.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said only laws or government initiatives are not enough to prevent incidents of rape, child abuse and killings, stressing the need for a strong national social movement. He made the remarks in a post shared on his personal Facebook profile in the morning. Fakhrul said families, schools, madrasahs, teachers, religious leaders, media, social organisations and every citizen must come forward to address the issue. “We must teach our children respect, humanity, responsibility and the dignity of women. Ensuring the safety of our children means securing the future of Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader said incidents of rape, child abuse and killings are not isolated events, but alarming reflections of long-standing moral degradation, social irresponsibility and the rapid decline of human values over the years. “We are committed to continuing all-out efforts against these inhuman crimes and, to building a safe Bangladesh where our children can grow up without fear,” he said. Fakhrul urged everyone to join together in what he described as a collective struggle for change.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party’s new challenge is to rebuild the country from what he described as ‘ruins’. “You have finished a major struggle. That battle was to protect the country, protect the people and safeguard democracy. You have won that war,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district-level leaders of BNP and its three associate bodies. Fakhrul said BNP secured a parliamentary majority and formed the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “We now face a very big challenge. We have come to government from a state of destruction. Wherever you look, you will only hear ‘nothing, nothing, nothing’—that is the reality. Rising from this state of devastation and rebuilding it, lifting it up… not only the party, but also the government and the state—that is our new challenge ahead,” he said. The BNP leader said their main objective now is to overcome this challenge. “We are confident under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, who has led us even from exile, that we achieved a successful uprising and also won a successful election to form the government,” he said. Fakhrul urged party leaders and activists to strengthen the organisation, especially at the grassroots level. “We must remember the leadership and sacrifices of our leaders and workers and ensure better coordination and organisation at all levels,” he added. The closed-door meeting began around 10:45 am at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chaired the session. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the programme, which was attended by leaders from the party’s district units, as well as Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal. Party Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and AZM Zahid Hossain were also present. This was the first views-exchange meeting between Tarique Rahman and the party’s grassroots leaders since the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday voiced optimism that Bangladesh will become a democratic, happy, and prosperous country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “People across the country are very hopeful and have strong confidence in Tarique Rahman. Under his leadership, we believe that Bangladesh will surely become a democratic, happy, and prosperous country,” he said. Fakhrul, who is also the LGRD and Cooperatives Minister, made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the 56th Independence and National Day. He extended greetings to  people on behalf of BNP on the occasion of Independence Day. Fakhrul said this year’s Independence Day is being observed in a different context, recalling what he described as a long period of political struggle. “Despite repression and hardships, people continued their movement, and the July mass uprising created an opportunity to rebuild a democratic system,” Fakhrul said. He said Tarique Rahman, who led the party from abroad for years, is now working to rebuild the country with a fresh vision after forming the government. “He has already taken Bangladesh a long way forward under his leadership in just one month.” The BNP leader mentioned several initiatives taken by the government, including the introduction of family cards, allowances for imams and religious leaders, canal excavation programmes, and interest waivers for marginal farmers. At the beginning of his speech, Fakhrul paid deep respect to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, who, by declaring independence, inspired the people of Bangladesh to take part in the Liberation War. He said Ziaur Rahman led the patriotic armed forces alongside the people of Bangladesh through nine months of battle to secure the country’s independence. On behalf of BNP, Fakhrul also paid homage to all those who were martyred in the Liberation War, as well as those who suffered and were injured, during the war. He also remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her contributions to democracy and paid profound tribute to her. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the graves as head of government and later as BNP Chairman, accompanied by senior party leaders. They later joined a munajat seeking salvation for the departed souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, as well as for the wellbeing of the country and its people.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged authorities to ensure health services for public even if it requires working with limited resources. He made the remarks in the morning while talking to reporters after inspecting the 250-bed General Hospital in Thakurgaon. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general,  said the establishment of a medical college in Thakurgaon has been confirmed. He said the hospital’s supervisor would be provided with the necessary resources to maintain cleanliness and deliver proper health services. A lift will also be arranged by the district administration to facilitate the movement of patients and their relatives. Speaking on the overall health services in Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital and the district, he said the 250-bed general hospital will be expanded to 500 beds to better serve the local population. Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Farzana, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain and  health officials were present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sought the people's prayers so that he can honour his commitments and work for the country following his election as MP for Thakurgaon-1. In a Facebook post after the announcement of the unofficial results on Thursday night, he expressed gratitude to the Almighty and described the outcome as the culmination of a long struggle. “After a long 17-year struggle, today’s victory is the victory of Bangladesh,” he wrote. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, Ilias Ali, Suman and “thousands of leaders and activists who are no longer with us”. He also remembered the “July Martyrs”, saying the new Bangladesh had been achieved through their sacrifice. Mirza Fakhrul expressed gratitude to party Chairman Tarique Rahman, party leaders and activists, and people of all faiths and communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and indigenous groups. He also thanked his family, the interim government, law enforcement agencies and the armed forces. “The responsibility has increased greatly. Please pray for me so that I can keep my promise and work for you,” he wrote.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that Jamaat-e-Islam aims to turn Bangladesh into an Afghanistan-like state, raising concerns over the party’s political agenda and its potential impact on national stability. “They want to take Bangladesh backward. They are a party that prevents us from moving forward. We don’t want to move backward; we want to move forward,” Fakhrul said while campaigning at Lalmia Market in Dholarhat Union. He also criticised Jamaat Ameer’s alleged anti-women remarks. No one can foil elections: Mirza Fakhrul “I don’t know if it is true or false, but if it is true, then he did wrong. Women will never accept it,” he said, adding that Jamaat reportedly restricts women’s working hours in the garment industry. Fakhrul, who is also contesting the Thakurgaon-1 seat, highlighted the importance of female education and employment. “If our girls don’t go to school and college, where will they get jobs? Men and women must live in Bangladesh with equal rights,” he said. Quoting Islam, the BNP leader said women should be given the rights they deserve. Local BNP leaders, activists, and a large number of supporters attended the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that no one would be able to foil this year’s national election despite possible conspiracies. “In the past, we have seen various conspiracies surrounding elections. There may still be attempts to sabotage the process, but I firmly believe no one can foil this year’s election,” he said while addressing an election rally at Mohammadpur Union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. He said people across the country have awakened politically, as many were deprived of voting rights in previous elections. “This time, people are determined to exercise their right to vote and protect the polling centres,” he added. BNP alleges voter migration in Dhaka, demands EC data Mirza Fakhrul, also candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency, said people of all religions and communities—Hindus and Muslims alike—would come together to vote in the upcoming election. Addressing the Hindu community, he urged them to go to polling centres without fear, cast their votes and return home peacefully, assuring them of protection. Referring to the past 17 years, he alleged that the country’s people had suffered torture and oppression under a ‘fascist regime’. “After that dark period, people have once again got the opportunity to decide the future of the country,” he said. Criticising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said his party did not want a leader who leaves behind countless leaders and activists. “We do not belong to a group of thieves and robbers. We follow the ideals of Shaheed Zia,” he said. Apologising on behalf of BNP leaders and activists, Mirza Fakhrul said, “If anyone makes a mistake during the election campaign, I seek forgiveness on their behalf and hope people will take it positively.” Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman Mirza Fakhrul became emotional when a supporter presented him with an egg and a clay savings bank. The BNP leader sought forgiveness from the martyrs and appealed for votes, saying the sheaf of paddy is the election symbol of former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He urged voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 election, seeking what he described as an opportunity to serve the people ‘for the last time’. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, along with a large number of local residents, attended the rally.  

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged voters to take the right decision and cast their votes responsibly, saying the country’s future lies in their hands. “Voters are the real owners of the country and there is no scope for making mistakes,” he told an election rally at Munshipara in Ward No 9 of Akcha Union under Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Those who want to do good work should be made victorious and BNP’s biggest goal is to restore peace in the country, he said. Fakhrul said BNP does politics for the welfare of people and establishing lasting peace in the country. “We do politics to build roads where there are none, to establish schools and colleges where there are none and to build hospitals where there are none.” He claimed that people did not live in peace during the previous government’s tenure, alleging that 70 cases were filed in Thakurgaon alone with around 7,000 accused. After passing through a long period of hardship, people are now moving towards better days, he said. Referring to the past 17 years, the BNP leader alleged that people were subjected to repression and oppression under ‘a fascist rule’. Jamaat pledges unity govt if voted to power Fakhrul highlighted BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s proposal to introduce family cards, saying these would allow families to buy daily essentials at lower prices and access healthcare and education. He said farmers would also receive cards to purchase fertiliser and seeds at fair prices. Emphasising communal harmony, he said Hindus and Muslims have lived together peacefully for generations in the area and vowed to end communal divisions permanently. “This is my final request. Please support me this time so that I get the opportunity to work for you,” he added.