United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be given an unprecedented public reception on his return to Dhaka from London, unlike any reception given to a political leader in the past. “I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Almighty Allah that after living in exile for a long 18 years, our leader, Insh’Allah, will return to us on December 25. This is a great source of inspiration for us,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks at a discussion meeting titled ‘National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation’, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium in Kakrail. “Let us welcome him on December 25 in such a way that no leader in Bangladesh has ever received before. We are all prepared, Inshallah,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile Referring to Tarique Rahman’s return, Fakhrul said the news has brought reassurance at a time of great anxiety. “On one hand, our leader and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and undergoing treatment in hospital. On the other hand, amid uncertainty, Tarique Rahman is the guiding light who shows us the way forward, and he will be among us on the 25th,” he said. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Abdus Salam and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, party Liberation War Affairs Secretary (retd) Lt Col Zainul Abedin, and several leaders of the Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddho Projonmo addressed the meeting. Earlier on Friday night, Fakhrul at a press conference announced that the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 18 years of exile. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) voiced concern that incidents similar to the gun attack on Sharif Osman Hadi may recur, warning that the enemies of Bangladesh are once again resorting to targeted killings in an attempt to destabilise the country. “When Bangladesh is seeing a new sun and moving towards a new chapter, and when the people of Bangladesh are dreaming of building a democratic country through a fair election, at that very time its enemies have once again indulged in a killing spree,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying tributes to the martyred intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur in the morning. He said their party strongly condemned the attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. “We fear that similar incidents may happen again,” Fakhrul said. Read more: What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka on Friday, a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, leaving him seriously injured. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital with a bullet injury to his head. Recalling the history of December 14, Fakhrul said when the defeat of the Pakistani occupation forces became inevitable and the Liberation War forces surrounded Dhaka, the occupation army, with the help of their collaborators, abducted and killed the nation’s brightest minds to destroy Bangladesh intellectually. “They picked up university teachers, doctors, researchers, writers, journalists and many others and killed them. It was a planned massacre aimed at making the nation intellectually weak,” he said. Fakhrul said the nation remembers this painful history every year on this day. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile On behalf of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently ill, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, he said they came to the memorial to pay homage to the martyred intellectuals, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day. “We have taken an oath that, at any cost, we will protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and move the democratic journey forward,” Fakhrul said. He paid deep respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and democracy, and also remembered BNP founder and proclaimer of independence, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, for his role in bringing fundamental changes to Bangladesh. The BNP leader also remembered the young people who were killed during the mass uprising in 2024. BNP senior leaders and leaders and activists of its Dhaka city units and affiliated organisations were present there. Read more: Roots of Hadi's would-be assassins to be uprooted: Attorney General

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night (December 12, 2025) said the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on 25 December, ending nearly 18 years of exile. “It is with great joy that I inform you that our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman – the most beloved leader of millions, who has been in exile for almost 18 years and has led the democratic movement for more than a decade – will arrive in Dhaka on 25 December,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul expressed hope that Tarique’s return would help remove obstacles on the path to democracy. “We believe that once our Acting Chairman returns home, the barriers placed before the democratic transition will begin to disappear,” he added. Read more: Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy Fakhrul said the news of Tarique’s homecoming would bring a “message of relief” for the entire nation. He also said their party welcomes Tarique’s return with “great happiness” and wants to share that joy with the entire country. Referring to a meeting in London between the BNP Acting Chairman and the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said it was decided that the national parliamentary election would be held within February, which removed all doubts regarding the election. “With the announcement of the election schedule yesterday, the electoral process has started, and people across the country now have hopes that it will be carried out,” he added. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. During the last Awami League government, he was sentenced in five different cases in his absence, while around 100 cases were filed against him. Read more: BNP announces nationwide protests for Saturday over attack on Hadi But after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, he was cleared of all charges through legal processes. Now, he has no cases pending against him. Fakhrul condemned the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, calling it “a conspiracy to sabotage the election”. “The incident shows that evil forces are working to disrupt the election. We strongly condemn the attack and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible,” he said. Fakhrul also criticised the behaviour of supporters of a political party at Dhaka Medical College Hospital when BNP leader Mirza Abbas went there after hearing about the attack on Hadi. “I cannot remain silent on this. Our Standing Committee senior member and long-time BNP leader, Mirza Abbas, who is a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, naturally went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital upon hearing the news of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi being shot, to show his sympathy as a political leader,” he said. But, unfortunately, Fakhrul said, some individuals and supporters of that party, along with a few conspirators, gathered there, shouted provocative slogans, and at one point tried to create a mob violence. “We strongly condemn that, and we want to warn all parties that if such behaviour happens, BNP will not remain silent and will respond immediately,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want any kind of unrest or violence, but if the party comes under attack, it will not take it lightly, as BNP knows how to respond. Fakhrul urged all political parties to refrain from creating mob violence, inciting tension, or disrupting the election process. “Everyone should focus on restoring calm and ensuring a fair election. Otherwise, the path of democratic transition will be blocked, and the journey of democracy will be obstructed. I urge all sides to take this matter seriously.” Earlier, the BNP National Standing Committee held a meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman via video link, starting at 9 pm. Read more: Mirza Abbas barred from visiting bullet-hit Hadi at DMCH BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the press conference.

Just hours before the announcement of the election schedule, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (December 11, 2025) called on party leaders and activists to get ready to welcome their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he will return to the country ‘very soon’. “Since all our leaders are here today, I want to tell you that our leader (Tarique) will come back to us very soon,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop. The BNP leader called on his colleagues to be ready to give Tarique a grand reception on the day he returns home, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “The day our leader arrives and sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should shake. You must remember this… You will be able to do it, InshaAllah. On that day, we want to change the face of the entire country,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory Fakhrul said the party wants to move forward with a progressive vision to take Bangladesh ahead. “We want to move ahead. We want progress. To place Bangladesh in a position of dignity, we want to carry forward our leader’s thoughts and plans.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation in the evening to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. Fakhrul said the election schedule will be announced today, opening the way for the people to establish new leadership for Bangladesh through a fresh election. “We now have the chance to work with the people to form a truly representative parliament — a parliament that will lead Bangladesh towards a new horizon, under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ He said the BNP must win the upcoming election and secure a full victory so it can take Bangladesh forward. “Many barriers will come. Many difficulties will appear. There are many campaigns against us, and there will be more. But we want to stand tall by overcoming all of these. BNP has never been defeated, and it will not be defeated,” he added. Describing BNP as the party of the people, the Liberation War and the struggle for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stay united. “Nothing else will bring you success. What will bring success is unity — a strong, steel-like unity — and the spirit to move forward with our nationalist and democratic ideals,” he said. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs: Mirza Abbas The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls. Read more: ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) urged political leaders and people to remain united in safeguarding the gains of last year’s July mass uprising, saying the sacrifices of the young people who lost their lives must not go in vain. “Let us work together to consolidate the victory we achieved through the movement of July 2024,” he said while addressing the publication ceremony of four books written by prominent economist Professor Mahbub Ullah and his wife Umme Salma Alo. Fakhrul said the differences of opinion may exist among political parties, but those must not undermine the hopes and dreams of the nation. “The sacrifices of the young men who gave their lives must not go in vain — we must remain united to turn our dreams into reality.” The programme, organised at the Jatiya Press Club, also coincided with the 81st birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah. Read more: BNP worked to curb corruption, fake voter claims baseless: Nazrul Praising the noted economist, Fakhrul described Mahbub Ullah as one of the most respected intellectuals in the country. He said Mahbub Ullah has long been associated with BNP’s reform efforts, playing a key role in policy discussions and initiatives taken by Begum Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul recalled Mahbub Ullah’s contributions to the party’s political, constitutional and economic reform proposals, including those placed in 2016 as part of BNP’s Vision-2030 for Bangladesh. He said the main points of the BNP’s Vision-2030 emerged from the thoughts Mahbub Ullah. “He has a connection with BNP, and denying that would be denying the truth. Whenever Begum Khaleda Zia wanted to hold discussions on any matter in the country, she would call him,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique He also mentioned that Mahbub Ullah also played a key role in forming Oikayfront-led by BNP against Awami League’s authoritarian government before the 2018 national election. Fakhrul said the renowned economist always advocated for shaping the country into a democratic state, establishing an economy free from inequality, and ensuring that ordinary people enjoy their voting rights and other freedoms. “He has always been at the forefront of efforts to create a democratic and anti-authoritarian Bangladesh, and his contributions can never be denied. From the books of Prof Mahbub Ullah that I have read, the same message resonates — a vision of a truly democratic, equitable, and free Bangladesh. I want to thank him again today and wish him a very happy birthday,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul also mentioned that it is the birthday of another remarkable woman, Begum Rokeya, who played a pioneering role in awakening women in the country and across South Asia, as well as the birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah’s third daughter, and extended greetings to them. “I also hope that Mahbub Ullah will continue to guide and support Bangladesh’s politics and economy with his wisdom, scholarship, and experience,” he said. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 07, 2025) expressed the hope that their critically ill party chairperson Khaleda Zia will recover with 'divine blessings'. “People all over the country are praying for her, regardless of their political affiliation. We have faith in Allah, and we believe that with the prayers of so many people for her recovery, Allah will surely respond to them,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while inaugurating BNP’s six-day “Plan to Build the Country” programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate area. Read more: Fakhrul urges BNP followers to strongly counter misinformation in cyberspace He said highly reputed national and international doctors are providing treatment to Khaleda at Evercare Hospital. “None of us can feel happy at this moment. We are heavy-hearted because our great leader, the guardian of Bangladesh — now called the Guardian of Democracy of Bangladesh — is critically ill and receiving treatment in hospital,” the BNP leader said. He said Khaleda has never bowed to injustice and has never compromised on the country’s independence, sovereignty, or the principles of democracy. Fakhrul said all necessary measures are being taken for her treatment, and BNP Acting Chairman and her eldest son Tarique Rahman is personally monitoring her situation. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to stand beside ailing Khaleda The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications. Her treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with both local and foreign specialists involved. Her daughter-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman--also a member of the medical board--arrived in Dhaka from London to accompany her abroad once she is cleared to fly. Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, one of her physicians, on Saturday (December 06, 2025) said Khaleda’s travel to London for advanced treatment will be delayed until she is medically declared fit to fly by an air ambulance. Read more: Khaleda’s London trip to be delayed until she’s fit: Dr Zahid

Stating that there is a campaign underway to brand their party as a negative force in politics, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 07, 2025) urged the party leaders and workers to be active in cyberspace to counter misinformation and not let conspiracies defeat them. Inaugurating BNP’s six-day “Plan to Build the Country” programme, he also accused a vested quarter of trying to create division in the country in the name of religion. “A trend has emerged now to portray BNP as a negative political party on a large scale. This trend must be broken, and we have to do it ourselves,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Khaleda to fly to London Sunday pending doctors’ approval: Fakhrul He said BNP leaders and activists must prove through their actions — by taking forward and implementing the plans of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman — that their party is the one which in the past introduced key political and economic reforms and helped Bangladesh advance. “In the same way, under the leadership of Tarique and the BNP, Bangladesh will again move forward and become one of the prosperous economies and countries in the future.” The BNP leader said Bangladesh is now at a critical turning point as after 15 years of authoritarian rule a chance has come to return to democracy.He said many obstacles have already appeared and more will come, but BNP must overcome them and achieve success. “Many types of plots and propaganda are going on against us — false campaigns are being spread. The biggest challenge is this misinformation. We must work against it with our own actions. I always say — this is a cyber-war. If we cannot become fighters in this cyber war, then we will be defeated,” Fakhrul said. He said the young generation must take responsibility for tackling false information online.Recalling the struggles under authoritarian rule, he said BNP always stressed in district and divisional meetings that the youth must come forward. Pointing at the leaders and activists of BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Fakhrul said they must remember that the biggest challenge ahead is the upcoming national election. “In that election, you must prove that BNP is the only political party that can turn the country into a prosperous nation. This is your first task. And all the necessary tools are being provided to you.” He said BNP leaders and activists must tell the people that whatever success Bangladesh has achieved came through BNP’s initiatives. “Today, a group is trying to create deep divisions in Bangladesh — they want to divide the country in the name of religion. We Bangladeshis are religious people. We respect our faith. But we do not believe in dividing the state or society using religion,” the BNP leader said.He said BNP believes that people of all religions in Bangladesh will live together and enjoy equal rights, upholding the core spirit of the 1971 Liberation War that Bangladesh belongs to everyone. “That is why the slogan ‘Bangladesh First’ given by our leader (Tarique) is extremely important — both nationally and internationally. We must keep this slogan in our hearts and move forward with this principle,” Fakhrul said. On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election. Fakhrul inaugurated the programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the concluding session in the afternoon. He said the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme reflects the vision of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and aims to prepare the party, especially the student wing, with new ideas for building a modern Bangladesh and addressing the country’s current challenges. “Since 24 July, the mindset of the people of Bangladesh, particularly the youth, has changed. Everyone now wants change – in governance, in our thinking, and in building a new Bangladesh. This idea is now in the minds of all,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul criticised the Awami League government for allegedly destroying public institutions during 15 years of rule and said Tarique Rahman has been working with experts and grassroots workers to develop practical plans to rebuild the country. He said the first responsibility for delivering these plans to the people has been given to BNP’s student wing, with other affiliated bodies following gradually. The BNP leader said the plans focus on areas such as supporting small and medium enterprises, developing the IT and industrial sectors, creating employment opportunities, providing vocational training and career support in higher education institutions, offering language and skills training for overseas employment, ensuring internet access for all, improving banking sector stability, promoting inclusivity, and creating opportunities for marginalised communities. Fakhrul said employment is one of Bangladesh’s most pressing issues, with around three crore people unemployed. Read more: Khaleda will recover with 'divine blessings', hopes Fakhrul The BNP leader said Tarique Rahman has promised to create one million jobs in 18 months, not only through formal employment but also through business, agriculture, and labour opportunities.“Through this programme, BNP is proving that it is an advanced political party. Just as BNP has contributed to all of Bangladesh’s past achievements, it is now presenting new ideas to build a modern Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader also recalled the legacy of their party founder Ziaur Rahman, saying he established the foundation for modern political and economic reforms, including the ready-made garments sector, media freedom, and democratic institutions. He mentioned that their party chief, Khaleda Zia, introduced a parliamentary form of government, replacing the presidential system, and established free education for girls up to class ten.Fakhrul also cited former Finance Minister Saifur Rahman for introducing VAT, which has now become an effective method of revenue collection. He urged the Chhatra Dal to increase their presence and activities in educational institutions, saying the lack of campus-based programmes has affected their performance in university elections. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to UK for advanced treatment: Fakhrul

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s departure for London for advanced medical treatment is now expected to be delayed until late Friday morning (December 05, 2025), as the special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar may arrive in Dhaka later than initially scheduled due to technical issues, according to party sources. Besides, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am Friday to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law during the flight to the UK in the special aircraft. At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon (December 04), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the air ambulance was expected to arrive late at night. He later told UNB that ‘some technical problems’ have arisen which could delay its arrival. Read more: Who’re accompanying Khaleda Zia to London? BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Dr Zubaida Rahman is scheduled to fly from London around 6pm local time by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am Bangladesh time,” he said. Once in Dhaka, Rumon said Zubaida will travel back to London in the Qatar air ambulance with the BNP Chairperson. Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition continuously through virtual consultations. Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old three-time former prime minister, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she remains under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources said Tarique and Zubaida have completed all arrangements for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital in the UK. Mirza Fakhrul said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may already know who will accompany her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with modern medical facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. The decision was made unanimously by a medical board including local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Zubaida Rahman set to fly to Dhaka to accompany ailing Khaleda to London “She will be taken to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said. He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda during the trip to the UK. Regarding her current condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly as advised by the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.” On 8 January, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May in the same aircraft. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety. Party sources said Khaleda will first be airlifted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by helicopter and then she will board the air ambulance. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid

BNP will organise a nationwide ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ along with a ‘grand  rally’ on December 16 at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital to mark the Month of Victory. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the announcement at a press conference at the Party Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Saturday (November 29). He said the month-long events will include the torch roadshow and discussion meetings from December 1 to 16. “In March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram. Kalurghat is an inseparable part of our Liberation War. This year, BNP’s Victory Month celebrations will begin from the historic Kalurghat Radio Station,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP urges supporters not to crowd hospital, requests prayers for Khaleda On December 1, he said the Victory Torch Roadshow will start from the Kalurghat Radio Station and reach Biplob Udyan in Chattogram. The BNP leader said the torch will be carried by a distinguished freedom fighter from 1971 and a warrior of July, 2024 mass uprising. “We believe that the 1971 Liberation War was to achieve the country’s independence, and the mass uprising in 2024 was to protect the freedom of the country and its people,” he observed. The BNP secretary general said that after Chittagong, ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ and rallies will be held in Cumilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Bogura, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, and Faridpur gradually. “In each division, the torch will be carried by a prominent 1971 freedom fighter and a 2024 warrior.” During the special Victory Torch Roadshow’ over the two weeks, Fakhrul said celebration will also include visits to historic liberation war sites in various divisions, performances of the national anthem, liberation songs, patriotic songs, speeches by the late President Ziaur Rahman, Mother of Democracy Begum Khaleda Zia, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as cultural programmes and documentary screenings presented by Jasas. Read more: BNP unveils six-day ‘country-building plan’ “The programme will also showcase BNP’s 31-point outline for building a safe, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh. The party’s theme song ‘Shobar Age Bangladesh’ will be played during the roadshow. After touring all divisions, the Victory Torch Roadshow will arrive in Dhaka on December 16 and conclude with a mega rally at Manik Mia Avenue,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (November 29) said the medical board treating party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has observed that she may need treatment abroad, but her current condition is not suitable for travel. “As you all know, our country’s undisputed leader, the Mother of Democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia, has been seriously ill and admitted to Evercare Hospital for several days. Her condition is quite critical,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he said distinguished doctors from Bangladesh, as well as specialist physicians from Johns Hopkins in the United States and the London Clinic in the UK, are overseeing her treatment. “Last night, the full medical board held a meeting for nearly two and a half hours. They discussed her treatment in detail and shared their opinions on how her care should proceed and what type of treatment she now requires. The medical board has said that she may need to be taken abroad, but in her current physical condition, it is not possible to move her. She is not fit for overseas travel right now,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Khaleda’s health still fragile, doctors report no improvement Once her condition stabilises, he said the medical board will consider whether she can be taken abroad. Fakhrul also mentioned that preparations for possible overseas treatment of the BNP chief are already underway. “Visa matters, communication with countries where treatment might be possible, and other formalities have been discussed in detail. These preparations are progressing. So, if the need arises and she becomes ready to fly, a quick decision can be made,” he said. The press conference was held to announce the BNP’s torch-roadshow programme for Victory Month. During the event, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also responded to questions from journalists about why acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned to the country while his mother’s condition remains critical. He said Tarique Rahman has already made a Facebook post on the matter and that the post should be taken as self-explanatory. “There is no need for me to answer this, as he himself has made a post on Facebook,” Fakhrul said. When reporters pressed further, he added, “I cannot explain this, because he is the party’s acting chairman, my leader, and the head of the party. He has made a post, and you can take that post as his statement. No further explanation is needed at this moment.” Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt In his Facebook post today, Tarique Rahman said that his return to the country is not entirely under his control. As many people have continued gathering around the hospital, BNP leaders again urged people from all walks of life not to crowd the area. “Naturally, Begum Khaleda Zia is the most popular leader in this country, and people are deeply worried about her illness. Large numbers of people are gathering at the hospital out of concern for her, but this is making the hospital authorities and the doctors very embarrassed.” He said the overwhelming number of visitors has made hospital staff and doctors uneasy, affecting the treatment of Khaleda Zia as well as other patients. “I sincerely request everyone not to gather at the hospital. I urge BNP leaders and activists, her well-wishers, and people across the country — please do not crowd the hospital,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin He said they will inform the public about her health condition through regular bulletins. “You will receive all updates in time. But once again, I request you all: please do not go there.” Leaders and activists from various BNP units have continued gathering at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to enquire about the health of party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.  Despite the party’s request not to hold large gatherings, supporters continue to gather in the hospital area. The large number of visitors has caused traffic congestion nearby, and journalists covering the scene are also facing difficulties. Hospital authorities and law enforcement are monitoring the situation, but the crowd shows no sign of easing. BNP leaders and activists said they came to learn the latest updates about the condition of their beloved leader, who has been fighting for her life at the hospital. Earlier in the day, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi urged party leaders, activists and the general public to refrain from gathering at Evercare Hospital, warning that large crowds are hampering the treatment of Begum Khaleda Zia and causing inconvenience to other patients. He also called upon everyone to pray for the BNP chairperson’s quick recovery. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), being treated by specialist doctors from both home and abroad. Read more: Khaleda responding to treatment: Dr Zahid