United News of Bangladesh

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.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir celebrated his 79th birthday on Monday at his Kalibari residence in Thakurgaon, cutting a cake with his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, and other family members. “Election will be held on February 12. That is why I am in Thakurgaon for campaigning. I am still on the crease,” he told UNB. He said he is spending time with the people of his constituency through electioneering. “Please pray for me so that I can continue to serve the people of my area and work for the country till the end,” the BNP Secretary General said. When asked about his age, he smiled and said, “I have stepped into 79. It has been a long journey.” Fakhrul was born on January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon. His father, late Mirza Ruhul Amin, was a leader of the Muslim League and a minister in the Pakistan government. Like previous years, the BNP leader marked his birthday in a low-key manner and cut a cake early Monday at the request of his family members. Fakhrul said he has no personal ambitions or expectations, adding that his only goal is to ensure economic freedom for the people of the country and to create a democratic environment where people can live in peace and without fear. Referring to the 15-year movement against fascism and the student-led mass uprising in July 2024, he said Bangladesh now has an opportunity to move forward through unity. “This opportunity must be used through unity to ensure a free, fair and acceptable election so that we can build a prosperous and welfare-oriented Bangladesh. I want to believe that a prosperous and discrimination-free Bangladesh will be built in the coming days,” the BNP leader said. Since Friday morning, BNP leaders, activists and supporters from across the country have been wishing him good health and long life by calling him and posting messages on social media. Fakhrul, who was involved in leftist politics during his student life, completed his graduation and post-graduation in Economics from Dhaka University. He later joined the teaching profession through the BCS examination. Fakhrul resigned from teaching in 1986 and formally entered politics. In 1979, during the government of Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul served as the personal secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister SA Bari. In 1988, he won the Thakurgaon Municipality election and became its chairman. In 1992, Fakhrul became president of Thakurgaon District BNP and gradually rose through the party ranks, from a member of the executive committee to becoming the party’s secretary general. Before reaching the top leadership of BNP, he served for a long time as first vice-president and later president of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal. Fakhrul was appointed acting secretary general of BNP following the death of the party’s then secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain in 2011. He was given full charge of the post five years later, in 2016. He was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 on a BNP ticket in 2001 and appointed a state minister. Fakhrul was also elected MP from Bogura-6 in the 11th parliamentary election but did not take the oath, as BNP rejected the election results. During the Awami League’s more than one-and-a-half decades in power, Fakhrul was imprisoned several times in different political cases.      

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday. The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue. He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia. At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers. The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions. The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia. Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise