United News of Bangladesh

National unity is crucial to defeat fascism and save the country, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Saturday. “We face a great challenge in shaping the future of this country. This challenge cannot be met by a single person, organisation, agency, or government alone. Unity among all political parties and factions is essential, and it must be maintained despite any adversity,” he said in a statement Saturday night. He also thanked the members of the National Consensus Commission for engaging with all active political parties and reaching an agreement to formulate and implement the July National Charter. Chief Adviser directs armed forces to prepare for election security Describing the charter as a historic achievement, the Chief Adviser said, “This document is invaluable for our nation. It will not only guide the upcoming national elections but also serve as a roadmap for future politics and strengthen our democracy.” Prof Yunus added that people expect reforms that will foster a democratic culture in Bangladesh, prevent any future dictatorship, ensure overall national development, and protect the civil rights and dignity of every citizen. “The most encouraging aspect is that these reforms have been agreed upon by us, not imposed from outside. In the past, foreign mediators, including representatives of the UN and friendly countries, have often intervened in Bangladesh’s political dialogue. But after the July mass uprising, the political parties decided to solve our own crisis internally. All parties have come together, engaged in political debate, and paved the way for a solution. Instead of relying on the world, we have presented our national unity as an example to the world,” he said. CA’s office asks officials to avoid foreign travels until election On behalf of the nation, he thanked all political leaders who worked tirelessly to make the charter possible, calling it a historic achievement. Claiming the July charter is a unique global example, the Chief Adviser said, “Nothing like this has happened anywhere else in the world. It will be a shining moment in political history. Other nations may consider forming a ‘Consensus Commission’ during times of crisis as a model for nation-building.” He also acknowledged the contributions of the Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia, Special Assistant Monir Haider, and media representatives who covered the commission’s work for months.  “We must preserve the unprecedented unity we have achieved in state reforms. Fascist forces have devoted all their strength to divide the nation. For the past 15 months, we have unitedly confronted their various conspiracies. To defeat fascism and safeguard this country, there is no other option but to maintain national unity,” he added. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said their party is considering forming a greater political alliance ahead of the next national election, upholding the spirit of national unity. “We are thinking of forming a broader alliance with the parties we have joined in simultaneous movements and with others so that together we can overcome the electoral hurdle,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to party founder Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave along with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, marking its 47th founding anniversary. Replying to a question about what message they are sending through the meetings with potential candidates at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, he said they are talking to all qualified candidates in every constituency as the party has more than one aspirant in most seats across the country. The BNP leader said these meetings are part of their efforts to ensure unity within the party and across the nation. “We want to convey a message aimed at maintaining unity within our party and fostering unity throughout the country.” Khosru renews call for political unity to restore democracy through elections Salahuddin emphasised that national unity is BNP’s greatest strength. “We are also sending a clear message so that no one takes the path of division. Our goal is to stay united and move forward together.” He said BNP is also working to reflect the aspirations of the country’s youths in its future plans. “Our party has embraced the dream of building a new Bangladesh inspired by the thoughts of the youth.” The BNP leader said party leaders have travelled across the country, listened to young people and learned about their views, and are now preparing programmes to translate their political vision into reality for rebuilding the country. Expressing the hope for a youth-led future, he said they believe the country will be driven by the energy and creativity of its young generation. “We hope Bangladesh will be based on employment, technology, and talent, as dreamt by the martyrs of our Liberation War and the July-August mass uprising.” Put aside differences, join polls: Fakhrul to all parties  Thousands of leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of BNP, gathered at Zia’s grave premises and paid homage to the party founder on the occasion of their founding anniversary. They also offered a munajat seeking eternal peace for Zia’s soul and the wellbeing of the country and its people.

Eminent jurist and Gonoforum Emeritus President Dr Kamal Hossain on Monday urged all to stay alert and committed to upholding the national unity that emerged from last year’s anti-fascist movement. “A national unity was formed among students, the public, and political parties during the July-August anti-fascist movement. Just as this power of the youth must be used to build the country, everyone must also be careful so that this unity created through the mass uprising is not broken,” he said. Dr Kamal made the call while speaking at a discussion meeting arranged by Gonoforum in memory of its late president Mostafa Mohsin Montu at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder He said keeping the national unity intact is essential for the country’s progress and democratic development. Speaking about reforms, the veteran politician said people’s demand for reforming important state institutions, which came out strongly during the mass uprising, cannot be ignored. He said the interim government must take urgent and capable steps to deal with the reform issues. Dr Kamal remembered Montu’s lifelong fight for democracy and justice. “He worked to establish a fair, democratic, and equal society free from discrimination,” he said. Montu, a freedom fighter and former lawmaker from Dhaka-3, died on June 15 while being treated at Square Hospital in the capital at the age of 79. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder Speaking at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recalled Montu’s role in the anti-fascist simultaneous movement. “The two things I remember most about him today are his firm stance on the Liberation War and democracy,” he said. The BNP leader said Montu’s death is painful for those who are fighting for democracy. “But the example he set offers much for political leaders and activists to learn from. Montu's soul will rest in peace if democracy returns to Bangladesh." Many other political leaders also spoke at the event and remembered Montu’s contributions to the democratic movements and the Liberation War. Nahid cites NCP's commitment to reforms, not against any party BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Sharif Nurul Ambia, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosamhati Andolon Coordinator Zonayed Saki, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr Fauzia Moslem, among others, spoke at the programme.

Stating that there is no alternative to preserving the anti-fascist national unity, BNP on Saturday urged the interim government to uphold the highest level of impartiality so that no quarter can make undue political gains. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also said it is natural for the Army to cooperate in the election, as they have done in the past. “The existing anti-fascist national unity is the main driving force of this country and its people. This nation must move forward by keeping this unity intact. There is no alternative to it,” he said. The BNP leader said the practice of this unity must be made the political culture of the country and no step should be taken that destroys or cracks the anti-fascist national unity and mass unity. Tarique warns against rehabilitating ‘fleeing autocrats’ “So, the interim government must maintain the highest degree of neutrality. A vigilant eye must be kept on ensuring that the agenda of any quarter to gain political benefits does not become part of the government's action plan,” he said. Fakhrul observed that the key priority at present is to establish a non-discriminatory state and social system, in line with the aspirations of the martyrs of the nearly 16-year-long anti-fascist democratic movement and the July mass uprising by upholding national unity against fascism. “All our reform efforts will be focused on establishing a robust democratic political government based on broader national consensus—this is the expectation of the nation,” the BNP leader said. In the continuation of the bloody anti-fascist movement and struggle for almost 16 years, he said the people of Bangladesh were freed from fascism through the unprecedented student-led mass uprising in July-August 2024. BNP condemns Israeli attacks, urges global action to stop Gaza bloodshed “In line with the aspirations of the mass uprising, the people of this country are eagerly awaiting the realisation of their dreams for a strong democratic state based on equality, human dignity, and social justice, free from discrimination,” the BNP leader said. When asked about the role of the military, he said, “The Army has cooperated in tARJ/elections before, and it is only natural that it will do so this time as well. We certainly have confidence in the Army.”  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday hoped that the citizen groups, Bangladeshi diaspora, political parties and civil society would raise their voices against the massive misinformation campaign against Bangladesh. "There has been a kind of massive disinformation campaign against us,” he said, adding that it is an evil effort to put the whole nation into question. The Press Secretary said what is happening around is the result of a misinformation campaign as an impression is deliberately being given that something dangerous is taking place in the country. Putting blame largely on Indian media for spreading propaganda, he said it seems the Indian media is pre-determined to say what is happening in Bangladesh. “If you have a pre-determined stance, to be honest, we can’t say much.” Alam said they are inviting journalists globally to see and write based on facts to let the world know the actual situation on the ground. Read: INR survey: Bangladesh faces media credibility crisis amid disinformation surge and digital literacy gaps Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is going to hold talks separately with different stakeholders, including political parties and religious leaders, as he seeks national unity. The Press Secretary said there is a possibility of a meeting with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy at 4pm on Wednesday. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet, he said. The Press Secretary said the Chief adviser will call for national unity at the meetings. Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “He (Prof Yunus) called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting. Read more: National Unity: Chief Adviser to hold talks with political, religious leaders CA’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the media briefing.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will hold talks separately with different stakeholders including political parties and student leaders as he seeks national unity. Briefing the media on Tuesday evening, Chief adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said there is a possibility of a meeting with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy at 4pm on Wednesday. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet, he said. Read: BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues The Press Secretary said the Chief adviser will call for national unity at the meetings. Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. CA’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the media briefing.

A group of people, seeking national unity, have said communal or political violence would only make the economic situation far worse, scaring away domestic and foreign investment that are badly needed at this moment. “We urge all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion, political affiliation, ideology, gender, age or any other characteristics, to maintain national unity in the face of this threat,” they said in a statement, expressing their solidarity for the “unified voice” in Bangladesh. Speakers call for urgent police reform to create public-friendly policing Dr Rumi Ahmed Khan, Professor of Bangladesh Studies, Physician, Convenor - Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network, Dr Shamaruh Mirza, scientist and activist, founder - Diaspora Alliance for Democracy, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, writer and activist, Ehteshamul Haque, lawyer, Jyoti Rahman, economist and writer; Dr Faham Abdus, scientist and activist; Nusrat Khan Majlish, engineer; Dr Nusrat Homaira, scientist; Dr Syed Rouf, Public service, Canada; Nazia Ahmed, economist and social entrepreneur; Maj Shafayat Ahmad (Retd), writer and activist; Dr Ahmad Habibur Rahman, retired faculty and engineer; Sultan Mohammed Zakaria, educationist and human rights defender; Dr Mubashar Hasan, academic and social justice activist, Executive Director - Sydney Policy Analysis Centre; Ifat Tabassum, Public Service, Australia; Dr Saiful Khondaker; Rupom Razzaque, Data Engineer and Human Rights Defender, UK; Dr Mohammed Mia, Investment Strategist and Finance Professional; Z Chowdhury, Asad Ul Islam, M Rashed; Abu Sayeed Ahamed, writer and activist; Muntasir Mamun, Ashraful Hasan, Jon Danilowicz, Kazi Ahmed, Taukir Aziz, Ehatasham Haque, Murshid Shalin, Asif Khan, Mariha Tahsin, Saif Shah Mohammed, Mahmudul Khan Apel, Faisal Mahmud, Dr Capt (rtd) Khan Sobayel Bin Rafiq, Md Subail Bin Alam, Imtiaz Mirza, Jayed Ullash, Asif Iqbal, Dr Saimum Parvez, Shahad Munna, Zia Hassan, writer and activist; Fahim Mashroor, Sainul Hossain, Zia Hassan Siddique, Dr Rushad Faridi, Islamul Haque, Waseem Alim and Rubaiyath Sarwar are the signatories to the statement. The statement says that the forces of the fallen regime, with overt and covert support of their foreign patrons, are actively sowing divisions in the country through spreading misinformation and disinformation, and instigating violence. Realistic solutions key to addressing sustainable plastic management: Speakers The statement claims that there is a concerted campaign of exaggerated, embellished, and at times, deliberately false reports of persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh. This propaganda unfortunately resulted in the brutal murder of lawyer Saiful Islam in Chattogram on 26 November 2024, they claimed. They said the interim administration, headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus, enjoys widespread support among all segments of the society.   The nation faces an urgent task of restoring confidence and trust in all institutions of the state, rebuilding the economy, and carrying out necessary reforms that will pave the way for a democratic transition, said the signatories. They unequivocally condemned the lawyer's murder, and demanded a prompt and thorough investigation, and punishment of the perpetrators. Against the solemn backdrop of the tragedy, and communal tensions leading up to it, they said, there has been a fear of reprisals against minority communities. “The people of Bangladesh, however, have shown utmost restraint and have resolutely thwarted any further escalation of violence,” the statement reads. The murderers do not represent any sect, creed, or religion but they could well be agents of the fallen despot Sheikh Hasina and her patrons, they said. ‘Resolve conflicts through dialogue with govt, avoid destructive activities that can harm national interest’: Adviser Rizwana  In this context, the signatories said, all pro-democracy forces must exercise patience and restraint while they pursue their aims to rebuild Bangladesh. “Any incendiary calls or activities could add fuel to the fire and help the fallen despot. Moreover, we are yet to dig out of the great economic black hole the Hasina regime has left our country in,” the statement says.

BNP on Wednesday shared its concerns with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus over some recent untoward incidents and called for immediate action to address the issues. A five-member BNP delegation, led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met the chief adviser and urged him to forge a national unity to tackle the evolving situation and counter the conspirators seeking to destabilise the country.  “The main purpose of our meeting was to convey our party’s concerns to the Chief Adviser regarding the recent developments, particularly the law-and-order situation in the past few days, the issues surrounding ISKCON, and the problems of students of some colleges,” said Mirza Fakhrul. Talking to reporters after the over one-hour meeting held at the state guest house Jamuna, he said they also called upon the chief adviser to take steps for easing public sufferings. “We hope that the Chief Adviser, along with his Advisory Council, will find solutions to these problems very soon so that no such situation arises again to create a division among people,” said the BNP secretary general. He said the BNP delegation told the Chief Adviser that the greatest need at this moment is national unity. "We face many significant challenges ahead, especially from those who pose a threat to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh or seek to destroy the country's stability. We must build national unity to confront these challenges. This is what we conveyed during the meeting," the BNP leader said. He also mentioned that they raised concerns about the public suffering caused by rising prices of essential items and urged the government to take action in this regard. "Overall, we have called for national unity through dialogue with all political parties." He also said they suggested the government increase the number of trucks from the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) in different areas, so that commodities could be sold at subsidised rates. Fakhrul said they also talked about the fertiliser distribution problem, pointing out that affiliates of the fascists are controlling it. "We have requested the government to ease this issue.” The BNP leader said they also recommended maintaining normal industrial production and ensuring that workers’ salaries and allowances are paid regularly in the industrial areas. BNP delegation to meet Chief Adviser this evening He said they urged the government to take steps to withdraw all the false cases filed against the BNP and other opposition parties during the fascist Awami League regime. The BNP Secretary General said they also called for the dissolution of the union Parishads like other local government bodies across the country. Similarly, he said, they requested the government to dissolve the trade bodies and hold fresh elections to restore order. Fakhrul said they also talked about the upcoming national election, demanding the government announce a clear roadmap.  "We emphasised in our meeting with the Chief Adviser that the election is of paramount importance. We have urged him to provide the election roadmap as soon as possible, after completing the necessary reforms." The BNP leader said the Chief Adviser listened to them attentively. "We believe they will take these matters seriously and act accordingly.” The other members of the BNP delegation included party Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed. Advisory Council members Hasan Arif, Adilur Rahman Khan and Mahfuj Alam were present. CA’s Call Later, briefing reporters, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. "There’s a concerted effort against us. During the meeting, the BNP conveyed a message for forging unity. The Chief Adviser also emphasised the importance of national unity among all groups, including students, the general public, and people of all faiths—Hindus, Muslims, and Christians," he said. Alam said the government has taken all necessary steps to address the evolving problems. He also mentioned that the meeting discussed the violence in Chittagong and called for national unity to address it. "The Chief Adviser sent a message of peace and urged everyone to remain calm.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman called for unity and justice on Friday, urging the nation to rise above divisions in politics and religion. Addressing a gathering at Rajbari Maidan, Gazipur, he stressed the importance of coming together as a single nation and honouring the sacrifices of those who have fought for justice. “We want a united nation,” he said at the event, organised to meet families of martyrs who lost their lives in the recent mass uprising. “No divisions based on party or religion should exist. There is no majority or minority here. We are all equal in this state,” the Jamaat leader said. He said that the families of the martyrs be treated with the respect they deserve, demanding that the government provide at least one member from each family with a respectable job. He emphasised the need to support those who were injured during the movement, ensuring that they are not left dependent on others' mercy. “We will not allow the nation to be divided further,” Shafiqur said. “The only ones who seek to divide us are the enemies of the country. There will be no more scope to split us along political or religious lines.” The Jamaat Amir also called for an independent judiciary, free from political influence. “We want judges who can uphold justice without bias,” he said. “No rogue should sit in the chair of justice. Let justice be based on law and evidence.” He also urged the government to recognise the martyrs and include their stories in educational curricula so that the future generation can learn about their sacrifices. “Martyrs are national assets, and the state must fulfill its moral duty toward their families,” he said. Concluding his speech, Rahman called for unity, saying, “We have cast all divisions aside. Our duty is now to unite and build the country together.”  

President-elect Joe Biden will deliver an appeal to national unity when he is sworn in Wednesday and plans immediate moves to combat the coronavirus pandemic and undo some of President Donald Trump’s most controversial policies, his incoming chief of staff said Sunday.