United News of Bangladesh

Extending his deepest condolences, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has long embodied Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and stood as a steadfast champion of freedom. "With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of BNP, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and your beloved mother," he said in a message sent to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister have respectively sent a message of condolence to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain. Read more: Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Ambassador Yao said her leadership helped shape the nation’s history, and her resilience has inspired its people. "She is also a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose contributions left a lasting mark on our bilateral ties. The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect," he said. The Communist Party of China will continue to maintain its longstanding and friendly ties with the BNP under your leadership, said the Ambassador. "Please accept my sincerest condolences once again. May Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her contributions to Bangladesh and to China-Bangladesh relations be forever remembered," said the Ambassador. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s central office at Nayapaltan on Monday afternoon (December 29, 2025) for the first time in 19 years since 2006, amid a warm welcome from thousands of party leaders and activists. He arrived at the office around 4:05pm and spent about three hours and 15 minutes there before leaving for Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, along with other senior party leaders, received Tarique and escorted him into the office. After entering the building, Tarique Rahman came out onto the second-floor balcony, waved to the gathered supporters and delivered a brief speech. Read more: Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians He later went to his designated chamber on the second floor of the building. The room has been newly set up. Rizvi, along with some other leaders, greeted him there with a bouquet. Talking to reporters after Tarique left the office, Rizvi said their Acting Chairman exchanged greetings and views with leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, as well as the office staff. He said although the party did not ask people to gather at the office, thousands of BNP leaders and activists spontaneously thronged Nayapaltan after hearing news of his possible visit, creating an unprecedented scene and showing their love for their leader. Rizvi said the massive presence of leaders and activists sent a message that people continue to show strong affection for a leader who has not deviated from the people’s hopes and aspirations. The BNP Acting Chairman also offered Asr and Maghrib prayers at the office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, as news spread that Tarique would visit the BNP central office, party leaders and activists began arriving at Nayapaltan from noon. By around 3:30pm, the entire road in front of the party office turned into a large gathering, with thousands of supporters filling the area. Security personnel faced serious difficulty in bringing his vehicle close to the office due to the huge crowd. When his motorcade reached the front of the central office, leaders and activists welcomed him with loud applause and slogans. Tarique waved back to acknowledge their greetings. Ahead of the visit, security was tightened in and around the Nayapaltan office. The main gate of the office was closed from 12:35pm on Monday, while only some senior BNP leaders were allowed to enter the premises. Read more: Tarique’s nomination papers submitted for Dhaka-17, Bogura-6 seats Earlier on Sunday, Tarique visited the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 1:40pm and stayed there for nearly nine hours. During the visit, he signed party nomination papers and held several meetings on organisational and political matters. Like the Gulshan office, a separate chamber has also been prepared for the Acting Chairman at the Nayapaltan central office.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged the country’s people to actively contribute to rebuilding the nation by taking initiatives from their respective positions. “Let us all, from whatever position we are in, try to rebuild our country anew. Let each of us make our best effort for the country, within our own capacity,” he said. Tarique made the call while addressing thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters from the second-floor balcony of the BNP central office at Nayapaltan in the afternoon, shortly after arriving there, marking his first visit after 19 years. Tarique to visit BNP’s Nayapaltan central office today He also said that if anyone sees a piece of paper or any litter lying on the road, they should remove it. “By doing such small acts, let us come together to build our country step by step.” Greeting the gathering, Tarique also requested party leaders and activists to clear the road quickly so that ordinary people can move freely. “I request everyone to leave the road as soon as possible. There is no programme here today, and keeping the road blocked will cause inconvenience to the public. Since there is no programme, we should leave this place as soon as possible. Inshallah, when we hold a programme, I will speak in front of you all,” he said. Tarique also urged all to pray for him and for BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. “Please pray for our leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Stay well,” he said. Tarique arrived at the BNP central office at around 4:05pm. Security personnel had to struggle to bring his vehicle to the office gate amid a huge crowd of party leaders and activists. After greeting the crowd, he went to his newly prepared chamber on the second floor of the building. This is the first time in 19 years that he has resumed office activities at Nayapaltan. He last visited the party office in 2006. Ahead of the visit, security was tightened in and around the Nayapaltan office. The main gate of the office was closed from 12:35pm on Monday, while only some senior BNP leaders were allowed to enter the office. Earlier on Sunday, he visited the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office and stayed there for nearly nine hours. Tarique returned home from London on December 25 after nearly 17 years. He went to London with his family on September 11, 2008, for advanced medical treatment and later settled there.

The Election Commission has incorporated BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman in the country’s voter list ahead of the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. “They (Tarique Rahman and Zaima Rahman) have been included in the voter list that will be used in the February-12 elections,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told UNB on Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, the Commission approved the inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls. On Saturday, Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman completed the necessary process for National Identity Card (NID) registration and voter enlistment. He went to the Election Commission’s National Identity Wing in the city’s Agargaon area to complete his NID registration and enlist himself as a voter. His biometric data and photograph were taken in the NID office. Tarique Rahman and Zaima Rahman were registered as voters in the Dhaka-17 constituency under DNCC Ward No. 19 in the Gulshan area, using the address of House No. 196, Gulshan-2. Following the registration process, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Saturday said their names would be placed before the commission on Sunday. “If the Commission approves, then they will be included in the voter list to be used in the February-12 election,” he said. They were allowed to be registered as voters in line with the Electoral Rolls Act 2009, said the EC Secretary. On December 25, Tarique Rahman, along with Zubaida Rahman and Zaima Rahman, returned to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years abroad. Like her father, the visit marked Zaima Rahman’s first return to Bangladesh since the family left for the United Kingdom in September 2008. Earlier this year, Zubaida Rahman visited Bangladesh twice and registered as a voter in Bangladesh.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday (December 28, 2025) collected his nomination paper to contest the upcoming national election from the Dhaka-17 constituency. On behalf of Tarique, BNP Chairperson’s Private Secretary ABM Abdur Sattar collected the nomination form from the office of Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury at around 11:10am, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier on Saturday night, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told UNB that Tarique Rahman will contest the 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12 next year, from two constituencies—Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17. Snubbed Rumeen Farhana collects nomination form “Our party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the election from two seats. One is Bogura-6 and the other is Dhaka-17. This is a party decision,” Salahuddin said. Responding to questions about campaign activities suggesting that Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, a BNP ally, would contest from Dhaka-17, Salahuddin said Partho will not run from that seat. “He will contest the election from his home constituency, Bhola-1, using his party’s own election symbol,” the BNP leader said. Read more: Tarique Rahman to contest polls from Bogura-6, Dhaka-17

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the 13th parliamentary election billed for February 12 next year from two constituencies: Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the decision while speaking to UNB on Saturday night (December 27, 2025). “Our party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the election from two seats. One is Bogura-6 and the other is Dhaka-17. This is a party decision,” he said. BNP demands release of teacher held over offensive remarks about Tarique Salahuddin said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest the election from three constituencies--Bogura-7, Feni-1 and Dinajpur-3, while Tarique Rahman will contest from Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17. When asked about campaign activities suggesting that Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, a BNP ally, will contest from the Dhaka-17 seat, Salahuddin said Partho is not contesting the polls from Dhaka-17. Tarique thanks nation for warm welcome “He will contest the election from his home constituency, Bhola-1, using his party’s own election symbol,” the BNP leader said. 

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for their warm reception following his return to the country after 17 years abroad. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page, he said, “Dear friends, sisters, and brothers across Bangladesh, last Thursday is a day I will carry in my heart forever, the day I returned to the soil of my homeland after 17 long years. The warmth of your welcome, the sea of faces along the roads of Dhaka, and the prayers of millions are moments, I will never forget. My deepest thanks to all.” The BNP leader also said words cannot fully express the respect and love his family and he feels for this homecoming.  He thanked his supporters for standing by him and his family through all trials, saying their steadfast courage has been a source of strength for him. Tarique also extended his gratitude to members of civil society, youths, professionals, farmers, workers, and citizens from all walks of life, saying they reminded him that the true strength of Bangladesh lies in its people when united. He appreciated the media for covering his homecoming “with professionalism and care” and thanked all those who ensured safety and calm during his arrival. “Your service matters.” The BNP leader also acknowledged leaders of other political parties who welcomed his homecoming. “I appreciate the thoughtful reflections that emphasised democracy, multiparty coexistence, and the enduring will of the people. I am grateful for the warm welcomes and for the hope expressed for a democratic, peaceful political culture, as well as the call to move beyond politics driven by vengeance. I take these words with humility and respect,” he said. He once again outlined his vision for the country, describing it as a plan “for all Bangladeshis and the country’s future. “I spoke of a plan, not just a dream, for Bangladesh’s future: a country where peace and dignity thrive, where every community feels secure and valued, and where every child can grow with hope.” “This is a plan for all Bangladeshis. A united, inclusive Bangladesh. A Bangladesh that moves forward together. Thank you for welcoming me home. May Allah bless Bangladesh and all of you, now and always,” Tarique concluded.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived at the Election Commission’s National Identity Wing in the city’s Agargaon area on Saturday (December 27, 2025) to complete his National Identity Card (NID) registration and enlist himself as a voter. He reached the National Identity Wing office, located at the Electoral Training Institute, at 1pm. As part of the registration process, Tarique Rahman will provide biometric data and submit the required documents. Tarique Rahman leaves home to visit Osman Hadi’s grave at Dhaka University Earlier, his daughter Zaima Rahman along with her mother Zubaida Rahman arrived at the same office at around 12:26 pm. After completing the necessary formalities, they left the office at around 12:45 pm, before Tarique’s arrival. According to BNP sources, Tarique, Zubaida and Zaima have already completed the online voter registration form. They are supposed to be registered as voters in the Dhaka-17 constituency under DNCC Ward No. 19 in the Gulshan area, using the address of House No. 196, Gulshan-2. Earlier in the day, Tarique offered fateha at the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, who died a week after being shot on December 12. Tarique offers fateha at Hadi’s grave Accompanied by senior BNP leaders, Tarique first placed a wreath at Hadi’s grave at around 11:30 am, paying tribute to the July uprising activist. He later offered fateha and joined a munajat, seeking the salvation of Hadi’s departed soul. The munajat was conducted by Abu Bakar Siddique, the elder brother of Sharif Osman Hadi. Tarique and his party colleagues also placed a wreath at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. They also joined a munajat there as well. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, among others, were present. Members of the police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed across the Shahbagh and Dhaka University areas to maintain security. Tarique left his Gulshan Avenue residence at around 10:40 am in a white bulletproof SUV and reached the Dhaka University campus at around 11:15 am under tight security. From the Election Commission, he is scheduled to visit Mahbub Bhaban in Dhanmondi, the residence of his father-in-law. He will then go to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother. Read more: Tarique visits National Martyrs’ Memorial, pays homage to martyrs Tarique was earlier scheduled to visit the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured during the July 2024 mass uprising. However, the programme has been cancelled. In a Facebook post on Saturday morning, BNP’s Media Cell said Tarique would not visit Pangu Hospital as there are no injured victims of the July mass uprising. Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of Inquilab Moncho and a prospective candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. The incident occurred a day after the Election Commission announced February 12 as the date for the next national election. For advanced treatment, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore, where he died from his injuries on the night of December 18. He was laid to rest beside the grave of Kazi Nazrul Islam on December 20. Aged 32, Hadi was a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising and served as the spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. Read more: Inqilab Moncho shifts blockade from Shahbagh ahead of Tarique’s visit Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning after nearly 17 years abroad. His return has drawn widespread attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists and supporters across the country. He was greeted with a large and jubilant reception, with party leaders describing his homecoming as historic.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived at Dhaka University on Saturday and offered fateha at the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, who died a week after being shot on December 12. Tarique, along with senior BNP leaders, first placed a wreath at Hadi’s grave at around 11:30am, paying homage to the July uprising activist. He later offered fateha and joined a munajat seeking the salvation of Hadi’s departed soul. Tarique and his party colleagues also placed a wreath at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. They also offered fateha and joined a munajat there. Tarique left his Gulshan Avenue residence at around 10:40am in a white bulletproof SUV and reached Dhaka University campus at around 11:15am under tight security. After paying homage and fateha at the graves of Hadi and the national poet, the BNP leader started his journey to the Election Commission office to complete National Identity Card (NID) registration and enlist himself as a voter. Tarique Rahman to visit Osman Hadi’s grave at Dhaka University He will later go to Mahbub Bhaban in Dhanmondi, his father-in-law’s residence. From Dhanmondi, he will go to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother. Tarique was scheduled to visit the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured during the July 2024 mass uprising, but the programme has been cancelled. Tarique visits National Martyrs’ Memorial, pays homage to martyrs  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has left Gulshan residence to visit the grave of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The information was shared shortly after 10:45am on Saturday through a post on BNP’s verified Facebook page. After offering prayers, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the Election Commission office to complete National Identity Card (NID) registration and enlist himself as a voter. Inqilab Moncho shifts blockade from Shahbagh ahead of Tarique’s visit He will later go to  his father-in-law’s house in Dhanmondi. From Dhanmondi, he will go to Evercare hospital to visit his ailing mother. He was supposed to visit National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured during the July 2024 mass uprising, but the programme was cancelled. In a separate Facebook post, BNP’s media cell said Tarique Rahman will not visit Pangu Hospital as there are no injured persons from the July mass uprising receiving treatment there. Tarique Rahman returned to the country on Thursday after 17 years in exile in London. Read more: Tarique arrives at EC’s NID wing to register as voter