United News of Bangladesh

A short video circulating widely on social media claims to show BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman being tortured by being suspended from the ceiling of a room. The 15-second clip shows a man being lowered by rope while three other individuals remain present in the room, seemingly as part of the act. However, a fact-check by UNB has confirmed that the video does not show Tarique Rahman, nor is it a recent recording. Rather, the footage is based on an old photograph taken on 26 January 2007 at a police station in Bogura. According to archived reports, the man seen hanging from the ceiling is Raton Kumar, who had been detained on 25 January 2007 over theft allegations. The photograph, showing Kumar tied and suspended from the ceiling in the duty officer's room, was originally published by The Daily Star at the time. Following public outrage after the image surfaced, a formal investigation was launched. As a result, several police personnel were suspended, including the officer-in-charge (OC) Shamsul Haque, sub-inspectors Manzur Rahman, Shariful Islam, Abdul Karim, and constable Nurul Islam. Police later stated that Raton Kumar, a resident of Dalpotti in Bogura town, had been suspected of heroin trafficking. A two-tola necklace was reportedly recovered from him during his detention. The image has recently resurfaced in a manipulated form. It has been digitally altered and converted into a short video using artificial intelligence tools. The manipulated clip falsely suggests that Tarique Rahman was subjected to the same form of custodial torture. Conclusion: The viral claim is false. The video does not depict Tarique Rahman. It is a digitally manipulated version of a 2007 image of a different incident involving a separate individual.    

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended his greetings to the people of Bangladesh and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a statement issued on the party’s letterhead on Sunday, he said, "On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings, congratulations and Eid Mubarak to the people of Bangladesh and the entire Muslim Ummah around the world." The BNP leader prayed to Allah for the happiness, peace, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh and the Muslim Ummah worldwide. He said this Eid carries a new level of excitement and enthusiasm following the fall of fascism through a bloody mass uprising. "But, during such a time of pure joy and celebration, many mothers find no happiness in their hearts, while many families do not feel the joy of the festival. This is because, due to the prolonged fascist rule of over one and a half decades, millions of families have been pushed into an era of darkness as they lost their loved ones to enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, and torture, and were enveloped in the darkness of ignorance and barbarism," Tarique said. He highlighted the atrocities committed during the final days of the tyrannical regime in July and August. “During these months, thousands of people from various walks of life lost their lives. Students, youth, farmers, workers, political activists, and even innocent pedestrians, including women, children, and the elderly, were not spared from the bullets of fascists. More than 20,000 people were also injured.” 5 congregational Eid prayers to be held at Baitul Mukarram The BNP leader lamented that the families of the martyrs and the injured from the anti-fascist mass uprising do not experience the boundless joy of Eid celebrations. “Even on Eid day, there may be tears in the eyes of mothers who have lost their children. In this joyful time, there is the silent cry of losing loved ones in the hearts of many families.” Due to the brutality of the mafia syndicates, he said many are spending this Eid day in hospitals, by the side of their injured loved ones, facing despair and hopelessness instead of celebrating the festivities. Tarique emphasised that Eid-ul-Fitr conveys an important message to humanity through its pure celebration of joy: "For all, we are for all." He said this message transcends mental ugliness, injustice, oppression, and cruel social inequality, inspiring a deep sense of brotherhood. "Inspired by this message, it is our duty as Muslims to extend a hand of help and sympathy to the relatively poorer, neglected, and deprived members of society." The BNP leader also demanded the trial of the deposed Awami autocrats who destroyed the joy of people's Eid celebrations, snatched beloved children from mothers by force, and made countless children fatherless and motherless in this country. Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated in Bangladesh on Monday "By putting the fugitive autocrats and their accomplices on trial, we will establish the rule of law and justice in the country and bring a message of comfort to the mothers who have lost their children and to the grieving families who have lost their loved ones. Let this be our commitment this Eid." BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also extended Eid greetings and congratulations to the nation.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday voiced grave concerns over the unfolding political situation in the country, alleging that a conspiracy is afoot to tarnish the army’s image and turn it against people. “Someone somewhere may be trying to instigate something. We are witnessing attempts to make the army controversial and pit it against people," he said while virtually addressing an iftar programme. In light of this, the BNP leader called on the patriotic citizens of the country to thwart the conspiracy at any cost through united efforts. The BNP media cell organised the iftar at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton in honour of journalists from various print, electronic and online outlets. “Just as we saw a few days ago, where efforts were made to pit reform against elections, in the same way, attempts are being made to position the military against the people…we can understand there’s a plot behind this attempt,” Tarique said. He said it is possible to resist the plot if all patriotic citizens of the country remain vigilant and united. “We must tackle this plot at any cost.” The BNP leader called on journalists to play a crucial role in this regard by helping the nation overcome the crisis. “We will surely be able to thwart the plot if you (journalists), from your respective positions, present the facts and accurate information regarding the various issues that have been used to create confusion,” he said. The BNP leader said a certain quarter has continued its conspiracy against the country and its independence and sovereignty. “If we all work together, we will surely be able to resist it.” He said the restoration of democracy is now the only way to safeguard the people’s democratic rights, ensure their economic freedom, and bring stability to the country. The BNP leader said all of the country’s institutions were destroyed during the last 15 years of fascist rule. Tarique urges political parties to prioritise public issues alongside reforms Alongside political leaders and activists, he said people from all walks of life sacrificed their lives and endured oppression and repression over the past 15 years with the aim of achieving positive change. “Our call will be to provide the necessary support to the people of Bangladesh in this regard, and as a political party, we will do everything we can to assist them,” Tarique said. He said while reform is now a much-discussed issue, BNP has presented its reform outlines to the nation at various times since 2017. Tarique said many people of the country sacrificed their lives during the July-August mass uprising to oust the dictator and establish democracy and their rights.  “We all must come together on a single platform to make their (martyrs of the mass uprising) sacrifice meaningful. We must all remain vigilant and play our respective roles from our positions,” he said. The BNP leader also said the people of the country expect the establishment of democratic rights and a change in the country, hoping for a return to stability in Bangladesh. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said a new conspiracy has been initiated very cleverly. “This plot aims to destabilise Bangladesh again and plunge the country into danger. The institutions of Bangladesh, which are still crucial for safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty, especially the military, are being made controversial.” He said the objective behind this conspiracy is similar to when Bangladesh’s independence was once threatened in the past. “Now efforts are being made to once again endanger the country's independence and sovereignty. We’re being made vulnerable again, and a malicious attempt is underway to tarnish the reputation of our patriotic military, who stood by the nation at every critical moment.” Fakhrul said journalists have always stood as the conscience of the nation, providing the people with accurate information during times of crisis. “We expect you to continue playing that same vital role.” He also expressed hope that the entire nation would remain united and thwart the plot to destabilise the country.

The state on Wednesday filed an appeal against the High Court verdict that had acquitted all accused including BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and former state minister Lutfozzaman Babar in the 21st August grenade attack case. Mohammad Abdul Jabbar Bhuiya, additional attorney general,  filed the appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, said the Attorney General's office. On 12th January, the High Court acquitted Tarique Rahman, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment, and Lutfozzaman Babar, ,who had been sentenced to death, along with other accused in case. The HC bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain delivered the judgment. Tarique Rahman, Mamun acquitted in money laundering case The grenade attack was carried out on August 21, 2004 in Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Avenue that left  24 people dead nearly 300 others injrued. On October 10, 2018, a Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal pronounced a verdict in one of the cases (pertaining to murder and explosives). The tribunal sentenced 19 accused, including Lutfozzaman Babar and former deputy education minister Abdus Salam Pintu, to death. Besides, 19 others, including Tarique Rahman, were handed life term imprisonment while 11 accused received various terms of imprisonment and fines. The judgment was subsequently transferred to the HC in 2018, registered as a death reference case. The grenade attack on August 21, 2004 prompted the filing of two cases—one for murder and another for explosives—at Motijheel Police Station. Tarique Rahman urges Ulema to consider unified Ramadan, Eid observance In 2008, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) charged 22 people, alleging that the attack was orchestrated by militants aiming to assassinate Sheikh Hasina and render the Awami League leaderless. Subsequently, under the Awami League government, further investigation led to the submission of an additional charge sheet, naming 30 people, including Tarique Rahman.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday promised that his party would bring those responsible for the tortures and killings during the anti-autocratic movement and the 2024 mass uprising under trial, if it is voted to power. “We can firmly say if the people of Bangladesh give the BNP the opportunity to govern in the future, we will ensure trials for all incidents of killings and repression,” he said while addressing an Iftar Mahfil virtually at a city hotel. Tarique assured that the party would make every effort, alongside various political programmes, to ensure justice for those affected and for those subjected to repression and killings during the anti-autocratic movements and the July-August mass uprising. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  Amra BNP Paribar organised the event at Lakeshore Hotel for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances and killings during the ‘fascist’ Awami League regime, as well as for the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising. Eid gifts were also distributed among the victim families at the event. The BNP acting chairman said both the party and the nation expect a fair and neutral election in the future, through which the people of Bangladesh will decide who will form the government. Regardless of which party comes to power, he said there must be a programme, alongside various other activities, to ensure justice for all victims of torture and injustice. Tarique talks to Magura rape victim’s mother, assures justice “The trial must be conducted fairly at any costs. If we fail to hold trials for past injustices, and if there is no fair and proper trial for these incidents, then injustice could recur in the country,” he warned. Tarique Rahman urged the victim families not to lose hope but to live up to their expectations. “If we all remain united and vocal against injustice, we will certainly be able to hold these trials in this land,” he added.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to present proposals to the nation to address public issues, rather than focusing only on reforms to the state structure and institutions. "Instead of merely discussing the caretaker government system, the constitutional framework, and the voting and electoral system, there should be more emphasis on how the problems of people will be resolved," he said during an iftar programme. The Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) organised the iftar party in honour of political parties at the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation Convention Hall in the capital. Tarique believes that, just as there should be discussions and proposals regarding the control of prices for essential goods, the market system, and the production system, there should also be debates among political parties on how to ensure primary healthcare for the people in this populous nation of approximately 200 million. "Why aren’t we talking about these issues?" He also said whether formulating laws and regulations to restore the caretaker government and limiting any individual to two terms as Prime Minister are considered reforms. "Isn’t reform necessary to change the market system, boost production and improve the healthcare and education systems?" As political parties are meant to serve people, the BNP leader said they should also focus on many other critical issues related to the public's interests. "For example, most people in the country are suffering severely due to the rising prices of essential items. Why are political parties not engaging in discussions on how we will address this issue?" he asked. Tarique said political parties should present plans and proposals to the nation on how they will keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people by overhauling the market system and boosting production. "Why don’t we discuss these issues? We should address them before the nation.” He acknowledged that different democratic political parties have varying political ideologies, but their common goal is the restoration of democracy and the creation of a humane Bangladesh where people will enjoy freedom of expression. The BNP leader said his party, along with many other democratic parties, had led movements to restore the rights taken away from people. "We succeeded in this endeavour. But, reform is now the most discussed issue, as much is being said about it.” Tarique acquitted by Jashore court in sedition case filed in 2014 Tarique recalled that the political parties, including the BNP, had drafted a 31-point reform outline and presented it to the nation. "We did this around two-and-a-half years ago, when many others were not talking about reforms," he said. He said they welcome various opinions and proposals regarding state reform, as they are open to discussing issues related to the welfare of the country and its people. "The discussions currently taking place about reforms are certainly necessary.” The BNP leader said discussions are now taking place on the pros and cons of introducing a bicameral parliament, limiting an individual's terms to become Prime Minister, ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, and restoring the caretaker government. "We have said we will implement these changes in line with people’s desires if we form the government with their support. “Let us think about the problems of people and talk about them. Let us try to highlight what reforms we have in this regard as well,” he said. Tarique acknowledged that political parties will inevitably criticise each other realistically. “But, we must avoid creating a situation where, in our criticism of each other, we forget to address the issues facing our people and the country, allowing insignificant matters to become more important. If this happens, the potential of this country will be ruined,” he warned. He said that reform is also essential for overhauling the country’s education system. “If we fail to establish a proper education system for future generations, how can we possibly move this country forward? How can we build a prosperous nation?” The BNP leader said each party should inform the public about their plans and proposals for reforming the education system. “We advocate for a production-oriented education system, but perhaps we should provide more details on what that entails." Tarique also said it is urgent for political parties to present reform proposals to combat environmental pollution as the country is facing severe environmental threats. "I believe reform proposals on the environment are crucial at this moment. Due to noise pollution, air pollution, and other forms of pollution, millions of people, including children, are becoming physically ill every year. Our plan to protect the entire country, including the capital, from this pollution should be presented by all political parties to the nation,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said political parties should also address necessary reforms related to issues such as creating an environment conducive to industrialisation, providing safe drinking water and tackling the power and energy crisis. NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique Rahman’s political adviser Mahdi Amin, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, and Nagarik Oikkya leader Shahidullah Kaiser, among others, addressed the programme.

The Appellate Division on Thursday acquitted BNP Acting  Chairman Tarique Rahman and businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun in a money laundering case. A four-member tribunal headed by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order, said the defendants’ lawyer, Advocate Md Maksud Ullah. Earlier, on Tuesday, the court set March 6 for delivering the verdict after concluding the hearing on the appeal against their conviction. On December 10 last year, the Appellate Division granted leave to appeal in the case following a petition by Mamun. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on October 26, 2009, with Cantonment Police Station in Dhaka, accusing Mamun of laundering Tk 20.41 crore to Singapore. According to the case statement, Mamun received the amount from Khadija Islam, chairman of Nirman Construction Company Ltd, in exchange for awarding the contract for an 80MW power plant in Tongi. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case The money was transferred to a Citibank NA account in Singapore under Mamun’s name. On July 6, 2010, the ACC submitted a charge sheet against Tarique Rahman and Giasuddin Al Mamun. The court framed charges against them on August 8, 2011. During the trial, testimonies from 13 witnesses, including FBI agent Debra Laprovette, were recorded. On November 17, 2013, Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-3 acquitted Tarique Rahman but sentenced Mamun to seven years in jail with a Tk 40 crore fine. Following the verdict, the ACC filed an appeal on December 5, 2013, against Tarique Rahman’s acquittal. The High Court accepted the appeal for hearing on January 19, 2014. After hearing both appeals, the High Court on July 21, 2016, sentenced Tarique Rahman to seven years in jail and fined him Tk 20 crore while upholding Mamun’s conviction. Gias Uddin Al Mamun acquitted in money laundering case Mamun later challenged the High Court verdict in the Appellate Division.

BNP Vice-Chairman and former minister Abdullah Al Noman passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. He was 82. He breathed his last around 6 am at Square Hospitals Ltd in Dhaka, his personal assistant Nurul Azim Hiru told UNB. Hiru said that freedom fighter Noman was taken to the hospital early in the morning as was feeling unwell. But physicians declared him dead upon arrival. He is survived by a son, a daughter, grandsons-daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. In separate condolence messages, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock and sorrow at his passing. They prayed for the salvation of his departed soul and conveyed their sympathies to the bereaved family. The news of his death has left BNP leaders and activists in Chattogram in shock. His first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the Namaz-e-Janaza was held in front of the Nayapaltan party office in the capital after Asr prayers. National Award-winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan passes away BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, among others, attended the second Namaz-e-Janaza. Earlier in the first Namaz-e-Janaza, BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, vice chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Bikalpa Dhara Secretary General Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan were, among others, were present. His body will be taken to Chattogram. Noman was first elected as an MP from the Kotwali constituency of the port city in 1991. He served as the Fisheries Minister after winning the 1991 national election and later as the Food Minister following his victory in 2001. A native of Gohira village in Raozan upazila, Noman was scheduled to address a party programme in the city today (Tuesday).

Emphasising the need for unity among political parties, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged all to remain vigilant against the return of fascism. “The fascist who fled the country will try to spoil our unity, and we all must remain alert,” he said while speaking a party rally virtually in the city. Tarique Rahman called upon those who have fought for over 16 years against the Awami League not to engage in infighting over trivial issues. Holding the Awami League responsible for destroying democratic institutions during its rule, he said restoring people’s voting rights through a fair election is the main task. Expressing optimism about his party’s prospects, he said BNP will win if the election is held fairly, and urged party followers to stand by people in both good and bad times and to be responsible and acceptable. BNP’s Dudu questions govt’s effectiveness after six months in power He claimed that several lakhs of BNP men faced ghost cases during their fight to restore democracy, while several thousand leaders and activists were killed or disappeared. The BNP acting chairman said the blood of 2,000 students and members of the public who sacrificed their lives during the July-August 2024 uprising must be valued and honoured. Urging all to work together to ensure food, education, communication and healthcare for people, he alleged that the Awami League has destroyed the country, which must now be rebuilt from the brink of ruination. Presided over by Khulna city unity of BNP convenor Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Amanullah Aman, Party’s Vice Chairman Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Organising secretary Aninda Islam Amit, student affairs secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, among others, spoke at the event.  

Accusing India of exhibiting unneighbourly behaviour towards Bangladesh over the water issue, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said the people of the country want to reconsider all the inequitable agreements, including the one over transshipment facilities, signed with the neighbouring country. “Our neighbouring country has been displaying unneighbourly behaviour towards the people of Bangladesh regarding the sharing of water (from our common rivers). Securing a fair share of the water from the 54 common rivers with India is not a matter of mercy or kindness. It is Bangladesh's rightful entitlement under international law,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while virtually concluding a two-day programme across 11 points in the vicinity of the Teesta involving five northern districts, demanding a fair share of the Teesta River water. The Teesta River Protection Movement organised the programme under the theme "Jago Bahey Teesta Bachai," also calling for the swift implementation of the Teesta Mega Project. Tarique said many outstanding issues with India remain unresolved, and the Teesta deal was not signed as per the hopes and aspirations of the people, but the runaway killer and autocrat Sheikh Hasina granted the neighbouring country transit and transshipment facilities, allowing it to use ports, thus breaching all international norms. Fakhrul urges India to resolve Teesta issue, end border killings, 'big brotherly' attitude “Minimum fairness has not been maintained regarding these agreements. The people of Bangladesh feel that all unequal, unjust, and unilateral agreements with neighbouring countries should be reevaluated and reconsidered, if necessary,” he said. The BNP leader also said the time has come to reconsider Bangladesh’s foreign policy dictum of "friendship to all, malice towards none." “In today's world, there is no such thing as permanent enemies or permanent allies. Rather, the relationship between one country and another should be based on mutual interests, fairness, and necessity,” he said. The BNP leader said their party will prioritise the interests of Bangladesh and its people in maintaining relations with foreign countries. “That’s why the slogan of BNP is Bangladesh first,” he added. In the name of friendship, he said, the people of Bangladesh no longer want to witness the hanging body of Felani on the barbed wire fence at the border or the bloody dead bodies of innocent Bangladeshis along the border. “If the neighbouring country does not ensure the fair share of water from the common rivers or shows reluctance to sign the Teesta deal, we must find a way to protect ourselves in the interest of the country, its people, the farmers, agriculture and the river, to safeguard the navigability of the river,” Tarique said. Sudden rise in Teesta water threatens vegetables farming in Lalmonirhat He also laid emphasis on the necessity of utilising all potential local and international options. The BNP leader also said Bangladesh needs to raise its voice in all international forums, including the UN, to demand an equitable share of water from the common rivers. “At the same time, we must continue diplomatic efforts and initiate fresh talks with the neighbouring country.” Besides, he said, there is no alternative to implementing the Teesta Mega Project to prevent Bangladesh’s northern region from becoming a desert. Tarique also promise that if BNP is voted into power, they will take all necessary steps on a priority basis to implement the Teesta Mega Project.