United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to embark on a hectic two-day tour of Sylhet tonight (Wednesday) to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election by addressing seven rallies in a row on Thursday (January 22, 2026). “Since the election campaign is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Thursday) as per the announced timetable, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is going to launch it with a visit to Sylhet. He will reach Sylhet by air at 8:15pm tonight,” said BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin. After reaching Sylhet, he said, the BNP Chairman will visit the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) late at night and offer fateha there, marking the start of the election campaign in line with the party’s long-standing tradition. Mahdi, who is also an adviser to the BNP Chairman, shared the detailed tour programmes at a press briefing held at the party’s election office in the Gulshan area. Read more: BNP to take action against rebel candidates: Mahdi Amin On Thursday morning, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will address his first election rally at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. Later in the day, he said the BNP Chairman will attend a rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar Sadar upazila at noon. On his way, Mahdi said Tarique will also join a rally at the proposed new Upazila Parishad ground in Shayestaganj upazila of Habiganj district. The BNP spokesman said Tarique will then proceed to Brahmanbaria, where he is scheduled to address a rally at Kuttapara Football Ground in Sarail upazila. In the afternoon, he said, the BNP Chairman will attend another election rally at Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj. On Tarique’s way back to Dhaka, Mahdi said, the BNP Chief will join a roadside election rally in the Narsingdi municipal area before attending a similar gathering at the Araihazar–Rupganj Gausia area in Narayanganj district. He said Tarique is expected to return to his residence at Gusansthal late at night. Mahdi said the party has already informed the concerned district administrations and returning officers of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Narayanganj and Dhaka through official letters. He also said the respective police departments and other authorities have been notified in advance. Since the formation of BNP, party founder Ziaur Rahman began his presidential election campaign from Sylhet, while Begum Khaleda Zia also launched all her election campaigns from the city starting in 1991. Following that tradition, Tarique Rahman will begin his campaign with shrine visits, party leaders said. Read more: BNP rebel candidate Hasan Zahid withdraws nomination in Jashore-1 Sylhet BNP leaders said Tarique Rahman last visited the city in 2005, when he attended a BNP union representatives’ conference as the party’s senior joint secretary general. After spending 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique Rahman returned home with his family on December 25. A few days later, on December 30, his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. ‘Election Theme Song’ Mahdi said BNP will unveil an official election theme song at the very start of the election campaign. “The theme song will be launched at 12:01am on January 22 at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka, marking the formal beginning of the campaign,” he said. He said the theme song will be unveiled by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Member Secretary of the party’s Central Election Steering Committee Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Chief Coordinator of the Election Steering Committee Ismail Zabiullah and other committee members, along with leaders from various units, are expected to attend the event. Mahdi said Tarique has decided to include senior leaders from the party’s different wings and associate bodies as his travel companions during election tours, in recognition of their sacrifices and roles in the party’s 16-year-long anti-fascist movement and mass uprising. Read more: Tarique pledges housing, basic services for Korail residents He said leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations played an unprecedented and steadfast role in the long struggle for democracy. “Out of respect and affection for their sacrifices, Tarique Rahman has taken the initiative to honour them by gradually taking such dedicated leaders with him on his tours and recognising their contributions to the democratic movement,” he said. During the Sylhet tour, Mahdi said, BNP Chairman Tarique will be accompanied by party leaders Abdul Qader Bhuiyan Jewel, Mamun Hasan, Abdul Monayem Munna, Kazi Rawnakul Islam Shrabon, Yasin Ferdous Murad and Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with several other committed young leaders. “More such leaders will be included in future tours in phases, Insha’Allah.” ‘Appeal to Political Parties’ The BNP leader said the February 12 national parliamentary election is a very important chapter for Bangladesh. He expressed the hope that all political parties will run a peaceful, fair and acceptable election campaign by showing restraint, tolerance and coexistence. Mahdi urged all political parties to fully follow the election code of conduct so that the people’s hopes and expectations are reflected in the much-awaited election. “Only through collective responsibility and democratic practice can this election set a positive example, Insha’Allah.” He also recalled that earlier Tarique planned visits to the northern region to offer fateha at the graves of July uprising martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayeed, as well as national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and his maternal grandmother, along with some religious and personal programmes. Five BNP rebel candidates still in race in Sylhet as 26 withdraw across 19 seats Mahdi, however, said large public gatherings formed around those planned visits, prompting the Election Commission to request restraint. Respecting the Commission’s request, he said, Tarique Rahman cancelled those visits to help maintain a proper election environment. Replying to a question, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will visit the Chattogram region for election campaigning after completing his Sylhet tour, and the detailed schedule will be announced later.  ‘Undesirable Activities’ Responding to another question, the BNP leader said collecting voter ID cards and bKash numbers by going door to door by a particular political party is undesirable. “We urge people to remain alert in this regard, as voters are eager to cast their votes in this election.” He said steps must be taken so that the level playing field is not damaged in any way. “If we see violations of the election code of conduct in an organised way, including the misuse of postal ballots abroad or the collection of voter IDs and mobile payment or bKash numbers, these will be considered undesirable.” Mahdi said BNP has urged its leaders and activists to engage in positive politics during the campaign by reaching out to ordinary people, presenting the party’s plans and countering misinformation. He also urged those involved in collecting voter IDs and mobile payment numbers to move away from such negative political practices. ‘EC’s Role in Ensuring Level-Playing Field’ Mahdi said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election. “We firmly believe that if a level playing field is ensured and the people’s voting rights are truly evaluated, BNP will form the government with the people’s mandate, Insha’Allah.” Read more: Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru He urged the Election Commission to ensure a level-playing field, conduct a flawless election and keep it free from controversy. “The Commission must ensure that all parties follow the election code of conduct.” Mahdi said several BNP delegations have already visited the Election Commission and urged it to take a strong and firm stance on these issues.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday. The meeting began at 4:00pm at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office in the capital, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present, along with Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, BNP chairman’s Advisory Council member Mahdi Amin and press secretary Saleh Shibly. Several officials from the US Embassy in Dhaka also attended the meeting. "I met today with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to hear his perspective on upcoming elections," said the US Ambassador after the meeting. In brief remarks through his verified 'X' handle, he said the United States looks forward to working with all Bangladeshi political parties to advance shared peace and prosperity. Earlier in the morning, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh also met Tarique Rahman in Dhaka.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said politics must move beyond decades of blame and confrontation, and instead focus on improving the lives of ordinary people and standing by them in times of need. “Those of us who are in politics—who do we do it for? We do it for the people of this country. In short, in simple words, standing beside the people is the highest form of politics,” he said while virtually addressing a programme in Jashore where BNP provided financial assistance to a three-year-old girl, Afia, who was born with albinism, a genetic condition. Tarique said true politics is about serving people and easing their suffering, not just criticising rival parties from public platforms. “If politics is only about blaming one another, it does not fill people’s stomachs. Politics must be about what helps people live better lives.” US officials hold virtual meeting with Tarique Rahman on tariff issue Referring to the long-standing practice of confrontational politics, he said the time has come for a change in political culture. “We have followed a certain style of politics for many years. Now we need to change it. We want to take politics closer to people’s welfare.” The BNP chairman said political work should also mean standing by people during natural disasters like floods, storms and cyclones, as well as during personal and social crises. “Going to people and standing beside them in their hardship is the real politics.” The assistance programme was organised for Afia, a child from Jashore who was born with albinism. Afia and her mother have been living in severe hardship after her father rejected the child and accused his wife of infidelity due to the baby’s physical condition. Tarique Rahman expressed sympathy for Afia and her mother, saying no child should face discrimination or suffering because of a genetic condition. “There are many Afias in Bangladesh, and many helpless mothers like her. They are also children of this country. We must think about them.” He said BNP wants to support such vulnerable people as part of its effort to practise people-centred politics. “As we stand beside Afia today, we want to stand beside every helpless person in the country.” Referring to the political changes after August 5, when an authoritarian regime fled in the face of mass movements, the BNP Chairman said the interim government has taken some reform initiatives, mostly in constitutional and legal areas. “But, reforms must also include compassion for vulnerable people like Afia and her mother.” Tarique Rahman holds first meeting with Prof Yunus in Bangladesh Tarique outlined several initiatives the party plans to take if it comes to power with public support through the next election. He said BNP plans to introduce a Family Card programme to support poor families, with cards issued in the name of women as heads of households to ensure direct support to families. Highlighting the importance of agriculture, the BNP chairman said nearly half of Bangladesh’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on farming and most people live in rural areas. “If farmers get fair prices for their produce, the whole country benefits.” He said BNP plans to introduce a Farmers’ Card to support farmers and help increase production so people can get agricultural products at fair prices. Tarique Rahman also announced plans to revive large-scale canal excavation programmes, recalling similar initiatives during the time of his father and martyred President Ziaur Rahman. He said restoring canals would help address irrigation problems, water shortages, floods and waterlogging in both rural and urban areas. On healthcare, he said millions of rural people, especially women and children, are deprived of basic medical services. He said BNP has a plan to recruit and train one lakh health workers who will provide basic healthcare services at people’s doorsteps in villages. The BNP Chairman said the party also aims to economically empower women, building on the free education for girls up to higher secondary level introduced during the tenure of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “If women become economically self-reliant, the country will move forward faster.” “Insha’Allah, when the BNP forms government in the coming days, just as Begum Khaleda Zia always stood beside you, so too will her party, BNP stand firmly beside you,” Tarique said. He said one of the BNP’s most important commitments and responsibilities is to ensure employment opportunities for women in this country and to economically empower them on a stronger foundation. Tarique Rahman said BNP has planned to introduce a state-supported allowance and honour system for imams, khatibs, muezzins and other religious leaders if it comes to power through the February 12 election. The aim, he said, is to ensure that they can live in society with dignity, self-respect and honour.“If we truly want to build the Bangladesh we aspire to, then we must move forward with this oath and with the slogan: ‘We will work and build the country, Bangladesh first.”  

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Monday met Bangladesh National Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman and BNP leadership where they discussed progress towards a ‘peaceful and inclusive’ democratic transition through the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. High Commissioner Singh underscored Canada’s desire to work with the interim government, and the next elected government of Bangladesh, to build on the momentum created by economic, financial, judicial, and labour reforms, to deepen bilateral relations and create a better future for people in both countries. Canada has been a longstanding advocate for ‘free, fair, inclusive, and participatory’ elections in Bangladesh, said the High Commission.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party plans to create a separate department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support the families of martyrs and fighters of the July 2024 mass uprising, if it comes to power. Speaking at a views-exchange programme with the families of those killed in the July uprising and people seriously injured during the movement, Tarique also said the upcoming national election is ‘extremely important’ for building a safe and democratic Bangladesh. “When BNP was in power earlier, we created the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to look after the families of those who were martyred or injured in the 1971 Liberation War—in short, the families of freedom fighters,” he said. Tarique turns emotional as children of disappeared BNP activists recount years of waiting Tarique said the party has now decided that if BNP forms the government in the future with public support, it will try to address, at least to some extent, the sufferings of the families of July martyrs, July fighters and those injured during the movement. “We cannot bring back those we have lost. But we can and must take care of the family members they left behind and look after their needs and difficulties. “That is why we will create another department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to ensure the welfare of the families of these people.” ‘July Fighters Also Freedom Fighters’ The BNP chairman said those who were killed or injured in the July uprising should also be recognised as freedom fighters. Tarique Rahman, family convey greetings to Chief Adviser “In 1971, the freedom fighters gave their lives to achieve independence. In the same way, the fighters of 2024 fought to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said. Tarique said independence and sovereignty were achieved in 1971 and protected again in 2024 through the mass uprising against fascism. “For this reason, we will establish a new department within the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to ensure their welfare. When we heard your pain, suffering and sacrifices, Nazrul Islam Khan and I took this decision,” he said. The programme was organised by BNP at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate in honour of the families of those killed and injured in the July uprising. BNP Chairman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman sat alongside the families of the martyrs as a guest and was seen speaking with several victims and their relatives. Family members broke down while sharing their grief, creating an emotional atmosphere at the programme. At one point, Tarique Rahman stepped down from the stage, went closer to the families, listened to the injured and offered them consolation.  ‘Genocide in July’ Tarique said many people were killed, disappeared or tortured during more than a decade of fascist rule under the Awami League. “More than 1,400 people were killed during the July uprising alone, while hundreds were injured, many of them permanently disabled. Many lost their eyesight or limbs. The killings during the July uprising can only be described as genocide,” he said. The BNP chief said the state has an undeniable responsibility towards those killed and injured during more than one and a half decades of continuous anti-fascist movements, including the 2024 uprising. “As a responsible political party, BNP feels this responsibility deeply. If BNP is given the mandate to govern, we will gradually fulfil our duties, commitments and promises before the people, InshaAllah,” he said.  ‘2024 Uprising Belongs to People Tarique said the 2024 mass uprising did not belong to any individual, party or group. “It was a true mass uprising of democratic people who were deprived of their rights,” he said. If the achievements of 2024 are to be consolidated, he said political and economic freedom must be ensured for all men, women and every citizen of the country. He warned that people must remain alert against attempts to turn the mass uprising to protect independence into a movement for partisan interests.  Two Forms of Compensation The BNP chairman said the pain and suffering of the families of martyrs and the injured cannot be erased by anything. “However, we can try to compensate the injured in two ways—first, by ensuring the best possible medical treatment through state initiatives, and second, by fulfilling the goals for which they took to the streets: political and economic rights for all, regardless of party affiliation,” he said. Tarique also recalled several martyrs and injured persons from different professions and regions, including students, labourers, shop workers, drivers and even children. “People from all walks of life—irrespective of party, religion or profession—took to the streets during the 2024 uprising. Every image captured that day bears witness to this truth,” he said. Election Crucial Turning to the next parliamentary polls, the BNP Chairman this election is ‘extremely, extremely and extremely important’ for establishing a safe and democratic Bangladesh. “Those who were martyred and injured in the mass uprising ignored the threats of fascism. Their goal was to build a self-reliant, safe and democratic Bangladesh. If we fail to establish a safe democratic Bangladesh in the coming days, the nation will continue to witness mourning gatherings and stories of grief. There should be no more mourning. Instead, democracy-loving people must write the story of democratic victory in future Bangladesh, InshaAllah,” he observed. The programme was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and conducted by BNP Assistant Office Secretary Abdus Sattar Patwary. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Amra BNP Poribar Convener Atikur Rahman Rumon, family members of martyrs and injured persons also spoke.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman struggled to hold back his emotions on Saturday as children of several BNP leaders and activists, who became victims of enforced disappearance, broke down in tears while recalling years of waiting for their missing fathers. The scene unfolded at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka during a views-exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement. Amra BNP Paribar and Mayer Daak jointly organised the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The event honoured victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League government, and paid tribute to the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. During the discussion, Tarique briefly wiped his eyes with a tissue as children shared their experiences, drawing silence across the hall. One of them was Adiba Islam Hridhi, daughter of Parvez Hossain, a leader of the Banani unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal who disappeared on 2 December 2013. Family members have long claimed he was picked up by men identifying themselves as detectives, and they have repeatedly demanded information and justice. A decade later, his daughter said she still waits for him. “Years pass and new years arrive, but our father never comes home,” Hridhi said, her voice shaking. “My dream has always been to go to school holding my father’s hand, but that dream remains unfulfilled. How long do I have to wait? Will I not get my father back?” she asked before breaking down in tears. Safa, another child, spoke about her father Md Sohel, a vice-president of the Chhatra Dal’s Bangshal unit, who also went missing in 2013. She said she was only two months old at the time and has never seen her father since. “For more than a decade we have searched for him, but found nothing. When others my age learn to walk holding their fathers’ hands, I search for mine. How long must I keep looking?” Safa said. Relatives of many others shared similar accounts, saying they lost fathers, sons, brothers or husbands during the Awami League’s tenure. The hall remained heavy with grief as attendees, organisers and even some security staff appeared visibly moved by the testimonies. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who was subjected to enforced disappearance in 2015 for 62 days, was also seen becoming emotional and wiping his tears with tissues.

Eminent members of Bangladesh’s civil society on Friday called for building future Bangladesh by upholding the ideals, democratic journey, political decency, tolerance towards opponents and overall restraint demonstrated by former Prime Minister and ex-BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The call was made at a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of the late Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. Media personalities, leading business figures, former government officials, academics and prominent members of civil society arranged the programme to pay tribute to the departed leader. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman attended the condolence meeting along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and other family members. Programme chair former Chief Justice Syed JR Mudassir Husain described Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment as the captivity of democracy. He said the vision of a vengeanceless society that she articulated after her painful incarceration could serve as the blueprint for a civilised Bangladesh. “The path of achievement through tolerance that she showed and the call for unity she made should be the guiding force for the Bangladesh of the future.” Law Adviser Asif Nazrul described the verdict against Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case as one of the most heinous trials in Bangladesh’s history. He advised internalising Khaleda Zia’s ideals to build the Bangladesh of the future. “Hurt and astonished, Khaleda Zia repeated the question—‘Did I embezzle orphan money?’ The court treated this as her statement and convicted her on that basis. As a student of law, I can say with certainty that there cannot be a more disgraceful trial than this.” Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir, recalling Khaleda Zia, said her death proved how deeply loved she was by the people of the country. “The massive turnout of people at her janaza is clear testimony to that,” he said. Offering advice to BNP, Nurul Kabir urged the party not to deviate from Khaleda Zia’s ideals, cautioning that BNP should not do anything that would make people say Khaleda Zia was spared from witnessing such actions only because she is no longer alive. The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam recalled starting his career as a young journalist during Khaleda Zia’s first tenure with aspirations for independent journalism. “I was fortunate to meet Prime Minister Khaleda Zia several times. Her respect for free journalism, tolerance and ability to accept dissent and criticism deeply impressed me and earned my lasting respect.” Founder Editor of Daily Jaijaidin Shafik Rehman said paying full tribute to Khaleda Zia meant restoring democracy through votes. “She fought for democracy until her last days. Under no circumstances should the February 12 national election be derailed.” Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman compared the massive turnout at Khaleda Zia’s funeral to that of late President Ziaur Rahman’s janaza. He said although Khaleda Zia was not in power at the time of her death, millions gathered because she lived in people’s hearts. “Her name will remain unforgettable in the democratic journey of the subcontinent.” Veteran economist and CPD Distinguished Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya said Khaleda Zia demonstrated farsightedness by deciding against exporting natural gas in 2003. He noted that she paid serious attention to technical experts, describing it as one of her key strengths. Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB), highlighted Khaleda Zia’s contribution to the country’s economic transformation. He said the private sector became stronger due to her timely and prudent decisions, which instilled confidence among businesspeople and transformed the economy. Khaleda Zia’s legacy honoured in Washington National Press Club Writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad said Khaleda Zia set a record in Bangladesh by becoming the first woman prime minister elected through a free and fair election and attaining the highest executive power after joining politics. Prof Rashed Titumir highlighted Khaleda Zia’s economic reforms, saying Bangladesh’s economy was largely restructured during her tenure, forming the foundation of today’s economy. Writer Faham Abdus Salam said Khaleda Zia was the only political leader he had seen who transformed from a legal leader to a moral leader. “Many think the highest achievement of a politician is becoming prime minister, but Khaleda Zia rose far above that position in the hearts of the people.” Former caretaker government Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Raja Devasish Roy said Khaleda Zia left two significant legacies in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. He noted that no government before her had given such importance and recognition to grassroots leaders like village heads and traditional leaders. “We expect to move towards a non-communal, pluralistic and inclusive Bangladesh by following Khaleda Zia’s path.” Former diplomat Anwar Hashim, who served as Bangladesh’s envoy to Pakistan and Geneva during her 1991 government, spoke on Khaleda Zia’s foreign policy. Former Public Service Commission Chairman Prof SMA Faiz, who served during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, said she prioritised merit-based recruitment and never interfered in cadre appointments or exerted pressure for political recruitment. Khaleda Zia’s grace, sense of dignity were truly admirable: Nurul Kabir Referring to Khaleda Zia’s final days, her medical team chief and medicine and chest disease specialist Dr FM Siddique said she had to endure immense suffering due to medical negligence. He said when treatment began at Evercare Hospital, they found she had been given certain harmful medications that led to liver cirrhosis. He also blamed wrong treatment for her arthritis and other complications. “Despite her immense contributions to the country’s healthcare sector, she had to leave this world due to prolonged medical negligence. There should be a specific investigation into this matter.” Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar said Khaleda Zia always stood by oppressed people wherever she heard their voices. He said the history of democracy in Bangladesh remains incomplete without her, adding that completing the country’s democratic struggle would be the highest tribute to her. Abdus Sattar Dulal, President of Disabled Peoples’ International, recalled the enactment of laws and policies for persons with disabilities and the introduction of disability allowances during Khaleda Zia’s tenure. Transcom Managing Director Simeen Rahman said Khaleda Zia, as a person, was uncompromising, firm and dignified. “Her contributions to Bangladesh’s business sector and economic development were far-reaching.” Condolence meeting preparation committee president Prof Mahbub Ullah recalled Khaleda Zia’s words, “We have friends abroad, not masters. We hold the flag of independence in our hands, while they hold the chains of subjugation. I have no address outside the country; this country is my final address.” He said these three messages of Khaleda Zia should serve as guiding principles for statesmen in building the future of Bangladesh. At the outset, Saleh Uddin, coordinator of the programme and executive editor of The Daily Ittefaq, read out the condolence note. He said the event was not a political programme but a tribute from the country’s civil society to Khaleda Zia. Khaleda was convicted in Bangladesh’s most disgraceful trial: Asif Nazrul “Today, people across the country are remembering two-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia not as a powerful political leader, but as a humane leader,” he said. BNP standing committee members, political activists, diplomats from different countries, civil society members and representatives of various professional organisations from both public and private sectors were present at the meeting. The programme followed by prayers seeking eternal peace for Khaleda Zia’s departed soul.

US Trump administration officials on Friday held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss the interim government’s negotiated tariff agreement and explore ways to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The meeting was held from 9:00am to 9:30am (BST), with Tarique Rahman and a BNP representative joining it from his residence, while the US delegation participated from Washington, DC.  From the BNP side, Humaiun Kabir, Joint Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the BNP Chairman, joined the discussion alongside Tarique Rahman, said Saleh Shibly, Press Secretary of the BNP Chairman.  Tarique Rahman holds first meeting with Prof Yunus in Bangladesh The US delegation was led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Other participants included Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Emily Ashby, Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, USTR Chief of Staff Sam Mulopolous, and Senior Policy Adviser to the Deputy USTR D.R Seckinger. During the meeting, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of deepening trade engagement and developing broader cooperation in areas of mutual interest to further enhance Bangladesh-US economic ties, sources said.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday, marking his first high-profile engagement in Bangladesh since returning on December 25. Tarique Rahman left the state guest house Jamuna for his Gulshan residence around 9:10pm following the courtesy call-on with Prof Yunus. Tarique Rahman at Jamuna with family to meet Prof Yunus Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived at Jamuna, the official residence of Prof Yunus, with his family at around 7:30pm. Tarique left the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan at 6:42pm and went to his residence, from where he departed for Jamuna with his family at 6:52pm. Tarique was accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. They spent more than an hour with Prof. Yunus and his daughter, Deena Yunus, during which members of both families exchanged warm greetings and pleasantries. The two last met in person on June 13 last year in London during Prof Yunus’ visit to the UK. That meeting took place at the Dorchester Hotel, when Tarique Rahman was serving as BNP’s acting chairman, and was followed by a joint statement from representatives of both sides. After spending 17 years in exile in the UK, Tarique returned to Bangladesh on December 25. BNP seeks candidates’ names, symbols on postal ballots Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he spoke with Prof Yunus over the phone while waiting at the VIP lounge. A brief interaction between the two also took place on December 31 during the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Jatiya Sangsad complex, following her death on December 30. Tarique Rahman was elected BNP chairman on January 9 through a unanimous decision of the party’s highest policymaking body, the National Standing Committee. Thursday’s meeting marks his first engagement with the Chief Adviser in his capacity as BNP chairman.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday evening entered the state guest house Jamuna with his family to pay a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Tarique arrived at Jamuna at around 7:30pm. Earlier, he left the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan at 6:42pm and went to his residence, from where he departed for Jamuna with his family at 6:52pm. BNP seeks candidates’ names, symbols on postal ballots Earlier in the afternoon, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul told a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy that Tarique Rahman would meet the Chief Adviser with his family as part of a courtesy call, stressing that the meeting carries no political agenda. This will be the first formal meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman in Bangladesh since the latter’s return home. The two last met in person on June 13 last year in London during Prof Yunus’ visit to the UK. That meeting took place at the Dorchester Hotel, when Tarique Rahman was serving as BNP’s acting chairman, and was followed by a joint statement from representatives of both sides. After spending 17 years in exile in the UK, Tarique returned to Bangladesh on December 25. Tarique listens to NTRCA job seekers’ grievances on the street Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he spoke with Prof Yunus over the phone while waiting at the VIP lounge. A brief interaction between the two also took place on December 31 during the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Jatiya Sangsad complex, following her death on December 30. Tarique Rahman was elected BNP chairman on January 9 through a unanimous decision of the party’s highest policymaking body, the National Standing Committee. Thursday’s meeting marks his first engagement with the Chief Adviser in his capacity as BNP chairman.