United News of Bangladesh

The global leaders, who attended the executive meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have expressed the confidence that Bangladesh will speedily attain political stability and accelerated development under the able leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They expressed full support to Bangladesh's candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister and Bangladesh candidate for the UNGA Presidency Dr Khalilur Rahman,  held bilateral meetings with leaders of a number of key participating delegations on the sidelines of the executive meeting of the OIC on Palestine in Jeddah and discussed issues of common interest, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. They include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhreiji of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Musa Kulaklikaya, Foreign Minister Dr. Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian and Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie of Gambia, who is also the Chair of the Executive Meeting. Palestine has already withdrawn its candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur for the position, said the source. The leaders of the delegations, during meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Rahman, conveyed their heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique on the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and his assumption of the responsibility as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. They also commended Bangladesh for its unwavering commitment to the cause of Palestine. Pak PM Keen To Visit Bangladesh Pakistan's Foreign Minister warmly recalled his meeting with the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia last year. He said Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif eagerly look forward to visiting Bangladesh to personally great Prime Minister Tarique. Foreign Minister Dar expressed the hope that under the new government in Dhaka the relationship between the two countries will steadily prosper. Turkish Support Appreciated Turkish Minister Kulaklikaya recalled the historical relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh and hoped that the relationship between the two countries will expand steadily in multiple sectors in the coming days. Foreign Minister  Khalilur Rahman expressed sincere thanks to him for the help and support Turkey has been giving to the Rohingya refugees. The two sides resolved to work together to advance an early resolution of the issue. Foreign Minister Rahman handed over to the Turkish Minister an invitation address to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Bangladesh after Ramadan. KSA Keen to Welcome PM The Saudi Minister expressed the hope that Prime Minister Tarique would visit the Kingdom at a convenient time in the near future. He also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Rahman to visit Riyadh. He said the 'Vision 2030' of Saudi Arabia offered many opportunities for Bangladesh in a wide range of sectors. He expressed his government's readiness to work with Bangladesh in this regard. Foreign Minister Khalilur  Rahman pointed out that there are important opportunities for Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh. The two sides resolved to work together to realise these potentials. Minister Elkhereiji also requested Bangladesh's support to undertake major reforms to enhance the performance of the OIC Secretariat. Unwavering Support to Palestinians During the meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister Aghabekian, the Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering support to the cause of the Palestinian people. He stressed that the only solution to the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with the pre-1967 border and East Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian Foreign Minister lauded Bangladesh for its strong and consistent support to the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian Minister said that the Arab-Islamic flow will be for Bangladeshi candidature. Rohingya Crisis Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman offered sincere thanks to Foreign Minister Njie of Gambia for his government's continued active support to the cause of the Rohingya people, including the case it brought before the International Court of Justice against Myanmar for committing genocide against the Rohingyas. He said Bangladesh stood ready to support the important work of Gambia for the Rohingyas. Both sides agreed to hold an event on the Rohingya issue during the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad in April this year. Foreign Minister Njie expressed full support to Bangladesh's candidate for the UNGA Presidency and offered to work with other African countries in support of it. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mollah Farhad Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MJH Jabed, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, were present during the meetings.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said education, research, arts and literature should remain free from political influence in a civilised society. “I believe that politicising education, research and the practice of arts and literature is never a mark of a civilised society,” he said while addressing the Ekushey Padak 2026 award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The Prime Minister said the government is working to establish a liberal democratic state system with strong moral standards so that the country can move forward in all branches of knowledge, including education, literature, arts, science and technology. “In this journey, we certainly expect guidance and direction from the country’s wise and learned citizens,” he said. Although politicians are entrusted with the responsibility of running the state, Tarique said, wise and distinguished citizens play the role of guiding forces in society. PM promises UN recognition of Bangla, globalising Ekushey Book Fair He said the greater the number of accomplished individuals in a state and society, the more enlightened that society becomes in terms of prosperity and moral standards. “So, the state honours distinguished citizens out of its own need, and in doing so, it honours itself,” the Prime Minister added. Referring to the history of the award, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, had introduced the Ekushey Padak for the first time in independent Bangladesh from this very realisation.   He said the Ekushey Padak is not merely an award. "Through it, the nation remembers historic events from the 1952 Language Movement to the present day."   At the same time, he said, the award introduces the people to those distinguished individuals who have enriched themselves, the state and society through their contributions to education, literature, arts and research. The Prime Minister described February 21 as a ‘symbol of Bangladesh’s identity’ and expressed hope that Bangla language and literature would one day shine in the world of global literature. “February holds special importance in our national history. February 21 is a marker of our identity. It is the lifeblood of our national consciousness. Bangla language and literature will surely one day spread light in the world of literature. We look forward to that proud day,” he added. The Prime Minister also congratulated this year’s awardees and wished them long, creative and meaningful lives. Tarique said February 21 represents both the struggle to establish the dignity of the mother tongue and a movement to assert rights against oppression. “So, February is a month of self-realisation and a month to rediscover our roots.” Paying tribute to the language martyrs, Tarique said, “With deep respect, I remember the language movement activists. May Allah accept their deaths as martyrdom.” The Prime Minister also said the state and the government would continue to fulfil their responsibilities to further promote education, research and cultural activities. Earlier, he handed over Ekushey Padak medals to nine distinguished individuals and one music band in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various fields. The ceremony, conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was also addressed by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that a section within the government is deliberately working to prevent pro-democratic forces from assuming power in the country. “A section within the government is deliberately trying to prevent pro-democracy forces from coming to power. We must stay alert and work harder,” he said at a discussion meeting at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 10th death anniversary of veteran politician Kazi Zafar Ahmed. He said reports of Bangladeshi officials and advisers being harassed by Awami League activists in New York left them frustrated and unsure where to turn. Referring to more recent reports, the BNP leader said, “I saw a big news item published that a Bangladeshi, known for bank looting at home, has given Tk 2,500 crore to Sheikh Hasina while in Delhi, and planned how to use that money to stop Bangladesh’s election and bring Hasina back again.” Rizvi warns of ‘dangerous conspiracy’, hopes for free polls before Ramadan Fakhrul said, “Through an uprising, we must move from a terrible fascism towards a democratic transition. We are working for that. Much has already been done. On state reforms, political parties have reached consensus on many issues, though on some they could not. An election date has also been announced.” “We have formulated a 31-point programme that incorporates all the reforms. From the beginning, we supported reforms, realising that democracy cannot be established under the existing state structure. Whatever cooperation was needed for reforms, we have provided to the interim government,” he added. The BNP leader said they had not created obstacles anywhere, nor had they raised major demands to oppose the government on the streets. Unfortunately, he said, some political quarters were deliberately raising new demands to thwart or disrupt the election. They were making demands unfamiliar to the people of Bangladesh, where even the concept of ‘reform’ was not widely understood, he added. Turning to proportional voting, he said, “Explaining proportional voting will take time, it is very difficult to understand. After casting your vote, you do not know who you voted for. You think there is a popular person in your area and you vote with him in mind, but it turns out someone else is elected. This is not yet clear to us, nor to the general public. Yet they are threatening loudly with such issues.” Questioning the motives behind such moves, he said that they were like a burnt cow, having seen that whenever change occurred, others took advantage of it. He added that the longer it took to hold elections, the more others benefited. BNP leader Fazlur Rahman suspended for three months He further remarked that the 1/11 government had stayed in power for two years and then handed over authority to fascists. Over the last 15 years, he said, they had suffered the consequences, as the country’s economy had been destroyed, its political structure dismantled, and the people’s mindset changed. “In politics I have never felt depressed, never lost hope. I have always inspired and given courage. But lately, a sense of despair has been lingering. Why? Because wherever I look, most people seem corrupted. Corruption is rampant—you cannot go to any office or court. A businessman said that previously he had to pay Tk 100,000, now it is Tk 500,000,” Fakhrul said. He lamented that the expected change in mindset has not materialised. “Unfortunately, political leaders themselves have become involved, which is causing further damage to Bangladesh.” Calling for unity, Fakhrul said that to save Bangladesh, everyone needed to come forward, as it was their country. The BNP leader recalled that in 1971 they had fought the war, during which many were killed and many lost brothers, sisters, and mothers as martyrs. “Numerous homes had been burnt and villages set ablaze.”  

Stating that some political parties are resorting to various unfair tactics to block his party’s victory in the next election, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged all to confront politics with politics instead of stopping people from giving their verdict. While virtually exchanging greetings with Hindu communities, he also sought their support and active cooperation for his party in the upcoming national election, saying it is a big opportunity to build a safe Bangladesh for the future generation. “The surprising matter is that in a fascist-free Bangladesh, it is not the ruling government this time, but rather the attitude of some political figures and groups--who were comrades in the anti-fascist movement on the streets--now reflects the same tendency of the ousted fugitive autocratic regime to block BNP’s victory,” Tarique said. In their efforts to stop BNP’s victory, he said the deposed fascist government once turned the country into a vast prison and a subservient state. Tarique said even in today’s fascist-free Bangladesh, there are still some parties and quarters who fear that if the election is held, people will vote for BNP to form the government. “Out of this fear, they are resorting to evil tactics and setting conditions to obstruct BNP’s victory.” “I would like to draw their attention by saying—confront politics with politics. Put your trust and confidence in people’s strength. If BNP’s victory truly comes from the people, then do not block the people’s right to give their mandate just to resist BNP’s triumph,” he said. PR demand ‘suspicious, unrealistic’, says BNP’s Nazrul BNP and Bangladesh Hindu-Buddha-Christian Kalyan Front arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. Tarique said his party believes the Proportional Representation (PR) system of election is still not suitable for Bangladesh considering its socio-economic, geographic and political realities. “People have the right to know who they are voting for and which individual is being elected as their representative in Parliament. But under the PR system, voters have no clear way of knowing exactly which person is being elected,” he said. The BNP leader said if any political party or individual wants to represent the nation in Parliament or government, they must directly face the people, win their trust and confidence, and earn their mandate through votes. He expressed the hope that the differences among political parties over the PR system and a few other issues would be resolved smoothly over time. Elections only way to restore political rights, resist fascism: Tarique “Those trying to create a smokescreen ahead of the upcoming election may, perhaps unknowingly, be obstructing the path of democracy. At the same time, they could be paving the way for the rehabilitation of the ousted fascist government,” he said. Referring to the February election, Tarique said statements or new conditions from certain political parties and quarters are creating confusion among people. He said while not every issue requires consensus among all political parties, it is crucial to be united on matters related to protecting freedom, sovereignty, and national interest to prevent fascism. Tarique greeted the Hindu community members in Bangladesh and abroad on the occasion of Janmashtami. He also paid tribute to the Hindu community members who sacrificed their lives in the July-August mass uprising. On the safety of the Hindu community, Tarique said in the past there have been attacks on Hindus, mostly driven by dishonest political motives or illegal greed, not religious reasons.  “It is the responsibility of the state and government to ensure that no one faces attack or injustice for any reason,” he added. BNP against PR system, says Fakhrul Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the Awami League regime, which ruled the country for the past 16 years, has destroyed Bangladesh’s democratic structure. He alleged that Awami League leaders indulged in massive corruption and siphoned off a huge amount of the country’s money abroad. The BNP leader said there is now a strong effort to make people forget the Liberation War of 1971, urging all to unite against such attempt. He said the Liberation War gave the nation its independence, territory and identity, while the July-August uprising offered people the dream of democracy. “Both must be remembered with equal importance.” The BNP leader warned against the rise of extremism in Bangladesh, saying it must not be allowed to gain ground. He urged everyone to avoid divisive politics and work together to protect the nation’s identity, safeguard its existence and advance Bangladesh’s progress. Credible election not possible with AL loyalists in police, admin: Rizvi Fakhrul stressed the need for establishing the rule of law and restoring democracy in Bangladesh. The BNP leader urged Hindu community members to remain alert so that no one can use communalism as a weapon to destabilise the country. Reaffirming that BNP does not believe in communalism, Fakhrul said the party wants to build a rainbow nation ensuring communal harmony in Bangladesh. BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Gono Forum Executive President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, BNP Vice Chairman Netai Roy Chowdhury and party Executive Committee member Nipun Roy Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the programme.  

United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Wednesday highlighted their six priorities in the year 2025, including supporting preparations for ‘free, fair, and credible’ elections in Bangladesh. "Our 2025 priorities include supporting Bangladesh’s smooth transition strategy for LDC graduation and supporting preparations for free, fair and credible elections," she said. Lewis said strengthening national institutions through reform commissions; scaling climate finance and inclusive green development; accelerating gender equality and social justice; and mobilising innovative finance for the SDGs through public-private partnerships are among the priorities for them in the year 2025. Speaking at the ‘DCAB Talk’ at the Jatiya Press Club, the UNRC said they mobilised technical expertise in key areas -- electoral reform, transitional justice and police reform. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event where DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that the Awami League government has ‘introduced the culture of enforced disappearance’ in Bangladesh politics by making their party leader Ilias Ali missing nine years ago. “Those who speak in favour of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and the country’s independent existence are being consciously and systematically annihilated, disappeared or detained,” he said. Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader said, “The incident of enforced disappearance has begun in the politics of Bangladesh with Ilias Ali’s one as the first attempt to weaken the nationalist force.” Sylhet Divisional Nationalist Sanghati Sammilani in Dhaka arranged the discussion demanding that BNP leader Ilias Ali be traced who was reportedly made disappeared nine years back. Also read: BNP launches virtual meetings with senior leaders BNP organising secretary M Ilias Ali along with his driver Ansar Ali went missing on the midnight of April 17, 2012 from the capital’s Banani area. Since then, BNP has been blaming the security agencies for the mysterious disappearance, an allegation denied by the government. Fakhrul said they are still hopeful about the return of Ilias Ali. “We'll never give up our hope as we know that Elias Ali will come back to us. We also believe that our other boys who have gone missing will return among us.” He said they are trying to bring a change in the government in a democratic manner enduring immense repressions to free the nation from misrule and protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We believe our young generation will undoubtedly be able to turn Bangladesh into a free and successful independent Bangladesh.” The BNP leader said a brave leader like Ilias Ali is needed to protect the interest of the country and its people and over the current awful situation. Also read: Coronavirus situation alarming, says BNP He said Bangladesh is now under the grip of two monsters—the current government and the coronavirus. Fakhrul said the Awami League government has been trying to protect the interests of other countries sacrificing Bangladesh’s ones just to hang onto power. Under the circumstances, he said, they are trying to overhaul their party and strengthen its organisational capacity to establish people’s rights and restore democracy in the country. Fakhrul said it is a great achievement of BNP that none of its leader and activist left the party though they have been subjected to serious repressive acts for over a decade. Also read: BNP for 'all-party committee' to stop Covid surge Speaking at the programme, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said the enforced disappearance of Ilias Ali is a clear proof that Bangladesh's independent sovereignty is going to be ruined. He thinks neither the Bangladesh government nor the Awami League made Ilias Ali disappeared. “But who did it? I want to know this from this government…I would like to say those who have done it don’t want to see Bangladesh as an independent country.”