BNP on Thursday slammed Information Adviser Nahid Islam for accusing political parties of trying to fail the interim government, warning that such inappropriate statements can create a rift in national unity.  “I think he (adviser) should not have made such a remark. He didn't say the right thing. It may create a rift in national unity,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi while speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. India doesn’t want democracy in neighbouring countries: Rizvi He said it is the main responsibility of the interim government to hold a free, fair, and inclusive election within a short time, considering the desires and emotions of the people. “But if any contradictory or questionable statements come from their (government's) side, it’ll harm national unity,” the BNP leader observed. He said the government can benefit from the criticism made by political parties and professional bodies. “Criticism is an essential element for strengthening democracy. You can’t deny this element. The adviser’s remark helps create a division in unity.” Rizvi also said it is significant that democratic political parties have set an example of unity amid the both local and international conspiracies. “You (the government) must take this into consideration.” India 'tainted with blood of Muslims and others’, alleges Rizvi He said the political parties have been urging the government to arrange the elections after completing the reforms within a reasonable time. “Is the election different from other elements of democracy that you are reacting so strongly to political parties’ demand for it? In fact, the election is the most important element for democratic practice and advancement,” the BNP mentioned. He said the government should not ignore the political parties' demand to arrange the next national election after completing the necessary reforms. The BNP leader said the people of the country will give their mandate to form an elected government through a credible election. Rizvi pledges to honour victims of July-August Uprising Earlier, on Wednesday, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam reportedly said political parties are prioritising the election over reforms. During a meeting at the Secretariat with a delegation from British Global Partners Governance (GPG), the adviser also mentioned that political parties are attempting to make the interim government fail.

BNP on Thursday announced programmes to observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day and celebrate the Victory Day with due respect. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan Central office after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies. Martyred Intellectuals Day programmes Rizvi said the leaders and activists of BNP will pay homage to martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in the morning on December 14 (Saturday), marking the day. The party will keep the national flag at half-mast and hoist black flags atop its all the offices, including the Nayapaltan central one, on the occasion. Besides, he said BNP will arrange a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh at 2pm on Friday (Dec 13). Victory Day programmes Rizvi said BNP will hoist national and party flags atop the party offices in the morning on December 16 (Monday), marking the Victory Day. He said party leaders and activists, led by its senior leaders, will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar on the day. Later, the BNP leader said they will place a wreath at the grave of late BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Banglanagar in the capital on the same day. He said an open music concert will be arranged at the capital’s Manik Mia Avenue at 3pm on December 16, marking the Victory Day. ‘Have patience for restoration of democracy’, says Tarique    Rizvi said ‘Sobar Age Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh before all) will organise this concert. The BNP’s Nayapaltan central office and the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office will be illuminated on the occasion.  Besides, he said the BNP will hold a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh at 2pm on Sunday (Dec 15), marking the Victory Day. BNP’s different units and associate bodies will also mark the two days with various programmes across the country. The Martyred Intellectuals Day will be observed across the country on Saturday (December 14), to pay homage to the intellectuals who were brutally killed by the Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag end of the country's Liberation War in 1971. Fakhrul returns from London The nation will also celebrate the 54th Victory Day on Monday amid festivities, paying tribute to the three million martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War. On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month-long war.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday conveyed a message to people from party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, urging them to remain patient to have the democracy restored through a national election. “Our acting chairman has urged you (people) to remain patient. We must all act with unity and patience to restore democracy, ensuring that the great victory achieved through the student-led mass movement becomes truly fruitful and meaningful,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from London. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case Fakhrul said Tarique also urged all to focus on preparing for the next election, describing it as the first crucial step towards the restoration of democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to questions from reporters about the message he had brought from Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul returned home from London, after completing a 12-day visit. The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at the airport in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm. He said he had a meeting with the BNP Acting Chairman during his stay in London. Besides, Fakhrul said, he spoke to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders and workers and joined meetings arranged by them. "There has been a discussion with the press there. My visit to London was productive and fruitful,” the BNP leader said. Read: BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman When asked about Tarique Rahman's possible return to the country, Fakhrul said, "As you know, he has been facing numerous false cases filed out of political vendetta. He’ll return home once these cases are withdrawn or resolved through the court." In response to another question, he said the political parties have been supporting the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus. “We hope they’ll arrange the polls after completing the necessary minimum reforms." The BNP leader said it is a wrong perception that their party prioritises the election over reforms, reminding that it was the BNP which had put forward its reform proposals two years ago. Earn public trust, Tarique tells BNP leaders, activists As his attention was drawn to a comment by an adviser that political parties are trying to fail the interim government, Fakhrul said, “I don’t know in what context he made that statement. But, such remarks are anti-political. We do not expect such statements to be made by them.” He said political parties are supporting the interim government with the aim of restoring democracy, for which they have been fighting for the past 15 years. Responding to another question about Bangladesh-India relations, Fakhrul said the issues between the two countries must be resolved through discussions. He, however, said the problems emerging within Bangladesh are challenging to address without an elected government. Fakhrul travelled to London on November 30 to meet Tarique Rahman and discuss with him the crucial political and the party’s organisational issues. Besides, his wife Rahat Ara Begum underwent health check-ups and received treatment in London. Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical center abroad.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned home from London on Thursday, after completing a 10-day visit. Fakhrul, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. During his stay in London, Fakhrul met party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political affairs. Read: Mirza Fakhrul returns home He also participated in several party programmess and exchanged views with local journalists. Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical center abroad.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to attend a reception at his official residence Bangabhaban, marking the 54th Victory Day on Monday. Military Secretary to the President, Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, handed over the invitation cards to BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Chinese envoy meets BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia The President traditionally hosts a reception at Bangabhaban on December 16 to celebrate the country's great Victory Day. The nation will celebrate the 54th Victory Day on Monday amid festivities, paying tribute to the three million martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War.

The three BNP associate organisations--Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal--staged a long march from Dhaka to Agartala in protest against Indian aggression and demanding an end to the false campaigns against Bangladesh. The long march, which began at the capital’s Nayapaltan around 9:00 am, reached Akhaura Land Port by 4:00 pm and ended peacefully with a brief rally there. Speaking at the rally, Jubo Dal President Abdul Munayem Munna said BNP, together with the people of Bangladesh, will foil any plot against the country. He warned that BNP and its associate bodies would not compromise on the issue of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and would resist Indian aggression through united efforts. Munna also urged Indian politicians and media outlets to stop spreading false information and propaganda about Bangladesh. He said they earlier staged a road march in Dhaka, and submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in protest against recent anti-Bangladesh incidents in India and the Indian media’s information terrorism. “Our protests will continue.” On the way to Akhaura, a roadside rally was also held at Bhairab intersection around 1:30 pm. At the rally, Swechchasebak Dal President SM Jilani said India could not be considered a friend of Bangladesh since it sheltered Sheikh Hasina, whom he called the "enemy of Bangladesh". “We would like to say that this is not Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh. This is the Bangladesh of Shaheed Zia, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman. If they (enemies) even look at an inch of soil in this country, those eyes will be plucked out,” he said. Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayan said the people of Bangladesh once thought of India as a friend. “But they (India) attacked our Assistant High Commission office and desecrated our national flag. Are these examples of friendship? Friendship with India cannot continue in this manner.” Describing India as a hegemonic state, he said the dictatorial rule of Sheikh Hasina repressed the people of Bangladesh for the past 16 years, with the backing of India. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said India is conspiring to create chaos in Bangladesh only to please Sheikh Hasina. “We will resist this with united efforts.” India doesn’t want democracy in neighbouring countries: Rizvi Talking to UNB, Dhaka District unit Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad said their long march had ended with the rally in Akhaura. He said many common people who joined the long march on its way to Akhaura from Dhaka while many others were seen standing on the road side and chanting slogans in support of the march. Murad said that through this long march, they aimed to send a message that the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, would build resistance against any plot or aggression against the country. Earlier in the morning, the three BNP associate bodies began their long march from Dhaka to Agartala to protest against Indian aggression. The programme also aimed to protest the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the country’s national flag, and the spread of false information and terrorism against Bangladesh by India. Several thousand leaders and activists from the three organisations formally began the long march with a huge motorcade from the party's Nayapaltan central office at around 9:00 am. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi formally inaugurated the programme. BNP’s associate bodies start long march towards Agartala

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that India does not want to see democracy in its neighbouring countries due to its hegemonic attitude. "India is a democratic country, but it does not want Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka to be governed by the will of their people. Why should they follow Delhi's words?" he said while inaugurating the three BNP associate bodies' march towards Agartala from Nayapaltan. He said the people of Bangladesh liberated the country from Pakistan by sacrificing blood, not to surrender to Delhi. BNP’s associate bodies start long march towards Agartala The BNP leader said if India demanded Chattogram as their part, then Bangladesh would demand Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha as its part. "We won't chew amla if they (India) come to occupy Chattogram." Rizvi alleged that India supported the 'bloodthirsty Lady Pharaoh, Sheikh Hasina,' over the last 16 years. He said the Indian ruling party has been criticised by democratic countries all over the world due to its communal attitude. BNP accuses India of 'direct aggression' in supporting Hasina The Indian ruling party has not understood the spirit, self-strength, and bravery of the people of Bangladesh. Later, the BNP associate bodies – Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal – started their planned long march by travelling in several hundred cars, microbuses, and motorcycles towards Agartala from Dhaka at 9 am to protest against Indian aggression. Rizvi pledges to honour victims of July-August Uprising The programme is also meant to protest against the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the country's national flag, and the spread of false information and terrorism against Bangladesh by India. Several thousand leaders and activists from the three organisations formally began the long march with a huge motorcade from the party's Nayapaltan central office. BNP begins protest march towards Indian High Commission Before launching the long march, top leaders from the three organisations delivered brief speeches, condemning Indian politicians and media for their hegemonic attitude and attempting to disrupt religious harmony in Bangladesh through false and misleading campaigns. The leaders said they will end their peaceful long march along the Akhaura Indian border.

A bomb attack occurred at the residence of AS Mahbubul Alamgir Siddique, president of the Benapole Union BNP and panel chairman of Benapole Union Parishad, in Gatipara village. The incident took place around midnight on Monday when alleged Awami League criminals carried out the bombing. Speaking about the attack, Alamgir Siddique said that due to the village's proximity to the border, the criminals often engage in illegal activities and escape to India. The powerful bomb explosion created widespread fear and panic among the local residents. He further stated that the Awami League terrorists crossed the border in the dead of night to carry out the attack, aiming to establish dominance in the area before fleeing back to India. BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman Local residents have condemned the attack and are demanding that the culprits be identified and brought to justice. Additionally, former Vice President of the central Youth Front of BNP, Nuruzzaman Liton, General Secretary of Benapole Municipal BNP Abu Taher Bharat, and the convener of the Sharsha Upazila BNP Youth Front, Mostafizur Rahman Selim, have all called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Md. Russel Mia, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Benapole Port Police Station, visited the scene of the attack. He said that an investigation is underway into the bomb explosion, and actions will be taken to identify and apprehend the offenders.  

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said if his party comes to power in future, it will form a government that must be accountable to the people. “Our hope and desire is to form a government that is accountable to the people of the country. The government would be obliged to be accountable to the people. If so, then we will be able to solve all the problems of the country in phases,” he said while addressing a workshop in Cumilla through a virtual platform. The workshop was held at Fun Town Park auditorium in Cumilla city to drum up public support for the BNP’s 31-point state structure reform agenda. The BNP acting chairman asked his party activists to reach this 31-point reform agenda to every person of the country. If there is any objection or suggestion to the 31-point agenda, it would be changed, he said. “The 31-point state reform agenda describes what BNP will do if it comes to power in the future,” he said. Read: Tarique Rahman seeks limit on PM’s consecutive terms    Tarique Rahman asked BNP activists to refrain from controversial activities and rather work for gaining public trust. "We’ve to take care of the party. Anything can’t be done that would damage the trust of the people. We’ve to work to gain the trust of the people,” he said. He said the dictators have destroyed the country. “There is still time. Let us spend it on the work of the country and the people. People now have expectations from BNP," he added. Replying to a question in the workshop, the BNP leader said the country's public transport system needs to be improved. “Traffic congestion is a major problem in the country, and concerted efforts need to be taken to address this problem,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said various establishments will be named after the martyrs of the July-August revolution in different areas. Read more: Tarique Rahman urges unity to end political vengeance BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain earlier opened the workshop. BNP Cumilla divisional organising secretary Selim Bhuiyan presided over the event moderated by BNP Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain. Local BNP leaders from the party’s district, city and municipality units under its Cumilla division took part in the workshop.

BNP’s Senior Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticised the Indian media's stance on Bangladesh's internal issues, alleging that India is 'tainted with the blood of Muslims, Christians, and people of other religions'. He made the remark while addressing an event ‘Be great after buying local products’ at Bhuban Mohan Park in Rajshahi on Tuesday. Rizvi said the communal harmony in Bangladesh would not be destroyed by the continued propaganda of the Indian media regarding Bangladesh. “If India demands Chattogram, we will also demand Bangla, Bihar and Udisha of Nawabi regime. People of the country wont’ tolerate dominance of India. Sheikh Hasina was favourite to India for dominance,” The BNP leader said. Read: Rizvi accuses India of misleading world about Bangladesh Regarding the limitation on the issuance of Indian visas, he said that Indian businesspeople are facing losses due to the decision, as Kolkata’s New Market and hospitals are now visibly vacant for lack of Bangladeshi customers and patients. Rizvi claimed that Indian patients would visit Bangladesh if the local healthcare system is established on a strong foundation. Urging India to show due respect to Bangladesh, he said the people of the country are united in the question of freedom and sovereignty. Read more: Rizvi accuses India of using communalism to assert dominance He said Bangladesh is not entirely dependent on India for all things. Earlier Bangladesh used to export onions but Sheikh Hasina started importing in 2023 to make India happy. An Indian shawl was burnt to encourage boycotting their product at the event. Besides, local products were sold at lower prices there.