United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Friday said the current government will take Bangladesh to a respectable position in the world. He also highlighted former President Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to the country's economic recovery, agriculture, labour sector, fisheries, foreign policy and international diplomacy. Moyeen Khan made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. He said the budgets introduced by Ziaur Rahman were not designed for the privileged residents of Dhaka's affluent areas but for grassroots people living in villages across Bangladesh. The BNP leader said the economic policies pursued by the former President helped Bangladesh recover from what he termed the devastation of the 1972-75 period and enabled the country to stand on a stronger economic footing. He said within a short period, Ziaur Rahman introduced three budgets and transformed the country's economy through market-oriented reforms, the promotion of the garments industry and the creation of opportunities for overseas employment, which increased the flow of foreign remittances into Bangladesh. According to Moyeen Khan, these measures contributed to changing Bangladesh's image internationally, and he referred to reports that described Ziaur Rahman as having transformed a "basket case" into a "success case." He said the younger generation should learn these aspects of Ziaur Rahman's legacy and understand his role in the country's development.  

Newly appointed Chuadanga Zila Parishad Administrator Md Sorifuzzaman has pledged to work with all stakeholders to accelerate development, improve public services and build a prosperous district through collective efforts. He has also expressed his commitment to carrying out his responsibilities with sincerity, transparency and dedication. Sorifuzzaman, general secretary of district BNP, made the remarks while addressing a reception accorded to him at the Chuadanga Press Club auditorium on Thursday. He said necessary initiatives would be taken to ensure the district’s development, promote public welfare and address the legitimate demands of the journalist community. Stressing the importance of good governance, administrator vowed to establish a corruption-free administration. “The activities of the Zila Parishad will be carried out for the overall development of the district’s four upazilas, four municipalities, 43 unions and five police stations,” he said, adding that cooperation from all sections of society is required to achieve sustainable progress. Among others, former principal of Chuadanga Government College Prof Siddiqur Rahman, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Somoyer Somikoron Nazmul Haque Swapan, Editor and Publisher of the Daily Mathabhanga Sardar Alamin and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Ajker Khaskhobor Rajib Hasan Kochi addressed the event.

The BNP Media Cell on Monday issued a warning over the formation and promotion of fake committees in different districts under its name. It also urged party leaders, activists and the public to remain cautious about fraudulent social media pages, groups and communities claiming affiliation with the Media Cell. The warning came in a statement signed by BNP Media Cell Convener Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel. According to the statement, the BNP Media Cell has recently noticed the announcement and circulation of fake committees in several districts under the banner of the BNP Media Cell. It also said various fake pages, groups and online communities are operating on social media using the Media Cell’s name. The statement clarified that, apart from the central committee of the BNP Media Cell, no district or city-level committee has been formed anywhere in the country under that name. It further said individuals or groups claiming to be approved Media Cell committees have no affiliation with the BNP Media Cell. The BNP Media Cell warned that those involved in issuing or promoting unauthorised and fake committees could face allegations of violating party discipline. The statement also urged party leaders, activists, journalists and the public to remain alert and avoid being misled by such unauthorised information and committee lists.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna on Monday said it is not possible to establish a lasting political position through unruly behaviour and reckless remarks. “The people of Bangladesh are conscious, knowledgeable and wise. They do not make mistakes in taking decisions,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with newly elected central leaders of Jubo Dal at a hotel in Nayapaltan in the capital. The meeting was organised to discuss the current political situation and strengthen the organisational capacity of the party. Referring to the political situation, Munna said leaders and activists must remain vigilant. “The culture of mob politics that emerged during the tenure of the interim government, along with an unruly group, is now trying to raise its head in politics. As president of Jubo Dal, I want to tell them that clever rhetoric and irresponsible remarks cannot create a permanent political position,” he said. Sharing his four decades of political experience, Munna said patience, discipline and steady organisational work are the key elements of successful politics. “In politics, being slow and steady, calm and quiet is most important. I would urge them to speak in political language, conduct organisational activities properly and refrain from making reckless comments,” he said. Describing Jubo Dal as the largest and strongest associate body of BNP, Munna said the organisation is well aware of its own strength and capacity. “We are a very strong and well-organised force. Through our organisational strength, we will face all challenges on the streets,” he added. Munna said the sacrifices and struggles of party leaders and activists have been duly recognised in the newly formed committee. He said around 114 members from the previous committee have been retained in the new one in recognition of their contributions to political movements and struggles. “However, it was not possible to accommodate some other dedicated leaders this time,” he said. “For those who could not be included this time, we are trying to create opportunities. Efforts will be made to involve at least another 100 leaders in various ways. So there is no reason for disappointment,” he said. Munna said appointments were not made based on seniority or junior status; rather, individual contributions to movements and struggles were taken into consideration. He also said Jubo Dal leaders and activists could not properly carry out social programmes in the past due to an unfavourable political environment but such activities would be expanded on a larger scale in the future. Speaking at the programme, Jubo Dal General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan said many leaders were expelled, committees dissolved and show-cause notices issued at different times following allegations after the mass uprising. “In some cases, we even held press conferences and called on law enforcement agencies to arrest the accused. Many of them were close to us and had contributions to the party, but organisational action became necessary to maintain party discipline,” he said. Nayan warned that no one would be spared if their actions tarnished the image of the organisation. Leaders of the newly formed central committee were present at the meeting. Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal announced its 151-member full-fledged central executive committee on Thursday, appointing Abdul Monayem Munna as president and Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan as general secretary.

Parliament is set to go into the first budget session on Sunday after BNP formed the government following the national election held on February 12, 2026. The session, the second session of 13th parliament, will begin at 3pm in the Jatiya Sangsad. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is likely to place the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on June 11 (Thursday). Earlier on May 07, President Mohammed Shahabuddin summoned the parliamentary session. The first session of the 13th Parliament ended on April 30. During that session, a total of 94 bills were passed after 25 working days.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said former President Ziaur Rahman’s greatest contribution was providing the people of Bangladesh with a distinct national identity through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism. He said the people of Bangladesh had become fully convinced in 1971 that it was no longer possible to remain part of Pakistan and that they had to wage a war for independence. “And that war was launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.” Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent Foreign Policy in the Current Context” and a newspaper exhibition organised at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) auditorium, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the former President. Describing Ziaur Rahman as a courageous patriot who responded to the aspirations of the nation at a critical moment in history, the BNP leader said, “At a time when the entire nation was waiting for a declaration to begin the war, and when such a declaration did not come from the expected leadership, this then little-known major suddenly announced rebellion against Pakistan and declared war from Chattogram.” Calling Ziaur Rahman a unique and inspirational figure, he said the BNP founder’s most significant achievement was giving the people of Bangladesh a distinct sense of identity through Bangladeshi nationalism. “He gave the people of this land a sense of selfhood and identity. He made it clear that we are different and that our existence is unique,” he said. Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Fakhrul said some intellectuals and sections of the media had predicted that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as a major political force. “Many even suggested that I would lose my own election. But people did not make that mistake. They chose BNP because it represents a liberal democratic political tradition,” he said. “BNP is a party of liberal democracy. We believe in liberal democratic values and want to establish them. We do not seek to create divisions in society,” the BNP leader added. He said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s slogan, “Bangladesh First,” reflects the same spirit and philosophy championed by Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman entered politics at a time when Bangladesh was facing economic collapse, institutional breakdown and political divisions. “Rather than creating further divisions, he brought together people of different political views. His main objective was reconciliation and moving the nation forward together,” he said. According to him, one of Ziaur Rahman’s defining political characteristics was his ability to unite people and maintain friendly relations with all countries. Explaining Ziaur Rahman’s enduring popularity, the minister said Bangladeshis have always aspired to build a nation free from external influence and domination. “The people of Bangladesh want to stand on their own feet. They do not want to lean towards any external power. That aspiration was reflected in Ziaur Rahman’s politics,” he said. He said the people of Bangladesh have consistently stood up to protect the country whenever it faced threats, including during the July 2024 movement. “The people once again created an opportunity for Bangladesh to move forward on a new path,” he said. Fakhrul expressed confidence that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be able to lead the country in line with the ideals and vision of Ziaur Rahman. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon presided over the programme. Economist Dr Mushtaq Khan of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, attended the event as a special guest, while Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), delivered the keynote speech. Among the discussants were Abu Rushd, editor of the Bangladesh Defence Journal, and Dr Shafiqul Rahman, executive director of Brain. PIB Director General Faruk Wasif moderated the programme.

The 151-member fully-fledged central executive committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal was announced on Thursday, with Abdul Monayem Munna as president and Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan as general secretary. The information was disclosed in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Although a partial committee had been announced earlier, the party on Thursday published the full list of the 151-member executive committee. According to the committee, Rezaul Kabir Pol has been made senior vice-president, while Billal Hossain Tarek has been appointed as the No. 1 joint general secretary. Md Kamruzzaman Jewel has been given the responsibility of organising secretary and Al Mehdi Talukder has been appointed publicity secretary. The full committee includes 29 vice-presidents, 28 joint general secretaries and 23 assistant general secretaries. For the central office, Vice-President Nurul Islam Sohel and Joint General Secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiyan have been assigned office responsibilities. Among other key appointments, Rokonuzzaman Rokon has been made treasurer, Ashraf Jalal Khan Monon literature and publication secretary, Aminur Rahman Amin information and research secretary, and Khairuzzaman Lincoln international affairs secretary with the status of vice-president. In addition, AR Mamun Khan and Mujahidul Islam Murad have been appointed as international affairs secretaries with the status of joint general secretary. The committee also includes five law affairs secretaries and two health affairs secretaries.

The BNP is observing the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman today. The party and its associate bodies chalked out an eight-day programme to observe the death anniversary nationwide with due respect. The programmes began on May 25 and will continue until June 1. Ziaur Rahman, who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled Army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued a message on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, paying his deepest respect to his immortal memory. “On this solemn day, I respectfully and gratefully remember the outstanding contributions of this heroic commander of the Liberation War, proclaimer of independence, pioneer of multi-party democracy, architect of modern Bangladesh, and visionary statesman,” he said. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains an unforgettable name in the history of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic progress, Shahabuddin said. The President expressed his belief that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable honesty, and image as a pragmatic and energetic statesman will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people. “I hope that his active life, profound love for the country, firm stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant development, and ideals will continue to inspire future generations.” As part of the programmes, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead party leaders and activists in offering Fateha and placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00am. Party flag was kept at half-mast and black flag was hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country at 6:00am. Different associate bodies and professional groups of the party took various programmes, including discussions and photo exhibitions highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s life and works. BNP units across the country are observing the day with different programmes in memory of the party founder. The Prime Minister will distribute clothes and dry food items among poor people at 16 spots in Dhaka after visiting the grave. He is expected to distribute food among destitute people in front of the Nayapaltan central office in the afternoon as part of programmes to be organised by five associate bodies and one affiliated organisation. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB that Tarique Rahman is set to attend all the food and clothes distribution programmes at 16 spots. He said the Prime Minister will begin distributing food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 11:30am in front of Rajdhani High School on Manik Mia Avenue. Milad and doa mahfils are also being arranged in observance of the day. BNP leaders and activists have been wearing black badges as part of the eight-day programme. Special supplements have also been published in national newspapers, marking the anniversary. Besides, Sayrul said, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan will distribute relief items among poor people in front of FDC at Karwan Bazar at 11:20am. BNP will arrange a discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31 in observance of the death anniversary of its founder.

The BNP will distribute food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 16 locations across the capital on May 30, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to attend all the programmes as the chief guest. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan told UNB on Tuesday that Tarique Rahman will distribute food items and clothes at the designated spots on the day. He said Dhaka North and South city units of BNP will organise the programmes in 15 constituencies of Dhaka and in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Ministers, MPs and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will remain present at the locations. Lawyers of the Supreme Court are also expected to arrange similar programmes this year. Earlier, BNP announced an eight-day programme from May 25 to June 1, marking the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. As part of the programmes, at 6:00am on May 30, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country. At 11:00am on the same day, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with party leaders and activists, will place wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman and offer prayers there. After visiting the grave, they will participate in a doa mahfil to be organised by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal on the mausoleum premises. As part of the observance, a discussion will be held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to take the country forward, drawing inspiration from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to move the country toward development. Nazrul is the inspiration behind his work,” Rizvi said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the poet’s grave at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of Nazrul’s 127th birth anniversary. He also said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a major source of inspiration in the struggle against fascism. “When we were tortured in remand, Nazrul’s songs, poems and literary works inspired us to survive and resist,” he said. He said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains relevant in both national and social life. The BNP leader said the poet carried the banner of rebellion, equality and humanity, and people drew inspiration from his songs and poems during every national movement. “Kazi Nazrul Islam was the principal inspiration in the struggle against fascism.” Rizvi said Nazrul continues to inspire the implementation of the government’s electoral pledges and national vision. He further said Nazrul would be remembered throughout the year during the Nazrul anniversary celebrations.