Amid its plan to announce fresh action programmes, senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday said the one-point demand of BNP and its like-minded parties has not yet been fully met, as democracy and the rule of people through the national election have not been established. “Our one-point demand includes the fall of fascism and the establishment of democracy and the rule of people through a free and fair election. A part of our demand was met with the fall of fascism through the July-August uprising of students, workers, and the masses,” he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote. The BNP leader said they have been holding rallies, discussions and raising their voices to ensure the remaining part of their demand is met as soon as possible. As part of their efforts to consolidate unity and seek the opinions of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote on the next general election, BNP liaison committee members held the meeting with the alliance's leaders at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader said they have been holding rallies, discussions, and raising their voices to ensure the remaining part of their demand is met as soon as possible. As a journalist asked whether the unmet demand is the election, Nazrul replied affirmatively, saying, "That is what remains unfulfilled. Fascism has fallen, but democracy has not yet been restored." BNP, like-minded parties to announce fresh action programme soon He said democracy will be restored when people are able to entrust their elected representatives with the responsibility of running the country by exercising their right to vote in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said they maintain strong ties and unity with the parties that have long been part of their movement. He said the BNP liaison committee held meetings with the Samamona Jote and the 12-Party Alliance as part of their ongoing efforts to move forward together in the coming days. Nazrul said they discussed the country’s overall political, economic, and social situation with senior leaders from the 10 parties under the Samamona Jote. “As we’re united in the political movement, we share almost the same mindset.” He said they talked about their future course of action in light of the current situation but did not reach a final decision. The BNP leader said they will decide on their next steps based on the opinions of different parties and alliances. In response to a question, Nazrul said they want the Chief Adviser to present a clear election roadmap, eliminating any confusion surrounding the process. Samamona Jote chief Fariduzzaman Frahad said the country’s current problems cannot be resolved unless an elected government is formed through a credible election. He also urged the government to announce a specific election date, rather than delaying the polls under the pretext of reforms. Farhad said they discussed potential action programmes to realise their demands, and the final programmes would be announced later. BNP begins talks with allies over national election Meanwhile, the BNP began talks with like-minded political parties by holding its first meeting with the 12-Party Alliance leaders. Later, they held meetings with the leaders of the Samamona Jote. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman and Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo attended the meeting. After the meeting with the Samamona Jote, the BNP leaders had another meeting with the leaders of the Labour Party. A delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was also scheduled to meet with BNP leaders today (Saturday), but the meeting has been rescheduled. A BNP Standing Committee member, wishing anonymity, said they would discuss the country’s latest political situation and seek the opinions of the alliance partners regarding the upcoming election, the government’s reform initiatives and the Chief Adviser’s probable election roadmap. He said they would work out their next course of action based on the suggestions of their like-minded political parties, aiming to press for the election to be held as soon as possible.

BNP on Saturday began talks with political parties that waged a simultaneous movement with it against the Awami League regime to consolidate unity and seek their opinions on the next general election. The fresh round of talks with all its allied political parties started with the first meeting of the 12-party alliance leaders. CA’s election statement disappointing, says Fakhrul BNP liaison committee members, headed by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, participated in the meeting, which began around 4 pm. BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman and BNP Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo also attended the meeting. Later, the party is also scheduled to hold meetings with the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, LDP and the Labour Party today. Fakhrul visits Labaid to pay homage to Adviser Hassan Ariff The party will also hold meetings with other like-mined parties and alliances in the days to come.  A party Standing Committee member said they would discuss the country’s latest political situation and seek the opinions of the alliance partners regarding the upcoming election, the government’s reform initiatives and the Chief Adviser’s probable election roadmap. He said they would work out their next course of action based on the suggestions of their like-minded political parties. The BNP leader said they also planned to focus on further strengthening their unity and convey a message to the alliance partners to speak in unison to mount pressure on the government to hold the national election as soon as possible, without unnecessary delays. He said they would also discuss the ongoing efforts by those involved in the anti-discrimination movement to form a political party, the "Jatiya Nagorik Committee." The BNP leader expressed concerns that the government might try to schedule the election for 2026, giving the "Jatiya Nagorik Committee" enough time to organise itself. "We have no objection if anyone launches a political party. But we do object if any party is formed under the patronage of the interim government and the state. We also oppose any delay in the election solely to provide a party with space to organise under the pretext of reforms." BNP welcomes HC verdict scrapping part of 15th Amendment Earlier on December 16, Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus indicated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election might be scheduled for the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026. A day later, his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, clarified that the next general election could be expected to take place by June 30, 2026. "He (CA) has provided a timeline. What could be a clearer roadmap than this? You can expect the election to be held by June 30, 2026. This is a clear roadmap," he said while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed left for London on Friday. He took a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40 am, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said Salahuddin is travelling to London to meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss party matters. Protect country’s resources from ‘vulture eyes’: Tarique Sayrul also said Salahuddin’s daughter resides in London and he is expected to spend some time with her during his visit. Earlier, on November 30, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir travelled to London and returned on December 12. During his stay there, Fakhrul met Tarique Rahman, participated in various party events, and exchanged views with local journalists.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged party leaders and activists to brace for a relentless struggle to safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty, warning that conspirators at home and abroad are eyeing the country’s resources with "vulture eyes". “The conspiracy has not stopped. You have passed the test by fighting for democracy…But the exam is not over yet. There are more tests ahead. It is a struggle in favour of the people and democracy. It’s a war for independence and sovereignty. If we are to win this war, we must continue to fight,” he said while virtually addressing BNP workshops. “The workshops, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," were organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Munshiganj, Narsingdi and Manikganj districts. BNP welcomes HC verdict scrapping part of 15th Amendment Tarique said the conspiracy by mischievous elements, both within the country and abroad, against the BNP, its leaders, and the nation, does not stop. "Many are greedily eyeing the country’s financial and natural resources. If chaos can be stirred in the country, or if a weak government, lacking popular support and not representing the people, can be kept in power, then many will have the opportunity to loot the country's wealth," he warned. The BNP leader said the interests of the country and its people will remain secure if a public-supported, pro-people, and patriotic government is in power. “In such a case, those who eye the country’s money, wealth, and natural resources with vulture-like greed will think twice.” He once again urged his party leaders and workers to work on building the people’s confidence in the BNP and securing public support to win the next election. “We have no alternative but to stay with the people and engage with them constantly to overcome the hurdle of the election with their support,” Tarique said. Mentioning that BNP leaders and workers faced serious ordeals and challenges in their political journey, he urged them to use all their experience, knowledge, and prudence to win the people’s support. He said their party will gradually implement the 31-point proposal if it gets the chance to form the government with the support of people. CA’s election statement disappointing, says Fakhrul Tarique said the people of Bangladesh can play a crucial role in helping the BNP implement the 31-point outline, which was formulated in consultation with all the parties that waged the simultaneous movement against the Awami League regime. He said their party is open to accepting any better proposals from other parties or individuals for the welfare of the people and the country. The BNP leader believes that a positive change will come for the country and its people if the BNP can begin working on the implementation of the 31-point proposal. “We will only be able to implement the 31-point plan if we have the public's support. So, we must go to the people and gain their support at any cost. We must convince them by constantly engaging with them,” he observed.

The BNP on Thursday welcomed the High Court verdict that scrapped part of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, as the party said it has recognised that an elected parliament is the appropriate forum for constitutional amendments. "We welcome and appreciate this verdict," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said while addressing a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The Court recognised that the next elected parliament will be the only appropriate forum for amending the Constitution, he added. When asked whether their party had achieved what it wanted from the court's verdict on the 15th Amendment, the BNP secretary general said they had submitted various proposals as intervenors during the hearing, but he noted that the court did not fully consider their proposals. Earlier on Tuesday, the High Court scrapped part of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution that had abolished the non-partisan caretaker government system and also issued various observations. Internet shutdown was as per Hasina’s directive: Palak Explaining the High Court verdict, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the apex court acknowledged that Parliament holds the jurisdiction to amend the Constitution. He said all the things that truly undermined the basic structure of the Constitution, the principles of democracy, and altered the character of the Constitution were declared unconstitutional and illegal by the court. Salahuddin said the court also paved the way for reinstating the caretaker government system, recognising it as a fundamental aspect of the Constitution. He said the verdict also reinstated Article 96, which pertains to the Supreme Judicial Council, as well as the provision on referendums. Salahuddin said the court annulled some clauses that the Awami League had introduced as political tools. The BNP leader said the fascist Awami government had declared almost a third of the constitution unamendable, which were nullified by the verdict. "The Constitution is not such a document that cannot be changed... the court declared those provisions invalid and abolished them. The Supreme Court has the authority to interpret all laws passed by Parliament if they contain unconstitutional elements. The court has left the remaining matters to Parliament, possibly because it may have felt that there are political decisions to be made here," he said. The BNP leader said the next politically elected Parliament will decide on all amendments. Later, Mirza Fakhrul said all elections, including the local body ones, held under the fascist Sheikh Hasina government were illegal. CA’s election statement disappointing, says Fakhrul He said their party earlier repeatedly called upon the interim government to dissolve all local government bodies. "All were dissolved except for the Union Parishad. We demanded that it should also be cancelled immediately." In response to a question about whether the BNP wants to put former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque on trial for his involvement in the process of illegally amending the Constitution, the BNP Secretary General said, “When the opportunity comes, he will definitely be brought to justice."

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday described the Chief Adviser’s statement on the upcoming national election as "unclear and disappointing." "The statement regarding the election in the Chief Adviser's speech is ambiguous," he said while speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan. The BNP Secretary General said they had expected that the Chief Adviser would present a clear roadmap for the election within a specific timeframe. "But he did not do so. This has been somewhat disappointing for us as well as for the nation," he said. Since the Election Commission has already been formed, Fakhrul said there is no problem for it to begin preparations for conducting the election. "It is possible to do that very quickly.” He also pointed out that the "contradictory statements" made by the Chief Adviser and his press secretary about the election timeline have created confusion about the government’s exact plan for the polls. Earlier on Monday, Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, in a national address, hinted that the 13th National Parliamentary Election could be held either at the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. His Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said that it can be expected that the next general election will be held in the country by June 30, 2026. “He (CA) has mentioned a time. What could be a clearer roadmap than this? You can expect the election to be held by June 30, 2026. This is a clear roadmap,” he said while briefing reporters over the current issues at the Foreign Service Academy. Muktijoddha Dal’s gathering postponed for Khaleda’s illness   Fakhrul said the Chief Adviser had mentioned the elections would be held at the end of 2025 or early 2026. "Then, his press secretary said the elections would be arranged by June 2026.” He said the statements from the Chief Adviser's press secretary are contradictory to what the Chief Adviser himself said. “So, exactly we don't know which one is right.” Asked whether they considered the Chief Adviser's announced timeline for the elections to be logical, Fakhrul replied that it did not appear to be. "As we have said, we are disappointed by it." The press conference was organised to announce the decisions made at a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee held on Monday night. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, which he attended virtually. Fakhrul said their meeting elaborately discussed the Chief Adviser's address to the nation and the explanation given by his press secretary about the election. "The BNP Standing Committee thinks that the Chief Adviser's speech on the election was unclear. While a possible timeline for the election was mentioned, no specific details were given regarding the electoral roadmap," he said. Fakhrul said the BNP policymakers also noted that the Chief Adviser mentioned the election timeline as either by the end of 2025 or in the first part of 2026. "This is ambiguous, as no specific timeframe was provided.” On the other hand, he said, the meeting observed that the Chief Adviser’s press secretary created confusion by making a contradictory statement that the election would be held by June 2026. "The meeting believed that such contradictory statements had only added to the confusion. It also observed that, since the Election Commission has already been formed, there’s no need to delay the election. By completing the necessary electoral reforms, the polls could be held promptly," Fakhrul said. He said the people of the country expect a clear statement from the Chief Adviser on the specific timeframe for the election. "The meeting felt that the exact timing of the elections should be determined through consultation with political parties and other stakeholders." Tarique urges BNP followers to prioritise reform over revenge  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that several agents of conspirators have infiltrated the party and urged its leaders to take strong action against anyone attempting to defame the organisation for personal gain. “Our leaders and workers have maintained people's trust in the party despite immense repression and suppression. If anyone among us tries to ruin this trust for their own interests, I urge you to take stern action against them and suppress such people with strong hands,” he said while virtually addressing BNP’s three workshops simultaneously. The workshop, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur Divisions.  The Dhaka Division's programme was held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Over 2,500 grassroots leaders from the party's upazila, thana and municipality units participated in the workshops. Accountable govt, functional parliament can safeguard people’s power: Tarique Tarique Rahman urged party leaders at all levels to closely monitor the activities of their subordinates to ensure that no one can tarnish the reputation of the party for personal gains. He said their party must return to power with the support of the people to implement their 31-point proposal and serve the public. "Our long struggle, sacrifices, and plans will be in vain if we fail to achieve this. We need the public's support to succeed.” The BNP leader urged his party colleagues to follow the right path with the right actions. "We must avoid immoral activities. Instead, we must speak out against unethical practice and take a strong stance against misdeeds.” He also called upon the party leaders and workers to take a vow to keep the people’s confidence at any cost. Tarique said BNP now enjoys the support of the majority of the people in Bangladesh, making it the cause of jealousy among many political parties. "Many plots are also being hatched against our party.” He asked party leaders and workers to stay vigilant about the conspiracies being plotted against them. "They have planted many agents within our party as part of these schemes. We must remain alert and cautious," the BNP leader warned. He once again cautioned BNP leaders and workers that the next election will be tougher than any previous polls, despite their main opponent having weakened. "We must prepare ourselves in such a way that we can overcome the challenges of this toughest election with the support of the people. Stay with the people and keep the people with you," he said. Tarique said the main goal of their party is to change the fate of people and move the country forward.  The country’s crores of people are looking to the BNP with a great hope as they have confidence in it, he said. "People ask BNP leaders and workers when the election will be held. They ask you this question because they believe you can work for their welfare. They think their future and fate are tied to your actions," the BNP leader said. People deserve to know state reform timeline: Tarique Rahman He said that gaining the confidence of people is the greatest asset for any political party, leader, or worker. "If people trust you, it's a significant political achievement for you. It is also your duty to maintain that trust." Describing every leader and worker of BNP as an ambassador of the party, Tarique said the people will judge the party based on their activities. He acknowledged that, as a political party, it is natural for BNP to seek elections, and there is nothing wrong with demanding polls. “Those who can garner public support will govern the country." The BNP leader, however, said they want a free and fair election where people can cast their votes freely. “BNP does not believe in nighttime elections or vote fraud. The right of the people to vote must be restored at any cost. The state should be reformed with the support of the people.” Tarique also promised that if BNP returns to power, it will ensure press freedom and the protection of other rights for the people. He said that their party, along with the people of the country, forced the autocratic government to flee. "Although the heads of the autocratic regime have escaped, many of its remnants still remain in the country and they’re hatching various schemes. We must remain alert about it.”

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said reforms in the country must be carried out in Parliament with people’s mandate through a democratic process. “There is no point in telling us about reforms. Reforms must be implemented through the democratic process with people’s mandate in Parliament,” he said told a discussion. The Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) organised a programme titled "Martyr President Ziaur Rahman and Today's Bangladesh" at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said if any changes are to be made through reforms in the future, they will be achieved through correction and filtration within the democratic process. CPD emerged as a vital platform for public interest beyond political boundaries, Amir Khosru says “Reforms will continue as it is a democratic process.  Reforms belong to the people of Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader also said the party will form a national government with people’s mandate in the near future and fully implement its 31-point reform proposal in Parliament. Speaking at the programme, another BNP standing committee member, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, said the BNP carried out reforms at different times in line with the hopes and expectations of the people. Amir Khosru optimistic about fair elections under new EC He said BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman initiated the state reforms from the very first day in office to restore order and ensure the country's economic progress. “All the good things and reforms in Bangladesh have come through the hands of BNP. No matter how much others talk about reforms, we must learn from BNP how to reform the country,” the BNP leader said. Dr Zahid called upon BNP leaders and activists to garner more public support for the implementation of the party’s 31-point reform proposal.

Unknown attackers opened fire at the residence of a local BNP leader in Bagatipara Upazila's Jayantipur area on Monday midnight. Abdur Rashid Chowdhury, former president of Dayarampur union BNP, said a group of people on motorbikes stopped near his house and fired gunshots indiscriminately before fleeing the scene. Woman killed, husband injured in Meherpur road accident The bullets struck several parts of the house including its windows and walls. But the inmates remained unharmed. Bagatipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam said that they visited the spot and will investigate the attack.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned to his Gulshan residence on Monday afternoon after receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Savar Cantonment for over two hours. The BNP Secretary General returned home at 2 pm, said party’s standing committee member Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. He said Fakhrul’s condition is now stable, and he is doing well. “He is now taking rest.” Fakhrul falls sick, taken to Savar CMH Zahid said the BNP Secretary General underwent several tests at the CMH. “The reports are good. The doctors at the CMH reviewed the results and discharged the BNP Secretary General, allowing him to return home.” He said that Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths at the National Memorial. “There was a huge crowd there. When the Secretary General was about to speak to the press after paying tribute, he fell ill due to the pressure of the crowd,” Zahid said. Rizvi slams interim govt over price hike, extortion He was rushed to the CMH. “By the grace of Allah, upon arriving at the hospital, specialist doctors from various departments, including Medicine, Cardiology, and ICU, promptly began treating the Secretary General and conducted some tests.”