United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed seven election rallies in just 16 hours on the first day of his campaign. He addressed the final rally of the day at Gausia in Narayanganj’s Rupganj around 4:30 am Friday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Reach polling centres before Fajr to safeguard votes: Tarique Later, he returned to his Gulshan residence, completing the first day of electioneering. Tarique began his day at 12:30 pm on Thursday with his first rally at Aliya Madrasa field in Sylhet. He then addressed rallies sequentially at Ainpur playground in Sherpur, Moulvibazar, Shayestaganj Upazila field in Habiganj, Kuttapara playground in Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, and a municipal-adjacent area in Narsingdi No loan defaulter to be allowed to rule Bangladesh: Nahid  Traveling continuously for 16 hours, Tarique drew large crowds at rallies along the route late into the night. On the second day of campaigning, Tarique is scheduled to attend an election rally at BRB Ground, Bhashantek, in the Dhaka-17 constituency at 6pm Friday.

A local BNP leader was injured in a gun attack by miscreants in Keraniganj on Thursday night. The victim was identified as Hasan Mollah, 45, son of Akar Mollah of Jagannathpur village under Keraniganj thana. He is the general secretary of Hazratpur Union BNP under the Dhaka-2 constituency. He was shot by unidentified assailants around 9:00pm, said M Saiful Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Keraniganj Model Police Station. He was initially taken to Square Hospital in critical condition and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 10:45 pm for further treatment. Rakib Hossain, younger brother of the injured BNP leader, said miscreants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire in front of the house of the Hero Chairman of Ward No. 7 before fleeing. The bullets hit Hasan Mollah on the right side of his abdomen, he added. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at DMCH, said a man from Keraniganj was brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds and is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency department.  

At least nine supporters of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates were injured following a clash between the groups in Ullapara on the first day of campaigning on Thursday (January 22, 2026). The identities of the injured could not be immediately confirmed, said Rupkar, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Ullapara Model Police Station. Read more: BNP leader shot and injured in Keraniganj OC Rupkar said both sides were campaigning in Tetulia village under the Sirajganj-4 (Ullapara) constituency when a verbal argument escalated into a physical clash. Supporters from both sides reportedly chased each other, and private cars and motorcycles belonging to Jamaat supporters were vandalised. Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Patrolling has been strengthened in the area to prevent further clashes. Legal action will be taken if any formal complaints are filed regarding the incident, added the OC. Read more: No loan defaulter to be allowed to rule Bangladesh: Nahid 

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a political party of trying to mislead people, especially women, by selling ‘tickets-to-heaven’ in exchange for votes. “There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. They are now going to the homes of innocent mothers and sisters and selling ‘tickets to Jannah’. This is not hypocrisy alone as it is outright shirk,” he said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He made the remarks while addressing his party’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon. The BNP chairman recalled that the Jamaat leaders killed many people in 1971 during the country’s Liberation War. “Now they are misleading many people again and dragging them towards shirk (in the name of a ticket to Jannah).” “Those who are deceiving people by hurting religious sentiments before the election—just think how they will deceive the people if they come to power,” he warned the voters. Stating that people are the main strength of his party, Tarique called upon the voters to vote for the party’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy to restore democracy and bring change to people’s lives. “If we want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s destiny through the election scheduled for the 12th of next month, then where should we cast our vote? We must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said. Referring to past sacrifices, the BNP leader said many people shed their blood and many others became victims of enforced disappearances for the right to vote and democracy. Tarique urges voters to back BNP, warns against vote fraud Calling on all citizens to work together for rebuilding the country, Tarique said BNP is committed to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must reintroduce a democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak freely. Which party can guarantee this? Only the Sheaf of Paddy can,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that elections at different levels were held in a largely fair manner when BNP was in power. “People could speak freely, criticise the government and no one was subjected to enforced disappearance or killing,” he added. Tarique alleged that one political party handed over the country’s sovereignty in 1971, while another did the same over the last 16 years. “That is why voting for the Sheaf of Paddy is essential to save the country and change people’s fate.” He also briefly outlined his plans for the country’s future development during the speech. The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman. BNP candidates from different constituencies in the district also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Tarique formally began his election campaign by addressing a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After Moulvibazar, he is scheduled to address rallies in Habiganj’s Shayestaganj, Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, Kishoreganj’s Bhairab, Narsingdi and Narayanganj’s Araihazar and Rupganj areas.

The High Court on Thursday rejected a writ petition filed by BNP-nominated candidate Md. Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan challenging the Election Commission’s decision to cancel his candidacy for the Cumilla-10 constituency (Lalmai-Nangalkot) over dual citizenship issues. A High Court bench comprising Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md Anowarul Islam passed the order, barring him from participating in the national election. Barrister Fida M Kamal and Barrister Ruhul Quddus stood for the BNP candidate while Advocate Yusuf Ali represented the EC. Earlier, on Jan 18, following an appeal hearing at the EC office, the EC annulled Bhuiyan’s candidacy. The appeal was filed by Kazi Nure Alam Siddiqui, a candidate of Bangladesh Cultural Muktijot (Muktijot). After hearing both parties, the EC formally cancelled Bhuiyan’s nomination. On Jan 20, Bhuiyan challenged the EC’s decision at the High Court which was rejected on Thursday.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged voters to back the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the February-12 election to ensure much-sought  good governance and warned them against vote robbery as he hit the campaign trail in Sylhet city on Thursday. “Seeking votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ on the 12th February, I want to say one thing, if, Inshallah, a BNP government is formed in the coming days, we will run the country on the basis of justice, following the example of the Holy Prophet (pbuh),” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing the first election rally at Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet city where thousands of party supporters gathered ahead of the 13th national election. Tarique alleged that attempts are underway to manipulate votes from abroad through the misuse of postal ballots. “You have seen in newspapers and on social media how postal ballots sent to various countries, including the Middle East, have been taken away.” He said the Awami League fled the country on 5 August 2024 after indulging in vote robbery, and that the same plots have now begun again. Stating that people have already seen signs of a conspiracy to steal votes, the BNP Chairman said, “We must remain alert against such plots. They are conspiring from abroad.” The BNP chairman also referred to the sacrifices made during the anti-government movement and the student-led July mass uprising, for restoring democracy and voting rights. He also recalled party leaders and activists who were killed or subjected to enforced disappearance during the long struggle against the Sheikh Hasina regime. Tarique named missing Sylhet BNP leader M Ilias Ali and said 13 people were killed in Sylhet during the 2024 mass uprising. “Through the sacrifices of these lives, as we set out on the path to reclaim our rights, conspirators have already begun plotting.” Sylhet sets the stage as Tarique ready to launch BNP’s election campaign On 5 August 2024, he said the people of Bangladesh proved that a united nation can defeat any conspiracy. “Will you resist again if needed?” he asked the crowd, which responded with chants. Tarique said that elected on 12 January, a BNP-led government will run the country on the basis of justice and fairness. He also outlined several proposed programmes, including family cards for women, farmer cards, health support schemes, employment initiatives for youth, dredging canals and reforms in education and healthcare. “We have freed the country from autocracy and started the journey to restore democracy. That journey will begin in full once you elect the sheaf of paddy on 12 January,” Tarique said. Tarique said his party wants to stand by farmers across Bangladesh and would restart canal excavation programmes to improve irrigation and water management if BNP wins the election. He said the canal excavation drive during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure helped address irrigation needs for farmers and eased water shortages and pledged to revive the programme to bring water back to canals, wetlands and rivers. Tarique also accused the previous government of looting public money in the name of development over the past 15–16 years. “You surely remember how a few years ago water was released from over there and the entire Sylhet city went under floodwater. And how, over the last 15 to 16 years, this country was mortgaged to another country. That is why I said “Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other country—Bangladesh comes first.” He said the ‘Take Back Bangladesh’ campaign is not only about protecting democracy but also about wider commitments, including canal dredging, standing by farmers, empowering women and creating jobs. Tarique Rahman promises family cards for four crore households The rally began shortly before midday. Tarique took to the stage at 12:28pm and spoke for about 23 minutes. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with leaders from Sylhet and Sunamganj, also addressed the gathering.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to formally kick off his party’s campaign for the forthcoming national parliamentary elections today, choosing the historic Government Alia Madrasha ground in Sylhet for what party leaders describe as a politically significant opening rally. Already, party activists and people from various walks of life have begun to gather at the ground ahead of the rally. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will address the people of Sylhet, and start the official campaign for the upcoming national election. Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday evening, landing at Osmani International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at around 8:00 pm. Tarique Rahman promises family cards for four crore households After paying respects at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), he proceeded to his in-laws’ residence in Biraimpur, South Surma, at around 1:00 am. Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman said, “Just as Dr Zubaida is your child, I am also your child. I hope the BNP will be victorious in this area in the election. I take your word with me.” Preparations for the grand rally have been completed, with a 30-foot area in front of the venue barricaded using bamboo poles. A separate section has been reserved in the northern part of the barricaded area for the families of martyrs and those injured in the July incidents. Tarique visits shrines of Shahjalal, Shah Paran; offers prayers BNP Organising Secretary G K Gaus said the rally will also formally introduce party- and alliance-nominated candidates for six constituencies in Sylhet and five in Sunamganj, as well as candidates from 19 constituencies across the Sylhet division. Meanwhile, the convoy carrying Tarique Rahman has already reached the rally venue.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party would introduce family cards for four crore households if his party comes to power. He made the remarks during an interactive discussion with youths at a hotel in Sylhet in the morning. The BNP leader said the card would be issued in the name of the female head of each family and would provide a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500, along with essential food items. Tarique also promised to modernise technical education to enhance skills for people seeking overseas employment and stressed the importance of learning foreign languages. Police ban drone use during BNP rally in Sylhet The event, titled 'The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman', allowed young participants, mostly students from various educational institutions, to share their views and seek guidance. Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a public rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet.  

BNP has fielded the highest candidates 288 while Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting the February 12 parliamentary election with 224 candidates across the country. A total of 1,732 contenders from 51 registered political parties and 249 independent candidates are competing in the national election from the country's 300 constituencies, according to the Election Commission’s latest statistics released on Wednesday night. Of the total candidates, 1,972 are contesting in 298 constituencies and nine have been declared valid candidates in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. Among other participating parties, 253 candidates are from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, while 192 from Jatiya Party, 90 from Gono Odhikar Parishad, 65 from Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), 42 from Insaniat Biplap Bangladesh, 39 from Basad, 34 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and 32 from National Citizen Party-NCP. This time Awami League is out of the electoral race as its registration remains suspended since the interim government slapped a ban on its activities. Besides, eight other registered political parties didn't join the  election. The eight parties included Bangladesh Workers Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Trinimul BNP, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Krishan Sramik Janata League, Bangladesher Samybadi Dal (ML), NAP and BNM. Fifteen candidates are vying for the Dhaka-12 seat in the polls, the highest from a constituency in the country, while only two contenders, from BNP and Jamaat, are running in Pirojpur-1, the lowest. The total number of contesting candidates stands at 1,972 in 298 constituencies (except Pabna-1 & 2). But, the figure is expected to rise further once the candidates from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are finalised and if the court would direct the EC to allow any other to run in the election. According to the EC statistics , 305 candidates withdrew from the race by the final deadline. In the election, the lowest two candidates -- BNP’s Alamgir Hossain and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Masud Sayeedi-- are running from Pirojpur-1 constituency. Besides, three contenders are in the electoral race from 14 other constituencies --Thakurgaon-1, Joypurhat-2, Naogaon-2, Meherpur-2, Chuadanga-1 and 2, Khulna-2,Tangail-7, Netrakona-5, Manikganj-2, Dhaka-2, Sunamganj-1 & 2, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1. At least 10 contestants are running from 32 parliamentary seats. Dhaka-12 leads with 15 candidates, followed by Narayanganj-4 with 13. Khulna-1, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-14 and Gazipur-2 each have 12 contenders. According to the EC statistics released on Wednesday (which differed with its previous statistics), a total of 2,580 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the election by the December 29, 2025 deadline. Among them, the returning officers declared 1,855 nomination papers valid and rejected 725 others during the scrutiny from December 30 to January 04 last. Following the disposal of appeals filed challenging the decisions of the returning officers, though 436 invalid candidates regained their candidacies, five valid candidates lost their candidatures. Later, 305 candidates withdrew their candidacies by the January-20 deadline. Highest Candidates in 30 Years Ultimately the number of contesting candidates stood at 1,972 for 298 constituencies (nine valid candidates for Pabna-1 and 2 not included here), beating out the last five general elections. Even without them though, the number of candidates making it onto the ballot this time will be the highest since 1996, despite the absence of the Awami League and some other parties staying away of their own accord. As many as 1,896 contesting candidates and 28 political parties were in the race in the 12th parliamentary election (held on January 7, 2024), while 1,861 candidates and 39 political parties in the 11th parliamentary election ( December 30, 2018). In the 10th parliamentary election held in 2014, only 390 candidates and 12 political parties contested from 147 constituencies, while 153 other parliamentary seats went uncontested. Candidacy appeals: All dual citizenship-related petitions to be settled Sunday Earlier, a total of 1,567 candidates and 38 political parties contested the 9th parliamentary election (December 29, 2008), while 1,939 candidates and 54 political parties in the 8th parliamentary election (October 1, 2001) and 2,574 candidates and 81 political parties in the 7th parliamentary election (June 12, 1996). The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night. He later performed Nafl prayers at 9:05pm, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. At 9:30pm, Tarique Rahman also visited the grave of late General (retired) M. A. G. Osmani, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Army. Earlier, the BNP chairman, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Sylhet by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 7:20pm and reached Osmani International Airport, Sylhet, at around 8:04pm to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election, with plans to address seven rallies on Thursday.