United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return home on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years in exile in London, a historic event that has generated widespread interest, emotion and political anticipation across the country. The flight carrying Tarique is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50am via Sylhet airport from London’s Heathrow along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and others. BNP has completed extensive preparations to welcome its top leader, with efforts taken to ensure maximum security. Senior leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. After arrival, Tarique will briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation near the 300 Feet area of the capital, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. He will offer thanks to the people and perform a brief prayer of gratitude for his safe return. Tarique’s political adviser Mahdi Amin said the BNP Acting Chairman’s first and main priority upon landing is to visit Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment there since November 23. However, considering the huge turnout of people and respecting public sentiment, he will stop briefly at the July 36 Expressway (300 Feet area) to express gratitude to the nation before proceeding to the hospital. After visiting his mother, he will go directly to his residence at House 196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay with his family. Mahdi Amin said the programme at 300 Feet is not a rally or reception. “It is only a short moment to thank the people and request prayers for the country, its people and Madam Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman will be the sole speaker,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience, BNP has set up 20 medical camps across Dhaka with doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances. A six-bed temporary field hospital has also been arranged near the 300 Feet area, supported by ICU-equipped ambulances. Pure drinking water, mobile toilets and several thousand volunteers have been deployed to assist the public. Separate bus parking areas have been designated at key entry points to the capital to ease traffic congestion. Help desks have been set up at Kakoli, in front of the airport and at Abdullahpur to ensure smooth movement of airport-bound passengers, returning expatriates and ambulances, including motorbike escorts for emergencies. Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the entire programme will be broadcast live on BNP’s official Facebook pages, including BNP, BNP Media Cell and Our BNP, so people at home and abroad can watch it. Thirty large LED screens have been set up so people can watch the programme live. A three-layer security system has been put in place at the reception venue. Alongside government security, BNP has its own special arrangements. Retired Brigadier General ATM Shamsul Islam, head of Tarique’s security team, said tight security will be maintained throughout the programme. “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security,” he said. Shamsul Islam said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. Large banners welcoming Tarique have appeared on major roads and intersections in the capital. The banners show him greeting people with raised hands, carrying slogans such as “Leader is coming,” “Tarique Rahman’s return, awakening of democracy,” “Bangladesh for all, Bangladesh first,” and “Tarique Rahman is coming, hope is rising.” Top leaders of parties that joined the long anti-fascist movement and leaders of the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, have been invited to attend the brief programme near 300 Feet. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats After returning, Tarique will regularly work from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where a new office room has been prepared for him on the second floor. A separate chamber has also been set up for the Acting Chairman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Both the Nayapaltan central office and the Gulshan chairperson’s office have been freshly painted, cleaned and decorated to mark his return. In preparation for the upcoming election, BNP has rented a four-storey building on Road No 90 in Gulshan as an election office. The building has strict security arrangements, a briefing room on the second floor, seating for various departments and a research cell. Mahdi Amin said the office will serve as a coordination centre for all election-related activities. Tarique has spent more than a decade and a half in exile in London. During this period, he lived there with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. From abroad, he continued to run the party, stayed in touch with leaders and activists, and guided BNP’s political strategy. Tarique Rahman is travelling on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ (BG-102) flight along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and his late brother Arafat Rahman Koko’s two daughters—Jahia Rahman and Jafia Rahman. Journalist Saleh Shibli and a few of his personal aides are also on board the flight. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family. Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes It will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders say her return symbolizes the close of a long chapter of forced separation from the country. Tarique’s homecoming has sparked strong emotions among political circles, BNP leaders and activists, and the general public. Many political observers see the return not merely as that of a party leader, but as the end of a long wait and a moment tied to broader public hopes and expectations, with the possibility of one of the largest political gatherings in the country’s history. They also consider his return as a significant step towards political unity and the restoration of democracy through an inclusive and credible election. Excitement and enthusiasm have swept through BNP leaders and activists in the capital and beyond as the long-awaited return of the party’s Acting Chairman is set to take place on Thursday, ending years of speculation and debate over his homecoming. BNP activists from different parts of the country have already begun arriving in Dhaka to catch a glimpse of their leader. BNP leaders said nine special trains have been arranged to bring supporters from different parts of the country to Dhaka. BNP leaders say Tarique will lead the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He is expected to contest the election from Bogura-6 constituency. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique will be the party’s main leader in the election. “Under his leadership, we will cross the electoral hurdle successfully. If we receive the people’s mandate, Tarique Rahman will lead the next government,” Fakhrul said. Tarique Rahman awaits a historic welcome on Dec 25: Salahuddin He also said despite living in exile for years, Tarique remained closely connected with the party and proved his leadership through effective organisational management. BNP has asked its leaders and activists not to carry the party’s electoral symbol during the reception, as the election schedule has already been announced. Banners, festoons and placards will be allowed, but no election symbol will be displayed. Tarique left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after being released from jail during the military-backed caretaker government period and later settled in the United Kingdom with his family. During his exile, he faced numerous cases and legal hurdles. Following recent political changes and legal processes, he was cleared of all cases. Though Dr Zubaida Rahman visited Bangladesh twice earlier, Tarique Rahman was unable to return until now. Political analysts say the ongoing political crisis can only be resolved through elections, and Tarique Rahman’s return may help ease tensions. They note that he successfully united dozens of parties in the anti-fascist movement, proving his political experience and organisational strength. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at a press conference on Wednesday sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. He said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience.            

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday told the Election Commission (EC) that providing VVIP facilities to someone while denying theses to others is the violation of a level playing field in the election. “If someone gets many facilities, even VVIP facilities, while others do not, that cannot be called a level playing field,” said Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair while briefing reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. A three-member Jamaat delegation met the CEC in the afternoon at Nirbachon Bhaban in the city. The Jamaat leader said their leaders who are playing roles in the election, including the Ameer-e-Jamaat, the Secretary General and other central and top leaders, will conduct extensive tours in different areas. “They will need to travel massively. We have drawn attention to their security issues.” Read more: Jamaat-e-Islami backs Inqilab Moncho’s 24-hour ultimatum for Hadi killers He said the Election Commission told them that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry and the EC would talk to it and take necessary initiatives from its side. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said a big party is violating the election code of conduct and they (Jamaat) sought immediate steps in this regard. “You may have seen various types of cards issued by a big party. We have seen those mainly through journalist friends. They are making different promises. They will distribute so many lakhs or crores of cards. They are promising that cardholders will receive thousands or lakhs of taka per card. These acts are clear violations of the election rules and the code of conduct,” he said. The Jamaat leader said they told the Commission to take action in this regard. “We have drawn their attention and urged them to take immediate measures.” Replying to a question, Ahsanul Mahboob said cards are being distributed by a big party. “They are saying 50 crore cards will be given. Each person will receive lakhs of taka.” He said they asked the EC to install CCTV cameras at polling stations as it is very important for ensuring a free and fair election. Read more: Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation  “If CCTV cameras are not installed, we believe terrorists and those with ill intentions will get a major opportunity to disrupt and sabotage the election. If CCTV cameras are there, we hope that opportunity will no longer exist,” he added. The Jamaat leader said they also discussed the overall law and order situation and recommended recovery of illegal arms and the arrest of listed criminals.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said the government welcomes BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s scheduled homecoming on Thursday morning, affirming that all cooperation sought by his party is being extended with necessary security measures in place. "We welcome his return," he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. In terms of security, Alam said, things are being looked after in consultation with BNP keeping in mind what the party wants.   "From our part, we have the highest effort," said the Press Secretary, stressing that required security measures have been taken from the government side. Homebound Finally: Tarique set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad was also present. Regarding youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killers, Press Secretary Alam said the government is working with the highest priority in this regard.   "We are getting some vital clues. We have the highest efforts to investigate the matter," he said, referring to some arrests. After 17 years in exile, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman is poised to return home on Thursday morning (December 25, 2025), a moment the party describes as both politically significant and emotionally charged. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed a detailed timeline at a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday (December 24, 2025). According to the plan, Tarique Rahman will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. The aircraft is scheduled to land in Dhaka at 11:55am. From the airport, Tarique will proceed directly to a public reception arranged on the service lane of the 300 Feet Road, where he will deliver a brief address to supporters. To minimise public inconvenience and traffic congestion in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman alone will speak at the reception, said Salahuddin. After the programme, he will visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara, to enquire about her health. He will then return to his designated residence in Gulshan. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. He is also scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial. On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent around 18 months in prison. After his release in 2008, he left for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. Although he has been leading the party from abroad, his return now comes as he prepares to take a more direct role in party affairs after a long 17-year absence.  

BNP has reached an electoral understanding with seven more alliance partners of the anti-fascist movement, leaving eight parliamentary seats for them for the upcoming national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday afternoon (December 24, 2025). Under the arrangement, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna will contest from Bogura-2, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) leader Mostafa Jamal Haider from Pirojpur-1, and National People’s Party (NPP) Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad from Narail-2. Islami Oikya Jote leader Mufti Rashid Bin Wakkas will contest from Jashore-5, while Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur will contest from Patuakhali-3 and the party’s General Secretary Rashed Khan from Jhenaidah-4. Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque will contest from Dhaka-12, and Ganosanghati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki from Brahmanbaria-6. LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan joins BNP Fakhrul said BNP reached the understanding after long discussions with the parties that simultaneously took part in the anti-fascist movement. “After detailed discussions with our partners in the simultaneous movement, we have reached agreements on these seats. I am sharing the list with you today.” He said discussions with other partners are still ongoing and more decisions may be announced later. Read more: LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan joins BNP The BNP Secretary General also said Cumilla-7 seat has been allocated to Dr Redowan Ahmed, who joined BNP on Wednesday, while Dhaka-13 has been allocated to NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, who is expected to join the party soon. Fakhrul said alliance partners will contest the election with their respective party symbols, while those who have joined BNP will contest with the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. Warning party leaders and activists, Fakhrul said BNP will not field any candidate in the seats left for alliance partners as per the central decision. “If anyone contests as an independent candidate in those seats, organisational action will be taken against them,” he said. BNP Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the press conference. Earlier on Tuesday, the party announced to leave four seats for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The Jamiat candidates are Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. BNP has already announced party candidates for 272 of the 300 parliamentary seats in two phases. Read more: Homebound Finally: Tarique set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning Of the remaining 28 seats, four were allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh on Tuesday, while eight more seats were allocated to other alliance partners on Wednesday. Sixteen seats are yet to be finalised.

After 17 years in exile, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman is poised to return home on Thursday morning, a moment the party describes as both politically significant and emotionally charged. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed a detailed timeline at a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday. According to the plan, Tarique Rahman will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman and their beloved pet cat Jebu. Party sources said senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. Arrival & Programmes “Our leader will leave London on a regular Bangladesh Airlines flight from Heathrow Airport around midnight (Bangladesh time). After a transit stop in Sylhet, he will arrive in Dhaka at 11:50am tomorrow (Thursday) morning, Insha’Allah,” said Salahuddin. He said BNP Standing Committee members will receive the party’s Acting Chairman at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. From the airport, the BNP leader said, Tarique will proceed directly to join a reception programme as their party has arranged on the 36 July Expressway (300 Feet Road). “It will be a short programme. He (Tarique) will speak there thanking the people of the country, expressing his gratitude, and offering gratefulness to the Almighty Allah,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience and traffic congestion in Dhaka, Salahuddin said Tarique alone will speak at the reception. After the programme, he said the BNP Acting Chairman will visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara. After spending some time beside Khaleda, Tarique will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of his father and BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.  He is also later scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Read more: Sense of insecurity gripped nation ahead of Tarique’s homecoming: Abbas On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Advance Apology Salahuddin, on behalf of BNP, sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. “You know that Mr Tarique Rahman does not support any programme that may cause public inconvenience. He has already asked expatriate leaders, activists, and supporters not to gather at London’s Heathrow Airport on the day of his departure from there” he said. In Bangladesh too, the BNP leader said that although they sincerely tried to follow his instructions to avoid causing public suffering, it may not have been possible to fully comply.  “So, we express our advance apology and regret for any public inconvenience.” Salahuddin said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience. He said the programme at the 300 Feet Road is neither a public rally nor a reception. “It is only meant for him to express sincere gratitude to the people of the country and to request prayers for the well-being of the party chairperson and everyone in the country. There will be no second speaker at the event besides him.” The BNP leader said no matter how much they try to keep the event small, they do not have the ability to control the large flow of leaders, activists and supporters who has been waiting for 17 years and are coming to the capital from all parts of the country. “Still, we have instructed our supporters to mostly use the Kanchan Bridge to reach the venue.” He also outlined arrangements in the capital, including reception points at different locations, designated parking areas for vehicles, medical camps and field hospitals. Security Arrangements BNP Chairperson’s Chief Security Officer retired Brigadier General AKM Saiful Islam said, “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security.” He said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. “We have developed close coordination with them. By integrating government organisations with our party’s own strength, we hope to build the strongest possible security arrangement based on the known security needs.” No Gathering at Sylhet Airport BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their beloved leader, Tarique Rahman, will return to the country on a Bangladesh Airlines flight, which will first land at Sylhet Airport. He instructed leaders and activists of Sylhet city and district not to gather at the airport. “No leaders or activists from Sylhet city or district should gather at the airport. No one should go there. Our leader will continue on the same flight to Dhaka. After arriving in Dhaka, he will speak to the people of the country at the programme we have arranged there,” Rizvi said. Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent around 18 months in prison. After his release in 2008, he left for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. Although he has been leading the party from abroad, his return now comes as he prepares to take a more direct role in party affairs after a long 17-year absence. Read more: BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats

Dr Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday and will contest the upcoming national election from the Cumilla-7 constituency under the party’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. Redwan Ahmed arrived at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in the morning and formally joined the party at simple programme, leaving the LDP. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “We were part of the joint movement, and I agree with the number of seats BNP will leave for the LDP as an alliance partner. However, my party chairman Oli Ahmed does not agree with this decision.” He said most members of the LDP Standing Committee, as well as leaders and activists across the country, shared his position. “I hope Oli Ahmed will reconsider and agree to an electoral understanding with the BNP….whether he contests the election or not, I will contest it in agreement with BNP. I have been associated with the BNP since its early days, which is why I am formally returning to the party and will take part in the election,” Redwan said. Read more: BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats He also confirmed that he has already submitted his resignation letter to the LDP chairman and claimed that many LDP leaders and activists nationwide would join the BNP and work for its candidates. Welcoming him, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir congratulated Redwan Ahmed, saying his return was like “a son coming back home” and that it would further strengthen the BNP. He announced that Redwan Ahmed would contest the next election as the BNP candidate from the Cumilla-7 constituency. BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the joining ceremony. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said she hopes to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh and understand the country better by connecting directly with people. She made the remarks in a personal Facebook post in which she shared reflections on her family, roots and journey ahead of her return to Bangladesh. In the post, Zaima recalled her childhood memories with her grandmother, fondly calling her ‘Dadu’, and described Khaleda Zia as a caring and proud family figure despite carrying the responsibilities of leading the nation. “One of my most cherished memories of my Dadu captures her fiercely loving and loyal matriarchal role in our family. When I was around eleven, our high school team won a football tournament. My mother took me straight to Dadu’s office so that I could show her my medal and tell her about it myself. As I animatedly recounted my goalkeeping ‘heroics’, I was keenly aware of how attentive and proud she was. So much so that she would share that childhood story with others,” Zaima said. Read more: Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes She wrote that while millions knew Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister, to her and her cousins she was first a loving grandmother who always made time for her family and celebrated their small achievements. Zaima said those moments became her first lessons in leadership, humility, sincerity and the importance of listening to others. 'Seventeen years away from Bangladesh have been transformative, but I never forgot to tend to and cultivate my roots. Why? Because we are shaped by what we anchor ourselves to our culture, community, and identity. Like many second and third generation Bangladeshis abroad, I have lived in more than one world. London grounded me and gave me a global perspective, but Bangladesh always remained my focus," she said. Zaima also shared her experience of studying and practising law, saying that working closely with people taught her empathy, integrity and the importance of understanding others, especially those who feel unheard by the justice system. Tarique’s only daughter said she never met her grandfather and late President Ziaur Rahman but grew up learning about his integrity and patriotism, which she said had been carried forward by her grandmother and father. Read more: Those opposed to election also stoking violence, instability: Amir Khosru Referring to the mass uprising and the period following August 5, she said she mostly remained in the background, offering support where she could and trying to ease the burden on her family through small but meaningful actions. Expressing her feelings about returning home, Zaima said she wants to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the current campaign period. "I hope to give back to my country in whatever ways I can. I want to see Bangladesh be rebuilt and thrive, as it should. I want to rediscover my homeland through my own eyes and lived experiences, to connect with people face to face, because that is the sincerest way to understand another’s perspective, just as I have been taught. Acknowledging public curiosity and expectations surrounding her family, Zaima said she feels that weight herself but sees it as part of her personal journey. “So, this is my journey, told in my own way,” she wrote, adding that if it resonates with others, she hopes they can walk that journey together. Read more: Attacks on institutions threaten restoration of democracy: Rizvi Zaima is scheduled to return to Bangladesh with her father Tarique Rahman on Thursday (December 25), ending their 17-year exile abroad, as they have been living in London since September 2008.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left for London on Saturday morning (December 20, 2025), aiming to return to Bangladesh Thursday with her husband and daughter. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida departed Dhaka at 8:30am on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “She has gone back to London. InshaAllah, she will return to the country on Thursday with Tarique Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman,” Rumon said. Zubaida came to Dhaka on December 5 from London to stay beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family As a member of Khaleda’s medical board, Zubaida remained at the hospital round the clock and supervised treatment activities. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to her deteriorating health. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit under a medical board made up of local and foreign specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became much more stable and expressed hope that she would gradually recover. Following the encouraging improvement in Khaleda’s condition, Zubaida has decided to return to London to prepare to come back to Bangladesh permanently with her family after 17 years abroad. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to monitor Khaleda’s condition On September 11, 2008, Zubaida travelled to London with her daughter Zaima to support Tarique Rahman’s advanced medical treatment abroad.

A seven-year-old girl was burned to death in a deliberate arson attack on the house of a local BNP leader in Bhabaniganj of Lakshmipur’s Sadar upazila, turning a quiet night into a scene of horror and loss. The deceased, Ayesha Begum, was the youngest daughter of Md Belal, assistant organising secretary of the Bhabaniganj union unit BNP. Three other members of the family sustained burn injuries in the attack. NDF president Anisul's house set on fire in Chattogram Police and family members said Belal was sleeping in the house with his wife and children when unidentified attackers locked the two doors from outside, poured petrol around the house and set it on fire. The flames spread quickly, leaving little chance to escape. Ayesha Begum Binti, 7, was burned to death on the spot. Belal and his two daughters—Smriti, 18, and Bithi, 13—suffered burn injuries. Neighbours rushed to the house and rescued the injured, taking them to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. As their condition deteriorated, Smriti and Bithi were later shifted to the Burn Institute in Dhaka. Smriti’s condition was reported to be critical. Belal is currently receiving treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. Udichi central office set on fire Officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Wahid Parvez said police visited the scene after being informed. “One child died and three others were injured in the fire. The incident is being investigated,” he said. Fire Service Sadar station official Ranjit Kumar Saha said firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving the information and brought the fire under control after about one hour of effort. The attack has left a family devastated and raised serious concerns over violence targeting homes at night, as investigators work to identify those responsible, locals said. Read more: Dhaka may see shift in crime patterns ahead of national election: DB

BNP is facing an uphill task to reach an amicable understanding with its political allies and calm their anger over seat sharing after announcing its own candidates in 272 constituencies in two phases ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Talking to UNB, some BNP and alliance leaders said several allied parties became upset as they expected more seats than BNP offered them, while some others became angry after getting only promises of future evaluation without any seat. BNP leaders, however, said they have continued talks to reach a compromise on seat-sharing and keep the alliance united. On Wednesday, BNP held separate meetings in Dhaka with two alliance platforms involved in the anti-fascist joint movement – Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote and the 12-Party Alliance. Read more: BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations amid grassroots unrest A BNP Standing Committee member, wishing anonymity, said they told allies that seats could be reviewed in favour of strong candidates from partner parties. He said some seats where BNP has already announced its candidates may be reconsidered for allies. The BNP leader, however, said they made it clear that due to strategy it will not be possible to leave all demanded seats for partners. In that case, he said, they assured allies that if the party forms the next government, their leaders will be given important posts in the Upper House of Parliament or in different state institutions. BNP leaders said they are determined to keep the alliance united logically and responsibly. “We are trying to reach an understanding with the allies by providing them with a logical number of seats.” Read more: Concerns grow over ‘administrative preparations’ for Bangladesh election So far, BNP has declared candidates in 272 seats, leaving 28 seats vacant, and the party has said the remaining seats are mainly for its allies. But alliance leaders claimed that they submitted their candidate lists as BNP requested, yet BNP announced its nominees without discussion. Top leaders from several small alliance parties who were seeking nominations in at least six constituencies were not considered, as BNP announced its own candidates there. On 10 December, 29 allied parties, including Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Gonoforum, met at Shishu Kallyan Parishad to decide their next steps and demanded that BNP clarify its seat-sharing policy. Following that pressure, BNP on Wednesday met the two allies separately to calm frustrations. The first meeting took place between 12pm and 1pm with the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Read more: BNP nomination hopefuls frustrated as party delays green signal BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku represented BNP. Alliance convener Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad and several leaders attended the meeting and raised various demands and voiced frustration that BNP announced its candidates without discussion, said a leader of the platform. He said they told BNP that they had stayed with the party in the joint movement and would continue to support the party to ensure victory for the ‘sheaf of paddy’, BNP’s election symbol. The alliance leader said they requested BNP to reconsider the Narail-2 constituency for their chief Dr Farhad, who contested the seat in the 2018 election. He said Mirza Fakhrul told the meeting that BNP was seriously considering reviewing the Narail-2 seat. “It would not be possible to give seats to all alliance partners due to strategic reasons, but those who do not receive seats will be honoured later based on merit if BNP forms the government,” he quoted Fakhrul as saying. After the meeting, Dr Farhad told UNB that the talks were “positive” and expressed confidence in BNP’s leadership. Read more: Bangladesh must avoid return to fascism: Moyeen Khan Later, from 4pm to 5pm, BNP held another meeting with the 12-Party Alliance, where alliance leaders placed highest importance on three seats – Kushtia-2, Kishoreganj-5 and Pirojpur-1. Two of the seats already have BNP candidates, while Pirojpur-1 remains vacant. A leader of the 12-Party Alliance said BNP leaders assured them that their demands would be given serious consideration. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said they are in talks with alliance partners to reach an understanding over the seat-sharing issue. He, however, said it may not be possible to satisfy every partner by giving them seats, as winning the election must remain the priority. “So, we consider sharing seats only with those who have the potential to win.” Tuku said BNP has finalised its candidates after careful assessment of many factors. “We have still kept 28 seats vacant and many of those will be shared with our alliance partners. Everyone needs to be patient.” Read more: BNP forms reception committee ahead of Tarique’s return