United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday reaffirmed that the July National Charter – as signed by political parties – will be implemented in full, warning that attempts to create instability over the issue will be resisted. Addressing a rally at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail, he alleged that opposition parties are trying to create anarchy in the country centring on the implementation of the charter. “I want to clearly say that the July Charter signed by political parties at the invitation of Dr Muhammad Yunus at the South Plaza of Parliament will be implemented in its entirety – every word, every line and every provision – Inshallah,” the Prime Minister said. He also warned against any attempt to obstruct government public welfare programmes, including canal excavation, Farmers’ Card and Family Card initiatives, saying the BNP, along with the people, will resist such moves. “What have we seen in Parliament? Those who have received only a small number of votes are now demanding that whatever they say must be accepted,” Tarique Rahman said. He said those who are now in the opposition had been uncertain and in confusion about whether they would sign the July Charter or not. “Another party did not even sign at first and only signed after the election. Why did those who raise their voices about the July movement not sign it earlier if they had so much concern?” “I am saying again clearly that the BNP will implement the July Charter that was signed by all political parties at the South Plaza of Parliament. Inshallah, we will implement it,” the Prime Minister said, urging all to remain alert and vigilant against any move to destabilise the country. “We must identify those who is being influenced again by the ghost of authoritarianism and who is trying to create unrest and instability in the country,” he said. Referring to the Sherpur-3 election and the Bogura-6 by-election held on April 9, Tarique Rahman said there were perhaps one or two minor incidents, but overall, the situation was peaceful. “There was no major complaint in any of the national newspapers. People are living peacefully and the situation is calm where elections were held. But tensions are rising around Baitul Mukarram. You are certainly aware of who are trying to destabilise the situation,” he said.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged BNP leaders and activists to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order across the country and not to take the law into their own hands. He gave the instruction at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat following the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of parliament from Bogura-6 (Sadar) and Sherpur-3 constituencies, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. Addressing party members at the ceremony, he said they must work closely with the administration and law enforcement agencies so that peace and law and order are maintained in their respective areas. “If anyone does anything that disrupts the peace of the area, it is your responsibility to inform the law enforcement authorities. Never take the law into your own hands,” the Prime Minister said, pointing at party members. He also stressed the importance of development alongside maintaining order. “We must ensure development in every area at any cost, and we must also safeguard peace and stability under all circumstances.”

More than 600 aspirants have collected nomination forms from the BNP for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Parliament. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi shared the information at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Saturday morning. He said over 500 forms were sold on the first day and the sale and submission of forms would continue until Sunday. “Our nomination process has started. Interested candidates are collecting forms, filling them up and submitting them with the required documents,” Rizvi said. Later in the day, BNP Assistant Office Secretary Tarikul Islam Tenzing said the number of forms sold crossed 600 as of Saturday noon, while around 78 to 79 forms were submitted so far. Party leaders said a board formed with senior leaders will review the applications and finalise the candidates. Rizvi said the party is following its usual democratic practices in selecting candidates. “We expect the process to follow democratic norms, as BNP has always done in choosing its parliamentary candidates,” he said. The BNP leader said expectations among the aspirations are high this time after a long struggle. “This expectation is high because we have reached this stage after going through a very difficult situation for the last 16 to 17 years. We had to fight for a long time to ensure a free and fair election. After 15 to 16 years of struggle, we now have an environment to practise democratic norms, and we must make the best use of it,” Rizvi added. Talking about the final selection of candidates, he said women have played a significant role in the party’s past movements. “Many women faced repression. Some were arrested late at night for expressing their views on Facebook. Those active on the streets faced severe harassment, repression and false cases. They have endured continuous suffering,” the BNP leader said. He expressed hope that those who have contributed to the party’s long movements and have the ability to speak in Parliament and maintain a good public image will be considered. Rizvi also said the process would be completed quickly due to time constraints. “Time is short. We have to complete the party’s process quickly, as the final candidates will need to complete formalities with the Election Commission.” On Saturday, teachers, lawyers, cultural figures and former student leaders alongside Mohila Dal leaders were seen collecting nomination forms from the Nayapaltan office. Among them are singer Kanak Chapa, Bithika Binte Hossain, wife of late Swechchhasebak Dal president Shafiqul Bari Babu, and several former MPs. The nomination form costs Tk 2,000, and candidates must deposit Tk 50,000 as security when submitting the form. The Election Commission earlier announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seats election. The deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26, and will be settled between April 27 and 28. Symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. According to the seat distribution, the BNP alliance is expected to get 36 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independents one seat.

The BNP on Friday started selling party nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The programme formally began around 11:00am at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, inaugurated by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Addressing aspiring candidates, Rizvi said the party’s parliamentary board will select nominees based on their political contributions, particularly their roles in movements over the past 16-17 years, along with leadership qualities and the ability to speak effectively in Parliament. He urged party leaders and activists to accept the board’s decisions, warning against creating internal divisions over nominations. “Everyone must respect the party’s decision,” Rizvi said, adding that leaders and activists have made significant sacrifices for the party. He also said nomination forms will be sold until April 12 and must be submitted within this stipulated time. Several hundred women leaders gathered at the party office to collect forms, each paying Tk 2,000, unfolding scenes of enthusiasm and emotion. Rizvi handed over the first nomination form to Jerin Delwar Hossain and the second one to Fatema Asad, wife of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal founding convener Kazi Asaduzzaman Asad. Earlier, the Election Commission announced the election schedule on Wednesday, setting May 12 as the voting date. The deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22-23. The last date for filing appeals against the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers by the returning officer is April 26, while appeals will be disposed of on April 27-28. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 29, and election symbols will be allocated on April 30. Voting by MPs will be held on May 12. The reserved seats are filled through an indirect election system based on the proportional representation of political parties in the 300 general seats. MPs are required to vote if there is more than one candidate for a seat. However, voting is usually not needed, as parties generally nominate candidates equal to their allocated seats. According to the EC, BNP and its allies will receive 36 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its alliance partners 13 seats, and independent lawmakers one seat, making a total of 50. As per the law, the EC must hold elections for the reserved women’s seats within 90 days of the gazette notification of the general election results, which was issued on February 13, the day after the election.  

The condition of BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, now undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital, has improved further. “He (Abbas) is being treated in a cabin. His condition is better than before,” said BNP leader’s Assistant Private Secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel. He said Abbas is receiving therapy every day and remains under full care of doctors. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited him at the hospital on Thursday afternoon along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum. They stayed there for some time and enquired after Abbas’ health condition, Sohel said. He also said Fakhrul and BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan are currently in Singapore. Nazrul Islam Khan also visited Abbas at the hospital a few days ago, Sohel said. On March 15, Abbas was taken to Singapore General Hospital by an air ambulance from a hospital in Dhaka. Earlier, on March 11, he was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital after he suddenly lost consciousness at his Shahjahanpur residence during iftar in Ramadan. A medical board was formed under leading neurologists in the country, and following their decision, he underwent brain surgery. He was then shifted to Singapore within 72 hours for advanced treatment.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday called for coordinated efforts to tackle the growing measles outbreak in the country. “The risk of measles has increased due to anti-vaccine misinformation, superstition and neglect in the health sector. The situation may become more complicated if effective steps are not taken quickly,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while inaugurating a rally organised by the BNP, marking the World Health Day 2026. The rally started from the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at the National Press Club. Rizvi urged the government, the Health Ministry, doctors and all those involved in public health to take joint action to prevent further spread of measles. Highlighting the importance of the day, he said World Health Day is significant for doctors, nurses and all those involved in healthcare services. Referring to this year’s theme, “ Together for health. Stand with science” Rizvi said the key message is to stay with science, as proper diagnosis, good health and effective treatment are not possible without it. He said the recent rise in measles cases is largely due to anti-vaccine propaganda and widespread misconceptions. “Even in developed countries, anti-vaccine groups are active which contributes to misinformation and superstition.” Rizvi said modern healthcare is the result of scientific advancement and people expect the government to respond quickly with necessary measures and support during any outbreak. He criticised past mismanagement in the health sector and said the current government elected by people is active but needs to give more importance to public health. The BNP leader also noted that the health sector did not receive adequate attention over the past 15 years and even during the interim period. Citing recent figures, Rizvi said 38 people died between March 12 and April while Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Mymensingh have emerged as measles hotspots. He deplored that seven children died across the country in the last 24 hours, stressing that such deaths deeply affect society and demand urgent action. Rizvi urged the Health Ministry and all concerned to act swiftly so that people can clearly see this is a pro-people government. The BNP leader said although there is a medical research council in the country but the allocation for research remains very limited, noting that meaningful research cannot be carried out with funding of only Tk200,000 to Tk500,000. He said the cost of research increases further due to a 23% VAT on journal reviews, and stressed the need for higher allocation for science and research. Rizvi expressed hope that doctors and healthcare professionals would play an active and timely role in tackling measles and similar public health threats.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday urged all to work together to build an inclusive and self-reliant Bangladesh, ensuring that everyone can live well together. “Let the pledge of this Independence Day be that not just one section of society, but all of us will live well together. We will all strive to live well together, and we will do so, Insha’Allah,” he said, while addressing a discussion marking Independence and National Day. The programme was organised by BNP at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital, where the Prime Minister attended as the chief guest. Tarique said the current democratic government has been formed by the people and belongs to them. “This democratic government has been established by the people of this country,” he said. The Prime Minister said although the people’s aspirations are vast, the country’s resources remain limited, and there is a gap between the nation’s ambitions and its means. “But as a citizen and a political worker, I firmly believe that if we move forward in unity and work together for the country, we will surely be able to build our desired self-reliant Bangladesh. On this great Independence Day, I would like to convey this message to all democracy-loving people, my party colleagues across Bangladesh,” he said. To achieve that goal, the Prime Minister said the government has taken various initiatives targeting different sections of society, including the introduction of family cards, farmers’ cards and canal excavation programmes. He said steps have already been taken and their implementation has begun to improve people’s living standards. Referring to the Liberation War, Tarique paid tribute to BNP founder and Liberation War proclaimer Ziaur Rahman and all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said the people of Bangladesh had secured victory against one of the strongest armies of the time. “So, the glorious history of our independence and the Liberation War will continue to be discussed and researched for generations to come, and that is only natural.” Tarique, however, said nothing should be done or said in the name of discussion, criticism or research that could in any way undermine the glorious history of the country’s independence and the Liberation War. “If we remain trapped in the past, we lose sight of the present. But if we forget the past, we lose our direction entirely,” he said. The BNP leader said while the past must not be forgotten, it should not be overemphasised either, as excessive focus on the past—even in the recent period—has hindered the country’s progress towards a prosperous future. Drawing the attention of the younger generation, he said briefly that martyred President Ziaur Rahman was an indispensable character in Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War. Tarique said attempts had been made in the past to undermine Ziaur Rahman’s contributions, but those efforts in fact proved that he was indeed a key figure in the Liberation War. He said Ziaur Rahman did not suddenly make the declaration of independence, but had long been prepared for it. The Prime Minister said that Ziaur Rahman was not a political activist in his early life, but a military officer. “But, the dream of Bangladesh’s independence was something he nurtured in his mind, and this is reflected in one of his writings. From that writing, we can clearly understand that he held the idea of independence and had long made mental preparations for a sovereign Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister referred to Ziaur Rahman’s article titled “Birth of a Nation”, published on March 26, 1972, in the Dainik Bangla. “In the article, he (Zia) wrote about the historic moment of 2:15am on March 26, 1971, describing it as a day the people of Bangladesh would remember forever…What happened at 2:15am on March 26, 1971, I believe, is an important piece of evidence for those who research the history of independence and the Liberation War,” he said  Tarique said when Ziaur Rahman’s article was first published, the Liberation War had just ended and those who had been directly or indirectly involved were still alive, but no one raised any objection or made any statement contradicting the contents of the article. He said the article was later republished in the weekly Bichitra in 1974 and was never challenged at the time, indicating its credibility. He said that neither the then government nor any political figure had challenged or attempted to refute any part of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman’s article at the time, as those present then knew that every sentence and word in it was true. Highlighting the value of independence, the Prime Minister said only those who struggle for freedom can truly realise its importance. “We achieved independence in 1971 through immense sacrifice, and in recent times too, people have made sacrifices to protect democracy and the country,” he said. Tarique said the people Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through immense sacrifice and defended it again in 2024 amid adversity. Recalling recent struggles, he said many lives were lost in movements for democracy, adding that the ultimate goal of all struggles—from 1971 to 1990 and 2024—was to establish a democratic Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity and social justice. Fakhrul hopes for democratic, happy Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman The discussion began at 3:00pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran. The Prime Minister arrived at the venue at 3:57pm. At the beginning of the event, a munajat was offered seeking eternal peace for the souls of the party’s founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and those who were martyred in the Liberation War. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, among others, spoke at the programme, with BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.

A housewife was killed and at least 10 persons were injured in an armed clash between two BNP-backed groups over local dominance in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna On Monday.The incident occurred around 8:00 am on Monday in Vitbila Westpara village of Manikhat Union. The deceased, China Khatun, 40, was the wife of Shukur Ali of the same village.Sujanagar Circle’s Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sadik Ahmed, confirmed the death to UNB.According to police and local sources, the conflict had been ongoing between one group group led by Rafiul Islam Raja, former president of the Hatkhali Union Chhatra Dal, and another led by Islam Pramanik from Vitbila village. Late Sunday night, a fight broke out between members of the two groups, escalating tensions.On Monday morning, members of the Islam Pramanik group gathered with sticks and rods in the area. In response, Raja’s group allegedly attacked them with weapons and gunfire, also vandalizing homes. China Khatun was shot dead on the spot, while 8–10 others were seriously injured and admitted to Sujanagar Upazila Health Complex and Pabna General Hospital.Islam Pramanik said his nephew, Farhad, a supporter of the Awami League, was beaten by Raja’s group the previous night. When he went to mediate, Raja’s group attacked him as well, he alleged.Later, the villagers decided to hold talks with elders to resolve the dispute. However, Raja’s group returned in the morning with weapons and attacked the villagers, leading to the fatality and injuries, according to Pramanik.Raja, when contacted, denied involvement and said he was attending a relative’s wedding at the time, claiming he had heard that China Khatun died of a stroke.Former ward member Habibur Rahman said both groups are BNP supporters and that the conflict had escalated after clashes between youths from the two areas.ASP Sadik Ahmed said police rushed to the scene to control the situation. The body was recovered and sent to Pabna General Hospital morgue for autopsy, and investigations into the motive and details of the attack are ongoing.

The stage is set in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur for the inauguration of the Sahapara canal re-excavation programme by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. All preparations for the programme have been completed. A banner on the stage reads: “Public gathering marking the inauguration of the re-excavation of Sahapara canal under the nationwide programme for excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals and water bodies.” The programme is being jointly organised by the Water Resources Ministry and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said the Prime Minister will first inaugurate the excavation of the Sahapara canal upon arriving at the venue. After the inauguration, he will go to the stage set up beside the canal and address the gathering. Tight security measures have been taken across Balrampur union ahead of the programme. Members of the police and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed in the area since morning. The Prime Minister left Dhaka on a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at around 9:30am and reached Saidpur Airport at around 10:15am before heading to the programme venue.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated a programme to provide monthly allowances to imams, muazzins  and other religious leaders, fulfilling one of the key electoral pledges of BNP. The programme was inaugurated  at a ceremony held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning, according to BNP media cell.  The government also launched similar allowance programmes for priests and temple caretakers as well as for Buddhist monastery principals and vice-principals. On January 21, the government issued a gazette on the Mosque Management Policy 2025 introducing a structured pay scale, service benefits, recruitment rules and welfare provisions for mosque employees in the country. Under the new policy, a grade-based salary structure has been fixed for mosque employees excluding khatibs whose remuneration will be determined according to contract terms. However, financially insolvent and mosques where 5-time prayers held have been advised to fix salaries and allowances according to their capacity. Padma Bridge rail link: Narail commuters face long waits as only one train runs on key routes As per the new policy, senior pesh imams will receive salaries in Grade 5, pesh imams in Grade 6 and imams in Grade 9. The chief muezzin will be paid in Grade 10, muezzin in Grade 11, chief khadem in Grade 15 and khadem in Grade 16.