United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon (December 31, 2025). “We, the Standing Committee, have decided that her Janaza will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:00 pm at the field of the South Plaza of the Parliament House and across the entire area of Manik Mia Avenue,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday, he also said the Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will lead the Janaza. Read more: Preparations underway at Manik Mia Avenue for Khaleda Zia’s funeral Fakhrul said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the Janaza proceedings. Following the Janaza, he said, Khaleda Zia will be buried beside the grave of Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh’s proclaimer of independence, and introducer of multi-party democracy, popularly known as ‘Rakhal Raja’. Fakhrul urged all those intending to join the janaza to maintain strict discipline during the janaza and burial, requesting that no one disrupt the ceremony or move forward for photographs, and emphasised the importance of showing respect and preserving the solemnity of the occasion. He also called for prayers to the Almighty Allah for Khaleda Zia’s soul, seeking that she be granted a place in Jannah. The BNP leader also urged all to pray that Allah gives the Zia family, especially her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the strength to fulfill the responsibilities for the country and bear this grief. Read more: Condolences pour in for Khaleda Zia as nation mourns Fakhrul said the government has already declared three days of mourning, with tomorrow announced as a holiday. “You also know that the Prime Adviser has spoken to the nation, and we thank the government for their full cooperation.” Besides, he said, BNP has declared seven days of mourning. “During these seven days, we will wear black badges and raise black flags. Prayers and Quran recitations will be held at all party offices.” Earlier, the BNP Standing Committee held a meeting at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. After being under medical treatment for over a month, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at Evercare Hospital at 6 am on Tuesday. Read more: Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday. The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue. He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia. At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers. The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions. The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia. Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday described the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as “irreparable”, saying the nation would never be able to fill the void created by her death. “We never imagined that we would have to stand before you with this news. We were hopeful that just like before, she would recover once again. But we’re now devastated,” he said in an emotional voice during a briefing at the Evercare Hospital in the morning. Fakhrul further said, “As you have already heard, the head of the medical board Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, announced that at 6:00am today our Mother of Democracy, the guardian of the nation, left us. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. This grief, this loss, is unusual and irreparable. This nation will never be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda devoted her entire life to the rights and welfare of the people. Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “That leader, who dedicated her whole life to the rights and well-being of people, our leader Begum Khaleda Zia, is no longer with us. For us, her colleagues and political workers, this is something we cannot yet comprehend,” the BNP leader said. He said her death created a huge vacuum not only in Bangladesh’s politics but also in democratic movements worldwide. Emergency Standing Committee Meeting Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP Standing Committee would hold an emergency meeting at 12:30pm to finalise elaborate programmes. “We will also coordinate our programmes with those announced by the government and inform you accordingly,” he said. Earlier, Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment, formally announced that the BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am at the ICU of Evercare Hospital. Hope ex-PM Khaleda's vision, legacy will continue to guide our partnership: PM Modi During the briefing, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and members of the medical board were present. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition deteriorated on November 27, she was shifted to the CCU. She remained on life support until her final moments.  

Extending his deepest condolences, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has long embodied Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and stood as a steadfast champion of freedom. "With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of BNP, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and your beloved mother," he said in a message sent to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister have respectively sent a message of condolence to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain. Read more: Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Ambassador Yao said her leadership helped shape the nation’s history, and her resilience has inspired its people. "She is also a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose contributions left a lasting mark on our bilateral ties. The Chinese people will always remember her with deep gratitude and the highest respect," he said. The Communist Party of China will continue to maintain its longstanding and friendly ties with the BNP under your leadership, said the Ambassador. "Please accept my sincerest condolences once again. May Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her contributions to Bangladesh and to China-Bangladesh relations be forever remembered," said the Ambassador. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) expressed profound sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her a towering figure in the country’s democratic movement. "With the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its most significant political guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death," said Prof Yunus in a condolence message. He said Khaleda Zia was not merely a political leader, but an inseparable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. “In recognition of her long struggle, historic contributions, and the deep sentiment of the people toward her, the government declared her a person of great national importance earlier this month,” he added. Chief Adviser calls Council of Advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The Chief Adviser said that her role in establishing democracy, nurturing a multiparty political culture and safeguarding people’s rights would be remembered with respect. He said through her firm and uncompromising leadership, the nation repeatedly found inspiration to overcome undemocratic conditions. "Her contributions to the country and its people will remain etched in national memory." Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and unwavering resolve consistently guided the nation toward welfare and democratic values, Prof Yunus said. "With her death, Bangladesh has lost an experienced, tested, and influential statesperson," he said. Prof Yunus recalled that Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and led the struggle to restore democracy during periods of authoritarian rule. Entering politics in 1982 following the assassination of her husband, former President, Army Chief, and heroic freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, she rose from a homemaker to a central figure in national politics. Her decisive leadership played a pivotal role in ending the nine-year autocratic rule of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, helping to restore democratic governance in the country. The Chief Adviser highlighted several of her landmark initiatives, noting that many of her policies carried the nation forward. In particular, the introduction of free education and stipend programs for girls is widely regarded as a milestone in advancing women’s education in Bangladesh. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away He said Begum Khaleda Zia’s political career was marked by notable electoral success, having been elected from multiple parliamentary constituencies between 1991 and 2001, and winning all seats she contested in the 2008 general election. Following her assumption of office in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the national economy through economic liberalization and reform-oriented policies, the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus described Begum Khaleda Zia as a powerful symbol of struggle and resistance during what he termed the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Her steadfast stance, he said, inspired the nation throughout a prolonged period of political adversity. He also stated that she became a victim of severe political vendetta due to her success and influence. “She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in what were widely viewed as false and fabricated cases and spent a prolonged period in incarceration,” he said. The Chief Adviser extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. On this day of irreparable national loss, he called upon citizens to remain calm and patient, and urged everyone to offer prayers and supplications for the departed leader from their respective positions. Read more: BNP announces 7-day mourning programme

BNP has announced a seven-day mourning programme following the death of its Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a media briefing on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country for a week starting Tuesday while party leaders and activists will wear black badges during the period. Chief Adviser calls, council  of advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The party will also open condolence books at all its offices including the central office at Nayapaltan and the chairperson’s office in Gulshan to allow people to pay their respects. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters that the programmes announced were preliminary and tmore programmes would be declared later. The BNP also said that decisions regarding Khaleda Zia’s janaza and burial would be announced in due course. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away

The long, turbulent and towering journey of Khaleda Zia — three-time former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — came to a solemn end on Tuesday morning at the age of 80. The chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday, according to AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary and head of its Online Activists Network. Khaleda Zia had been receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara residential area since November 23. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, and ailments affecting her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and eyes. She has been under medical care for these conditions for several years. Widow of slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia had long been woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s political drama — its rises, ruptures, hopes, and hostilities. Her final months were marked by an unrelenting battle against pneumonia, chronic lung infections and persistent cardiac complications. Even as her frail condition worsened, those close to her recall a woman who held on with the same resolve that once defined her political life. Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians For supporters, her passing marks the end of an era — a painful goodbye to a matriarch who shaped oppositional politics for decades. For others, it seals the chapter on a figure whose legacy will forever spark debate. But for Bangladesh, the departure of Khaleda Zia leaves behind a silence — one heavy with history, conf “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairperson,” Fakhrul said, his voice choked with emotion. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of a medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She had been nominated for three constituencies — Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7 — for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh politics. She was known for her firm commitment to democracy and her significant contributions to national politics and governance. She is survived by her eldest son Tarique Rahman, three granddaughters, and millions of supporters and admirers. Her long political career has left a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s political landscape and inspired generations. Khaleda had long been suffering from liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart and eye problems. Since her conditional release in 2020, she had been receiving regular treatment under a medical board led by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death In June 2022, she suffered a heart attack caused by a 95 percent blockage in her left artery. A stent was placed to remove the blockage. Doctors detected two more blocks, but they could not be removed due to her fragile health. On June 23, 2024, specialist doctors led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder implanted a pacemaker in her chest. During the Awami League government, her doctors repeatedly recommended sending her abroad after she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021. Despite the severity of her condition, she was not granted permission to travel, as the government cited legal complications relating to her convictions. On October 26, 2023, as her condition worsened, a group of US specialist doctors performed a TIPS procedure to stop water accumulation in her abdomen and chest and to prevent bleeding caused by liver complications. On August 6, 2024, a day after the fall of the Awami League government, Khaleda Zia was fully freed through an order from President Mohammed Shahabuddin, clearing the way for her overseas treatment. After a tearful reunion with her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at London’s Heathrow Airport — their first meeting in more than seven years — she was taken directly to the London Clinic. She received treatment there for 17 days under a medical board led by liver specialist Professor John Patrick Kennedy. After being discharged on January 25, she moved to Tarique Rahman’s residence, where she continued treatment under the supervision of Professors Kennedy and Jennifer Cross. She celebrated Eid in London with her family for the first time in more than six years. On May 6, she returned home on a Qatari royal air ambulance, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, including Dr Zubaida Rahman. The return followed nearly four months of advanced treatment in London and drew a large and emotional public reception. Since her return, Khaleda had been under the care of a medical board and her personal physicians at her Gulshan residence. She was also hospitalised at Evercare on several occasions. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia led a simple early life before her marriage to General Ziaur Rahman, who would later become President of Bangladesh. She played a supportive role during the 1971 Liberation War. After Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, she entered politics. She became BNP Chairperson in 1984 and held the position for nearly four decades. She became a central figure in the movement against military ruler HM Ershad, earning wide respect for her steadfast and uncompromising commitment to democracy. Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. On 20 March 1991, She was sworn in as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history. She played a key role in reintroducing the parliamentary system of government, replacing the presidential system. The 12th constitutional amendment, which she piloted, was passed by the Jatiya Sangsad on 6 August 1991, and Khaleda Zia took oath under the new parliamentary system on 19 September 1991. During her first term (1991–1996), her government made significant progress in education, including introducing free and compulsory primary education, tuition-free schooling for girls up to class ten, stipends for female students, and the Food for Education program. Her administration also promoted nationwide tree plantation campaigns and initiated the construction of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge. On the regional front, Khaleda Zia revitalised the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by hosting a summit in Dhaka in 1993. However, her first term was also marked by political challenges. Opposition parties, including the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami, launched movements demanding a neutral caretaker government to oversee parliamentary elections, creating significant political unrest. Khaleda Zia was re-elected for a second consecutive term after BNP’s victory in the 6th Jatiya Sangsad elections on 15 February 1996, although all major opposition parties boycotted the polls. To address demands for a caretaker system, the 6th Jatiya Sangsad passed the 13th constitutional amendment. Khaleda subsequently handed over power to a caretaker government on 30 March 1996. In the elections held under Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman’s caretaker administration on 12 June 1996, the BNP was defeated by the Awami League. Between 1996 and 2001, she served as Leader of the Opposition. In the October 1, 2001 election, held under a neutral caretaker government, Khaleda Zia’s BNP-led alliance won a landslide victory, and she took office as Prime Minister for the third time on October 10. During her third term, her government oversaw a significant rise in export earnings and remittances from Bangladeshi workers abroad. The industrial and telecommunications sectors grew steadily, and foreign direct investment gradually increased. Her administration also took major steps to improve law and order, including launching Operation Clean Heart and creating the Rapid Action Battalion. There was a strong crackdown on Islamic extremist groups, including the JMB and HUJI. Her administration faced ongoing criticism over allegations of corruption and political unrest. Khaleda Zia held the unique record of winning from five constituencies in different elections and never personally losing any seat. Khaleda Zia left office on 28 October 2006. In the subsequent Ninth Jatiya Sangsad election on 29 December 2008, held under the two-year caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, her party won only 30 seats. During the caretaker government period in 2007–2008, several corruption cases were filed against her. On September 3, 2007, she was arrested on corruption charges and spent nearly a year in detention before her release on September 11, 2008. After a heavy defeat in the December 2008 election, she again became Leader of the Opposition. She continued her push for electoral reforms after the abolition of the caretaker system in 2011. Her political activities faced restrictions, including confinement to her house and office before the 2014 election, which BNP boycotted. In 2014, her Gulshan office was blocked by sand trucks for weeks, limiting her ability to protest. She remained in her office for 92 days. During this time, she could not even attend the funeral of her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, due to arrest warrants issued in graft cases. Her family members gradually moved abroad after 2008, leaving her largely isolated as she battled both legal and health challenges. On February 8, 2018, she was jailed after being sentenced in the Zia Orphanage Trust case. The High Court later extended her sentence to 10 years, and she was also convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust case. She was released on March 25, 2020, on humanitarian grounds during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was restricted to her home and barred from leaving the country. On August 6, 2024, Khaleda Zia was fully freed after President Mohammed Shahabuddin, exercising his authority under Article 49 of the Constitution, exempted her from all remaining sentences. She made her first public appearance in six years at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on November 21, 2024, and attended the same event again this year, just two days before being admitted to hospital. Khaleda Zia is remembered as an uncompromising champion of democracy. In 1986, when major political parties joined the election under military ruler Ershad, she boycotted it, refusing to legitimise an autocratic regime. Even when the army-backed government later tried to negotiate, offered her ways to return to power, and attempted to send her abroad, she firmly refused. She said Bangladesh was her only home and she would never leave her country or her people. Her resolve was also clear in 2017. Although she could have stayed in the UK as convictions in what she described as “false cases” loomed, she returned to Dhaka knowing she would likely be jailed. Six months later, she indeed went to prison. Such decisions defined her character — a leader who never compromised on principles, never surrendered to authoritarian pressure, and never abandoned her people. Khaleda Zia was an icon of unity, widely respected and accepted not only by the people but also by leaders across most political parties. Khaleda in critical condition, undergoing challenging treatment phase: Dr Zahid During times of national crisis, she brought people together and guided the nation through challenging periods. Her broad acceptance was evident when she was admitted to the hospital: leaders from numerous political parties visited to inquire about her condition, many publicly expressed concern, and offered prayers for her recovery. Social media was also flooded with messages and well-wishes, reflecting the deep respect and affection she commanded across the country. Her journey of life — from a private homemaker to a defining figure in national politics — reflects her unwavering dedication to public service, even though personal tragedy, political turbulence and prolonged imprisonment. Her legacy will continue to shape Bangladesh’s democratic history.  

The health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is being treated in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, has worsened and become extremely critical, members of her medical board said on Monday night (December 29, 2025). “Khaleda Zia’s condition is extremely critical. She is being kept on life support and is now receiving regular dialysis,” said her medical board member Dr Ziaul Haque. He said whenever the dialysis is stopped, her physical condition worsens significantly. “Due to her advanced age and multiple health complications, it is not possible to provide all treatments at the same time.” Another board member Dr Zafar Iqbal said Khaleda Zia’s condition could be described as “critically ill”. Read more: Nomination papers submitted on behalf of Khaleda in Feni-1 “We seek prayers from everyone. Some further tests have been advised, and decisions will be taken after the results are available. She remains under treatment in the CCU,” he said. Another physician of the medical board, wishing anonymity, said the doctors are making their best efforts, adding that the rest now depends on the will of Allah. “She is elderly, and many long-standing illnesses have resurfaced at this age. Some of these conditions could not be treated properly at the right time earlier. Recovery from multiple complications has become very difficult due to her age,” he said. The physician said the BNP chief’s condition fluctuates between slight improvement and deterioration. “She is under constant observation, and new tests are being conducted every day.” After his return from London last Thursday, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited Evercare Hospital to see his mother. Read more: Khaleda Zia integral to an important chapter in Bangladesh history: Prof Yunus He regularly visits her after completing his daily programmes and stayed beside her hospital bed for several hours before leaving late at night. Tarique went straight to Evercare Hospital after spending more than three hours at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan. In a brief address to party leaders and workers gathered outside the party office, he urged everyone to pray for his mother’s recovery. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital for more than a month. Her treatment is being conducted under the supervision of cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Following a medical board meeting on Saturday night, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said her condition remains complex and critical. “Her condition is extremely complex, and she is now going through a critical moment. If, by the grace of Almighty Allah and the tireless efforts of doctors, she can overcome this crisis, then we may see some positive outcome,” he said. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney, liver, lung, heart and eye problems. She had been receiving treatment for these conditions for years. While staying at her residence, she recently developed breathing difficulties, cough, fever and phy sical weakness. As her condition gradually worsened, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23.Following medical examinations, rapid deterioration of her lungs, heart and kidneys was detected, prompting doctors to move her to the CCU on November 27. Read more: Khaleda in critical condition, undergoing challenging treatment phase: Dr Zahid A medical board comprising 30 local and foreign specialist doctors has been formed to oversee her treatment. The board holds daily meetings and makes adjustments to her treatment plan as needed.

BNP has formed its electoral alliance largely with parties that stood by it during the anti-fascist movement, bringing together moderate democratic, left-leaning and right-leaning groups, even though seat-sharing talks failed with several others.  As part of its electoral strategy, the BNP has formally brought some alliance leaders into the party and given them its election symbol: ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. BNP sources said the party has shared 17 seats with its alliance partners, including those who joined the party to contest with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, while 283 BNP candidates are contesting the polls. The party is expected to publish a detailed list of both its own candidates and alliance nominees very soon, as the deadline for submitting nomination papers ends today (Monday).  The biggest surprise in the alliance is BNP’s consensus with the registered Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, which has been allotted four seats — the highest number given to any single alliance partner. With the Awami League barred from political activities under the changed political situation, the next parliamentary election is expected to see a direct contest mainly between the BNP-led alliance and the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition.  Most of BNP’s electoral partners are parties that remained active on the streets alongside the BNP during the long movement against the Awami League regime. Seat-sharing agreements with these parties have already been finalised. The BNP has left seats to registered alliance partners that enjoy national recognition and have a realistic chance of winning. As per the arrangement, the BNP will not field any candidates in these constituencies. According to the seat-sharing agreement, Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna will contest from Bogura-2, Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho from Bhola-1, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque from Dhaka-12, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki from Brahmanbaria-6, and Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haq Nur from Patuakhali-3, all using their respective party symbols. In Dhaka-12, although the BNP initially nominated former Dhaka North unit convener Saiful Alam Nirab, his nomination was later withdrawn in favour of alliance partner Saiful Haque. Besides, unregistered party NPP Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad will contest from Narail-2, while unregistered Jamiat Senior Joint Secretary General Mufti Rashid Bin Wakkas will contest from Jashore-5 using the Sheaf of Paddy. Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider will contest from Pirojpur-1. The BNP has withdrawn its own candidates from these seats to maintain alliance unity. As part of its electoral strategy and to strengthen unity, the BNP has also absorbed several top leaders of smaller, unregistered parties and given them the party symbol, despite their limited organisational strength. Among them, Bangladesh LDP Chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim is contesting from Lakshmipur-1, while Bangladesh National Party Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda will contest from Kishoreganj-5. Both leaders joined the BNP after dissolving their parties. The BNP earlier nominated its own candidate for Kishoreganj-5 but later changed its decision to reinforce the alliance. LDP Secretary General Redowan Ahmed will contest from Cumilla-7, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan from Jhenaidah-4, and National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobby Hajjaj from Dhaka-13, all using the BNP symbol after joining the party. The BNP has also reached a seat-sharing agreement with the registered Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh in four constituencies. The BNP will not nominate candidates in these seats. Jamiat candidates are Maulana Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Maulana Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Maulana Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. They will contest using their party symbol, the Date Palm Tree. Sources said the BNP earlier reached a preliminary understanding with Oli Ahmed-led LDP over two seats — Chattogram-14 and Cumilla-7. However, Oli Ahmed later withdrew from the seat-sharing process after demanding around eight seats. Following this, LDP Secretary General Redowan Ahmed joined the BNP and secured nomination with the party symbol, while Oli Ahmed joined the Jamaat-led alliance. Tarique Rahman visits BNP headquarters after 19 years The Labour Party also stayed out of the BNP alliance after failing to secure any seats. Political analysts say that with the Awami League absent from the electoral race, it is natural for parties that supported the events of August 5 to compete with each other for power. This competition has resulted in clear political polarisation. Two main blocs have now emerged —one led by the BNP and the other led by Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the NCP and other Islamic parties. The upcoming election is expected to be contested mainly between these two alliances.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s central office at Nayapaltan on Monday afternoon (December 29, 2025) for the first time in 19 years since 2006, amid a warm welcome from thousands of party leaders and activists. He arrived at the office around 4:05pm and spent about three hours and 15 minutes there before leaving for Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, along with other senior party leaders, received Tarique and escorted him into the office. After entering the building, Tarique Rahman came out onto the second-floor balcony, waved to the gathered supporters and delivered a brief speech. Read more: Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians He later went to his designated chamber on the second floor of the building. The room has been newly set up. Rizvi, along with some other leaders, greeted him there with a bouquet. Talking to reporters after Tarique left the office, Rizvi said their Acting Chairman exchanged greetings and views with leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, as well as the office staff. He said although the party did not ask people to gather at the office, thousands of BNP leaders and activists spontaneously thronged Nayapaltan after hearing news of his possible visit, creating an unprecedented scene and showing their love for their leader. Rizvi said the massive presence of leaders and activists sent a message that people continue to show strong affection for a leader who has not deviated from the people’s hopes and aspirations. The BNP Acting Chairman also offered Asr and Maghrib prayers at the office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, as news spread that Tarique would visit the BNP central office, party leaders and activists began arriving at Nayapaltan from noon. By around 3:30pm, the entire road in front of the party office turned into a large gathering, with thousands of supporters filling the area. Security personnel faced serious difficulty in bringing his vehicle close to the office due to the huge crowd. When his motorcade reached the front of the central office, leaders and activists welcomed him with loud applause and slogans. Tarique waved back to acknowledge their greetings. Ahead of the visit, security was tightened in and around the Nayapaltan office. The main gate of the office was closed from 12:35pm on Monday, while only some senior BNP leaders were allowed to enter the premises. Read more: Tarique’s nomination papers submitted for Dhaka-17, Bogura-6 seats Earlier on Sunday, Tarique visited the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 1:40pm and stayed there for nearly nine hours. During the visit, he signed party nomination papers and held several meetings on organisational and political matters. Like the Gulshan office, a separate chamber has also been prepared for the Acting Chairman at the Nayapaltan central office.