BNP on Wednesday urged the United States to maintain reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh at a reasonable level to ensure smooth trade and economic relations between the two countries. “The economic aspects and the tariff issue came up during the discussions. We discussed Bangladesh’s perspective on the tariff matter,” said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury while speaking to reporters after a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nicole Chulick. He said they told the US leader that the tariff issue must be resolved through discussions with all stakeholders. “We stated that our exports to the USA will be affected if the tariff is not kept at a tolerable level.” The BNP leader said they also voiced concern that the economic ties between the US and Bangladesh will be strained a bit. “On behalf of BNP, We have said what we’re going to do in this regard. We’re working on it further.” The visiting US official held a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the Gulshan residence of the US Deputy Head of Mission in Dhaka. Amir Khosru and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present. Khosru said they also discussed other issues of bilateral interest between the two nations during the meeting. BNP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Thursday He mentioned that they had an extensive discussion regarding Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, as the US side was interested in knowing when the election would be held and what the BNP’s position was on the matter. The BNP leader said they informed the meeting that their party wants the national election to be held by December this year. “We also said the election could be held even before December… we can outline the reforms on which a consensus will be reached within a month.” He said it is only a matter of time before all parties sign the July charter if a consensus is achieved. Khosru said the interim government's main responsibility is to complete all necessary steps to return to the democratic process. “There is no scope to delay the election for the sake of reforms.” He said they told the US official that decision-making in various areas, both domestically and internationally, is facing difficulties due to the absence of a restored democratic order.   “It is easier for an elected government, backed by public support, to take many important decisions. Those planning to invest from within the country or abroad are all waiting to see when an elected government will be formed and what its policies will be,” Khosru said. He also said the meeting included a detailed discussion on what the BNP’s policies would be, including their economic strategy. Khosru said they told the US Deputy Assistant Secretary that all the major reforms Bangladesh has undergone—economic and political—were introduced during BNP’s tenure. He mentioned that multi-party democracy and a free market economy were also established under the BNP’s rule. “The country’s economic prosperity has resulted from BNP’s economic reforms. In the coming days, we will pursue major economic reforms. They [the US] are convinced by our commitments.”

The National Consensus Commission is set to hold talks with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday morning as part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. The discussion will start at 10:30am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital. A five member delegation, led by BNP standing committee member and former speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, will attend the talks, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan on Wednesday.  Earlier in the day, a BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and expressed its dissatisfaction about the outcomes of the meeting as the Chief Adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election. “We are not happy at all, we have clearly said if the election is not held by December the country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control,” Mirza Fakhrul told reporters emerging from the meeting with the Chief Adviser. But Law Adviser Asif Nazrul at a press briefing said the government clarified its stance saying the election would be held in between December 2025 to June 2026. BNP wants India to reconsider Waqf law to uphold communal harmony "December to June does not mean that we will deliberately delay the elections till May. December to June means that we will hold elections as soon as possible after December…the elections will be held as soon as possible between December and June," he said. Noting that BNP is very positive over the reform recommendations of the National Consensus Commission, the party is going to sit with the consensus commission. “We feel that the BNP is very sincere about reforms ... .they (BNP) agreed to most of the reform recommendations and they have a long tradition to support reforms,” said Asif Nazrul. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 11 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals. In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.

National Citizens Party (NCP)’s Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday warned against branding his party’s firm anti-Awami League stance as a “breach of decorum.” In a post from his verified Facebook account, Hasnat wrote: “The day our anti-Awami League position and rejection of compromise politics began to be called ‘indecorous’ was the day Awami League processions started growing bigger.” Targeting those he accused of indulging in compromise politics, he said, “I’m warning those who are compromising—make up your mind about the Awami League very soon. Otherwise, you will continue with your compromise politics, and I will respond with indecorous behaviour.” BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage He added: “You won’t be able to handle it if I start breaching decorum. Be careful.” His statement came just hours after a video of an Awami League protest march went viral on Facebook. According to several posts by AL supporters, the march took place in Dhaka’s Badda area, reportedly led by a former Chhatra League leader. Hasnat, however, did not clarify whom he was directly referring to in his comments or who he considers to be engaged in compromise politics.

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. Talking to UNB, BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty. They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December. BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring. They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters. If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year. Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings. The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. “If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month. According to the schedule, a BNP standing committee member, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will meet the Chief Adviser at his official residence and state Guest House, Jamuna, at 12pm. A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing campaign aimed at postponing the national election and keeping the current interim government in power for five years. BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage He said whenever BNP demands a clear electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser, various advisers issue conflicting statements to divert attention from the issue. As an example, he said, the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed that the public wants the interim government to remain for five years, while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter went so far as to say this government was ‘elected’ by people through a mass uprising. The BNP leader said during the last meeting with their party, the Chief Adviser had promised that his government’s actions would be directed towards holding the national election by December 2025. “But he is still wavering between December and June. We’re witnessing coordinated efforts, especially on social media, to justify a delay. That’s why we’re meeting the Chief Adviser again to clear up our doubts and confusion.” Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged an attempt to prolong the election is visible. “There are people openly talking about keeping Dr Yunus in power for five years. But those trying to do that will not only damage his reputation but also cause serious harm to the country.” Abbas said he still believes Dr Yunus is committed to holding elections by December. “But, some Awami elements surrounding him are trying to mislead him. That’s our concern going into this meeting.” Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, another standing committee member, said BNP is still cooperating fully with the interim government. “We do not want to create any trouble. Our goal is to convince the government to hold the election without unnecessary delay. If our demand is met, there will be no conflict. But if the government goes in the opposite direction, we too may take a different stance.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party will use the meeting to clarify the government's intentions. “We’ll remind the Chief Adviser of his promise to hold elections by December and urge him to publicly confirm it through a press conference. We’ll also ask him to direct the Election Commission to complete all necessary preparations accordingly.” He said BNP is committed to reforms and has already put forward a 31-point state-reform framework well before the formation of the current government. “We won’t allow anyone to push their own agenda in the name of reforms.” Asked about their next steps, Salahuddin said the party will decide on its future course of action based on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned whose agenda Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is serving by repeatedly citing vague election timeframes—such as December or June—instead of providing a specific and concrete roadmap. “Why can't you settle down on one timeline? You are a world-famous and respected person. Such shifting won’t be well received nationally and internationally,” he said while addressing the National Representative Council 2025 of the Bhasani Anushari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Chief Adviser, during his last meeting with BNP, promised that his government’s activities would be carried out with the aim of holding the national election by December this year. He said their party also spoke to the Election Commission, which informed them it would be ready by June this year to conduct the election. The BNP leader urged the government to take prompt steps to establish a democratic government elected by the people’s vote. “Several thousand people were martyred for the restoration of the right to vote, democratic rights, and constitutional rights, ultimately achieving the return of elections. Fascism also collapsed through mass uprisings. Now, by denying that very election, whom are you trying to encourage, and which unconstitutional force is benefiting from it?” he said. Current Govt Unelected Salahuddin said whenever BNP demands the promised electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser to hold the national election by December various advisers make conflicting statements at different times to divert attention from the issue. He said the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed people want the interim government to remain in power for five years. BNP requests meeting with CA to dispel election confusion The BNP leader also referred to Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter’s remarks on Saturday, where she claimed that the interim government was 'elected' by the people through a mass uprising. "If that’s the case, then why does the country even have an Election Commission? A change in government through street movements may reflect public sentiment, but it cannot be a substitute for an elected government. You are undoubtedly unelected, and that will be reminded to you every day," he said, pointing at the current government.  Depoliticisation Salahuddin expressed frustration that not all democratic parties are speaking out in unison in favour of holding timely elections and restoring democracy promptly. “We have a wide range of experiences. Even those who orchestrated the 1/11 changeover remained in power for two years under various pretexts,” he recalled. Referring to the political shift in 2007, Salahuddin said the then Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin-led regime made significant efforts to depoliticise the country. “I’m not saying similar steps are visible at present. But we are like a burnt child that fears even the slightest sign of fire,” he said. Salahuddin said the one-point movement that launched against Sheikh Hasina regime was rooted in a deep desire to restore democratic and constitutional rights and to establish a fair and equal society. He clarified that the recent student uprising was not a social or economic revolution, but a democratic movement against fascism aimed at reclaiming the people’s rights. Salahuddin recalled Bhasani’s contributions to the country and to establishing the rights of working people. The BNP leader bemoaned that though Moulana Bhasani was one of the founders and key leaders of the Awami League, the party did not recognise his role and contributions. He welcomed the Bhasani Janashakti Party, a new political group formed by the Bhasani Anushari Parishad, which aims to build a fair and prosperous Bangladesh. “Another new force has joined the journey of democracy in Bangladesh. We hope they will play a positive role in favour of the country's democracy and the people,” Salahuddin said.

BNP on Saturday participated in the "March for Gaza" programme to protest against the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and Rafah in Palestine.  A BNP delegation, led by its Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, joined the march.  The BNP delegation started the march from Baitul Mukarram point after Zohr prayers and later gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan.  The rally has been organised by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. Thousands of people have already started gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka to attend the programme, although it is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm. BNP to join ‘March for Gaza’ protest against Israeli Genocide in Palestine Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, Media Coordinator of the Palestine Solidarity Movement, said the march will begin at 2:00 pm from five points and culminate in the mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan at 3:00 pm. Organisers said the purpose of the rally is to raise a united voice against Israeli aggression and demonstrate unwavering support for the innocent civilians of Palestine. The organisers also announced that Muhammad Abdul Malek, the Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, will preside over the gathering.

BNP is set to participate in today’s "March for Gaza" programme to protest against the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and Rafah in Palestine.  A BNP delegation, led by its Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, will join the march, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP delegation will start the march from Baitul Mukarram point after Zohr prayers and gather at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. The rally has been organised by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. Thousands of people have already started gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan to attend the programme, although it is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm. Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, Media Coordinator of the Palestine Solidarity Movement, said the march will begin at 2:00 pm from five points and culminate in the mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan at 3:00 pm. Organisers said the purpose of the rally is to raise a united voice against Israeli aggression and demonstrate unwavering support for the innocent civilians of Palestine. The organisers also announced that Muhammad Abdul Malek, the Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, will preside over the gathering. ‘March for Gaza’ in Dhaka today in protest against Israeli atrocities Earlier on Thursday, the BNP brought out a massive rally in the capital, expressing solidarity with the persecuted people of Gaza and Rafah in Palestine. The programme also aimed at condemning the mass killings, atrocities and persecution of the Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces. Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies took out the rally from in front of its Nayapaltan central office. Carrying national flags, as well as the flags of the BNP and Palestine, along with banners, festoons and placards inscribed with slogans against Israeli mass killings and oppression, they also chanted anti-Israeli slogans. From Nayapaltan, the rally proceeded through Kakrail, Shantinagar, Malibagh and Moghbazar, before concluding at Bangla Motor. Similar rallies were also held in major cities across the country the same day at the initiative of the party.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with his wife, will return home on Monday (April 14) completing their medical check-ups in Singapore. Speaking to UNB on Friday afternoon, Fakhrul said, “InshaAllah, we will return home in the afternoon on April 14.” He said all of their medical test results are good. “My wife is doing well and she is healthy and in good condition.” Mirza Fakhrul and his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, travelled to Singapore on April 6 for routine health examinations. BNP to go for 'serious' deregulation to liberalise economy, promote investment Two days after Fakhrul’s return, a BNP delegation led by him is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on April 16 to press for a clear and specific roadmap for the upcoming national election and to dispel the confusion surrounding the polls and proposed reforms. The meeting will be held at the Chief Adviser’s official residence State Guest House Jamuna at 12:00 noon.

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies began gathering in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office from Thursday noon to attend a rally expressing solidarity with the persecuted people of Gaza and Rafah in Palestine. The programme also aims to condemn the mass killings, atrocities and persecution inflicted upon the Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces. Visiting the rally venue around 2:30pm, the UNB correspondent saw thousands of party leaders and followers from different parts of the city arriving in processions. Carrying national flags, as well as the flags of the BNP and Palestine, along with banners, festoons and placards inscribed with slogans against Israeli mass killings and oppression, they are also chanting anti-Israeli slogans. Roads and alleys stretching from Bijoynagar to Nayapaltan were crowded with BNP activists, bringing traffic to a standstill in the area. The party has already set up a temporary stage in front of its central office, where senior party leaders are expected to address the programme. Tarique provides financial support for repair of Manikganj youth's self-built aircraft The rally is scheduled to begin at 4pm from the party’s Nayapaltan central office and will proceed through Kakrail, Shantinagar, Malibagh and Moghbazar, before concluding at Bangla Motor. Earlier on Wednesday, the party announced plans to hold a protest and solidarity rallies in the capital Dhaka and all major cities on Thursday. Similar rallies are set to take place in major cities across the country today.

A BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on April 16, following the party's request for a discussion regarding the upcoming national election and reforms. The meeting will take place at the Chief Adviser's official residence State Guest House Jamuna at 12:00 noon, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told UNB on Wednesday. Earlier, the BNP has requested an appointment with the Chief Adviser to resolve confusion regarding the national election. “We have sought time to meet the Chief Adviser. After meeting with him, we will talk about this (election) issue,” said Salahuddin. Salahuddin said they will certainly urge the Chief Adviser to present a clear roadmap for the next parliamentary election. “We will urge him to clearly present the roadmap for the national election through the proper process, so that the sense of instability and uncertainty over the election issue is removed,” he said. The BNP leader said a clear election roadmap is necessary not only to address the election issue but also to restore political stability and inject dynamism into economic activities. He said they will also ask Dr Yunus to ensure the election is held in December, which provides sufficient time for the interim government to organise the polls. “We have previously discussed this with the Election Commission, and they have confirmed that they will be able to complete all preparations for the election by June,” Salahuddin said. Gaza Massacre: BNP’s solidarity rallies in Dhaka, other cities Thursday He also noted that the Chief Adviser also assured them earlier that his government is working to ensure the election is held by December. “Given the confusion surrounding the election due to statements from various parties on different issues, we will call upon the Chief Advisor to clear it,” the BNP leader said. Another BNP Standing Committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said their party would also talk about the ongoing reform process during the meeting. “In particular, we will want to be sure about when the election will be held.” He said their Standing Committee meeting on Monday decided to meet with the Chief Adviser soon, as there is confusion regarding the interim government’s actual position on the national election time frame. The BNP leader also said their party Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has been in Singapore for a health check-up. “I hope he will return home in time to attend the meeting.” He said their delegation would send a clear message to the Chief Adviser that the BNP will not accept any attempt by the government to extend its power unnecessarily until June next year.