United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday (8th November 2025) described Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a ‘self-declared president’ and Sheikh Hasina as a ‘fascist ruler inspired by Baksal ideology’. Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the city marking the November 7 ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day’, Salahuddin said the day symbolises the nation’s restoration of freedom and democracy. “After the Liberation War, November 7 was the most significant day in our national history. When all democratic avenues were blocked, the nation found a solution through bloodshed as it did during the July uprising,” he said. Defending his remark, the BNP leader said Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution in only 13 minutes to establish one-party rule under Baksal and declared himself president without any election. “Staying in power without election is the hallmark of Awami-style democracy. From Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina that has been their way. Democracy does not exist in their blood, in their ideology, or in their DNA,” he alleged. Citing the 1983 compilation of the documents of independence by poet Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Salahuddin claimed historical records show that the declaration of independence came through Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He said, “…on March 26, announced the country’s independence from Chittagong’s Sholoshahar area as the provisional chief of state.” Some political parties’ actions may endanger people’s rights, warns Tarique Referring to writings by Tajuddin Ahmad’s family members, he added, “Tajuddin went to Mujib that night with a tape recorder, but Sheikh Mujib refused to give any declaration. Yet, the April 10 proclamation states Mujib had ‘formally declared’ independence — how is that possible?” “The way Awami League manipulated the declaration issue shows that its politics is built on lies,” he said. Salahuddin, however, acknowledged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a national leader and credited his contribution during the Liberation War, saying his post-independence actions must also be part of the discussion. “The nation expected freedom, rights, and democracy from Sheikh Mujib, but he buried democracy with his own hands. Sheikh Hasina has done the same,” the BNP leader said. He said, “At least Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution before forming Baksal, but Sheikh Hasina has imposed fascism under the guise of democracy.” Turning to Awami League’s November 13 ‘lockdown’ programme, Salahuddin said BNP will resist it, adding, “Awami League has lost its sanity. If people really supported their calls, why were they driven out of the country on August 5 last year?” He claimed the ruling party called the lockdown centering the verdict in a case involving Sheikh Hasina. “If you have courage, come back to the country and face trial in court,” Salahuddin challenged. Read more: Constitution has no referendum provision, says Amir Khosru

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday Bangladesh sought extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following legal aspects and subsequent court’s order but did not get any reply from the Indian side. “We have followed the legal aspect that we have and we have asked them to return her as per the court's order. Let them look into it. They are yet to reply. Let them look into it from their side,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition. Explaining Hasina's presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently said this is a ‘judicial legal process’ and it requires ‘engagement and consultations’ between the two governments. ICT-1 sets Nov 13 for verdict in case against Hasina, 2 others "We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Beyond that, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. Hasina fled Bangladesh to India on August 5 last year in the face of massive student-led protests. Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi. The International Crimes Tribunal will set a date for the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against Hasina and other top officials of her government for their alleged role in suppressing the July Uprising on Nov 13.      

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has set November 13 for delivering its verdict in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and another accused over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August movement. After five days of arguments by the prosecution and three days by the defence, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder set the date for the verdict on Thursday. The other two members of the bench are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. In this much-discussed case, the prosecution sought the maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on five charges of crimes against humanity while state-appointed defence lawyers pleaded for their acquittal. The defence counsel for state witness and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun also sought his acquittal. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam responded to several points raised by the defence while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, as the state’s chief legal officer, urged the tribunal to ensure justice through the highest punishment for the accused. ICT orders 15 army officers be sent to jail in crimes against humanity cases Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi SH Tamim led the arguments for the prosecution, supported by prosecutors BM Sultan Mahmud, Shaikh Mahdi, and Abdus Sattar Palowan, among others. On the defence side, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain represented fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal while lawyer Zayed Bin Amzad appeared for state witness Abdullah Al-Mamun. Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman. In total, 54 witnesses testified in the trial. According to the charges, the then Awami League government, along with its party leaders, loyal administrators, and members of law enforcement agencies, committed crimes against humanity to suppress the student-led July–August uprising. Two international crimes tribunals are currently trying these allegations. On July 10, the tribunal formally indicted Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun, beginning the trial. Former IGP Al-Mamun turned state witness and gave testimony revealing details of the incidents. ICT chief prosecutor seeks death penalty for Hasina, Kamal The prosecution submitted an 8,747-page formal charge, including 2,018 pages of references, 4,005 pages of seizure lists and documentary evidence, and 2,724 pages containing the list of victims. A total of 81 witnesses were named in the charge sheet. The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its report to the prosecution on May 12. Besides this case, Sheikh Hasina faces two other cases before the International Crimes Tribunal—one over enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League’s 15 and a half years in power and another over the 2013 killings at Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar.  

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Amanullah Aman on Tuesday alleged that Sheikh Hasina was the ‘mastermind’ behind the recent fire incident at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, calling it an act of sabotage. “Fascist Sheikh Hasina is conspiring from a neighbouring country to destabilise Bangladesh and foil the upcoming election. She is carrying out these conspiracies through her associates inside the country,” he said. Speaking at a memorial meeting, the BNP leader also urged the government and people to stay alert to prevent any further subversive acts by the fascist forces. “We have been witnessing incidents of sabotage in different areas — these are the acts of the fallen fascists. Why are there fires in various places, including the airport? The mastermind behind these acts of sabotage is Sheikh Hasina,” he claimed. The BNP leader called upon the interim government to take immediate action against Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts and bring them to justice. Saifuddin Ahmed Moni Smriti Sangsad organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the second death anniversary of Democratic League’s General Secretary Saifuddin Ahmed Moni. Aman, also a former VP of DUCSU, alleged that a vested quarter is plotting to disrupt the upcoming election in the name of introducing a proportional representation (PR) voting system. Fire at Shahjalal Airport cargo village fully doused after 27 hours “The national election will be held in February. Those who joined the anti-fascist movement must stay united, as any division among them will only benefit the fascists. Some parties are trying to foil the election in the name of the PR system, while others are conspiring in different ways,” he observed. The BNP leader urged democratic forces to remain vigilant against such evil attempts. He called upon the few political parties that have taken to the streets with PR and other demands to step back for the sake of restoring democracy through united efforts. “All political parties that took part in the anti-fascist movement must now take a fresh pledge to ensure that the killer Sheikh Hasina is brought to justice,” the BNP leader said. He also said the activities of the ‘terrorist political party Awami League’ have already been banned and that the ban should remain in place. Aman expressed confidence that the election would be held in February next year as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Fire at Shahjalal Airport destroys garment raw materials, business samples: BGMEA “No one will be able to stop this election. If anyone tries to, the people will resist them. We vow that we will hold the national election together, the people will cast their votes without fear, and form a government of their choice to build a welfare-oriented state,” he said.

  The International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday issued warrants for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her security adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and 28 others in two separate cases filed over of enforced disappearances during the Awami League government’s tenure. A three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder accepted the charges and issued arrest warrants. According to tribunal sources, the prosecution filed the charges before the ICT-1 on Wednesday morning. Sheikh Hasina and family members can't vote from abroad: EC official After hearing, the tribunal accepted the charges and ordered the issuance of arrest warrants. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed and former RAB Director General M Khurshid Hossain were among the accused. In one case, 17 people including  Hasina and her adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique have been charged with abducting opposition activists and detaining them at the secret Taskforce Interrogation (TFI) cell allegedly run by the Rapid Action Battalion where victims were reportedly tortured. The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity in this case. In the second case, Sheikh Hasina, Tarique Siddique, and 11 others have been charged with detaining victims at the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence’s (DGFI) Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) and torturing them. This case also includes five charges of crimes against humanity and names five former DGFI directors general among the accused.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina can never be forgiven for the killings and brutalities during the July Mass Uprising, calling her a ‘disgrace to humanity and to all mothers’. “Hasina will never be forgiven. Hasina is a disgrace to humanity, a disgrace to mothers,” he said while addressing a programme titled, ‘The Mass Uprising 2024 – National Unity and Democratic Journey – Evergreen Memories’. Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal and ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ jointly organised the programme on the grave premises of late president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where saplings of neem trees were planted in memory of martyrs of the July Mass Uprising. Recalling a grieving mother’s cries, Fakhrul spoke emotionally about the loss of her son in the movement. “She dreamt of a future through her son. They took him away. He was shot, then dumped in a van along with others — alive or dead, no one checked. Later, the bodies were set on fire. Think about it—we are citizens of an independent country,” he said. Fakhrul suspects plot to thwart February polls The BNP leader said they fought the war of 1971 for an independent country. “The police and administration of this country, who were meant to protect the people, whose salaries were paid with taxpayers’ money, burned and killed our children. What could be more cruel and inhuman than this?” “Our first task is to bring them to justice. Second: to rehabilitate the families of the martyrs. Those who are injured and lost their eyes must be given proper treatment and support. If we fail, future generations will not forgive us,” he added. Fakhrul also announced that BNP would create a fund for the families of those killed and injured in the movement. “I said it yesterday (Saturday), and I say it again today -- there will be an election. Whether we are given power or not is another matter. We will raise a fund on behalf of our party, and with this fund, we will help these families as much as we can,” he said. Fakhrul said he would talk to party acting chairman Tarique Rahman about creating the fund, though Tarique has already been helping the families of martyrs and injured through ‘Amra BNP Poribar’. He said their party wants to build a truly liberal democratic new Bangladesh as per the desire of the martyrs.  “Our goal is to build a truly liberal democratic state. We want a new Bangladesh. We want change. We don’t want corruption. We don’t want bribery. We don’t want murder. We don’t want torture. We want to build a country where people can live safely, freely and peacefully,” the BNP leader said.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex- Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun in a case over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August uprising last year. The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder passed the order paving the way for the formal trial of the trio. The court fixed August 3 for opening statement and August 4 for recording the testimonies of witnesses. The prosecution had filed a petition on July 1 seeking initiation of the trial following the submission of an investigation report on May 12 by the tribunal’s probe agency. Hasina approved lethal force against Bangladesh protesters: BBC report On June 1, the prosecution submitted formal charges against the three accused which the tribunal took into cognisance after hearing. On August 14, 2024, charges of crimes against humanity were brought against Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal after her ouster on August 5 in a mass uprising. The investigation into those charges began on October 14 last year.After six months and 28 days, the investigation concluded in May.  

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday urged India to act with conscience and moral clarity, stressing that India can no longer protect an individual who stands credibly accused of crimes against humanity. "We now urge the Republic of India to act with conscience and moral clarity. For too long, India has refused to comply with Bangladesh’s lawful request for the extradition of (Ex-PM) Sheikh Hasina," he said. That position, Alam said, is no longer tenable and no regional friendship, no strategic calculus; no political legacy can excuse or obscure the deliberate murder of civilians. In a post from his verified Facebook account, the Press Secretary said when a global institution like the BBC commits its full investigative resources to uncovering crimes in Bangladesh, the world must take notice of it. The BBC Eye Investigations unit has now confirmed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s direct role in "state-sanctioned" murder, Alam said. The revelations published on Tuesday, including damning audio evidence and verified footage from the 2024 student protest crackdown, must serve as the final straw, the last nail in the coffin of Sheikh Hasina’s defence, said the Press Secretary. Govt yet to receive any letter from Tulip, says Shafiqul Alam "It is one thing for ordinary people to allege that she ordered the mass murder of her own citizens," Alam said, adding that it is quite another for a respected international media institution like the BBC, with significant global credibility, resources and forensic expertise, to independently investigate and corroborate these allegations in devastating detail. "The leaked recording, authenticated by world-class audio forensics experts, confirms what so many Bangladeshis have always known in their hearts: that the violence was not spontaneous, nor accidental. It was authorised," the Press Secretary mentioned. The evidence is no longer anecdotal or partisan, he said. "It is forensic, verified, and impossible to ignore." The United Kingdom, whose own media institutions have laid bare these atrocities, has long been a friend to both Bangladesh and India, the Press Secretary mentioned. 'We ask that India recognise the weight of this moment and honour the shared values of justice, the rule of law and democratic integrity," Alam said. The people of Bangladesh deserve justice and the victims deserve closure, he said, adding that the world deserves to see that no leader, no matter how powerful, is above the law.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed the hope that deposed Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts involved in mass killings, torture and fascist attacks on people will be brought to justice. “We always believe that everyone in any political party that supports fascism and acts as a fascist, as the Awami League has done, must be brought to justice,” he said.  Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Dr Abdul Kuddus and Dr Sirajuddin at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in the capital. As journalists sought his remarks on BBC World’s special report on ‘The Battle for Bangladesh: Fall of Sheikh Hasina’, Fakhrul said every individual involved in mass killings and repression should be brought under the law and face justice. “Especially the chief of that party, Sheikh Hasina, I believe she is solely responsible for the killing of thousands of people and the torture inflicted on them,” he said. The BNP leader said the process of Sheikh Hasina’s trial has already begun. “We are hopeful that everyone involved in these killings, genocides, and fascist attacks along with her (Hasina) will be brought to justice,” he said. Fakhrul said he also believes that the Awami League, as a party, should be brought under the trial process as well. BNP has been the biggest victim of the Awami League’s repression, torture, killings, and enforced disappearances, he said. Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul The BNP leader also mentioned that he himself had been accused in 112 cases and had gone to jail 13 times. In response to a question, he said if there is any true force for democracy in Bangladesh, it is the BNP, and no other party has fought as strongly for democracy as the BNP has. Fakhrul recalled that the BNP was the party that ended one-party rule in the country and introduced multi-party democracy, and later, a parliamentary democratic system. “The country must be saved through the united efforts of all, and it is the responsibility of every political party to put the country on the right track. The sooner it can be placed on this track, the better,” he observed. The BNP leader also said those who believe elections are unnecessary should reconsider their position, as elections are essential for the people. Fakhrul said Bangladesh needs an elected government that is connected to the people. That is why, he said, BNP supports reforms and is taking part in the process and discussions with the National Consensus Commission. Fakhrul said their party believes there is no conflict between reform and elections, and both can go on together. Later, the BNP Secretary General visited ailing singer Farida Parvin at Ayesha Memorial Hospital.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. “I don’t know who regrets how much, but we see the matter this way - if necessary, the matter will be followed up,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter asked whether there was any regret over the government's failure to bring Hasina back nearly a year after the formal request. Bangladesh had sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition. On the issue of water-sharing agreements, including the pending Teesta deal and the renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges Water Sharing Treaty - set to expire next year - Hossain stressed that such matters need to be resolved through bilateral discussions. Dhaka to remind Delhi about its request for Hasina’s extradition: Ministry Regarding media reports suggesting that a recent meeting between Dhaka, Beijing and Islamabad was intended as an alternative alliance to SAARC, Adviser Hossain clarified that this interpretation was inaccurate. The meeting never seemed to be an alternative to Saarc, he said, adding that it was a meeting to discuss some areas of cooperation and it was no way an alliance.