United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged voters to back the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the February-12 election to ensure much-sought  good governance and warned them against vote robbery as he hit the campaign trail in Sylhet city on Thursday. “Seeking votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ on the 12th February, I want to say one thing, if, Inshallah, a BNP government is formed in the coming days, we will run the country on the basis of justice, following the example of the Holy Prophet (pbuh),” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing the first election rally at Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet city where thousands of party supporters gathered ahead of the 13th national election. Tarique alleged that attempts are underway to manipulate votes from abroad through the misuse of postal ballots. “You have seen in newspapers and on social media how postal ballots sent to various countries, including the Middle East, have been taken away.” He said the Awami League fled the country on 5 August 2024 after indulging in vote robbery, and that the same plots have now begun again. Stating that people have already seen signs of a conspiracy to steal votes, the BNP Chairman said, “We must remain alert against such plots. They are conspiring from abroad.” The BNP chairman also referred to the sacrifices made during the anti-government movement and the student-led July mass uprising, for restoring democracy and voting rights. He also recalled party leaders and activists who were killed or subjected to enforced disappearance during the long struggle against the Sheikh Hasina regime. Tarique named missing Sylhet BNP leader M Ilias Ali and said 13 people were killed in Sylhet during the 2024 mass uprising. “Through the sacrifices of these lives, as we set out on the path to reclaim our rights, conspirators have already begun plotting.” Sylhet sets the stage as Tarique ready to launch BNP’s election campaign On 5 August 2024, he said the people of Bangladesh proved that a united nation can defeat any conspiracy. “Will you resist again if needed?” he asked the crowd, which responded with chants. Tarique said that elected on 12 January, a BNP-led government will run the country on the basis of justice and fairness. He also outlined several proposed programmes, including family cards for women, farmer cards, health support schemes, employment initiatives for youth, dredging canals and reforms in education and healthcare. “We have freed the country from autocracy and started the journey to restore democracy. That journey will begin in full once you elect the sheaf of paddy on 12 January,” Tarique said. Tarique said his party wants to stand by farmers across Bangladesh and would restart canal excavation programmes to improve irrigation and water management if BNP wins the election. He said the canal excavation drive during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure helped address irrigation needs for farmers and eased water shortages and pledged to revive the programme to bring water back to canals, wetlands and rivers. Tarique also accused the previous government of looting public money in the name of development over the past 15–16 years. “You surely remember how a few years ago water was released from over there and the entire Sylhet city went under floodwater. And how, over the last 15 to 16 years, this country was mortgaged to another country. That is why I said “Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other country—Bangladesh comes first.” He said the ‘Take Back Bangladesh’ campaign is not only about protecting democracy but also about wider commitments, including canal dredging, standing by farmers, empowering women and creating jobs. Tarique Rahman promises family cards for four crore households The rally began shortly before midday. Tarique took to the stage at 12:28pm and spoke for about 23 minutes. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with leaders from Sylhet and Sunamganj, also addressed the gathering.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to formally kick off his party’s campaign for the forthcoming national parliamentary elections today, choosing the historic Government Alia Madrasha ground in Sylhet for what party leaders describe as a politically significant opening rally. Already, party activists and people from various walks of life have begun to gather at the ground ahead of the rally. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will address the people of Sylhet, and start the official campaign for the upcoming national election. Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday evening, landing at Osmani International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at around 8:00 pm. Tarique Rahman promises family cards for four crore households After paying respects at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), he proceeded to his in-laws’ residence in Biraimpur, South Surma, at around 1:00 am. Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman said, “Just as Dr Zubaida is your child, I am also your child. I hope the BNP will be victorious in this area in the election. I take your word with me.” Preparations for the grand rally have been completed, with a 30-foot area in front of the venue barricaded using bamboo poles. A separate section has been reserved in the northern part of the barricaded area for the families of martyrs and those injured in the July incidents. Tarique visits shrines of Shahjalal, Shah Paran; offers prayers BNP Organising Secretary G K Gaus said the rally will also formally introduce party- and alliance-nominated candidates for six constituencies in Sylhet and five in Sunamganj, as well as candidates from 19 constituencies across the Sylhet division. Meanwhile, the convoy carrying Tarique Rahman has already reached the rally venue.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party would introduce family cards for four crore households if his party comes to power. He made the remarks during an interactive discussion with youths at a hotel in Sylhet in the morning. The BNP leader said the card would be issued in the name of the female head of each family and would provide a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500, along with essential food items. Tarique also promised to modernise technical education to enhance skills for people seeking overseas employment and stressed the importance of learning foreign languages. Police ban drone use during BNP rally in Sylhet The event, titled 'The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman', allowed young participants, mostly students from various educational institutions, to share their views and seek guidance. Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a public rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet.  

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has imposed a ban on flying drones over the Alia Madrasa field during a BNP  rally, citing security concerns. The BNP is set to hold the rally at Alia Madrasa field as part of its campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election. Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the gathering as the chief guest at around 11:30am. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Saiful Islam said no individual or organisation will be allowed to operate drones during the rally, except law enforcement agencies. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the ban.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night. The BNP chairman arrived at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) at around 8:45pm.  Later, at about 9:05pm, he offered two rakats of Nafl prayers beside the shrine, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. At around 9:30pm, he visited the grave of late General (retd) MAG Osmani, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Army, where he offered Fateha and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Islami Oikya Jote Chairman MA Rakib led the munajat.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night. He later performed Nafl prayers at 9:05pm, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. At 9:30pm, Tarique Rahman also visited the grave of late General (retired) M. A. G. Osmani, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Army. Earlier, the BNP chairman, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Sylhet by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 7:20pm and reached Osmani International Airport, Sylhet, at around 8:04pm to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election, with plans to address seven rallies on Thursday.

The political landscape in Sylhet Division has taken a clearer, yet more complex, shape as the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the parliamentary elections passed on Tuesday. While a total of 26 candidates withdrew from 19 constituencies across the division, five rebel candidates from BNP chose to remain in the contest, complicating their party’s electoral calculations. According to Election Commission sources, the five BNP rebels are contesting as independent candidates despite the party’s official nominations in their respective constituencies. Their decision to stay in the race is being seen locally as a significant challenge for BNP and its alliance partners, particularly in tightly contested seats. The rebel candidates include Mamunur Rashid, popularly known as CUCSU Mamun, in Sylhet-5; Sheikh Sujat Mia in Habiganj-1; Mohsin Mia Madhu in Moulvibazar-4; Barrister Anwar Hossain in Sunamganj-3; and Dewan Zainul Zakirin in Sunamganj-4. All five are former or recently expelled BNP leaders with established political influence in their areas. In Sylhet-5, Mamunur Rashid is the sole rebel candidate in the district. His decision to contest as an independent led to his recent expulsion from BNP, where he had been serving as vice-president of the Sylhet district unit. The constituency has drawn particular attention as BNP has not fielded its own candidate there, leaving the seat open for an alliance partner. Jamaat-e-Islami president Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq is contesting from the constituency, adding another layer of political intrigue. In Moulvibazar-4, which covers Srimangal and Komolganj, former Srimangal municipality mayor Mohsin Mia Madhu is running independently. A member of the BNP convening committee, Mohsin Mia faces BNP’s official candidate Haji Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury. Local observers believe the contest could split BNP-leaning votes in the tea garden-dominated constituency. Sunamganj district has emerged as a hotspot for rebel candidacies. In Sunamganj-3, comprising Jagannathpur and Shantiganj, BNP central committee member Koyesh Ahmed is the party’s nominated candidate. He, however, faces competition from Barrister Anwar Hossain, a former district BNP vice-president now contesting independently. A similar situation exists in Sunamganj-4, which includes Sunamganj Sadar and Bishwambarpur. BNP has nominated Advocate Nurul Islam Nurul, a former district secretary and current member of the party’s convening committee. Challenging him is Dewan Zainul Zakirin, also a former district BNP vice-president, who has opted to remain in the race as an independent. Not all rebel candidates, however, chose to defy party pressure. In Sunamganj-5, covering Chhatak and Dowarabazar, BNP central executive committee member Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Mizan withdrew his nomination on the final day, easing concerns of internal vote division in that constituency. In Habiganj-1, encompassing Nabiganj and Bahubal, BNP’s official candidate is Dr Reza Kibria. He faces Sheikh Sujat Mia, a former district BNP president, joint convenor and ex-MP, who is contesting independently. Tarique Rahman to launch election campaign with Sylhet tour Sheikh Sujat’s continued presence in the race is widely viewed as a test of BNP’s organisational discipline in the district. Local political analysts say the participation of these rebel candidates could significantly influence the outcomes in their constituencies by dividing traditional BNP support bases. As campaigning intensifies, how the party manages internal dissent in Sylhet Division may prove crucial to its overall electoral performance.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to embark on a hectic two-day tour of Sylhet tonight (Wednesday) to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election by addressing seven rallies in a row on Thursday (January 22, 2026). “Since the election campaign is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Thursday) as per the announced timetable, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is going to launch it with a visit to Sylhet. He will reach Sylhet by air at 8:15pm tonight,” said BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin. After reaching Sylhet, he said, the BNP Chairman will visit the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) late at night and offer fateha there, marking the start of the election campaign in line with the party’s long-standing tradition. Mahdi, who is also an adviser to the BNP Chairman, shared the detailed tour programmes at a press briefing held at the party’s election office in the Gulshan area. Read more: BNP to take action against rebel candidates: Mahdi Amin On Thursday morning, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will address his first election rally at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. Later in the day, he said the BNP Chairman will attend a rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar Sadar upazila at noon. On his way, Mahdi said Tarique will also join a rally at the proposed new Upazila Parishad ground in Shayestaganj upazila of Habiganj district. The BNP spokesman said Tarique will then proceed to Brahmanbaria, where he is scheduled to address a rally at Kuttapara Football Ground in Sarail upazila. In the afternoon, he said, the BNP Chairman will attend another election rally at Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj. On Tarique’s way back to Dhaka, Mahdi said, the BNP Chief will join a roadside election rally in the Narsingdi municipal area before attending a similar gathering at the Araihazar–Rupganj Gausia area in Narayanganj district. He said Tarique is expected to return to his residence at Gusansthal late at night. Mahdi said the party has already informed the concerned district administrations and returning officers of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Narayanganj and Dhaka through official letters. He also said the respective police departments and other authorities have been notified in advance. Since the formation of BNP, party founder Ziaur Rahman began his presidential election campaign from Sylhet, while Begum Khaleda Zia also launched all her election campaigns from the city starting in 1991. Following that tradition, Tarique Rahman will begin his campaign with shrine visits, party leaders said. Read more: BNP rebel candidate Hasan Zahid withdraws nomination in Jashore-1 Sylhet BNP leaders said Tarique Rahman last visited the city in 2005, when he attended a BNP union representatives’ conference as the party’s senior joint secretary general. After spending 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique Rahman returned home with his family on December 25. A few days later, on December 30, his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. ‘Election Theme Song’ Mahdi said BNP will unveil an official election theme song at the very start of the election campaign. “The theme song will be launched at 12:01am on January 22 at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka, marking the formal beginning of the campaign,” he said. He said the theme song will be unveiled by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Member Secretary of the party’s Central Election Steering Committee Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Chief Coordinator of the Election Steering Committee Ismail Zabiullah and other committee members, along with leaders from various units, are expected to attend the event. Mahdi said Tarique has decided to include senior leaders from the party’s different wings and associate bodies as his travel companions during election tours, in recognition of their sacrifices and roles in the party’s 16-year-long anti-fascist movement and mass uprising. Read more: Tarique pledges housing, basic services for Korail residents He said leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations played an unprecedented and steadfast role in the long struggle for democracy. “Out of respect and affection for their sacrifices, Tarique Rahman has taken the initiative to honour them by gradually taking such dedicated leaders with him on his tours and recognising their contributions to the democratic movement,” he said. During the Sylhet tour, Mahdi said, BNP Chairman Tarique will be accompanied by party leaders Abdul Qader Bhuiyan Jewel, Mamun Hasan, Abdul Monayem Munna, Kazi Rawnakul Islam Shrabon, Yasin Ferdous Murad and Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with several other committed young leaders. “More such leaders will be included in future tours in phases, Insha’Allah.” ‘Appeal to Political Parties’ The BNP leader said the February 12 national parliamentary election is a very important chapter for Bangladesh. He expressed the hope that all political parties will run a peaceful, fair and acceptable election campaign by showing restraint, tolerance and coexistence. Mahdi urged all political parties to fully follow the election code of conduct so that the people’s hopes and expectations are reflected in the much-awaited election. “Only through collective responsibility and democratic practice can this election set a positive example, Insha’Allah.” He also recalled that earlier Tarique planned visits to the northern region to offer fateha at the graves of July uprising martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayeed, as well as national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and his maternal grandmother, along with some religious and personal programmes. Five BNP rebel candidates still in race in Sylhet as 26 withdraw across 19 seats Mahdi, however, said large public gatherings formed around those planned visits, prompting the Election Commission to request restraint. Respecting the Commission’s request, he said, Tarique Rahman cancelled those visits to help maintain a proper election environment. Replying to a question, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will visit the Chattogram region for election campaigning after completing his Sylhet tour, and the detailed schedule will be announced later.  ‘Undesirable Activities’ Responding to another question, the BNP leader said collecting voter ID cards and bKash numbers by going door to door by a particular political party is undesirable. “We urge people to remain alert in this regard, as voters are eager to cast their votes in this election.” He said steps must be taken so that the level playing field is not damaged in any way. “If we see violations of the election code of conduct in an organised way, including the misuse of postal ballots abroad or the collection of voter IDs and mobile payment or bKash numbers, these will be considered undesirable.” Mahdi said BNP has urged its leaders and activists to engage in positive politics during the campaign by reaching out to ordinary people, presenting the party’s plans and countering misinformation. He also urged those involved in collecting voter IDs and mobile payment numbers to move away from such negative political practices. ‘EC’s Role in Ensuring Level-Playing Field’ Mahdi said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election. “We firmly believe that if a level playing field is ensured and the people’s voting rights are truly evaluated, BNP will form the government with the people’s mandate, Insha’Allah.” Read more: Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru He urged the Election Commission to ensure a level-playing field, conduct a flawless election and keep it free from controversy. “The Commission must ensure that all parties follow the election code of conduct.” Mahdi said several BNP delegations have already visited the Election Commission and urged it to take a strong and firm stance on these issues.

A project to reduce chronic waterlogging, improve roads, and ensure safe drinking water in Sylhet City Corporation has been delayed again, increasing the cost by nearly 44 per cent. Waterlogging remains a serious problem in Sylhet city, causing long-term hardship for residents despite repeated attempts to tackle the issue. Millions of taka have been spent, but results have largely fallen short of expectations. Officials at Sylhet City Corporation said several plans were drawn up after the devastating 2022 floods to protect residents, but implementation has been limited. Read more: COMFLOT West project extended by 2 years; cost nearly doubles The cost of the project titled Alleviation of Waterlogging, Supply of Safe Water and Infrastructure Development of Sylhet City Corporation (Second Revised) has increased mainly due to prolonged implementation delays and an expanded scope of work, according to official documents. It was originally approved at Tk 1,228.02 crore and it has now stood at Tk 1,766.05 crore, reflecting an increase of about Tk 538 crore. The Local Government Division is the sponsoring authority while Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) is implementing the project. According to the Planning Commission documents, the bulk of the revised cost, Tk 1,520.56 crore will come from government funds, with the remaining Tk 245.49 crore to be met from SCC’s own resources. The project was initially scheduled for implementation between January 2020 and December 2023. Its timeline was later extended to December 2024 under the first revision, followed by a further extension to June 2025 without any cost escalation. Under the second revision, the completion deadline has been pushed back again to June 2026, citing the need for additional and more durable works. Officials said the revised scope reflects Sylhet’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall and upstream hill flows, which frequently cause severe waterlogging and damage to roads. Read more: Bangladesh Bank to launch Tk 10,000 crore bond for housing, rail projects To ensure long-term sustainability, the project now places greater emphasis on RCC roads, drains and retaining walls instead of conventional surfacing. Major components of the project include construction of 269.18 kilometres of roads and 363.92 kilometres of drains, along with 6.73 kilometres of retaining walls. The plan also covers 22.75 kilometres of road dividers with tree plantation, slope protection works using CC blocks and RCC retaining walls, and construction of boundary walls stretching 12.71 kilometres. One public toilet and 1.37 kilometres of steel railings along large drains are also included to enhance public safety. To improve urban services, the project include installation of 236.05 kilometres of water pipelines and 263.50 kilometres of electrical works, including an expanded number of streetlights to ensure safer night-time movement in newly extended city areas. Besides, 74 units of essential machinery and vehicles will be procured to support regular excavation and maintenance of 13 major canals and streams flowing through the city. The revision also accounts for increased road repairs including asphalt overlay on roads already showing cracks and potholes, and reconstruction of boundary walls demolished with homeowners’ consent during road widening. Sylhet’s Gowainghat house fire caused by short circuit, police confirm no communal link As of June 2025, the project’s cumulative expenditure stands at Tk 2,186.51 crore, with financial progress at 92.09 per cent and physical progress at 92.50 per cent, according to official records. The Planning Commission, in its recommendation, said successful completion of the project would significantly enhance civic amenities in Sylhet City Corporation by improving roads, drainage, footpaths and the supply of safe drinking water, thereby boosting overall urban resilience in one of the country’s most rain-prone regions.

Security will be tightened ahead of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) central student union (SUCSU) election scheduled for January 20. Assistant Proctor Professor Dr. Saiful Islam said this at a views-exchange meeting at the Proctor’s  Office on Sunday. To ensure maximum security during the election over 300 members of the police and the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) will be deployed, he said. Special teams will be stationed at the main gate, pocket gates, and other key areas on the campus. SUCSU Elections: Final candidate list published He also said that no vehicles will be allowed on campus except rickshaws, autos, and cars with university stickers. A medical team will remain active throughout the election.