United News of Bangladesh

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has been admitted to a city hospital after he fell ill. “Sir (Khosru) felt unwell yesterday (Saturday) and was admitted to United Hospital in Gulshan,” his personal assistant Shahiduzzaman said on Sunday. He said Khosru’s condition has improved and he is feeling much better today (Sunday). “Sir is now under close observation by doctors,” Shahid said. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, was elected from the Chattogram-11 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election. He was sworn in as a cabinet member of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on February 17.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said the change in the governorship of Bangladesh Bank was part of a broader administrative reshuffle undertaken by the new government to implement its priorities and policy agenda. “Changes have not taken place in Bangladesh Bank only; they have occurred in many places also,” he told reporters at the Secretariat in response to a question regarding the replacement of the central bank governor. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru “After assuming office, a new government has its own priorities and programmes. Changes are being made where necessary to realise those priorities. This is a normal process,” he said. Responding to a query about the considerations behind the governor’s removal, the minister said there was nothing unusual about the decision. “A new government has come in with its own preferences and policy thinking. Naturally, adjustments will be made in different institutions to align with its programmes,” he said, adding that such changes are neither isolated nor exceptional. “It is not only Bangladesh Bank where changes have been made. Many other places have seen changes, and more may follow if required. This is very normal in the context of a new administration,” he said. Development benefits must reach people’s doorsteps: Khosru The minister emphasised that the government’s own programme, preferences and policy orientation would guide administrative decisions. “Wherever necessary to implement the government’s programme and thinking, changes will be brought.” Earlier, the government removed Ahsan H Mansur from the post of governor of Bangladesh Bank and appointed Md Mostakur Rahman as the new governor. The change comes as the government reiterates its commitment to pursuing its economic agenda in coordination with key financial institutions.

Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said his priority would be to focus on work rather than making premature statements. “We want to talk less and work more,” he said, underscoring his preference for results-driven governance. Talking to reporters shortly after taking charge of the Planning Ministry, Amir Khosru made it clear that his approach would be centred on action and careful assessment rather than immediate public pronouncements. Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one He stressed that he had only just assumed office and needed time to review ongoing programmes and consult officials before outlining detailed plans.  “I have just arrived. There is no benefit in speaking too much in advance. Let me settle down, review the situation and speak with officials. In due time, everything will be communicated.” The minister, who is also in charge of the Finance Ministry, said he had assumed responsibility only days earlier and was still in the process of understanding the scope of his ministry’s workload, existing commitments and institutional challenges. He emphasised the importance of making informed and evidence-based decisions rather than offering speculative remarks. “I have just entered the office. It is important to review everything carefully and hold discussions with the officials. After proper review, it will be easier to present objective and substantive statements,” he said. Responding to vollies questions about his plans and priorities, including long-term economic targets such as transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the minister refrained from offering immediate specifics. Instead, he reiterated that any meaningful policy direction would emerge only after thorough evaluation. The minister assured that transparency and timely communication would be maintained once the review process was complete. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru “There is no reason for concern. Everything will be shared in due course,” he said. “It is important to settle down first, review the situation and then speak based on facts.” Amir Khosru also responded cautiously when asked about concerns over overcosted or delayed development projects, which have been a longstanding issue in the country’s public investment landscape. He said such matters were already part of an ongoing administrative process and would be addressed through proper institutional mechanisms. “All issues are in process. It has only been two days since I assumed office. These matters require careful review and discussions. After reviewing everything, we will speak in a more substantive manner,” he said. The minister stressed that making statements without adequate assessment could lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions, and reiterated his commitment to providing fact-based information once internal evaluations were completed. “For the sake of saying something, I do not think that is appropriate. What is needed is objective and substantive statements,” he added. The Planning Ministry plays a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s development agenda, including approving and monitoring projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), formulating five-year plans and coordinating long-term national economic strategies. The minister’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is pursuing ambitious economic goals, including sustaining high growth, improving project efficiency and strengthening institutional capacity to support long-term development.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was a unique example of uncompromising politics. “When many compromised in difficult political realities or stepped aside under pressure, Begum Khaleda Zia never compromised for a moment—from the beginning to the end,” he said while addressing a civic mourning meeting in memory of Khaleda Zia at the International Convention Hall in the port city. After entering politics, Khosru said, Khaleda Zia spent most of her life in political movements, often outside of power.  “Although she was in power for only 10 to 11 years, she remained on the streets for nearly 30 years, continuing her struggle for democracy without compromise.” Drawing comparisons with world leaders, Amir Khosru, also a BNP candidate for the Chattogram-11 constituency, said Khaleda Zia’s sacrifices stood alongside those of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who remained uncompromising throughout their lives. “Although we could not fully understand the depth of her sacrifice during her lifetime, after her death we have realised how deeply she had made a place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh,” he said. Amir Khosru said Khaleda Zia lit the torch of democracy through her lifelong struggle and has now handed over that responsibility to Tarique Rahman. “This torch is extremely valuable, and we all must carry it forward,” he added. Referring to the upcoming election scheduled for the 12th, Amir Khosru said the struggle for democracy might become more difficult in the post-election period. “Many may think life will become easier after the election, but it will not. The fight for democracy does not end here. The post-election phase may be even more challenging,” he said, calling for unity to uphold Begum Khaleda Zia’s ideals. The meeting, chaired by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, recalled the political life and contributions of Khaleda Zia. Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said the country must follow the path shown by Khaleda Zia to move forward. “Her contributions to democracy, rule of law, justice and fundamental rights will inspire future generations,” he said. Indian Assistant High Commissioner Dr Rajeev Ranjan said Khaleda Zia was a rare symbol of determination and unwavering faith in leadership. “As the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, she achieved a unique place in history. She was a visionary statesman committed to democratic values and public service,” he said. Consul General of Turkey Salauddin Kashem Khan, Vice-Chancellor of Chattogram Medical University Prof Dr Omar Faruk Yusuf, Principal of Chattogram Medical College Prof Dr Jashim Uddin, former principals Prof Dr Imran Bin Yunus and Prof Dr Siddique Ahmed Chowdhury, Premier University VC Prof Dr Nasrul Qadir, East Delta University VC Prof Dr Nazim Uddin, BNP Joint Organising Secretary and Chattogram-5 candidate Barrister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event.  

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said political accountability to people can be ensured if Parliament is made effective and its standing committees are allowed to function properly. He made the remarks while speaking at a programme titled ‘National Election 2026 and Citizens’ Expectations’, organised by Citizen’s Platform at city’s Agargaon. Amir Khosru said all elements of the so-called ‘new political arrangement’ already exist within the Constitution, stressing that the real challenge lies not in the constitutional framework but in political practice. “The most important issue is ensuring accountability of politicians. If politicians are accountable to the people, many problems can be resolved easily.” He said that people have largely lost trust in politicians, adding that restoring public confidence is solely the responsibility of political leaders. “A significant portion of that trust can be regained through accountability alone.” Highlighting the role of parliamentary democracy, Khosru said accountability must be ensured not only through Parliament but also beyond it, involving the private sector, civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). “There must be a partnership between the government and civil society, NGOs and the private sector. If civil society is not facilitated or allowed to function, it should be understood that the government is gradually moving towards authoritarianism,” he said. Mirza Abbas alleges plot to destabilise country, vows not to fall into trap Referring to parliamentary reforms, he said Bangladesh follows the Westminster model, which functions smoothly in the UK. “If the same principles create problems here, the fault lies not in the system but in our political culture. Blaming Parliament without making parliamentary committees functional will not work. There is no alternative to effective parliamentary committees.” On political consensus, Khosru said reforms cannot be carried out by involving everyone indiscriminately. “People do not give a reform mandate to all parties collectively. The party that receives the people’s mandate has the right to reform.” Calling unanimity in political ideology contrary to democracy, he added, “Your political philosophy and mine do not have to be the same. The beauty of democracy lies in being able to practice politics despite differences.” The programme was moderated by Citizen’s Platform Convener Debapriya Bhattacharya, who observed that every government enjoys a “honeymoon period” initially when it listens to all stakeholders, but gradually becomes less receptive over time. BNP gears up in Sylhet as Tarique Rahman set to launch election campaign Responding, Amir Khosru said the BNP is already practising accountability in its political programmes. “We do not just deliver speeches and leave. We keep an hour-long question-and-answer session. We want to hear what people want to say and remain connected with them.” Khosru also praised Citizen’s Platform’s Reform Tracker system, saying the era of political rhetoric is over. “Now is the time to deliver. Any party that fails to understand the aspirations of the people will face an uncertain political future in Bangladesh.”  

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday (December 06, 2025) said their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh anytime as all preparations for his homecoming have been completed. “Who is raising questions about Tarique Rahman not returning? I really don’t understand. Those who want to talk can keep talking. But we know he will come. He will return home very soon,” he said. While talking to reporters at a hotel in Banani, the BNP leader said that arrangements—from Tarique’s residence to his office—have nearly reached completion. “The work on preparing his office is also almost done. The party has already completed all necessary preparations based on his plans for Bangladesh. So, he can come back to Bangladesh at any time,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman’s return a personal, family decision: Khosru Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said those who are spreading rumours can continue doing so as there is no harm in it, since Bangladesh always has some people who like to gossip and they can stay busy with that. “I don’t know whether there are any other motives behind such rumours… There is no point in responding to these rumours anymore,” he said. Khosru also expressed the hope that BNP will form the next government with people’s support, and Tarique Rahman will lead the new cabinet as Prime Minister. “We believe that under his leadership, we will take the country forward, fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the people,” he said. Replying to a question, the BNP leader said he is not aware of whether Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, will enter politics or not. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser Asked about Khaleda Zia’s possible travel to London, he said her trip depends on doctors’ approval and the air ambulance is not an issue here. “The main question is whether she is fit for travel. We are waiting for the doctors’ decision.” “It is better for me not to comment on the medical side because these are very technical matters. The doctors who are treating her know everything, so it is better for them to speak about it,” Khosru said. He also said Khaleda’s travel abroad now completely depends on the doctors’ opinion. “They are working on that now and discussing the matter among themselves. So, whenever they make the decision, she will be able to travel, and then she will be taken for treatment.” The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications. Khaleda’s treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with both local and foreign specialists involved. Khaleda’s daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman — also a member of the medical board — arrived in Dhaka from London on Friday to accompany her mother-in-law abroad once she is cleared to fly. Read more: Questioning whether Tarique is a voter ‘irrelevant’, says AG

Democratic countries around the world want a democratic order to be restored in Bangladesh soon through a fair election, so that they can work more closely with it, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday (November 13). “Democratic countries around the world want to see a democratic order restored in Bangladesh soon through a credible election as it will make it easier for them to cooperate with Bangladesh. They are clearly conveying this message,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after newly appointed French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. New French envoy meets Fakhrul The hour-long meeting, which began around 12pm, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Amir Khosru, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. Khosru said the election was naturally a topic of discussion during the meeting and the French side wants the election to be held as soon as possible. “They emphasised that an early election would create opportunities to advance various areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and France. They expressed hope that the election could take place in the first half of February,” he said. The BNP leader said several important issues were discussed in detail during the meeting. “One of them was how Bangladesh-France relations might take shape under a new government and the direction the relationship is heading,” he said. Khosru said the French side shared their thoughts on this, and both sides talked about the possible areas of future cooperation. He said the discussion particularly focused on expanding collaboration between the two countries in trade, investment and other areas, especially in the creative industry. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation Khosru said France is well-known for its rich film, music, art, and cultural heritage, mentioning that renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmed also lives in France. “Alongside trade and investment, we discussed the possibility of major cooperation in the creative industry, which is a key part of our future economic and cultural programme. If our party comes to power, we plan to work closely with France in this sector,” he said.  

Urging the government to be tougher and active on maintaining law and order, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday (12th November 2025) said no one can obstruct the upcoming election by indulging in violence. “There is no reason to believe that anyone will be able to disrupt the upcoming election through acts of violence or sabotage. The people of Bangladesh are very aware and alert. They are eagerly waiting for the election,” he said. Talking to reporters after European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller’s meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said election activities are now in full swing across all 300 constituencies of the country with great enthusiasm and participation. “Almost all political parties are now active on the ground, taking part in election-related activities. Campaigns and preparations are progressing smoothly in every area,” he said. EU Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul, discusses polls Asked for his comment on recent incidents of political unrest and violence, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said such issues concern everyone. “Law and order is always a matter of concern. We also have our concerns.” He said they hope the government will ensure that its law enforcement agencies remain strong, vigilant, and effective in addressing any such incidents. Responding to questions about the Awami League’s alleged violent activities and lockdown programme, the BNP leader said, “The Awami League is neither in the race nor active in the country. Their leader is not even present. So, there is nothing to discuss.” He also said they believe anyone, not just the Awami League, can potentially carry out such violent acts. “It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to perform their duties properly to protect the country from such activities.” Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul Khosru said those who are not contesting in the election or are absent from the country, and whose activities have been suspended, may attempt violent acts, and other quarters could also be involved. “But it is the government’s responsibility to deal with them. They have intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies, and we hope the government will be more active in handling these matters effectively. Through this, we will be able to move forward towards the election.” Speaking about BNP’s nomination list, Khosru said, “After announcing candidates for 237 seats, the list has been widely accepted. Reports from various quarters indicate that the nominations are well received.” Regarding Jamaat’s Amir’s comment that no election will be held next year without the legal recognition of the July Charter, he said, “We have already discussed and reached an agreement. The charter was signed. Beyond that, we are not aware of any remaining issues. After so many discussions and the signing of the charter, it is not clear what else could still be pending.” Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met BNP leaders on Sunday (9th November 2025) and discussed various issues, including reforms in the financial and social sectors. The IMF team, led by Chris Papageorgiou, its Bangladesh Mission chief, held the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury led the four-member party delegation. The other members were BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Md Ismail Zabihullah and Dr Ziauddin Hyder, and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed. Sayrul said both sides discussed the preliminary findings of the IMF’s ongoing mission review report. Salahuddin slams govt for 7-day ultimatum on referendum consensus “The key issues of discussions included value-added tax (VAT) harmonisation and the reduction of exemptions under a new technical assistance programme, increasing corporate tax to improve the GDP-to-tax revenue ratio, reforming the banking sector, and raising social sector spending, which the BNP delegation highlighted as one of the party’s key policy priorities,” he said. Sayrul said the BNP delegation stressed that reforms in the financial, tax, and social sectors are essential to ensure sustainable economic stability in Bangladesh. “They said the BNP believes that long-term growth is not possible without an accountable and transparent financial management system.” He said the IMF team appreciated the BNP’s reform-focused policy priorities and constructive approach. The meeting ended with both sides expressing hope for continued policy dialogue and greater cooperation in the future, Sayrul added. IMF Chief highlights importance of bold reforms in banking sector

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said those who are afraid of elections should not be there in politics and instead work as pressure groups or NGOs. “Those who are afraid of elections do not need to do politics. Let them work as pressure groups. They can work as NGOs. You cannot do politics, avoid elections, and at the same time obstruct the democratic process. That’s unacceptable,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the Bhasani Janashakti Party and Bhasani Anushari Parishad at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, warned that in countries where mass revolutions took place and elections were delayed, it led to division, civil war and failure as a state. “But those who returned to democracy promptly through elections saw economic, social and political improvement,” he said. Talking about the July Uprising, he said there are some divisions over the movement, but no one has the scope to hijack it. People want genuine democracy to solve nation’s problems: Fakhrul He said the July uprising was not something new, as movements for their rights are in the DNA of the people of Bangladesh. “There was no other way for Sheikh Hasina but to go. We wouldn’t have returned home if Sheikh Hasina hadn’t fallen on August 5. Our movement would have continued,” the BNP leader said. The aim of the movement, he said, was to reclaim people’s ownership of the country and restore their constitutional rights. Although BNP leaders and activists suffered the most, Khosru said their party never claimed credit for the movement. He said a government elected through people’s vote must be established to make the mass uprising a success. The BNP leader stressed that a full consensus is not needed on all issues. “Different political parties will have different ideas and beliefs, which is normal. But on national issues, unity is important. Without differences, democracy cannot survive. We are not here to establish one-party rule.” He said there has been a change in people’s mindset in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s fleeing. “Those who fail to understand this change have no political future.” Khosru also said many police and government officials are not working properly due to the absence of an elected government, and foreign investors are waiting for an elected government to make decisions.