Urging all to be cautious, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said recent incidents happening in the name of religion should be thoroughly reviewed.  "We must look deeply into the incidents happening in the name of religion. We need to be cautious,” he said at the 7th National Council of the Gonoforum, held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.   Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said what happened in the last few days in Chattogram and some other parts of the country were totally unexpected.   “Those who haven't taken to the streets in 16 years are now staging demonstrations. Other driving forces are behind them and it should not be ignored,” he said. Ex-minister Asaduzzaman Noor assaulted at BSMMU The BNP leader stressed the importance of steering the nation toward its envisioned future. "We need to take the country to the place we have always dreamed of. In the past, when this vision was not pursued, it gave rise to monsters. The only way forward is through a peaceful transfer of power.” He said a democratic order must be brought back to restore the country’s ownership of the people, and mentioned that their party presented the 31-point state reform outline when no one thought about it.  Fakhrul off to London to meet Tarique After the upcoming election, Khosru said the new government will be a national government which will implement the 31-point reform outline. “So, there is no need for others to worry about reforms…The focus should be on electoral reforms to return the ownership of the country to the people.”  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left the country for London, UK on Saturday morning on a 10-day visit. He  along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum, departed  from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 8:25am, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.  He said the BNP leader is expected to return to home on December 11. Fakhrul ready to embark on London tour According to BNP sources, Fakhrul is travelling to London to meet party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political and party matters. Once Mirza Fakhrul returns, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may travel to London for medical treatment. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is likely to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care.  

Stating that there is a plot to brand Bangladesh as a communal country by labelling false allegations of repression against minorities, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged all to remain alert to thwart such a move. "My only request is that what we have achieved should not go in vain, because there is a fascist (Hasina) sitting on the other side of the border," he said at a student convention held at the Krishibid Institute of Bangladesh (KIB). The event, titled "Student Convention 2024," was organised by the Thakurgaon Chhatra Kalyan Parishad in Dhaka. The BNP leader claimed that fascist forces, staying in India, are devising various conspiracies and instigating a series of untoward incidents. Fakhrul ready to embark on London tour "After orchestrating these incidents, they are spreading them worldwide to portray Bangladesh as a country of fundamentalists, where minorities are being persecuted," he said. Fakhrul said  that the Indian newspapers and social media present all such vile incidents of evidence of what is happening in Bangladesh. “Actually, it is not. Who is doing these things? Why are they doing them? I am saying this because we have no time to be happy that we have won… everything is over,” he said. The BNP leader said a sword is still above the heads of the democratic and pro-Bangladesh forces.  "They (fascist forces) are trying to take us back to darkness everywhere. So, we must be very vigilant and alert. Any hasty actions or chaos must be prevented to ensure that no one can instigate it," he said. The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League had depleted the country's resources through widespread planning and corruption. BNP’s Nazrul questions justification of ISKCON's agitations “The economy has been ruined, banks have been plundered, and looting, bribery, and corruption were rampant everywhere. We must put a stop to these things and build resistance against them,” he said. Fakhrul also expressed his pain over the fact that students from different colleges were fighting against each other, despite having once united to overthrow an oppressive regime. “This is not acceptable in any way,” he added. “We must stand against this, as it is a conspiracy… Your (students’) responsibility is to make them understand that this is not the way. I am deeply concerned when I see a lawyer killed on the road in the name of ISKCON, in the name of religion,” he said. It’s now time to unite, build Bangladesh: Tarique Fakhrul thanked the students for their crucial role in helping oust the fascist Hasina government through a mass uprising. "Fighting against fascism without resources is nearly impossible, but your courage made it possible." Throughout Bangladesh's history, he said whenever the people, along with students, united in resistance, victory was always achieved.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to travel to London, UK on Saturday for a 10-day visit. He is scheduled to depart from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight in the morning, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.   It’s now time to unite, build Bangladesh: Tarique He said the BNP leader is expected to return to home on December 11. According to BNP sources, Fakhrul is travelling to London to meet party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political and party matters. Once Mirza Fakhrul returns, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may travel to London for medical treatment. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is likely to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care.  

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday questioned the justification of the recent agitations by ISKCON, alleging that the 'deposed autocrat' is linked to it. "I don't even want to name the organisation involved in these recent activities. They (ISKCON) have branches in various countries around the world… Ask them in which other country, apart from Bangladesh, do they organise processions with specific demands and announce long marches?" he said while speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. The BNP leader also questioned why ISKCON had launched a movement following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, when it had remained silent during the repression and suppression under her rule. He expressed his astonishment at how the leaders of ISKCON, as citizens of Bangladesh, could request the Indian government to intervene in this matter. "Is Bangladesh a country under anyone's control, or is it subject to another country's actions?" he asked. The discussion meeting, titled 'What We Can Do to Confront Fascism and Its Associates', was organised by Khelafat Andolon to mark its 43rd founding anniversary. Nazrul Islam Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member, criticised the Indian government's statement regarding the ISKCON issue. He expressed frustration that India had not issued a statement when several thousand of people, including children, were killed during the July-August movement, or even when an advocate was killed in Chattogram. "So, if one person is arrested, you issue a statement... but when several thousand people have been killed, no statement is issued. This is biased. Whether it is done by an individual or a state, such actions are unacceptable." As a labour leader, Nazrul also expressed support for the recent movement by battery-powered rickshaw drivers, stating that their demands were justified. "If you believe rickshaws should not be allowed, you should have stopped them in the beginning. Now there are thousands of rickshaws, and many people rely on them to earn a living. You can't just say they won't be allowed—who will accept that?" he argued. Don’t’ pave the path for fascist’s return: BNP However, Nazrul noted that the nature of the movement was not entirely normal. "I understand labour movements, and this one didn't seem normal. Then I saw that the leaders of the movement were all Chhatra League members. The demand was legitimate, but the way the movement was conducted appeared to be a conspiracy." In light of the current situation, Nazrul called for unity, awareness, and vigilance to prevent any attempts to undermine national unity or conspire against the people. "I urge the interim government to engage in dialogue with all political parties, organisations, labour groups, civil society, and journalists… and work to build a unity so strong that no one dares to challenge us," he said.  

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said it is now time to build Bangladesh with united efforts after the ouster of autocratic regime. "The people of Bangladesh have overthrown autocracy. We are now free from it. It is now time to focus on building the nation through united efforts," he said while virtually addressing the final match of the Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament as the chief guest. The Lalmonirhat district unit of BNP organised the football match at the Shaheed Abul Kashem College ground. Don’t’ pave the path for fascist’s return: BNP Tarique Rahman said the next step is to work together for the country's development with a focus on the welfare of its people. “We need the cooperation of everyone to build the country in the coming days. Our goal is to build a prosperous and beautiful Bangladesh together with people,” he said. The BNP leader also said Bangladesh has now a wealth of talented doctors, engineers, and professionals in various fields. “As a son of Bangladesh, I believe that our future should not only focus on producing talented doctors and engineers. We must also nurture professional athletes and cultural professionals from within our next generation,” he said. Tarique Rahman claims conspiracy to create chaos in the country Tarique said, if his party returns to power, it will take all necessary steps including providing training to develop internationally competitive players who can bring honor to the country by representing Bangladesh in global sports events. Chaired by Rangpur divisional organizing secretary Prof Asadul Habib Dulu, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas, Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Bangladesh Football Federation’s Assistant Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, among others, spoke on the occasion. Moreover, leaders and activitist of BNP and its associate bodies were present at the event.

- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday warned that there is a possibility for the return of fascism due to disruptive activities and disunity among those who contributed to the success of the student-led uprising. “Fascism has been defeated, but it can return any time. We must not pave that path. Unfortunately, we are engaging in such activities that have created a significant chance for its return,” the BNP leader said while speaking at a views-exchange programme at the Jatiya Press Club. Jatiya Kobita Parishad arranged the event titled “The role of writers and artistes in overhauling”. The BNP leader also said that fascist forces are attempting to create an awful situation in Bangladesh in a calculated way. “But why are those of us who had fought are now creating disunity? We become fearful when we hear conflicting statements from different places. There are efforts underway to push the country to a different direction through various street agitations.” Fakhrul said that the nation must now unite around a single goal: to build a truly democratic state by re-establishing parliament after implementing the necessary reforms. BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues “Overall, I would like to say, we all should not create division. We must move forward utilising the scope (created through the mass upsurge) keeping the unity intact. It is also our misfortune that, even after 53 years of independence, we have not been able to ensure a peaceful transfer of power," he said. The BNP leader called on people from all walks of life, including writers, artistes, and intellectuals, to play a responsible role in inspiring the nation to achieve the desired goal. Fakhrul said writers and artistes have long played a vital role in reshaping the state. "But this was not evident during the movement against the fascist regime of Hasina.” He also said building a democratic Bangladesh and fostering a democratic culture through necessary reforms is a challenging task. "We must accomplish this through the united efforts of people from all sectors of society. “After the fall of fascism, it is essential to build a state and society that truly serves the needs and well-being of the people.” Suspended assistant commissioner Urmi gets bail upon surrender Indian Media’s Negative Role Fakhrul slammed the Indian media for playing a negative role in the ISKCON issue. "Some of the Indian journalists called me last night (Wednesday night). Their only question was, 'what are you doing about ISKCON?' This question is clearly intentional, aimed at provoking a (problematic) situation. They failed the first time, and now they are trying to create it again. We need to be cautious about this." The BNP leader said everyone should now avoid any activities that could foster division. "What is needed right now is for everyone to remain calm, understand the situation, and move forward together. I don't believe there is any other path but to progress with unity." Fakhrul also said he thinks democracy is not just about elections. “But the democratic process must be followed in order to achieve the nation's desired goals.” He urged the youth, who are entrusted with the responsibilities of the state, to fulfill their duties with responsibility. "Do not engage in reckless activities that could push us back into darkness." Writer and educationist Prof Salimullah Khan said efforts are underway to internalise the outcomes of the July-August revolution. He said those responsible for the massacres during the July-August movement should not be allowed to participate in elections until they face trial. Khan expressed concern about recent incidents in Chattogram and different other parts of the country, calling them an ominous sign for the nation. "It may be a dark cloud, but it’s a forecast of a coming storm." He said poets, writers and politicians must unite on the national question, standing together to prevent the rise of autocrats once again. Khan also said the fundamental condition for ensuring that all institutions, including the military and bureaucracy, remain under the authority of the people is to keep the state itself under the control of the people.

BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has alleged that conspirators are exploiting issues related to people's rights to weave a web of intrigue in the country. He claimed that a coordinated attempt to create chaos across the nation is becoming increasingly evident, with growing signs of intolerance among the public. Tariq Rahman made the statement in a press release signed by BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday evening. Tarique Rahman said that the recent events in Dhaka and other parts of the country should not be seen as isolated incidents. He expressed concern over the growing activities of those who are destabilizing the state’s stability, calling it alarming. Tarique, Giasuddin Al Mamun, 6 others acquitted in Tk 10cr extortion case Tarique Rahman also called on the interim government to take firm control of the situation, warning that if the government fails to demonstrate effective leadership, the public may become increasingly intolerant. Addressing the rising cost of living, Tarique Rahman said that if the government fails to control the market and bring essential goods within the reach of the people, conspirators may use this sensitive issue to destabilize the government. He pointed to the associates of the fugitive autocrat, claiming they are waiting for an opportunity to capitalize on the situation. In his statement, Tarique Rahman urged the public to remain calm and exercise patience, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and alert to the situation.

BNP on Wednesday shared its concerns with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus over some recent untoward incidents and called for immediate action to address the issues. A five-member BNP delegation, led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met the chief adviser and urged him to forge a national unity to tackle the evolving situation and counter the conspirators seeking to destabilise the country.  “The main purpose of our meeting was to convey our party’s concerns to the Chief Adviser regarding the recent developments, particularly the law-and-order situation in the past few days, the issues surrounding ISKCON, and the problems of students of some colleges,” said Mirza Fakhrul. Talking to reporters after the over one-hour meeting held at the state guest house Jamuna, he said they also called upon the chief adviser to take steps for easing public sufferings. “We hope that the Chief Adviser, along with his Advisory Council, will find solutions to these problems very soon so that no such situation arises again to create a division among people,” said the BNP secretary general. He said the BNP delegation told the Chief Adviser that the greatest need at this moment is national unity. "We face many significant challenges ahead, especially from those who pose a threat to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh or seek to destroy the country's stability. We must build national unity to confront these challenges. This is what we conveyed during the meeting," the BNP leader said. He also mentioned that they raised concerns about the public suffering caused by rising prices of essential items and urged the government to take action in this regard. "Overall, we have called for national unity through dialogue with all political parties." He also said they suggested the government increase the number of trucks from the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) in different areas, so that commodities could be sold at subsidised rates. Fakhrul said they also talked about the fertiliser distribution problem, pointing out that affiliates of the fascists are controlling it. "We have requested the government to ease this issue.” The BNP leader said they also recommended maintaining normal industrial production and ensuring that workers’ salaries and allowances are paid regularly in the industrial areas. BNP delegation to meet Chief Adviser this evening He said they urged the government to take steps to withdraw all the false cases filed against the BNP and other opposition parties during the fascist Awami League regime. The BNP Secretary General said they also called for the dissolution of the union Parishads like other local government bodies across the country. Similarly, he said, they requested the government to dissolve the trade bodies and hold fresh elections to restore order. Fakhrul said they also talked about the upcoming national election, demanding the government announce a clear roadmap.  "We emphasised in our meeting with the Chief Adviser that the election is of paramount importance. We have urged him to provide the election roadmap as soon as possible, after completing the necessary reforms." The BNP leader said the Chief Adviser listened to them attentively. "We believe they will take these matters seriously and act accordingly.” The other members of the BNP delegation included party Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed. Advisory Council members Hasan Arif, Adilur Rahman Khan and Mahfuj Alam were present. CA’s Call Later, briefing reporters, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. "There’s a concerted effort against us. During the meeting, the BNP conveyed a message for forging unity. The Chief Adviser also emphasised the importance of national unity among all groups, including students, the general public, and people of all faiths—Hindus, Muslims, and Christians," he said. Alam said the government has taken all necessary steps to address the evolving problems. He also mentioned that the meeting discussed the violence in Chittagong and called for national unity to address it. "The Chief Adviser sent a message of peace and urged everyone to remain calm.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed grave concern on Wednesday over the evil efforts by certain individuals who, he said, are attempting to lead the nation into darkness by inciting a division through social media. “We are deeply worried following some of the events for the last few days. Just imagine the madness stirred up around the issue of religion,” he told a discussion. The BNP leader expressed concern, wondering how, despite the long-standing struggle of the BNP and other democratic parties for press freedom, media outlets such as the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are now coming under attack. “It is unfortunate that some people, who consider themselves the most popular and patriotic, are inciting division within the nation and pushing it towards darkness," he said. Without naming anyone directly, Fakhrul questioned whether those responsible for sowing division and disunity are true friends or enemies of Bangladesh. "We do not want to see this Bangladesh. I strongly condemn the attacks on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and other newspapers. I have fought for press freedom my entire life. That is my goal, my belief, my conviction," he said. "You ousted a fascist regime that was stifling our freedom of expression, killing us, silencing us, depriving us of our right to vote, and resorting to suppression and repression. (After her ouster, if you now seek to gag someone’s voice or eliminate them, how can you justify that?" Fakhrul said. Stating that has been on a struggle for 15 years to restore people’s rights, the BNP leader said he had been jailed numerous times for this cause. "I am ready to go to jail again at any time, but I do not want to see this kind of Bangladesh. Both I and my party firmly believe that I will speak the truth, even if it costs me my life. I believe in liberal democracy. I believe in the people's freedom, freedom of speech, and the right to vote," he added. Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) organised the event at the Jatiya Press Club to mark Shaheed Dr Milon Day, commemorating the 34th martyrdom anniversary of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, who was killed during the 1990s anti-autocratic movement. Fakhrul said although not even three months have passed since the formation of the current interim government, the true nature of certain individuals has already started to emerge. "We’ll never succeed with such faces, no matter how grand our rhetoric," he said. "It will never be possible to overcome a crisis if there is division within my own house." He said those inciting violence were leading the country towards destruction and inviting danger. "Think about where Bangladesh is being taken. Do we understand the reason for our fears? Do you understand the assailant is standing, with a knife behind us? Had they truly realised this, they would not have made such irresponsible remarks." The BNP leader said that incidents of street violence, bloodshed, attacks on media outlets, and self-destructive actions are putting the achievements of the student-led mass uprising into question. He called for unity, urging everyone to abandon efforts to create division for the sake of the country's welfare and the well-being of its people. "If you want to protect the country and its independence and protect your rights, then all of you must unite. You will never bow to division, you will not bow to injustice, and you will not pamper injustice," Fakhrul said. He said the current interim government was established on the blood of many students and ordinary people, not through anyone's mercy. "So, we believe it is best for them (govt) to focus on achieving the people’s main goal of a democratic state.” Fakhrul also urged those in charge of the interim government to refrain from making comments that could create confusion among the people.