United News of Bangladesh

A street in Hamtramck city of the US state of Michigan will now be known as ‘Khaleda Zia Street’, in honour of late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. According to BNP’s Media Cell, the Hamtramck City Council has approved the decision to rename Carpenter Street after the three-time former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Sharing the news on its official Facebook page, the BNP Media Cell said the renaming of the street reflects an international recognition of Khaleda Zia’s political leadership, democratic struggle and contribution to Bangladesh’s history. The street is located in the heart of Hamtramck city. The proposal covers the section of Carpenter Street between Joseph Campau Avenue and Conant Street, which has now been officially renamed as Khaleda Zia Street. The Media Cell said four councillors of Bangladeshi origin are currently serving on the Hamtramck City Council, and their active role made the renaming possible. Members of the Bangladeshi community living in the United States see the decision as more than a symbolic change of a street name. They believe it represents an international acknowledgement of Bangladesh’s political struggle and leadership. BNP’s Media Cell also said this is not the first time a street in the United States has been named after a Bangladeshi leader. Earlier, a street in Chicago was named after BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman. With the addition of Khaleda Zia Street in Michigan, another chapter of Bangladesh’s political history has found a lasting place on US soil. Hamtramck is widely known for its diverse population, and the naming of a street after a former Bangladesh Prime Minister is expected to strengthen social and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the United States. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. She was laid to rest the following day beside the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with state honours.

Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, BNP’s voluntary wing, on Thursday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest the killers of its former Dhaka North city unit leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir, warning of tougher programmes if the demand is not met. “We demand that the killers be arrested within 24 hours. On Saturday, protest programmes will be held in Dhaka and across all metropolitan cities and districts. If the killers are not arrested within this timeframe, we will announce tougher programmes,” said Swechchhasebak Dal senior vice-president Yaseen Ali. He gave the ultimatum in a brief address before Musabbir’s namaz-e-janaza in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. BNP condemns killing of Musabbir, demands action Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former member secretary of BNP’s Dhaka North unit, was shot by assailants on Wednesday night. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead. On Thursday, his wife Suraiya Begum filed a murder case with Tejgaon Police Station against unidentified assailants. After Zohr prayers, Musabbir’s body was brought to the BNP central office where party leaders and workers paid last tributes to him. Later, BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, BNP’s voluntary affairs scretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sofu, central leaders Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, SM Jahangir, Mostafizur Rahman, Dhaka North Convener Aminul Haque, Dhaka South Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and other party leaders and activists attended the janaza. Speaking briefly before the janaza, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel urged the government to arrest those responsible without delay. Case filed over Swechchhasebak Dal leader murder in Dhaka “Those involved in this murder, whoever they are, must be arrested and brought to justice without delay. The government has announced elections and we welcomed the date, but the killers of Osaman Hadi are yet to be arrested and now Musabbir has been killed. We expect arrests within the 24-hour timeframe, otherwise questions will arise about the authorities’ sincerity,” he said. The BNP leader hoped that the killers will be arrested within next 24 hours. “Otherwise, it will be clear that there is a lack of sincerity or failure to act. The government must take effective steps.” Sohel also said that no killing will stop BNP’s political struggle under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “No murder or bloodshed can obstruct our movement to establish a people’s government through votes. No conspiracy will be able to stop this path.” Sarafat Ali Sofu described Musabbir as a brave and patriotic leader. “He was arrested many times during the previous regime and was even forcibly disappeared once. He was a courageous activist. This murder is unacceptable.” Dhaka North unit BNP President Aminul Haque alleged that a vested quarter is trying to derail the election by creating instability. “We believe Musabbir’s killing is part of a conspiracy to destabilise the country.” Dhaka South Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin condemned the killing and warned of action if the authorities fail to act. “We urge the government and law enforcement agencies to quickly identify and arrest the killers. “Otherwise, we will find them ourselves. This murder cannot be accepted under any circumstances,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday condemned the killing of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir and demanded stern action against the miscreants involved in it. In a statement, he also said miscreants have become active again to create instability in the country and cash in on the volatile situation. “After the fall of the Awami autocratic regime through the mass movement led by students, miscreants have once again become active in their evil efforts to create instability in the country and exploit the situation through chaos,” Fakhrul said. He said the brutal killing of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka North city unit Swechchhasebak Dal, is a cruel manifestation of that evil intention. “Such horrifying incidents are being repeatedly carried out to put the present interim government in a difficult position. So, there is no alternative to suppress these miscreants with a firm hand,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul urged people of all walks of life to remain united irrespective of party identities to protect democracy, people’s voting rights and public safety. “Otherwise, the lurking cohorts of the Awami fascists will raise their heads and become desperate to endanger the country’s existence,” he warned. The BNP leader demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for Musabbir’s murder. He also prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the upcoming four-day tour of the northern region by party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will not violate the election code of conduct, as it is meant to pay homage to the martyrs of the July mass uprising. “Some people may be viewing this tour from different perspectives. Paying proper respect to the martyrs of the 2024 student-led mass uprising is our responsibility and a national responsibility. Our leader Tarique Rahman wanted to do this long ago, but for various reasons the visit could not take place earlier,” he said. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said paying tributes to the martyrs and visiting their graves is the nation’s expectation. “We uphold the spirit of the mass uprising, and we must elevate that spirit. That is why he is going. From this perspective, there is no issue of violating the election code of conduct,” he said. The BNP leader urged everyone not to question the dignity of the 2024 student uprising, but rather to further honour and glorify the sacrifice of the martyrs. Read More: Khaleda’s  janaza likely on Wednesday, burial beside Ziaur Rahman: Salahuddin As the top leader of the country’s major political party, he said if Tarique Rahman visits the graves of the uprising martyrs and offers floral tributes, it means upholding the spirit of the uprising and fulfilling the nation’s expectations. “This is the people’s expectation—the nation’s expectation—and it should be viewed from that perspective,” the BNP leader added. Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel by road from Dhaka to Bogura on January 11. During the visit, he will go to Rangpur to visit the graves of the martyrs of the 2024 student-led mass uprising, including Abu Sayed, who was killed during the July movement. Replying to a question about internal party issues, Salahuddin said BNP has already taken organisational steps against leaders who are contesting the election in violation of party decisions, while efforts are also underway to persuade them. “In a large party like ours, many candidates have expectations. Some became disappointed when they did not receive nominations. In the greater interest, for the sake of seat-sharing and to ensure multi-party representation in parliament, we had to deprive many capable candidates,” he said. As a result, the BNP leader said, there is disappointment among those who were denied nominations. “In some cases, we have taken organisational action, and in other cases, we are trying to convince and calm them down. We hope the matter will be resolved,” he said. Asked whether the killing of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader could affect the election, Salahuddin said some isolated incidents are taking place, but these will not have any impact on the election. He said all political parties are now committed to holding a proper 13th national parliamentary election. “Insha’Allah, with united efforts and the sincerity of all political parties, we will be able to cross the electoral hurdle smoothly. Although there were many demands earlier, all parties are now committed to the election,” the BNP leader said. At different times, he said, some parties raised various demands, arguments and allegations regarding the election, referendum and other issues. “I think they have finally understood (the importance of holding the election). I believe all political parties have now reached a common position and are sincere about holding a free and fair election,” he said. Salahuddin said if any party has complaints about the level playing field or other election-related issues, they should inform the Election Commission. Read More: No legal scope to defer election over Khaleda Zia’s death: Salahuddin “The Election Commission and the government will address these issues properly. I believe all political parties and the people are sincere about a fair election,” he observed.  

Local BNP leaders and activists in Rangpur are making extensive preparations to welcome party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, aiming to make the programme a historic political event. Ahead of his visit on January 12, BNP-nominated candidates from 33 constituencies of the Rangpur division held a closed-door meeting at the Rangpur Chamber Building on Wednesday to finalise preparations for the tour. BNP Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu said party leaders and activists have been instructed to observe Tarique Rahman’s visit in a historic manner. “We are eagerly waiting to welcome our beloved leader,” he added. Rangpur Metropolitan BNP Convener and Rangpur-3 constituency candidate Shamsuzzaman Samu said all necessary preparations are underway to receive the party’s acting chairman. “We are making preparations in strict compliance with the election code of conduct,” he said. The announcement of Tarique Rahman’s visit has generated enthusiasm among BNP leaders and activists across the northern region. During his four-day visit, beginning on January 11, the BNP Acting Chairman will visit the graves of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Shaheed Abu Sayeed, late Taiyaba Majumder, and others who lost their lives during the July movement and the long democratic movement. He is also scheduled to attend prayer gatherings and meet injured July movement activists and family members of martyrs. BNP sources said the district administrations and returning officers of the concerned districts have been formally informed about the tour.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen on Wednesday met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and conveyed his country’s willingness to work with the next elected government of Bangladesh. The meeting was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office and lasted for about an hour. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahadi Amin and Press Secretary Saleh Shibly were present at the meeting. This was the first meeting between the Chinese Ambassador and the BNP Acting Chairman. Talking to reporters after the meeting, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir said the discussion was held in a very cordial atmosphere. He said Tarique described China as an important development partner of Bangladesh and shared BNP’s future development plans and ideas on rebuilding the country. “They discussed how China can further support Bangladesh’s development,” the BNP leader said. Replying to a question, Humayun said the Chinese envoy expressed readiness to work with the next elected government of Bangladesh.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said the benefits of development must reach every citizen in line with the wishes of the nation. “Over the last one and a half decades, people have made huge sacrifices. They have faced jailing, repression, false cases and enforced disappearances with the hope of building a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said now is the time to bring about that change in accordance with the people’s aspirations. Tarique Rahman’s return a personal, family decision: Khosru Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said development should not be limited to a small group of people. “The benefits of Bangladesh’s development must reach every citizen. Development must reach people’s doorsteps. Every citizen must become a partner in development and the economy.” He said democracy is needed not only in politics but also in the economy. “Economic democratisation is also essential,” he noted. Referring to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s vision for rebuilding the country, Khosru said this goal cannot be achieved by one person or even by the government alone. “This requires partnership. Everyone must be involved and an alliance is necessary. We must each fulfill our responsibilities, and cooperation from all is essential. We must become soldiers in building and developing Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader expressed hope that through collective efforts, the dreams of Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman can be realised. The discussion-cum-doa mahfil was organised by Zia Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium in memory of BNP’s late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Khosru said Khaleda Zia carried the torch of democracy for a long time, and that responsibility has now been taken up by Tarique Rahman. “In the future, he will lead the country as a torchbearer of democracy,” he said. He also praised Khaleda Zia’s firm leadership, saying she never made any compromise. The BNP leader said millions of people joined Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza out of love and respect. “Such a massive gathering did not happen overnight. It reflected deep public affection. I have never seen such a large janaza anywhere in the world.”

BNP senior leader and former minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday said no force, either local or foreign, will be able to depoliticise Bangladesh. “Politics is in the blood of the people of Bangladesh. Democracy is also in their blood. So, I believe no force or superpower can depoliticise this country,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a condolence meeting and doa mahfil organised by the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), in memory of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman moves to rein in BNP’s rebel candidates He said an election was held in 2008 that was “stage-managed” with the involvement of various local and foreign forces. “At that time, there was an attempt to depoliticise Bangladesh. But that attempt failed.” Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda Zia enjoyed towering popularity and proved it by winning elections repeatedly. “That was a clear reflection of the people’s love for her. She was the greatest custodian and bearer of democracy in Bangladesh.“ From 2008 to 2024, he said their late chairperson faced continuous repression and harassment and was implicated in politically motivated false cases. “Despite all this, she showed remarkable patience.” Recalling a personal interaction, the BNP leader said, “I once told her that we wanted to take steps regarding the false cases filed against her. She replied that nothing was needed. She said she would prove through legal means that the cases were false and that she was innocent. She believed the people would also see the truth.” He said August 5, 2024 marked a victory for truth and democracy. “Those who conspired against Begum Khaleda Zia, those who established authoritarian rule in the name of democracy, and those who claimed to support the Liberation War but acted against its ideals, faced a humiliating defeat. It has been proven that Khaleda Zia was right.” Dr Moyeen said the period from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006 under Khaleda Zia’s leadership was one of the most important chapters in Bangladesh’s development. “Roads, schools, colleges, mosques and madrasas were built across rural areas. She was the main architect of rural development and took development from the capital to villages across the country,” he said. Dr Moyeen expressed confidence that, following this legacy, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead the country forward. “We believe that under his leadership, BNP will protect democracy and establish Bangladesh as a developed and respected nation in the world.” Leaders from different political parties also spoke at the programme, recalling Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in the country’s democratic movements and her contributions to Bangladesh’s overall development. Later, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia.  

Mir Arshadul Haque, former Joint Secretary of the Central Committee of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chief Coordinator of its Chattogram City unit, formally joined the BNP on Wednesday. He met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office at around 2:00pm, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Following the meeting, he became a primary member of the party by filling out the membership form handed to him by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. BNP Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, BNP Content Creator Dr Saimum Parvez, and Sayrul Kabir Khan were also present on the occasion. Earlier, while discussions were ongoing between NCP and Jamaat over forming an electoral alliance, Mir Arshadul Haque resigned from NCP on December 25 by expressing his support for Tarique Rahman. A popular leader in both the central committee and Chattogram City NCP, Arshadul was also the NCP-nominated candidate for the Chattogram-16 seat.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will begin his first tour outside Dhaka through the northern region after returning to the country, with a four-day visit starting on January 11. According to the final schedule, Tarique will leave Dhaka on January 11 and return on January 14. During this time, he will visit nine districts in the northern region. On January 11, he will travel to Tangail, Sirajganj and Bogura, where he will stay overnight. Read more: Three retired army officers appointed to Tarique’s security team The next day, January 12, he will visit Rangpur, Dinajpur and Thakurgaon, and stay the night in Thakurgaon. On January 13, he will travel from Thakurgaon to Panchagarh, Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat, and return to Rangpur for the night. On January 14, Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka via Rangpur and Gabtali in Bogura. During the tour, the BNP Acting Chairman will visit the graves of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Shaheed Abu Sayeed, late Taiyaba Majumder, and others who were killed during the July movement and the long democratic movement. He will also attend prayer gatherings and meet injured July fighters and family members of martyrs. BNP sources said the district administrations and returning officers of the concerned districts have been formally informed about the tour. In a letter signed on Tuesday by ABM Abdus Sattar, Private Secretary to the BNP Acting Chairman, the district commissioners and returning officers of Dhaka, Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajganj, Bogura, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram were notified of the programme. The letter said the tour will be limited to religious and social activities, including grave visits and prayer programmes. It also made clear that the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission will not be violated in any way. Read more: EU assures Tarique Rahman of stronger cooperation with Bangladesh The party sought necessary security arrangements and overall cooperation from the authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme. Captain (retd) Ganiul Azam, Director (Coordination) of the BNP Acting Chairman’s security team, has been assigned to coordinate the tour.