BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday demanded the government publish a white paper on those who fled the country following the student-led mass uprising. “The government must publish a white paper on those who have left the country, particularly explaining how individuals responsible for the deaths of many mothers' sons in Bangladesh managed to escape to India,” he said. Speaking at a rally, he noted that telephonic conversations involving the deposed ruler Sheikh Hasina have gone viral on social media, in which she mentioned her intention to re-enter the country from India suddenly. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique “I would like to say it wouldn’t be that easy for you to enter the country crossing the border as you fled Bangladesh to India. The border is currently tightly secured by the BGB under the government of Dr Muhammad Yunus, not by the Awami League,” the BNP leader asserted. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, also alleged that India tried to subdue Bangladesh with the help of Sheikh Hasina. “But the people of Bangladesh have bigger  hearts, and they ousted the Awami League through years of agitations and struggle, as well as through the student-led mass revolution. Democracy must be restored and voting will no longer be held at night. This movement won’t be in vain,” he said. Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all the false cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other opposition leaders and activists. Farroque said the current interim government was put in place to make sure the country operates according to the constitution, not under the armed cadres of the Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League. Hasina's cohorts spreading rumours to create chaos: BNP He said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election where the country’s people will be able to freely exercise their right to franchise. The BNP leader said the people of the country now expect the Dr Yunus-led government to fulfill their desire by announcing a date for the next national election within a reasonable timeframe. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of 40 lakh cases filed against BNP and opposition party leaders during the previous government's tenure. “The people are now asking why these 40 lakh cases have not yet been withdrawn as per the President's orders.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said democracy encompasses more than just elections as it involves ensuring the protection of individuals' freedoms and fundamental rights. In a message on the occasion of Shaheed Jihad Day, commemorating the 34th anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad's martyrdom, he also emphasised the importance of conducting free, fair and credible elections to uphold the democratic process. Tarique said a non-partisan, neutral government during the polls is an essential condition for ensuring a free and fair election. “Democracy means more than just elections; it means guaranteeing people's freedoms and fundamental rights,” he said. Tarique urged all to come forward, inspired by the supreme sacrifice of martyr Jihad, to resist the plots of domestic and foreign evil forces aimed at protecting the country's independence and sovereignty and restoring democracy. Jihad, a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activist of Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement. Read: Interim govt must win BNP's unshakeable trust: Tarique Rahman “Shaheed Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad is an unforgettable name in the anti-autocratic movement against Ershad in the 90s. The bloody movement was for the restoration of multi-party democracy, freedom of expression and the press,” Tarique said. He said martyr Jihad courageously took bullets of police on his chest while playing a leading role in the anti-dictatorship mass movement. “This fearless student leader embraced martyrdom, and his sacrifice fueled the people's uprising that year, leading to the fall of the autocrat Ershad,” the BNP leader said. He said dictator Ershad killed democracy, while Jihad dedicated his life with the conviction to restore democracy and put it on a firm footing.  “His (Jihad’s) soul will suffer if we cannot fulfill his dream,” Tarique observed. BNP and its associate bodies observed ‘Shaheed Jihad Day’ with various programmes. JCD central leaders placed a wreath at Jihad memorial plaque at Dainik Bangla crossing in the morning in observance of the day. A group of student leaders of the 90s, led by Amanullah Aman, and Jihad Smriti Parishad also paid homage to the Jihad by placing wreaths at his Memorial Mausoleum. Read more: Interim govt must not be allowed to fail: Tarique Rahman Jihad Smriti Parishad organised a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the day.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday alleged that the associates of deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina are attempting to create chaos in the country by spreading various rumours. “The conspirators have not ceased their activities. Just because Sheikh Hasina has fled, do not assume that all the cohorts of the autocrat and fascist have disappeared... they are still present. Various attempts are being made to spread rumours and create confusion,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, he urged the pro-democratic parties and politicians to remain vigilant and not to be misled by any kind of rumours or confusion. “We must stay alert.” Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said everyone must remember that the ousted Awami League is still backed by various forces and powers at home and abroad. “They amassed huge wealth and money during their time in power and may attempt to create chaos among us. We must not allow this to happen again,” he warned. Rizvi questions speed of Saber Hossain’s bail He emphasised that it is essential to remember that the nation owes a debt to the blood and memories of all those who embraced martyrdom or fell victim to enforced disappearance for the cause of democracy, including Shaheed Jihad. “Those of us who are alive have a responsibility to honour the memory of the martyrs and to achieve the goals for which they sacrificed their lives. We must overcome any obstacles in our path to achieving this and it should be done in unity with the people through the democratic process,” the BNP leader observed. A group of student leaders from the 90s and the Jihad Smriti Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the 34th death anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad. BNP promises justice for persecution of Hindus Jihad, an activist of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) from Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement. Nazrul warned everyone to remain vigilant against those attempting to create division among the democratic forces. “There are some individuals whom we may be mistakenly identifying as our allies...It seems they are on our side. However, these people raise slogans and speak in ways that create disunity among us, leading to division within the forces that have fought against authoritarianism and fascism.” He said there are some parties and individuals who, aware that they have no chance of succeeding in a credible election, are making sinister efforts to undermine the BNP, tarnish its popularity, and defame it through various conspiracies. Without mentioning any specific party or coalition, Nazrul said, "I urge everyone to remember that we are not enemies of each other. Let’s be competitors instead. The people are aware of your past, just as they are aware of mine. In the coming days, when a fair election is held, the people will decide whom they trust to lead the government for their welfare.” Rehabilitation of fallen dictator will make country unlivable: Rizvi Stating that the Durga Puja festival of the Hindu community is being celebrated in the country, he said it is the responsibility of the democratic forces to ensure that no disturbances occur during this time. “There are individuals who may conspire to create chaos and tarnish the reputation of our country. They will also attempt to undermine this government or those who brought it to power. We must remain cautious to prevent this,” he said.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday questioned how former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury was granted bail within just 24 hours of his arrest, despite allegations that he orchestrated the enforced disappearance and murder of 11 people. “Law Adviser Asif Nazrul is very close to me. How could a murderer like Saber Hossain Chowdhury be granted bail while he (Asif) is in charge of the Law Ministry?” he said. Speaking at a rally in the capital’s Khilgaon area, the BNP leader said people in Saber’s constituency faced immense repression while many were maimed. He recalled that youths like Nuruzzaman Jonny, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Khilgaon unit, were picked up from his house and killed by being shot 16 times. “Isn’t Saber Hossain Chowdhury responsible for this? Under his orders, 11 people in the area have been victims of enforced disappearance and killing. He cannot eschew this responsibility,” Rizvi said. The families of victims of enforced disappearance and murder arranged the rally demanding action against Saber Hossain Chowdhury. A team from the Detective Branch of Police arrested Saber from the capital’s Gulshan area on Sunday. Read: Gono Odhikar Parishad holds procession against bails of Saber Hossain, M.A. Mannan He walked out of jail the following day as a Dhaka court granted him bail in six cases, including four with the Khilgaon police station and two with the Paltan police station, mostly over murder allegations. Saber is the first Awami League leader to be granted bail among many politicians and former cabinet members arrested on allegations of killings linked to the anti-discrimination student movement that resulted in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian regime on August 5. Rizvi said five people were killed in the Khilgaon area during the student-led mass movement against Sheikh Hasina's regime. “Sheikh Hasina has committed genocide, and Saber Hossain Chowdhury was her associate. He has been nurtured in Sheikh Hasina's ideology. During their time in power, no one could dare to speak in favour of democracy, the BNP, Begum Khaleda Zia, or Tarique Rahman. This is why he (Saber) has successfully implanted a programme of enforced disappearances and murders,” he said. The BNP leader bemoaned that although the tears of the fathers who lost their sons haven't dried yet, Saber has been released on bail even in murder cases within 24 hours of his arrest. Read more:Ex-minister Saber Hossain secures bail in all 6 cases Rizvi said the Chhatra League leaders and activists indulged in killing, occupying, and other misdeeds, but no cases could be filed against them during Hasina's rule. “The interim government, led by Dr Yunus, is an administration supported by the people through the mass uprising. If they follow the footsteps of Sheikh Hasina, then what does that mean? With a person like Asif Nazrul in this interim government, how is it possible for Saber Hossain Chowdhury to be released on bail within 24 hours? So who is this government protecting?” he said. Rizvi alleged that Saber Chowdhury was an MP for years without people’s votes. “Under his orders, many murders and extrajudicial killings occurred. If he is granted bail, then those involved in financial scandals and the police who engaged in crossfires—who made people disappear, tortured them, and shot them in the head—will likely be released within days. What will the interim government say in response to this?” Later, a procession was held under the leadership of Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, demanding the arrest of Saber Hossain Chowdhury.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left the country for Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday night for a weeklong personal visit to see his elder daughter. He departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at approximately 11:55 pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. “Sir (Fakhrul) is going to meet his daughter and her family members, as his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, is currently staying there,” he said.  He noted that Rahat Ara Begum has been staying with her elder daughter for the past one and a half months.  Yunus also said the BNP Secretary General is expected to return home with his wife after a weeklong stay in Australia. Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006.  While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognized as a women's organizer. In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organization allows women to talk about stigmatized topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves. In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award.  In 2022, she was honored with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year.’

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia donated Tk 200,000 to the party's central relief fund on Wednesday to assist flood victims in the country’s northern region. On her behalf, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir handed over the money to Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, the convener of the BNP's Relief Collection Committee, at the party's Nayapaltan central office. Fakhrul said he met Khaleda on Tuesday after she requested him to come to her Gulshan residence. Tarique Rahman stands by families of martyrs in Rajshahi “When I met her, she gave me Tk 200,000 to contribute to the party’s relief fund, saying it was her personal money for the flood victims,” the BNP leader explained. He said Khaleda has always stood by people and has led the nation during the times of crisis. “Unfortunately, the fascist Awami League regime has kept her confined for six years on false charges. She became seriously ill during her time in jail and continues to suffer from health issues,” Fakhrul added. The BNP Secretary General urged the people of the country to pray for Khaleda's speedy recovery. Earlier, on August 23, the BNP formed an eight-member committee, led by standing committee member Zahid Hossain, to collect relief materials for the flood-affected people in the southeastern districts. BNP stands by families of two martyrs of revolution at Shanir Akhra At that time, the party raised some Tk 20 crore in cash and relief materials for flood victims in eastern districts, including Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Cumilla, Khagrachari, Habiganj and parts of Chattogram and Chandpur. As some northern districts were also affected by the floods, the party has now resumed its fundraising efforts to support the victims and alleviate their suffering.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is set to go to Australia on Wednesday night for a weeklong personal visit to see his elder daughter. He is scheduled to depart from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at approximately 11:55 pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB on Wednesday. “Sir (Fakhrul) is going to meet his daughter and her family members, as his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, is currently staying there,” he said. Yunus also said the BNP Secretary General will return home with his wife after their weeklong stay in Australia. Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006. While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognised as a women's organiser. In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organisation allows women to talk about stigmatized topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves. In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award. In 2022, she was honored with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year’.

Stating that Bangladesh is an example of communal harmony, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said that their party, if returns to power, will ensure justice through proper investigations and trials for all incidents of persecution against Hindus. During a visit to the Puja mandap at Dhakeshwari Temple on the first day of Durga Puja, he also expressed the BNP's sympathy for the eight-point demands of the Hindu community. “We’re considering the eight-point that you mentioned...we have our full sympathy for the core issue of the eight-point demand. We can tell you this, just as we have supported you in every problem in the past, we’ll continue to stand by you in the future as well," Fakhrul said. In an oblique reference to the Awami League, the BNP leader said this is unfortunate but true that the members of a particular political party, which claims to be the greatest savior of the minority community, have been involved in all the incidents of repression that have occurred against them in the past. BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus “They (AL men) were also behind the incidents involving the occupation of land and property belonging to your community (Hindu’s) in Bangladesh. If our party forms the government in the future, each incident will be investigated impartially, and justice will be ensured,” he said. At the beginning, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary and daily Kalbela editor Santosh Sharma highlighted the eight-point demand of their community, calling for justice and exemplary punishment for the injustices and abuses suffered by minorities. Fakhrul said some foreign media are spreading propaganda against the communal harmony of Bangladesh with biased and false reports to undermine the political changeover following the fall of the Awami League through a mass uprising. “I won't say nothing happened. Some of the incidents that happened were not communal in nature but political incidents.” The BNP leader recounted how their party leaders and activists struggled for 15 years against the Awami League government, enduring repression, killings, enforced disappearances and imprisonment in false cases. He paid tribute to the more than 1,500 people who were martyred during the recent mass uprising and called upon the government to provide compensation for the martyrs and support for their families. Fakhrul, on behalf of the BNP and its chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, extended greetings to the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja.

BNP senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday asked the interim government to identify the allies of the fallen dictator in the administration as soon as they may push the country towards a dangerous situation. “If the dictator’s insects remain there in the administration that instigated Sheikh Hasina to shoot the protesting students, they will hinder you (this interim govt) on every step. Identify them very quickly,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while talking to reporters during the BNP’s leaflet distribution campaign to raise public awareness on dengue prevention in the city’s Gulshan area. He also urged the government to place the pro-democratic and talented individuals in different posts of the administration, who were impartial not considering their political affiliation in the past. “Otherwise, they (insects of the dictator) will lead the country to a dangerous situation. Because, there is a special superpower behind them,” he said, adding they are under the shelter of the superpower. The BNP leader harshly criticised Tapashee Tabassum Urmi, an executive magistrate of Lalmonirhat district administration, for calling Abu Sayed who made supreme sacrifice during the student-people mass uprising as a terrorist. “The persons like them (Urmis) are there in different positions of the administration,” he said, adding that the allies of this dictator will want to make sure that a government which is formed on the basis of a revolution or mass movement fails. asked all to be vigilant to prevent the reemergence of the fallen dictator as the return of Sheikh Hasina would lead the country to be a killing ground.“The return of Sheikh Hasina or the resurgence of Sheikh Hasina means that the country will be a terrible killing ground. So, the interim government should immediately carry out the necessary reform tasks and move towards a free and fair election so that this killing ground is not created,” he said. The BNP leader said this government should create a proper atmosphere for holding a free and fair election without taking too much time. He said Awami League leaders looted and siphoned a huge amount of money from the country and now they are trying to create instability in the country by spending the money. Rizvi said Sajeeb Wazed Joy hired a lobbyist firm in Singapore to advocate in favour of them. “They have a lot of money,” he said. BNP leaders Dr Rafiqul Islam and Nazim Uddin Alam were, among others, present. On Sunday last, BNP started a leaflet distribution campaign to raise public awareness for preventing dengue in different places of the capital.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said if the fallen dictator is rehabilitated, the people will not be able to live in the country. “If those who created the culture of enforced disappearances and killings and Ayna Ghar (secret prison) are rehabilitated, then people will not be able to live in this country," he said. Rizvi made the remarks while talking to reporters during the distribution of BNP’s leaflets among people to raise awareness for preventing dengue in the city’s Elephant Road area. He said if the fallen dictator is rehabilitated, this country will be the sanctuary of killers. “It would be a graveyard of democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of expression forever here,” he claimed, asking all to be alert against the dictator. The BNP leader questioned the appointment of a new foreign secretary saying that when the person was the Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar used to harass BNP supporters and didn’t renew their visas considering their political affiliation. “If those who have played an active role in suppressing the opposition by supporting fascists like Sheikh Hasina are placed in important positions today, if they are appointed as secretaries of important ministries like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then this government will face questions," he said. He said they respect Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, but he needs to look into this matter and uphold the trust of people in him. “Who is making the ambassador in Qatar as the foreign secretary?” said Rizvi. BNP's volunteer affairs secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sapu and its health affairs secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, were, among others, present. On Sunday last, BNP started a leaflet distribution campaign to raise public awareness for preventing dengue in different places of the capital.