BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was filled with joy and excitement during a reunion with his childhood friends here on Wednesday, delighting them by reciting a poem by the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore.  The reunion was arranged by the BNP leader’s friends on the premises of Howlader Clod Storage Limited in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila’s  Palli Bidyut area. Meeting his old schoolmates after a long time, Fakhrul briefly lost himself in the nostalgia of his youth, becoming emotional as he reminisced about his early years. Recalling his childhood memories, Fakhrul said, "My close friend Kuddus left us a long time ago. Monowar also passed away, and it used to feel incomplete if I didn’t meet him at least once a day. Many of our friends are no longer with us. He said those of them still alive wish to live in a way that makes them feel truly alive.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party, if voted to power, will prosecute the 'fallen fascists'. “BNP has been the major victim of fascism. The oppression, torture, and enforced disappearances we have faced, who else has faced it?.. We and Jamaat-e-Islami have been the most affected (by fascism)," he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while responding to a question at a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the torture by the Awami fascist regime was the most severe on BNP and its leaders and activists. "So, who else will try the fascists if not us if we come to power? The process of prosecution that has started, there is no way for anyone to back off from it. The trial (of the fascists) will surely be held," Fakhrul said. The BNP leader said a political government used to hold the trial of such matters. He, however, said there should not be any hasty trial so that no question can be raised about it. “Prosecution is a process, and it will continue... We will certainly complete that process and there is no doubt about it." No major difference among parties Fakhrul said there could be some differences of opinion among the political parties over the next election, as each political party has its own distinct characteristics and thoughts. He said BNP is advocating for an immediate election from its perspective, while Jamaat-e-Islami is also offering its opinion on the matter from its own viewpoint. Read: EU Ambassador Michael Miller meets Mirza Fakhrul The BNP leader said they have already spoken to the parties that participated in the simultaneous movement with them, and all of them advocated for a quick national election. “There is no disagreement among us on this matter. All the like-minded parties, including both left-wing and right-wing ones, have already talked about the prompt election,” he said. Fakhrul said the Communist Party of Bangladesh has also sought an immediate election. Even, he said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seem to have a significant difference with BNP regarding the election. “Just a few days ago, he (Jamaat Chief) said national elections are necessary and parliamentary polls should be held first. So, I don’t see any major difference.” Regarding the declaration of the July revolution, Fakhrul said they received a draft declaration from the interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam, and he requested BNP to give its opinions on the matter. “The matter is so sensitive and important that it cannot be done on a day’s notice. We have discussed this, we are discussing more… We also need to discuss it with other parties,” he said. Read more: Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul Besides, the BNP leader said they also need to talk to constitutional experts as there are many things in the declaration related to the constitution. “So, we need that time. We’re discussing it.”

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently undergoing treatment at a specialised hospital in London, is much better, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, she shared Khaleda’s health update in response to a question about her condition. “We’ve received updates (about her condition). She (Khaleda) is now, Alhamdulillah, mentally and physically much better than before,” the BNP leader said. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the London Clinic, a specialised hospital, on January 8 for advanced treatment under the supervision of liver specialist Professor John Patrick Kennedy. A six-member medical team from Bangladesh, including BNP standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, accompanied Khaleda during her journey to London by an air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. The BNP chief has been receiving treatment for multiple ailments at the London Clinic. Contacted, Dr Zahid said the doctors at the London Clinic have reviewed Khaleda’s medical history, including conditions related to her liver, kidneys, and heart, in consultation with the Bangladeshi physicians who accompanied her. BNP urges interim govt to hold national election by Aug “Madam (Khaleda) is doing better than before. Routine tests are being conducted by the doctors. Treatment is being provided based on the test reports and some changes have been made to her treatment protocol,” he said. Zahid said Khaleda Zia is being served home-cooked meals prepared at the residence of the BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman in London. He said Tarique and his wife, Zubaida Rahman, personally deliver the meals to the hospital four times a day—morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. The physician also said Khaleda Zia’s three granddaughters—Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, and Arafat Rahman Koko’s daughters, Zahia Rahman and Zafia Rahman—are spending most of their time with their grandmother. “Madam is mentally very happy and cheerful to have her granddaughters by her side after such a long time,” he said. The 79-year-old former prime minister has long been suffering from liver cirrhosis, kidney complications, heart issues, diabetes, arthritis, and other ailments. Fakhrul discusses bilateral issues with Chinese ambassador Her health condition deteriorated after she was jailed in 2018 following her conviction in a corruption case.  Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail after 776 days through an executive order on March 25, 2020. Since then, she has received treatment on several occasions at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

The BNP on Tuesday demanded that the interim government arrange the next national election by August this year in the greater interest of the country. “We think that the election is possible in the middle of this year, and that means between July and August,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Fakhrul discusses bilateral issues with Chinese ambassador He made the remarks while addressing a press conference at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, discussing the outcome of the party's standing committee meeting held on Monday night. Fakhrul called upon the interim government, the Election Commission and political parties to take steps to arrange the election by the middle of this year. Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul “We believe there is no reason to delay the election when the Election Commission has been formed and relative stability has been restored in governance,” he said. The BNP leader said the Election Reform Commission formed by the government is also set to present its report on Wednesday. EU Ambassador Michael Miller meets Mirza Fakhrul “So, we do not think there is any justification for further delaying the elections. The longer the delay, the deeper the political and economic crisis becomes,” he said. Fakhrul mentioned that they have long been saying there is no alternative to an elected government, as it is the cornerstone of democracy.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday had a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen and discussed various issues relating to the bilateral interests of the two nations. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, took place at the Chinese Ambassador’s Baridhara residence, said a BNP leader close to Fakhrul. The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, in a post on its verified Facebook page, said the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh met the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General. Read more: Prefer alternative approach over unpopular decisions: BNP’s Nazrul to govt    It also said the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern. Earlier, on 21 August last year, the Chinese Ambassador met a BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh and its people, as it has in the past. He also assured that China would enhance its investment in Bangladesh in the coming days to support the country’s development and the welfare of its people.

People from different religions in Keraniganj attended the Śrāddha, a post-funeral rites ceremony, for the late Jhorna Roy, wife of BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, on Monday. The Śrāddha ceremony was held at Gayeshwar’s residence in Mirzapur, South Keraniganj, in the presence of family members. BNP’s Rizvi appreciate Home Adviser for halting border fencing by India BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Vice Chairmen Abdul Awal Mintu, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, BNP central leaders, business leaders, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and several thousand people from various professions and religions participated in the programme. Gayeshwar Chandra Roy's son, Amitabh Roy, and his wife, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, welcomed the guests. The guests paid their respects to the soul of Jhorna Roy standing silently in front of her portrait at the ceremony venue. The guests were entertained with a sumptuous feast. Holding election within this year crucial, BNP tells EU envoy On December 29, Jhorna Roy passed away while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). She had been suffering from old-age complications for a long time. Jhorna left behind her husband, two daughters, one son, grandchildren, and numerous admirers to mourn her death.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday appreciated Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for halting India's construction of fencing in several zero-line areas along the Bangladesh-India border. Speaking at a milad and doa mahfil at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he also accused deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being "sold" to India, claiming she had sacrificed Bangladesh’s interests in favour of the neighbouring country. Jatiyatabdi Rickshaw, Van, and Auto Chalak Dal organised the programme to pray for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's speedy recovery as she undergoes treatment in London.  “I thank the Home Affairs Adviser of the interim government as for the first time the BGB and the people resisted the barbed-wire fence that India was forcibly constructing along the border without any consultation,” Rizvi said. HC affirms legitimacy of interim government, cites public consensus He said Sheikh Hasina and her masters believed they could easily subdue the people of Bangladesh. The BNP leader also said South Block in Delhi never considered the depth and intensity of the patriotism of the Bangladeshi people. “They thought that if Sheikh Hasina remained in power, their purposes would be fulfilled. But the Indian policymakers failed to understand that lakhs of people from Jatrabari, Uttara, and Gabtoli could rise up and drive Sheikh Hasina out of Bangladesh,” he said. Rizvi said India had constructed barbed-wire fences in about 160 locations along the border between the two independent countries from 2010 to 2023, without any prior consultation as Sheikh Hasina gave them that scope, weakening Bangladesh’s sovereignty. The BNP leader mentioned that India had already fenced over 3,000 kilometres of the 4,156-kilometre-long Bangladesh-India border, leaving only approximately 885 kilometres unfenced. According to international rules, regulations, agreements, and discussions between the two countries at different times, he said any development plan within 150 yards of the zero line of the border must be discussed between the two countries. “But they (India) are trying to erect barbed-wire fences in various places, including along Lalmonirhat border, without complying with any of these agreements and regulations,” Rizvi said. He said the people of Bangladesh have joined the BGB members this time to resist India’s such an unfair move.  Khaleda stable in London, undergoing routine tests The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina, during her rule, did not allow such an example to happen. “With fascism, with her ruthlessness, with her brutality, she (Sheikh Hasina) worked as a servant of India to serve its interests.” He recalled that Sheikh Hasina used to say many of her party members could be bought, but Sheikh Hasina could not be bought. “You (Hasina) can be bought first… India bought you first… that’s why you gave India the opportunity to do unequal work by trampling the independence, sovereignty, and glory of your own country.” Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that Bangladesh halted India’s construction of fencing in several zero-line areas along the Bangladesh-India border as it was a violation of international law. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on border, he said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has taken a firm stance to prevent such construction, already halting fencing in five locations, including Chapainawabganj, Nagaon and Dahagram in Lalmonirhat, the adviser added.

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at The London Clinic in the UK, remains stable, said her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Sunday. He said routine health check-ups of the BNP chief are being carried out every day, while some specialised tests may be conducted on Monday, as per the advice of her doctors. Zahid said Professor John Patrick Kennedy, a hepatologist with a special expertise in the management of liver disease, visited her at the hospital on Sunday. He said the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh has been receiving treatment under his supervision since her arrival in London. Read more: Tarique thanks Qatar Emir for support in transporting Khaleda to London After undergoing physiotherapy, Zahid said, Khaleda’s physical condition has improved further. He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, have been visiting her regularly, ensuring she is comfortable and in good spirits. Khaleda travelled to London on January 8 for advanced medical treatment and was admitted directly to The London Clinic from Heathrow Airport. Since her admission, various medical tests have been conducted, and her treatment is being adjusted based on the results. The 79-year-old leader former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Sunday cautioned the government that it should refrain from taking decisions, such as imposing Value Added Tax (VAT) and supplementary duties on more than a hundred products and services that could make it unpopular. “We saw in newspapers that the government has decided to impose VAT in a special context. We would like to say that this decision will cause public suffering, and the government cannot remain popular by taking such a decision,” he said. Holding election within this year crucial, BNP tells EU envoy The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Labour Party, one of the partners in the party’s simultaneous movement, on the country’s latest political situation at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said their party wants to see the interim government remain popular. “We believe the government should take an alternative approach that does not increase public suffering, but helps generate the revenue needed to run the state.” Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said they think if the interim government becomes unpopular, the e fallen fascists would be pleased. “But those of us who were in the movement won’t be happy. So, we expect the government will not take any decision that distances it from the people.” When asked about the "illegal" construction of fences along the border by India, he said their party does not want relations with Bangladesh’s nearest neighbour to deteriorate. “But we’re never willing to accept that they will take actions that do not recognise the interests and dignity of our nation,” he said. GM Quader calls new VAT imposition a cruel decision The BNP leader said India can set up barbed-wire fences for its own security, but it is not acceptable that Felani’s dead body was found hanging on that barbed-wire fence. He also said there should be discussions between the two neighbouring countries before taking any important steps along the border. “A positive and acceptable step should be taken through dialogue.”

BNP on Sunday told European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller that holding the next national elections within this year is crucial to restore democratic process in the country. “The issues important in the current context of Bangladesh were discussed, particularly the election—when it will be held, our views on it, and our stance on the reforms that have been discussed,” party senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said while addressing a press briefing after the EU envoy’s meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader said they also discussed the election roadmap for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. "What we’ve said from our side is that it is very important to hold the election within this year." Congressmen invite BNP's top leaders to join ‘National Prayer Breakfast’ Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the interim government should focus directly on organising the national election, rather than considering other options, to hand over power to an elected government and ensure the continuation of the democratic process in Bangladesh. He said a country cannot function for a long time under an undemocratic system as such a government lacks political weight, a connection with people, and an effective mobilisation process. The BNP leader said the people are also unable to voice their opinions or give feedbacks in an undemocratic system. "So, we insist on returning to a democratic process as soon as possible.” The EU envoy came to the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 3:30pm and held an hour-long meeting with Fakhrul. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed attended the meeting. Regarding reforms, Khosru said they told the EU envoy that reforms on which a consensus has been reached can be implemented immediately without further delay. "The reforms on which consensus has not been reached will be presented to the people during the election in the coming days to seek the public mandate," he viewed. BNP thanks Qatar, UK for facilitating Khaleda’s treatment The BNP leader said the party that receives the public mandate will present the reform proposals in Parliament and will be passed after discussions and debates. He said they also discussed the country’s economy, as the EU has close economic ties with Bangladesh. In response to a question, Khosru said if BNP comes to power, it will implement effective programmes to revive the economy. "We will also definitely support such programmes if the current government initiates them. Our party has economic programmes that we’ll implement if the people elect us." He said the EU envoy informed them that European investors are eager to come to Bangladesh and BNP welcomes the investors.