United News of Bangladesh

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said she hopes to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh and understand the country better by connecting directly with people. She made the remarks in a personal Facebook post in which she shared reflections on her family, roots and journey ahead of her return to Bangladesh. In the post, Zaima recalled her childhood memories with her grandmother, fondly calling her ‘Dadu’, and described Khaleda Zia as a caring and proud family figure despite carrying the responsibilities of leading the nation. “One of my most cherished memories of my Dadu captures her fiercely loving and loyal matriarchal role in our family. When I was around eleven, our high school team won a football tournament. My mother took me straight to Dadu’s office so that I could show her my medal and tell her about it myself. As I animatedly recounted my goalkeeping ‘heroics’, I was keenly aware of how attentive and proud she was. So much so that she would share that childhood story with others,” Zaima said. Read more: Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes She wrote that while millions knew Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister, to her and her cousins she was first a loving grandmother who always made time for her family and celebrated their small achievements. Zaima said those moments became her first lessons in leadership, humility, sincerity and the importance of listening to others. 'Seventeen years away from Bangladesh have been transformative, but I never forgot to tend to and cultivate my roots. Why? Because we are shaped by what we anchor ourselves to our culture, community, and identity. Like many second and third generation Bangladeshis abroad, I have lived in more than one world. London grounded me and gave me a global perspective, but Bangladesh always remained my focus," she said. Zaima also shared her experience of studying and practising law, saying that working closely with people taught her empathy, integrity and the importance of understanding others, especially those who feel unheard by the justice system. Tarique’s only daughter said she never met her grandfather and late President Ziaur Rahman but grew up learning about his integrity and patriotism, which she said had been carried forward by her grandmother and father. Read more: Those opposed to election also stoking violence, instability: Amir Khosru Referring to the mass uprising and the period following August 5, she said she mostly remained in the background, offering support where she could and trying to ease the burden on her family through small but meaningful actions. Expressing her feelings about returning home, Zaima said she wants to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the current campaign period. "I hope to give back to my country in whatever ways I can. I want to see Bangladesh be rebuilt and thrive, as it should. I want to rediscover my homeland through my own eyes and lived experiences, to connect with people face to face, because that is the sincerest way to understand another’s perspective, just as I have been taught. Acknowledging public curiosity and expectations surrounding her family, Zaima said she feels that weight herself but sees it as part of her personal journey. “So, this is my journey, told in my own way,” she wrote, adding that if it resonates with others, she hopes they can walk that journey together. Read more: Attacks on institutions threaten restoration of democracy: Rizvi Zaima is scheduled to return to Bangladesh with her father Tarique Rahman on Thursday (December 25), ending their 17-year exile abroad, as they have been living in London since September 2008.

Special trains will operate on ten routes on December 25 to facilitate travel to Dhaka for BNP leaders and supporters on the occasion of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh. The central and regional BNP offices requested the Railway Ministry for special trains and additional coaches, the ministry said in a press release on Monday. Special trains will run on 10 routes, and additional coaches will be added to several regular services. As a result, the short-distance Rajbari Commuter (Rajbari-Poradah), Dhalarchar Express (Pabna-Rajshahi), and Rohanpur Commuter (Rohanpur-Rajshahi) trains will be suspended for the day. The ministry expressed regret for any inconvenience to passengers. The special trains will operate on Cox’s Bazar–Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar, Jamalpur–Mymensingh–Dhaka–Jamalpur, Tangail–Dhaka–Tangail, Bhairab Bazar–Narsingdi–Dhaka–Narsingdi–Bhairab Bazar, Joydebpur–Dhaka Cantonment–Joydebpur, Panchagarh–Dhaka–Panchagarh, Khulna–Dhaka–Khulna, Chatmohar–Dhaka Cantonment–Chatmohar, Rajshahi–Dhaka–Rajshahi, and Jashore–Dhaka– Jashore routes. Additional coaches will also be attached to select regular trains based on demand. Bangladesh Railway expects to collect an estimated Tk 36 lakh from the special services. The ministry said all operations will comply with the Election Code of Conduct-2025.  

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said those who do not want elections are behind the recent incidents of violence, attacks and instability in the country. “The concentration of power in the hands of the government is not good for any state; the power of the people is what strengthens a state,” he told journalists after a Trade Dialogue organised by the Chittagong Divisional Business Forum at a hotel in the port city. Saying that democracy aims to balance state power through people’s participation, he added, “Our goal is to build a democratic state based on the power of the people.” Amir Khosru said democracy cannot be ensured by democratising politics alone, stressing the need to uphold the rights of all citizens. “To achieve this, we must create a proper environment and dismantle the concentration of power in the hands of the corrupt,” he said. Highlighting BNP’s economic vision, he said the party wants to reduce bureaucratic control and empower businesspeople to facilitate trade and investment. “We want to take everything out of bureaucratic control and place it in the hands of businesspeople. For this, their capacity must be enhanced,” he said. He said BNP plans to provide back-to-back facilities for future exporters and introduce automation across all sectors. “A supervisory committee will be formed, and a one-stop automated service will be introduced for container handling and required permissions,” he added. Regarding the banking sector, Amir Khosru said it has fallen into turmoil because Bangladesh Bank acted under instructions of the previous government. “This has created a dangerous situation in the banking sector,” he said. He then spoke said institutions should be allowed to function independently instead of being politicised. Replying to a question, he said many believe those who oppose elections, or want to delay it, are also responsible for the current spate of violence the country has been witnessing.  He added that the situation would change once BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to the country, by providing much-needed leadership.  Amir Khosru further said that if BNP comes to power, accountability will be ensured across institutions as well as among politicians. Azad, Khosru named convener, member secretary of BNP UK chapter  At the dialogue, business leaders mentioned that exports have declined significantly in comparison to GDP and urged the government to give attention to sectors beyond readymade garments. Among others, the event was addressed by BGMEA Senior Vice President Selim Rahman, Inter-District Bus Owners Association General Secretary Kafil Uddin, Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Sultana Nurjahan Rosy, Asian Group Chairman M A Salam, and Sicom Group Chairman Mohammad Amirul Haque.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said the recent incidents of mob violence and attacks on different institutions are putting the restoration of democracy at risk. “Attacks are launched one after another across the country over various issues. If this continues, democracy will never become strong,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tributes at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, along the members of newly announced central committee of Jatiyatabadi Muktijuddher Projonmo. Rizvi said people have been deprived of their voting rights for the last 17 years. “People are eager to vote, but a group is trying to destroy this opportunity in a planned way. We call upon everyone not to allow such evil efforts.” Criticising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said the Awami League government wasted public money by purchasing electricity from abroad under an unequal agreement. The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League regime created opportunities for looting public funds and siphoned off huge amounts of money abroad. Praising engineer Ishraque Hossain, convener of the newly formed committee, Rizvi said the young BNP leader and son of former undivided Dhaka City Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka set an example in the movement against fascism. He expressed hope that the Muktijuddher Projonmo, led by Ishraque, would play a key role in protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. Speaking on the occasion, Ishraque said the nation has never seen such open attempts to undermine the Liberation War as it is witnessing now in the country’s 54-year history. “False and misleading information is being used to create confusion about the 1971 Liberation War by a party that tries to hide its role in 1971. This is shameful.” He said the forces that supported the mass uprising were expected to remain united for the restoration of democracy and people’s voting rights. “But we must ask whether we are truly united. Because of this disunity, a patriot like Sharif Osman Hadi was killed, and the criminals managed to escape.”

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday said a sense of insecurity has gripped the nation even though the party prepares to welcome its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on his return home this week. “The entire nation is under a security fear at this moment. We are trying to ensure security as much as needed, and the rest is in Allah’s hands,” he said. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, made the remarks while responding to a question over whether there is any security concern around Tarique’s homecoming. Tarique Rahman to become voter on Dec 27: Salahuddin He talked to reporters during his visit to the party’s reception venue being set up at 300 Feet in the capital to welcome Tarique on his return home. Abbas said BNP is fully prepared to welcome Tarique Rahman, and his return will have political significance. “Tarique Rahman’s return is politically meaningful. His arrival will certainly have an impact across the country, and people are already discussing it,” he said. Abbas said BNP has not planned to gather lakhs of people for the reception programme, but spontaneous crowds may gather. Attacks on Daily Star, Prothom Alo a direct assault on democracy: Fakhrul “We did not plan for lakhs of people to assemble… Our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is coming, and there is an awakening among the people of the country. We hope that will be reflected,” the BNP leader said. He said they have not made any big plan to bring people from across the country. “But if such a gathering takes place, there is nothing we can do. People are inspired by Tarique Rahman’s return, and we expect a huge turnout,” Abbas said. Asked whether the BNP is getting cooperation from the interim government over arrangements, he said, “I cannot say how much cooperation we are getting, but there is no non-cooperation.” Law and order to improve ahead of election, hopes CEC Nasir Abbas also said people are waiting to see Tarique Rahman’s arrival, and the party hopes it will create a new wave of public enthusiasm. Tarique Rahman, who has been living in London since September 2008, is scheduled to return home on Thursday (Dec 25).

Syed Ehsanul Huda, chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, joined BNP on Monday, dissolving his own party. He, along with his party leaders and workers, formally joined BNP around 4:40pm at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office by presenting a bouquet to its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Welcoming Huda and his colleagues, Fakhrul said the joining reflected trust in the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and confidence in the political philosophy of party founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He said Huda closely worked with BNP in the long movement for democracy. “Today Ehsanul Huda and the leaders and activists of his party have officially joined BNP.” Fakhrul expressed hope that their joining would strengthen BNP. “This will make our democratic movement stronger and help us move forward. We hope their involvement will also play a positive role in the coming election.” BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said he has been working with Huda for a long time as his party was a partner of the simultaneous movement. “It will now be easier for us to work together in the same party. I hope Huda and his party colleagues will strengthen BNP and the struggle for democracy.” Huda said the country is going through a critical period. “We fought for the people and democracy together earlier. There are now attempts to foil the upcoming election. At this time, I am dissolving my party and joining BNP.” Huda also said he has joined BNP to strengthen the hands of Tarique Rahman. He said he dissolved Bangladesh Jatiya Dal and joined BNP along with all leaders and activists of his party. At the programme, Huda filled out the party’s primary membership form and officially joined BNP. According to BNP sources, Huda is going to contest the upcoming parliamentary election from Kishoreganj-5 constituency with BNP’s ticket.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will complete the formalities to become a registered voter on December 27 after returning home from London on December 25, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday (December 22, 2025). “December 25 is Thursday, December 26 is Friday, and December 27 is Saturday. During the election period, the Election Commission offices remain open. He will complete all procedures related to becoming a voter and obtaining a National Identity Card on December 27,” he said. Salahuddin Ahmed said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between a BNP delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present at the meeting. Read more: Attacks on Daily Star, Prothom Alo a direct assault on democracy: Fakhrul Salahuddin said the BNP delegation recommended the Election Commission to amend or clarify certain legal provisions related to the submission of nomination papers. “We pointed out that the requirement of submitting a certified copy of bail documents along with nomination papers is not mentioned in the Representation of the People Order (RPO). We asked for clarification on this issue and suggested that candidates should not be required to submit certified copies with their nomination papers,” he said, talking about one of their recommendations. Replying to a question regarding the law and order situation, the BNP Standing Committee member said maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the government. “We want a fair environment for the elections. We hope that the environment for the elections will remain healthy,” he said, adding that the people also want to vote freely in a festive atmosphere. “So, we hope that the law and order situation will gradually improve,” said Salahuddin. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabiullah and former EC’s Acting Secretary Dr Mohammad Zakaria were  other members of the BNP delegation. Read more: Bangladesh Jatiya Dal chief Huda joins BNP Earlier on December 11, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described the recent mob attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices as a direct assault on democracy, urging all to unite to resist the evil forces. “The time has now come to stand up and resist… all of you who love Bangladesh must come together. We have to resist this evil force,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at a joint protest meeting organised by the Editors’ Council and Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at a city hotel. Fakhrul bemoaned that the country is now facing a defining moment for democracy and freedom of expression, and said symbolic protest programmes are no longer enough as democracy and freedom of speech are under threat. “Those who want to see Bangladesh as a truly independent and sovereign democratic country must do more than be aware. We must stand and resist now. Only forming human chains or expressing solidarity will not be enough. Everyone who loves Bangladesh must unite with full strength to stop this evil force,” he said. The BNP leader said he has spent his whole life struggling for an independent and democratic Bangladesh, but the present situation does not match the dream he and the freedom fighters fought for. Editors’ Council, NOAB condemn arson attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star. “It is very clear and there is not much left to explain. It is not just The Daily Star or Prothom Alo that has come under attack – it is democracy itself. My right to think freely and my right to speak have come under attack,” he said. The BNP leader also alleged that the spirit of the July movement, which aimed at establishing people’s rights, has also come under attack. Calling for unity beyond political boundaries, Fakhrul said it is time for every democracy-loving person to come together, and those who want to move from darkness to light must unite to make Bangladesh a truly independent, sovereign and democratic nation. Leaders from different political parties, editors, newspaper owners, journalists and civil society members attended the meeting, demanding justice and a proper investigation into the recent mob violence targeting the two media houses.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called for unity in the face of challenging times, asserting that the party has historically saved the country from the brink of destruction and will do so again. Speaking virtually at the inauguration of a digital memorial honouring the martyrs of the July Uprising at Shaheed Titu Auditorium in Bogura, Tarique remembered Sharif Osman Bin Hadi as a fearless soldier of democracy.  Tarique said Hadi believed in the politics of votes and became a candidate to serve the people. Rizvi demands probe, visible punishment over killings, arson “We must work together to build the country and preserve the honour of the martyrs of the July Movement and the Liberation War of 1971,” he said. Tarique emphasised that the country is now free from tyranny, but to make independence meaningful, it must be rebuilt from the rubble. The event drew a large crowd of current and former district BNP leaders. As part of the digital memorial, free Wi-Fi has been introduced in 20 key locations across Bogura, including Satmatha and Government Azizul Haque College, with plans to expand to 40 more locations in phases. District BNP leaders said the initiative aims to keep the sacrifices of martyrs alive for younger generations, allowing citizens to learn about them while contributing to the vision of a digital Bangladesh. Attack on two media outlets is a shame for nation: Salahuddin District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha, Chairperson’s advisors Advocate AKM Mahabubur Rahman and Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, former district president VP Saiful Islam, former convener Golam Md. Siraj, acting general secretary Mosharraf Hossain, and other senior BNP leaders, also present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday demanded proper investigations and visible punishment for those involved in recent killings and arson and violent attacks at different parts of the country. “A series of secret attacks and killings have created fear and serious questions in people’s minds, which is alarming for the state,” he said while talking to reporters after visiting a burn patient from Lakshmipur at the Burn Institute in the capital this afternoon. Referring to the killing of Osman Hadi and other targeted attacks nationwide, he said, “People want to see visible punishment for such crimes. They want justice.” The BNP leader said it is the responsibility of the government to identify the real offenders through proper investigations. “If there is a lack in this process, people will think differently and become afraid.” The BNP leader said people were also questioning whether there was a bigger conspiracy behind the attacks. “This conspiracy could be linked to the election, or intended to create confusion in many ways. There are even concerns whether any foreign power or their followers at home are trying to destabilise the country,” he pointed out. About the government’s role, Rizvi said, “This government is supported by the people. As a democratically supported government, people expect them to judge the situation carefully and take strong action against the criminals. This is what the nation wants.” BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, its Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam and other senior BNP leaders were present at the hospital.