United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will deliver an election address to the nation on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on February 9 ( Monday) ahead of the national election for February 12 next. Following a letter sent to the Election Commission by BNP, Tarique Rahman has been allocated the time to air his speech on the state-run broadcaster on February 9 as part of electioneering, said EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mollik on Tuesday. The EC in a letter signed by its Director (Public Relations) on Tuesday (February 3), issued directives to the Director General of Bangladesh Television in this regard. The EC letter said that creating a fair, free and acceptable electoral environment is of utmost importance for holding a credible election. Ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates and political parties in election campaigning on BTV is a key component of such an environment. According to the EC, slot allocations must be made following the Section 6(g) of the National Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct, 2025, and on a first-come, first-served basis. The duration of the speech, along with the date and time of recording, will be finalised by BTV in consultation with the political party concerned. No other political party has so far applied for allocating a slot for election campaigning on BTV, said the EC officials. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the polls schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026.

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami  Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday said the people of Bangladesh no longer support ‘old and decayed’ politics centred on families, individuals or vested groups. Speaking at an election rally at the Circuit House ground in Mymensingh, Dr Shafiqur called for a government ‘truly run by the people’. Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance jointly organised the rally. Dr Shafiqur said people were increasingly rejecting partisan politics and aspiring for a Bangladesh founded on justice and fairness. “People want an Insaaf-based Bangladesh where governance is rooted in truth and equity.” He alleged that following August 5, certain groups had engaged in extortion, harassed ordinary people through case trading, and shielded corrupt individuals and loan defaulters. No more unfair elections in Bangladesh: Jamaat Ameer Referring to the upcoming election, the Jamaat leader claimed voters had already decided to support candidates who are ‘tested, known and proven’, and who stand for justice, truth and fairness. He said this political wave was visible not only in Mymensingh but across the country, noting that young people in particular were rejecting opportunistic politics. “Young people do not want trickery or profiteering politics. They do not want politics based on cards or unemployment allowances. They want a new Bangladesh,” he said, describing the vision as reflecting the aspirations of 2024. Dr Shafiqur questioned whether the nation wanted to return to a political system that had prevailed over the past 77 years, insisting that citizens of all ages were seeking change. He also alleged that Tk 28 lakh crore had been siphoned off from Bangladesh to foreign countries, an amount he said was four times the annual national budget. “We will use all our strength to recover these funds. No relatives or close associates will be spared. Those who have stolen the nation’s wealth and live abroad in luxury will be brought to justice,” he said. The rally was presided over by Mymensingh city Jamaat Ameer Kamrul Ahsan Emrul, who introduced candidates from 11 constituencies of Mymensingh and five constituencies of Netrokona districts.

BNP on Tuesday alleged that at least 29 false claims have been spread against its Chairman Tarique Rahman over the past one week in an apparent attempt to mislead the public. “We are observing with deep concern that in just the past one week, at least 29 false and misleading claims have been spread targeting our leader, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Clear evidence of this has emerged in reports published by various fact-checking platforms,” said BNP Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Election Steering Committee office in Gulshan, he said leaders and activists of a particular political party have once again taken responsibility for circulating false narratives created during the fascist period, using the same language and similar slogans to mislead people. “It is clear that, faced with BNP’s growing public wave and popular support, they are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people. As a result, they have abandoned healthy political competition and chosen dirty tactics such as personal attacks and the spread of disinformation,” Mahdi said. Bangladesh to face danger if voters fail to make right choice: Fakhrul He said Tarique’s recent visits to Khulna and Jashore saw massive participation of party leaders, activists, supporters, voters and general people, creating a strong public wave in favour of the party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy. Concern over BNCC Cadet Deployment The BNP leader expressed concern over the decision to deploy Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) cadets for election duties in the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum. He said many BNCC cadets are college and university students who may be affiliated with political parties or ideologies, which could hamper a free, fair and neutral election if they are involved in polling activities. Mahdi also said BNP has already written to the Election Commission (EC), requesting it not to deploy BNCC cadets in election-related duties. Worries over Election Observers The BNP spokesperson also raised questions over the appointment of election observers. Mahdi said that according to information available on the Election Commission’s website, a total of 55,454 observers from 81 local organisations had been approved as of January 26. “Of them, 34,442 observers are from only 16 organisations. This is a matter of serious concern,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that some observer organisations are led by individuals linked to a particular political party and warned that this could be misused with ill intent on election day. To ensure a level playing field, he placed two demands before the Election Commission-- verification of the full list of observers to exclude those linked with political parties or candidates, and reduction of observer numbers from organisations with limited experience. The BNP spokesperson also demanded a directive barring more than two local observers from entering any polling centre at the same time. Tarique Rahman also warns of election manipulation, urges vigilance Stance on Reforms Speaking on state reforms, Mahdi said BNP has maintained a clear position on reform from the beginning. He said BNP presented Vision-2030 in 2016, followed by a 27-point reform proposal in 2022 and a more detailed 31-point proposal in 2023. The BNP spokesperson claimed that BNP was the first to propose a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister and a five percent quota for merit-based recruitment. “As part of this continuity, BNP has taken a firm position in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on state reforms in the upcoming national election,” he said. Mahdi said BNP believes that only through people’s empowerment and the restoration of voting rights can a democratic, accountable and modern state system be established. He also said the party’s election manifesto for the 13th parliamentary election is likely to be announced on February 6. Tarique’s Barishal Tour Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will visit Barishal and Faridpur on Wednesday as part of his election campaign. According to the schedule, he said Tarique will leave Dhaka by air at 11:00am and reach Barishal at 12:00 noon, where he will address an election rally at Bells Park ground. Mahdi said the BNP chief will leave Barishal for Faridpur at 1:00pm and join another election rally at Rajendra College ground in Faridpur at 1:45pm. The BNP chief is scheduled to return to Dhaka after the rallies.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday strongly criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, saying that if the party continues to distort history, it may one day claim that Ghulam Azam proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence. “When the Pakistani forces carried out atrocities against our mothers and sisters, you (Jamaat) did not call those acts oppression. You did not even acknowledge those brutalities as crimes. Instead, you supported them and provided patronage,” he said. Speaking at a milad and doa mahfil organised by BNP at its Nayapaltan central office on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, Rizvi questioned Jamaat’s motive behind speaking about the declaration of independence. Referring to remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman on the 1971 declaration of independence in Chattogram, he said, “In a few days, you may even say that Ghulam Azam himself was the proclaimer of independence. You can say that too, because you never step back from telling lies.” The BNP leader alleged that the Jamaat chief raised the debate on the declaration of independence to divert attention from his controversial and derogatory remarks about women, which have angered women across the country. Earlier on Monday night (February 2), while addressing an election rally at Bandar School Ground in Chattogram, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the declaration of independence in 1971 was made from Chattogram. “Chattogram is not only a port city or a commercial capital; it is a city with a long history of struggle and resistance. The declaration of independence in 1971 took place here. One of your proud sons first shouted ‘We revolt’—he is Dr Colonel Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, the respected president of the LDP. He held Ziaur Rahman’s hand and led him forward. Chattogram residents salute you. You were the ones who initiated this proud history,” he added. Reacting to the Jamaat chief’s remarks, Rizvi said the party cannot hide the truth by creating controversy over an established historical fact. The BNP leader also recalled Jamaat’s political role during the 1986 election under military ruler HM Ershad, accusing the party of breaking its promise not to take part in the polls. “Begum Khaleda Zia did not join that election. She endured years of repression, arrests and house arrest, but never broke her word,” he said, adding that Jamaat’s “true character” is now being exposed through its statements about women. Rizvi asserted that former president Ziaur Rahman was the real proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence. “As a major, Ziaur Rahman declared independence and gave direction to the nation, calling people to join the Liberation War. Even those who worked alongside Zia acknowledged his role in their own writings,” he said. The BNP leader questioned whether people would accept such sudden political claims made for vested interests. He said Oli Ahmed never described himself as the proclaimer of independence at any point in his military or professional life. Rizvi said that even when Ziaur Rahman formed his party, Oli worked only as his assistant, and that these facts are clearly mentioned in his published books. Highlighting the significance of Shab-e-Barat, he said the holy night inspires self-purification and closeness to Allah, warning that social decay increases when people drift away from moral and spiritual values. Tarique to lead nation forward following Khaleda Zia’s path: Rizvi The BNP leader also accused some quarters of exploiting religion for political and commercial gains, saying Islam is not a commodity but a way of life for the country’s Muslims. Speaking on women’s dignity, Rizvi said Islam grants women the highest respect, but recent vulgar and offensive remarks on social media have caused nationwide outrage. “This anger cannot be suppressed by raising false debates over the declaration of independence,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the nation will face grave danger if voters fail to make the right decision in the election.  “This election is extremely important. Citizens must make the right decision at the right time, vote for good leaders and a capable party to move the country forward,” he said during election campaign at Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila municipal community centre. Fakhrul said a group is trying to mislead general people by exploiting religion and attempting to undermine the spirit of the Liberation War. Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul Recalling his political journey, he said, “Before taking over as Secretary General, I never had to appear on a court premises. But for speaking the truth and standing for justice I have repeatedly faced harassment.” Local leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations attended the meeting.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday warned that unfair elections would no longer be tolerated in Bangladesh and that any attempt to follow such paths would be resisted. “There will be no more elections through backdoor means, nor will such elections be allowed. All backdoor paths will be shut,” he said while addressing a public rally at Katiadi Government College ground in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj district. The Jamaat Ameer said he does not want the victory of Jamaat alone but the victory of the country’s 180 million people. “If 180 million people win, that victory will belong to all of us,” he said. Laundered money to be brought back, promises Jamaat Ameer He urged all concerned to respect the people’s verdict on February 12. “Jamaat will be ready to congratulate whoever is elected through a fair election.” Noting that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted and siphoned off abroad, the Jamaat Ameer vowed to recover the money and deposit it in the state treasury to ensure development across the country.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday urged citizens to vote for his party's ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, saying it would allow him to continue serving the people. “Go to the polling station with mothers and sisters on the morning of February 12 and vote for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’,” he said at an election rally at Jinjira Eidgah ground. “I am very old and may not live for much longer. So, give me the opportunity to work for the welfare of the countrymen for as many days as I live,” he added. Gayeshwar Chandra Roy recalled his struggles over the past 15 years, saying, “My head has been injured three times and I have bled. I am still alive because of your prayers. The countrymen are aware of this through journalists and the media.” Zaima Rahman calls for common platform to build inclusive Bangladesh He criticized other parties and their candidates, saying most voters are unfamiliar with them and their contributions. “Those who worked against the country’s independence in 1971 are robbing the honor of mothers and sisters. If voters do not support them, their plans to run the country will be destroyed,” he said. The rally was presided over by Mukarram Hossain Sajjad. BNP Krishak Dal Central Committee Senior Vice President Haji Nazim Uddin Master, Omar Shah Newaz, Haji Babul, Abdul Aziz Labu, and other leaders were also present.

National Citizen Party-NCP on Monday expressed concerns over incidents of violence, intimidation and alleged inaction of the administration in different parts of the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. “Violent incidents are taking place one after another in different parts of the country during the election. Despite video footage of these incidents, no visible action is being taken by the administration. This is seriously hampering the environment for a fair election,” said NCP leader Ayman Rahat while briefing reporters in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Earlier, a NCP delegation met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and raised a number of complaints. The delegation members are NCP joint member secretaries Akram Hossain and Humaira Noor and its central election steering committee member Ayman Rahat. NCP pledges military training for youth if 11-party alliance comes to power Referring to an incident in Hatia of Noakhali on January 30, Rahat said BNP and Awami League activists carried out a coordinated armed attack on NCP leaders and activists, Jamaat-e-Islami members and local residents centering on a ferry inauguration programme. Despite the video of the incident being widely circulated on social media, no arrests have been made so far, he alleged, adding that those who led the attack are known criminals in the area. He said taking advantage of the local administration’s inaction, attackers again assaulted a procession the following day. The attackers openly claimed that the administration is on their side. The continued lack of action has raised serious questions about administrative neutrality, he added. The NCP delegation also expressed concern over a recent statement made by a senior BNP leader. Ayman Rahat said BNP Vice Chairman and former Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury claimed that BNP candidates were selected based on surveys conducted by the police, NSI and DGFI. “If this claim is true, it creates grave concerns over the neutrality of these state agencies during the election,” he said. The delegation also voiced concern about a letter sent by a Bangladesh Bank official to different banks seeking agricultural loans related information after BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s statement made on agricultural loan waivers on January 31. Noting that this incident has reflected that the state institution is used in elections, he said, “It is proved that the state institutions lost their neutrality in the election.” Drawing the EC’s attention to the referendum issue, the party alleged that misleading and false propaganda is being carried out in favour of both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ options, but no effective action is being taken. The NCP delegation said the administration didn’t play an impartial role during the recent violence in Sherpur that killed a Jamaat leader. They demanded special measures to ensure security of women as Jamaat women activists face attacks and harassment. NCP sticks to reform agenda despite Jamaat alliance: Nahid The NCP team also alleged that violation of election code in Dhaka-11 and Natore-3 constituencies as billboards and banners of their party convener and candidate for Dhaka-11 were torn, while office and activists of NCP candidate for Natore-3 SM Jarjis Kadir attacked. In this context, Ayman Rahat said, "Although the Election Commission has given assurances, in reality a more active role is needed. Otherwise, the question remains whether a fair and acceptable election is possible."

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Monday stressed the need for a common platform to ensure the participation of people from all walks of life in building inclusive Bangladesh. “If people from different places and backgrounds want to work towards a common goal, we should give them that opportunity by creating a platform and providing access. That would benefit everyone. Everyone should have the chance to take part in state-building,” she said. Zaima made the remarks while speaking with young people at an informal discussion programme titled ‘Chayer Adda’ (Tea Talk) held at Mohakhali DOHS playground in the afternoon. The event was organised by the BNP Election Steering Committee’s Content Generation Team. Read More: Bangladesh cannot sideline half its population, says Zaima Rahman During the programme, she moved from table to table, listening to the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of students from different universities and colleges. Expressing concern over cyberbullying, Zaima said laws alone are not enough to tackle the problem unless they are properly enforced. “Women are often pushed out of public life through bullying, and changing such mindsets is very difficult.” She also said the issue could be addressed more effectively if social media platforms set up offices in Bangladesh. Zaima said young people have shown strong interest in contributing to the country, which should be seen positively. “There must be a platform where everyone can come forward and work together for the country.” During discussions, students raised various issues, including air pollution in Dhaka, traffic congestion, unemployment, harassment of women, urbanisation problems and the need for decentralisation. Read More: Zaima, other family members visit Khaleda Zia’s grave She listened to students’ views on employment generation, including the need for part-time job opportunities during academic life, and discussed how open and practical planning can help young people become more independent. Speaking about education, Zaima said disparities between urban and rural education could be reduced if steps were taken from the primary level. She also said the gap between Dhaka University and other colleges and universities in and outside the capital needs to be reduced to ensure balanced education. Zaima stressed the importance of practical and co-curricular activities alongside academic curricula at the higher education level. On employment, she listened to students’ views on how young people could be better prepared for the job market. Students also shared their opinions on reducing traffic congestion in Dhaka, noting that having the same schedules for offices and educational institutions worsens traffic jams. In response, Zaima said better coordination of school and office timings could help reduce pressure on roads. She also highlighted the importance of safe footpaths and proper street lighting to encourage walking and reduce reliance on vehicles. Read More: Zaima, other family members visit Khaleda Zia’s grave Zaima said people rely too much on vehicles even for short distances. “If roads, footpaths and street lighting are improved from a safety point of view, people can walk everywhere. Walking even 10 or 15 minutes would be better.” Students also shared concerns about gas and water shortages in the capital, as well as the growing sense of loneliness among urban youth. During the discussion, a question was raised about those who were injured, disabled or lost their eyesight during the July movement, many of whom are still very young. In response, Zaima said the issue is a matter of concern for her family. “My father, my mother and I discuss this issue. The answer would be long, and time is short today. We will talk about this later.” Asked whether she herself has the opportunity to contribute more actively, Tarique’s daughter smiled and replied, “Let’s see, Inshallah. We can work together. It is not possible to work alone.” She said ordinary people often find it difficult to reach politicians, which limits diversity of opinions. “If such opportunities are created, diversity will naturally grow. Criticism is an important element in decision-making. Good decisions come through criticism,” she said, adding that politics should be as open as possible to common people. At another table, Zaima thanked the students for attending and said the purpose of the gathering was to understand what kind of Dhaka and Bangladesh young people want to see in the future. “We want an inclusive Dhaka where different kinds of people can live together,” she said. At the end of the programme, she thanked the participants for joining the discussion and expressed her willingness to sit with young people again in similar informal gatherings in the future. Organisers said the aim of the programme was to create a meaningful and constructive dialogue between young voters and national political voices, focusing on political awareness, voting rights and young people’s vision for Bangladesh. Read More: Tarique Rahman also warns of election manipulation, urges vigilance

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday vowed to recover laundered money from abroad if his party comes to power. Speaking at an election rally at Gorakhata Adarsha High School ground in Cox’s Bazar, he said that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted from Bangladesh and smuggled abroad—an amount that, according to Bangladesh Bank, is four times the country’s annual budget. "This is the people's money. It has been stolen by thieves, robbers, and looters and sent abroad. We promise to bring it out, and deposit it in the state treasury. Then Bangladesh will develop on the basis of justice. No more injustice will be allowed," he said. Vote for Jamaat to build a Bangladesh free of corruption, drugs and extortion: Shafiqur Rahman Shafiqur Rahman said the party does not seek victory for itself alone. "We do not want the victory of Jamaat-e-Islami. I want the victory of 18 crore people. If 18 crore people win, everyone will win. If a party, family, or group wins, violence will be unleashed on the nation. We condemn that type of victory. We do not need it," he said. Regarding youth employment, he said young people do not want unemployment allowances but demand jobs. He mentioned Maheshkhali-Kutubdia as a potential site for development and suggested that, with Matarbari as the center of the deep seaport, Bangladesh could create a hub surpassing Singapore or Hong Kong. Criticising the current leadership, Shafiqur Rahman said the future of Bangladesh cannot be built by corrupt, extortionist, loan defaulter and robber leaders. The expectations of the youth cannot be fulfilled by such leadership. Bangladesh will be built by people with character, honesty, patriotism, and commitment to the people, he said. The Jamaat chief also announced that the country’s most deprived areas would be prioritised for development. Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman He said Moheshkhali would be developed as a smart economic zone, providing employment to young men and women regardless of religion or party affiliation, based on their qualifications and patriotism. Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), National Citizen party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Amar Bangladesh Party, and Bangladesh Labour Party attended the rally.