United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Professor AZM Zahid Hossain on Thursday alleged that both local and foreign quarters are plotting to obstruct the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. “The plots against the restoration of democracy in our country are being carried out by both local and foreign conspirators,” he said while addressing a rally. The BNP leader urged pro-democratic parties, which waged the simultaneous movement against the ‘fascist regime’ of Sheikh Hasina, to unite and foil all such plots. "We will strengthen our unity. Together, we will fight against all conspiracies against the country and its independence. We want to take an oath to confront these conspiracies with united efforts,” he said. The 12-Party Alliance, a political ally of BNP, arranged the programme titled ‘Stop the Rehabilitation of Awami Fascism and Resist the Conspiracy to Foil the Election’ in front of the Jatiya Press Club. BNP leader Salahuddin congratulates DUCSU election winners   Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the 12-party alliance leaders stood by BNP in past movements to restore democracy and are still with them. “We hope you will continue to remain with us in the future as we move towards building a better Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.” Explaining what the future Bangladesh would look like, he said it would involve questions such as how the health system would function, what the state of the rule of law would be, how agriculture and public administration would be managed, and above all, how people’s basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter would be met. The BNP leader said all these issues have been addressed in their party’s 31-point state-overhauling programme. "This is the framework for the future Bangladesh, where the government will be run by the people and for the people." He said such a government would ensure good governance and the rule of law while maintaining people’s trust. Zahid said the BNP and the 12-party alliance have long been fighting for a system where no innocent person will be punished and no offender will be spared. "We have been fighting for a social order where the government will be accountable to the people and ensure good governance.” He said their party wants to build a steel-strong unity by standing together with people on the streets so that fascism can never return, nor its collaborators find any chance to take hold in Bangladesh. “We will stand united on the streets to thwart all conspiracies."

BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Monday called upon the interim government to swiftly create a favourable environment for the upcoming elections to facilitate the transfer of power to elected representatives. “In our 31-point proposal, we have detailed the reforms we seek. To implement these reforms, we urge the interim government to promptly create a conducive electoral environment and return power to people,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP founder Zaiur Rahman’s grave, Zahid also strongly opposed the proposals from various political parties and civil society about implementing a proportional representation system in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Hasina’s quick fleeing means her resignation: BNP The BNP leader said the election must be held based on parliamentary seats system as prescribed by the constitution formulated in 1972. “No one can impose a proportional representation system against the will of people. It is ultimately up to people to decide which electoral process will be adopted.” Zahid along with BNP leaders and activists paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave, marking the homecoming of UK chapter BNP leaders, including its general Secretary Koysor M Ahmed after a long time. Zahid said the nation freed itself from autocratic rule as the despotic ruler Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5. “However, the associates of the autocrats remain in Bangladesh and are plotting to undermine the current interim government,” he said. BNP calls for relief support for flood-hit farmers in North, Mymensingh He said that their party has long been carrying out a movement that will continue until democracy is restored, people's rights are upheld, and an environment is created that allows citizens to peacefully exercise their right to vote for electing their representatives. The BNP leader said they will also continue their movement for the trial of those who oppressed people, committed genocide and engaged in enforced disappearances. When asked about the rumours that the Awami League president will hold a rally in India, Zahid said, "India is a sovereign country. I don't think India would allow its territory to be politically used against another country. I believe that Indian politicians and the government are not that foolish."

Cinematographer Zahid Hossain was killed in a road accident on Wednesday. The accident occurred in Chakaria’s Baniachara area on Dhaka-Chattogram highway at about 6:00am while he was going to Cox’s Bazar on his motorbike. Many small screen artistes have expressed their grief and sorrow on social media after learning about the sad demise of Zahid. Actress Monira Mithu has written “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. Our favorite cinematographer Zahid Hossain has died in a road crash. I’m just speechless. What kind of passing is this?”     “Zahid was a young, talented and smiling cinematographer of Bangladeshi media industry. He was liked by all. I can’t accept the fact that he is no more,” wrote director Gautam Kouri. Read: Schoolboy killed in Dhaka road crash Actor Irfan Sazzad has said “I told you many times to get rid of your craze on bikes. I told you again and again that the roads of Bangladesh aren’t suitable for riding bikes. But you didn’t listen to me and now see what has happened. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun.” Zahid has worked in numerous dramas as a cinematographer, including Bhalobashar Karagar, Paying Ghost, Lilua and The Last Hope.

New Biman Bangladesh Airlines chief has set a target of increasing the national flag carrier's annual turnover to $1 billion from $700 million. Biman Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Md Zahid Hossain wants to make the airline profitable with business expansion, new strategies, and satisfactory passenger services. Zahid said this at his first press briefing as Biman chief in Dhaka Thursday. About Biman's poor customer service, the MD said: "We will do what it takes to establish Biman as a commercial enterprise, and offer satisfactory passenger services." Regarding the losses that Biman incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, Zahid said the national carrier is now in a better position as many airlines across the world had to shut down during that time. "Biman transported 22 lakh passengers last year. We hope to carry 30 lakh passengers this year. Around 80 lakh Bangladeshis now live abroad; they want to travel through Biman. We want to serve them," he added. Read: Bangladesh must ensure strategic balance amid new tensions: BIPSS president About Biman's Toronto flights, the MD said the carrier will calculate the profits and losses once the travel season is over. "We've found access to North America via Toronto. If this flight becomes successful, we'll be able to enter the US market." Regarding corruption allegations in Biman's pilot recruitment, Zahid said the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating the claims of irregularities and they will extend their full support to the anti-corruption watchdog. Before joining as the MD and CEO of Biman on July 13, Additional Secretary Zahid served as the director (administration and human resources) of the national flag carrier.