United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday said their party is going to participate in the upcoming national election as part of its movement to restore democracy in the country. “We must remember that there will be many attempts to divert our movement and the victory achieved through it in different directions. We have to face those evil attempts,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party has to play the main role in upholding the victory of last year’s mass uprising, as more BNP leaders and activists were killed, jailed and oppressed than those of any other party. “So, keeping them in mind and honouring their memories, we have to deliver the results of this movement to the people. With that goal, we must continue our struggle. The upcoming election is also part of that movement. Democracy cannot be restored without elections,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said a free and fair election must be held in February next year for the sake of democracy and to establish it properly. He said that if their party wins the election and gets the responsibility of running the country, they will take all necessary steps for public welfare by using their previous experience. “We all know every candidate claims to be the best. But think about it: if an AC or any device breaks, you don’t let just anyone fix it. You look for someone who understands the machine and has experience. A country’s state machinery is far more complex and valuable than any device. So the people who want to run the state must have the ability and experience to do so,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP is the only party with long and proven experience in running the country. Nazrul said they will present themselves to people with that capability and that if they are given responsibility again, they will use their experience, including lessons learned from past mistakes, to serve people better. He said these points are relevant to the discussion about Shaheed Milon because he also struggled and sacrificed his life for democracy. “Dr Milon’s struggle was for a new state system built through democracy--a system where people can live without discrimination, live safely, get justice easily, and enjoy a better life. I believe we must work in the coming days to achieve this long-desired goal,” he said. Former student leaders of Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) and All-Party Students Unity (APSU) of the 90s organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking Shaheed Dr Milon Day and the 35th martyrdom anniversary of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, who was killed during the 1990s’ anti-autocratic movement.  Earlier in the morning, the ex-student leaders of DUCSU and APSU laid a floral wreath at the Shaheed Milon Memorial at Dhaka Medical College. A munajat was offered at the programme seeking divine blessings for the speedy recovery of ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since Sunday for infections in her lungs and heart. Nazrul said, during the movement against autocratic ruler HM Ershad, two political parties--the Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami--betrayed the nation by taking part in the 1986 election. In independent Bangladesh, he said, Jamaat first took part in an election under its own name in 1986 during Ershad’s rule, along with the Awami League. “In 1979, no party called Jamaat-e-Islami contested the election. The party that did participate was the Islamic Democratic League (IDL), which included some Jamaat members, but Jamaat-e-Islami itself did not go to the polls then under its own name,” the BNP leader said. He said the Awami League and Jamaat legitimised Ershad’s military rule by joining the 1986 parliamentary election. “Those who joined that election extended Ershad’s rule, which otherwise could have ended in 1986.” BNP plans Khaleda as President, Tarique PM: Bulu In return, Nazrul said, Ershad’s party remained an ally of the Awami League’s misrule until 2024, with both sides helping each other stay in power. “The Awami League received their support to stay in power in 1986, and in return they helped the Awami League to remain in power.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Amanullah Aman said there is no alternative to elections for restoring democracy in the country. He said many plots are hatched to create obstacles to the election, but no one will be able to stop it, and the election will be held in February next year. The BNP leader said that if voted to power, their party will form a national government with representatives from those who took part in the simultaneous movement against the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime. Aman urged all pro-democratic forces to stay united to prevent the return of fascist forces. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said there is no difference between the characters of HM Ershad and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Because their characters are the same, despite repeatedly speaking against each other, they have come together at crucial moments, shaken hands, and jointly delivered a sharp blow to democracy.” He criticised the economic policies under Hasina, calling them “Hasinomics” rather than proper economics. “Even though the word ‘economics’ exists, during Hasina’s 15-and-a-half-year rule, the policy allowed loans to be taken from banks without repayment. People could even take new loans without clearing the old ones.” As a result, the BNP leader said, the country is forced to carry a burden of Tk 6.5 lakh crore in bad loans.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Monday (November 24) reaffirmed support for the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an "inclusive, just and prosperous" future for all Botchwey met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed the country’s national transition and the Commonwealth’s role in supporting the people’s democratic expectations. "During our meeting, we discussed Bangladesh’s national journey and our renewed partnership to support the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an inclusive, just and prosperous future for all," she said after the meeting. The Secretary-General said she is grateful to the Chief Adviser of the interim government and the people of Bangladesh for their generous hospitality. The Chief Adviser sought the Commonwealth’s full support for holding the upcoming general election, scheduled for the first half of February. “We need your support in our democratic transition as well as in the upcoming general election,” he said during the meeting. The Chief Adviser thanked the Secretary-General for her strong interest in Bangladesh’s forthcoming election process. He reaffirmed the Interim Government's commitment to holding a free, fair, credible, and festive election. In response, the Secretary-General assured the Chief Adviser of the Commonwealth’s full support for Bangladesh’s election and the post-election transition, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. “There are vast resources within the Commonwealth—56 countries, including members of the G7 and G20"—that Bangladesh could draw on to strengthen one another, she said. The Secretary-General added that she had held meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, the Law Adviser, Foreign Affairs Adviser and the Chief Election Commissioner, noting, “I’m very hopeful about the future of the country.” She also confirmed that the Commonwealth is preparing to deploy several observer teams ahead of the elections. The two leaders also discussed youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, creating more social businesses and advancing the three-zero vision aimed at reducing unemployment, carbon emissions, and inequality. She also met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We discussed ways to deepen cooperation at the national and international levels in our shared efforts to improve the lives of all Bangladeshi people," said the Secretary-General after her meeting with Foreign Adviser Hossain. Read more: Jatiya Party meets Commonwealth delegation in Dhaka Her first official visit to Bangladesh came ahead of the general election in the country expected to be held in February 2026. On Sunday, Botchwey said their Commonwealth family remains firmly committed to the people of Bangladesh. “I had fruitful discussions with Dhaka-based High Commissioners on how the Commonwealth can continue supporting Bangladesh to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter for the benefit of its people,” she said on Sunday commenting on the meeting. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Maldives Shiuneen Rasheed, among others, joined the meeting. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and thanked him for updating me on preparations for the upcoming general election. “We discussed the importance of an inclusive and credible process, and how the Commonwealth can support in facilitating the full participation of all Bangladeshis,” she said. She met all major Bangladeshi political parties. "I valued hearing their views for a peaceful, credible and participatory election, as reflected in our Commonwealth Charter," Botchwey said. The Secretary-General said they will always stand with and support Bangladesh on its democratic journey. During her meeting with Chief Justice of Bangladesh Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, the Commonwealth Secretary-General appreciated his reflections on the rule of law and judicial independence – values central to their Commonwealth Charter – and on the judiciary’s role in contributing to inclusive governance under a democratic dispensation. “The Commonwealth will support Bangladesh to build the capacity of its judiciary and benefit from best practices from our family of nations,” she said. Her first meeting in Bangladesh was with youth leaders. “I was moved by their passion as they spoke about this moment of transition and their expectations for a democracy that works for all, for a future they are working hard to shape.” Read more: Bhutanese PM leaves Dhaka after 2-day state visit Botchwey said the Commonwealth will always work alongside their young people to build a just and prosperous future for all. The Commonwealth Secretary-General is listening to a wide range of stakeholders and discussing how the Commonwealth can continue to support the people of Bangladesh at this important moment and beyond. During the engagements, the Secretary-General is briefing stakeholders on the Commonwealth’s new Strategic Plan – which places democracy among its three core pillars – and listens to how tailored support can best assist the people of Bangladesh. Speaking ahead of her visit, Shirley Botchwey described Bangladesh as a valued member of the Commonwealth, noting that it was the first intergovernmental organisation the country joined soon after independence. “The Commonwealth and Bangladesh have a strong partnership, one that matters even more now as the country heads towards the polls next year,” she said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday voiced concern over the growing public doubt about whether the upcoming national election will be held as scheduled, saying that such uncertainty could put the country’s democratic transition at risk. “During the rule of the fallen, defeated and fugitive autocrat, people had no interest in national elections. Now, under the interim government, questions are being raised among the public — will the election be held on time?” he said. While virtually inaugurating the BNP’s membership collection and renewal drive abroad and online payment gateway activities at a city hotel, Tarique said such a situation was not supposed to arise under the interim government. “The doubts and uncertainty among people about the election may make the path of democratic transition more difficult,” he said. Tarique said the Awami League established fascism by destroying the country’s electoral system over the past 15 years only to prevent the BNP’s victory. “It is a matter of concern and surprise that even in a fascism-free Bangladesh, a coordinated campaign and various tricks are now being used to block the BNP’s possible victory.” Read more: Fakhrul urges BNP leaders to strengthen digital presence “But I firmly believe that if every believer in Bangladeshi nationalism and nationalist forces remains united, no conspiracy will be able to separate the BNP from the people, InshaAllah,” he said. As a responsible political party, the BNP leader said their party has from the very beginning chosen the path of compromise to maintain national unity against fascism. He said BNP has also extended cooperation to the interim government as much as possible from its position. “But we have seen how new conditions are being added one after another, making the path to democracy more difficult. We must stay alert about the consequences of such actions,” he said. Tarique urged all democratic political parties to remain cautious about any evil attempt that may put them in danger. “If we fail to distinguish between strategy and deception, we may ultimately end up surrendering unconditionally to undemocratic or evil forces. I sincerely urge all democratic political parties currently active in Bangladesh to keep this danger in mind.” Read more: Enemies of Bangladesh trying to create instability again, warns Fakhrul Referring to the government’s announcement of holding the national election in February next year, he said the Election Commission will declare the election schedule in due time. The BNP leader said their party is completing all necessary preparations to take part in this much-awaited election. “As part of this process, the nomination of BNP candidates or BNP-backed candidates in the country’s 300 parliamentary constituencies is now at its final stage.” As a popular and people-backed party, he said it is normal that in almost every constituency, several qualified BNP leaders are seeking nominations. “This is a matter of pride and honour for any political party.” Tarique said it is not possible to nominate everyone, and BNP has also decided to support some candidates from other democratic parties that took part in the anti-fascist movement alongside BNP. “Because of this, some BNP aspirants may not get party nominations.” He urged all BNP leaders, workers, and supporters to accept this reality in the greater interest of the country, the people, and democracy. Read more: BNP announces 10-day programme to mark November 7 “Please consider the party’s decision as final. I want to remind you of the words of the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman: ‘The party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party,” Tarique said. He said the names of BNP-nominated candidates will soon be announced in phases. “Whoever receives the nomination, please work unitedly to ensure their victory. Remember, a hidden dictatorship with secret ambitions is lurking around you. So do not let petty resentments, quarrels or disputes among yourselves reach a level where the opponent can take advantage of your differences.” Tarique also reminded those seeking nominations that they are all followers of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and soldiers of Begum Khaleda Zia. “Remember, if the BNP’s symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ wins, you win, democracy wins, and the country wins.” He urged all party leaders and activists not to engage in any behaviour that could disrespect the party founder Ziaur Rahman or its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, or embarrass the party’s countless supporters across the country. “Stay with the people and keep them with you,” he said. Tarique concluded his speech by launching the BNP’s online membership and payment gateway through the website www.bnpbd.org, which allows anyone from anywhere in the world to become a member, renew their membership, or donate to the party online. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul He said the new digital initiative would help the BNP move forward in step with technological progress. Tarique said the new opportunity for overseas Bangladeshis to vote for the first time may seem a bit complicated to some, but he congratulated the Election Commission for opening this avenue. “InshaAllah, if BNP comes to power, we will take steps to make the voting process for expatriates even simpler in the future,” he said. On women’s safety, Tarique stressed the urgency of protecting women and children. “About half of our population is female, yet the state and society often remain indifferent to their safety, and recently this negligence seems to be becoming more visible.” Referring to a newspaper report, he said that in August alone, 93 women across the country were subjected to sexual assault, seven of whom were killed afterwards and 89 women were killed during the same period. Read more: CA’s office asks officials to avoid foreign travels until election “A society where women and children are not safe cannot be considered truly civilised. I call not only on the BNP’s women’s wing but also on the conscious women of Bangladesh and all citizens to pay attention. From your positions, speak with our daughters, mothers, and sisters, prepare local-level proposals to address their problems, and ensure women’s safety,” the BNP leader said. Tarique also said the state cannot remain indifferent and the government and administration must play their role in ensuring the safety of women. “At the same time, as a political party and as party workers, it is our duty to take any position or role needed to build a safe society for women. Social initiatives to protect women and children have, in my personal view, become extremely urgent,” he said. Read more: Bangladesh voter count hits 12.76 crore

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said conspiracies by both local and foreign forces are visibly afoot to obstruct Bangladesh’s democratic transition, but the country’s people are now united to foil such plots. “It is now evident that some quarters are conspiring to obstruct Bangladesh’s democratic transition. We can assume that both local and international forces are active in this regard,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Salahuddin said the people of Bangladesh are now united and, in the post-uprising situation, they are determined to restore democracy. “Whoever creates obstacles to the country’s democratic progress, or engages in any kind of conspiracy—whether at home or abroad—will be resisted by the people, InshAllah,” he said. The BNP leader said no one can deny that the people are now focused on elections, with potential candidates actively campaigning across the country. “The country is in the mood for elections. In this situation, if any party creates confusion or obstacles in the electoral process, the people will identify them and may politically reject them.” People will reject attempts to delay or obstruct election: Salahuddin Earlier, Salahuddin, along with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Ulama Dal, paid homage to Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath, marking the 46th founding anniversary of the organisation. He strongly opposed some parties’ demand for the introduction of a Proportional Representation (PR) system in the next parliamentary election. “I have spoken before about the PR system. PR means Permanent Restlessness. Experiences at home and abroad show that it creates constant instability. No stable government can be formed properly under this system. Governments are rarely formed on the basis of a majority, and parliaments often remain hung, leaving the country in uncertainty,” Salahuddin said. He mentioned that one survey claimed that 70 percent of people support PR while another showed 56 percent of people do not even understand the system. “If 56 percent of the people don’t even understand the PR system, how can 70 percent possibly want it? This is confusing.” The BNP leader said that for them, PR means Public Relations—connecting with people—and that everyone is now engaged in that kind of PR by campaigning and building unity with the people. “That is the PR we believe in. Those who want to impose proportional representation to create permanent restlessness will not succeed.” Salahuddin said BNP is a party that believes in religious values, but its politics is based on inclusiveness. “We practise politics on the foundation of Bangladeshi nationalism, bringing together all communities in this land. We have never wanted, do not want, and will never want any division in politics based on religion.” Rizvi alleges ‘deep conspiracies’ surrounding Puja celebrations Within Bangladesh, he said, they pursue inclusive politics involving people of all religions, castes, communities, languages, and cultures, and as part of this, they want to engage all citizens in a united effort to practise a healthy democratic culture. Especially in the period following the 2024 uprising, the BNP leader said they want to build a strong democratic state in line with the expectations of the people and the aspirations of the martyrs. He said that through state and democratic reforms, a strong democratic nation would be established in the future according to public expectations. Salahuddin noted that the coming national election will be a crucial test for the full restoration of democracy. “For this, all political parties and all people of Bangladesh must participate. We have struggled for years to secure our voting rights. Today, that right is close to being established. It will be fully realised the day we can exercise our votes in a fair and credible national election,” the BNP leader observed. Stating that there should be no divisions among pro-democratic forces, he urged all political parties and citizens to take part in the democratic process in a united and peaceful manner.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the people of Bangladesh are united and determined to resist evil efforts to derail the upcoming national election and the country’s democratic transition. “Those who are now casting doubts about the election through various statements against democracy are neither on the side of democracy nor on the side of the people of Bangladesh,” he said while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said for one reason or another, some are subtly making statements intended to delay, disrupt, or even resist the election. “But the people of Bangladesh are united. They are determined to exercise their right to vote for democracy. Whoever makes such statements or raises false arguments to obstruct the democratic journey, the people will stand firmly against them,” he warned. The BNP leader said they believe the people of Bangladesh are resolute to overcome any obstacle to the path of democratic transition in the days ahead. The programme was arranged by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the 81st birthday of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Salahuddin called on all democratic political parties to remain united, as they did during the anti-fascist movement, to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. “I would like to request all democratic forces and political parties to bring the same kind of unity that we showed during the anti-fascist democratic struggle. Let us remain united, engage in discussions and work together so that we can hold the election fairly and peacefully and thus make the path of democratic transition smoother,” he said. BNP trusts interim govt advisers’ integrity: Fakhrul In the context of current politics in Bangladesh, Salahuddin said BNP has been working under the guidance of its Chairperson Khaleda Zia to advance democracy through dialogue and consensus. “She directed us to make the path of democratic transition easier through dialogue and consensus. Following her guidance, we have held discussions with the government several times and are also in talks with all democratic forces,” he said. The BNP leader said their party, together with the entire nation, is awaiting a credible election to restore democracy for which many have sacrificed. “We are waiting for the democracy for which our sons became martyrs, shed their blood, were crippled, or blinded. For 16–17 long years, we have waged an unceasing democratic struggle, and we continue to wait for that democracy,” he said. On August 9, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said that the national election is likely to be held in the first half of February, as the Election Commission intensified preparations across the country for holding the polls. Salahuddin said national unity must be maintained to build a strong democratic state based on equality. “The unity forged against fascism must now be transformed into the real strength of the nation.” He highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong dedication to the country’s democracy, from enduring struggles during the Liberation War to leading a nine-year movement against military rule, restoring parliamentary democracy and introducing the caretaker government system in 1996. “Khaleda Zia is both a name and a history. A nation with a leader like Khaleda Zia will not lose its way,” Salahuddin said. He said the BNP chairperson has fought for democracy throughout her life and continues to be a blessing for the people of Bangladesh. “Today is her 81st birthday. We pray to Almighty Allah that she may live long as a guiding light for the people, as a protector of democracy and the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he added.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday cautioned that the interim government risks losing the support of BNP and its like-minded parties if it stands against a democratic transition and fails to promptly announce a clear roadmap for the national election. “There is nothing above democracy. If you (govt) stand against it, then those of us who established this government with our support for a democratic transition — our support is not a blank cheque, and that support will not remain,” he told a discussion meeting. Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, however, said their party does not want such a situation to arise. “We want the government to play a neutral role and declare a roadmap outlining the steps it will take for a swift and impartial democratic transition. It must assure the nation that Bangladesh is moving towards democracy in the coming days and that people's ownership of the country will be restored,” he said. Democratic State Council arranged the programme titled ‘10 Months of the Interim Government: Questions of Democracy and National Security’ at the Jatiya Press Club. Amir Khosru warns of deepening crisis without elected govt Stating that there is no disagreement among political parties regarding reforms and the trial of fascist elements, the BNP leader questioned, “Then why is the government so afraid of presenting a clear roadmap and holding the election?” He said those who fear elections have no connection with the people, no relationship, no trust in them, and no confidence in the democratic order. Khosru said BNP wants democracy restored and the ownership of the country returned to the people, as they believe in politics based on public trust and support. He, however, alleged that a certain quarter is now trying to follow in the footsteps of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina by blocking the path to national elections. “Sheikh Hasina did not hold credible elections because she knew that in a fair election, she would not be elected. Now the question arises - who else fears not being elected in elections? Is that why elections will not be held in Bangladesh?” the BNP leader asked. He said questions will arise about the neutrality of the interim government if it resorts to ploys in restoring democratic order. “So do they (govt) have any ambivalence about returning the government's democratic politics, and do they have any ambivalence about the elections? And what does it mean to bring in reforms and trials against the elections? These all are mutually exclusive and ongoing processes,” Khosru said. He said five or 10 people think they are wiser and they will decide Bangladesh’s future by leaving people out of the process. “So, where is the difference between Sheikh Hasina and them? We see no difference.” The BNP leader warned that the longer an unelected government stays in power, departing from democratic principles, the greater the risk of instability and the deeper the erosion of people's rights. Tarique Rahman expects most credible election soon under Dr Yunus Over time, he feared, even such a government will begin exerting pressure on the media to prolong its stay in power. "Power is a dangerous thing. If someone tries to stay in power without a mandate, their attitude will inevitably become authoritarian — no matter what form that government takes. We are already witnessing signs of that," Khosru said. He warned that the longer power is delayed from returning to the people, the deeper the country will fall into instability. "You who have set this trap will ultimately be caught in it yourselves," he said.