United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami over its role during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, saying the party must clarify its position on the country’s independence. “Jamaat leaders are currently making statements in television talk shows, online platforms and newspapers, but they should first explain their position during the country’s struggle for independence,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at Farabari High School ground in Thakurgaon. “Where were you in 1971? Whose side were you on?” the BNP leader asked. He also alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had assisted the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War and attempted to obstruct Bangladesh’s independence. There is no scope to forget about 1971 and just as the people would not forget 2024, when the country regained its democratic system, he added. The country achieved independence through the Liberation War and that history must never be erased, said the BNP leader. After 15 long years, the country now has a real opportunity to hold a fair, free and credible election, he said. Read More: Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul The interim government currently in charge and those who are elected through votes will form the government—that is their objective, he said. If people participate spontaneously and cast their votes, the election would become historic and widely acceptable, he hoped. Referring to his political future, Fakhrul said this might be his last election, and pledged to establish an airport and a medical college in Thakurgaon, if elected, along with creating employment opportunities to reduce unemployment. He also said the female voters of the district will be given training under the guidance of Tarique Rahman so that they can earn from home. “We must train our women and youth and create jobs by making them skilled and educated.”

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.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged voters not to ‘destroy the country’ by casting ballots for those who had collaborated with the Pakistani force in 1971 and are now seeking to rule the country again. “Those who assisted the Pakistani army even at the last moment are today asking for votes to govern the country. Do not ruin the nation by voting for them,” said Fakhrul, also the BNP-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency. He made the remarks during the election campaign at BD High School ground in Begunbari Union of Sadar upazila in the afternoon. “We want to uphold the spirit of 1971 because that year is our identity. Bangladesh was born due to Pakistan’s exploitation and repression. We fought Pakistan and achieved independence,” he said. About the absence of ‘Boat’ symbol in the election race the BNP leader said, “Earlier, there were ‘Boat’ and ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. This time there is no ‘Boat’. The boat’s helmswoman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has left you behind and fled to India. She is sitting in Delhi.” He said Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid protests by students while party leaders and activists were left exposed. “We do not want those who run away. We earned our right to vote through the blood of many students. For 15 years, we were denied freedom of expression. Those who wanted to vote were framed in cases and sent to jail,” he said. Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul said fear often exists among Hindu community people regarding persecution but there is no reason to be afraid. Begum Khaleda Zia clearly said that there are no minorities here, everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh, he said. He pledged that BNP would protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion and would remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of women. Speaking on agriculture, Fakhrul said the sector has not been properly developed and farmers were among the most vulnerable. He said BNP planned to promote agriculture-based industrialisation if voted to power. “Passing BA alone is not enough. Take technical training. Plenty of jobs are waiting abroad,” he added. Sadar upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid and other party leaders and activists were present at the programme.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said his party would ensure the safety and security of Hindu community people  if it comes to power. “Some people are trying to divide Hindus and Muslims  but there is no scope for such division. We live together and will continue to do so,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks Friday afternoon during election campaign at Sholtihori Bazar in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Addressing a series of rallies and roadside meetings from afternoon to evening at Sholothori, 11 Mile, Bairagi, Paysafela, Munshirhat and Debipur in Sadar upazila, Fakhrul urged voters to support BNP in the upcoming national election. He said over the last 15 years ballots were cast the night before elections or taken away, depriving people of their voting rights. “Now an opportunity is coming. Our Hasina Apa has gone to India. It is good that she has left, but she has put those who supported her  in danger. We are saying that no innocent person will face any trouble. We are standing by them. Those who have done no wrong will not be punished,” Fakhrul said. He said Jamaat-e-Islami has never governed the country while BNP is a tested party. “Only BNP, with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, can deliver development. No one else can,” he said. He said BNP activists are  ‘soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia’ who have always stood by the people in times of distress. BNP awaits landslide victory; some parties don’t want election: Fakhrul Making voters alert ahead of the February 12 election,Fakhrul said, “One party asking for votes with Scales symbols. Have they ever formed a government? Have they done any work for you? They have not. We have governed before and worked for the people.” Emphasising communal harmony Fakhrul said he works with people of all religions—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—and wants to ensure equal security for everyone.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday claimed that his party is set for a landslide victory in the national election and alleged this is why some parties are trying to block it. “Only 23 days are left before the election. In these few days, many parties are saying they are not sure whether the election will even be held. Some keep saying, again and again, that the election will not be allowed. If voting takes place, it is doubtful whether they would even get three votes,” Fakhrul said while addressing a programme at Diploma Engineers Institution in Dhaka, marking the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Expressing optimism, Fakhrul said BNP would win the upcoming election by a landslide as people are eager to see the party back in power. “People want to see a modern state under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. They want Tarique Rahman to implement his vision and future plans for Bangladesh.” Criticising a party for seeking votes in the name of religion, Fakhrul termed such practices as 'hypocrisy'. “They say that voting for the ‘daripalla’ symbol will ensure heaven without iman or amol. What could be a bigger act of hypocrisy than this? BNP is working on a plan to rebuild the country, while another party is driven by vengeance and violence.” Stating that Jamaat had never stood for the aspirations of the people, Fakhrul said, “Their leader Maulana Maududi opposed Pakistan and ignored Muslim aspirations. The same party opposed the Liberation War in 1971 and disregarded the aspirations of the Bengali people. Now they are spreading various kinds of misleading propaganda.” Fakhrul also accused the interim government of deception and bad faith over the reform process through a referendum. “It was agreed that issues on which there was consensus would go to a referendum. But matters BNP did not agree with were included without informing us. Still, in the interest of the country, we accepted it. Yet we are questioned on whether we want reforms. The reforms the government is now talking about are what we have been advocating since 2022. We are even ready to sacrifice our lives for those reforms," he said. Highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, Fakhrul said the former president gave the people of Bangladesh a distinct identity. “There are many Bengalis, but Ziaur Rahman gave the Bengalis of this country a separate identity — ‘Bangladeshi’.” Coordinated bid underway to manipulate election results: Abbas He said the banner of democracy carried by Ziaur Rahman passed through Khaleda Zia and is now in the hands of Tarique Rahman. “As soon as Tarique Rahman sets foot on the soil of Bangladesh, he has said to the people, ‘I have a plan’. His goal is to build a new, democratic Bangladesh based on the ideals of Ziaur Rahman.” At the programme, BNP standing committee members paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman and called for building a new Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman’s leadership by upholding his ideals.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party is confident that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to conduct the upcoming national parliamentary election in a competent and credible manner. “The scrutiny of nomination papers always brings some issues — this is nothing new. So far, we have seen that the Election Commission is working more or less with competence,” he said while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Fakhrul said their party placed a few of its concerns before the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday. “We believe this Election Commission will be able to conduct the election with competence.” Asked whether all candidates are getting equal opportunities in the polls, the BNP Secretary General replied, “We have no such complaint.” Fakhrul along with BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed placed the wreath at Zia’s grave, marking his 90th Birth Anniversary. They later offered a munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia who were buried there on December 31 last year. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Nazim Uddin Alam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Mir Newaz Ali, Helen Zerin Khan, Shah Nesarul Haque and SM Jahangir were also present, along with leaders of different front organisations. Later, leaders of the BNP’s different associate bodies, including Metropolitan units, Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Chhatra Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal also placed wreaths at the grave. Fakhrul said they came to the grave of Zia, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, the architect of modern Bangladesh and promoter of multi-party democracy, to pay tribute to him, marking his 90th birth anniversary. “Beside him rests another extraordinary and indomitable leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, who dedicated her life to democracy, freedom and sovereignty of Bangladesh,” he said. Calling Zia “an immortal name in the politics of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said the late president introduced multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of press and judiciary and transformed the country’s economy from a ‘bottomless basket’ to a growing economy. “We remember him every year, and we pledge to move forward on the path he showed for establishing a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul accuses EC of ‘questionable acts’ in many cases Referring to the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said the election has been scheduled for 12 February. “After a student-public uprising forced fascist Hasina to flee, we are now taking a fresh oath to rebuild an economy devastated by misrule and to institutionalise democracy.” Through this oath, he said, the BNP and its all front and affiliated organisations are renewing their commitment to carrying forward and implementing the ideals of Ziaur Raham in Bangladesh.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday sought the intervention of the Army Chief over the alleged killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu, general secretary of Jibannagar Municipal unit BNP in Chuadanga, by members of the security forces. In a statement, Fakhrul said incidents involving killings by security personnel are not good for the country and weaken the rule of law. “Some members of the security forces detained Shamsuzzaman Dablu last night (Monday night) in the name of recovering arms and subjected him to inhuman torture, which led to his death. I express my deep shock and sorrow over this inhuman and barbaric incident,” he said. The BNP leader said the extrajudicial killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu through torture is a gross violation of the country’s existing laws. “The people expect that under the current interim government, anyone involved in a crime will be punished through judicial courts,” he said. Fakhrul said detaining Chuadanga BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dablu in the name of arms recovery and killing him through brutal torture can never be acceptable to the people of the country. “I am seeking the intervention of the Army Chief over such horrifying and tragic incidents,” he said. The BNP leader strongly condemned and protested the incident and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation to ensure justice. The BNP Secretary General prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. The death of a local BNP leader in army custody has sent shockwaves through Jibannagar in Chuadanga, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his sudden death and triggering protests across the town. All troops withdrawn after Chuadanga BNP leader’s death in custody Shamsuzzaman Dablu, 50, general secretary of Chuadanga Poura BNP and a resident of Hospitalpara, died around midnight on Monday after being taken into custody during an army operation near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex. Family members and BNP leaders alleged that Dablu died as a result of torture, a claim that has further fuelled anger in the area.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said that if voted to power, his party would pursue Bangladesh’s rightful share of water from India while upholding mutual respect between the two countries. “If BNP forms the government, we will engage with India on issues related to the Teesta, Padma and other shared rivers and try to realise our rightful share of water,” he told reporters in Thakurgaon town responding to a question on how BNP would shape relations with India. When asked about India’s current unfriendly attitude, Fakhrul said proper diplomatic engagement could help ease tensions. He also criticised the government over what he described as its failure to recover illegal weapons, saying the law and order situation has not improved significantly so far. “I do not think the law and order situation has improved much yet. However, I am hopeful that it will improve during the election period and reach a better state,” he said. Referring to recent developments involving cricket, he said the issue carried political implications and was linked to the dignity of the country. “Undoubtedly, one of our cricketers has been insulted. We believe our country has been insulted. In that case, we agree with the decision taken by the cricket control board. At the same time, we believe minor issues should be resolved through dialogue,” he said. Asked whether major political parties were trying to woo Awami League voters, Fakhrul said BNP remained a self-sufficient political party with a strong record. “All the major achievements of this country were made under BNP from restoring multi-party democracy to shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system, ensuring press freedom and judicial independence. BNP has ensured these through its 31-point reform agenda,” he said. Tarique to kick off BNP’s election campaign from Sylhet on Jan 22 On the election situation, he said the real situation will be clear once election campaigns begin. “Before that, it is difficult to understand the actual scenario,” he added. Asked whether fascism could return, he said “We are not afraid of fascists. We know how to resist them. We know how to fight and how to endure repression. We are not afraid of that.” BNP district secretary Paygam Ali and other party leaders were present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed the hope that Bangladesh will become a truly democratic state under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “The country will move forward on the democratic path through Tarique Rahman, and the people of the country will regain their democratic rights. His majestic return yesterday (Thursday) carries that message,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to journalists at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar before paying tributes at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman. He said people have warmly welcomed Tarique Rahman through a grand reception. “He has come with a message of change.” Fakhrul said Tarique’s return is not just a political event but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.  “After being in exile since 2006, Tarique Rahman returned to the country yesterday (Thursday). His return was grand and unprecedented. The people of Bangladesh welcomed him spontaneously and joined in the celebrations with joy and enthusiasm. The people has got back their beloved leader,” he said. Fakhrul a said very few leaders in Bangladesh’s political history have received such spontaneous popular support and public reception. As a young and promising leader, he said Tarique is now seen not only by the people but also by international media as a potential future Prime Minister of Bangladesh. “Fresh air has begun to flow in Bangladesh’s political sky. Tarique Rahman’s return is not just a personal comeback; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s politics. It will pave the way for the restoration of democracy and fulfilment of people’s aspirations,” Fakhrul said. The BNP leader also said people have started dreaming again, and Tarique now stands at the centre of those hopes. Expressing firm confidence, Fakhrul said Tarique would implement properly the far-reaching plans he has undertaken for the welfare of the people. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said martyred President Ziaur Rahman had established multi-party democracy in the country, which was later upheld through tough struggles by Begum Khaleda Zia. “Today, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, that democracy will fully blossom,” he said. Abbas said the confusion and uncertainty among the public over election-related issues has been completely removed with Tarique’s return. “Tarique Rahman’s presence has brought clarity to the political arena. People are now far more confident than before about a free and fair election,” he added. Tarique returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years abroad. The aircraft carrying him, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman entered Bangladesh’s airspace earlier in the day. His return has drawn wide public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Tarique was greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that various efforts are once again underway to destroy democracy in Bangladesh, following last year’s July–August mass uprising. “After the mass uprisings in Bangladesh, there are now again different kinds of attempts and conspiracies to destroy democracy. At this moment, the Revolution and Solidarity Day inspires us to follow the path through which we can truly build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. Speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at his grave, Fakhrul said the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975, also inspires the party to work towards building a country where people’s right to vote and right to justice are guaranteed. “Along this path, Bangladesh will move forward, BNP will move forward, and we are working towards that goal,” the BNP leader said. Earlier, Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day commemorating the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975. They offered fateha at the grave of the party’s founder and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul. BNP pledges to implement signed July Charter, urges parties not to block polls with new issues Fakhrul described November 7, 1975, as a turning point in Bangladesh’s history when patriotic soldiers and mass people united to foil the conspiracies of hegemonic forces and freed Ziaur Rahman, the “proclaimer of independence,” from captivity, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the nation. He said Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s political and economic transformation by restoring multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom, guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary, and introducing a free-market economy. During his short term in office, Fakhrul said Zia vigorously reformed the country’s political and economic systems, moved Bangladesh away from one-party BAKSAL rule to a multi-party democracy, opened up the media sector—which previously had only four newspapers—and strengthened judicial independence by establishing the Judicial Council. He said Zia also set the groundwork for Bangladesh’s economic progress by launching the free-market system, encouraging industrial growth, and creating opportunities for overseas employment—initiatives that laid the foundation for today’s thriving garment industry and remittance-driven economy. “This was how the journey towards a prosperous Bangladesh began. Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for building a happy and democratic state,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said Zia, a great leader born once in a generation, established the very basis of Bangladesh’s progress. “That is why this day is not only significant for BNP but also deeply important to all democratic-minded people across the nation.” BNP is observing the National Revolution and Solidarity Day today with various programmes held with due respect. Desperation to hold referendum before election raises public suspicion: Khosru On this day in 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians together freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. On November 2, BNP announced a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical importance. As part of the programmes, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country in the morning. The BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units brought out a rally from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party also held rallies on the same day.