United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (November 18) said a record number of young people would cast their first ballots in the upcoming national election, as they had been unable to vote in the three rigged general elections held under the previous autocratic regime. He said the Awami League would not be able to participate in the election because its activities have been banned and its registration has been suspended by the Election Commission. “It is a historic moment for all of us. The young people who filled the walls of Dhaka and other cities with graffiti and drawings during the uprising will now come to vote,” the Chief Adviser said when Dutch Vice-Minister for International Cooperation Pascalle Grotenhuis called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. They discussed Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a ‘free, fair, credible and festive’ election in the first half of February. During the meeting, they discussed expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including agriculture, trade and investment, technology, youth development, and the potential of a social business fund for young and women entrepreneurs. Bangladesh Election: EC to launch mobile app for postal balloting Tuesday The visiting Dutch Vice Minister praised Bangladesh’s election preparations, noting that the interim government had only a few months to get ready for the vote. Pascalle Grotenhuis also commended Bangladesh’s newly enacted labour laws, saying they would help attract more Dutch and European investment. The sweeping reforms, approved by the cabinet earlier this month, were signed into law by the President on Monday. She said the Netherlands plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Public-Private Partnership with Bangladesh’s investment authorities, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. She expressed hope that the MoU would be signed soon, paving the way for increased Dutch investment in Bangladesh. It’s an election to save country, work with honesty, Prof Yunus asks DCs “For 50 years, Bangladesh and the Netherlands were development partners. Now we want to transform this into an equitable partnership in politics, trade, and investment,” she said. The minister added that Dutch companies that have long purchased goods from Dhaka are now looking to invest and become working partners in Bangladesh.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said ahead of the upcoming national election, one of his party’s key responsibilities is to restore public trust, especially among the younger generation. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, he said, “With the upcoming national election scheduled for February, one of our key responsibilities is to ensure the trust of every voter in the country.” To that end, as a democratic political party, the BNP leader said the party is reaching out to people from all walks of life, especially to reflect the hopes and aspirations of today’s and tomorrow’s youth. “From the grassroots to the centre, the party is working to further strengthen its organisational structure. Through a united effort, we aim to ensure transparency and accountability in our politics,” he said. The BNP leader also mentioned that, based on various complaints, organisational action has already been taken against over 7,000 party members. The BNP leader said disciplinary measures, including expulsion and removal from positions, were enforced for charges such as corruption, extortion, and misconduct. Tarique calls for vigilance to prevent troubles during Puja “Amid widespread propaganda and misinformation, taking such decisions was not easy but given the reality, they were absolutely necessary. Discipline is not a weakness; rather, it is our strength. By holding our own members accountable, we have once again proven that BNP is sincere about integrity. We demand certain standards from those in power, and we hold ourselves to those very same standards,” he observed. Tarique said this was how they aimed to rebuild the trust of the people, especially the youth, who, he said, do not view politics merely as a game of power, but rather as a noble platform shaped by inclusive participation. He said that BNP has always modernised itself to meet the demands and challenges of the time and has prioritised direct connection and communication with the people. The BNP leader also noted that their policies are being shaped around a 31-point programme focused on commitments to education, healthcare, youth employment, climate change, and digital innovation. He said BNP is prioritising inclusivity by ensuring greater participation of women, young leaders, and professionals so that the nation can move forward and politics remains in the service of the people. World must act now to stop Israeli genocide against Palestinians: Tarique Tarique said they want BNP to be known as a symbol of service, justice, and competence — not of division or privilege. He said that Bangladesh is facing a unique set of challenges, and therefore, their actions need to be driven by fresh thinking. The BNP Acting Chairman, however, made it clear that they do not reject history — rather, they intend to move forward based on its foundation. Tarique recalled how the late President Ziaur Rahman reintroduced multi-party democracy and empowered the people, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia led an uncompromising struggle against authoritarianism to protect democratic rights. “We are now moving forward into a new era with their aspirations in mind, an era where honesty, youth leadership, and the ability to compete globally will be the key foundations of nation-building,” he said. Referring to the party’s legacy, he said that BNP is moving forward with discipline, vision, and a commitment to building a modern Bangladesh. “We know that the youth want real opportunities — not empty promises. The people want stability — not chaos. And the world wants to see Bangladesh as a credible and respected democratic state. We are firmly committed to fulfilling these expectations,” the BNP leader said. Tarique urged BNP leaders and activists to remain united, disciplined, and committed to public service. “Just as I trust each of you, you should trust me. Only then will the path of democracy shine brighter. Together, we will prove that it is indeed possible to build a Bangladesh with accountable governance, stable institutions, and a future that reflects the people’s aspirations, Insha’Allah,” he said.