United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of the Australian Parliament for speaking out on democracy, human rights and electoral integrity in Bangladesh, saying their position echoes the hopes and concerns of millions of Bangladeshis. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 15), he said, “Many Bangladeshis, including myself, extend our sincere appreciation to the Australian parliamentarians who have spoken with clarity and conscience on the issues of democracy, human rights, and electoral integrity in Bangladesh. Their thoughtful intervention reflects a deep commitment to universal democratic principles and to the wellbeing of the Bangladeshi people.” Across Bangladesh, the BNP leader said many citizens are expressing genuine concern about political uncertainty, security, and the need for an electoral process in which every voice can be heard without fear or restriction. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation “These concerns come from ordinary people who wish only for stability, justice, and the opportunity to choose their future through a peaceful and credible democratic process,” he said. At this pivotal moment, Tariaue said the call from Australian MPs to ensure the safety, dignity, and political rights of all election participants resonates strongly with the hopes of Bangladeshis at home. “Their message acknowledges what millions have been saying for months: that democracy is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and safeguarded from violence or intimidation,” he said. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin The BNP leader also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia for their role in raising these issues internationally, noting their contributions to Australian society and their continuing commitment to Bangladesh. “Their advocacy, driven by love for their homeland, has helped ensure that the challenges and aspirations of Bangladeshis are understood globally,” he said. Tarique also said Australia and Bangladesh share long-standing ties based on respect and cooperation. He thanked the Australian representatives who have expressed solidarity, saying their support highlights the collective global commitment to democracy. Tarique’s 31-point plan offers path to democratic revival: Ndileka Mandela “When nations come together, we can encourage one another toward peace, justice, and progress,” he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has warned that the future of democracy could be in jeopardy if the incoming government fails to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation. “The government that will run the country should brainstorm about tackling misinformation. Otherwise, failure to address it will lead the country towards political turmoil,” he said at a dialogue session titled ‘Media Freedom: The Issue of Political Commitments in Manifesto’, held on Thursday (6th November, 2025) at the CIRDAP Auditorium and organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Shafiqul Alam reflected on the long and shifting relationship between the government and the media since 1947, noting that it has alternated between periods of openness and restriction. “During Ayub Khan’s time, there was media freedom, but after 1990, journalists enjoyed the highest freedom under the caretaker government,” he said. “During the Awami League government, journalism reached its lowest point. However, efforts are now being made to recover from that decline under Hasina’s leadership,” Shafiqul Alam added. He said there is widespread fear of mobbing now but the current government has no intention of restricting the press. Now, the question is whether this culture will continue under a future political government? Read more: Govt watching Hasina’s actions; she’s Bengal's ‘butcher’: Press Secretary Even those who should know better, including university professors, are now spreading misinformation, he said. The press secretary pointed out that misinformation has posed significant challenges for the government, particularly false news surrounding Saint Martin’s Island and Milestone. “The amount of false information circulated about Chittagong Port was unimaginable,” he said. Unlike in many other countries where penalties are imposed for spreading misinformation, no such mechanisms exist here, he said. “False information is being spread daily on ‘Talk Shows’. We have urged Meta to take stronger action against misinformation on Facebook, but it remains a long-term process,” he added. Read more: No pressure to bring AL into polls: Press Secretary

The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organisation dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally, is now assessing the electoral environment in advance of the February 2026 parliamentary elections.  The IRI team deployed its pre-election assessment mission to Bangladesh from October 20 and they will continue to engage until October 23. This high-level mission, comprised of international policy and elections experts, arrived in Dhaka on October 20 to meet with a broad range of stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, government officials, and civil society organisations from across the Bangladeshi political spectrum and examine issues central to electoral competitiveness and civic engagement. “This mission underscores IRI’s commitment to supporting democratic processes in Bangladesh,” said Johanna Kao, IRI’s Senior Director for Asia-Pacific in a statement.  “We look forward to engaging with stakeholders and assessing the state of the electoral environment.” Bangladesh delegation reaches South Korea on a five-day visit Following the conclusion of the mission, IRI will release a statement offering an impartial assessment of the readiness for February’s elections and recommendations for maintaining electoral integrity and fostering a peaceful electoral environment. Since 1984, IRI has organized over 250 international election observation missions worldwide, earning a reputation for objectivity and professionalism.  The mission will conduct its activities in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh and the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct adopted by the United Nations in 2005.  All activities will be conducted on a strictly non-partisan basis and without interfering in the electoral process. The IRI team met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday afternoon at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged political parties to shift their activities and focus from the streets to parliament, emphasising the need for  strengthening parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a general meeting and conference of the Bangladesh Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union at the Multipurpose Hall of the Pani Bhaban, he also called upon political parties to set aside minor differences and come together to make the upcoming election truly meaningful. “We must come up from the streets to the parliament. How long will we stay on the streets? We have been on the streets for 50 years. We must try to solve problems and make democracy a political culture through the National July Charter,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul acknowledged the interim government’s efforts, saying they are trying to do good work. “But no one can clear all the mess in just one year. The Awami League has created heaps of problems and destroyed a lot over the past 15 years, and it is impossible to fix everything in such a short time,” he said. Fakhrul said political parties must now act responsibly to ensure a free and fair election and to strengthen the parliamentary system. Non-signing of July Charter by some parties won’t affect polls: Salahuddin “Through the parliament that will be formed by the election, we must focus on strengthening the parliamentary system. All activities must be centred on parliament. Otherwise, parliamentary democracy will not function,” the BNP leader said. He said in countries where parliamentary democracy has been successful, parliament has always been the main focus of politics. The BNP leader also called for unity among political parties ahead of the upcoming election and hoped that all parties would participate in it.  “Let us all, as we have set aside our minor differences to sign the charter, do the same in the upcoming election. Let us overcome our differences and make the election truly meaningful,” he said. Fakhrul said the next election should be free and fair, accessible to everyone, and that those elected will make parliament vibrant and meaningful, serving as the country’s political centre.  He also noted that if democracy is genuinely established, the demands of all sections of society, including workers, will be recognised and fulfilled. July Charter signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in politics, Fakhrul Fakhrul said a historic political event took place on Friday at the south plaza of Parliament, where most political parties signed the July Charter. He described it as a truly unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s political history. The BNP leader said the Charter can help bring changes to the state structure and amendments to fundamental principles, while also making politics more transparent for people. “It will strengthen existing democratic institutions, allow democracy to function properly and promote a democratic culture in society.” Commenting on an incident that occurred before the signing ceremony, the BNP leader said a group of students came and sat in front of the parliament venue, which led to a violent situation between the police and the students. “Such incidents at this time do not help democracy. I believe everyone should act in a highly responsible manner,” he observed. Fakhrul also extended support for the demands of the Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union. Salahuddin sees path to democracy through July Charter He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the July movement, saying, “Many sacrificed their lives during the July movement, and I express my deep respect to them.” The BNP leader stressed that the upcoming election is extremely important, as it will determine whether the country moves genuinely towards liberal democracy or takes a different path.  “We must never forget the 1971 Liberation War, through which a new nation was born. That war remains the foundation of our existence,” he reminded.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said democracy is not just about holding elections but about ensuring people’s freedom and fundamental rights. In a message issued on Thursday marking Shaheed Jihad Day and the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad, Tarique, however, said fair and credible elections are essential to keep democracy alive. “Free and fair elections must be held to maintain the stream of democracy. Democracy does not mean elections alone as it means ensuring the freedom and fundamental rights of the people,” Tarique said. He said the nation must resist all conspiracies by local and foreign evil forces, safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty and restore true democratic being inspired by the sacrifice of Shaheed Jihad. The BNP leader said the sacrifice of Shaheed Nazir Uddin Jihad, an ‘undaunted soldier’ of the anti-autocracy movement in the 1990s, will remain unforgettable in Bangladesh’s political history. Jihad, a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activist from Ullapara upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead by police in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the mass movement that led to the fall of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Tarique said Jihad sacrificed his life to restore democracy, freedom of expression and press freedom in the country.  He said Jihad, while playing a leading role in the anti-autocracy uprising of the 1990s, took a police bullet to his chest and embraced martyrdom as a fearless student leader. The BNP leader noted that the blood of Jihad and others paved the way for the mass uprising that year, which led to the fall of autocrat Ershad. Sheltering an ‘autocrat’ is India’s choice: Tarique Rahman “The 1990 mass uprising that brought down the autocratic ruler was built upon his blood. He became a symbol of courage and sacrifice for democracy,” Tarique said. He said autocratic ruler HM Ershad tried to destroy democracy, and Jihad sacrificed his life with a firm determination to restore democracy and place it on a solid foundation. The BNP leader said if the dream for which Jihad sacrificed his life is not realised, his soul will remain in pain. “On the occasion of Shaheed Jihad Day, I pay my deepest respects to the memory of Shaheed Nazir Uddin Jihad, the fearless soldier of the anti-autocracy movement. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul,” he said. Will return home soon, join election, Tarique tells BBC Bangla In a separate message, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also paid deep tribute to Shaheed Jihad, saying his sacrifice paved the way for the fall of Ershad’s autocratic regime and the restoration of democratic rule. Fakhrul said establishing democratic values at every level of the state and society would be the best way to honour Jihad’s memory and sacrifice.

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 Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said holding a national election is the only option for the interim government to restore democracy in the country. “There is no other way but an election to return democratic, political and constitutional rights to people. The two leaders (Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman) agreed on this issue during the London meeting,” he said. Khosru, who accompanied BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Dorchester Hotel in London, made the remarks while speaking to reporters outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from London in the morning. Asked about the criticisms made by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party (NCP) opposing the joint statement issued after the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique on Friday, he said, "I do believe if we truly believe in democracy, then everyone should have the opportunity to express their opinion.” BNP urges govt to inform EC of London meeting decision on election   “So, everyone has the right to share their views. I think this is one of the greatest strengths of our democracy — that everyone can voice their own opinion. We must move forward keeping that in mind," the BNP leader said. Emphasising the urgency of the election, he said people in Bangladesh have not been able to vote freely over the past two decades. “The younger generation has never experienced voting. That’s why they want a democratic transition through an election as soon as possible.” The BNP leader expressed the hope that the country will move forward on the path of democracy, as people have made huge sacrifices and carried out a long struggle to restore it. In response to a question on reforms and the trial process of fascist elements, Khosru said reforms depend on consensus and are part of an ongoing process. “Reforms will not end before the election and will continue even after it.” Speaking about the trial of fascists, he said it is also an ongoing process and depends on the judiciary. “The judiciary will carry out the trials, and efforts are being made to bring the accused under legal proceedings. There are roughly six more months to bring them under trial, and if that is not completed within this period, the next elected government will take responsibility.” On political consensus, the BNP leader said the more decisions are taken through mutual understanding among political parties, the better it is for the nation. "It is because of our consensus that we have been able to remove the autocratic and fascist regime. So, we will try to make decisions based on consensus wherever possible," he said. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi On the possible timing of the election, Khosru said BNP has no major objection if the election is held in February. “We have always favoured holding the election as early as possible. If the timeline shifts from December to February, it’s not a big matter. What matters most is making decisions through consensus.”

Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh William B Milam on Thursday lauded the interim government's reform initiatives, saying the July uprising has offered big opportunities to carry out sweeping reforms and establish true democracy in Bangladesh. Jon Danilowicz, who was a deputy ambassador of the US to Dhaka, said Bangladesh needs positive narratives and serious efforts to tackle the menace of fake news and disinformation. Milam and Danilowicz, the president and executive director of a US-based non-profit human rights group, Right to Freedom, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. UN rights chief calls for accountability over Bangladesh’s 2024 protest abuses The two former diplomats updated the Chief Adviser about the work of the Right to Freedom and their plan to expand its work in Bangladesh as part of its efforts to assist the country in its democratic transition. Professor Yunus appreciated the work of the non-profit group and also the efforts by the two diplomats to champion human rights and democratic values in Bangladesh. During the hour-long meeting, Professor Yunus told the diplomats that political parties would sign a July Charter after the conclusion of the dialogue on the reforms recommended by the six commissions. "The July Charter will guide us," he said, adding that the interim government would implement parts of the recommendations made in the July Charter and the rest will be implemented by political governments. CA Dr Yunus asks labour ministry to reform labour law maintaining global standard They also discussed the current Bangladesh-US relations, the Rohingya crisis, and the impact of dwindling aid for the much-persecuted Myanmar refugees, recovering billions of dollars stolen during the previous regime, the Chief Adviser's attempt to revive Saarc and possible dates for the upcoming elections. The Chief Adviser said the elections would be held either in December, provided the political parties agreed to fewer reforms ahead of the vote, or by June next year.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that holding free and fair elections is the only way to restore democracy in the country. "There is no alternative to democracy. There is no alternative to elections for institutionalising democracy. Democracy can be freed only through elections,” he said. Arrange election to thwart Hasina’s “dangerous plan”: Rizvi Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks while inaugurating the Zia Memorial Football Tournament at the Thakurgaon Government Boys High School ground here in the afternoon. The tournament, arranged by the BNP Thakurgaon district unit, features eight BNP’s district unit teams from Rangpur division. The BNP secretary general said democracy is essential for the development in every sector including sports, culture and good governance. “And elections are the only way to establish democracy,” he said. “We have gone through a terrible time for the last 15 years. The previous illegitimate fascist government was like a stone in our chest. Like a monster, they destroyed all our institutions and sports fields. Our cultural arena, including football, cricket and other sports were all devastated by them,” Fakhrul added. BNP seeks 'minimum consensus' on state reforms as talks begin The BNP leader described last year's student-led mass uprising as a political earthquake that shook the nation, paving the way for the emergence of a new Bangladesh. “Through their mass uprising, a new Bangladesh has been created. A new Bangladesh has been created in all areas of our social life and political life. The students have given us the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. Therefore, we have to reshape the country," Fakhrul said. BNP’s central sports secretary former national footballer Aminul Haque, BNP central rural and cooperative affairs secretary Farhad Hossain Azad, its central committee member and Thakurgaon district BNP general secretary Mirza Faisal Amin and former national footballer Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, among others, were present. BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics Earlier, local artists made a cultural presentation in the opening ceremony. In the opening match, Dinajpur district BNP won 3(1)-2(1) against Panchagarh district BNP in a penalty shootout. The final of the tournament will be held on February 27.  

Planning and Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has said the interim government is committed to making the groundwork for fostering an "inclusive and pluralistic democracy"; and creating an environment for "free, fair and participatory" elections in line with the aspirations of the country’s people. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception on Saturday evening hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India. The Adviser said over the years, the two countries collaborated in a wide range of areas, and Bangladesh is committed to strengthening the relationship based on mutual respect and understanding of each other’s perspectives, concerns and priorities Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma also spoke at the reception. Political leaders, including emeritus president of the Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Jatiya Party leaders including its Chairman GM Quader, Advisers including Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, businesses leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present. The Planning Adviser said they are committed to taking forward the relationship to a people-centric approach where the welfare of the people of both countries will be ensured. "I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen based on goodwill, mutual trust and respect," he said. Read: Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy Referring to the nation anthems of the two countries at the beginning of the two countries, Adviser Wahiduddin said this is unique in the world that both national anthems were written by the same poet Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore which defines the relations. The Adviser, who has been a teacher and researcher in his entire life, said 76 reminds him of his own age. "I am as old as Independent India." He said Bangladesh-India relationship is multifaceted and based on our shared history, geographical proximity, cultural affinity and people-to-people connections. Adviser Wahiduddin said the people of Bangladesh fondly remember the crucial role played by the people and government of India during Bangladesh's great War of Liberation in 1971. He mentioned that Bangladesh aims to foster strong relations with its neighbouring countries, including India, to promote shared prosperity and sustainable development. "Bangladesh expects this relations will be based on fairness and equity," he said, noting that India is the closest neighbour of Bangladesh. Read more: BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections On the issue of people-centric relations, Adviser Wahiduddin shared some of his personal remarks and said some of his closest friends are Indian academics - either living in India or abroad. He said they collaborate and exchange ideas through many research networks and platforms. "I can say with confidence that these close ties, many of us have in academia in India and Bangladesh, will continue to contribute to the mutual goodwill and understanding between our two countries," said the Adviser. Wahiduddin extended the warmest greetings to the government and people of India. "May Bangladesh-India relations live forever." Indian President Droupadi Murmu is leading the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. With a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year are a unique blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest. Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Indian Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. Read more: National election likely by year end or early 2026: EC Masud These special guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the government.