United News of Bangladesh

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives(LGRD)  Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s political situation has improved compared to the past and expressed hope that sustained stability would pave the way for stronger economic growth, increased investment, and job creation.  “We believe that if we can ensure stability in the country, we will be able to move forward with our goals of economic development through  increasing investment and creating employment opportunities,” he said at a seminar titled “Cooperation on Markets, Policy, Alignment, Security, and Sovereignty.” Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research(ISTR) organised the seminar at a hotel in the capital in the morning. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general,  said government initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards and canal excavation programmes have created hope among  people. However, he identified slow bureaucratic processes as a major obstacle to investment, noting that delays by government agencies often discourage foreign investors. The pace at which our agencies handle investment issues creates a negative situation. “Foreign investors become frustrated. This has become a major problem,” he said. He said the government is working to reform the bureaucracy and improve the overall investment climate, acknowledging that the current business environment is not yet satisfactory. “Our Prime Minister is discussing it regularly and pushing all ministries to act quickly,” Fakhrul added. Highlighting challenges in the energy sector, he said Bangladesh is moving towards renewable energy, particularly solar alongside efforts for onshore and offshore exploration of oil and gas. He also underscored the importance of ensuring investment security, maintaining stability in the Bay of Bengal, and fostering balanced relations with ally and neighbouring countries. Mentioning Rohingya issued as a major challenge he said the government is working towards a solution. Fakhrul thanked ISTR for initiating the dialogue and expressed hope that it would lead to further discussions and constructive outcomes. The seminar aims to bridge the gap between national priorities and the interests of international partners, serving as a platform for aligning immediate policy needs with long-term sovereign goals. Organised in collaboration with Bangladesh Defence Journal and Change Initiative, the initiative seeks to function as a strategic forum to enhance coordination and clarity in policymaking.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday warned that any form of mob violence would be dealt with firmly. Referring to a recent incident of vandalism at a petrol pump, he said such acts of mob formation and violence would not be tolerated. “We will not allow mob situations to develop. Any such attempts will be dealt with strictly,” he said while addressing a programme following the inauguration of the re-excavation of the Neha River in Sadar upazila of Thakurgaon under a nationwide initiative to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and other waterbodies. Calling for transparency and proper implementation of the canal excavation programme, Fakhrul said around 20,000 canals would be brought under excavation across the country. “We are here to work. We do not believe in securing public support through promises alone; rather, we believe in earning it through hard work and service,” he said. Recalling that former president Ziaur Rahman had launched canal excavation efforts in 1976, Fakhrul said sustained initiatives could have helped prevent many of the country’s current water-related challenges. He urged the local administration to ensure that the project continues smoothly and does not stall after inauguration, noting that similar initiatives in the past often failed due to poor execution. Fakhrul said recent global tensions including the Iran-US conflict have had an impact on Bangladesh particularly in terms of fuel supply. He also said the distribution of family cards to women would strengthen their role and empowerment at the household level. Plans are underway to introduce farmer cards to ensure better support for farmers, he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said there is no scope for ‘engineering’ in the national election as government officials and employees are expected to discharge their duties properly to ensure free, fair and credible voting. “We have finally regained the freedom to express our opinions through independent voting. The election will be neutral, though some concerns always remain. But, we are hopeful that there will be no opportunity for ‘election engineering’ this time,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at his Thakurgaon residence. BNP not to compromise on women rights: Fakhrul BNP has been carrying out a movement for the restoration of democracy for the last 16 years and expressed optimism that the February 12 election would help restore people’s voting rights and democracy, he said. “If the election is held in a free and fair manner, it will create a major opportunity for reforming the state. So far, we believe the overall election environment is favourable,” Fakhrul added. Regarding the acceptability of the election results, the BNP secretary general said his party has always accepted election outcomes.  “Even in 2008, when BNP won only 30 seats, we joined Parliament. This time, we are hopeful that BNP will secure a majority,” he said. Referring to BNP’s rivals, including Jamaat, Fakhrul said Jamaat is a very strategic party and often engages in propaganda using religion. “They are trying to spread disinformation through various campaigns.” BNP believes in positive and constructive politics and never underestimates its opponents, regardless of who they are, he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party would remain uncompromising in protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly mothers and sisters. “BNP will be uncompromising in protecting the rights of all citizens, especially the rights of mothers and sisters, regardless of whether they are Hindus or Muslims,” he said while campaigning at Bhagdgazi Bazar in Jamalpur Union of the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. Addressing members of the Hindu community, the BNP secretary general said, “I, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, am always by your side. No one can harm you.” He said fear often prevails among Hindu brothers and sisters as they consider themselves a minority and worry about persecution. But BNP clearly believes that no one is a minority in the country. “There is no minority in this country; everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh,” he added. Mirza Fakhrul alleged that a political party is trying to mislead common people in the name of religion. He said some are claiming that voting for a particular election symbol would ensure entry into heaven. “Nauzubillah (I seek refuge in Allah). Can anyone go to heaven simply by voting for a specific symbol?” he questioned, adding that renowned scholars of the country have rejected such propaganda. He mentioned that Muhibullah Babunagri has said voting for Jamaat-e-Islami is not permissible, while the Pir of Charmonai has termed Jamaat-e-Islami the biggest ‘liar’ party in the world. “We cannot destroy our faith by voting for such a party,” the BNP secretary general said. Urging people not to be misled, he called on voters to cast their ballots in favour of the sheaf of paddy symbol on February 12 and make Tarique Rahman the prime minister to develop the country and restore democracy in line with the spirit of the great Liberation War of 1971.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the country must move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman to save the nation. He said a meaningful national election would be held on February 12, through which a creative and effective government could be formed. Mirza Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing an election rally in support of BNP-nominated candidate Farhad Hossain Azad of Panchagarh-2 constituency at Debiganj Devdarutala in Panchagarh in the afternoon. BNP to remain uncompromising in protecting people’s rights: Fakhrul Claiming that a party was trying to foil the election, he alleged that the party was opposed to independence and could not be trusted. He further alleged that those who studied at Rajshahi University were aware of the party’s violent practices, urging people to remain vigilant. Mirza Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh do not trust any party that opposed the country’s independence, adding that such forces cannot be relied upon by the nation. Upazila BNP President Abdul Gani, Election Management Committee President Advocate Golam Hafiz, General Secretary Abul Hossain Md Tabarak Happy, and other BNP leaders from different levels also spoke at the rally. Tarique urges voters to back BNP to rebuild Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said spreading confusion in the name of religion can never be acceptable or proper politics. “They speak in the name of Islam but deceive people. They are saying that voting for the “Scale” symbol will ensure entry into heaven. No true Muslim can believe such claims,” he said in an oblique reference to Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP leader was addressing a street rally at Kismat Daulatpur Dakhil Madrasah ground in Thakurgaon. Bangladesh to face danger if voters fail to make right choice: Fakhrul Fakhrul said prominent Islamic scholars, including those from Charmonai, have stated that ‘Jamaat-e-Islami is not an Islamic party’. He added that Muslims believe salvation depends on deeds, not symbols. “Only Allah decides who goes to heaven and that depends solely on one’s actions,” he said. The BNP secretary general said a political group, previously unseen in active politics, is now emerging ahead of the election. “There is no objection to anyone taking part in politics or elections but please do not lie, do not spread slander like backbiters and do not defame others,” he said. Referring to media reports, Fakhrul said the Jamaat Ameer had used obscene language against women. “Can a leader who cannot respect mothers and sisters, who speaks offensively about them, ever claim moral high ground or do good for society?” he questioned. The BNP leader said the people of the country had been deprived of their voting rights for the last 15 years.  “InshAllah, this time people will be able to vote and a free and fair election will be held,” he said. BNP believes in constructive politics and criticism, not personal attacks and its politics focuses on development and restoring people’s rights. Fakhrul said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has emerged very much in the footsteps of his father Shaeed President Ziaur Rahman. He said Tarique Rahman has announced a clear plan, including creating jobs for one crore youths within a year, introducing family cards for women, agriculture cards for farmers, and waiving agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000. If BNP comes to power, he stressed, the new government will take responsibility for repaying loans taken from NGOs. He urged voters to go to polling centres on January 12 and cast their votes in favour of BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.  

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 Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is showing questionable conduct in a number of areas through its actions. “The Election Commission, through its activities, is engaging in questionable conduct in many cases,” Fakhrul said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner. A BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban.  Fakhrul said the BNP placed many election-related issues before the CEC during the one-hour meeting. Read More: Fakhrul expresses concern over law and order ahead of polls He alleged that in various election areas, the returning officers, assistant returning officers, superintendents of police, officers-in-charge of police stations and other officials are working in an ‘objectionable manner’ in favour of a particular political party.  The BNP leader said they have received complaints in this regard and brought these matters to the attention of the Election Commission. “In the interest of a free and fair election, we have requested that those involved be investigated and withdrawn.” The BNP secretary general also claimed that complaints have been received against several senior officials of the Election Commission, alleging that they are working in favour of a specific party. “We have urged the Commission to take appropriate action in this regard,” he added. Raising their party’s concerns over postal ballots, Fakhrul said the issue has not yet been fully resolved. “Especially in the case of registered expatriate voters, there are problems in delivering ballot papers and with the way the ballot papers have been printed. We have submitted our complaints to the Commission.” “We believe these ballot papers are not correct, there has been bias, and attempts have been made to give undue advantage to a particular party,” he said, asking the EC to change the ballots.  Read More: Khaleda an icon of Bangladesh’s democracy, people’s source of trust: Fakhrul He also urged that postal ballots be distributed only after the allocation of election symbols within the country. Raising allegations against Jamaat-e-Islami, Fakhrul said Jamaat’s election workers are going door to door collecting copies of National Identity Cards (NIDs), bKash numbers and mobile phone numbers. “This is a violation of personal privacy and amounts to a criminal offence. We had earlier raised objections over violations of the code of conduct, and we have now called for urgent action on this matter,” he said. Noting that the BNP believes in a level playing field for an election, Fakhrul said the party chairman even cancelled a personal tour in this regard. “Yet leaders and other important figures of various political parties are repeatedly violating the code of conduct by carrying out their campaigns. We have requested the Commission to take immediate action on these issues as well,” he added. Asked whether a level playing field exists for all contestants, the BNP secretary general said, “We believe the Election Commission is trying to ensure a level playing field. There are some minor shortcomings, which we believe they will be able to rectify.” Mirza Fakhrul also alleged that in several constituencies of the Dhaka city, a political party has adopted unethical tactics to ensure the victory of its nominated or supported candidates by transferring voters from different parts of the country and enrolling them as voters in Dhaka constituencies. “We have requested, on an urgent basis, detailed information on how many voters have been transferred, from which areas, to which constituencies in the Dhaka city area, under what reasons, along with the lists and detailed particulars of the transferred voters,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said a new scope has opened before the nation to build a liberal democratic Bangladesh. “People are now hopeful as a scope has been created for building a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a programme arranged by BNP for party chairman Tarique Rahman to exchange greetings with journalists. Read More: Nazim Uddin Alam made BNP chairman’s advisory council member He said Tarique Rahman returned to the country from London at a time when the nation is going through a difficult period. He said people across the country are now looking to Tarique Rahman with hope for rebuilding the country as they feel encouraged by the speeches he earlier delivered virtually. The programme formally began around 11:20am with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Earlier, the BNP Chairman arrived at the venue at around 10:52am and exchanged pleasantries with editors and journalists by walking around different tables. In his inaugural speech, Fakhrul recalled the contributions of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to democracy and the nation. Read More: Tarique Rahman becomes BNP Chairman as per party constitution He also prayed for the salvation of the departed soul of Khaleda who died December 30 last year. Fakhrul also paid tribute to the martyrs of different democratic movements and the July mass uprising of 2004 and reaccled their role in paving the way for the restoration of democracy.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday described the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as “irreparable”, saying the nation would never be able to fill the void created by her death. “We never imagined that we would have to stand before you with this news. We were hopeful that just like before, she would recover once again. But we’re now devastated,” he said in an emotional voice during a briefing at the Evercare Hospital in the morning. Fakhrul further said, “As you have already heard, the head of the medical board Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, announced that at 6:00am today our Mother of Democracy, the guardian of the nation, left us. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. This grief, this loss, is unusual and irreparable. This nation will never be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda devoted her entire life to the rights and welfare of the people. Prof Yunus mourns death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “That leader, who dedicated her whole life to the rights and well-being of people, our leader Begum Khaleda Zia, is no longer with us. For us, her colleagues and political workers, this is something we cannot yet comprehend,” the BNP leader said. He said her death created a huge vacuum not only in Bangladesh’s politics but also in democratic movements worldwide. Emergency Standing Committee Meeting Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP Standing Committee would hold an emergency meeting at 12:30pm to finalise elaborate programmes. “We will also coordinate our programmes with those announced by the government and inform you accordingly,” he said. Earlier, Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, head of the medical board formed for Khaleda Zia’s treatment, formally announced that the BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6:00am at the ICU of Evercare Hospital. Hope ex-PM Khaleda's vision, legacy will continue to guide our partnership: PM Modi During the briefing, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and members of the medical board were present. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23. As her condition deteriorated on November 27, she was shifted to the CCU. She remained on life support until her final moments.