United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (November 18) bemoaned that Bangladesh is currently experiencing a state of instability. "At this moment, we truly needed people like Barrister Moudud Ahmed. Because, we are living in a state of instability. Barrister Moudud was undoubtedly one of the people who could have shown us the way out, could have guided us out of this instability,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing the publication ceremony for the book “Demise of Democracy”, written by the late BNP leader Barrister Moudud Ahmed, at a city hotel. Fakhrul also lamented that Moudud Ahmed had not been able to witness the fall of fascist Hasina, which he had sincerely wanted to see. The BNP Secretary General recalled his time in jail with Barrister Moudud Ahmed in 2012, highlighting the late leader's absolute dedication to his writing. “I remember in 2012 when we were first jailed together... almost 17 of us went to the old central jail on Nazimuddin Road... immediately upon entry, Barrister Moudud swiftly headed towards a specific room, intending to dedicate his entire time in prison to writing,” he said. Fakhrul observed that Barrister Moudud would wake up very early and immediately start writing. “His wife would send him necessary papers, documents, and books from outside. I saw how meticulously and sincerely he practised this study of history.” He appreciated Moudud as an objective writer of history, saying,  "I feel that while there may be some criticism or controversy surrounding Moudud as a politician, I do not think there is much opportunity to criticise his work in writing history." Fakhrul also shared a personal anecdote illustrating Barrister Moudud's fundamental commitment to democratic principles, even in the country's early days. Read more: Fakhrul calls Hasina verdict ‘end of all dictatorships’ in Bangladesh He mentioned that after independence, during the time of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a form of misrule and a one-party system was being established, marked by the formation of the Rakkhi Bahini. The BNP leader recounted how, during that period, the Rakkhi Bahini arrested a communist leader from Khulna, Shanti Sen, along with his wife, sister-in-law, and another communist worker, Hanufa Begum. They were subjected to extreme torture for 21 days before being transferred to Dhaka Central Jail. “Barrister Moudud Ahmed, then a young lawyer, filed a Habeas Corpus petition, and with Justice Debesh Bhattacharya presiding, he had them presented in court and secured their release,” he said. Fakhrul stressed that such incidents proved Barrister Moudud Ahmed was, at heart, a sincere democratic leader and a democratic soul. "Undoubtedly, both in this book and in his other writings, we will find this—that Barrister Moudud Ahmed was a thoroughly democratic political leader. Although he took various positions at different times for various reasons, if we look closely, we will see that he went there to find a way back to democracy. And I believe that this is probably the best way to evaluate him," he said. He urged people, especially the younger generation, to read “Demise of Democracy,” believing it is highly necessary for those who have fought for freedom from "fascist rule." Read more: BNP hails Hasina’s death sentence verdict, says justice served

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is recovering well following an eye surgery at Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok, with doctors advising him to remain on complete rest for two weeks before travelling. “Alhamdulillah, the post-operative condition of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s left eye is stable. By the grace of Allah and with everyone’s prayers, he is gradually recovering,” said BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. He said doctors at Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok have advised Fakhrul not to travel by air for at least two weeks, delaying his return to Bangladesh. “As soon as doctors consider it safe for him to fly, he will, InshaAllah, return home,” Dr Zahid said. Dr Zahid explained that fluctuations in air pressure during flights can sometimes cause complications after eye surgery. “To avoid such risks, the doctors have strictly advised him against flying for two weeks.” The BNP leader said Fakhrul’s right eye is open and functioning well, and he can see everything through it. “His left eye is covered with protective glasses. He is following all post-operative guidelines, including bed rest, wearing dark glasses and maintaining specific positions to avoid pressure on the eye.” BNP seeks quick restoration of democracy through credible election: Moyeen Khan He said Fakhrul’s wife, Rahat Ara Begum, along with a few close relatives, is currently attending him at the hospital in Bangkok. Zahid called upon the people of the country to pray for the quick recovery of the BNP leader. He also mentioned that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman are regularly being updated on Fakhrul’s treatment and condition. Earlier, on 14 May, the BNP Secretary General underwent successful surgery on his left eye for a retinal problem in Bangkok, Thailand.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday cautioned opposition leaders and activists against complacency regarding US sanctions on former Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed. Speaking at a discussion, he urged the BNP followers to focus on unseating the Awami League government through their own efforts rather than relying on others. “If I can't manage my own house, no one else will do it for me. Many may be happy over the sanctions on Aziz...I think it’s misleading and we’re always getting confused," Fakhrul said. He recalled that the US also imposed sanctions earlier on RAB and the officers of the elite force and the police but it could not stop the ‘terrible journey’ of the current regime. “We have to stand on our own feet, stand with our own strength and defeat them with our own strength,” he said. A faction of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (Jagpa) arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) marking the seventh death anniversary of the party founder Shafiul Alam Prodhan. The US Department of State on Monday imposed sanctions on Aziz Ahmed and his immediate family members due to “his involvement in significant corruption". Fakhrul said BNP and the entire world have long been saying that the government has been deeply mired in corruption. "They deny it and claim they don’t indulge in corruption. Now, you see today's news that the US has imposed sanctions on former Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed along with his family." He said the reasons behind the sanctions on Aziz involve indulging in corruption, influencing democratic institutions, and eroding people's trust. "This is what we've been trying to say for a long time." The BNP leader accused the government of committing various misdeeds one after another by using the state machinery. He also alleged that the government has created a reign of terror and spread fear with its efforts to use the military, the judiciary and the administration. Even, the BNP leader said journalists now cannot write reports freely as they have to think carefully about every word they choose, fearing jail or lawsuits. “This is the current situation of the country." He said many times it is wrongly interpreted that the BNP wants to engage in ousting the government. "We want to get back the right to vote, and through that votes, we will defeat you (govt). All of us must be willing to make more sacrifices to have that right restored." Fakhrul called upon the opposition leaders and workers to be united further to take to the streets against the government. “There is no alternative to taking to the streets. We don’t know any other path. We must come forward openly and fight (against the govt)." Stating that BNP is not a radical or revolutionary party, he said their party, as a liberal democratic one, must create such an atmosphere where the government will not be able to block a free, fair and credible election.   "No one else will do that for us...we have to achieve that ourselves." We must be more united in demanding fair and impartial elections, and we must intensify the movement.” The BNP leader said their party has been working with its alliance partners to work out the strategy of their movement and strengthen their strength to get rid of the current monstrous regime.

A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, had a closed-door meeting with visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Afreen Akhter, on Saturday. The hour-long meeting that began at 3pm was held at the Westin Hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas was also present at the meeting. After the meeting, a post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka said, “We welcomed a fruitful discussion with BNP’s Secretary General about the current political landscape in Bangladesh and the thousands of opposition members in prison. Looking forward to continued engagement.” It also said engaging in constructive dialogue is key to understanding different perspectives and finding common ground. The embassy also shared a photo of the meeting. Read more: Bangladesh wants to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN by its next Summit in October The other member of the BNP delegation includes party Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid. Talking to reporters about the meeting, Amir Khosru said they joined the meeting at the invitation of the US and talked about various issues. “That's all I can say... I don't have anything more to say." Asked what they discussed at the meeting, he parried the questions saying he is not willing to say anything about it. Replying to another question about whether they talked about the last national election in Bangladesh, he also preferred to remain tight-lipped, saying he had nothing to say. No one from the US side briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting. Read more: Story of Bangladesh’s economic growth, development an inspiration for many countries: World Bank MD This was the first meeting of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and Amir Khusro with foreigners after being released from prison. Fakhrul and Khosru were arrested in connection with the violence on the streets ahead of the 12th National Assembly elections centring the party's grand rally in the capital on October 28. They were recently released on bail after spending three and a half months in jail. Meanwhile, a three-member high-level US delegation arrived in Dhaka on a three-day visit on Saturday morning to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to "strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region." Their visit will also include meetings with youth activists and civil society leaders, labour organizers, and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media, said the US Embassy. After the January 7 election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties." Read more: US to work with Bangladesh to ‘enhance economic investment’ in next 50 years and beyond

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are anticipated to be released from Keraniganj Central Jail following their lawyers' efforts to withdraw the production warrants against them in all cases. Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukdar, representing the BNP leaders, have initiated the legal process for the withdrawal of the production warrants. This comes after both leaders obtained bail in all cases, as confirmed by Sairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing, to UNB. “The necessary legal steps are being taken following the provision that allows for the withdrawal of production warrants issued for the leaders to be presented in court while incarcerated,” the lawyers stated. Read: Fakhrul, Khasru secure bail; no bar to walk out of jail  Work on withdrawing the production warrants has already begun, with expectations that if completed by noon today, the BNP leaders could be released. The documentation related to the withdrawal is hoped to be finalized by Thursday evening. Advocate Masud mentioned that 13 production warrants had been issued against Fakhrul, highlighting the legal hurdles faced. However, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin assured that there are no obstacles to their release as bail has been secured in all cases. The context for the anticipated release follows a Dhaka court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petition. Read: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru, of vandalism and assault during the rally. In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to violence surrounding the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.

The High Court today (January 10, 2024) rejected the bail petition of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in a case filed over vandalising the Chief Justice's residence on October 28 during the party's grand rally. The HC bench of Justice Md Salim and Justice Shahed Nuruddin passed the order after hearing a rule. Advocate Joynul Abedin, Fakhrul's lawyer, said the decision to file an appeal will be taken after discussion. Bail plea of BNP's Fakhrul to be heard Jan 9 Deputy Attorney General BM Abdur Ruffel represented the state. Earlier on December 7, 2023, the High Court issued a rule asking the government to explain why Fakhrul should not be granted bail in the case. The government was asked to respond to the rule within a week. On December 17, the High Court set January 3 for hearing on the rule. SC upholds HC order to dispose of Fakhrul’s bail pleas On October 29, 2023, police filed a case with Ramna Police Station on charges of vandalism and attack on the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28. Fakhrul was arrested in the case on October 29 and has been in jail since then.

BNP has announced a dawn-to-dusk hartal across the country to protest “police attacks” on their leaders and activists and their grand rally at Nayapaltan today (October 28, 2023). BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the hartal before leaving the rally stage amid clashes between law enforcers and BNP leaders, activists. BNP grand rally suspended after police action He said hartal will be observed from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday (October 29, 2023).   BNP men attacked police, vandalised cars in Dhaka’s Kakrail: DB says BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said they announced the hartal to protest the police and ruling party attacks on their peaceful rally. Earlier, BNP’s grand rally was suspended halfway through the program following the clashes.  The rally began around 12:40 pm, and was stopped around 2:15 pm. BNP rally: Tense situation in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan area

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Wednesday (October 04, 2023) said there was no politics in not letting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia go abroad for treatment. "It's a legal matter, there's no question of politics here. Her (Khaleda Zia's) family had filed an application, which has been disposed of. It was not in the law that she will be allowed to go abroad through this application. There was already a condition that she cannot go abroad, now there is no chance of changing it,” he said. Read: BNP-leaning United Lawyers’ Forum to boycott Chief Justice's reception The law minister said these at a press conference at the Secretariat. “BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presented false, baseless and misleading information over the matter at a press conference,” he alleged. Asked whether there is any scope to change Khaleda Zia's conditional release, the law minister said if the condition is given, it should be obeyed. “I think the prime minister has done whatever is possible through exercising her power, there is no scope to use the power again.” Replying to another question the law minister said if anyone seeks prudential clemency, he/she has to confess the guilt. “. It is a constitutional right that anyone can appeal to the president.” Read: BNP plotting to form 1/11-like government: Quader On October 1, the Law Ministry rejected an application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission for sending her abroad for treatment. On September 18, the government once again extended the suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail term by another six months. Read: BNP will miss election bus if they stick to one-point demand: Salman F Rahman The 78-year-old former prime minister has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday (June 7, 2023) said they are not giving importance to Awami League advisory council member Amir Hossain Amu’s remark on dialogue to resolve political deadlock over the next general election, Speaking at a press conference, he also said ruling party leaders’ contradictory comments on the talks with BNP have also manifested how the government has now become unnerved. "I don't want to give importance to this issue. I don't even want to talk about it," the BNP secretary general said as journalists sought his comment on Amu’s comment on the dialogue. Also read: Amu opens door for govt to hold talks with BNP on election issues As some journalists approached Fakhrul for his comment on the issue later in the afternoon, he said he did not know whether Amu has been made the official spokesperson of Awami League. “Why should we give importance to his statement? I don't want to make any comment on it.” Earlier on Tuesday, Amu said at a programme organised by the AL-led 14-party alliance at the AL headquarters on Bangabandhu Avenue that the door for dialogue with BNP is open. “Let a representative of the UN come. We want to sit with the BNP face-to-face and see where the differences are,” he added. Also read: US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the ruling party leaders’ comments on talks are reckless. Speaking at a programme at the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday, he recalled that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a few days back said there is no question of holding talks with BNP on election as it is a terrorist party. “Amir Hossain Amu yesterday (Tuesday) said they’re ready to hold talks with BNP with the mediation of the UN. But Obaidul Quader (AL general secretary) today (Wednesday) trashed it. So, who is correct? In fact, they (AL leaders) have become unnerved and making reckless remarks,” the BNP leader said. Also read: AL is yet to decide to hold dialogue with opposition on upcoming election: Quader Mosharraf said Awami League will continue to be unorganised in the days to come as the party’s time is over. “People used to make unguarded comments when time is up.” He also said the ruling party must quit power by handing over power to a non-party caretaker government, paving the way for holding a fair and credible election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (June 5, 2023) alleged that the US visa policy for Bangladesh is the outcome of Awami League’s misrule and mischievous activities. Speaking at a seminar, he also said that democratic countries are creating various pressures on the current regime to restore democracy as it has destroyed all democratic institutions. “The USA has imposed sanctions and announced visa policy. It’s a matter of shame for us, not a matter of joy. A country has imposed (visa) restriction on an independent and sovereign country, because of this Awami League government’s misrule, mischievous activities and plundering,” the BNP leader said. Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP Fakhrul said the Awami League regime has destroyed all the democratic systems, and institutions, including the judiciary, to cling to power by any means.  “They've (govt) politicised the parliament and the administration, dashing the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic state and a democratic society. So, the democratic world is not seeing any other measures rather than imposing restrictions on Bangladesh for the restoration of democracy as the current regime has taken the country to such a bad situation,” he observed. Fakhrul said they together with people and all democratic forces and parties must carry out the movement to restore democracy, give it an institutional shape and build a democratic free society. Red more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls “We have to build a democratic country in a true sense through a united movement. We want to take this vow on the occasion of the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman," he added. BNP arranged the seminar titled 'Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the promoter of multi-party system in Bangladesh' at a city hotel, marking the 42nd death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Professor Kamrul Ahsan of Jahangirnagar University's Philosophy Department read out the keynote paper at the programme, depicting the different good initiatives taken by late President Zia for the development of Bangladesh and the welfare of its people. Read more: BNP’s plot to boycott election failed for US new visa policy: Obaidul Quader Fakhrul said the Awami League government has now become completely isolated from the country's people and it has no relation with democracy.  He said the ruling party tries to brand Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established one-party Baksal rule destroying democracy against the will of the people as the greatest democratic leader in the world. The BNP leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is called by her party followers a daughter of democracy has annulled the caretaker government system unilaterally by force also against the will of people and the all political parties. Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul He said the country’s people had accepted the caretaker government as a good system for ensuring free, fair and credible national elections in the country, but the Awami League government revoked it to cling to power by force.    “So, we’ve now only one way which is to wake up people as Ziaur Rahman did to liberate the country through the war,” Fakhrul said. He said their party’s many leaders and activists were killed, repressed, made disappear, arrested and jailed in the ongoing movement for the restoration of democracy. ‘We have to make more sacrifices for the sake of the country and win the struggle to bring back democracy.” Read more: Kader Siddique calls US visa policy a disgrace for Bangladesh