United News of Bangladesh

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Monday reaffirmed the UK's support for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in Bangladesh in 2026. “I reaffirmed the UK's support for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections here in Bangladesh next year,” she said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter's office in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. Sarah Cooke said the UK welcomes the announcement of the national election by the Chief Adviser a few months ago. Chevening prog reflects strong Dhaka-London partnership: Sarah Cooke Notting that she had a very good meeting with the chief of the Election Commission, she said, “We commend the efforts of the Election Commission and the interim government.” The envoy said the UK along with its international partners is supporting the Election Commission, particularly through national civic education programmes and particularly for vulnerable groups here in the country, and also the training of polling staff. So, the agenda of the meeting was to discuss the UK's support to the Election Commission, she added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said political parties have no doubt anymore that the next national election will be held in February 2026.   “The Chief Adviser’s speech at the United Nations on the election was quite strong, and from what he has said in recent days about it, we, the political parties, have no doubt anymore, and we are convinced that the election will be held in February 2026,” he said.   Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters at a hotel in New York on Friday afternoon.    Earlier in the day, he was seen standing beside Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus while he delivered his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.    Replying to a question about Jamaat-e-Islami’s campaign for proportional representation (PR), he said BNP’s stance is clear. “We are not in favour of PR in the lower house, and we have also not spoken about PR in the upper house. These are issues we can discuss and resolve later.”   BNP races to finalise seat sharing with allies for polls   In his speech, the BNP leader said the Chief Adviser spoke openly about why the interim government was formed and how it took responsibility when a vacuum was created after a mass uprising last year.     “Amidst a vacuum created after the mass uprising, we, the political parties and the students, entrusted them with that responsibility,” he said.   Within one year, Fakhrul said, the interim government has tried to bring the country back from a terrible situation in politics and the economy. “These points came out clearly in his speech.”    He said Prof Yunus also spoke about how his government began the work and how, through those efforts, they tried to bring the economy back to a stable state.   The BNP leader said the Chief Adviser also talked about the demands for reforms in politics and the state structure.   Fakhrul recalled that BNP has long been talking about reforms in politics and governance.   PR election system may fuel instability, autocracy, warns Salahuddin   “You know that our leader Begum Khaleda Zia presented Vision 2030 in 2016, stressing the need for change in the state structure and politics. Similarly, our acting chairman Tarique Rahman announced a 31-point programme in 2022, also calling for changes in the state and economic structure,” he said.   The BNP leader said their party realised the necessity of reforms as the Awami League brought the country to such a situation that it would be difficult to pull the state back up without fundamental changes—both in the state structure and in the economy.   Fakhrul praised the Chief Adviser for taking the opposition political parties to the UNGA with him. “We are very happy that, for the first time, he (the Chief Adviser) involved the opposition political parties in the government’s activities and took them to the United Nations.”   The BNP leader said the main objective of the Chief Adviser was to manifest the unity of the nation through joining the UNGA with the opposition political leaders.   “I believe this is a unique effort. In the context of Bangladesh, this was very necessary, and he has taken that initiative,” he said.   Fakhrul said their party has extended full cooperation to the interim government.

BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Thursday said their party will very soon finalise nominations for the upcoming national election, giving priority to candidates who are popular among people and score high in internal surveys. “BNP is a large party and the number of nomination seekers is 10 times more than that of available seats,” he said. Talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave, Zahid also said that the party will rely on input from local and district-level leaders as well as internal surveys to decide who will get the nomination and who will not. “More importantly, those who are most popular in their respective areas and loved by the people will be nominated by BNP. InshAllah, you will see that the BNP top leadership will very soon make a final decision regarding its nominations based on these factors,” he said. Zaid, a BNP Standing Committee member, also said no one has so far received either a green or red signal regarding nomination from the party. No compromise with Awami League, reaffirms Rizvi He said some speculative news has recently been circulated on social media and in some newspapers about certain candidates getting a green signal. “Our party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has already said that the party has not yet nominated anyone. The announcement will be made at the appropriate time.” Zahid said BNP leaders and activists across the country are going door to door at the call of Tarique Rahman, reaching out to voters and the public with the 31-point programme. “They are fully engaged in this task, and there is vibrant activity going on. He said their party has started various activities related to the election preparation since the fall of the Awami League regime. Dr Zahid said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to the country “very soon” to lead what he said is the final phase of the struggle to restore democracy. “I have said this before, and I repeat now — Inshallah, within a few weeks, you will see Tarique Rahman return. He will not be coming back merely to oversee BNP’s electoral process, but to lead the final stage of the struggle to restore democracy,” he added. Following the political crackdown after the 1/11 changeover, Tarique Rahman has been living in exile in London with his family since 2008. BNP trashes Kolkata media report as ‘blatantly false and fabricated’ Prof Zahid, along with leaders and activists of the Diploma Pharmacist Association of Bangladesh, placed floral wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to pay tribute to him, marking World Pharmacists Day. Professor Zahid urged the country’s people to remain alert about the plots and evil activities of the defeated fascist forces and their associates. He also said BNP is fully prepared to counter any local or international conspiracies against the country and to take part in the upcoming national election. The BNP leader reaffirmed the party’s commitment to implementing its 31-point programme for state reforms to build a new democratic Bangladesh with the support of the people. “The BNP has always been vocal in defending people’s rights, and it will continue to be so.” In response to a question about the reported harassment of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and leaders of two other political parties by the Awami League followers in New York, he said, “The history of the Awami League and its leaders has never been on the side of the people. “They believe in the politics of vengeance and in ruling over the people by force. They treat this country as if it were their ancestral property…Their forefathers committed injustices, and they continue to do the same. But one thing must be remembered that in the end, the people know how to resist them and reject them,” the BNP leader added.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government's commitment to conducting one of the most transparent and credible elections in the country’s history, set for early February.  He expressed the hope that international observers would be present to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in Bangladesh.  The Chief Adviser held a series of high-level meetings with prominent global leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday. The Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay were among those he met. Prof Yunus briefly exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following their attendance at the UNGA's inaugural session, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.  Their short conversations touched on key topics, including reforms, undertaken by the interim government, the upcoming general election in Bangladesh and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Prof Yunus seeks WTO support for Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation Prime Minister Albanese spoke warmly of the Bangladeshi community’s growing contributions to Australia, particularly in his own constituency.  He recalled attending a commemoration of Language Martyrs’ Day on February 21 several years ago. Later, Prof Yunus met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.  The discussion focused on expanding access to health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South. They explored innovations in the financial sector, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes—and emphasised the importance of financial inclusion.  Prof Yunus highlighted the urgent need for credit access tailored to maternal healthcare, especially during pregnancy.  He proposed the use of digital health check-ups to connect rural women with top medical professionals, which could save countless lives. Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY During the meeting, Prof Yunus also called for a restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, urging for more drug manufacturers to operate as social business enterprises. “Vaccines produced by social business drug manufacturers will remain affordable,” said Prof Yunus. The Chief Adviser invited Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange, also joined the meeting. Prof Yunus also met Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. Their discussions  covered a range of shared priorities and recent global health developments. Later in the day, the Chief Adviser participated in two key events: one on Fashion for Development and another focusing on public and private sector collaboration in social innovation.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a ‘free, fair, transparent and festive’ general election in the first half of February next year.  “The general election will be peaceful, fair, transparent and festive,” he said, adding that the interim government remains determined to hold it as scheduled, though ‘certain forces’ are still attempting to delay the polls. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) led by Mounir Satouri, held at the State Guest House Jamuna, said his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. “We have already announced the timeline for the election. It will be held in early February, just before Ramadan,” the Chief Adviser told the visiting delegation. Prof Yunus noted growing enthusiasm among the public, particularly the youth, as student body elections have resumed in universities after years—some after more than three decades. Prof Yunus to kick off packed 80th UNGA schedule on Sept 22 He expressed confidence that young voters would turn out in record numbers, as this will be the first time in over 15 years that many of them will be casting their ballots. “Bangladesh will witness a new beginning through the February election. It will mark a new chapter in our history, a new journey for the nation,” he said. During the hour-long discussion, the Chief Adviser and the MEPs exchanged views on the government’s reform initiatives, the European Union’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development and democratic transition, and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki appointed three new ministers to her interim government on Monday. The interim government has been tasked with holding fresh elections in March following last week’s violent protests that toppled the previous administration. Karki, Nepal’s first female prime minister, named Kalman Gurung as energy minister, Rameshore Khanal as finance minister, and Om Prakash Aryal as home minister. The 73-year-old Karki assumed office on Sept. 12. Previously, she gained popularity as the Supreme Court’s chief justice in 2016–2017, earning recognition for her firm stance against corruption. Last week’s demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z protest,” left at least 72 people dead and hundreds injured. The army imposed a curfew before agreeing to install Karki as head of the interim government, which will oversee elections in six months. “I did not come to this position seeking it, but because voices from the streets demanded that Sushila Karki be given this responsibility,” she said Sunday. “Our role is only for six months — to complete the assigned tasks and hand over to the next government.” Karki faces the dual challenge of meeting the expectations of the young protesters while managing senior political leaders and restoring government institutions damaged during the unrest. “Our focus now must be ending corruption, ensuring good governance, and promoting economic equality,” she added. Students and business leaders expressed confidence in Karki. Chandra Lal Mehta, a student, noted that voters may choose a younger leader in March, but praised Karki’s legal expertise as an asset in her current role. Businessperson Shrawan Dahl said her support from both the army and the public makes her well-suited to lead the interim government. The protests erupted on Sept. 8 over a brief social media ban, escalating into violent demonstrations against widespread corruption and poverty. Protesters attacked government buildings, including Parliament, the president’s office, the Supreme Court, several ministries, and police stations. Some private properties, including stores of a popular supermarket chain, were also targeted. Calm was restored after the army regained control of the streets, paving the way for negotiations between protesters, the military, and the president to form the interim administration.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said no real reform is possible without involving people’s representatives and establishing a proper democratic structure through a national election. Speaking at a discussion, he also criticised those who think reforms can happen overnight or just through a few meetings. “Reform must be carried out through a process. It is a continuous process,” he said. The BNP leader said if the government thinks the police will stop taking bribes from tomorrow just because it wants them to, it will not happen. “You have to build a structure where bribery is discouraged.” Zia Parishad organised the programme titled 'July Uprising: Expectation and Achievement at the Jatiya Press Club,' marking the first anniversary of last year’s mass uprising that led to the fall of what he described as the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. Fakhrul also blamed the existing bureaucracy for holding back the country’s development. “Our bureaucracy is a major obstacle to development. It is a negative bureaucracy and must be turned into a positive one. To do that, we mainly need to involve the people in the process,” he said. Hasina can never be forgiven, says Fakhrul  The BNP leader said political parties should focus on returning to the people, learning about their needs and reflecting those needs in running the country. Referring to the criticism BNP faces for demanding elections, Fakhrul said, “As soon as we started talking about the election, they began saying BNP only wants polls. But has anyone thought about why do we want the election?” He explained that without elections, true public representatives cannot be chosen. “And without representatives, how can they go to Parliament? And if there is no elected Parliament, how can people’s rule be established?” “You cannot just hire a few people from home and abroad to run a country. It’s not possible,” Fakhrul remarked.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the interim government is on the right track over the national election. “We had detailed talks on accelerating the election process. The Chief Adviser reiterated his commitment to holding the national election between mid-February and March. We believe necessary steps should be taken accordingly and he assured us they would be,” he said. Fakhrul was talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office following a meeting with ‘Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party’. Responding to a question from reporters over Tuesday night's meeting with the Chief Adviser, he said, “The Chief Adviser suddenly called us. He does it from time to time, especially when a crisis arises in government. We responded because we are committed to supporting this government and will do whatever is necessary to restore democracy.”  He said they believed such interactions should be held more frequently. Fakhrul urges unity despite political differences as BNP envisions rainbow state Referring to the recent jet crash in Uttara, the BNP leader said, “Many young lives were lost in the accident. I personally visited the site. We expressed our condolences. In the aftermath, two advisers were confined at Milestone School.”  “Again, due to complications surrounding the exams students entered the Secretariat, and everyone saw that it created an administrative crisis. A few days earlier, fascist elements created chaos in Gopalganj. It felt like a sign of their resurgence,” he added. He said the Chief Adviser told them that political parties had resisted the fascist forces and invited them for discussions. “It's natural that this government will have flaws. But rather than focusing on the weaknesses, we should appreciate their intent. I don't see any lack of sincerity in their approach to the election,” Fakhrul said responding to another question. When asked about the National Consensus Commission’s proposal that the head of government and the party chief should not be the same person, Fakhrul said, “That is their proposal. Political parties are expressing their opinions both in favor and against. All voices must be heard—that’s the essence of democracy. Let all flowers bloom.” Asked whether the government showed any negligence in handling the situation over Uttara aircraft crash, he said, “There was no negligence, but there was a lack of experience. They have never run a state before. Unlike us, they lack the experience of governance.” “One more issue is ego. They don’t consult us on anything. They don't take advice from us—perhaps out of ego,” he added. In response to whether recent unrest is aimed at disrupting the election, Fakhrul said, “Some chaos is indeed happening. It’s clear that fascist forces are trying to stir up trouble.”

The government has formed a committee to investigate the allegations regarding the last three national elections and formulate recommendations to conduct fair polls in the future. The five-member committee will be led by former High Court justice Shamim Hasnain. The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard on Thursday night. The other members of the committee are former additional secretary Shamim Al Mamun, Associate Prof Quazi Mahfujul Hoque Supan of law department at Dhaka University, Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, and Election Expert Md Abdul Alim. EC seeks power to fix cut-off date for new voters, sends draft law to ministry According to the notification, three parliamentary elections were held in 2014, 2018 and 2024 in Bangladesh. These three elections have been widely criticised both domestically and internationally, with strong allegations that the then ruling Awami League was elected through a manipulated process that violated the people's right to vote in various ways. There are also serious accusations against the organisers of these elections for failing to uphold their constitutional obligation to govern the state through elected representatives. It is feared that these issues have jeopardised the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental human rights in the country, the statement added. In this context, the interim government has decided to investigate the corruption, irregularities, and criminal activities associated with these elections. The aim is to ensure the protection of voters' rights in future elections, safeguard democracy, and counter the threats of fascism and authoritarianism, added the notification. BNP to begin seat-sharing talks with allies after election schedule: Khosru The committee will review reports from election observers, both domestic and international monitoring organisations, as well as civil society groups, regarding the national elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. It will also consider complaints raised in the media related to these elections.   It is expected to seek expert opinions on allegations of corruption, irregularities, and criminal activities surrounding the elections, as well as on their overall impartiality and acceptability. In addition, the committee will analyse the role of the then ruling party and those concerned in limiting the participation of political parties in these elections. It will also examine how they may have obstructed the people's right to vote.   It will also analyse the role of the then Election Commission, including its secretariat and administrative functions. Besides, it will evaluate the role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies involved in the election process.   Finance Adviser expects a quick end to NBR stalemate The probe body will verify the allegations of financial irregularities raised against the then Election Commission. It will also determine the responsibilities for any irregularities identified.   The committee will make recommendations on the desired role, necessary changes, and the outline of laws, regulations, the Election Commission, and administrative arrangements to ensure fair elections in the future. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the government by September 30. The Cabinet Division will provide secretarial support to the committee.  The committee may co-opt additional members as necessary for its investigation, said the notification.

Investment in Bangladesh could face obstacles if the upcoming national election is not held within the promised timeframe, warned Professor Dr Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). "If the next election in Bangladesh is not held within the pledged timeframe, political uncertainty may arise, consequently hampering investment," he said while speaking at a shadow parliament debate competition on 'Prospects and Challenges of Foreign Investment' organised at the FDC on Saturday. Mustafizur Rahman emphasised that political stability was essential for sustainable investment. Although a recent investment summit had generated optimism about foreign investment in Bangladesh, the actual commitments received were not particularly substantial, he added. Then CPD Distinguished Fellow said the ambition expressed at the summit to elevate Bangladesh to Singapore’s level within the next decade was unrealistic, but if an investment-friendly environment was maintained, the country could achieve a position comparable to Thailand within that time. Reflecting on past government reports, he said, "Investment statistics during previous administrations often presented an unrealistic picture. For instance, the Seventh Five-Year Plan projected $33 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), whereas the actual inflow was only $11 billion." Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Dr Mustafizur Rahman also compared Bangladesh's FDI situation with other countries, saying, "Vietnam’s current FDI stands at $360 billion, while Bangladesh has attracted only $22 billion. Moreover, the current situation in India and Pakistan poses concerns for foreign investment in Bangladesh. If war breaks out, India's military expenditure will rise, potentially disrupting the tariff advantages we currently enjoy with them." At the shadow parliament debate organised by Debate for Democracy, Eden Mohila College defeated Dhaka College to emerge victorious. The event was held with its chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron in the chair.