United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (November 13) urged all political parties that supported the July Uprising to remain united to ensure a fair election in February, warning that any discord could push the nation into grave danger. “The unity the people built in the face of death must not be diminished by minor disagreements or conflict,” he said in an address to the nation in the afternoon. He said the country’s people had been deprived of their rights to vote for nearly one and a half decades and are now eager to exercise that in the upcoming election. “We must honour the sacrifices of 133 children, hundreds of young men and women and thousands who were injured or lost limbs,” he said. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “The people of this country only wish that in respect for the countless victims, we show tolerance toward different opinions, rise above partisan interests and uphold our collective aspirations and national goals,” Prof Yunus added. He expressed the hope that political parties would accept the decision on July Charter implementation in the broader national interest, paving the way for a festive and inclusive national election. “Through this, we will step into a new Bangladesh. We are now at the threshold of building that new nation,” Yunus said. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will address the nation Thursday (13th November 2025) afternoon. Bangladesh Television, BTV News and BTV World will broadcast his speech live, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Read more: Bangladesh undergoing major transformation ahead of historic election: Prof Yunus

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused the interim government of 'resorting to tactics' to delay the national election, ignoring the hopes and aspirations of people. “Sheikh Hasina has seemingly relegated free and fair elections to the museum. After her removal, people hoped that Dr Muhammad Yunus would quickly restore their right to vote. But, the issue of the election is merely being stalled through various tactics,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a doa mahfil and Eid gift distribution programme in the city’s Uttara area, organised by Rashid Group to mark the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Rizvi said the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, is set to complete one year in office this August, yet no visible reforms have so far been carried out.  He urged the government to implement the necessary reforms promptly in a bid to hold the election by December, in line with the wishes of the people. BNP unveils 180-day economic action plan ahead of national election The BNP leader also said the people of the country are eagerly waiting for the election to choose their representatives, as they have long been deprived of their right to vote. Later, Rizvi distributed Eid gifts to several hundred low-income group of people.  BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, Dhaka North City Unit Member Secretary Mustafa Zaman, Joint Conveners SM Jahangir Hossain, ABMA Razzak, M Kafil Uddin Ahmed, and Rashid Group Chairman and Dhaka North City BNP Member Motaleb Hossain Raton were, among others, present.  Earlier at a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi said neither party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, nor their only daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, has any Facebook accounts. “We are deeply concerned to notice that a criminal syndicate is intentionally creating fake and false Facebook accounts in the names of Dr Zubaida Rahman and Barrister Zaima Rahman, posting misleading and fabricated comments. The fraudsters are using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to create and circulate fabricated images and videos of them on social media,” he said.  He strongly condemned and protested such despicable activities on the social media.  BNP wants only national election under 90-day caretaker govt: Salahuddin Rizvi also urged the people not to be misled by such misinformation. He described the creation of fake accounts in the names of Zubaida Rahman and Zaima Rahman as a “malicious and premeditated” activity aimed at creating confusion in the minds of the people regarding the Zia family. Rizvi called for the immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible for creating the fake accounts in the names of the Zia family members.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Wednesday met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and extended her congratulations to him on his forthcoming receipt of the prestigious King Charles Harmony Award. The High Commissioner met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House in Dhaka, ahead of his official visit to the United Kingdom. "It is a great honour," the Chief Adviser said, referring to the award. Professor Yunus is set to depart Dhaka on June 9 on a four-day official visit. During the visit, the Chief Adviser is expected to hold meetings with senior British officials, said CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The discussions between the Chief Adviser and the British High Commissioner encompassed a range of mutual interests, including trade and investment, aviation cooperation, migration and the interim government's efforts in asset recovery. Prof Yunus for ‘horror museum’ to document enforced disappearances They also discussed the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government and the latest political developments in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus informed the High Commissioner that the second round of talks between the National Consensus Building Commission and political parties began this week and is expected to conclude soon. He expressed interest in receiving technical support from the UK, including training by British researchers, to bolster Bangladesh's ocean research efforts. The meeting was also attended by Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser; Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator; and James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner of Britain.

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday criticised Dr Muhammad Yunus for suggesting an interim government is still a good option, saying that people did not struggle for 16 years to hand the responsibility of the country to a ‘superhuman’ . “The 16 years of struggle were for the restoration of democracy, democratic order, and the return of the people’s voting rights and ownership of the country,” he said while talking to reporters after meetings with three political parties at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to a journalist’s query about the Chief Adviser’s recent interview with Al Jazeera, in which he reiterated that the next national election would be held by June 2026 and asserted that people still consider the interim government a good solution and they are not saying the interim government go now. In response, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said, “The people of Bangladesh did not fight and make immense sacrifices to hand the responsibility of (ruling) Bangladesh to any superhuman. There is no reason to believe that the people of Bangladesh should wait for any great man to provide a solution for democracy.” The BNP leader said a government elected by the people’s votes will be accountable and responsible to people, and voiced confusion over whom Dr Muhammad Yunus referred to as the people who want the interim government to stay in power. The BNP leader said BNP is the major political party in Bangladesh, representing the country's people. BNP’s Khosru seeks immediate election roadmap for democratic transition Referring to their party’s recent meetings with political parties active on the streets against Sheikh Hasina’s regime, he said around 50 such parties have already firmly stated that the election should be held before December this year. Khosru suggested that the government should move towards elections by announcing a clear roadmap, after formulating a national charter based on reform proposals that political parties have reached a consensus on. Once the national charter is established, he said the government should immediately instruct the Election Commission to set a date and schedule for the election. Khosru questioned whether the Chief Adviser meant by "people" a certain quarter or government beneficiaries who stand against democracy and the people’s democratic rights. He also said it is not difficult to understand that these people, whom the Chief Adviser referred to, are putting democracy against reform. Khosru expressed the hope that the Chief Adviser will not back off from the commitment he made during the meeting with political parties about the election. “We want elections by December…the people have sacrificed their blood for establishing effective democracy by forming a government with their elected representatives,” he said. As part of BNP’s liaison committee’s ongoing discussions with like-minded political parties regarding the upcoming election, Khosru, along with BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, participated in three meetings. People waiting for election by December: Khosru  

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday expressed doubts over whether the interim government will hold the election timely in line with people's expectations as some cohorts of Awami League affiliates are trying to mislead the Chief Adviser to disrupt the polls. "The Election Commission will conduct the election as per people's expectations. Dr Muhammad Yunus has placed us in an embarrassing situation by suggesting that the election will be held in December or June," he said at a discussion. Ganatantra Forum organised the programme titled ‘Democracy, Reform and Reality in the Current Context’ at the Jatiya Press Club. After the Chief Adviser said the election would be held by December, the BNP leader pointed out that one of his officials had stated it would take place by June. “He (CA) later endorsed it. So, there is quite a strong argument to be made that this is an effort to prevent the election from taking place.” Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said there is a saying—hope for the best and prepare for the worst. “From that worst-case thinking, I believe the government probably won't hold elections anytime soon. I see no indication of that happening. This is my personal opinion, not my party’s.” He alleged that a smokescreen has been created around the upcoming national election due to the immature and childish behaviour of certain political parties. “What some parties have begun saying—that there will be no election unless this or that conditions are met—is deeply concerning. If this, how the election will be held,” the BNP leader said. He also said some of these parties have already said they will not go to the election. “Let’s be honest—just a few days ago, hardly anyone in Bangladesh even knew who you were. And now you're issuing threats about boycotting the election. Such threats are pointless and serve no real purpose.” Abbas said BNP wants both reforms and elections. “But there is no need for unnecessary reforms beyond what the people require. Elections are the alternative to elections. We must hold the election after implementing the reforms necessary for the people of the country.” He warned Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that cohorts of the Awami League, including four serving secretaries, a retired secretary and some advisory council members, would attempt to steer him away from the right path. “They will destroy all your achievements and reputation.” Abbas described retired diplomat Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, who was recently appointed as a Special Assistant, as a “product of the Awami League.” “There are more Awami League products on your right and left,” he said, addressing the Chief Adviser, urging him to be careful of them. “They will derail you.” Abbas said the BNP and the people of the country want to uphold the dignity of Professor Muhammad Yunus and ensure the Chief Adviser’s success in building a prosperous Bangladesh. He strongly criticised National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam for his recent remark that a national election is not possible under an administration allegedly controlled by pro-BNP officials. Abbas dismissed the comment as immature, likening it to the way children argue—refusing something without proper reasoning. He explained that the BNP no longer has any presence within the administration, claiming that the fascist regime in power over the past 16 years had strategically embedded its associates across government institutions, including within the secretariat. The BNP leader questioned why NCP leaders fail to speak out against those fascists and enemies of the nation who still remain in place in the administration. “What if I say you are receiving illegal benefits from them?” He said former fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina, along with her party leaders, activists and government officials in the administration and law enforcement agencies who were involved in misdeeds, must be brought to justice. “Our struggle against those who want to rehabilitate the Awami League in the country will continue,” the BNP leader said. Abbas emphasised the urgent need for national unity in Bangladesh, stating that the country is currently in a dire state. He warned that if the people of Bangladesh become divided, the country risks once again falling under Indian hegemony. The BNP leader thinks that regardless of political affiliation—be it BNP, Jamaat, NCP, or any other party—all must remain united in the interests of the nation and its people, rising above differences of opinion among them. Abbas said the true strength of the Bangladeshi people lies in their unity. “We may not have many weapons or vast resources, but we have unity—and we proved that in July and August when national unity enabled us to challenge the fascist regime. This kind of unity was also seen during the Liberation War in 1971, when the entire nation, except for a few individuals, stood together. To protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, we must now unite once again,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed the hope that very good things await the nation as interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus will succeed in addressing political and other problems. “We have (political) problems, and these will be resolved. In fact, a lot of progress has already been made. I want to thank Professor Yunus for taking on the responsibility (of running the country). I believe he will be successful. Let us all help him, help ourselves and move forward,” he told a discussion. Empowerment Bangladesh and North South University ‘s Department of History and Philosophy  arranged the discussion titled ‘Ambassador Sirajul Islam's Vision of Empowering Bangladesh: Leadership, Unity and Growth, Diplomacy and Governance for the Country’s Transformation’. Fakhrul said everyone seems to be growing frustrated after listening to television talk shows and the speeches of scholars and political leaders all around. ADEUF places five-point demand to ensure neutral admin structure He said people are also getting worried about what the ultimate outcome will be, following the sacrifices of so much blood and so many lives during the July-August uprising. “I firmly believe that something good will surely happen…and it will be very good. We, the people of Bangladesh, have always fought for what is right and have triumphed time and again,” the BNP leader said. Stating that behind all of Bangladesh’s achievements are its youth, Fakhrul said youth of Bangladesh played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the July-August mass uprising of 2024. “But I want to emphasise one thing that there is no alternative to democracy and democracy cannot be imposed. It has to be practised, and the spaces for that practice must remain open,” he said. Fakhrul said everyone must understand this country belongs to them, and it is their responsibility to build its future. ANFREL delegation meets Fakhrul, discusses election issue “Trump (Donald Trump) from America or Xi (Xi Jinping) from China will not come and build it. Nor will Modi (Narendra Modi) from India be able to push us to do anything. We must instill these truths in our hearts,” he said. He emphasised that Bangladesh was founded on the principles of pluralism and unity in diversity. “Our nation was born through a convergence of many different thoughts and ideologies…during the Liberation War, we united despite having different beliefs—be it socialism, communism, or religion. We fought as one.” Drawing a parallel with last year’s uprising, the BNP leader said, “The same unity was seen in 2024 when bullets were fired at students. People from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds came to the streets in protest. That day, the nation stood together once again.” The BNP leader called upon all to unite once again, putting aside differences for the welfare of the country. He voiced concern over the neglect of the country’s marginalised people, especially farmers, labourers, and working-class people. “No one speaks for them. Our farmers, workers, and hardworking people bear the brunt of inequality. Yet they continue to work with dedication and keep this country moving forward. We must speak for them,” the BNP leader said. Dudu accuses govt of delaying election to sideline BNP He mentioned that, in his view, the most patriotic people are the farmers and those who work alongside them, including agriculturists and agricultural scientists. “As of now, the greatest success Bangladesh has achieved is in agriculture. During the Liberation War, our population was around 7 crore. It stands now at 18 crore. At that time, we had a food deficit of 2.8 million metric tonnes, but that deficit has nearly vanished. The country's farmers and agricultural scientists are working to address food shortages and ensure food security. We do not think about that or recognise it,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said the country’s policymakers are now focusing with great importance on how to address the recent issue of US tariffs on Bangladesh. “It is a fact that if this issue is not resolved, we could face even greater trouble. But I believe that if we can bring forward farmers and those involved in agriculture, give them employment, and provide them with new technology, we will be able to overcome such problems very quickly,” he observed.

The Office of the United Nations Secretary-General has said that UN Secretary-General António Guterres will undertake an official visit to Bangladesh from March 13-16. Not for UN Secretary-General to designate an event as genocide: Spokesman The visit follows an invitation from Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, which was handed over by Dr Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of the Chief Adviser on the Rohingya Issue and Priority Matters, during his meeting with the Secretary-General on February 7 in New York.

Information Adviser Mohammad Nahid Islam stepped down from his position on Tuesday amid discussions that he would join a new political party. Official sources said Nahid Islam submitted his resignation letter to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Nahid Islam, a former Dhaka University student and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, took oath as an adviser to the interim government on August 9 after the fall of Hasina government in a mass upsurge on August 5. Nahid Islam hints at quitting interim govt to join new party; final decision by week's end The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee announced on Monday that they would launch their political party at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on February 28. Jatiya Nagarik Committee chief organiser Sarjis Alam made the announcement at a press conference at its central office at Bangla Motors in the city.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that citizens will no longer need police verification to get passports. The government has made it a rule that there will be no need for police verification from now, he said while inaugurating the annual Deputy Commissioners’ conference at his office in the capital. “Obtaining a passport is one of the citizens’ rights. If we don't require police verification for birth certificates or NIDs, why should it be necessary for passports?” he said. Dr Yunus said the government must work as a team. “It’s a team work. We must avoid anything that hinders the success of the entire team,” he added. This year's conference will include a total of 30 working sessions with various ministries and departments, along with four special sessions. Visa issue doesn’t exist once passport revoked: Govt The special sessions include the inaugural ceremony, a meeting with the Chief Justice, an open discussion with the Chief Adviser, and a meeting with the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association. Some 354 proposals have been received from DCs and divisional commissioners ahead of the conference, which will conclude on February 18 (Tuesday).