United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s departure for London for advanced medical treatment is now expected to be delayed until late Friday morning (December 05, 2025), as the special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar may arrive in Dhaka later than initially scheduled due to technical issues, according to party sources. Besides, Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to reach Dhaka around 9:30am Friday to accompany her critically ill mother-in-law during the flight to the UK in the special aircraft. At a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday afternoon (December 04), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the air ambulance was expected to arrive late at night. He later told UNB that ‘some technical problems’ have arisen which could delay its arrival. Read more: Who’re accompanying Khaleda Zia to London? BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Dr Zubaida Rahman is scheduled to fly from London around 6pm local time by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. “The flight is expected to land in Dhaka around 9:30am Bangladesh time,” he said. Once in Dhaka, Rumon said Zubaida will travel back to London in the Qatar air ambulance with the BNP Chairperson. Zubaida, who is also a member of the medical board formed for Khaleda’s treatment, has been monitoring her condition continuously through virtual consultations. Khaleda Zia, the 80-year-old three-time former prime minister, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she remains under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. BNP sources said Tarique and Zubaida have completed all arrangements for Khaleda’s treatment at London Bridge Hospital in the UK. Mirza Fakhrul said all necessary procedures for Khaleda’s travel have already been completed. “You may already know who will accompany her. A team of doctors will travel with Madam.” The BNP leader said the royal air ambulance is equipped with modern medical facilities. “It has everything available, even an operation theatre.” Earlier in the day, Khaleda’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee Member AZM Zahid Hossain said she will be flown to London for advanced medical treatment. The decision was made unanimously by a medical board including local and foreign specialists, he told reporters at a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Zubaida Rahman set to fly to Dhaka to accompany ailing Khaleda to London “She will be taken to London by a Qatar royal air ambulance. We have selected a hospital in London for her treatment and, InshAllah, we will take her there,” he said. He said several specialist doctors and two foreign physicians will accompany Khaleda during the trip to the UK. Regarding her current condition, Zahid said every step has been taken strictly as advised by the medical board. “They advised that sending her to London at this stage is the most appropriate. We hope she will recover and return to us.” On 8 January, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a special air ambulance sent by the Amir of Qatar for advanced medical treatment and returned home on 6 May in the same aircraft. The government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘Very Very Important Person’ and deployed members of the Special Security Force to ensure her safety. Party sources said Khaleda will first be airlifted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by helicopter and then she will board the air ambulance. Read more: Khaleda Zia to be flown to London: Dr Zahid

BNP will organise a nationwide ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ along with a ‘grand  rally’ on December 16 at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital to mark the Month of Victory. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the announcement at a press conference at the Party Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Saturday (November 29). He said the month-long events will include the torch roadshow and discussion meetings from December 1 to 16. “In March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram. Kalurghat is an inseparable part of our Liberation War. This year, BNP’s Victory Month celebrations will begin from the historic Kalurghat Radio Station,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP urges supporters not to crowd hospital, requests prayers for Khaleda On December 1, he said the Victory Torch Roadshow will start from the Kalurghat Radio Station and reach Biplob Udyan in Chattogram. The BNP leader said the torch will be carried by a distinguished freedom fighter from 1971 and a warrior of July, 2024 mass uprising. “We believe that the 1971 Liberation War was to achieve the country’s independence, and the mass uprising in 2024 was to protect the freedom of the country and its people,” he observed. The BNP secretary general said that after Chittagong, ‘Victory Torch Roadshow’ and rallies will be held in Cumilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Bogura, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, and Faridpur gradually. “In each division, the torch will be carried by a prominent 1971 freedom fighter and a 2024 warrior.” During the special Victory Torch Roadshow’ over the two weeks, Fakhrul said celebration will also include visits to historic liberation war sites in various divisions, performances of the national anthem, liberation songs, patriotic songs, speeches by the late President Ziaur Rahman, Mother of Democracy Begum Khaleda Zia, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as cultural programmes and documentary screenings presented by Jasas. Read more: BNP unveils six-day ‘country-building plan’ “The programme will also showcase BNP’s 31-point outline for building a safe, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh. The party’s theme song ‘Shobar Age Bangladesh’ will be played during the roadshow. After touring all divisions, the Victory Torch Roadshow will arrive in Dhaka on December 16 and conclude with a mega rally at Manik Mia Avenue,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (November 29) said the medical board treating party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has observed that she may need treatment abroad, but her current condition is not suitable for travel. “As you all know, our country’s undisputed leader, the Mother of Democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia, has been seriously ill and admitted to Evercare Hospital for several days. Her condition is quite critical,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he said distinguished doctors from Bangladesh, as well as specialist physicians from Johns Hopkins in the United States and the London Clinic in the UK, are overseeing her treatment. “Last night, the full medical board held a meeting for nearly two and a half hours. They discussed her treatment in detail and shared their opinions on how her care should proceed and what type of treatment she now requires. The medical board has said that she may need to be taken abroad, but in her current physical condition, it is not possible to move her. She is not fit for overseas travel right now,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Khaleda’s health still fragile, doctors report no improvement Once her condition stabilises, he said the medical board will consider whether she can be taken abroad. Fakhrul also mentioned that preparations for possible overseas treatment of the BNP chief are already underway. “Visa matters, communication with countries where treatment might be possible, and other formalities have been discussed in detail. These preparations are progressing. So, if the need arises and she becomes ready to fly, a quick decision can be made,” he said. The press conference was held to announce the BNP’s torch-roadshow programme for Victory Month. During the event, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also responded to questions from journalists about why acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned to the country while his mother’s condition remains critical. He said Tarique Rahman has already made a Facebook post on the matter and that the post should be taken as self-explanatory. “There is no need for me to answer this, as he himself has made a post on Facebook,” Fakhrul said. When reporters pressed further, he added, “I cannot explain this, because he is the party’s acting chairman, my leader, and the head of the party. He has made a post, and you can take that post as his statement. No further explanation is needed at this moment.” Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt In his Facebook post today, Tarique Rahman said that his return to the country is not entirely under his control. As many people have continued gathering around the hospital, BNP leaders again urged people from all walks of life not to crowd the area. “Naturally, Begum Khaleda Zia is the most popular leader in this country, and people are deeply worried about her illness. Large numbers of people are gathering at the hospital out of concern for her, but this is making the hospital authorities and the doctors very embarrassed.” He said the overwhelming number of visitors has made hospital staff and doctors uneasy, affecting the treatment of Khaleda Zia as well as other patients. “I sincerely request everyone not to gather at the hospital. I urge BNP leaders and activists, her well-wishers, and people across the country — please do not crowd the hospital,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin He said they will inform the public about her health condition through regular bulletins. “You will receive all updates in time. But once again, I request you all: please do not go there.” Leaders and activists from various BNP units have continued gathering at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to enquire about the health of party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.  Despite the party’s request not to hold large gatherings, supporters continue to gather in the hospital area. The large number of visitors has caused traffic congestion nearby, and journalists covering the scene are also facing difficulties. Hospital authorities and law enforcement are monitoring the situation, but the crowd shows no sign of easing. BNP leaders and activists said they came to learn the latest updates about the condition of their beloved leader, who has been fighting for her life at the hospital. Earlier in the day, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi urged party leaders, activists and the general public to refrain from gathering at Evercare Hospital, warning that large crowds are hampering the treatment of Begum Khaleda Zia and causing inconvenience to other patients. He also called upon everyone to pray for the BNP chairperson’s quick recovery. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), being treated by specialist doctors from both home and abroad. Read more: Khaleda responding to treatment: Dr Zahid

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night (November 28) sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and his Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The duo talked to doctors at the hospital to learn about Khaleda Zia’s condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said they also spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was present at the hospital. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Later, in a Facebook post around 1am, the Law Adviser wrote, “I went to Evercare Hospital and just returned. Begum Khaleda Zia’s physical condition is not good at all. Please everyone pray for her.” Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors. Read more: CA’s representatives visit Evercare to enquire about Khaleda’s health

BNP on Monday night (November 17) said it believes justice has been served through the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August Uprising. “After a long judicial process, following international standards, the International Crimes Tribunal has delivered its verdict against Awami fascist Sheikh Hasina and her two accomplices. This verdict has ensured justice,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He shared the party’s formal reaction at a press briefing after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. Fakhrul said people at home and abroad had long called for accountability for the crimes committed under the previous regime. “The people of Bangladesh and the international community have been waiting for justice for the brutal acts of murder, torture and genocide carried out by the fallen dictator and her associates,” he said. Fakhrul said the tribunal handed down the maximum punishment under the law to Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who cooperated with the court, received a reduced sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Read more: UN rights body regrets Hasina’s death sentence, calls verdict important for victims He said the BNP is firmly committed to the rule of law and urged the country’s people to stay alert in this regard. Fakhrul said their party also demanded fair trials for all other accused persons in other cases. “With this verdict, we believe the souls of those who were victims of enforced disappearances, killings and extrajudicial executions over the past sixteen years — and the thousands who were killed during the 2024 student uprising — will find some peace. The anger of their families will ease to some extent,” the BNP leader said. The BNP Standing Committee meeting, chaired virtually by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London, began at 8:30pm and continued for two hours. BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press briefing. Earlier in the day, the tribunal convicted Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, in which more than 1,000 people were killed. The ICT-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death, while former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal also received the death penalty. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who gave testimony as a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court further ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state. Read more: Awami League using looted money for acts of sabotage: Rizvi

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (November 16) urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. Speaking at a discussion, he also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he said. The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He urged all political parties to unite on the question of establishing democracy and move forward towards the coming election. “Guided by the ideals of Maulana Abul Hamid Khan Bhasani, we must work to establish democracy in this country.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August. BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 49th death anniversary of Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a legendary politician and one of the dreamers of Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul said the country’s politics has now fallen into a state of confusion, with ‘contentious’ elements entering the political arena that the people of Bangladesh could never imagine. He said it is unfortunate that the country is now facing a critical crisis due to bad politics practised by some parties. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case The BNP leader reiterated that elections are the only path to a transition to democracy. “An election is the only way through which we can move towards democracy and reflect the people’s aspirations.” Despite confusion, frustration and uncertainty, he said a possibility has now emerged that the national election will be held on 26 February. Fakhrul, however, warned that certain quarters are still deliberately trying to create uncertainty in the country by raising various demands with the intention of obstructing, halting or delaying the election. “But the people of this country now need one thing above all — an elected government that has public support,” he said. Fakhrul urged all political parties to support the election process instead of making efforts to derail the polls, for the sake of the country and its people. “Support the election so that the people can express their opinion, their belief, and elect their representatives through this vote.” He warned that the economic situation is deteriorating day by day and will worsen further without an elected government. “The law-and-order situation is already bad, and without an elected government it will deteriorate even more.” Fakhrul recalled how Bhasani devoted his entire life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and deprived, living very simply as a lifelong champion of the people. BNP to reinstate ‘faith in Allah’ in constitution if returns to power: Salahuddin He urged BNP leaders and workers to read books on the life and work of Bhasani and follow his ideals. Fakhrul also recalled that Bhasani had recognised in Ziaur Rahman a leader capable of changing the country’s fate, and blessed him, and had encouraged NAP leader Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia to work alongside Zia.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (November 15) said his party will give top priority to resolving longstanding water-sharing disputes and stopping what he described as ‘Indian hegemony’ with Bangladesh. Talking to reporters after inspecting a rubber dam built on the Mahananda River in Chapainawabganj, Fakhrul said issues related to the Teesta and Farakka, fair water shares, and border killings will be among top priorities if their party is elected to power. Ensuring Bangladesh’s fair share of water and stopping border killings are priorities of BNP’s politics, he asserted. Read more: Global democracies push for fair election in Bangladesh: Khosru Fakhrul said India, as a neighbouring country, has every opportunity to maintain good relations with Bangladesh. “During the Liberation War in 1971, India stood by us. They should extend even greater cooperation now. But unfortunately, we have witnessed the opposite. The Modi government has put pressure on Bangladesh, taken everything, and given us nothing. That was the failure of the Awami League government,” he added. “The relations must be on the basis of equal footing. Our national interests must come first,” Fakhrul added. The BNP secretary general arrived in Chapainawabganj to join a mass rally organised as part of the ‘Save the Padma, Save the Country; Bangladesh First’ campaign. Read more: BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations amid grassroots unrest

Democratic countries around the world want a democratic order to be restored in Bangladesh soon through a fair election, so that they can work more closely with it, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday (November 13). “Democratic countries around the world want to see a democratic order restored in Bangladesh soon through a credible election as it will make it easier for them to cooperate with Bangladesh. They are clearly conveying this message,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after newly appointed French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. New French envoy meets Fakhrul The hour-long meeting, which began around 12pm, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Amir Khosru, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. Khosru said the election was naturally a topic of discussion during the meeting and the French side wants the election to be held as soon as possible. “They emphasised that an early election would create opportunities to advance various areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and France. They expressed hope that the election could take place in the first half of February,” he said. The BNP leader said several important issues were discussed in detail during the meeting. “One of them was how Bangladesh-France relations might take shape under a new government and the direction the relationship is heading,” he said. Khosru said the French side shared their thoughts on this, and both sides talked about the possible areas of future cooperation. He said the discussion particularly focused on expanding collaboration between the two countries in trade, investment and other areas, especially in the creative industry. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation Khosru said France is well-known for its rich film, music, art, and cultural heritage, mentioning that renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmed also lives in France. “Alongside trade and investment, we discussed the possibility of major cooperation in the creative industry, which is a key part of our future economic and cultural programme. If our party comes to power, we plan to work closely with France in this sector,” he said.  

Newly appointed French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (November 13) and discussed Bangladesh’s current political situation and the upcoming national election. The hour-long meeting began around 12pm at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. EU Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul, discusses polls BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. Sayrul said the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including the political situation, election preparations, and investment in Bangladesh, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral and economic relations between Bangladesh and France in the future. Read more: Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (10th November 2025) alleged that a vested group is conspiring to erase the spirit of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. “Those who had collaborated with the Pakistani army to kill freedom fighters and committing atrocities against women are now attempting to swallow the country,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting with freedom fighters and their descendants at the Thakurgaon District Freedom Fighters Complex. Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad district unit organised the event. Moyeen Khan calls for united efforts to build democratic Bangladesh “There is a growing attempt to promote a notion that the freedom fighters of 1971 made no contribution to the Liberation War or the nation, and that only those active in 2024 deserve credit for everything,” Fakhrul said. “Thousands of my brothers were martyred in 1971, countless people had to leave their homes and seek refuge in India and our mothers and sisters were subjected to atrocities and killings. Can we forget that?” he said in an emotion-choked voice. He said the conspirators who had supported the Pakistani army in 1971 are now trying to ‘swallow ‘the country, exploiting religious sentiments. “We cannot allow that. We must stand firm and uphold the spirit of our Liberation War,” he said. “I want to make one thing clear—delaying the election through the ongoing conspiracies means our destruction, the destruction of this country. An elected government is urgently needed,” he added. Fakhrul calls ‘all national crises’ staged dramas to mislead people Fakhrul also urged the interim government to announce the election schedule promptly and establish an elected government. He told the freedom fighters that Begum Khaleda Zia established the Ministry of Freedom Fighters and today freedom fighters and their families are receiving allowances. “It was Begum Khaleda Zia who initiated these benefits.” He urged all to avoid creating divisions saying, “We, Hindus and Muslims, are brothers here, united. No one should be allowed to divide us.” Investment, daily life stalled as nation awaits election: Khosru Thakurgaon District Unit Command Muktijoddha Sangsad convener Bir Muktijoddha Nur Karim and its central command council member Nayeem Jahangir, among others, spoke at the programme.