United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday warned that a ‘deep conspiracy’ is underway in Bangladesh and urged people to remain vigilant, saying the establishment of ‘people’s rule’ depends on the coming days. Addressing an election rally organised by the Faridpur district BNP at Rajendra College ground on Wednesday, Tarique Rahman said, “If the alleged conspiracy is thwarted by 12 February, from the 13th, people’s rule will be established.” In his 24-minute speech, he promised that if BNP comes to power, commitments made regarding Faridpur’s development, including granting it city corporation status and recognising it as a division, would be fulfilled. The BNP chief said he had been away from the country for 17 years and claimed that what had taken place in the name of development during that period was ‘plunder’. “The time has come to restore the rights that have been taken away from you.” He also pledged to create job opportunities for the unemployed youth. Referring to families affected by the July incidents, the BNP chairman said those who had been subjected to enforced disappearances, killings or injuries were seeking the return of rights taken from Bangladeshis over the past 16 years. “Many suffered for demanding their rights.” He said individuals who publicly show disrespect towards the country’s mothers and sisters cannot be trusted with national leadership. Tarique Rahman criticised what he described as a secretive group demanding verification numbers and national identity cards, calling such actions unethical. He said people should not expect good governance from those who fail to respect citizens’ rights. “Much damage has been done to the country. Schools and colleges need rebuilding, factories must be set up, canals and rivers re-excavated, and cold storage facilities built for farmers. The nation needs reconstruction,” the BNP chief said. Tarique labels Jamaat as ‘secret organisation’, warns of new oppression Highlighting river erosion as a major problem in the region, he said preventing it could help boost agricultural exports, particularly jute, a key crop of greater Faridpur, and earn foreign currency. Introducing BNP candidates for all 15 parliamentary constituencies in greater Faridpur, Tarique urged voters to cast their ballots for the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. BNP Central Organising Secretary Shama Obaed, Faridpur BNP Secretary AK Kibria Swapon and BNP leaders Abzal Hossain Khan Palash and Khandakar Nasirul Islam also addressed the rally.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday described Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as a ‘secret organisation’ and warned that it has reemerged as a fresh source of political oppression in the country. “There is a political party that has another identity, an identity by which the people know them. By what identity do the people know them? They know them as a secret identity. Do you know who those ‘secret’ ones are in Bangladesh politics? Do you know?” he said while addressing an election rally at Bell’s Park in Barishal city. At this point, the people present at the rally responded in unison, saying, ‘Jamaat oppressor’. In reply, Tarique said, “Alhamdulillah. At present, a new oppressor has emerged in Bangladesh. The individuals of this secret organisation have appeared before the people of Bangladesh as a new oppressor.” Turning to the country’s female population, the BNP leader said women in Bangladesh have historically worked alongside men in fields, factories and industries, and credited them for sustaining the country’s garment sector, which has brought global recognition. Tarique expressed strong resentment over recent remarks made by a Jamaat leader about women, calling them offensive and disrespectful. “A political leader or party that shows no respect for the country’s mothers and sisters cannot bring progress to Bangladesh, nor can it ensure dignity and self-respect for the people.” Referring to Islamic history, Tarique Rahman highlighted women’s contributions to society, citing Hazrat Khadija (RA) as a successful businesswoman and Hazrat Ayesha (RA) for her role in the Battle of Badr. “Those who claim to practise Islamic politics must explain how they can demean women when the history of Islam clearly honours their role.” The BNP chief said Bangladesh cannot move forward by confining women to their homes, and recalled that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia made education free for girls up to the intermediate level during her tenure. Tarique said BNP plans to introduce a “family card” to economically empower women, especially working women and homemakers, enabling them to play a stronger role in families and society. “If we want to build the country, men and women must work shoulder to shoulder.” The BNP chairman said women would be made self-reliant if his party is voted to power in the national election. He said mothers and daughters would receive primary healthcare services at home without visiting hospitals for basic treatment. In an oblique reference to Jamaat leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Tarique said a leader of a secret organisation have recently told party workers at a rally that they should bow to the people until the 12th February, after which the people would bow to them for the next five years, calling it proof of an anti-people mindset. He said Taher’s comments exposed their contempt for the public and showed how disastrous the fate of the people and the country would be if such individuals come to power. Tarique Rahman urged people to remain alert against such secret organisations, saying those who do not respect the people and plan to control them after the election must be taught a lesson, as history shows they have always shifted sides and the nation cannot expect anything good from them. He alleged that members of the ‘secret organisation’ were involved in printing fake ballot papers and collecting NID and mobile banking details from women to influence the election. “Those who start their journey with unethical practices cannot establish honest governance,” the BNP chief said, urging voters to remain alert to prevent vote rigging. Tarique also pledged a series of measures to support farmers, including the construction of cold storage facilities, to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce. He said BNP would introduce an agriculture card to provide farmers with seeds and fertilisers according to their needs. Loans amounting to Tk 10,000 taken by farmers would be waived, he promised. The BNP leader said industries would be set up using gas from Bhola, creating jobs for local people and alongside contributing to regional economic development. Tarique stressed the need for development in the Barishal region, including construction of the Barishal–Bhola bridge, improvement of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, establishment of a medical college in Bhola, and measures to prevent river erosion. He said these projects could only be implemented if BNP is elected to power, and mentioned BNP’s programmes including cold storage facilities for fishermen, vocational training institutes for the unemployed, healthcare services and canal excavation. BNP to make women self-reliant if voted to power: Tarique Tarique arrived in Barishal by helicopter at noon and left the rally venue at around 1:40 pm for Faridpur, where he addressed another election rally at Rajendra College ground. The rally was chaired by city BNP convener Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk and conducted by member secretary Zia Uddin Sikder. BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman, Vice Chairmen Advocate Zainul Abedin and Nurul Islam Moni, Organising Secretary Bilkis Jahan Shirin and candidates from 21 southern constituencies also spoke at the programme.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said women would be made self-reliant if his party is voted to power in the national election. He said mothers and daughters would receive primary healthcare services at home without visiting hospitals for basic treatment, he said addressing a rally at Bell’s Park in Barishal city. Tarique Rahman also pledged a series of measures to support farmers, including the construction of cold storage facilities, to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce. He said BNP would introduce an agriculture card to provide farmers with seeds and fertilisers according to their needs. Loans amounting to Tk 10,000 taken by farmers would be waived, he promised. Tarique said industries would be set up using gas from Bhola, creating jobs for local people and alongside contributing to regional economic development.

After more than 20 years, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Barishal to join a major election rally that signals a renewed push by the opposition party in southern Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman arrived in the coastal city by helicopter from Dhaka on Wednesday, reaching the historic Bells Park ground at around 12:25pm. As he took to the stage, thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters welcomed him with sustained applause, chanting slogans and waving party flags. Standing on the stage, Tarique acknowledged the crowd by waving back, marking a rare and symbolically significant appearance in a region long viewed as politically important but electorally competitive. The Barishal rally is part of a wider election campaign, with the BNP chief expected to travel next to Faridpur to address another public meeting. Crowds gather at Bell’s Park Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s rally in Barishal Party leaders say the programme is aimed at energising grassroots supporters ahead of the upcoming national election. At the Barishal gathering, the BNP chairman will formally introduce candidates from all 21 parliamentary constituencies in the Barishal division, including nominees from BNP and its alliance partners. In Barishal district, the candidates are Zahir Uddin Swapan (Barishal-1), Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed (Barishal-2), Zainul Abedin (Barishal-3), Md Rajib Ahsan (Barishal-4), Md Mujibur Rahman Sarwar (Barishal-5) and Abul Hossain Khan (Barishal-6). For Jhalokathi, Rafiqul Islam Jamal is contesting Jhalokathi-1, while Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto has been named for Jhalokathi-2. In Barguna, Md Nazrul Islam Molla will contest Barguna-1 and Md Nurul Islam Barguna-2. The Patuakhali candidates include Altaf Hossain Chowdhury (Patuakhali-1), Md Shahidul Alam Talukdar (Patuakhali-2), Md Nurul Haque (Patuakhali-3) and ABM Mosharraf Hossain (Patuakhali-4). Tarique to deliver election address on BTV In Pirojpur, the party has nominated Alamgir Hossain (Pirojpur-1), Ahmed Sohel Manzur (Pirojpur-2) and Md Ruhul Amin Dulal (Pirojpur-3). For Bhola, Andaleeve Rahman has been selected for Bhola-1, Md Hafiz Ibrahim for Bhola-2, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram for Bhola-3 and Mohammad Nurul Islam for Bhola-4.

People are flocking to Bell’s Park in Barishal on Wednesday to join BNP’s rally, where party chairman Tarique Rahman will deliver a speech during his first visit to the city in nearly 20 years. BNP leaders and activists are arriving at the venue in processions from all 30 wards of Barishal city. Supporters are also coming from six districts and 44 upazilas. Ziauddin Sikder, member secretary of Barishal Metropolitan BNP, said they are expecting record-breaking attendance at the rally. “Everyone is coming to hear Tarique Rahman’s direction in the struggle for democracy,” he said. Supporters from outside the city are reaching Bell’s Park by buses and launches, while many are also travelling by engine-powered trawlers through river routes. BNP alleges 29 false claims targeting Tarique in one week Akon Quddusur Rahman, BNP central joint organising secretary, said Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Barishal by helicopter around noon and will address the rally shortly after. After the Barishal programme, Tarique Rahman is expected to attend another BNP-organised rally in Faridpur. Local BNP units said all preparations for the events have been completed.

BNP on Tuesday alleged that at least 29 false claims have been spread against its Chairman Tarique Rahman over the past one week in an apparent attempt to mislead the public. “We are observing with deep concern that in just the past one week, at least 29 false and misleading claims have been spread targeting our leader, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Clear evidence of this has emerged in reports published by various fact-checking platforms,” said BNP Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Election Steering Committee office in Gulshan, he said leaders and activists of a particular political party have once again taken responsibility for circulating false narratives created during the fascist period, using the same language and similar slogans to mislead people. “It is clear that, faced with BNP’s growing public wave and popular support, they are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people. As a result, they have abandoned healthy political competition and chosen dirty tactics such as personal attacks and the spread of disinformation,” Mahdi said. Bangladesh to face danger if voters fail to make right choice: Fakhrul He said Tarique’s recent visits to Khulna and Jashore saw massive participation of party leaders, activists, supporters, voters and general people, creating a strong public wave in favour of the party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy. Concern over BNCC Cadet Deployment The BNP leader expressed concern over the decision to deploy Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) cadets for election duties in the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum. He said many BNCC cadets are college and university students who may be affiliated with political parties or ideologies, which could hamper a free, fair and neutral election if they are involved in polling activities. Mahdi also said BNP has already written to the Election Commission (EC), requesting it not to deploy BNCC cadets in election-related duties. Worries over Election Observers The BNP spokesperson also raised questions over the appointment of election observers. Mahdi said that according to information available on the Election Commission’s website, a total of 55,454 observers from 81 local organisations had been approved as of January 26. “Of them, 34,442 observers are from only 16 organisations. This is a matter of serious concern,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that some observer organisations are led by individuals linked to a particular political party and warned that this could be misused with ill intent on election day. To ensure a level playing field, he placed two demands before the Election Commission-- verification of the full list of observers to exclude those linked with political parties or candidates, and reduction of observer numbers from organisations with limited experience. The BNP spokesperson also demanded a directive barring more than two local observers from entering any polling centre at the same time. Tarique Rahman also warns of election manipulation, urges vigilance Stance on Reforms Speaking on state reforms, Mahdi said BNP has maintained a clear position on reform from the beginning. He said BNP presented Vision-2030 in 2016, followed by a 27-point reform proposal in 2022 and a more detailed 31-point proposal in 2023. The BNP spokesperson claimed that BNP was the first to propose a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister and a five percent quota for merit-based recruitment. “As part of this continuity, BNP has taken a firm position in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on state reforms in the upcoming national election,” he said. Mahdi said BNP believes that only through people’s empowerment and the restoration of voting rights can a democratic, accountable and modern state system be established. He also said the party’s election manifesto for the 13th parliamentary election is likely to be announced on February 6. Tarique’s Barishal Tour Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will visit Barishal and Faridpur on Wednesday as part of his election campaign. According to the schedule, he said Tarique will leave Dhaka by air at 11:00am and reach Barishal at 12:00 noon, where he will address an election rally at Bells Park ground. Mahdi said the BNP chief will leave Barishal for Faridpur at 1:00pm and join another election rally at Rajendra College ground in Faridpur at 1:45pm. The BNP chief is scheduled to return to Dhaka after the rallies.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged people across the country to remain alert, warning that efforts are underway to obstruct the upcoming election, make it controversial and manipulate the results through election engineering, particularly during vote counting. “A political party has become desperate to make the election controversial and obstruct it. You must stay extremely alert and vigilant,” he said while addressing a massive election rally at Jashore Upashahar Degree College ground in the afternoon. The BNP chief also alleged that a particular political party is trying to sabotage the electoral process and deliberately create confusion to open the door for manipulation. “We are hearing that counting of votes may take unusually long. Those who want to delay the process must be closely watched,” he said, adding that people know how much time vote counting normally takes. Calling the February-12 election a contest between patriotic and anti-national forces, Tarique warned that attempts are being made to snatch people’s voting rights that were achieved through a long struggle over the last 16 years. Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat Ameer’s derogatory remarks through ballot He earlier addressed an election rally in Khulna and later joined the Jashore programme, where he introduced BNP candidates from seven districts of the Jashore and Kushtia regions and called upon voters to cast their ballots for the party’s candidates and its alliance partners. In an oblique reference to a recent controversial remark allegedly made by the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer about working women, he strongly criticised what he described as vulgar and offensive language against women. The BNP chairman said Jamaat is now trying to escape responsibility by claiming that the leader’s social media account was hacked. “When people protested, they said the account was hacked. But officials and experts have clearly said it was not hacked. This is a lie,” he said, adding that those who lie openly to the people can never work for the welfare of the country. Addressing the crowd, Tarique also alleged that Jamaat is collecting NID information and mobile payment numbers by resorting to falsehoods to manipulate elections. “This reflects their character… you must remain cautious about it… If anyone tries to manipulate the vote count in the name of delay, it must be resisted firmly.” He said history has shown that Jamaat has no respect for women, referring to their role during the 1971 Liberation War. “Because of their actions, countless mothers and sisters lost their honour. People must unite to resist their conspiracies.” Speaking about regional development, Tarique highlighted Jashore’s flower cultivation industry and said BNP wants to modernise it and export flowers abroad, just as garments are exported. He also announced plans to revive closed sugar mills, re-excavate canals, including the Ulshi canal in Sharsha, and boost agricultural production through better irrigation. Tarique said BNP believes real development is not possible without the equal participation of men and women. “BNP has always worked for women’s empowerment,” he said, recalling initiatives taken during previous BNP governments, including free education for girls up to secondary level. He also announced several welfare plans, including family cards for housewives, agricultural cards for farmers, interest waivers on small farm loans up to Tk10,000, and the establishment of vocational training institutes and IT parks to tackle unemployment. Zubaida inaugurates free heart camp at Korail slum Tarique said BNP wants to build a Bangladesh where people of all religions can live in peace and dignity, and ended his speech by leading the crowd in the slogan: ‘Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Agey Bangladesh’. Jashore district BNP President Advocate Syed Saberul Haque Sabu chaired the rally, while General Secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon conducted it. Among others, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Mehedi Ahmed, Vice Chairman Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Professor Nargis Begum, and Khulna divisional organising secretary and Jashore-3 candidate Anindya Islam Amit spoke at the event. After the rally, Tarique exchanged greetings with the parents of July uprising martyrs and those injured in the movement.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday strongly criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami over its Ameer’s reported anti-women comments on social media, urging women to deliver a befitting response through the ballot to what he termed derogatory and disgraceful remarks. Addressing an election rally at Khalishpur Prabhati School ground here, he also said the country and its people can never be safe—whether men or women—under those who do not respect women and have a history of dishonouring them during the Liberation War. “As the election has arrived, different political parties will naturally present their goals and plans before the people. But what we are seeing is that one political party wants to keep half of the country’s population women confined within their homes,” the BNP chief said. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, Tarique said the leaders of a party have openly stated that they do not believe in women’s leadership. “Just two days ago, a leader of that party made offensive remarks about women — our mothers and sisters — who go out to earn a living. The language used was so shameful that I feel embarrassed to repeat it here. Such words are disgrace to this country,” he said in an oblique reference to the Jamaat Ameer’s controversial post. Tarique said BNP believes the country can only be rebuilt by including people from all professions and backgrounds. “A nation cannot be rebuilt by excluding half of its population.” He said women make up nearly half of Bangladesh’s population. “No matter how big our plans are or how tall our claims sound, rebuilding the country is impossible if women are left behind.” Referring to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure, the BNP chairman said she introduced free education for girls up to the intermediate level so that women could be educated and become self-reliant. Tarique said millions of women in Bangladesh contribute directly to family incomes, whether in households, agriculture or the garment sector. “With rising prices, it is no longer possible for a family to survive on a single income. Women have to work, and they are doing so with dignity.” He also referred to Islamic history, saying Prophet Muhammad’s (SM) wife Hazrat Khadija (RA) was a successful businesswoman. “Those who now insult working women and claim to establish Islam are, in fact, insulting women not only in Bangladesh but across the world,” he said. Tarique questioned what would happen if such a party came to power. “If they speak this way about women before an election, how will they treat women afterwards if they get the chance?” he asked. He alleged that when criticism grew from women and the public, the party concerned claimed its social media account had been hacked. “Experts have clearly said such an account cannot be hacked in that manner. Yet they are lying to the people before an election. This shows their real character,” he said. Tarique said those who repeatedly lie to the people cannot be pro-people or pro-country. “They use religion to serve their own interests.” He said BNP believes development is impossible without empowering women. “If BNP forms the government with your prayers, we will deliver a ‘family card’ to every household and every mother. Through this card, we want to gradually make women self-reliant so that they can stand on their own feet.” Calling on women voters, Tarique said, “Those who insult you must be answered. The time has come for you to decide how to respond.” He also questioned how the same party treats its own women activists who go outside for the party activities. “If a leader can insult women within his own party, imagine how he would treat ordinary women of the country if given power,” he said, recalling the atrocities committed against women by the predecessors of such forces in 1971. “Those who have no respect for human dignity can never ensure the safety of the country or its people, whether men or women,” Tarique added. Tarique’s campaign set to move to Khulna, Jashore on Monday The BNP chief also alleged that a plot is going on to rig the voters and manipulate the election results by taking a long time for vote counting. Calling for vigilance, Tarique said conspiracies over vote rigging have not ended and urged people to remain alert to protect their voting rights. Outlining BNP’s plans, he promised to revive Khulna as a living industrial city, create jobs for women, establish IT parks for youths and introduce agricultural cards for farmers. Tarique said BNP aims to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh by bringing together people of all religions and ensuring opportunities based on merit and competence. He said BNP has experience in maintaining law and order and fighting corruption, recalling the contributions of martyr President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in establishing democracy. Koko’s wife holds courtyard meeting in support of Tarique Rahman “Our slogan is ‘Work together to build the country, Bangladesh first’. BNP alone has the experience to run the country in the right direction,” Tarique added. Recently, a post from the verified X (formerly Twitter) account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer sparked widespread criticism for allegedly making derogatory comments about working women. Following public backlash, the party claimed the account had been hacked. However, digital experts and critics questioned the claim, saying there was no evidence of hacking. The issue has since become a major topic in the election campaign, drawing strong reactions from political parties and civil society.

Police have taken the highest security measures surrounding BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s rally in Jashore, with a three-tier security system in place, officials said on Sunday. “A three-tiered security system has been arranged at the rally venue, and more than 500 police members will remain on duty round the clock,” said Jashore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam at a press briefing held at the Jashore Upashahar College Ground, the rally venue, on Sunday afternoon. He said that among them, 100 police personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras. Vote for BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ against autocracy: Tarique Rahman The police superintendent said a two-tier special security arrangement has been taken from the helipad, where Tarique Rahman will land by helicopter, to the rally venue. A two-tier security ring will also be set up around the stage, he added, noting that along with uniformed police, members of the Detective Branch (DB) and District Special Branch (DSB) will remain on round-the-clock surveillance. Special vigilance will be maintained as there are large trees around the venue to ensure that no miscreants can take position there, he said. SP Rafiqul Islam said discussions have been held with district BNP leaders and activists, who have assured full cooperation with the police. Regarding traffic management, he said five designated parking areas have been fixed in different parts of the city. No vehicles other than VIP vehicles will be allowed to enter the rally venue, and an adequate number of traffic police will be deployed. He said body cameras are being used for the first time by police in view of the upcoming 13th national elections, so that the activities of any miscreant can be recorded even if they manage to flee after committing a crime. More than 100 police personnel deployed at the rally will use body-worn cameras, he added. The police superintendent also said the 13th national elections will be held on February 12, and police are working relentlessly to ensure a fair, peaceful and orderly election. BNP Chairman will leave Dhaka for Khulna by helicopter at 11:00am on Monday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Tarique Rahman urges ‘Yes’ vote in referendum He said the BNP chief is scheduled to join an election rally at 12:00 noon at the Prabhati School ground adjacent to Haji Mohsin College in Khulna. Tarique will then leave Khulna for Jashore by helicopter at 1:00pm, Sayrul said. He said the BNP chairman will address another election rally at 1:40pm in Jashore. Tarique is expected to leave Jashore for Dhaka by helicopter at 2:40pm.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will campaign in Khulna and Jashore on Monday, following the completion of his electioneering in the northern region. Tarique will leave Dhaka for Khulna by helicopter at 11:00am on Monday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP chief is scheduled to join an election rally at 12:00 noon at the Prabhati School ground adjacent to Haji Mohsin College in Khulna. Tarique will then leave Khulna for Jashore by helicopter at 1:00pm, Sayrul said. He said the BNP chairman will address another election rally at 1:40pm at the Birampur Adarsha Government Primary School ground in the New Town area of Jashore. Tarique is expected to leave Jashore for Dhaka by helicopter at 2:40pm. The BNP chairman began his election campaign on January 22 from Sylhet Alia Madrasah ground. He later addressed election rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj. On January 25, he launched his Chattogram-region campaign and addressed rallies in Chattogram, Feni, Chauddagram of Cumilla, Suagazi, Daudkandi and Narayanganj. He started his northern-region tour on January 29. During the three-day tour, Tarique Rahman addressed election rallies in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Rangpur, Sirajganj and Tangail before returning to Dhaka on Saturday. From January 22 to January 31, Tarique addressed a total of 19 election rallies across the country.