United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Pir and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on Monday evening, just a day before forming the next government following his party’s landslide victory in Thursday’s national election. The BNP chief arrived at Rezaul Karim’s Siddheswari residence around 7:15pm for the meeting, which is being seen as a positive political gesture after the polls, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election as he is set to take oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency on Tuesday. “We’ve received a letter that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman quits Bogura-6 constituency,” Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told UNB on Monday. He said now the process continues to publish a gazette declaring the parliamentary constituency vacant. Tarique Rahman was elected from two parliamentary seats – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17— in the parliamentary elections held on Thursday last. On Friday last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. The newly elected MPs are set to take oath as members of the 13th parliament and also members of the Constitution Reform Council on Tuesday morning. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat.

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman is set to pay a courtesy call on Pir and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on Monday evening. “The BNP chairman is scheduled to visit the IAB Ameer’s house at 7 pm today,” said Tarique’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. Earlier,  on Sunday, Tarique Rahman paid courtesy calls on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam. He met the two leaders just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khanaccompanied Tarique. Jamaat hails Tarique’s visit to Ameer's residence, highlights joint fight against fascism BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.  In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six and Islami Andolan Bangladesh one seat.  

The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh has appreciated the credible conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections by the people of Bangladesh and congratulated all political parties and leaders, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its Chairman Tarique Rahman, on their victory. In a message shared on February 15, the Japanese embassy said it expects the smooth and peaceful formation of a new government and expressed its interest in further advancing the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. 

Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday said the new government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami will work together to build a 'new Bangladesh'. “We welcome the incoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman's courtesy visit to the residence of Ameer-e-Jamaat. It is a qualitative change in our political culture and a new beginning,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing following a meeting between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Taher said the two parties had long fought against the fascist government led by the Awami League. Following its removal, he said, BNP and Jamaat contested the election separately, but expressed hope that they would now work together for the welfare of the country. Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique 'an important moment' During the meeting, the Jamaat Ameer urged Tarique Rahman to maintain law and order across the country, Taher said, adding that they also discussed ways to resolve any potential misunderstandings or issues between the two parties. Earlier in the evening, Tarique Rahman visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Among others, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional accountability following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Dr Rahman congratulated Tarique Rahman in advance as he set to assume the office of Prime Minister, describing his visit to the Jamaat Ameer’s residential office as “an important moment in our national political journey.” “We welcome this engagement in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility, and we hope it signals a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect. We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice,” he wrote.  Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance. He also welcomed the BNP Chairman’s assurance that steps are being taken to address incidents of post-election violence, including actions concerning harm against opposition supporters and minority communities. Jamaat demands vote recount in 30 constituencies “We reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer added that his party would cooperate fully on matters of national interest while fulfilling its constitutional responsibility as a firm and principled opposition. “Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight,” he said, adding that the people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence. Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Keep guard until final count: Jamaat Ameer urges party leaders Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting. The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday met Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. Tarique reached the Jamaat chief’s political office at his residence in Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10pm to hold a meeting, in what is seen as a positive political gesture after the election, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Jamaat Ameer received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher and its Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present. Later, Tarique is also scheduled to meet National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at his residence in the capital’s Bailey Road area. The meetings come a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election. In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six.  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday sent floral greetings and sweets to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman following the party's landslide victory in the 13th national election. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Ruman received the flowers and sweets in the evening at the party chairman’s political office in Gulshan. Special Officer of the Gulshan office Mehedul Islam Mehedi was also present. Earlier on Friday, Mamata Banerjee extended her congratulations to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman for guiding his party to victory in Bangladesh’s national election. Taking to X, she wrote, “My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan mubarak to all of them. For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy.” The national election was held on Thursday, in which BNP secured 209 parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will take oath on Tuesday morning, while the new cabinet members will be sworn in later in the afternoon.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said convincing people to get two-thirds majority in the national election was their ‘engineering’ and no other manipulative tactics. “Convincing the people of the country and bringing them over to our side was our engineering. Alhamdulillah, we have succeeded in it,” he said. Tarique made the remarks during a post-election press conference at a city hotel in response to a journalist’s question about whether he resorted to election engineering to win more than 200 seats.Responding to a question from an Indian journalist about the foreign policy of a future BNP government and mending relations with India, Tarique said, “We have made it clear that the foreign policy will prioritise the interests of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people. Protecting Bangladesh’s interests will guide our decisions.” BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury elaborated, saying Bangladesh’s foreign policy follows the principle of multilateralism. “We don’t have any country-centric policy. Our approach applies to all countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference, and strategic autonomy for Bangladesh. These are the fundamentals of our foreign policy.” Answering a question on whether the BNP government would review the verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, Khosru said this is a matter for the judiciary. “We believe the judiciary should remain separate from the executive and legislative branches.” Regarding relations with India, Pakistan, and China, Khosru reiterated that BNP’s foreign policy treats all countries equally and is not country-centric. On the key challenges his government might face, Tarique said tackling the economy will be a top priority. “We also face the challenge of ensuring law and order and guaranteeing safety for the people.” He criticised the previous authoritarian regime for politicising nearly all institutions, adding that ensuring good governance will be a major task for his government. On future relations with China, Tarique said, “We will protect the interests of Bangladesh and its people. If a measure is not in Bangladesh’s interest, we cannot support it. China, like many others, is a development partner, and we hope both countries can continue to work together.” Responding to a question on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said his government would review it first and decide only if it benefits Bangladesh’s economy. On listening to youths’ voices in governance, Tarique said, “We will definitely listen to the youth, but we also need to address the issues of all people in society.” Regarding reactivating SAARC, he said, “This forum was initiated by Bangladesh. Naturally, we would want to revive it. Once the government is settled, we will discuss with our friends and try to revive it.” In response to another question about brining Sheikh Hasina back from India, he said, “That depends on the legal process.” On tackling inflation, Tarique said, “Our focus will be on bringing in more businesses and creating jobs.” Finally, when asked about reconciliation with Awami League supporters who are staying in the country, he said it would be addressed by ensuring the rule of law.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Sunday evening, signalling a gesture of political goodwill. A BNP leader close to Tarique Rahman, who requested anonymity, told UNB that the BNP chief will first visit the Jamaat Ameer’s residence around 7:00 pm, followed by a visit to Nahid’s house at approximately 8:00 pm. The visits come in the wake of BNP’s decisive victory in Thursday’s national election, where the party secured 209 seats, paving the way for the formation of the next government. In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the NCP secured six seats. Speaking at a post-election press conference on Saturday at a city hotel, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation. “On the journey towards building a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion,” he said. Tarique pledges justice, seeks unity to build ‘safe, humane Bangladesh’ He also acknowledged that electoral competition may have caused misunderstandings or disagreements in certain areas. “I urge everyone to ensure that such disputes do not escalate into revenge or retaliation,” he added. Tarique Rahman stressed that justice will be the cornerstone of his government in upholding the rule of law.