United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged party leaders and activists to remain united as they had over the past 17 years, warning that internal division will only benefit "fascist forces" and infiltrators ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Addressing an organisational meeting of local BNP leaders and activists at the Barishal Shilpakala Academy, he said differences of opinion are natural but should never be allowed to weaken the party and destroy the unity. "You remained united during the last 17 years and brought the party to victory in the parliamentary election. You must maintain that same unity in the local government elections. If we remain united, no fascist force or infiltrator will be able to enter or take advantage. They will benefit only if our unity breaks,” the Prime Minister said. Recalling the party's years in opposition, he praised grassroots leaders and activists for keeping BNP afloat despite repression. "You suffered enforced disappearances, killings and persecution, yet you stood together and protected the party…You gave more time to the party than to your own family. You spent your own money and endured anxiety and suffering for the party. Now that fear no longer exists. If you could remain united then, why cannot you remain united now?" the BNP chief said. He warned party members to remain vigilant against "hybrid" politicians and infiltrators, saying there were many conspiracies before the election, and those conspiracies have not stopped. “Some people are still plotting inside the country, while another group is conspiring from abroad…We must further organise the party, but while doing so we must ensure that hybrids and infiltrators do not enter the party leadership,” Tarique Rahman said. He said the BNP came to power because of the sacrifices of its leaders and activists, making it essential to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots. "If you want your party to remain in government, the grassroots must remain united and strong. It is because of you that BNP has come to power," the Prime Minister said. Referring to the planned local government elections, he said the party first needs to prepare organisationally. "You say you want local government elections. Are you prepared? Without preparation, can you win? And if you cannot win, how will the government function?" Tarique Rahman asked. "We will certainly hold local government elections. We will discuss the timing after the monsoon. Before that, you must unite and decide among yourselves who will contest for chairman, who will contest for member and who will lead the organisation,” he said. The Prime Minister urged party workers not to make unrealistic promises merely to gain popularity. "I will not promise what I cannot deliver," he said, adding that the responsibilities of government requires difficult but realistic decisions rather than populism,” he said. Tarique Rahman expressed confidence that BNP leaders and activists will remain united and repeat their organisational success in the upcoming local government elections. He also instructed party leaders to ensure peaceful celebrations of the upcoming major Hindu religious festival. "I am telling everyone here, and those who are absent should also be informed, that the festival must be held peacefully at any cost. No one should be allowed to create any untoward incident or exploit the occasion," the Prime Minister said, referring to Rath Yatra.  

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) National Standing Committee has decided to make the party’s activities more active and instructed all units, including affiliated organisations, to take necessary steps in this regard. The meeting also discussed holding elections at different levels of local government and urged party units to strengthen organisational activities. It decided to arrange a meeting of the National Executive Committee as soon as possible and assigned BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to take necessary measures. The decisions were disclosed in a press release signed by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who is also the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister. The meeting of the party’s highest policymaking body was held at BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office on Saturday night, with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. According to the press release, the meeting discussed various issues in detail and took several decisions. At the meeting, the BNP Secretary General informed the members about the implementation of decisions taken at previous meetings. The meeting discussed the implementation of priority projects of the BNP government and expressed satisfaction over the progress of programmes including Family Card, Farmer Card, canal excavation initiatives, and allowances for mosque imams and muezzins, temple priests, church fathers and Buddhist temple caretakers. The meeting also discussed the implementation of the party’s election manifesto. It praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s initiatives in this regard and expressed hope that the targets outlined in the manifesto would be achieved within the stipulated time. The meeting condemned what it described as attempts by the opposition to mislead people over the July Charter and referendum. It decided to accelerate the process of informing the public about the party’s position on the issue and directed the concerned individuals and institutions to take necessary steps. The meeting reviewed the results of the 2026 national parliamentary election and requested BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan to prepare a comprehensive report on the matter. The meeting was briefed about the agreements signed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visits to Malaysia and China. It praised the participation of the two countries in creating mutual development and cooperation opportunities and Bangladesh’s economic progress. The meeting said significant progress had been achieved through the visits based on mutual respect and congratulated the Prime Minister for their success. The Standing Committee expressed deep concern over the resumption of clashes between Iran and the United States following a recent ceasefire. It called upon the two countries to end hostilities and establish peace through dialogue, saying the conflict was severely affecting economies across the Middle East and beyond. The meeting described the election of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as president of the United Nations General Assembly as a major success under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. It expressed hope that the achievement would enhance Bangladesh’s global image and play a positive role in resolving the Rohingya crisis. The meeting also expressed concern over the growing drug problem in the country and called upon the government to take more effective measures to address the issue. The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of former BNP treasurer, former MP from Munshiganj and former minister Mizanur Rahman Sinha, and former MP from Brahmanbaria, former chief whip and former minister Harun-or-Rashid. It prayed for the salvation of their souls and conveyed condolences to their bereaved families. The meeting also expressed concern over the illness of BNP Standing Committee member, former Speaker, former Acting President, former minister and former MP from Panchagarh Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar; Standing Committee member, current government adviser and former minister Mirza Abbas; and Standing Committee member, former ambassador and current government adviser Nazrul Islam Khan. It prayed to Almighty Allah for their speedy recovery. At the end of the meeting, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked all participants and concluded the session. Those present at the meeting included BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku and Selima Rahman. Mirza Abbas, who is currently undergoing treatment in Malaysia, joined the meeting virtually.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the party never bowed to fascist regime despite enduring 17 years of political struggle, repression and imprisonment. "We fought against fascism for 17 years. We endured repression, sacrificed lives and spent time in jail, but we never bowed our heads. Under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, we secured victory. Now we have an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh," he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a public awareness programme titled Alokito Lalmonirhat (Enlightened Lalmonirhat) as the chief guest at MT Hossain Ground in Lalmonirhat town. He said the movement to rebuild Bangladesh has now taken shape through the Alokito Lalmonirhat initiative led by Asadul Habib Dulu. Expressing concern over the growing drug menace, Fakhrul said drug abuse is destroying the future of the country's youth and weakening society. "We cannot allow this to continue. We must build a social movement by raising public awareness and engaging people in resisting drugs and other social crimes," he said. He expressed hope that the anti-drug campaign launched by Dulu would spread across the country. Calling on people to reject drugs, dowry and gambling, Fakhrul said such social evils must be eliminated to build a prosperous nation. Referring to the Teesta issue, he said the government is committed to implementing the Teesta Master Plan, which he said would open a new horizon for the socio-economic development of people living along the Teesta River. Highlighting various government initiatives, Fakhrul said programmes such as the Family Card, Farmers' Card and allowances for imams and muezzins have already been introduced as part of efforts to build an economically prosperous Bangladesh. "We want the light of Lalmonirhat to spread across the country," he said. The keynote paper on Alokito Lalmonirhat was presented by the initiative's chief patron, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu. The programme was chaired by Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rashedul Haque Prodhan. Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, lawmakers Rokon Uddin Babul and Hasan Rajib Prodhan, Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Mominul Haque, among others, attended the event. A procession led by the ministers and lawmakers was brought out after the discussion, marching through the town before ending at Mission Mor in the district headquarters.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday cancelled the candidature of BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury, who was unofficially declared elected from the Chattogram-4 constituency in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, on the ground of loan default. The verdict, delivered by a four-member bench headed by the Chief Justice, means the election result for the constituency cannot be gazetted, effectively preventing Aslam from taking oath as a member of parliament. The apex court had concluded hearings on June 15 and fixed June 30 for delivering its judgment. Senior lawyers Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Miftah Uddin Chowdhury represented Aslam Chowdhury, assisted by Advocate Rokon Uddin Md Faruk. Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kajal appeared for the state, while Senior Advocate Kamal Ul Alam represented Bank Asia PLC. Earlier, on June 20, the Appellate Division appointed two senior lawyers M Kamrul Haque Siddique and Probir Neogi as amicus curiae (friends of the court) to assist the court during the hearing over Aslam's candidature. The legal dispute began after the Returning Officer declared Aslam's nomination paper valid on January 3. Subsequently, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Anwar Siddiqui and Bank Asia PLC challenged the decision before the Election Commission, alleging that Aslam was a loan defaulter. On January 18, the Election Commission rejected the appeals, allowing Aslam's candidature to stand. The decision was then challenged separately before the High Court, which dismissed both writ petitions on January 27, enabling the BNP leader to contest the election. Aslam contested the February 12 parliamentary election as the BNP candidate from Chattogram-4 and was unofficially declared elected. However, publication of the official result was suspended following an earlier order of the Appellate Division. On February 3, the Appellate Division granted leave to appeal against the High Court verdict following a petition filed by Jamaat candidate Anwar Siddiqui. The court ordered that if Aslam won the election, publication of the result would remain suspended until the appeal was finally disposed of. Following the leave order, separate appeals were filed on March 31. The Chamber Judge's Court later referred the matter to the regular Appellate Division bench for hearing on April 28, and the case subsequently appeared on the court's cause list several times before the final hearing. Meanwhile, Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kajal said that if a fresh election is held in the Chattogram-4 constituency, there would be no legal bar to Aslam Chowdhury contesting the polls.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Thursday said Bangladesh has 50 gazetted ethnic communities and their total population stands at 1.65 million, accounting for around one per cent of the country's population. The minister made the statement in Parliament while replying to a question from BNP reserved-seat lawmaker Selina Sultana. The figure is based on the preliminary report of the Population and Housing Census 2022, which counted both scheduled and other ethnic communities, he said. Among the ethnic communities, the Chakma constitute the largest group, accounting for 29.29 per cent of the total ethnic population, or 483,299 people, the Marma community makes up 13.59 per cent, with a population of 224,261, while the Tripura community accounts for 9.49 per cent, or 156,578 people. The Santal community represents 7.82 per cent of the ethnic population, numbering 129,049. The minister said Chattogram Division is home to the highest number of ethnic community members with a population of 990,860. Of the total ethnic population, 22.60 per cent reside in Rangamati district, amounting to 372,864 people, while 21.17 per cent live in Khagrachhari, with a population of 349,378. Bandarban hosts around 12 per cent of the country's ethnic population, or 197,975 people, he added. Responding to another question from MP Md Anwarul Islam of Kurigram-1, the minister said a project titled "Construction of Cultural Centres at Upazila Level" is currently under consideration by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The proposed project includes provisions for allocating one floor of each centre as a public library to promote reading habits, spread knowledge among citizens and help protect young people from drug abuse and cultural degradation through the development of healthy cultural practices. Replying to a question from Jamalpur-3 MP Mostafizur Rahman Babul, the minister said the government has a specific plan to expand cultural programmes in educational institutions to promote the practice of music and fine arts. As part of the initiative, the subject of "Arts and Culture" is being incorporated into the new national curriculum in coordination with the Ministry of Education. He said the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is also distributing musical instruments to educational institutions, organising school- and college-based theatre festivals and holding creative talent competitions. District and upazila-level Shilpakala Academies are involving local youth directly in these programmes. In response to a question from Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain, the minister said the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has been working relentlessly to preserve indigenous culture, heritage, history, the spirit of the Liberation War, contemporary arts and literature, while promoting free thinking, research and intellectual development. He further said that the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) has already allocated 41 kathas of land in Sector 17 of Uttara for the construction of a cultural complex.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two parties. The MoU was signed at 8:45am local time at the State Guest House Diaoyutai in Beijing. Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser and BNP Joint Secretary General (International Affairs) Humaiun Kobir signed the agreement on behalf BNP, while Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Liu Haixing signed the MoU on behalf of the Chinese party. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen were present. This is the first such formal agreement between BNP and CPC. It is also expected to open up new avenues of cooperation in areas such as media, think tanks, people-to-people exchanges and initiatives aimed at improving living standards.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Friday said the current government will take Bangladesh to a respectable position in the world. He also highlighted former President Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to the country's economic recovery, agriculture, labour sector, fisheries, foreign policy and international diplomacy. Moyeen Khan made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. He said the budgets introduced by Ziaur Rahman were not designed for the privileged residents of Dhaka's affluent areas but for grassroots people living in villages across Bangladesh. The BNP leader said the economic policies pursued by the former President helped Bangladesh recover from what he termed the devastation of the 1972-75 period and enabled the country to stand on a stronger economic footing. He said within a short period, Ziaur Rahman introduced three budgets and transformed the country's economy through market-oriented reforms, the promotion of the garments industry and the creation of opportunities for overseas employment, which increased the flow of foreign remittances into Bangladesh. According to Moyeen Khan, these measures contributed to changing Bangladesh's image internationally, and he referred to reports that described Ziaur Rahman as having transformed a "basket case" into a "success case." He said the younger generation should learn these aspects of Ziaur Rahman's legacy and understand his role in the country's development.  

Newly appointed Chuadanga Zila Parishad Administrator Md Sorifuzzaman has pledged to work with all stakeholders to accelerate development, improve public services and build a prosperous district through collective efforts. He has also expressed his commitment to carrying out his responsibilities with sincerity, transparency and dedication. Sorifuzzaman, general secretary of district BNP, made the remarks while addressing a reception accorded to him at the Chuadanga Press Club auditorium on Thursday. He said necessary initiatives would be taken to ensure the district’s development, promote public welfare and address the legitimate demands of the journalist community. Stressing the importance of good governance, administrator vowed to establish a corruption-free administration. “The activities of the Zila Parishad will be carried out for the overall development of the district’s four upazilas, four municipalities, 43 unions and five police stations,” he said, adding that cooperation from all sections of society is required to achieve sustainable progress. Among others, former principal of Chuadanga Government College Prof Siddiqur Rahman, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Somoyer Somikoron Nazmul Haque Swapan, Editor and Publisher of the Daily Mathabhanga Sardar Alamin and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Ajker Khaskhobor Rajib Hasan Kochi addressed the event.

The BNP Media Cell on Monday issued a warning over the formation and promotion of fake committees in different districts under its name. It also urged party leaders, activists and the public to remain cautious about fraudulent social media pages, groups and communities claiming affiliation with the Media Cell. The warning came in a statement signed by BNP Media Cell Convener Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel. According to the statement, the BNP Media Cell has recently noticed the announcement and circulation of fake committees in several districts under the banner of the BNP Media Cell. It also said various fake pages, groups and online communities are operating on social media using the Media Cell’s name. The statement clarified that, apart from the central committee of the BNP Media Cell, no district or city-level committee has been formed anywhere in the country under that name. It further said individuals or groups claiming to be approved Media Cell committees have no affiliation with the BNP Media Cell. The BNP Media Cell warned that those involved in issuing or promoting unauthorised and fake committees could face allegations of violating party discipline. The statement also urged party leaders, activists, journalists and the public to remain alert and avoid being misled by such unauthorised information and committee lists.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna on Monday said it is not possible to establish a lasting political position through unruly behaviour and reckless remarks. “The people of Bangladesh are conscious, knowledgeable and wise. They do not make mistakes in taking decisions,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with newly elected central leaders of Jubo Dal at a hotel in Nayapaltan in the capital. The meeting was organised to discuss the current political situation and strengthen the organisational capacity of the party. Referring to the political situation, Munna said leaders and activists must remain vigilant. “The culture of mob politics that emerged during the tenure of the interim government, along with an unruly group, is now trying to raise its head in politics. As president of Jubo Dal, I want to tell them that clever rhetoric and irresponsible remarks cannot create a permanent political position,” he said. Sharing his four decades of political experience, Munna said patience, discipline and steady organisational work are the key elements of successful politics. “In politics, being slow and steady, calm and quiet is most important. I would urge them to speak in political language, conduct organisational activities properly and refrain from making reckless comments,” he said. Describing Jubo Dal as the largest and strongest associate body of BNP, Munna said the organisation is well aware of its own strength and capacity. “We are a very strong and well-organised force. Through our organisational strength, we will face all challenges on the streets,” he added. Munna said the sacrifices and struggles of party leaders and activists have been duly recognised in the newly formed committee. He said around 114 members from the previous committee have been retained in the new one in recognition of their contributions to political movements and struggles. “However, it was not possible to accommodate some other dedicated leaders this time,” he said. “For those who could not be included this time, we are trying to create opportunities. Efforts will be made to involve at least another 100 leaders in various ways. So there is no reason for disappointment,” he said. Munna said appointments were not made based on seniority or junior status; rather, individual contributions to movements and struggles were taken into consideration. He also said Jubo Dal leaders and activists could not properly carry out social programmes in the past due to an unfavourable political environment but such activities would be expanded on a larger scale in the future. Speaking at the programme, Jubo Dal General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan said many leaders were expelled, committees dissolved and show-cause notices issued at different times following allegations after the mass uprising. “In some cases, we even held press conferences and called on law enforcement agencies to arrest the accused. Many of them were close to us and had contributions to the party, but organisational action became necessary to maintain party discipline,” he said. Nayan warned that no one would be spared if their actions tarnished the image of the organisation. Leaders of the newly formed central committee were present at the meeting. Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal announced its 151-member full-fledged central executive committee on Thursday, appointing Abdul Monayem Munna as president and Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan as general secretary.