United News of Bangladesh

Chattogram’s historic Polo Ground turned into a vast political gathering on Sunday as thousands of BNP leaders and activists streamed in from across the district, marking the start of the party’s major rally ahead of the national election. The rally officially began around 10:30am at the historic Polo Ground in the port city, creating a festive atmosphere in Chattogram following the presence of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. A huge crowd was seen in and around the Polo Ground as the leaders and activists from different parts of Chattogram port city and all 16 upazilas of the district, Cox’s Bazar and the three hill districts started gathering in the rally venue early morning. The leaders and activists entered the venue in processions from different parts of the city, chanting slogans and carrying party banners, turning the entire area vibrant with political enthusiasm. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver a speech at the rally as a chief guest. This rally is the second phase of the BNP’s election campaign, with party insiders describing it as a crucial moment in shaping momentum ahead of the polls. Senior central and local BNP leaders are present on the stage. Earlier, in the day, Tarique joined ‘Youth Policy Talk’ at a hotel in the port city with around 300 university students. Earlier on Saturday, Tarique Rahman arrived at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines around 7:15pm and later checked into a five-star hotel in the city. A 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage was constructed at the venue. According to the organisers, separate areas have been designated for women and media personnel. Around 200 microphones and 10 LED screens were installed in and around the venue to ensure that people outside the ground could hear Tarique Rahman’s speech. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have strengthened security measures in and around the Polo Ground. The party chairman’s personal security team is also working alongside law enforcers. Tarique launched the first phase of his election campaign on January 22 from Sylhet’s Alia Madrasah ground and spoke at seven rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj the same day. After the Chattogram rally, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road, holding several election rallies in Feni, Cumilla and Narayanganj on the way.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has imposed a ban on flying drones over the Alia Madrasa field during a BNP  rally, citing security concerns. The BNP is set to hold the rally at Alia Madrasa field as part of its campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election. Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the gathering as the chief guest at around 11:30am. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Saiful Islam said no individual or organisation will be allowed to operate drones during the rally, except law enforcement agencies. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the ban.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday alleged that efforts are underway to delay the upcoming national election, suggesting that certain individuals both within and outside the interim government may have a hidden agenda linked to the reform process. “It seems that dilly-dally over holding the next national election has already started or is underway. The future of the election has got trapped in a cycle of innovative conditions of so-called minimum reform and maximum reforms,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said this while addressing a mammoth youth rally in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital through a virtual platform in the afternoon. He said people have begun to believe that certain individuals, both within and outside the interim government, may have a hidden agenda behind the façade of stalling for time in the name of reform. Election must be by December next: Tarique Tarique Rahman said every caretaker government in the past had successfully conducted national elections within three months of assuming office. “Bangladesh has records of holding national elections within three months by the caretaker governments. But today, even after ten months, the interim government is yet to announce the date for election,” he said. He demanded that the next election be held without further delay, saying they want to see a people’s government soon—elected by direct vote, which would be accountable and responsible to the people in fascism-freed Bangladesh. BNP vows reforms, justice after election: Senior leaders Issuing a clear ultimatum, Tarique said, “Our call to the interim government -- the national election must be held by December.” He urged BNP leaders and activists to begin preparation so that the national election takes place by December. Defying Court Orders—Can They Reform? Criticising the interim government, Tarique Rahman said the obstruction of Ishraque Hossain from assuming office as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation as a manifestation of an authoritarian mindset. He said the fugitive autocrat (Hasina-led govt) used to defy the court and the court rulings.  But the people of the country had expected that the government who came later would show respect to the laws, he added. “By creating barriers to Ishraque Hossain’s assumption of office as Dhaka South’s mayor, without honouring a court ruling, we are witnessing a recurrence of the same autocratic act,” he said. The BNP acting chairman asked people how much reform can be expected from those who undermine the court order and don’t show respect to the laws. “Through obstruction to Ishraque’s assumption of office or oath-taking, now we’re witnessing the manifestation of the authoritarian mindset,” he added. Don’t Make Democratic Parties Rivals Tarique asked the interim government not to take any step that would erode public trust and love as neutrality and credibility are its main capital. “We again urge the interim government—please do not turn democracy-loving people and pro-democracy parties into your opponents.” BNP’s youth rally turns Nayapaltan into a sea of people The BNP leader said if anyone among the government wishes to stay in power, the person should contest the next election.  “If anyone among you wishes to remain in power, then resign, go to the people, contest the election and if the people support you in that election, take the responsibility of governing the country,” he said.  Tarique Rahman highlighted his party’s plan to generate employment for youths, increase food production and turn the population as human resources, if it could come to power with public mandate in the election. Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swecchasebak Dal and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) jointly arranged the function presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna. Tens of thousands of people joined the rally arranged for youths from Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Faridpur divisions, commemorating the martyrdom month of BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman. BNP standing committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, Swechasebak Dal President SM Jilani and JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib spoke at the rally.

Thousands of leaders and activists of three associate bodies of the BNP -- Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal -- have gathered at Nayapaltan to join a youth rally. Youths from Dhaka, Sylhet, Faridpur and Mymensingh have joined the rally in processions to ensure its success. Many are wearing green, yellow, and red caps and T-shirts, and chanting various party slogans. A stage has been set up for the rally opposite the BNP's central office at Nayapaltan. No vehicles are moving on the road in front of the stage, causing traffic congestion on the adjacent roads. Some Dhaka areas including Shahbagh, Nayapaltan, Kakrail, Motijheel, Moghbazar, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Bijoynagar, Fakirapool are experiencing severe traffic congestion. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will virtually join the rally as the chief guest and present the party’s political outline and future strategy to the country’s young generation, he said. Senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, are also scheduled to address the rally. 3 BNP bodies set to hold ‘massive’ youth rally in Dhaka this afternoon “We witnessed a huge gathering of youths at our Chattogram rally. Our targets in Khulna and Bogura have been fully achieved, drawing the attention of youths from all walks of life. We expect that at least 15 lakh young people will join our Dhaka rally, breaking all previous records,” he said at a press briefing on Monday. “Youths are eagerly waiting to join the rally... by making the rally successful with their spontaneous support, the youth, who have been deprived of their voting rights for 17 years, will highlight their prime demand for the restoration of democracy,” Jilani said. With this rally, he said, they will take a step forward in the ongoing movement for restoring the youths’ voting rights under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Earlier, on April 28, the three BNP associate bodies announced their plans to hold four seminars and four rallies involving youths from 10 divisions, with the aim of empowering them to help build a just state structure. Their programme, which began on May 9 in Chattogram, will conclude in Dhaka today(Wednesday). They also held seminars and rallies in Khulna and Bogura. BNP disappointed over absence of clear election roadmap

Three associate bodies of the BNP -- Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal -- are planning to hold a massive youth rally at Nayapaltan in the city on Wednesday, with the participation of at least ‘15 lakh young people’. “We witnessed a huge gathering of youths at our Chattogram rally. Our targets in Khulna and Bogura have been fully achieved, drawing the attention of youths from all walks of life. We expect that at least 15 lakh young people will join our Dhaka rally, breaking all previous records,” said Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani. Amir Khosru warns of deepening crisis without elected govt Speaking at a press conference ahead of the rally at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he said youths from Dhaka, Sylhet, Faridpur and Mymensingh will attend the rally to ensure its success. “Youths are eagerly waiting to join the rally... by making the rally successful with their spontaneous support, the youth, who have been deprived of their voting rights for 17 years, will highlight their prime demand for the restoration of democracy,” Jilani said. With this rally, he said, they will take a step forward in the ongoing movement for restoring the youths’ voting rights under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Tarique Rahman expects most credible election soon under Dr Yunus Earlier, on April 28, the three BNP associate bodies announced their plans to hold four seminars and four rallies involving youths from 10 divisions, with the aim of empowering them to help build a just state structure. Their programme, which began on May 9 in Chattogram, will conclude in Dhaka on May 28 (Wednesday). They also held seminars and rallies in Khulna and Bogura. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will virtually join the Dhaka rally as the chief guest and present the party’s political outline and future strategy to the country’s young generation. Senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, are also scheduled to address the rally. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna read out a written statement at the press conference, stating that their two-day programme will focus on the country’s young generation. He said a seminar titled ‘Youth’s Future Thought, Future Bangladesh’ will be held on Tuesday, with participation from young people representing Dhaka, Faridpur, Sylhet and Mymensingh, while the rally to establish youths’ political rights’ will take place on Wednesday. Munna also said the series of seminars and rallies for young people are not merely political events, but a broad policy initiative. “Through this, young people are being involved in envisioning the future of the state.” Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon said public jobs were given to youths based on party identity during the Awami League government’s tenure. “The youth demand that the state ensures their employment. BNP has that capability. If BNP comes to power, one crore youth will be employed within the first 18 months,” he said.

BNP brought out a massive colourful rally in the capital today (Friday), marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, wearing colourful caps, assembled at Nayapaltan since noon, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the areas. After a brief address, party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the rally around 3:32pm. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also spoke at the gathering. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, at Manik Mia Avenue. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists are chanting slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. BNP ready for a massive showdown in Dhaka On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies gathered in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Friday to bring out a massive rally, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. Since noon, BNP leaders and activists assembled at Nayapaltan, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown. Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, they chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman. Streets and alleys from Bijoynagar to Fakirerpool were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area. BNP to take out rally in city on Friday marking Nov 7 The rally is set to start at 3 pm from the BNP’s central office. It will proceed towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will briefly address the crowd before the rally begins. The event will conclude with a virtual address by the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated, “This will be a massive rally that will make history. The martyrs of August 5 will be remembered in the rally,” he added. The BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975. On November 7 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.

The BNP public rally demanding the unconditional release of its ailing Chairperson Khaleda Zia has begun in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office with the participation of thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies. The rally formally began around 2:42 pm on Saturday (June 29, 2024) with the recitation from the holy Quran. BNP leaders and activists have started gathering before the party’s Nayapaltan central office with processions carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders from different parts of Dhaka since morning braving bad weather to join the rally. Among the associate bodies, former Jubo Dal General Secretary Abdul Monayem Munna staged a showdown by joining the rally with a big procession. BNP activists gather at Nayapaltan to join rally demanding Khaleda’s unconditional release BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will address the program as the chief guest. Additional police have been deployed in Nayapaltan and its surrounding areas to maintain law and order. Earlier on Wednesday, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam announced a three-day countrywide program demanding the unconditional release of Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. As part of the programs, the party is holding the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office today. Besides, the BNP leader said their party will hold rallies in all metropolitan cities on July 1 and in all district headquarters on July 3. BNP, allies to launch simultaneous movement against govt soon: Fakhrul Khaleda Zia was rushed to Evercare Hospital in an ambulance at around 3:30 am on June 22 after suddenly falling ill at her Gulshan residence. A team of specialist doctors, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, successfully implanted a pacemaker in her chest the following day. She is now receiving treatment in a cabin with CCU facilities at the hospital. On June 11, 2022, Khaleda Zia was diagnosed with three blockages in her heart, one of which was 95% blocked and was treated with stent placement at that time. Khaleda, a former prime minister, aged 79, has long battled various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidney, lung, heart, and eyes. Since her conditional release from jail in 2020, the BNP chief has been receiving treatment frequently at the hospital under a medical board headed by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Khaleda was sent to Old Dhaka Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. BNP announces 3-day programme for Khaleda Zia's unconditional release Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with the condition that she stay in her Gulshan house and not leave the country. That has since been extended multiple times to keep her out of jail. Khaleda's doctors have been recommending sending her abroad since she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021. On October 26 last year, three US specialist doctors completed the hepatic procedure known as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS procedure) to stop water accretion in Khaleda Zia's stomach and chest, and bleeding in her liver.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are anticipated to be released from Keraniganj Central Jail following their lawyers' efforts to withdraw the production warrants against them in all cases. Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukdar, representing the BNP leaders, have initiated the legal process for the withdrawal of the production warrants. This comes after both leaders obtained bail in all cases, as confirmed by Sairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing, to UNB. “The necessary legal steps are being taken following the provision that allows for the withdrawal of production warrants issued for the leaders to be presented in court while incarcerated,” the lawyers stated. Read: Fakhrul, Khasru secure bail; no bar to walk out of jail  Work on withdrawing the production warrants has already begun, with expectations that if completed by noon today, the BNP leaders could be released. The documentation related to the withdrawal is hoped to be finalized by Thursday evening. Advocate Masud mentioned that 13 production warrants had been issued against Fakhrul, highlighting the legal hurdles faced. However, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin assured that there are no obstacles to their release as bail has been secured in all cases. The context for the anticipated release follows a Dhaka court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to both Fakhrul and Khasru in connection with a case filed over the vandalism of the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28 last year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court's acting judge, Faisal Atiq Bin Quader, approved the bail upon reviewing their petition. Read: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi The case was filed by the police on October 29, accusing 59 BNP leaders and activists, including Fakhrul and Khasru, of vandalism and assault during the rally. In total, 11 cases were filed against Fakhrul and 10 against Khasru related to violence surrounding the rally. Fakhrul was detained on October 29, and Khasru on November 3, both from their residences in Gulshan.

Additional Commissioner of Detective Branch (DB) Harun-or-Rashid has said that some BNP activists attacked police in front of the Judges' Residence Complex in Dhaka’s Kakrail earlier today (October 28, 2023).  “Some policemen were injured. Furthermore, they carried out an attack, vandalised and set some vehicles on fire in front of IDB Bhaban at Kakrail,” he said while talking with reporters in front of Kakrail Church.  Currently, BGB members are deployed at Kakrail Church crossing. He said police have video footage of the incidents. “We will identify those involved and take appropriate action,” he said. Police, BNP men clash in Dhaka’s Kakrail area, police box set on fire The BNP activists who were engaged in violence escaped the scene, and the situation is now under control, he added. Earlier, a chase and counter-chase between police and BNP leaders, activists occurred in Dhaka’s Kakrail area. Witnesses said leaders and activists of BNP brought out a procession in the Kakrail area and started going towards InterContinental hotel around 1 pm. At one stage, police obstructed them, and BNP leaders, activists started throwing brick chips at the law enforcers. More than 50 detained in extensive search operations at Dhaka’s entry points Later, police fired rubber bullets, used sound grenades and tear gas shells to disperse them. The grand rally of BNP has begun in front of its Nayapaltan central office with the participation of thousands of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies to press home their one-point demand for holding the upcoming national election under a non-party government. AL, BNP rallies: 3 vehicles vandalised in Dhaka