United News of Bangladesh

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

Urging the government to be tougher and active on maintaining law and order, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday (12th November 2025) said no one can obstruct the upcoming election by indulging in violence. “There is no reason to believe that anyone will be able to disrupt the upcoming election through acts of violence or sabotage. The people of Bangladesh are very aware and alert. They are eagerly waiting for the election,” he said. Talking to reporters after European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller’s meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said election activities are now in full swing across all 300 constituencies of the country with great enthusiasm and participation. “Almost all political parties are now active on the ground, taking part in election-related activities. Campaigns and preparations are progressing smoothly in every area,” he said. EU Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul, discusses polls Asked for his comment on recent incidents of political unrest and violence, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said such issues concern everyone. “Law and order is always a matter of concern. We also have our concerns.” He said they hope the government will ensure that its law enforcement agencies remain strong, vigilant, and effective in addressing any such incidents. Responding to questions about the Awami League’s alleged violent activities and lockdown programme, the BNP leader said, “The Awami League is neither in the race nor active in the country. Their leader is not even present. So, there is nothing to discuss.” He also said they believe anyone, not just the Awami League, can potentially carry out such violent acts. “It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to perform their duties properly to protect the country from such activities.” Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul Khosru said those who are not contesting in the election or are absent from the country, and whose activities have been suspended, may attempt violent acts, and other quarters could also be involved. “But it is the government’s responsibility to deal with them. They have intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies, and we hope the government will be more active in handling these matters effectively. Through this, we will be able to move forward towards the election.” Speaking about BNP’s nomination list, Khosru said, “After announcing candidates for 237 seats, the list has been widely accepted. Reports from various quarters indicate that the nominations are well received.” Regarding Jamaat’s Amir’s comment that no election will be held next year without the legal recognition of the July Charter, he said, “We have already discussed and reached an agreement. The charter was signed. Beyond that, we are not aware of any remaining issues. After so many discussions and the signing of the charter, it is not clear what else could still be pending.” Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met BNP leaders on Sunday (9th November 2025) and discussed various issues, including reforms in the financial and social sectors. The IMF team, led by Chris Papageorgiou, its Bangladesh Mission chief, held the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury led the four-member party delegation. The other members were BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Md Ismail Zabihullah and Dr Ziauddin Hyder, and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed. Sayrul said both sides discussed the preliminary findings of the IMF’s ongoing mission review report. Salahuddin slams govt for 7-day ultimatum on referendum consensus “The key issues of discussions included value-added tax (VAT) harmonisation and the reduction of exemptions under a new technical assistance programme, increasing corporate tax to improve the GDP-to-tax revenue ratio, reforming the banking sector, and raising social sector spending, which the BNP delegation highlighted as one of the party’s key policy priorities,” he said. Sayrul said the BNP delegation stressed that reforms in the financial, tax, and social sectors are essential to ensure sustainable economic stability in Bangladesh. “They said the BNP believes that long-term growth is not possible without an accountable and transparent financial management system.” He said the IMF team appreciated the BNP’s reform-focused policy priorities and constructive approach. The meeting ended with both sides expressing hope for continued policy dialogue and greater cooperation in the future, Sayrul added. IMF Chief highlights importance of bold reforms in banking sector

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said those who are afraid of elections should not be there in politics and instead work as pressure groups or NGOs. “Those who are afraid of elections do not need to do politics. Let them work as pressure groups. They can work as NGOs. You cannot do politics, avoid elections, and at the same time obstruct the democratic process. That’s unacceptable,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the Bhasani Janashakti Party and Bhasani Anushari Parishad at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, warned that in countries where mass revolutions took place and elections were delayed, it led to division, civil war and failure as a state. “But those who returned to democracy promptly through elections saw economic, social and political improvement,” he said. Talking about the July Uprising, he said there are some divisions over the movement, but no one has the scope to hijack it. People want genuine democracy to solve nation’s problems: Fakhrul He said the July uprising was not something new, as movements for their rights are in the DNA of the people of Bangladesh. “There was no other way for Sheikh Hasina but to go. We wouldn’t have returned home if Sheikh Hasina hadn’t fallen on August 5. Our movement would have continued,” the BNP leader said. The aim of the movement, he said, was to reclaim people’s ownership of the country and restore their constitutional rights. Although BNP leaders and activists suffered the most, Khosru said their party never claimed credit for the movement. He said a government elected through people’s vote must be established to make the mass uprising a success. The BNP leader stressed that a full consensus is not needed on all issues. “Different political parties will have different ideas and beliefs, which is normal. But on national issues, unity is important. Without differences, democracy cannot survive. We are not here to establish one-party rule.” He said there has been a change in people’s mindset in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s fleeing. “Those who fail to understand this change have no political future.” Khosru also said many police and government officials are not working properly due to the absence of an elected government, and foreign investors are waiting for an elected government to make decisions.  

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said that if voted to power, his party would create employment for one crore people within 18 months, with top priority given to the information technology sector. “Youths with at least an SSC qualification will be provided jobs in the IT sector,” he said while addressing the Sylhet Business Dialogue held at the Jalalabad Gas Auditorium. The event focused on the current challenges, opportunities, and the path to collective progress in Sylhet and the national economy. CPB warns of tough movement if port leased, corridor granted to foreigners Khosru, a former commerce minister, emphasised the need to keep business free from political interference and to liberate it from fascist influence. “From the very first day in office, BNP government will start working for the development of trade and commerce—there will not be a single day of delay,” he declared. He also pledged to create opportunities for those willing to invest in agriculture and said that BNP would work towards exporting agricultural products. PKSF to create small enterprises to generate jobs for youth The BNP leader said that the creativity once evident in Bangladesh’s economy has been destroyed over the past 17 years. He also remarked that politics can no longer continue in the old ways, as the mindset of the people has changed. The event was presided over by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, and jointly moderated by Metropolitan BNP Vice-President Barrister Riasad Azim and Treasurer Enamul Kuddus Chowdhury.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said holding a national election is the only option for the interim government to restore democracy in the country. “There is no other way but an election to return democratic, political and constitutional rights to people. The two leaders (Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman) agreed on this issue during the London meeting,” he said. Khosru, who accompanied BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Dorchester Hotel in London, made the remarks while speaking to reporters outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from London in the morning. Asked about the criticisms made by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party (NCP) opposing the joint statement issued after the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique on Friday, he said, "I do believe if we truly believe in democracy, then everyone should have the opportunity to express their opinion.” BNP urges govt to inform EC of London meeting decision on election   “So, everyone has the right to share their views. I think this is one of the greatest strengths of our democracy — that everyone can voice their own opinion. We must move forward keeping that in mind," the BNP leader said. Emphasising the urgency of the election, he said people in Bangladesh have not been able to vote freely over the past two decades. “The younger generation has never experienced voting. That’s why they want a democratic transition through an election as soon as possible.” The BNP leader expressed the hope that the country will move forward on the path of democracy, as people have made huge sacrifices and carried out a long struggle to restore it. In response to a question on reforms and the trial process of fascist elements, Khosru said reforms depend on consensus and are part of an ongoing process. “Reforms will not end before the election and will continue even after it.” Speaking about the trial of fascists, he said it is also an ongoing process and depends on the judiciary. “The judiciary will carry out the trials, and efforts are being made to bring the accused under legal proceedings. There are roughly six more months to bring them under trial, and if that is not completed within this period, the next elected government will take responsibility.” On political consensus, the BNP leader said the more decisions are taken through mutual understanding among political parties, the better it is for the nation. "It is because of our consensus that we have been able to remove the autocratic and fascist regime. So, we will try to make decisions based on consensus wherever possible," he said. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi On the possible timing of the election, Khosru said BNP has no major objection if the election is held in February. “We have always favoured holding the election as early as possible. If the timeline shifts from December to February, it’s not a big matter. What matters most is making decisions through consensus.”

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said the national election can be held before December as it is possible to make a decision on reforms within a week. “There is ample scope to hold the election before December by reaching a consensus on reforms and signing the national charter on it,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Nurul Haque Nur-led Gono Odhikar Parishad at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. “Everyone is saying that reforms will be carried out based on consensus. All parties have submitted their reform proposals. So, there is no reason for it to take more than a week to identify where consensus exists on the reforms,” Khosru said. The BNP leader said it is now crucial to fix the election date after signing a national charter of reforms agreed upon by all political parties. “I personally believe it should not take until December to arrange the election. Based on an agreement on reforms, we can sign the national charter, and the election can then be held before December. There is no question of going beyond December—it is fully possible to hold it earlier,” he said. BNP, left-leaning leaders hold talks on election, political situation Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Consensus Commission should prioritise the reforms on which political consensus is reached. “As for the remaining reforms, political parties will seek a public mandate and pass them through parliament.” He said BNP does not see any crisis over the reforms. “But if anyone pretends not to understand something that is clearly understandable, then no solution will be possible.” Earlier, speaking to reporters, Nur said they want two student leaders-turned-advisers, Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, to resign from the interim government for the sake of its neutrality. He also demanded that the government hold the election by December, carrying out the necessary reforms based on a political consensus. Stating that various conspiracies are underway to put the nation at risk, Nur said Bangladesh is not safe as long as it remains under an unelected and undemocratic government. He said although the student leaders who led the July-August mass uprising have formed a political party, two of their representatives are still serving in the interim government. “They themselves should resign to uphold the neutrality of the government.” Nur said they discussed with BNP that his party would announce action programmes if the two advisers do not step down or if Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus fails to take any steps in this regard.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday alleged that the interim government echoes the rhetoric of ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina when they talk about elections and reforms. Speaking at an Iftar gathering organised in honour of journalists at a club in Chattogram city, he demanded the restoration of voting rights and the announcement of an election date without delay. “The only way to ensure the people’s freedom is through a fair election, but under the guise of reforms, the process is being prolonged,” Khosru said. Govt creating confusion over national election, alleges Rizvi He said that previous authoritarian governments deprived people of fair elections by promoting the narratives of development and the current government is following the same path. Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Convener Ershad Ullah, former Member Secretary Abul Hashem Bakkar, and senior journalists Jahidul Karim Kochi, Moazzemul Haque, Jasim Chowdhury Sabuj, Saleh Noman, Riaz Haider Chowdhury, and Saiful Islam Shilpi, among many others, attended the event.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the interim government should proceed with the national election in a manner that leaves no room for doubts about its impartiality. “This interim government should move towards the next election impartially, and no question should arise in anyone's mind about its impartiality. If any question arises, it will be a betrayal of those who shed blood, gave their lives and made immense sacrifices during the 15-year movement,” he said at a discussion on Sunday. National People’s Party (NPP) organised the programme titled “The role of martyred President Ziaur Rahman in establishing a democracy and an independent and sovereign state” at the Jatiya Press Club on Sunday.  Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said they all supported the current government as there was a need for a neutral administration until an election is held following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime. “We didn’t take part in this government. BNP and other political parties have all decided together that no political party should play a role in this government, as its character is neutral,” he said. The BNP leader said political parties must come to power with a mandate from the people through a credible and neutral election. He said the interim government must restore people’s ownership of the country, their voting rights and bring back democratic order through a neutral election. Khosru said people's will would be reflected in the future of Bangladesh through the restoration of democratic order and an elected government accountable to people. “The democratic process is a way of correction and filtration. The mistakes of the past will be corrected and filtered through this process. There is no other way but this,” he said. The BNP leader warned that if any party or quarter attempts to choose a different path, excluding the people, the people of Bangladesh will not accept it, and BNP will not accept it either. “If anyone tries to do that, they will make a mistake. Those who attempted it in the past could not survive because the people rejected them,” he said. The BNP leader said their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia proposed reform proposals, including limiting the tenure of any individual as Prime Minister to two terms, introducing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, through placing Vision-2030 six years ago. He said BNP, in consultation with other parties that waged a simultaneous movement, also presented a 31-point proposal for reforms. Khosru said the 31-point proposal will be implemented by forming a national government if BNP wins the next national election. He said the reform proposals must be passed in parliament by winning the election with the mandate of the people. “If any party or quarter thinks they have any reform proposal, they need to go to the people to obtain their mandate.” The BNP leader said there is no scope for some wise people to decide what the future of Bangladesh will be, as only the people can do it. “There’s no scope for anyone to be wiser than the people, who are the owners of Bangladesh.” He, however, said it should not take more than one month to complete the reform proposals on which there is national consensus. “On issues where there is no consensus, we have to go to the people to get their mandate, no matter whether it is the proposal of the BNP or anyone else. No one has the right to reform without the mandate of the people,” the BNP leader said. Khosru, a former commerce minister, said the current government should formulate an interim budget. “It’s a wrong step to implement the budget placed by the fascist and corrupt regime. Rather, the government can cut much expenditure by suspending that budget as it’s more important to alleviate public suffering than that budget.” He said a democratic government is now crucial in Bangladesh, one that will be elected by the people and remain accountable to them, upholding the democratic process. “That’s why the government should move towards an election as early as possible to restore the people’s ownership of the country.” Those discovering 'Ziaism' have bad intentions: Amir Khosru Khosru said the 31-point proposal will be implemented by forming a national government if BNP wins the next national election. He said the reform proposals must be passed in parliament by winning the election with the mandate of the people. “If any party or quarter thinks they have any reform proposal, they need to go to the people to obtain their mandate.” The BNP leader said there is no scope for some wise people to decide what the future of Bangladesh will be, as only the people can do it. “There’s no scope for anyone to be wiser than the people, who are the owners of Bangladesh.” He, however, said it should not take more than one month to complete the reform proposals on which there is national consensus. “On issues where there is no consensus, we have to go to the people to get their mandate, no matter whether it is the proposal of the BNP or anyone else. No one has the right to reform without the mandate of the people,” the BNP leader said. Khosru, a former commerce minister, said the current government should formulate an interim budget. “It’s a wrong step to implement the budget placed by the fascist and corrupt regime. Rather, the government can cut much expenditure by suspending that budget as it’s more important to alleviate public suffering than that budget.” He said a democratic government is now crucial in Bangladesh, one that will be elected by the people and remain accountable to them, upholding the democratic process. “That’s why the government should move towards an election as early as possible to restore the people’s ownership of the country.” No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru  

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said those who want to discover ‘Ziaism’ (Ziabad in Bangla) do not have good intentions. Speaking at a discussion on Saturday, he warned that if the interim government has any plans beyond democratic means to achieve its objectives, the consequences will not be good, and BNP’s support for it may not be sustained. Zia Parishad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, titled “Shaheed Zia's Contributions to the Great Liberation War and the Building of Modern Bangladesh”, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and martyr President Ziaur Rahman. “We have never heard of the coinage ‘Ziaism’…those who oppose the BNP have discovered the term. I would like to clearly say that those who want to discover Ziaism do not have good intentions,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy He said BNP neither glorified Ziaur Rahman as a great human being, nor placed his statues on the streets, nor hung his posters in prominent places, despite being in power thrice. The BNP leader said they kept Ziaur Rahman within the framework of party politics, discussing his activities and ideals. Khosru also claimed that even when BNP was in power three times at the state level, they never exploited Ziaur Rahman’s name and reputation for political gains. He said there are few leaders in the world who can be compared to Ziaur Rahman in terms of contributions to the Liberation War, nation-building, and state reform. “BNP was born for reforms. BNP has been reforming the state since its inception. BNP has implemented 90 percent of the reforms that have taken place in Bangladesh,” Khosru said. Six years ago, he said, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia presented Vision-2030, outlining various reforms, including limiting the tenure of any individual as Prime Minister to two terms, introducing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister. BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections “We developed these reform proposals with the post-Hasina era in mind. Yet, those who are now talking about reforms are essentially lecturing us with our own words,” the BNP leader observed. He said the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, was established with the support of the entire nation and all political parties. The BNP leader said they would continue to support the current government as it will ensure the peaceful transition of power to the next elected government. “This is the only purpose we’re all supporting and cooperating with this interim government. There is no other agenda beyond this.” He said those who run the government should keep this in mind before making any decisions or statements, as it would help prevent any problems from arising. The BNP leader, however, said, “If there is any plan to achieve anything beyond democracy regarding the restoration of the people’s ownership of Bangladesh and the transfer of power through elections, that probably will not be good. We’ll continue our support for bringing back democracy. But, if you want to do anything beyond that, the support is not going to last long.” The BNP Standing Committee member said a strong national unity is needed if Bangladesh is to emerge from the crisis it is currently facing. “We have to pull the nation out of the ditch it has fallen into with united efforts, upholding our unity.”