United News of Bangladesh

BNP is facing an uphill task to reach an amicable understanding with its political allies and calm their anger over seat sharing after announcing its own candidates in 272 constituencies in two phases ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Talking to UNB, some BNP and alliance leaders said several allied parties became upset as they expected more seats than BNP offered them, while some others became angry after getting only promises of future evaluation without any seat. BNP leaders, however, said they have continued talks to reach a compromise on seat-sharing and keep the alliance united. On Wednesday, BNP held separate meetings in Dhaka with two alliance platforms involved in the anti-fascist joint movement – Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote and the 12-Party Alliance. Read more: BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations amid grassroots unrest A BNP Standing Committee member, wishing anonymity, said they told allies that seats could be reviewed in favour of strong candidates from partner parties. He said some seats where BNP has already announced its candidates may be reconsidered for allies. The BNP leader, however, said they made it clear that due to strategy it will not be possible to leave all demanded seats for partners. In that case, he said, they assured allies that if the party forms the next government, their leaders will be given important posts in the Upper House of Parliament or in different state institutions. BNP leaders said they are determined to keep the alliance united logically and responsibly. “We are trying to reach an understanding with the allies by providing them with a logical number of seats.” Read more: Concerns grow over ‘administrative preparations’ for Bangladesh election So far, BNP has declared candidates in 272 seats, leaving 28 seats vacant, and the party has said the remaining seats are mainly for its allies. But alliance leaders claimed that they submitted their candidate lists as BNP requested, yet BNP announced its nominees without discussion. Top leaders from several small alliance parties who were seeking nominations in at least six constituencies were not considered, as BNP announced its own candidates there. On 10 December, 29 allied parties, including Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Gonoforum, met at Shishu Kallyan Parishad to decide their next steps and demanded that BNP clarify its seat-sharing policy. Following that pressure, BNP on Wednesday met the two allies separately to calm frustrations. The first meeting took place between 12pm and 1pm with the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Read more: BNP nomination hopefuls frustrated as party delays green signal BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku represented BNP. Alliance convener Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad and several leaders attended the meeting and raised various demands and voiced frustration that BNP announced its candidates without discussion, said a leader of the platform. He said they told BNP that they had stayed with the party in the joint movement and would continue to support the party to ensure victory for the ‘sheaf of paddy’, BNP’s election symbol. The alliance leader said they requested BNP to reconsider the Narail-2 constituency for their chief Dr Farhad, who contested the seat in the 2018 election. He said Mirza Fakhrul told the meeting that BNP was seriously considering reviewing the Narail-2 seat. “It would not be possible to give seats to all alliance partners due to strategic reasons, but those who do not receive seats will be honoured later based on merit if BNP forms the government,” he quoted Fakhrul as saying. After the meeting, Dr Farhad told UNB that the talks were “positive” and expressed confidence in BNP’s leadership. Read more: Bangladesh must avoid return to fascism: Moyeen Khan Later, from 4pm to 5pm, BNP held another meeting with the 12-Party Alliance, where alliance leaders placed highest importance on three seats – Kushtia-2, Kishoreganj-5 and Pirojpur-1. Two of the seats already have BNP candidates, while Pirojpur-1 remains vacant. A leader of the 12-Party Alliance said BNP leaders assured them that their demands would be given serious consideration. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said they are in talks with alliance partners to reach an understanding over the seat-sharing issue. He, however, said it may not be possible to satisfy every partner by giving them seats, as winning the election must remain the priority. “So, we consider sharing seats only with those who have the potential to win.” Tuku said BNP has finalised its candidates after careful assessment of many factors. “We have still kept 28 seats vacant and many of those will be shared with our alliance partners. Everyone needs to be patient.” Read more: BNP forms reception committee ahead of Tarique’s return

BNP has formed a reception committee ahead of the return of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh on December 25. The committee was formed on Monday with BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed as the convener and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as the member secretary, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP sources said the committee includes the party’s 10 divisional organising secretaries, the presidents and general secretaries of BNP front organisations, and the conveners and member secretaries of BNP’s Dhaka North and South city units. The first meeting of the committee was held on Tuesday afternoon, where members discussed the work plan for welcoming Tarique Rahman back home. Earlier on Monday, a joint meeting of BNP and its front organisations was held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan to discuss arrangements for Tarique’s reception. The meeting was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. After more than 17 years in exile in London, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on December 25. As per BNP’s plan, a large number of party leaders and activists will gather at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 25 to welcome Tarique and make his homecoming memorable. From the airport to Evercare Hospital, where his mother Begum Khaleda Zia is receiving treatment, BNP members will stand on both sides of the road to greet him. Party sources also said Tarique will first go to Evercare Hospital after his arrival to see his mother who has been receiving treatment there in a critical condition. Later, he is expected to stay at a house at number 196 on Gulshan Avenue, next to his mother’s residence, ‘Firoza’. Meanwhile, BNP has appointed Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam as the chief security officer to oversee the security of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The decision was announced on Wednesday on Wednesday in a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Rizvi said Shamsul Islam will coordinate all security arrangements for the two top party leaders and ensure that all necessary measures are taken for their safety.  

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday said Bangladesh cannot afford to return to a fascist path again in the future. “We don’t want Bangladesh to be known again in the world as a fascist state. We want to build a humane Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at the Jatiya Press Club. Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said Bangladesh is now one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and by 2050 Dhaka is expected to become the most crowded large city. “How we will run such a city is a matter to think about. Though we are not economically strong yet, we are surviving on an informal economy. Those who will run the country in future must work on these issues,” he said. The BNP leader said the Awami League, instead of serving the people, created a system of self-serving power groups, which he termed an “oligarchic structure.” “As a result, the poor have become poorer,” he observed. The BNP leader said even after 54 years of independence, the nation is still searching for democracy. “For democracy the people fought the Liberation War in 1971. They fought for economic rights and dignity. Those who led the country in the past and those who are leading now must answer why they failed,” he said. Tough days ahead as conspiracies persist, warns Tarique Rahman Dr Moyeen said every authoritarian ruler in Bangladesh faced resistance whenever they tried to take away freedom of speech. “Modern state systems can be cruel because they make people numb and ignore human feelings. Those who come to power in future must make this clear,” he said. DAB President Prof Dr Harun Al Rashid chaired the discussion, which was attended by BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Prof Dr Forhad Halim Dona, and DAB Secretary General Dr Md Zahidul Islam Shakil and others.      

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has described himself as “half-Sylheti” while speaking at a discussion meeting on Great Victory Day at the City Pavilion in London. “Many of you here are not just from Sylhet, but from other districts as well. Yet most of you are Sylhetis,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the London Chapter BNP at the City Pavilion, marking Great Victory Day early on Wednesday. He added with a smile, “But there are people from outside Sylhet too… whether from Sylhet or elsewhere… I am also half-Sylheti, so there’s no need to say more.” The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, and Tarique appeared visibly cheerful. Tough days ahead as conspiracies persist, warns Tarique Rahman Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was born on 20 November 1965 in Bogura. On 3 February 1994, Tarique Rahman married Dr Zubaida Rahman, the daughter of Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, former chief of the Bangladesh Navy, who hails from Sylhet.    

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged party leaders and activists to remain alert and united, warning that the days ahead will be challenging as conspiracies against the country continue. “I am saying again, the time ahead will not be easy. Everyone must stay alert and united,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting organised by London Chapter BNP at the City Pavilion, marking the Great Victory Day early Wednesday. Referring to the political situation in Bangladesh, he said the conspiracies have not stopped and the upcoming national election will not be easy. “I warned you a year ago that difficult times lay ahead. The conspiracies would continue and the election would not be easy. Many of you can now see that what I said then is happening,” he said. Addressing a hall full of expatriate Bangladeshis, Tarique asked whether they would be able to stay united. When the audience responded loudly in the affirmative, he said unity is the key to success. “If we stay united, only then will we be able to implement our plan to rebuild the country. We can build the Bangladesh we dream of and establish accountability only if we remain united,” the BNP leader said. BNP completes preparations for Tarique’s return after 18 years in exile Citing the United Kingdom as an example, Tarique said people in Britain enjoy fairness because of an accountable system, while people in Bangladesh have been deprived of their rights for a long time. “There is no alternative to unity. United we stand, divided we fall,” he said. Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during the army-backed caretaker government. After falling seriously ill in custody, he came to London in 2008 on bail for advanced medical treatment, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. After nearly 18 years in exile, Tarique is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25. The Victory Day programme with expatriates also served as a farewell event, as Tarique prepared to lead the party ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next year. At the start of his speech, Tarique spoke about his upcoming return and thanked the expatriates for their support over the years. “I am returning home on December 25, InshaAllah, with your prayers and Allah’s mercy. I ask for your prayers for me and for our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia. Pray that Allah gives me the strength to carry out the plans I have for the country and its people,” he said. The BNP leader also requested that no one go to Heathrow Airport on the day of his arrival. “Gathering at the airport could create chaos and attract unnecessary attention, harming the image of the country and the party. Those who respect my request will honour the party and the country. If some go despite my request, I will assume they have done so for personal reasons,” he added. A short video was shown highlighting Bangladesh’s journey from the 1971 Liberation War to recent student-led protests and the vision for a new Bangladesh. Tarique also outlined his party’s plans to make Bangladesh a happy and welfare-oriented country, including initiatives such as family cards, farmers’ cards, health cards and steps to reduce unemployment. BNP to ensure security for July-August uprising warriors, if elected: Fakhrul “This election is not an experiment or an experience. It is an opportunity for change, and we must use it wisely,” he said. The BNP leader called upon expatriates to help choose the right party in the upcoming election. “The party, with the proper plans, is capable of developing the country and taking Bangladesh forward in the right direction. Expressing gratitude, Tarique acknowledged the crucial role of expatriates in the movement against authoritarianism and expressed hope that BNP, with the support of the people, would form the next government.

BNP has completed preparations for the residence and offices of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of his return to Bangladesh after nearly 18 years in exile in London. Party leaders said Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia, will move into house number 196 on Gulshan Avenue. The BNP Chairperson currently lives at a rented residence, ‘Firoza’, located next to the house. Separate chambers have been prepared for the Acting Chairman at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, beside the Chairperson’s chamber. Another chamber has also been set up for him at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan. Besides, BNP has rented another house in Gulshan from where all activities related to the 13th national parliamentary election will be coordinated. Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the BNP Acting Chairman, formally shared the information at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at BNP’s new office at house 10/C on Road 90 in Gulshan. He also announced a national reel-making competition titled 'Amar Vabnay Bangladesh' (Bangladesh in My Thoughts) to mark the return of Tarique to the country. Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to Dhaka on December 25. BNP has taken extensive preparations to welcome him. Party leaders and activists are expected to gather at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to receive him on arrival. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said people across the country are waiting for their leader. He said leaders and activists from all levels of the party will stand in an orderly manner along the roads to welcome him, and preparations are underway accordingly. On Monday, a joint meeting of BNP and its associate bodies was held at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, where detailed discussions took place on arrangements for welcoming Tarique. The meeting was chaired by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Party sources said the house on Gulshan Avenue was allocated to Begum Khaleda Zia after the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, following a unanimous decision by the cabinet led by then President Justice Abdus Sattar. A few months ago, the ownership documents of the house were formally handed over to Khaleda Zia. Preparations at Tarique’s residence are almost complete. During a visit to the house, it was seen that security sheds have been set up in front of the building and CCTV cameras installed along the road. Security personnel said the measures were taken as Tarique Rahman will be residing there. Regarding the new Gulshan office, BNP has rented the four-storey building at house 10/C on Road 90. The building has strict security arrangements. A briefing room has been set up on the second floor, while other floors have offices for various party departments, including a research cell. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said party leaders and activists who have been working for a long time are eagerly counting the days until Tarique sets foot on Dhaka soil. He expressed hope that the party leader would restore democracy in line with the expectations of the people. Speaking at the press conference, Mahdi Amin said the new office will function as a BNP office from where election-related activities will be conducted. He said Tarique’s return has created strong public emotion, hope and interest across the country. Mahdi also said the party believes that building a future Bangladesh requires all pro-democracy citizens, beyond political and ideological differences, to work together. As part of the homecoming programme, BNP has launched a national reel-making competition. The competition will run until December 25, allowing people from all walks of life at home and abroad to submit one-minute creative reel videos online, expressing their ideas, plans and hopes for building the country. National election as per schedule, no fear: Tarique Rahman Mahdi said the main goal of the initiative is to directly involve people in BNP’s vision of rebuilding the state and to bring grassroots ideas to the party’s top leadership. He also said the top 10 winners will get an opportunity to interact directly with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at a special event. Members of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, the party’s foreign relations committee and the media cell were present at the press conference.    

Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) China unit celebrated Victory Day with expatriate Bangladeshis in China on Tuesday. The programme took place at a local restaurant in Guangzhou, where leaders and activists participated in a discussion meeting to mark the occasion. The meeting was presided over by Shakhawat Hossain Kanan and moderated by former student leader and BNP Greater China leader Asif Haque Rupu. In his speech, Shakhawat Hossain Kanan urged expatriate Bangladeshis to help continue democratic rule by supporting the party’s electoral symbol, the “sheaf of paddy,” and encouraged them to motivate their family members in Bangladesh to vote for the symbol. Asif Haque Rupu alleged that anti-independence forces had repeatedly attempted to undermine the country’s freedom. The programme also highlighted Bangladesh’s proud history and culture and aimed to strengthen the spirit of patriotism among the expatriate community. Other speakers included BNP China unit leaders Sheikh Mahbubur Rashid, Wali Ullah, Hasmat Ali Mridha, S.M. Al Amin, and Musa Noor Islam.

Md Masuduzzaman Masud, the frontrunner to be the BNP's candidate for Narayanganj-5 (City-Port) in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, announced his withdrawal from the election race on Tuesday, citing security concerns raised by his family in the wake of the assassination attempt on Osman Hadi in Dhaka among his reasons. Masud made the announcement at a press conference held at the Narayanganj Press Club around noon. Masud added that he had tried to contact BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to inform him of the decision but was unsuccessful. He said he would explain the matter to the party leadership at a later time. Masud was named as the BNP's preferred candidate in the constituency, that spans both banks of the Shitalakkhya River, in the first list announced by the party on November 3, covering 237 constituencies. Speaking at the press conference, he said he decided to step aside after his family members expressed serious concerns about his personal safety following the announcement of his candidacy. “After the shooting incident involving Osman Hadi in Dhaka, my family became even more terrified,” he said. His sudden withdrawal appeared to catch many of his supporters off guard, with several expressing anger and disappointment at the press conference. Former joint general secretary of the BNP city unit, Nurul Haque Chowdhury, criticised the decision, saying, “You cannot abandon BNP leaders and activists like this. We came out in your support with many hopes and aspirations. We do not accept this decision.” Nayem Khandaker, member secretary of the city unit of Zia Samaj Kalyan Parishad, also expressed surprise.  “Just a short while ago, he attended a scheduled programme in Shahidnagar. He came straight from there and made this announcement. We were completely unaware of it,” he said. Narayanganj-5 has traditionally been a stronghold of the Osman family of Narayanganj, who were long feared in the area for their reputation as 'godfathers' in the district bordering the capital. In the last three elections, the MP seat was won for Jatiya Party by Selim Osman, elder brother of Shamim Osman, who himself was an AL MP from the neighbouring constituency. Known for their strong ties to AL, the Osman family fled the country as the July Uprising of 2024.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the forces that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are once again trying to raise their heads. “Those who stood against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now trying to raise their heads again. But the people of Bangladesh who believe in freedom, independence and democracy will foil all their conspiracies and will surely protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and establish democracy, Inshallah,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks after placing wreaths at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the morning, marking Victory Day. He said the Liberation War began with the declaration of independence by martyred President Ziaur Rahman and reached its final victory on December 16. “That is why this day is extremely important for us and for BNP.” Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists visited the grave of the proclaimer of independence, paid their respects and took an oath to continue their struggle to protect independence and establish democracy in Bangladesh. He said that on the occasion of the Great Victory Day, on behalf of the party, its Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, they paid deep respect and gratitude to the martyrs of the Liberation War. He also they also paid tributes to BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman. At the same time, Fakhrul sought prayers for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as the first female freedom fighter and a tireless guardian of democracy who has fought relentlessly for independence and sovereignty. He said she is now seriously ill and urged the country’s people to pray to Almighty Allah for her recovery. Fakhrul said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is still living abroad in exile, but the party hopes he will return home on December 25. “We are working so that his return further strengthens the struggle for democracy,” he said. CA Prof Yunus pays tributes to Liberation War martyrs  Earlier in the morning, BNP leaders and activists, led by Mirza Abbas, paid tributes to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. At around 9:55am, Fakhrul, along with members of the BNP Standing Committee, placed wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave and later joined a special munajat seeking the salvation of the departed soul of the late president. BNP Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were present, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman and Abdus Salam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Dhaka North City unit convener Aminul Haque, and Dhaka South City unit member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and leaders of central and associate bodies were present. Later, leaders and activists of BNP’s associate organisations, including Muktijoddha Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Krishak Dal, Matsyajibi Dal, Tanty Dal, DAB and Chhatra Dal, also placed wreaths at the grave. Since early morning, BNP leaders and activists gathered at the grave premises, chanting slogans such as “Zia, the proclaimer of independence, we salute you” and “We achieved independence, we will protect independence”.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party will ensure the security of the warriors of last year’s July–August mass uprising if it is elected in the upcoming national election. “Many of the July fighters of ’24 are concerned about what will happen to their security once the interim government leaves and a new government comes to power. I want to state this clearly that if we are elected through people’s votes, we will ensure the security for the July fighters,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party will not allow the July fighters to remain vulnerable or insecure. He said the upcoming national election will determine whether Bangladesh moves forward on a democratic and liberal path or goes backwards. Fakhrul also voiced concern that false propaganda and violence are being used to weaken BNP and tarnish its image. Referring to the recent attack on BNP activist Osman Hadi, he said the party strongly condemned the attack, held protest programmes across the country and demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers. “The attacker has been identified. It has been found that he is a killer and a terrorist linked to the Awami League. Yet they are asking why BNP should respond. Their only aim is to malign BNP with ill intentions,” Fakhrul said. BNP organised the discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Victory Day. At the beginning of the programme, a special prayer was offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Fakhrul said all major positive achievements of Bangladesh came under the leadership of martyred President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP. “The contributions of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP are inseparably linked with Bangladesh’s development, democracy and achievements,” he said. Fakhrul said a new vision for the country is now emerging under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul also recalled BNP’s sacrifices during the long 17-year struggle against fascism. He warned that a group is trying to undermine democracy, stressing that the upcoming national election is extremely important for the country. The BNP leader said the Pakistani forces and their collaborators carried out brutal repression and genocide against the people of this country, which the nation can never forget. “Tomorrow, December 16, marks the defeat of the Pakistani occupying forces, and we must firmly remember this truth. The war that began with the declaration of independence by martyred President Ziaur Rahman in 1971 ended in victory after nine months of bloody struggle. This victory is the victory of our existence, territory and national identity,” Fakhrul said. The BNP Secretary General said the political force that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 had also opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947. “Today, that same force wants to undermine Bangladesh’s independence, destroy democracy, and crush the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said nationalist forces will remain united, upholding the flag of independence, sovereignty and democracy. Fakhrul prayed for the good health of Khaleda Zia, paid tributes to the martyrs, and called upon all to turn Victory Day into a commitment to restore democracy. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, carrying the national flag of independence, democracy and nationalism. BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said the younger generation does not know enough about history. “It is true that martyred President Ziaur Rahman declared independence. But did he declare it and then go to sleep? He fought in the war,” Abbas said. He said while the offices of all other sector commanders during the Liberation War were located inside India, Ziaur Rahman’s command office was inside Bangladesh. “He (Zia) stayed inside the country, took up arms, lived in bunkers and fought on the battlefield. That is why we are proud soldiers of Ziaur Rahman,” Abbas said.