United News of Bangladesh

Amid growing discussion and speculation surrounding his resignation as Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister, BNP Central Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary and MP from Rangamati-299 Dipen Dewan on Tuesday broke his silence on the issue and reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In a statement posted on his official Facebook profile, addressing the people of the three hill districts, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, Dewan said he was fully aware of the emotions, concerns and reactions generated among various sections of society following his resignation from the ministerial post. Extending greetings to the people of the region in different languages, he urged all communities in the CHT to remain calm, patient and committed to maintaining law and order as well as communal harmony. “I sincerely call upon all indigenous, Bengali and other communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to remain peaceful, exercise patience and uphold harmony. Please do not be misled by any provocation, confusion or conflict. Let us preserve an atmosphere of mutual respect, compassion and goodwill,” he said. Dewan said the Chittagong Hill Tracts belong to all its inhabitants and that safeguarding the region’s development, stability and peace is a shared responsibility. “I hope that fraternity, harmony and mutual trust among all people, regardless of ethnic identity, will grow stronger,” he added. Recalling his family’s political legacy, Dewan said his father had served as an adviser to former President Ziaur Rahman. “The ideals, patriotism and commitment to public welfare demonstrated by former President Ziaur Rahman have been a source of inspiration in my political life,” he said. Dewan said he joined BNP under the leadership and guidance of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and had remained a dedicated party activist throughout his political career. “I want to state clearly that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is the home of my political ideals. I wish to dedicate the rest of my life to this beloved party, its ideals and the welfare of the people,” he said. “Under any personal or political circumstances, my loyalty and commitment to the party will remain unchanged. I will never leave this party,” he added. Dewan stressed that public welfare should always take precedence over individual interests and again called upon the people of the hill districts to remain united for the sake of peace, harmony and development. “There may be differences of opinion, but there should be no division; there may be competition, but there should be no conflict,” he said. He expressed hope that all communities in the three hill districts would continue to live peacefully, benefit from development and help transform the region into a model of harmony, stability and peace. Concluding his statement, Dewan expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership and said he wanted to contribute to building a new Bangladesh under his guidance. “I am fully confident in the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and want to move forward under his leadership in building a new Bangladesh,” he said. “I once again declare in a firm voice that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is my final destination.” Dewan submitted his resignation from the post of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister on June 1, citing physical illness as the reason. His resignation has since sparked discussion and speculation in political circles.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said excessive regulation remains the biggest obstacle to doing business and attracting investment in Bangladesh, stressing that the government is committed to removing unnecessary regulatory complexities. “If there is any major barrier for businesses in Bangladesh, it is that Bangladesh is an overregulated country,” he said while speaking at a programme titled “Pre-Budget Roundtable 2026” organised by Dhaka Forum at a hotel in the capital's Banani area. Budget to address rising poverty, expand economic opportunities: Amir Khosru The minister said the government is fully aware of the need for deregulation and has placed special emphasis on reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles in the upcoming budget. “We have focused on deregulation in the budget. The current government is business-friendly, and the budget will contain a number of structural directives aimed at removing complexities and excessive controls to create a better business environment,” he said. Emphasising the need to involve every citizen in economic activities, Khosru said the government is committed to ensuring broader economic participation. “Everyone will be part of economic empowerment. We are placing strong emphasis on the full digitalisation of tax collection. We are aware of the various challenges and are working to address them,” he said. The finance minister also said the government plans to simplify licensing and certification procedures to make it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to operate. “We will take centralised decisions to remove complexities related to licences and certifications for businesses and entrepreneurs. We will announce our decisions as quickly as possible.” Referring to public projects undertaken in previous years, he said many unnecessary projects had been approved despite lacking clear justification. “There are projects that were simply not needed. Some of them are already 50 to 60 percent complete. We are evaluating everything,” he said. Khosru said the government will strengthen transparency in project planning in the future, assess the necessity of proposed projects more rigorously, and prioritise approving projects that generate employment opportunities. “We will ensure greater transparency in project formulation and approve projects that contribute to job creation and economic growth,” he added.

Around 1200 leaders and activists of the Awami League joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday. The joining ceremony was held at Jangal Bazar area under Nijra Union of Gopalganj Sadar upazila, where the new members formally joined the BNP by presenting flowers to Gopalganj-2 lawmaker Dr KM Babor. MP Babor said around 1,200 Awami League leaders and activists from Gopalganj Sadar upazila joined the party at the event. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies were present there. Dr Babor said BNP is playing an important role in fulfilling public expectations in the current political reality. He said the party would welcome experienced and popular individuals from other political parties and ensure them due respect within the organisation. The newly joined leaders said they decided to join BNP with the aim of promoting development, establishing democratic values and securing people's rights. They also pledged to work actively to implement the party’s ideals and programmes. The development has generated mixed reactions among different political circles in Gopalganj district.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged people to remain vigilant against any attempts to destabilise the country. “A vested quarter is trying to create unrest at a time when the government has begun implementing its agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. We are moving forward under his leadership. You must remain alert so that we are not misled again while working to rebuild the nation,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a large civic reception organised by residents of the newly formed Ruhia upazila at Ruhia High School ground in Thakurgaon as the chief guest. Expressing concern over growing drug addiction among young people, he called for a social movement against narcotics. “It is painful to see many of our youths becoming addicted to drugs. Drug abuse can destroy a nation. We must free ourselves from this menace. I urge our young people to stay away from drugs and build a social movement against addiction,” he said. “We assumed responsibility amid many difficulties. We are grateful to people for their trust and support. I thank people of all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians—whose support has enabled me to serve,” he said. Referring to what he described as a positive development for Bangladesh, Fakhrul said the country has achieved a rare honour under Tarique Rahman’s leadership through its election to a key position at the United Nations General Assembly. He said Bangladesh would continue working to address its challenges though solutions would not come overnight.“You will have to be patient. We are trying to solve all problems step by step,” he said. Highlighting the government's initiatives, Fakhrul said the administration, which has been in office for only three months, has already begun implementing several commitments made by Tarique Rahman. “We have launched the Family Card programme, started work on the Farmer Card initiative and initiated canal excavation projects. We are trying to fulfil every commitment that was made,” he said.

Road Transport, Bridges, Rail and Waterways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has always pursued people-oriented politics and never hadto seek apology from the public, unlike some other political parties. “BNP never had to apologise in that way. BNP has always reflected public aspirations and therefore never had to seek forgiveness from the people for its politics or governance. Whenever people got the opportunity to vote, they voted for BNP,” he said. The minister made the remarks at a doa mahfil organised in Kalabagan in the capital in observance of the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Referring to the political history of the country, Sheikh Robiul Alam alleged that the Awami League had established a one-party rule in Bangladesh similar to that of Yahya Khan. “The democratic Bangladesh we see today was shaped through the contributions of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman,” he said. He said Ziaur Rahman had founded the BNP to establish a nationalist political philosophy suitable for the people of the country. “The leader is no longer with us, but his ideals remain, and so do the soldiers of those ideals,” he added. The minister said the country is still facing challenges and warned that forces associated with political misconduct and authoritarianism remained active. “The crisis is not over yet. Political irregularities are still ongoing. Those who once established authoritarian rule and those who may attempt to do so again must be cautious,” he said. He further said that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had begged for votes from the public in 1996, while Jamaat-e-Islami had recently asked voters to forgive its past mistakes and support the party in elections. The minister reiterated that BNP has always reflected public aspirations and therefore never had to seek forgiveness from the people for its politics or governance. He urged party leaders and activists to strengthen public trust, uphold the party’s image and work closely with people to implement the government’s commitments. He also called on BNP activists to serve as a bridge between the government and the public and help realise people’s expectations.

BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Md Rafiqul Islam on Monday visited Hannan Molla, the father of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter who was raped and killed at Pallabi, at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in the capital. Hospital sources said Hannan Molla was taken to the hospital by family members after he developed health complications. He is currently under observation at the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) under the supervision of Prof Dr Md Toufiqur Rahman Faruque with suspected heart-related complications. Following the news of his hospitalisation, Rafiqul Islam visited him at the hospital and spoke with the family members as well as the attending physicians. He also inquired after his condition from Dr Toufiqur Rahman and requested the hospital authorities to ensure the best possible treatment. During preliminary examinations, doctors reportedly found potassium deficiency, and he may be suffering from viral pericarditis, according to medical suspicion. Doctors said his condition is currently stable, but further tests are required to determine his detailed health status.

LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of  Kofil Uddin, Vice-President of Dhaka district BNP. In a condolence message, Fakhrul said Kofil Uddin was deeply committed to the ideals and philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi nationalism. He said Kofil Uddin played a strong role in strengthening and making Dhaka district BNP more dynamic. Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable: Fakhrul He also actively participated in various democratic movements under the leadership of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The BNP Secretary General prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members. Kofil Uddin, also owner of Hanif Paribahan and Savar Upazila Parishad Chairman,died on Sunday.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday warned that no one will escape the consequences if fascism re-emerges in the country through any loophole. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a food distribution programme organised by the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Rickshaw, Van and Auto Drivers' Dal at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Jamaat shelters ‘covert extortionists’, uses religious terms to mask extortion: Rizvi “If fascism rises its head again through any loophole, it will put us in danger, and none of you will be escape the consequences either,” said Rizvi, also prime minister’s political adviser. He said the country's independence and sovereignty will be at risk and democracy will be buried if such a situation emerges, urging all to remain alert. Pointing to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, the BNP leader said they are talking about forgiving Awami League. “You joined hands with them in movements against BNP in 1994, 1995 and 1996. What was the consequence? Your leaders were executed. The consequences of such misplaced affection were devastating,” he said. Describing BNP as a party committed to creating employment rather than unemployment, he said the party, from the time of Ziaur Rahman until now, has always worked to generate jobs. “Under the leadership of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, no one in the country will remain unemployed in the future,” Rizvi said. He said employment opportunities will expand through various initiatives. The BNP leader described Ziaur Rahman as the pioneer of overseas employment and the garment industry in Bangladesh. He further said Ziaur Rahman had excavated around 1,600 miles of canals across the country to address water shortages during the dry season and counter water-related challenges from neighbouring countries. “As a result, agricultural and food production increased.” Highlighting Tarique Rahman’s welfare-oriented politics, Rizvi said the previous government had ignored the concerns of hawkers, whereas the current government believes rehabilitation must come before eviction. Referring to the proposed Padma Barrage project, he said the Prime Minister had not bowed to any dominant foreign power, noting that the project will help ensure water security and generate electricity. “If implemented, the barrage will produce 113 megawatts of electricity. At the same time, rivers will be revived, creating a revolution in fisheries and agriculture. It is a patriotic project,” the BNP senior joint secretary general said. Expressing concern over what he described as the spread of “mob culture”, he alleged that anti-social trends were being promoted in the name of civil liberties. He also alleged that conspiracies are being hatched against the government. Among others, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam and Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal Convener Abul Kalam Azad addressed the programme.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable, adding that the country's Liberation War began with Zia’s declaration of independence and that he later played a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation. “Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable. They cannot be separated. Through Ziaur Rahman’s declaration, the Liberation War of Bangladesh began and through that war Bangladesh emerged as a new state before the world,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while presiding over a discussion at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. He said that after independence, people placed their trust in Ziaur Rahman and turned to him when they were searching for new leadership. “As an expression of the people’s confidence in him, he was entrusted with the responsibility of rebuilding the country through a soldiers-and-people revolution. The first phase was the struggle for independence and the second was the reconstruction of the nation,” Fakhrul said. Describing Ziaur Rahman’s emergence as a remarkable phenomenon, Fakhrul said the BNP founder appeared before the nation at critical moments of history. “It may be called a miraculous event that at every crucial moment this man emerged. In 1971, when people were confused and directionless, Major Zia’s call awakened the nation,” he said. “Again in 1975, when the country was in a similar situation, Major General Zia once more awakened and united the nation,” he added. Fakhrul highlighted various initiatives taken under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, including post-war reconstruction, the promotion of Bangladeshi nationalism, the formation of what he described as a cabinet consisting of the country’s most capable individuals, the introduction of multi-party democracy, national unity and various economic reforms. Referring to ongoing political discussions about reforms, Fakhrul said BNP itself had introduced major reforms in the country. “Nowadays a political force talks only about reforms. They say we do not believe in reforms or implement reforms. But BNP itself gave birth to reforms,” he said. He said Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy after a one-party system of governance and carried out fundamental changes in the political structure of the country. “He ensured freedom of the media, judicial independence and established democratic institutions. These were major reforms and fundamental transformations,” Fakhrul said. The programme was moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. Among others, BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Dhaka North BNP Convener Aminul Haque, Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Moni and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib spoke at the event. Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed, National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Md Lutfor Rahman and Bangladesh Open University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dil Rowshan Jinnat Ara Naznin also spoke, highlighting different aspects of Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions. The programme began with a one-minute silence in memory of Ziaur Rahman, followed by prayers seeking eternal peace for his departed soul.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of providing shelter to “covert extortionists” and attempting to disguise extortion through the use of religious terminology. He made the allegation while speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Responding to recent allegations of extortion raised by Jamaat leaders, Rizvi, also political adviser to the prime minister, urged them to look into their own organisation first. “They are making big statements about extortion. They should first look at themselves,” he said. Referring to media reports, he alleged that two Jamaat leaders, identified as Jahangir and Rabiul, were caught while extracting sand from the Feni River in Mirsharai of Chattogram. The BNP leader also claimed that a Jamaat leader had allegedly taken money from people by promising relief from a legal case in Feni. “I have given only one or two examples. This indicates that Jamaat provides shelter to such activities,” he said. He further alleged that Jamaat uses Arabic terms to avoid directly describing extortion. “You use Arabic words. Instead of calling it extortion, you call it ‘hadiyabaji’ or ‘iyanatbaji’ and try to cover it up with Arabic terminology,” he said. Rizvi claimed there were numerous examples of threats and intimidation linked to such activities. He said political parties may have individuals who engage in wrongdoing, but the key issue is whether the party takes action against them, claiming that BNP had taken disciplinary action against hundreds of leaders and activists accused of misconduct following August 5, 2024 changeover. “Our party Chairman and Prime Minister took a strong stance. Hundreds were expelled, relieved of duties or served show-cause notices. No one was spared, from influential leaders to grassroots activists,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that many Jamaat leaders and members at different organisational levels had also faced accusations of extortion and that the party had taken action only after such incidents appeared in newspapers. “How have you become angels? How have you become so completely pure? Those who have not been caught are still within your party,” he said. Rizvi claimed Jamaat was making such remarks because it expects to come to power in the future but had failed to understand the mindset of the Bangladeshi people. He said people do not support what he described as Jamaat’s “business in the name of religion”. Addressing JASAS leaders and activists, Rizvi emphasised the importance of promoting Bangladesh’s indigenous cultural heritage while also embracing positive cultural achievements from around the world. “We study world philosophy, European philosophy and listen to good music from Europe and other countries. There is nothing wrong with that,” he added. The BNP senior joint secretary general said nationalist forces and their cultural organisations have a responsibility to resist any attempt by foreign or aggressive powers to undermine Bangladesh’s indigenous cultural identity and strength. The discussion was chaired by JASAS Joint Convener Anisul Islam Sani and moderated by Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon. Among others, BNP Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal Convener Abul Kalam Azad, and JASAS leaders Liaquat Ali Lucky, Ferdous Fakir, Javed Ahmed Kislu, Khaleduzzaman Jewel, Farhad Hossain Nion and Rafiza Alam Lucky spoke at the programme.