United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described the recent mob attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices as a direct assault on democracy, urging all to unite to resist the evil forces. “The time has now come to stand up and resist… all of you who love Bangladesh must come together. We have to resist this evil force,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at a joint protest meeting organised by the Editors’ Council and Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at a city hotel. Fakhrul bemoaned that the country is now facing a defining moment for democracy and freedom of expression, and said symbolic protest programmes are no longer enough as democracy and freedom of speech are under threat. “Those who want to see Bangladesh as a truly independent and sovereign democratic country must do more than be aware. We must stand and resist now. Only forming human chains or expressing solidarity will not be enough. Everyone who loves Bangladesh must unite with full strength to stop this evil force,” he said. The BNP leader said he has spent his whole life struggling for an independent and democratic Bangladesh, but the present situation does not match the dream he and the freedom fighters fought for. Editors’ Council, NOAB condemn arson attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star. “It is very clear and there is not much left to explain. It is not just The Daily Star or Prothom Alo that has come under attack – it is democracy itself. My right to think freely and my right to speak have come under attack,” he said. The BNP leader also alleged that the spirit of the July movement, which aimed at establishing people’s rights, has also come under attack. Calling for unity beyond political boundaries, Fakhrul said it is time for every democracy-loving person to come together, and those who want to move from darkness to light must unite to make Bangladesh a truly independent, sovereign and democratic nation. Leaders from different political parties, editors, newspaper owners, journalists and civil society members attended the meeting, demanding justice and a proper investigation into the recent mob violence targeting the two media houses.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called for unity in the face of challenging times, asserting that the party has historically saved the country from the brink of destruction and will do so again. Speaking virtually at the inauguration of a digital memorial honouring the martyrs of the July Uprising at Shaheed Titu Auditorium in Bogura, Tarique remembered Sharif Osman Bin Hadi as a fearless soldier of democracy.  Tarique said Hadi believed in the politics of votes and became a candidate to serve the people. Rizvi demands probe, visible punishment over killings, arson “We must work together to build the country and preserve the honour of the martyrs of the July Movement and the Liberation War of 1971,” he said. Tarique emphasised that the country is now free from tyranny, but to make independence meaningful, it must be rebuilt from the rubble. The event drew a large crowd of current and former district BNP leaders. As part of the digital memorial, free Wi-Fi has been introduced in 20 key locations across Bogura, including Satmatha and Government Azizul Haque College, with plans to expand to 40 more locations in phases. District BNP leaders said the initiative aims to keep the sacrifices of martyrs alive for younger generations, allowing citizens to learn about them while contributing to the vision of a digital Bangladesh. Attack on two media outlets is a shame for nation: Salahuddin District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha, Chairperson’s advisors Advocate AKM Mahabubur Rahman and Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, former district president VP Saiful Islam, former convener Golam Md. Siraj, acting general secretary Mosharraf Hossain, and other senior BNP leaders, also present.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday demanded proper investigations and visible punishment for those involved in recent killings and arson and violent attacks at different parts of the country. “A series of secret attacks and killings have created fear and serious questions in people’s minds, which is alarming for the state,” he said while talking to reporters after visiting a burn patient from Lakshmipur at the Burn Institute in the capital this afternoon. Referring to the killing of Osman Hadi and other targeted attacks nationwide, he said, “People want to see visible punishment for such crimes. They want justice.” The BNP leader said it is the responsibility of the government to identify the real offenders through proper investigations. “If there is a lack in this process, people will think differently and become afraid.” The BNP leader said people were also questioning whether there was a bigger conspiracy behind the attacks. “This conspiracy could be linked to the election, or intended to create confusion in many ways. There are even concerns whether any foreign power or their followers at home are trying to destabilise the country,” he pointed out. About the government’s role, Rizvi said, “This government is supported by the people. As a democratically supported government, people expect them to judge the situation carefully and take strong action against the criminals. This is what the nation wants.” BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, its Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam and other senior BNP leaders were present at the hospital.  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday described the recent arson attacks on two leading newspapers as a shame for the nation, questioning the government’s role over the incidents. “The unfortunate incidents that occurred a few days ago, where several leading newspapers in Bangladesh — including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo — were burned and set on fire, have been witnessed by the whole world,” he said. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with editors and senior journalists at a city hotel ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming, Salahuddin said, “As a nation, this is a matter of shame for us. We cannot simply end it with an apology and an expression of regret." The BNP leader said newspapers and the media reflect the conscience and opinion of a nation, shaping public thought and holding power to account. “That mirror has now been shattered,” he said, adding that journalists must not be allowed to lose that vital pride of being that mirror. Salahuddin, a , alleged that the government failed to act despite intelligence warnings following Hadi’s death that such attacks might take place. “There should have been predictions, intelligence reports and preparations to prevent it. We also came to know about those reports. But why was that report not taken into account?” he asked. The BNP leader said they heard that after informing the law-enforcement agencies, the response came one to two hours later. “The role of those who are responsible for running the state and for holding a neutral election — their role in this matter is now questionable.” He also said targeted attacks on the media were not new, and several outlets had faced similar pressure in recent months. “It should have been predicted and assumed. The way mobocracy has been allowed at certain establishments shows that though we wanted democracy, somehow it has turned into mobocracy,” Salahuddin said. He questioned why such a culture was allowed to grow. “I am pointing to the weakness of the government. Such mobocracy must be suppressed more strictly.” After the mass uprising, Salahuddin said that the public’s expectations for the country are very high. “Everyone in Bangladesh wants full democracy, and democracy must be established in all institutions. To achieve this, these institutions need to be strong. Constitutional institutions must be set up to act as guardians of democracy.” He said that many people consider the media the Fourth Estate. “If the people give BNP the responsibility of running the country, our party will fully cooperate with the media. We want to move on from past mistakes, but we must remember what fascist forces have done.” Referring to Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Salahuddin said the public hopes it will strengthen democracy in the country. “We want to use his return to strengthen democracy. We are not trying to empower any individual.” He also said BNP will not support autocracy, whether personal or party-based. The BNP leader emphasised that while the media can provide constructive criticism and understanding, it is vital to prioritise national unity and the country’s interest. He warned about the rise of harmful forces, especially after 5 August, and said that both print and electronic media play a crucial role in keeping the nation informed and united. The meeting was attended by editors, senior journalists, media personalities, and senior BNP leaders.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has announced that he will resign from his post and contest the parliamentary election from Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa) constituency on the paddy sheaf symbol. “I will submit my nomination papers for the parliamentary elections along with everyone. I want to become an MP for the development of the area and for building a terror-free Shailkupa,” he said. He made the remarks at a prayer meeting on Saturday organised by Shailkupa Upazila BNP to pray for the forgiveness of the soul of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP’s chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Md Asaduzzaman said, “We will contest the election on the paddy sheaf. Alhamdulillah, we have been informed about this by the top leadership of BNP. From December 28, I will work with you in the polling field for 24 hours.” Addressing the leaders and activists, he said, “Women activists of a party are going door to door selling tickets to heaven. But we believe that Allah is one and unique. On the Day of Judgment, it will be decided who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. Yet a particular party is selling tickets to heaven in the hope of votes, which is blasphemy. All of you go door to door and dispel this idea among the people.” Upazila BNP General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz, Organizing Secretary Mustafizur Rahman Turki, Co-General Secretary Bablu Mollah and other leaders and activists attended the prayer meeting.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Saturday alleged that a few political parties are trying to fish in troubled waters by holding people hostage to serve their narrow political interests. “The people of this country earned independence in ’71 and secured their right to speak freely in ’24 through immense blood and sacrifice,” he said. Speaking at a workers’ meeting in the capital, the BNP leader also said attempts are now being made to snatch away those rights achieved in 1971 and 2024. “A few political parties are trying to hold the people of Bangladesh hostage to gain political advantage. They want to muddy the waters and fish in them,” he said. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, called upon party leaders, activists and the general public to remain alert to tackle the plots against the country. He warned that any attempt to create unrest in Dhaka city will not be allowed, saying the BNP will resist all such efforts. “Our leader Tarique Rahman announced that he would be coming to Bangladesh… After that announcement, a murder took place, followed by a series of incidents one after another. This means it is a planned design,” Abbas observed. He said such activities were aimed at “snatching away the democratic rights of the people” that were achieved in 1971. “We will not allow those rights to be taken away. We will restore our right to vote at any cost.” The BNP leader also warned against any attempts to disrupt the next election. “Those who try to foil the polls will receive their answer through the election process itself. The election will be held in this country, and it must take place.” The meeting was organised at the Sadeque Hossain Khoka Community Centre in Gopibagh by the Dhaka South City unit of the BNP as part of preparations to welcome Tarique Rahman on his return home on Thursday, ending his nearly 18 years in exile in London. Abbas told the meeting that the return of the BNP Acting Chairman symbolises the return of democracy to Bangladesh. “He is coming to restore democracy. Do not be misled by what others say.” Mirza Abbas calls attack on Hadi part of wider conspiracy In an oblique reference to Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the party does not want Bangladesh to remain peaceful as it had opposed the country’s birth. “Those who do not wish well for the country and do not love it may look like human beings, but they are devils in human form. They opposed Pakistan in 1947 and opposed Bangladesh in 1971. They do not want peace in the country. Even if they remain silent for some time, their claws and poisonous fangs grow again. Their activities are systematic and continuous,” the BNP leader said. He said undemocratic forces will not be able to survive in the face of democracy and warned those engaged in conspiracy to be cautious as the people of the country knew them well. “Several newspaper offices and a number of institutions were torched and burned down. Who are these people? Do they love the country? They are enemies of the nation and enemies of the country. They must be stopped,” Abbas said. He also criticised the government and law enforcement agencies for failing to prevent arson attacks and mob violence. “When we went to meet the head of this government, we repeatedly said that we had extended a hand of cooperation to you. But you did not accept that hand of cooperation,” the BNP leader said. He also alleged that the interim government was siding with anti-Bangladesh forces working to destroy the country. “So many incidents are happening—where are the arrests? Where are the law enforcement agencies? They are nowhere to be seen on the ground.” The meeting was chaired by Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin. Candidates and leaders from several Dhaka constituencies, including Nabi Ullah Nabi, Ishraque Hossain, Hamidur Rahman Hamid, Habibur Rashid Habib and Sheikh Robiul Alam, also addressed the programme.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed deep shock over the death of AK Khandker Bir Uttam, a key hero of the Bangladesh Liberation War and former planning minister. In a condolence message, Fakhrul said, “I deeply sympathise with the bereaved family of AK Khandker over his demise.” He recalled that late AK Khandker, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, was the first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force and played a brave and heroic role during the Liberation War of 1971. For his exceptional contribution to the war, Fakhrul said AK Khandker was awarded the ‘Bir Uttam’ title and the Independence Award in 2011. “He will always be remembered by the nation for his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War and the freedom of our motherland. His devoted role in protecting the country’s sovereignty and independence will remain an exemplary legacy,” the BNP leader said. Mirza Fakhrul falls ill “I am deeply saddened by his passing and pray to Almighty Allah to grant him a place in Jannah and give patience to his grieving family,” he added. The BNP Secretary General also prayed for the eternal peace of AK Khandker’s soul and expressed profound sympathy to his family, admirers and well-wishers.    

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday urged vigilance to prevent the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from being politically exploited to create chaos. “We have strongly condemned this brutal killing. But fallen fascist forces or anyone trying to disrupt the election must not be allowed to use this incident for political gain. Everyone must remain vigilant,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while talking to reporters before attending Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza. He also called upon the people of the country to remain alert to prevent any conspiracy aimed at delaying or disrupting the upcoming election. Later, on behalf of BNP, Salahuddin along with party Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and many other leaders and activists attended the janaza of martyr Osman Hadi. Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza was held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday afternoon. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, advisers, leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Inquilab Moncho, National Citizens Party (NCP), and chiefs of the three services were, among others, present. Mirza Fakhrul falls ill Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir suddenly fell ill on Friday night and is currently receiving treatment at home. “The BNP Secretary General developed a viral infection (fever) late Friday night. Following doctors’ advice, he is receiving treatment at home,” BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Saturday. He also said Fakhrul is resting as per his doctor’s instructions. BNP pays homage to Osman Hadi Fakhrul attended an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee on Friday night and later briefed journalists on the decisions taken at the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan

Strongly denouncing the wave of violent attacks at different parts of the the country, including those targeting media houses, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night alleged that a long-identified vested quarter is deliberately trying to push Bangladesh into chaos to establish 'a new form of fascism'. Speaking at a press conference after an emergency meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also condemned the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and urged the pace-loving political and social forces to unite to foil all attempts to obstruct the democratic transition. “Inquilab Moncho Chief Sharif Osman Hadi died prematurely while undergoing medical treatment in Singapore. We strongly condemn and express our deep abhorrence over this cowardly killing. We once again demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and that they be brought to justice without delay,” Fakhrul said. Following this tragic death, Fakhrul said, a group of unruly people carried out arson attacks late last night on the offices of several newspapers, including Prothom Alo and the English daily The Daily Star. The BNP leader said these attacks seriously endangered the lives of journalists who were on duty at the two newspaper offices. He also said an attack was carried out on Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age and president of the Editors’ Council, describing him as a prominent and courageous journalist involved in the anti-fascist July movement and other democratic movements in the country. Besides, Fakhrul said, various cultural institutions, including Chhayanaut, were also attacked. “We strongly condemn and express our deep hatred for these heinous acts. These incidents prove that a long-identified vested quarter wants to push the country towards anarchy in a planned manner. They are trying to create a new form of fascism by destroying our voting and democratic rights earned through immense bloodshed,” he said. Fakhrul lamented that these activities are being carried out openly, right under the nose of the government. “People also believe that the government’s role has not been satisfactory. As a result, the country’s image abroad is being damaged,” he said. The BNP leader said almost all political parties have protested against Hadi’s killing and are putting pressure on the government to arrest the killers and ensure justice. “In this situation, we believe that these disgraceful attacks are part of a conspiracy to create uncertainty around the upcoming national election and to obstruct the process of democratic transition,” Fakhrul said. On behalf of the peace-loving people of the country, he said BNP wants to warn those despicable conspirators that it will not allow anyone to destroy the country won at the cost of so much blood. The BNP leader urged all democratic, political and social forces to remain united against anarchy created by vested quarter. “This evil force must be resisted through unity. There is no alternative now but for all political and social forces opposed to chaos to unite in order to resist this conspiracy. Through such unity, we ensured the fall of fascism and secured an interim government and a national election. In continuation of that struggle, we once again call upon all patriotic forces to unite,” he said. Fakhrul cited a series of violent incidents following Hadi’s death, including attacks on the Indian High Commission office and its staff residences in Khulna and Chattogram, arson and vandalism at Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices in Dhaka and Rajshahi, vandalism and arson at Dhanmondi 32, the Chhayanaut office and the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, the destruction of shops in Uttara, attacks on the house of an Awami League leader, the killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh over allegations of religious desecration, vandalism and arson at the residence of late Chattogram mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury and the house of former minister Bir Bahadur, and the attack on New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. Hadi, a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election from the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan, Dhaka. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he passed away on Thursday night.