United News of Bangladesh

Stating that justice will be the guiding principle of his future government in ensuring the rule of law, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday sought cooperation from all political parties and forces in building a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. Addressing a post-election press conference at a city hotel, the BNP chairman also placed the highest importance on maintaining peace and order in the country, saying law and order must be kept normal at any cost and that no form of violence, retaliation, provocative activities, or wrongdoing will be tolerated. “On the journey toward building a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion,” he said at his first press conference after his party secured a massive election victory. Tarique said while competing against one another, misunderstandings or discord may have arisen in some places during the election. “I urge everyone to ensure that such disputes do not turn into revenge or retaliation.” He called upon all democracy-loving people of the country to contribute to combating corruption, maintaining law and order, and ensuring accountability to the people from their respective positions so that Bangladesh may be established as a safe and humane nation. Mentioning that the country have once again given the mandate to BNP, Tarique said the trust and love that the people have shown toward BNP must now be repaid through tireless and united efforts to improve the quality of life of the country’s citizens. “I thank the BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Despite severe oppression and persecution, you did not leave the streets. You remained steadfast in the struggle to establish democracy. Now it is time to build the nation,” he said. In this journey of rebuilding the country, the BNP chief said each and every one of us must play a responsible role. “We have celebrated this victory of democracy and human rights peacefully and with dignity.” He called upon all BNP leaders and activists across the country to remain calm and vigilant to ensure that no unpleasant incidents occur anywhere in post-election Bangladesh despite numerous provocations, so that no malicious force can exploit the situation to create unrest. He also said even after achieving a landslide victory, Tarique said he instructed BNP and allied party leaders and activists not to hold victory processions, adding that the victory was instead celebrated by offering thanks to Almighty Allah. “Our position is clear. Peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No wrongdoing or unlawful activity will be tolerated. Regardless of party, religion, race, or differing opinions, under no circumstances will attacks by the strong against the weak be accepted. Justice will be our guiding principle,” the BNP Chairman said. He said if the rule of law is not established, all efforts would be in vain and stressed that in upholding the rule of law—whether in government or in opposition and regardless of differing views—the law must be equal for every citizen of Bangladesh, and it would be enforced in accordance with statutory provisions. Tarique congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election. “I congratulate the people of Bangladesh. By overcoming all obstacles, you have paved the way for the establishment of democracy in the country.” “This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy. From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored,” he added. Tarique said they are about to begin their journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions and a deteriorating law and order situation. With people’s spontaneous participation, he said, a parliament and government accountable to the public through direct voting are being re-established in the country after more than one and a half decades. “To ensure that no evil force can re-establish autocracy in the country, and to ensure that the nation is not turned into a subservient state, we must remain united and uphold the will of the people,” the BNP Chairman said. Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. “If both the government and the opposition play responsible roles from their respective positions, democracy will surely take institutional form in the country.” He called upon all democratic political parties that participated in the election, saying that their ideas and perspectives are important in the nation-building process. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” Tarique said, adding that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance. He said a free, fair, and credible election was finally held peacefully in the country, meeting the expectations of the people. The BNP chief extended special thanks to the interim government and the Election Commission, noting that their contribution to holding the long-awaited election will be remembered in the history of democracy. He said BNP presented a framework for repairing the state through discussions with other democratic parties and people across the country, known as the 31-point agenda. After BNP’s sweep, Tarique says ‘we are free’, greets nation “Our election manifesto was formulated based on these 31 points. At the same time, BNP signed the July Charter with a note of dissent on certain issues. We are committed to the people and, Insha’Allah, will gradually implement every promise we have made,” Tarique said. He said the victory of the party is a moment of great joy for BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country, as well as for all democracy-loving citizens. According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls.  Tarique Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the BNP Standing Committee were also present at the press conference.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election, declaring that ‘we all are free from today’. “This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people,” Tarique said at his first press conference following the national election, held at a city hotel. In his opening remarks, the BNP chief thanked voters for overcoming ‘all obstacles’ to pave the way for restoring democracy. “With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, a parliament and government accountable to the people through direct votes are set to be established,” he said, urging unity to ensure that “no force can ever again impose fascism or turn the country into a subservient state.” Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. The BNP chairman called on both the government and opposition to play responsible roles to institutionalise democracy. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” he added, stating that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance. Referring to the country’s ‘fragile economic and constitutional structures’ and a ‘collapsed law and order situation’, Tarique sought cooperation from all quarters in rebuilding the state framework. Reaffirming commitment to implementing the July Charter, he said BNP had presented a state reform outline and later finalised a 31-point agenda through consultations with democratic parties and citizens nationwide. “We are committed to gradually implementing every promise made to the people.” Expressing gratitude to party activists for their years of sacrifice, Tarique urged them to act responsibly. “Your biggest responsibility now is to build the country.” Stressing the importance of rule of law, Tarique Rahman said peace and order must be maintained ‘at any cost’, warning that no wrongdoing or illegal activity would be tolerated. “Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste or opinion, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Law will be applied equally to every citizen in accordance with due process,” he said. Tarique also cautioned against turning electoral rivalries into vengeance. “Misunderstandings may have arisen during competition in the field, but such differences must not turn into revenge or retaliation.” He thanked the interim government, the Election Commission, public administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and polling officials for organising what he described as a fair election. Paying tribute to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique said her absence at a “moment of national joy” was deeply felt. “She fought uncompromisingly against fascism, never yielding to autocracy. On issues concerning the country and the people, she remained steadfast.” Tarique calls for unity to build ‘humane Bangladesh’ Tarique prayed for the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for democracy from the 1971 Liberation War to 2024, and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the July uprising. He sought cooperation from all political forces, expatriate Bangladeshis and democratic communities worldwide in building a ‘safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh’. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s standing committee, as well as local and foreign journalists, were present at the press conference.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on all political forces to stay united and work together to build ‘humane Bangladesh’. He described his party’s landslide victory in the national election as not just a triumph for the BNP, but also a victory for Bangladesh and for pro-democracy forces across the country. At a press conference held at a city hotel, Tarique Rahman also congratulated all 51 political parties that participated in the election. Emphasising the importance of unity, he said, “National unity is strength, division is weakness.” We recognise overall election outcome: Jamaat Ameer   He urged all parties to rise above differences and collaborate for the overall development of Bangladesh. “Time has come for collective efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure a stable, inclusive future for the nation.” According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls.  Tarique Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the BNP Standing Committee were also present at the press conference.

After a resounding victory in the 13th parliamentary election, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will address a press conference this (Saturday) afternoon. The press conference will be held at 3:00pm in the ballroom of Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. This will be Tarique Rahman’s first press conference after returning to the country following nearly one and a half decades abroad and after the BNP’s sweeping victory in the 13th parliamentary election. Tarique Rahman wins both Dhaka-17, Bogura-6 seats According to the unofficial results, the BNP won 209 seats in the parliamentary polls. Tarique Rahman was elected from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the party’s Standing Committee will also remain present at the press conference.  

BNP Standing Committee Member and newly elected MP from Narsingdi-2 Palash constituency, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, on Friday pledged to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to his party by the people over the next five years. Speaking to journalists after visiting his parents’ graves in his native Charnagardi village of Palash upazila before Friday prayers, he said the people of Bangladesh had exercised their right to vote correctly, choosing those who have consistently worked for the welfare and development of the country. “The people have given the responsibility of running the country to BNP, recognising the party’s past contributions to national development,” he said. Dr. Moyeen Khan added that under the leadership of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the party would steer the country towards development and establish Bangladesh in a respectable position globally. “We do politics for the people, not for power. Thursday’s election proved that the people of Bangladesh love BNP,” he said. He later congratulated party leaders and activists on their victory and pledged to work for the development of Palash. Dr. Moyeen Khan secured 92,352 votes, while his nearest rival, Amjad Hossain of Daripalla, received 55,161 votes. Jamaat alliance candidate Md. Golam Sarwar Tushar, contesting under the Shapla Koli symbol, received 19,236 votes.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said their party’s next government will face major challenges in keeping law and order, fighting corruption and boosting the economy. “The biggest challenges for the next government will be to get the economy moving, maintain law and order, control corruption, and ensure justice. These are the challenges,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the international terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from his electoral area in Thakurgaon. He said the BNP, having won a majority of seats in the 13th parliamentary election, will form the next government under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman. According to unofficial results, BNP won 209 out of 299 seats. ‘Joy and sadness together’ Commenting on the election results, Fakhrul described the moment as both joyous and sad. “One part is joy, another part is sadness. Our late chairperson and national leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, could not see this unprecedented victory, which is very sad,” he said.    

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday hoped that the newly formed Jatiya Sangsad would be the most productive law-making house since the country’s independence and take steps to amend the Constitution. He also sought cooperation from people from all walks of life to build the country into a talent-based, technology-driven and knowledge-based state in line with the aspirations of the common people, martyrs and the younger generation. Salahuddin made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists in front of the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan in the afternoon. The BNP leader said the much-awaited national election was held peacefully and in a fair and impartial manner, meeting the expectations of the international community. He said the foundation of a strong democracy had been laid and that the process would continue. Salahuddin said democratic reforms of all state institutions and the desired constitutional reforms would be carried out, as outlined in the party’s 31-point manifesto, on the basis of which the election manifesto was prepared. Mirza Abbas says ‘vote engineering’ failed to override people’s mandate He said the July National Charter had already been signed, marking a political agreement. “This is a document of political consensus. It will be followed to the letter." Salahuddin Ahmed elected in the 13th national election obtaining 222,019 votes, while his nearest Jamaat contestant Abdullah Al Faruk bagged 129,728 votes and Islami Andolan contender Sarwar Alam Kutubi gained 4,528 votes.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday expressed gratitude to his supporters for their affection and for helping secure a landslide victory for his party. “I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me,” he said while talking to people gathered outside his Gulshan residence before leaving for Jum'a prayers. Tarique went to the Bangladesh Navy Headquarters Mosque around noon from his Gulshan residence to offer Jum'a prayers. A crowd of curious supporters gathered outside his home, eager to catch a glimpse of him. Before leaving, Tarique stopped his car, opened the door himself, and interacted with several supporters. Many in the crowd expressed their commitment to stand by him in building a new Bangladesh. In response, the BNP chief thanked them and then proceeded to the mosque. The development comes a day after the 13th parliamentary election held on Thursday. Tarique contested the election from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies and won both seats. According to unofficial results, BNP secured 209 out of 299 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami, which re-emerged as a significant force following the July uprising, won 68 seats.

BNP senior leader and MP-elect from Dhaka-8 Mirza Abbas on Friday said despite extensive attempts at 'vote engineering' by his man rival candidate, they failed to override the people’s mandate. “A certain group tried to divert the people’s votes through cunning tactics, but their attempts ultimately failed against the tide of public support,” he said. Talking to reporters after visiting his family graveyard in Shahjahanpur following Juma prayers, Abbas alleged that a large number of ballots in his favour were unfairly cancelled. He also expressed surprise at the vote count of his nearest rival National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patwary. “They have no real public support, so how did they get so many votes? This clearly shows the manipulation that took place behind the scenes,” he said. Abbas claimed the NCP candidate had prepared for this kind of engineering well before the election. “What I kept saying repeatedly was that they would attempt an engineering. They have done it. At first, we didn’t understand how they did it, but now we do. This is very dangerous for the nation. It is a bad sign. They should not have done it,” he said. When asked about the possibility of a re-count, Abbas said, “Questions about the transparency of the election remain. However, any decision regarding a re-count or related matters lies entirely with the Election Commission. If they consider it necessary, they can take action.” Despite the allegations, he urged BNP activists to remain calm and patient. “I am pleased with BNP’s decisive victory, and the people are happy too. Citizens voted with joy,” Abbas said replying to a question. According to unofficial results of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, Mirza Abbas secured 59,366 votes, while his nearest rival, Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patwary of the NCP, received 54,127 votes.

Calling the election outcome a victory for democracy and Bangladesh, BNP Central Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Friday said the results reflect the aspirations of the country’s people. “This is not just a victory for BNP. It is a victory for democracy. It is a victory for Bangladesh,” he said while talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. Mahdi said they are very confident the democratic transition through the election will ensure a free land again where every citizen’s rights and freedoms will be protected. “BNP is the largest and most popular political party in Bangladesh. The emotions, hopes and feelings of the people are closely connected with this party.” Vote-buying proves Jamaat’s political bankruptcy, code violation: Mahdi Amin Mahdi also said BNP is a party of the masses that believes in empowering the grassroots and upholds Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and nationalism. “The extraordinary love and support people have shown towards this party have been reflected in this election, where we have witnessed an irresistible, overwhelming and decisive victory.”  The BNP leader said their party firmly believes that the strong public confidence and support received by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will be translated into responsible leadership. “We believe the trust, and love that people have shown to our leader, Tarique Rahman—as a prime minister on the future, will ensure the rights and freedoms of every citizen and restore people’s ownership (of the country),” he said. Mahdi also said the next BNP-led government will work to establish a transparent, accountable and people-friendly administration. He said the new government will stand on what he termed a long democratic struggle marked by sacrifices, including enforced disappearances, killings and cases against party activists. “So, Insha’Allah, our leader will fulfill the expectations of the mothers of the martyrs. In the coming Bangladesh, he will change the fate of every person and solve their problems. We believe our leader will ensure the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy remain intact,” Mahdi observed. He also hoped that the future BNP government will work to establish an accountable, transparent and pro-people administration. Replying to a question, Mahdi said the election has marked the completion of a long-awaited democratic transition through free, fair and credible polls. He also expressed gratitude to global leaders who sent congratulatory messages following the election results. “This is a gracious gesture. Our leader will respond to them in due course.” Mahdi Amin said their party remains committed to ensuring inclusive development, protection of human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression as part of its broader vision for the country’s future. According to the unofficial results of Thursday’s 13th parliamentary election, BNP won 209 out of 299 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami, which emerged as a significant force following the July uprising, secured 68 seats. The Election Commission is expected to publish the official results after completing all formal procedures. BNP to take action against rebel candidates: Mahdi Amin