United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of the Australian Parliament for speaking out on democracy, human rights and electoral integrity in Bangladesh, saying their position echoes the hopes and concerns of millions of Bangladeshis. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 15), he said, “Many Bangladeshis, including myself, extend our sincere appreciation to the Australian parliamentarians who have spoken with clarity and conscience on the issues of democracy, human rights, and electoral integrity in Bangladesh. Their thoughtful intervention reflects a deep commitment to universal democratic principles and to the wellbeing of the Bangladeshi people.” Across Bangladesh, the BNP leader said many citizens are expressing genuine concern about political uncertainty, security, and the need for an electoral process in which every voice can be heard without fear or restriction. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation “These concerns come from ordinary people who wish only for stability, justice, and the opportunity to choose their future through a peaceful and credible democratic process,” he said. At this pivotal moment, Tariaue said the call from Australian MPs to ensure the safety, dignity, and political rights of all election participants resonates strongly with the hopes of Bangladeshis at home. “Their message acknowledges what millions have been saying for months: that democracy is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and safeguarded from violence or intimidation,” he said. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin The BNP leader also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia for their role in raising these issues internationally, noting their contributions to Australian society and their continuing commitment to Bangladesh. “Their advocacy, driven by love for their homeland, has helped ensure that the challenges and aspirations of Bangladeshis are understood globally,” he said. Tarique also said Australia and Bangladesh share long-standing ties based on respect and cooperation. He thanked the Australian representatives who have expressed solidarity, saying their support highlights the collective global commitment to democracy. Tarique’s 31-point plan offers path to democratic revival: Ndileka Mandela “When nations come together, we can encourage one another toward peace, justice, and progress,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that if the BNP returns to power, it will take steps to ensure a more business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs across the country. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at the Faridpur Divisional Business Forum meeting, chaired by BNP’s Faridpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid Islam. The BNP leader said that Bangladesh’s politics and economy have long functioned under a patronage system, where economic power became concentrated in the hands of a few people. “If we want to come out of that system, we cannot democratize the economy by simply offering concessions while leaving the core structure untouched,” he said. He added that the BNP’s new slogan is “democratizing the economy.” “To revive the economy, all citizens must have equal opportunity to participate in economic activities,” he said. “The benefits of those activities must reach everyone. A level playing field should be created in business and trade so that all entrepreneurs can participate equally. Investment procedures must be simplified, ensuring that investors can engage in business without unnecessary suffering.” The meeting was also addressed by BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Shahzada Mia, Krishak Dal Central General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, prominent businessman Jahangir Hosne Mia, District BNP Convener Modarres Ali Icha, Nayab Yusuf, Farian Yusuf, and other business leaders from Greater Faridpur.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday questioned why voters will not have the option to say ‘No’ if they disagree with any of the four questions in the proposed national referendum. “We have seen that there are four questions, and voters must answer either yes or no. But there is no space to say ‘no’. If I disagree with any of the four questions, where will I write ‘no’? This gap has not been addressed in the referendum process,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks after providing financial assistance to ailing radio artiste Afroza Nezami on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in the city’s Shyamoli area, at an event organised by ‘Amra BNP Paribar’. He said the referendum process lacks a clear option for rejecting any question, and experts have also raised the same concerns. “If someone cannot agree with a question, there must be a clear and visible space on the ballot to reject it. But this provision is missing.” The BNP leader said anything done in a hurried or unclear way does not last. “For any national process to be sustainable, it must be clear, strong and understandable to at least 90 percent of the people. If people do not understand the purpose of the referendum, they will remain confused, and the whole effort will lose meaning.” He said the spirit of the July Charter should be explained in simple terms so that ordinary people can understand it. Rizvi said people need food, shelter, healthcare for the sick, and education for their children. “These are the first conditions for any charter. The July Charter should have been presented in a way that the whole nation could understand why the referendum is needed.” He said the government must clearly explain the goals, the legal process, and why the referendum is necessary. “People are asking these questions today, and that is why we are raising them before you.” The BNP leader said the main spirit of the July Revolution was to build a Bangladesh where no fascist force rises again, where opposition parties can speak freely, and citizens can live safely. Accusing the government of allowing the situation to become unstable, he said the country is being pushed into a murky situation as the fallen dictator is sitting abroad and organising violence and carrying out subversive acts. “Arson attacks in Dhaka and Gazipur have shown this clearly.” Rizvi alleged that such arson violence is the ‘culture of the Awami League’, not BNP. “When we called hartals for restoring democracy, they would try to blame BNP by committing arson themselves. Youth League and Chhatra League members were caught red-handed many times.” He said the recent arson incidents show who is responsible for the arson violence in the past as well. “This is their culture — a fascist culture.” Rizvi said the interim government must ensure a free, fair and peaceful national election in the first week of February. “Everyone must remain alert and aware.” Replying to a question about Jamaat and some other parties’ threat to continue their movement for PR and referendums before the national election, Rizvi said talks are the best way to resolve problems. “But giving any programme that looks like a ‘point of no return’ is not right at this moment. Our country needs to grow democratically. In democracy, there is no ‘point of no return’. Democracy allows discussion, criticism, and protest — all of these. But if you reach a point of no return, democracy collapses,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (November 15) said his party will give top priority to resolving longstanding water-sharing disputes and stopping what he described as ‘Indian hegemony’ with Bangladesh. Talking to reporters after inspecting a rubber dam built on the Mahananda River in Chapainawabganj, Fakhrul said issues related to the Teesta and Farakka, fair water shares, and border killings will be among top priorities if their party is elected to power. Ensuring Bangladesh’s fair share of water and stopping border killings are priorities of BNP’s politics, he asserted. Read more: Global democracies push for fair election in Bangladesh: Khosru Fakhrul said India, as a neighbouring country, has every opportunity to maintain good relations with Bangladesh. “During the Liberation War in 1971, India stood by us. They should extend even greater cooperation now. But unfortunately, we have witnessed the opposite. The Modi government has put pressure on Bangladesh, taken everything, and given us nothing. That was the failure of the Awami League government,” he added. “The relations must be on the basis of equal footing. Our national interests must come first,” Fakhrul added. The BNP secretary general arrived in Chapainawabganj to join a mass rally organised as part of the ‘Save the Padma, Save the Country; Bangladesh First’ campaign. Read more: BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations amid grassroots unrest

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said their party will restore ‘absolute faith and trust in the Almighty Allah’ in the Constitution’s preamble and in the fundamental principles of state policy if it returns to power. “Our leader and martyred President Ziaur Rahman was the first to add ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ to the Constitution of Bangladesh. It is still there. Many tried to remove it, but they could not,” he said while speaking at the International Khatme Nubuwwat Grand Council at Suhrawardy Udyan. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said Ziaur Rahman also included ‘full trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ in the Constitution’s preamble and in Article 8 of the fundamental principles of state policy. “You know that it has been removed … Do you want us to restore it?...InshaAllah, we will restore it (if we are voted to power),” he told the large gathering. The phrase ‘absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ was added to the Constitution through the Fifth Amendment during Ziaur Rahman’s rule, replacing ‘secularism’ as a fundamental principle. But it was removed in the 15th Amendment in 2011, which reinstated secularism as a state principle, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the Fifth Amendment illegal. Referring to various demands raised at the gathering, including the demand to declare members of the Ahmadiyya community (often referred to as Qadianis) as non-Muslims, he said their party would take steps to address these demands by placing them in Parliament. “If Allah grants us the responsibility to run the state, and if the people support us, and if you all — the Islamic scholars and alem-ulema — help us, we will address your demands. The proposals raised here today will be discussed in Parliament, and necessary legal steps will be taken, InshaAllah,” he added. The BNP leader also urged political parties, Islamic scholars and citizens to remain united to materialise these demands. “For this proposal to be adopted, everyone must remain united. Everyone in the National Parliament must be united, and all Muslims across Bangladesh must be united. InshaAllah, we will accept your proposal. As I said earlier, those who are not on the side of the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) cannot be Muslims.” The Ahmadiyya community was founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. They believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Promised Messiah of the latter days. They also believe in the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) as the Seal of the Prophets, but hold that a prophet can come after him as a reformer. Salahuddin said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had declared that he is the final Prophet and Messenger. “Anyone claiming prophethood after him falls outside the teachings of the Prophet. We became Muslims by believing in the finality of prophethood. As citizens of Bangladesh, we take pride in our national identity, but the unity of the global Muslim community is our strength,” he said. Referring to global conflicts, including in Palestine and the suffering of Rohingya Muslims, the BNP leader said Muslims around the world are facing persecution because of division and weakness.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman Ripon on Friday warned that any activity or programme in the name of Awami League (AL), which he described as a ‘banned entity,’ will be considered as illegal. He made the remarks while addressing journalists at a discussion and cultural programme marking the birth and death anniversary of national awakening poet Golam Mostofa in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district. The attorney general said the victorious forces of the July uprising will determine the outcome of future referendums and shape Bangladesh’s path. He said that the forces victorious in the 1971 liberation war framed the constitution of 1972, and the 1990 movement restored democracy in the country. He warned that the government and law enforcement agencies would lawfully confront any anarchy linked to the AL, particularly over the verdict of genocide cases. Highlighting the poet’s legacy, Asaduzzaman said the poet’s works reflect the life, consciousness, and struggle of Bengali Muslims. No legal barrier to implementing July Charter: AG Asaduzzaman He added that studying Mostofa’s creations helps Bangladeshis uphold their struggle, rights, heritage, and egalitarian ideals. Prominent personalities including Mia Mosharraf Hossain and the poet’s son, renowned artist Mostofa Monowar, were honoured at the event.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said no imposed law, order or forced proposal can be allowed to interfere with the sovereignty of the National Parliament. “We do not want the sovereignty of the National Parliament to be undermined in any way. That is why we will not allow any imposed law, order or coercive proposal to interfere with Parliament’s sovereignty,” he said. Speaking at a pre-march silent rally at Shahbagh, Salahuddin said Parliament is the country’s only sovereign House, representing the people. “Only the members elected by the people can exercise that sovereign authority. In Bangladesh, he said, discussions or proceedings of Parliament cannot be challenged in court. “We repeat that no proposal or imposed measure can be allowed to dictate or undermine the sovereignty of that National Parliament.” Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said their party welcomes the proposal to hold a referendum on the same day as the next national election, saying it would save time and cost and allow greater voter participation. “But a referendum cannot be used to enact laws or amend the Constitution. For that, a National Parliament must be formed. We want the national election to be held in the first half of February. We want to exercise our right to vote, and the people of this country are eager to cast their votes freely and enthusiastically,” he said. Referring to the July National Charter, Salahuddin reiterated that BNP is committed to implementing the charter exactly as it was written and signed on October 17. The rally titled “Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: Conscious Society Ready to Resist” was organised by the Women and Children Rights Forum in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh. After the rally, women participants covered their faces with black cloths and held a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Salahuddin accused a certain religious political party of exploiting religion for political gain. “There is a party that does business in the name of religion, engages in political business, and wants to win votes by selling different kinds of ‘tickets to heaven’. Women are now being oppressed at their hands.” BNP thanks Prof Yunus for reaffirming Feb election, same-day referendum He said this party wants to confine women to their homes, keep half the population in darkness, and block women’s progress. “They are calling for reduced working hours for women, claiming it will prevent inconvenience in employment. But reducing working hours will actually harm women’s employment. If working hours are cut, many offices, institutions and factories will hesitate to hire women. Employment will decrease, not increase,” the BNP leader warned. Salahuddin said women must have the opportunity to work with dignity and prove their skills through full employment. “Those calling for reduced working hours have bad intentions. They want women confined. They do not want society to progress.” He observed that the country can move forward only if both men and women progress equally and if their safety, dignity and opportunities are ensured in all sectors. Salahuddin said BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for women based on its 31-point agenda, covering education, employment, security and housing. He strongly condemned the recent assault on BNP women activists in Rajshahi, who were allegedly beaten and humiliated by supporters of a religious party. The BNP leader also criticised the case filed against a teacher of Jahangirnagar University for comments made during a talk show. “Her words offended a fanatical group, and they filed a case. We want a society where everyone is equal, without divisions based on religion, ethnicity, caste, culture or language.” Salahuddin said ensuring equal rights for all citizens is the true spirit of democracy, independence and sovereignty. “Our only identity should be that we are citizens of Bangladesh. There should be no majority–minority divisions or cultural or linguistic discrimination.” Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin He said the July uprising and past movements were aimed at building such a Bangladesh, and the fight must continue to establish a strong democratic state free from discrimination. The rally was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member and Forum convener Selima Rahman and conducted by member secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Jahangirnagar University Professor Mehrin Islam Khan, PSC member Professor Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, former MPs Shirin Sultana, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Bilkis Islam and Mayer Daak platform coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others, spoke the programme.

BNP on Thursday thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the next national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will take place on the same day. “The BNP Standing Committee, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will be held on the same day in his address to the nation,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Fakhrul said the meeting urged the government and the Election Commission to make all necessary preparations to hold the national election as soon as possible, along with the referendum to seek public approval of the July National Charter signed on October 17, 2025. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter would be held on the same day. BNP not to take responsibility if CA goes beyond signed charter: Khosru In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals in the charter and, subsequently, forming a Constitution Reform Council,” he said.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the national election scheduled for February 2026 can lead to the formation of a truly representative parliament that will discuss and resolve people’s unsettled issues and set a clear roadmap for the nation’s future. “I want to emphasise that there will be disagreements and not everyone will agree on everything. The Chief Adviser’s address may seem acceptable to many, but differences of opinion can still exist,” he said. Speaking at a dialogue on the election, the BNP leader said the interim government has already announced that the election will be held in February 2026 to elect a parliament representing the people. “The main point is that this parliament will be able to discuss and resolve the people’s unresolved issues and set out a clear roadmap for the country’s progress within a specific timeframe,” he added. Fakhrul said since people are the true owners of the state, their representatives in parliament must guide the way forward. “But if we fail to elect that parliament and instead a few individuals or intellectuals try to impose their views, we must consider how acceptable that will be to the people.” The Foundation of Strategic and Development Studies arranged the dialogue titled ‘National Parliamentary Election 2026: The Necessity for National Unity’ at a city hotel. Fakhrul spoke about Bangladesh’s long struggle for democracy, recalling that the nation has paid heavily for democracy but has rarely had the opportunity to practise it properly. “Since the Pakistan period, democracy here has been repeatedly disrupted and weakened…democracy has never truly been practised in this country, and that is why today we see so much mistrust, anxiety and instability in our society,” he said. The BNP leader paid tribute to those martyred in the July struggle who sacrificed their lives to fight autocratic rule. “We are grateful to the martyrs who have given us a chance to give democracy an institutional form.” He said it is now necessary to build democratic institutions to overcome the political crisis. “I believe our main responsibility, wherever we are and in whatever capacity, is to fulfill our duty by working to institutionalise democracy.” Fakhrul said the sooner the nation can form an elected government through an election, the better it will be for the country, marking the start of the democratic journey forward. “I don’t see any reason for despair… I’m not depressed at all. In fact, I believe that since there is so much discussion and debate about democracy now, a fresh breeze of hope is emerging — a new fragrance that will pave the way for a new democratic order in Bangladesh,” he said. Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul Fakhrul warned that the proportional representation (PR) system is still not widely understood by ordinary people. “You cannot simply push complex systems on people who are not prepared for them… The PR is still not understandable to the public. I’ve made that clear again today. We must make an effort to make it understandable — we have to explain it to the people and prepare them for the system.” He also said BNP has long aimed to unite the forces that fought against fascism. The BNP leader reiterated that they have clearly proposed forming a national government after the election with those political parties and groups that joined them in the anti-fascist movement. Fakhrul said this demonstrates their genuine intention to unite the nation on fundamental issues and move forward together. “I believe if we all understand and realise this, we will surely be able to move ahead successfully. I want to repeat again that election is the only option to return to a democratic path.”    

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday warned that his party will not take responsibility if Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus takes any decision beyond the framework of the signed July National Charter. “We will fully implement the charter signed through consensus in the next parliament. If the Chief Adviser stays within that framework, we have no issue. But if he or anyone acts outside it, we will not take responsibility,” he said. Khosru made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and newly appointed French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the people of Bangladesh, as well as democratic countries, want a timely election. “Those who try to hold the government or the people hostage for political gain will become isolated from the public.” The BNP leader said the country must not be allowed to fall into instability, and no party’s programme should disrupt or delay the election. Khosru, also a BNP Standing Committee member, accused some political parties of trying to obstruct the election and prevent the restoration of a democratic order in the country. “Those who are plotting against the election do not want it to happen. No party has the right to hold the government or the people hostage and deprive citizens of their voting rights. Those who try to do so will be cut off from the people,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh now want tolerance, stability and peace as they want to build the country. “Political parties that pursue intolerance and create instability will not have a good future.” Referring to recent incidents of violence, including arson attacks and crude bomb explosions, Khosru said such acts have no link with the election. “Those who do not believe in democracy are behind these incidents. But their actions will not disrupt the election process or delay the vote. The people are waiting for a return to democratic rule.” Khosru also said their party has already announced the names of 237 candidates, and the remaining nominations will be finalised in the next few days. “So, there is no question about whether the election will take place. The people have no doubt about it, though some individuals might.”