United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday demanded a specific election roadmap to hold the national election by December this year, stressing that they discussed three specific issues - reform efforts, justice process and election.  BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain briefed reporters after their meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his official residence Jamuna. BNP delegation joins a meeting with Dr Yunus amid political tension A four-member BNP delegation joined the meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country. The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed. Lead to follow....

A four-member BNP delegation sat in a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday evening as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country. The meeting, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, began at 7:35pm at the Chief Advisers’ official residence Jamuna. The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day after attending a programme in the capital, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their discussion with the Chief Adviser would focus on the prevailing political situation, the upcoming general election and a roadmap for returning to democratic governance. Interim govt vows to act with people’s support against disruptive activities “In the current context, there is no alternative to a credible and prompt election if we are to restore the democratic order. “Today’s discussion will centre on how and how quickly this can be achieved,” the BNP leader said. He also said a formal agenda was not necessary for the meeting, given the urgency of the situation. “The most pressing issue for Bangladesh now is to determine how we move forward and how we can return to a democratic order as soon as possible.” The BNP leader said is not possible to restore the democratic order in the country without a credible election.  “This is the central issue, and I am sure it will be discussed today.” When asked whether the country was in a crisis following reports of the Chief Adviser’s intention to resign, Khosru said BNP does not view the situation as a crisis. He said the country urgently needs an elected and accountable government and parliament, established through a fair and transparent election. “This is the only way to overcome all the challenges we are currently facing.” Highlighting the sacrifices made by the people over the past 16 years, Khosru said they are now awaiting the restoration of democracy. In response to a question about whether BNP expects to be satisfied with this round of talks—given reports of dissatisfaction during their previous meeting with Dr Yunus—Khosru replied, “This is not about our satisfaction. We do politics for the satisfaction of people. We reflect their hopes and aspirations. The nation wants to elect a government through their vote—that is what matters most.” Responding to another question, he indicated that the election could be held before December. “Why should we wait until December?” At another programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said democratic transition is the only solution to the country’s ongoing crisis and evolving political scenario. “Bangladesh was under dictatorship for 15 years. So, the only solution now is a transition to democracy. There is no alternative for the 180 million people of the country,” he said during a discussion. Dr Moyeen posed a question to the nation, reflecting on the developments of the past nine months, during which, he said, the people of Bangladesh had started singing songs of freedom following the transformative events of 5 August. “August 5 was a historic day for every citizen, marking liberation from 15 years of tyranny and dictatorship. It was the beginning of a new era of democratic transition… That transition is the only way forward amid the current uncertainties. The 180 million people of Bangladesh must realise, understand and accept this truth,” he asserted. According to media reports, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was considering resignation, frustrated by various political parties’ demonstrations and comments made by the Army Chief during an officers’ address on Wednesday regarding the government and the election.  

Emphasising that there is no scope to create a smokescreen over the national election, BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said democratic transition is the only way-out of the country’s ongoing crisis and evolving situation. “Bangladesh was under dictatorship for 15 years. So, our only solution is that now there must be a transition to democracy in Bangladesh. Except this, there is no other solution for the 18 crore people of the country,” he said during a discussion. Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, posed before the nation a question of how the current events unfolded over a nine-month period in Bangladesh, where 18 crore people were singing songs of freedom following the changes that 5 August brought to national life. “August 5 was a momentous occasion for every person, as we were freed from fifteen years of tyranny and dictatorship and moved towards a free environment and democratic transition… So, democratic transition is the only solution to the current evolving situation. The 18 crore people of Bangladesh must realise, understand, and accept this truth,” he said. The BNP leader observed that even experts in England, the cradle of democracy, have said democracy is bad but other systems are worse. “The people of Bangladesh realised these truths and sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War in 1971 for the cause of democracy.” The World Human Rights Organisation of Bangladesh arranged the programme titled ‘13th National Parliamentary Election for the Establishment of Democracy and Human Rights’ at the Jatiya Press Club. Dr Moyeen said lakhs of people waged the Liberation War and sacrificed their lives for democracy. National election now a must, local polls can’t restore democracy: BNP’s Nazrul “It would not be right to belittle that Liberation War by misinterpreting it or because of one's own ideology. If we do that, we will be taking a hit on our own existence. Those who do not believe in democracy or cannot understand its meaning are the ones who criticise democracy,” he said. The BNP leader slammed those who criticise their party for demanding a prompt national election for the restoration of democracy. “I am surprised to hear that we are being accused of wanting elections to come to power… Have we committed a crime by demanding fair and impartial elections?” he questioned. Dr Moyeen said many people are openly criticising the BNP and many are writing in newspapers that BNP has gone crazy for the election. “If we become crazy for a fair and credible election, then we are on the right path. We want democracy. Where is our crime here? This is the question for those who criticise us.” Rather, he said, those who do not want fair and impartial elections do not want democracy; they do not want the welfare of the people of this country and they do not want the reflection of people’s hopes and aspirations. “So, there is no scope for anyone to create any smokescreen about the parliamentary election, no matter how strong they may be,” the BNP leader said. BNP to support families of July injured, martyrs if voted to power: Rizvi He deplored that the interim government which assumed office after such a big revolution is saying that they did not come only for the election, but rather to do everything. “If this government is to do all these things, it will take 100 years. So, we will sleep for 100 years and let them fix the country.” The BNP leader stressed that not only the government or political parties, but also the general public—especially the young people—must remain alert during this critical period. Responding to arguments that multiple elections have not been able to bring the country on the right path, Dr Moyeen said, “I want to state clearly—there have been no proper elections in the last 15 years. The fault lies not with the elections themselves, but with those who organised them.”

Amid growing political tensions and various speculations, a BNP delegation will hold a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday. The meeting is likely to take place at the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna around 7pm, a BNP standing committee member told UNB on Friday night. “We have been invited by the Chief Adviser’s office to hold a meeting over the latest political situation,” he said. The BNP leader said they have also learnt that the Chief Adviser will hold a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami following their party’s meeting. National election now a must, local polls can’t restore democracy: BNP’s Nazrul He said they will attend the meeting as part of efforts to defuse political tensions and clear misunderstandings with the interim government. The BNP leader said their party does not want the Chief Adviser to step down at this stage, as it would trigger a fresh political crisis. Meanwhile, he said, they will share their observations with the Chief Adviser tomorrow and request him to promptly complete the reform process and come up with a clear roadmap for the election within this year. Earlier in the day, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told a private television channel, “We have been asking for time to meet with the Chief Adviser since Monday. But no time has been given yet.” BNP urges Dr Yunus to announce election  schedule to avoid unrest  He also said the BNP did not demanded the Chief Adviser’s resignation as they sought only the resignation of some controversial advisers. “We asked for a roadmap for the national elections by December. If he chooses to resign instead of giving a roadmap, that can be his own decision. But we did not ask for his resignation.” Earlier on Thursday, the party issued a stern warning that it may be compelled to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election by December is not announced immediately. Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also urged the interim government to immediately relieve certain ‘controversial advisers’, including those allegedly affiliated with a newly formed political party and the National Security Adviser, for the sake of neutrality and the government’s credibility. No scope for national election to go beyond  June next year: Rizwana According to media reports, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was considering resignation, frustrated by various political parties’ demonstrations and comments made by the Army Chief during an officers’ address on Wednesday regarding the government and the election.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday said what Bangladesh needs now is  the national election as local government polls cannot restore democracy, stating that the main goal of the movement is yet to be achieved, even though the fascist feld the country.  “The country is passing through a period of political unrest, the sooner the national election is held, the quicker the instability will subside,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar. The seminar titled 'Youth Perspectives on Agricultural Development, Environmental Protection, and Urban Issues' was  organised in Bogura by the BNP’s affiliated bodies—Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal. This senior BNP leader said, “The current interim government has formed several reform commissions, but all of them were already outlined in BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's 31-point proposal.” BNP to support families of July injured, martyrs if voted to power: Rizvi He added that if BNP assumes power through people’s votes in the future, it will implement those reforms. Nazrul also noted that Tarique Rahman will prioritise the youth in shaping the country’s political future, saying, “BNP is giving the highest importance to young people’s opinions, dreams, and active participation in nation-building.” BNP aims to make political decision-making more transparent, accountable and people-oriented, he said. Nazrul Islam said Tarique Rahman believes youths  are the key to the country's future, which is why he [Tarique] instructed the party to hold this seminar focusing on agriculture, the environment and urban challenges. “BNP has always been known as a youth-centric party,” he said. Nazrul emphasised the need to reopen all closed jute mills and ensure just compensation for the workers. BNP urges Dr Yunus to announce election  schedule to avoid unrest  “To fulfil the dream of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the country must utilise educated unemployed youths in its journey of development and productivity,” he added. Bobby Hajjaj, Chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), Faysal Kabir Shuvo, strategic analyst at Sydney Water in Australia; Ridwanul Haq, professor at IBA, University of Dhaka; and Zulkarin Jahangir, assistant professor at North South University, among others, spoke at the event.

BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said that if his party comes to power, the state will take full responsibility for the families of those who were killed or injured during the July-August movement. “Those who are now reaping the benefits of the July movement, holding key positions including advisory roles or even forming political parties, should be more attentive to the families of the martyrs,” Rizvi noted while speaking to reporters after visiting the family of Arman Molla, who was killed during mass uprising by students and locals in the Chouya area of Meherpara union under Sadar upazila. Zubaida pledges support for budding scientists The BNP leader questioned why they [interim government] don't have the list of the martyrs “whose blood laid the foundation for this current [interim] government?” He said that the freedom people enjoy today is owed to the sacrifices of individuals like the late Arman Molla. “It is heartbreaking that the children of someone who gave his life for the country’s freedom have to live in an orphanage instead of their home,” Rizvi said. “We came here to stand by Arman’s family. After the incident was reported in the media, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, a true leader of the masses, took notice and took responsibility for the family. He sent us here on behalf of the ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ initiative,” he added. On July 21 last year, Arman Molla was shot dead on the spot while participating in a protest in front of the Shilmandi Union Parishad in Narsingdi. Arman’s wife, Salma Begum, has since been struggling to support their three minor children. She has placed her elder daughter Mahi (10) and son Rafi (7) in an orphanage, while she continues to live in extreme hardship with her youngest daughter Afra (3).

Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-Chairman of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), on Friday expressed the hope that Bangladeshi students would bring pride to the nation through their future innovations in science. “We are deeply encouraged by your passion for science. We hope that in the future you will contribute to scientific innovations not just for Bangladesh, but for the betterment of humanity as a whole,” she said at the award-giving ceremony of the ‘Virtual Science Fair 2025’, held at the ZRF office in the capital’s Gulshan area. Zubaida, also the wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, wished all participants of the fair success in every aspect of their lives, contributing to Bangladesh’s global image. After hearing from the competitors, she said, “I’ve been listening to your presentations for some time… truly outstanding… absolutely outstanding. Your intellect, dedication and most importantly, your confidence have deeply impressed us." She promised the full support of the ZRF to students keen to explore the field of science and pursue innovation. Zubaida advised that students should not hesitate to approach judges with any scientific questions they may have, as they are always ready to inspire and guide.  “At any time, you can approach them with your queries," she added. “There is no end to scientific research,” Zubaida said. BNP urges Dr Yunus to announce election  schedule to avoid unrest  “But there is a lot to give to the world through scientific research, and I believe you can do it," she said. Praising the initiatives of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, she described it as an extraordinary example of social service. “For this, I sincerely congratulate all the members of the foundation for standing by the people of Bangladesh and, in some cases, abroad for almost 26 years," she said. Zubaida has been residing in London with her husband Tarique Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman since September 2008. She returned to Bangladesh on May 6 with her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, ending a 17-year stay in London. Although she has attended some family events since her return, this marked her first participation in an organisational programme. The event began with the screening of a documentary on the foundation’s activities. Dr Zubaida Rahman later presented prizes to the winners of the science fair. Established on October 18, 1999 in memory of the late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, the ZRF is a non-profit voluntary organisation with Tarique Rahman as chairman. Initially formed with doctors, agriculturists, engineers, and teachers, the foundation has since expanded to include lawyers and journalists. In November last year, a 23-member board of directors was formed with Zubaida Rahman as Vice-Chairman.

Stating that the delay in holding the next parliamentary elections is fuelling instability in the country, BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday said his party would be aggrieved if interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus were to depart in disgrace. “There appears to be a wave of unrest sweeping the country. Who are the main culprits behind this instability? Who is attempting to delay the election? We wish to know these things from a great person like you (Dr Yunus),” he told a protest rally. Farroque, a member of the BNP chairperson’s advisory council, said had the government provided a clear election roadmap, those who had taken to the streets during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure and faced countless cases and persecution could have engaged constructively and become election-oriented. “But you (Dr Yunus) still haven’t given a roadmap. If this instability is of your making, then let it be known that the BNP will never accept responsibility for it,” he said. Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, urged the government to immediately announce the date for the next general election. Democratic process must for all reforms: Gayeshwar ‘Aparajeyo Bangladesh’ organised the programme titled ‘Resist the Conspiracy to Foil the National Election – Rise, thevPeople of the Country’ in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Referring to media reports about Professor Muhammad Yunus' possible resignation, Farroque said, “If a respected figure like you is forced to depart in disgrace, it will hurt us.” “Let your name be etched in golden letters in history, just as Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed’s is, by ensuring a fair election, holding voting during daylight hours, and safeguarding our right to vote… such a legacy will be remembered in history,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the chief adviser to set an example by ensuring a peaceful democratic transition so that future generations could take pride in him as an acceptable and honourable figure of the nation. “So, I earnestly request you to immediately send letters to these three individuals—Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Mahfuj Alam, and Khalilur Rahman—urging them to resign from the advisory council. Otherwise, it will fall upon you to remove them,” he said. BNP seeks quick election roadmap, warns of withdrawing support for govt Farroque said reforms should indeed be carried out, but not in a way that would create a corridor to Myanmar or allow the Chattogram port to fall into the hands of others. He cautioned against any reforms that might empower conspirators to delay the election and push Professor Yunus’s government into instability.To overcome this instability, Farroque said, Professor Yunus himself must announce the election schedule within the next few days.

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said on Thursday that all reforms must be carried out through a democratic process. He made the remark while addressing the inauguration of the party’s membership distribution and renewal drive at the banquet hall of Khulna Press Club in the evening. The BNP leader said constitutional amendments cannot be made without an elected national parliament and stressed the need to revise anti-people provisions of the constitution through such a body. Highlighting the importance of democracy and freedom of expression, he said that the past 17 years cannot be described as democratic. “It was an example of fascism, worse than autocracy.” Banning any political party not a solution: Gayeshwar A free, fair, and inclusive election is the only solution to the country's current crisis, he said, adding that any elected parliament that comes through such a process would be responsible for implementing proposed reforms, including those suggested by Dr. Yunus. Chaired by Anindya Islam Amit, BNP's acting organisational secretary for the Khulna division, the party’s leaders spoke on the occasion.

BNP on Thursday issued a stark warning that it may be forced to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election within December next is not announced immediately. Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also urged the interim government to immediately relieve certain ‘controversial advisors’, including those who allegedly have affiliations with a newly formed political party and the National Security Adviser, for the sake of neutrality and the government’s reputation. “The highest priority now is to establish an elected political government as soon as possible in accordance with the aspirations of the people, in order to restore the lost democratic rights, constitutional rights, human rights and voting rights, embodying the aspirations of the student-led July mass uprising,” he said. “So, we demand an immediate announcement of a specific roadmap for the formation of a national parliament by December 2025 through a fair, free and impartial election,” he added. Mosharraf said the primary agenda of this interim government should be to meet the people’s highest aspiration which is a credible national election. “Otherwise, it will be difficult for the BNP, as a party of the people, to continue its cooperation with this government,” he warned. BNP’s 8-day programme marking Zia’s death anniversary The BNP leader said the interim government must ensure neutrality as it prepares for the upcoming national election, and stressed that retaining politically biased individuals in advisory roles is damaging to both the government's image and public confidence. “Everyone knows and understands that some advisors of the interim government are directly and indirectly involved with a new political party and their presence in the advisory council is constantly questioning the non-partisan identity of the government. So, it is necessary to relieve them of their duties to protect the image of the government,” he said. BNP is protector of national sovereignty: Salahuddin Dr Mosharraf said Wednesday’s comment by National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman involving BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sparked fresh controversy. “To protect the integrity of the government, he too must be relieved of his duties. We have raised the demand for the removal of some advisors who are cohorts of fascism many times in the past,” he said. Since the main task of this government is to hold a national parliamentary election, the BNP leader said it is advisable to have a leaner advisory council to conduct routine work (daily activities) instead of having a large advisory council. He also said if the government disregards the party’s proposals and concerns raised in the press conference, as in the past, the BNP will be compelled to reconsider its cooperation with the interim administration. The BNP Standing Committee arranged the press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference. Asked who the controversial advisers are, the BNP leader said, “I mentioned it in the press conference… even if I don’t name them, you all know who they are.” Read public pulse, accelerate democratic transition: Moyeen Khan to govt Mosharraf said some recent activities of the interim government have created public doubt regarding its neutrality. “But it is being observed that implementing the agenda of certain quarters for political gain has become part of the government's action plan.” He said the sole mandate of the interim government is to conduct a fair, free, and impartial national parliamentary election. “But, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, acting as the government’s spokesperson, has claimed that this administration has a mandate to do everything.” The BNP leader stressed the need to examine whether the government's various statements and actions regarding the humanitarian corridor and the Chattogram Port are truly serving national interests. “The people of this country do not believe that the interim provisional government has the authority to take such nationally significant and long-term policy decisions.” He asserted that any decision on such matters should only be taken by a government elected by the people on the basis of national consensus. Regarding the reform process and trial of the Awami League, Mosharraf said both reform and electoral processes can continue simultaneously while the trial of the fallen fascist forces, individuals, the party, and those accused of crimes against humanity will also proceed. On the NCP’s demonstration in front of the Election Commission (EC), he said despite ongoing discussions to formulate a reform charter based on political consensus, one party’s decision to lay siege to the EC over similar issues and demands for local government elections has embarrassed both the BNP and the government. The BNP leader said although the Election Commission was legally constituted through a search committee, a quarter still demands its reconstitution.  “The government may not always seek everyone’s opinion while restructuring constitutional bodies, but in this case, all sides were represented. Yet the Election Commission is being unfairly and irrationally questioned for issuing a gazette notification in accordance with a court verdict concerning the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation,” he said. Mosharraf said the EC’s constitutional responsibility is to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections. “In that context, the move to besiege the EC over local government polls appears deliberate and mysterious.” In response to a question, he said the EC was formed by the search committee with opinions from all parties. “We believe that the calls for its reconstitution are aimed at creating confusion and delaying the national election.” Mosharraf urged the government to respect the verdicts of the Election Tribunal and the High Court and promptly arrange for Ishraque Hossain to be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. ‘Dramas’ being staged to divert attention from people’s voting rights: BNP’s Farroque He criticised the government for acting only under pressure rather than in a timely manner, saying that this behaviour has damaged its credibility and encouraged others to follow similar tactics to press their demands. “We believe the government bears full responsibility for this unfortunate and embarrassing situation.” In replying to a question, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the country is heading towards elections in December, which is also the expectation of the nation. “With this in view, the government should begin transitioning into a caretaker mode with a limited number of advisory council members.” He said the current advisory committee must be downsized as part of this transition. “Previously, a caretaker government comprised only 10 advisers. If we are committed to neutrality, those who are controversial must be excluded.” The BNP Standing Committee arranged the press conference at the party Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on the country’s latest political situation. Alongside Mosharraf and Khosru, BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present.