United News of Bangladesh

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has invited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China at a convenient time. CPC Central Committee Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Li Hongzhong, extended the formal invitation during a meeting with a high-level BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Monday, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Li Hongzhong, along with other senior CPC leaders, held the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The CPC leaders welcomed the BNP delegation at the start of the meeting. “During the meeting, Li Hongzhong formally invited BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China in the future,” Sayrul said. Tarique urges govt to mount pressure on Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation He said the CPC leaders hoped that the meeting would begin a new chapter in China-Bangladesh relations. They also stressed the need for regular talks and continued cooperation between the CPC and BNP, Sayrul added. He said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul praised China’s leadership role in regional politics and hoped China would keep expanding its positive efforts through broader multilateral cooperation. Earlier in the day, the BNP delegation visited the headquarters of China Railway Group Limited, where they learned about China's work in infrastructure development. This visit is seen as a sign of stronger political ties between BNP and the CPC, with both parties hopeful about more cooperation in the future. Earlier on Sunday night, a nine-member high-level BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, left Dhaka for China on a five-day visit at the invitation of the CPC. They arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport at about 5:25 am (Beijing time). BNP disapproves NCC formation, says Salahuddin  The other eight members of the BNP delegation are Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Begum Selima Rahman, Chairperson's Advisers Zahiruddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, and Professor Sukomal Barua, party media cell convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel and BNP Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said their party does not endorse mob culture and will take disciplinary action if any of its activists are found involved in the incident of former Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda. "We do not believe in mob culture, we have relentlessly been struggling to establish the rule of law. We want the rule of law to be established in the country,” he told UNB. Salahuddin said BNP wants court verdicts implemented with transparency and expects due legal process in the arrest and trial of Nurul Huda. “But we don’t support the humiliating treatment he was subjected to. It was an isolated incident. If any BNP leader or activist is found involved in it, we will take disciplinary action following an investigation….this is our clear stance,” he said. Govt warns against mob justice, vows action against chaos creators Salahuddin said BNP wants every person, no matter how serious he did, to enjoy his legal and constitutional rights. “No matter how big a criminal he is, his legal and constitutional rights should not be violated," he added. On Sunday night, former CEC Nurul Huda, who oversaw the 2018 national election, was arrested after a mob assaulted him at his Uttara residence in the capital. A video that went viral on social media shows Huda was dressed in a white T-shirt and Lungi with a garland of shoes around his neck. At one stage, a man strikes Huda in the face with a shoe. The video drew widespread criticism. Criticising Huda for his role in weakening democratic institutions, Salahuddin said, "Nurul Huda is one of the few persons responsible for destroying democracy in Bangladesh and completely destroying the electoral system.” Khulna AL leader beaten up by mob before being taken into police custody Salahuddin said several other persons are responsible for completely corrupting and destroying several state constitutional institutions to prolong Sheikh Hasina's fascist rule. He said just like former Chief Justice Khairul Haque, a few others are also responsible for corrupting and demolishing important constitutional bodies. “But we do not believe in such toxic culture or mob justice,” said the BNP Standing Committee member.

A nine-member high-level delegation of the BNP, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, left Dhaka for China on Sunday night on a five-day visit at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). They departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Beijing around 10:14 pm on a flight of Air China, said Mirza Fakhrul's personal assistant Yunus Ali. The eight other BNP delegation members are BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Begum Selima Rahman, Chairperson's Advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, Professor Sukomal Barua, party's media cell convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel and BNP Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar. BNP vows to rebuild education, curb brain drain Yunus said the CPC has given a formal invitation for the visit, which is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and sharing party-level experiences. He said the BNP delegation is expected to leave China on the night of June 27 and return home in the early hours of June 28. Earlier, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday evening at the invitation of China’s acting ambassador to Dhaka ahead of the trip. Party insiders said the visit underscores BNP’s intention to deepen relations with China, which remains a key development partner for Bangladesh. They believe the visit may play a crucial role in bolstering diplomatic engagement with Beijing, especially in the context of a possible future political transition in Bangladesh. The BNP is increasingly viewed by stakeholders as a 'government in waiting', given the present political context of Bangladesh. That wait is expected to last till the next election. BNP leaders also view the trip as part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to build and maintain relationships across the political spectrum in Bangladesh. Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5 last year, China has intensified diplomatic engagement with various political parties in the country, including the BNP, newly-formed NCP and even a number of Islamist parties. On February 24, a 21-member ‘unique’ delegation consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, visited China for an 11-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said their party wants to create a discrimination-free environment to rebuild the education system and promote research to prevent brain drain. “We want to build the education sector in such a way that both education and research can progress, and there will be no discrimination,” he said at a dialogue. The BNP leader, however, said teachers, students and student organisations must work together to create such an environment. 'Tarunner Rastrochinta Platform' arranged the dialogue titled 'Education and Educational Arena' at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said politicians, teachers and students all have important roles in building the nation. July Uprising fuelled by sweat of many: BNP’s Annie “Just like politicians, teachers also have a responsibility to build the country. But support is also needed from general students and their organisations. These three factors together can help build the state.” The BNP leader also said if the country can ensure a better environment for quality research, talented students who go abroad for higher studies will be encouraged to return home after completing their education. “Brain drain will decrease, and talented people will choose to stay in the country.” Salahuddin Ahmed said many talented people leave the country and never come back. “Because in recent years, an environment has developed where talented people do not feel interested to return to the country.” In contrast, countries like China and India have benefited from their skilled people returning home with knowledge from developed countries. “They have not stayed abroad, and their countries are now becoming some of the best in the world in technology. But that is not happening here.” Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Fayez Ahmed, BNP Media Cell Convener Maudud Alamgir Pavel, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, among others, were present. BNP opposes proportional representation in elections Students from different institutions also took part in the dialogue and shared their questions and opinions on education. The guests answered their queries, and prizes were given to the three best questioners.

BNP on Sunday filed a case against 24 people, including former Chief Election Commissioners, EC Commissioners and other officials involved in conducting the 10th, 11th and 12th national elections, alleging irregularities and biased conduct. A four-member BNP delegation, led by party’s National Executive Committee member Salahuddin Khan, lodged the case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station on Sunday morning. Earlier, they submitted a copy of the complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon. They also handed over a BNP letter, signed by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhtul Islam Alamgir in this regard. The complaint names 19 people, including former CECs Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, KM Nurul Huda and Kazi Habibul Awal, along with several unidentified others. BNP to file case against former CECs, EC Commissioners BNP claims that the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections were flawed and conducted in a partisan manner, ignoring repeated calls for a neutral caretaker government and the deployment of the army with magistracy powers during polling. Talking to reporters, Salahuddin Khan said despite widespread complaints during those elections, the then CECs failed to take any corrective measures. "We hope the current Election Commission will investigate the matter and take action," he said. The 10th parliamentary election in January 2014 saw 153 Awami League candidates elected unopposed, after the BNP and other opposition parties boycotted the polls. The election was led by CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad. In the 11th election, held in December 2018 under CEC KM Nurul Huda, the BNP alleged ballot-stuffing occurred the night before the vote. Election not possible without govt cooperation: CEC The 12th election in 2024, overseen by CEC Kazi Habibul Awal, was dismissed by the BNP as a "dummy election", as the party did not take part. Earlier this month, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus instructed authorities to form a committee to investigate the roles of those involved in conducting the three elections.

Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed a range of issues, including the hike in US tariffs and the upcoming national election in Bangladesh. The hour-long meeting began around 10 am at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP’s media cell. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said they held an in-depth discussion on bilateral relations between the two countries. “There was a long discussion, especially about the high tariffs that America has imposed on us. They wanted to know our opinion on how Bangladesh will handle the tariffs,” he said. The BNP leader said they expressed the view that it is necessary to find a suitable solution through cooperation and dialogue with the government. “As America has imposed high tariffs, this will seriously hamper our garment exports. We will work with the government and cooperate so that a simple and effective solution can be found,” he said. Besides, the BNP leader said, they discussed ways to increase trade and investment between the two countries in new areas. British envoy meets Fakhrul; discusses election, political situation Naturally, Khosru said, the upcoming national election in Bangladesh was also discussed at the meeting. “We talked about our party’s election preparations. They appreciated the recent meeting in London between our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus,” he said. The BNP leader said the US side recognised the significance of that meeting, as it brought a sense of relief and created a more positive environment in Bangladesh, with different parties and the public now becoming more focused on the upcoming election. Following the London meeting, Khosru said there has been some progress towards setting a timeline and date for the next election in February, which has brought relief. “This is a positive step not only for Bangladesh but also for other countries like the US that are planning their future engagement with Bangladesh. Having a clearer timeline allows them to make important decisions and move forward with their plans more effectively and easily,” he said. The meeting took place just hours before Fakhrul and eight other BNP leaders are scheduled to leave for China tonight (Sunday night) at the invitation of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).

BNP is set to file a case on Sunday against former Chief Election Commissioners and other commissioners who oversaw the 10th, 11th and 12th national elections. A three-member BNP delegation, led by party Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, will go to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station on Sunday morning to file the case, said BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP delegation would first submit a copy of the complaint to the Election Commission office at 10am and then go to the police station to lodge the case. Sayrul said the case will be filed against those responsible for conducting the last three national elections, which the BNP has long claimed were rigged, flawed and unfair. Fakhrul slams AL over surge in Swiss Bank deposits, cites massive looting Earlier, on June 16, during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission at the state guest house Jamuna, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus instructed authorities to immediately form a committee to investigate the roles of the former CECs, election commissioners and EC secretariat officials involved in organising the controversial elections. BNP has accused the Election Commissions of helping the Awami League to conduct one-sided elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024, ignoring the opposition’s demand for a neutral caretaker government and deployment of the army with magistracy power during the polls. The 10th national election, held in January 2014, was boycotted by most opposition parties, including the BNP. Over half of the 300 constituencies had uncontested winners, which raised questions about the fairness of the election. The commission at the time was led by CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad. In the 11th national election in December 2018, the BNP and other opposition parties alleged that the ballots were stuffed the night before polling day. That election was overseen by CEC KM Nurul Huda. BNP also rejected the 12th national election in 2024, calling it a "dummy election" as the party did not participate. CEC Kazi Habibul Awal led that commission.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in deposits by Bangladeshis in Swiss banks last year, saying it has shown the extent of looting by the Awami League’s corrupt elements and mafias. “I was disheartened to see newspaper reports indicating a significant increase in the amount of money deposited in Swiss banks (by Bangladeshis)…It clearly reflects the massive scale of plundering carried out by the mafia and looter clique during the fascist rule,” he said while addressing a discussion. The programme was organised by the Biplobi Workers Party at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, marking the party’s 21st founding anniversary. Fakhrul said he did not exactly know who, when, or how such a large amount of money was deposited in the Swiss banks. “But after seeing this news, every patriotic person may wonder whether any real change has taken place after the mass uprising… If the report pertains to the year 2024, it is authentic,” he said. According to media reports, the amount of money deposited by Bangladeshis in Swiss banks has increased significantly, rising 33 times in just one year. The total deposits jumped to around 590 million Swiss francs in 2024, compared to only 17.7 million francs in 2023, said the latest annual report by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), published on Thursday. Fakhrul alleged the fascist Awami League has destroyed all the institutions in Bangladesh during its around 16 years of misrule. “They destroyed the electoral system, state institutions, the judiciary, bureaucracy, education, healthcare and almost every other sector. Now, the current government is trying to restore and fix all these sectors,” he said. The BNP leader said the interim government has started working to this end and has undoubtedly done a lot of good deeds. “They’re showing us the (right) way. We hope that all political parties involved in the anti-fascist movement will now work together in unity and support them.” Fakhrul slams Jamaat for skipping Tuesday’s consensus meeting He also hoped that the government will help the nation achieve the goal of establishing a truly democratic state and governance system. “Let’s all utilise the scope created by the mass uprising to rebuild the state and the nation and to transform the country into a genuine democracy,” Fakhrul said. Speaking about a recent meeting in London between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul said their party now sees a ray of hope regarding the upcoming national election. “Over the last 10 months, many incidents in Bangladesh made us uncertain about the future. But we are now encouraged and hopeful. When we saw our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman hold talks with Professor Yunus, and they reached agreements on several key issues, it gave us hope. We now believe that there could be an election in February next year,” he said. The BNP leader said the interim government's reform efforts are progressing with support from political parties. “We have already reached agreement on many issues. For those where we still have differences, we will continue our discussions. After the election, we will bring those matters to Parliament and work towards a consensus.” Fakhrul also said reforms of this scale cannot be achieved through discussions alone. “It is not possible to fulfill people’s dreams within the current state structure. That is why we have proposed 31 points, developed through discussions with all parties, aimed at bringing deep political, economic and social changes,” he said. Stating that the National Citizen Party (NCP) is set to submit its application for registration with the Election Commission on Sunday, Fakhrul said, “We had welcomed them earlier, and we welcome them once again now!” He said they have high expectations from the young leaders who played a vital role in the mass uprising and have formed a new political party. “These young people, who actively led and participated in the recent movement, and whose colleagues have sacrificed their lives—we believe their leadership will help us achieve our goals.”

BNP leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said peace is returning to the country, with a fresh hope for a February election after the London meeting between Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a discussion, he also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh for opposing the joint press conference held after the London meeting. "If you observe the situation in Bangladesh before and after the meeting, you'll see that various forms of unrest have decreased. Peace and order are returning, as people now have the hope for an election that many were trying to delay," said the BNP leader. Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee Member, urged the interim government to return people’s power and country’s ownership to them as early as possible by arranging the national election. “The power to build the future of Bangladesh lies in returning the rights of people as soon as possible,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the government to remain vigilant and careful so that no efforts are made to delay the election. The Nationalist Research Foundation (NRF) arranged the programme titled ‘The Leadership of Statesman Ziaur Rahman and Present-day Bangladesh’ at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. In an oblique reference to the meeting between the Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on June 13, Dr Zahid said many people are saying many things about it. He said Jamaat and other parties held several meetings with the Chief Adviser at his official residence, Jamuna, and subsequently briefed reporters about the outcomes. Indian policymakers conspiring to rehabilitate Awami League: Rizvi Zahid said the Chief Adviser’s press secretary also separately briefed the media about the meetings. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but you criticised the joint press conference after the meeting with Tarique Rahman… Perhaps it’s time you looked in the mirror,” he added. He said Tarique is not just an individual, but a representative of the country’s largest population group, and the eldest son of the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and late President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. “Tarique Rahman has united the democratic people with his qualifications and is leading them. So, when you compare yourself with him, people laugh,” the BNP leader observed.  Criticising Jamaat’s statement that the nation has become embarrassed following the joint press conference in London, Zahid said, adding, "Don’t say that the entire nation has been embarrassed. You are not the wholesaler of the entire nation. How did you become the representative of 18 crore people? You can say that your party has been embarrassed." “Don’t talk about the whole nation. If you include the whole nation, the calculation is different, because the name of the largest party in Bangladesh is BNP,” Zahid said. He also said BNP does not want to worry about those speaking negatively about the party, as it prefers to look forward rather than backwards. Stating that BNP has already announced a 31-point election manifesto, he urged Jamaat to present its own manifesto to gain public support. “Then people will give the responsibility to run and build the country to whomever they like,” he said.

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie on Friday said the July uprising was not a spontaneous event, but a mass movement built on the sacrifice and sweat of many. “The July movement didn’t happen suddenly, it was a people’s uprising shaped by everyone’s efforts and sacrifices,” Annie said while speaking at a discussion titled "The Role of Media and Political Leadership in Restoring Democracy," marking two decades of the Jagannath University Journalists’ Association (Jobisas). “Those who dared to speak against fascists were the ones jailed and oppressed. People have been fighting this autocratic regime for years. I pay my respects to those who led the movement and those who were martyred,” he added. The BNP leader accused deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina of introducing a “new culture of enforced disappearances” in Bangladesh. Indian policymakers conspiring to rehabilitate Awami League: Rizvi Annie said his party's movement is not only for elections but also for rebuilding the nation. “We will move the country forward by implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan,” he said. Calling justice and reform a continuous process, he said that they seek justice for the crimes committed by the “fascist regime” and stressed the need for stronger unity. “Fascism has disgraced the country. We believe a truly elected government will be formed through fair elections,” he added. The event was presided over by Jobisas President Imran Hossain and moderated by its General Secretary Mahtab Hossain Limon. Among others, the discussion was attended by Shafiqul Islam Masud, secretary of Dhaka South Unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; Rashed Khan, general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad; Muhammad Nizamul Haque Naeem, general secretary of Bangladesh Development Party; Monira Sharmin, joint convener of Jatiya Nagorik Party; and Kader Gani Chowdhury, secretary general of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists.