United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman struggled to hold back his emotions on Saturday as children of several BNP leaders and activists, who became victims of enforced disappearance, broke down in tears while recalling years of waiting for their missing fathers. The scene unfolded at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka during a views-exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement. Amra BNP Paribar and Mayer Daak jointly organised the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The event honoured victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League government, and paid tribute to the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. During the discussion, Tarique briefly wiped his eyes with a tissue as children shared their experiences, drawing silence across the hall. One of them was Adiba Islam Hridhi, daughter of Parvez Hossain, a leader of the Banani unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal who disappeared on 2 December 2013. Family members have long claimed he was picked up by men identifying themselves as detectives, and they have repeatedly demanded information and justice. A decade later, his daughter said she still waits for him. “Years pass and new years arrive, but our father never comes home,” Hridhi said, her voice shaking. “My dream has always been to go to school holding my father’s hand, but that dream remains unfulfilled. How long do I have to wait? Will I not get my father back?” she asked before breaking down in tears. Safa, another child, spoke about her father Md Sohel, a vice-president of the Chhatra Dal’s Bangshal unit, who also went missing in 2013. She said she was only two months old at the time and has never seen her father since. “For more than a decade we have searched for him, but found nothing. When others my age learn to walk holding their fathers’ hands, I search for mine. How long must I keep looking?” Safa said. Relatives of many others shared similar accounts, saying they lost fathers, sons, brothers or husbands during the Awami League’s tenure. The hall remained heavy with grief as attendees, organisers and even some security staff appeared visibly moved by the testimonies. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who was subjected to enforced disappearance in 2015 for 62 days, was also seen becoming emotional and wiping his tears with tissues.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family on Saturday conveyed greetings to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. On behalf of Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, BNP Chairman’s Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar presented a floral bouquet to the Chief Adviser at his Hare Road residence in the capital in the evening, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, on January 15, Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife and daughter, paid a courtesy call-on Professor Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. The meeting lasted for over an hour, during which Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus, along with their family members, exchanged greetings and pleasantries.  

Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury, the BNP-nominated candidate for Sherpur-2 (Nakla–Nalitabari), has regained his candidacy after the Election Commission’s appeal board on Saturday declared his nomination valid. The decision came following a hearing on January 17 regarding allegations of dual citizenship. The appeal board accepted documents confirming that Fahim had formally renounced his Australian citizenship, overturning the earlier cancellation of his nomination. EC revokes candidacy of BNP’s Munshi, upholds NCP’s Hasnat in Cumilla-4 With the ruling, all legal obstacles preventing him from contesting the upcoming parliamentary election from Sherpur-2 have been removed. Fahim Chowdhury’s nomination had initially been rejected due to issues related to his former Australian citizenship. He subsequently filed an appeal with the Election Commission, which, after review, ruled in his favour on Saturday.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday said that the power of the state should be reduced while empowering the people. He warned that excessive state power creates difficulties for citizens and can lead to fascism, stressing that every citizen must be strong. “We want to bring this change in the coming days. In the past, excessive state power had left the people captive, pushing the country into a deep crisis. Today is the time to reduce state power and strengthen the people,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a ceremonial event organized by the Chattogram Dhormo Ujjwal Parishad at the Siemens Hostel premises of the National Maritime Academy in Chattogram on Friday on the occasion of the organization’s anniversary. Amir Khasru also emphasized the importance of religious harmony and social unity. “Everyone has the right to act freely. We want you to participate in every sector of society and take on leadership roles. I urge women to participate more, take leadership positions, and become stronger. Sustainable development and real change require equal participation of women in all areas,” he said. He added, “We are all one. You should have no doubts or conflicts about this.” Special guests at the event included Captain Ataur Rahman and BNP International Affairs Sub-Committee member Israfil Khasru.

Dhaka, Jan 16 (UNB)— Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Friday said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was unjustly convicted in what he described as the most disgraceful and farcical trial in Bangladesh’s history, referring to the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Addressing a condolence meeting held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Asif Nazrul termed the Zia Orphanage Trust case against Khaleda Zia a “sham and disgraceful judgment” in the country’s judicial history. He recalled an incident from the trial, saying a defence lawyer had asked Khaleda Zia whether she had misappropriated orphan funds.  “Hurt and astonished, Khaleda Zia repeated the question—‘Did I embezzle orphan money?’ The court treated this as her statement and convicted her on that basis. As a student of law, I can say with certainty that there cannot be a more disgraceful trial than this,” the law adviser said. Khaleda Zia’s grace, sense of dignity were truly admirable: Nurul Kabir Asif Nazrul noted that there was a time when hardly anyone dared to speak out in support of the BNP or against the injustice done to Khaleda Zia. While searching for statements protesting the unfair trial, he said, only four people at home and abroad could be persuaded to issue statements. “I am talking about a time when it was almost impossible to find people willing to stand by Khaleda Zia,” he added, noting that the situation has since changed. Asif Nazrul further said Khaleda Zia has found a permanent place in the hearts of the people, while ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been relegated to a place of rejection. Asif Nazrul remarked that Bangladesh would prosper only if the country is envisioned in the way Khaleda Zia had envisioned it. “Khaleda Zia is no more. Now the biggest concern is what Bangladesh will look like in the days ahead. If we want a better Bangladesh, we must uphold Khaleda Zia, follow her ideals and run the country in that spirit.” Thanking the fighters of the July uprising, the adviser said people in the country are now able to express their opinions freely, without obstruction in expressing either love or dissent. Khaleda Zia’s legacy honoured in Washington National Press Club BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and his family members were present at the programme. Senior leaders, including members of the BNP Standing Committee, also attended the condolence meeting. Eminent citizens from the media, business community and various professional groups spoke at the event, recalling Khaleda Zia’s memories and paying tribute to her.

President of the Editors’ Council Nurul Kabir on Friday said former Prime Minister and ex-BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia consistently stood out in Bangladesh’s political landscape for her grace, decency, restraint and strong sense of self-respect. “Khaleda Zia created a unique example in Bangladeshi politics through her refined conduct, decency, moderation, dignity and restraint, which always impressed me,” he said while addressing a citizens’ condolence meeting organised in memory of Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Reflecting on her centrist and democratic political approach, Nurul Kabir said that although he was never directly involved with BNP’s political strategies, he had always supported the party’s democratic ideals. Highlighting her restraint amid personal suffering, the veteran journalist said, “Despite the oppression, persecution and hardships she and her family endured, no one has ever heard her utter words of condemnation. Such restraint is undoubtedly rare.” Civic condolence over Khaleda’s passing on Friday Recalling an incident from the night of March 25, 1971, Nurul Kabir said that when Bengali officers were preparing to take up arms against Pakistani commanders, a Pakistani Subedar Major under then Major Ziaur Rahman attempted to break open an arms cache and open fire on Bengali officers. “It was Khaleda Zia who stopped him. She was an ordinary housewife at the time, yet her courage saved the lives of many Bengali officers that night.” He stressed that her bravery should not be underestimated, noting that without her courageous intervention in the early hours of the war, many Bengali officers might have lost their lives. “It could even have affected Ziaur Rahman’s historic declaration of independence on March 26.” Addressing BNP leaders and activists, Nurul Kabir urged them not to take any action that would dishonour Khaleda Zia’s ideals. “Do nothing that would make people say Khaleda Zia was fortunate to have passed away and not lived to witness such days.” He called upon BNP to continue its democratic journey and actively participate in building a beautiful and democratic Bangladesh.

US Trump administration officials on Friday held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss the interim government’s negotiated tariff agreement and explore ways to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The meeting was held from 9:00am to 9:30am (BST), with Tarique Rahman and a BNP representative joining it from his residence, while the US delegation participated from Washington, DC.  From the BNP side, Humaiun Kabir, Joint Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the BNP Chairman, joined the discussion alongside Tarique Rahman, said Saleh Shibly, Press Secretary of the BNP Chairman.  Tarique Rahman holds first meeting with Prof Yunus in Bangladesh The US delegation was led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Other participants included Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Emily Ashby, Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, USTR Chief of Staff Sam Mulopolous, and Senior Policy Adviser to the Deputy USTR D.R Seckinger. During the meeting, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of deepening trade engagement and developing broader cooperation in areas of mutual interest to further enhance Bangladesh-US economic ties, sources said.

BNP on Thursday urged the Election Commission (EC) to activate a fact-checking cell immediately to curb disinformation, misinformation and smear campaigns on social media ahead of the national election. “There is widespread propaganda on social media centring on the election. Misinformation, disinformation and character assassination are being carried out,” said Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the BNP’s election steering committee, at the party’s Gulshan election office. In this context, he said the BNP has demanded the formation of a fact-checking cell at the Election Commission. “We urge that such a fact-checking cell be made operational across the country without delay.” The BNP leader said intense propaganda and character assassination using the social media platforms may affect the election atmosphere if left unaddressed. He said Meta recently verified the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Mahdi said Zaima does not operate any other social media accounts. He claimed BNP’s ICT wing has taken down over 50 fake accounts and pages spreading deepfake and AI-generated content, and is in communication with Meta to remove more. The BNP leader also said numerous fake pages were opened using the name of Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, to spread fabricated videos. “We confirm Dr Zubaida Rahman has no social media account. We request everyone not to be misled.” The BNP spokesperson said the party has launched a call centre to enable people to seek information, lodge complaints or share feedback by dialling 16543. He also introduced the ‘Match My Policy’ platform, where people can give their opinions on the party’s policy proposals for its upcoming manifesto. On the question of the referendum scheduled for 12 February, Mahdi said BNP will take a ‘Yes’ position on reform issues based on its earlier proposals, including Vision 2030, the 27-point framework and the 31-point programme. “We call upon every democratic-minded citizen, institution and political party to contribute to a transparent and accountable state system,” he said. Mahdi also voiced concern over what he described as discriminatory placement of election symbols on postal ballots. “Unfortunately, we have noticed that the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol has been placed at the bottom in a way that is not easily visible. It could be rearranged in columns or lines to remove this disparity.” He alleged that some BNP candidates living abroad during previous years renounced their foreign citizenship after securing nominations, but the EC is still creating complications over dual nationality. “Under Article 66 of the Constitution there is no scope for unnecessary debate.” Mahdi also said several political parties were openly seeking votes with party symbols both physically and online, while BNP expects the EC to ensure equal enforcement of election rules.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday (January 15, 2026) stepped out onto the street in front of the party’s Gulshan office to personally hear the grievances of Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) registered job seekers. The NTRCA-registered aspirants had been waiting outside the BNP chairman’s political office in Gulshan when Tarique Rahman arrived there around 3:30pm from his residence. Read more: Civic condolence over Khaleda’s passing on Friday After entering the office premises, he immediately came back out, crossed the road on foot and exchanged greetings with the demonstrators. Standing on the street, Tarique Rahman listened attentively as the job seekers outlined their demands and concerns regarding the recruitment process in non-government educational institutions. The aspirants complained of alleged secret recruitment of unregistered teachers against vacant posts, as well as a range of structural problems in the appointment process of head teachers. They said these irregularities have created widespread dissatisfaction among NTRCA-registered candidates. Read more: BNP seeks candidates’ names, symbols on postal ballots

A civic condolence meeting in memory of late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be held on Friday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The memorial, organised by civil society, will begin at 2:30pm, organisers said at a press conference at the Krishibid Institution in the capital on Thursday noon. Speaking, on behalf of the organisers, Professor Mahbub Ullah said the memorial is not a party-political event. “It is not organised by any political party. But philosophically every human action has some connection with politics. In that sense, this event is political and not political at the same time,” he said. Mahbub Ullah said no political party leader will speak from the stage. “Instead, prominent figures from different professions, including researchers, religious representatives, doctors, teachers, and representatives from hill communities, will deliver speech. Political parties have been invited as guests and will sit in the audience,” he said. The noted professor said a large number of people have expressed shock and tributes since Khaleda Zia’s passing on December 30. “This is why civil society has taken the initiative. It is a solemn event and maintaining dignity is very important.” Organisers said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and members of Khaleda Zia’s family have been invited and are expected to attend. Guests from diplomatic missions and representatives from various professional bodies have also been invited. Entry gates will open at 12:30pm. Khaleda Zia died while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital on 30 December. She was buried the following day with state honours beside the grave of President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Organisers announced strict rules for the memorial meeting. No selfies will be allowed, no applause, and no standing during the programme. Entry without an invitation card is prohibited. But, an alternative verification desk will be available for invited guests who may forget their cards. On live coverage, organisers said BTV will broadcast the event live and other channels will be able to take feeds from there. Separate media booths have been set up for electronic, print and online media. Wi-Fi, transmission towers and other technical facilities will be provided for journalists.