United News of Bangladesh

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.  

BNP on Thursday asked the Election Commission to use the constituency-based postal ballots inscribing the names of candidates and symbols for the In-Country Postal Voting in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. The party sought a clear explanation from the Election Commission over the recent viral video regarding the postal ballots sent to Bahrain and how the postal ballots were sent to expatriates as it is a victim of flaw that took place in case of the out-of-country voting system. A four-member BNP delegation, led by its Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, placed their proposals and concerns on a number of issues at a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed said they discussed several important issues related to the code of conduct as well as the postal voting process. He said they proposed the same ballot paper used for general voting in a constituency—containing the names and symbols of all contesting candidates—should also be used for postal voting in that constituency. “We have made a clear and logical proposal that postal ballots should include the names and symbols of all candidates of the respective constituencies, just like general ballots.” Read more: Tarique Rahman to meet Prof Yunus this evening The BNP leader said the Commission assured them the proposals would be considered. Raising concern again over the recent viral video over the postal ballots sent to Bahrain, Salahuddin said the proper consideration is not applied in the preparation and distribution of the postal ballots for expatriates. “Those who were involved in the preparation and distribution of these postal ballots or those who were responsible for these issues must give an explanation. The Election Commission must give an explanation,” he said. The BNP leader said videos circulating on social media show that 200 to 300 postal ballots in a single residence and ballot papers are being seized in some places, while in other cases, voting has already begun, even though the postal balloting is scheduled to start on January 22. He also claimed there are instances where ballots issued in one person’s name are being received by someone else, describing the situation as a clear violation of rules. Noting that this is the first time expatriate voting is being exercised through postal ballots in Bangladesh, he said some initial mistakes could have occurred. “But the problem is that we are becoming victims of these irregularities. We are being affected. We believe certain actions have been taken in favour of a particular political party. This is no longer an assumption; evidence is emerging,” he alleged. “A clear explanation must be given on how all the ballots sent to these expatriates were sent,” the BNP leader said. BNP also drew the Commission’s attention to restrictions on voter slips under the code of conduct. Salahuddin said voter slips should contain information such as voter number, candidate name and symbol to help voters easily identify their preferred candidates. “Currently, voter slips cannot contain party names, symbols or candidate photographs. We believe these restrictions should be reconsidered,” he said, adding that the Election Commission has the authority to amend the code of conduct if it deems necessary. Salahuddin said every candidate distributes voter slips and voters are capable of making their own choices. “We should simplify the election process so that maximum voters can participate.” He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman recently postponed a planned visit at the request of the Election Commission, showing respect to the Commission. “That visit was neither political nor intended for election campaigning.” Read more: BNP raises concerns over cancellation of candidacies for dual citizenship A BNP delegation, led by BNP's Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan, on Tuesday also raised concern before the Election Commission over the viral video regarding the distribution of postal ballots in Bahrain. Nazrul Islam alleged that the video circulating on social media shows leaders of a particular political party handling a large number of ballot papers in Bahrain. He said the EC told them that the issue has come to their notice and already contacted the Bangladeshi ambassador in Bahrain. The Commission assured the BNP team that further investigation would be conducted and action would be taken based on the findings. Later on Wednesday, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified a viral video showing a large number of postal ballots delivered to a single address in Bahrain, saying the incident resulted from differences in the country’s postal delivery system and did not involve any irregularities in the voting process. He said Bangladesh’s postal ballots are being sent through the Universal Postal Union (UPU) with the assistance of the Bangladesh Postal Department. “This has happened in the case of Bahrain as the postal systems of some countries including the Middle East are different. There, about 160 ballots have been left in one place in one box,” he said. Akhtar Ahmed explained that the delivery system there is similar to student hostels, where letters are kept at a designated place and recipients collect their own mail from there. “Some 160 (postal) ballots were placed in a box. Later, the expatriate Bangladeshi brothers opened the box and divided it among four or five people—whoever lives in the room next to them takes it or delivers it,” he said. The EC Secretary said a video of the process was recorded and circulated, which he personally thinks should not have been done. “From what we understand, someone posted the video out of excitement at receiving a ballot paper. If you observe carefully, there is no evidence that any envelope was opened.”

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday evening. A BNP Standing Committee member and a source at the Chief Adviser’s Office said that the meeting will be held in the evening at the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna. They said Tarique will be accompanied by several BNP Standing Committee members and they are expected to discuss issues relating to the election atmosphere. This will be the second formal meeting between the Chief Adviser and the BNP Chairman. Tarique and Prof Yunus previously held their first one-to-one meeting in London on 13 June last year, when Tarique was serving as the party’s acting chairman. Following that meeting at the Dorchester Hotel, both sides issued a joint statement. After spending 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique returned home on December 25. Upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he spoke to Prof Yunus over the phone from the VIP lounge and thanked him for the interim government’s initiatives to ensure the security of him and his family members. The two briefly met again on December 31 during the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on the Parliament premises. But Thursday’s meeting will mark their first formal talks since Tarique’s return. Indian envoy meets Tarique Rahman BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission, the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on February 12.  A referendum on reforms and implementation of the July National Charter will also be held the same day.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) expressed concerns that the Election Commission’s indifference and the silence of election officials are hindering the creation of a fair electoral environment. “Even the heads of major political parties are making remarks and displaying banners that are clearly a violation of the electoral code of conduct. We hope the Election Commission and election officials will apply the law equally, just as they are strict with ordinary candidates,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s election office in Gulshan in the evening, the BNP leader said their party has already informed the Election Commission about violations of the election code of conduct and the election atmosphere. “The Commission’s indifference and the silence of election officials are creating obstacles to a fair electoral environment. We think this is inappropriate and we hope they will change this behaviour,” he said. Read more: Prof Yunus orders strict measures to prevent possible election fraud Nazrul, who heads BNP’s election steering committee, said they want the election to be held on 12 February as scheduled and with the participation of all political parties.  “Unfortunately, that is not happening.” He said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman postponed his planned tour of northern districts to avoid any misunderstanding and to help maintain an electoral environment. “When we are taking such steps to help maintain a peaceful environment, we expect others to follow the electoral code of conduct as well.” The BNP leader urged all political parties to refrain from activities that could undermine the electoral atmosphere, saying BNP wants a peaceful and acceptable election for all. He said BNP played the main role in restoring multi-party democracy in the past, ending military rule, establishing the parliamentary system, and forcing the withdrawal of the state of emergency during the 1/11 period. “This time too, we want to work with everyone to ensure a peaceful and inclusive election.” Nazrul said BNP wants to reassure the people that those who could not vote for many years will be able to cast their ballots peacefully and without fear. “We want them to exercise their fundamental right with confidence. For this, we are doing our party.” He reiterated BNP’s demand for a level playing field to ensure proper election atmospher.  The BNP leader said the Election Commission issued show-cause notices against several BNP candidates for minor violations, including a candidate’s daughter who posted a social media message saying “vote for the sheaf of paddy”. “We accept these actions if the same rules apply to everyone.” He alleged that influential leaders of other parties were openly campaigning in front of election officials without facing any action. Nazrul also noted that Tarique  postponed a private visit to northern districts after the Election Commission raised concerns, despite the visit not being political in nature and involving no speeches or rallies. He raised concerns about postal ballots, saying the ballot paper design placed three party symbols at the top and BNP’s symbol on a folded section at the bottom, which he termed “intentional, unfair and unethical.” Nazrul demanded immediate correction and said the ballots could be reprinted if necessary as there was still enough time. He also referred to viral videos showing postal ballot papers being handled in private residences abroad, including in Bahrain and Oman. The BNP leader said such activities violated electoral norms and secrecy. “Ballot papers are confidential. No one except the voter should see them. But we saw piles of ballots being handled on a table. This is illegal and deeply worrying.” Nazrul said they asked the Election Commission to take action, and the Commission informed them that the Bangladesh embassy confirmed at least one such incident. “If two incidents surfaced, there could be more in other countries.” Next govt should implement Labour Manifesto: Nazrul Islam He warned that the credibility of postal voting would be questioned if such activities continued. “We want a fair election and we want people to trust it. The next government must not face allegations of manipulating the vote.” Nazrul demanded punishment for those involved in such irregularities, saying this would deter others. “If this is not addressed and similar reports come from elsewhere, the use of postal ballots itself will come under question.”