BNP senior leader Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Saturday alleged that various schemes are being devised to delay the parliamentary elections and prevent the restoration of the people's rights to vote. “People are eager to regain their rights to vote, but various plots are being hatched to delay the parliamentary elections. Many excuses are being made,” he told an iftar party. Three BNP associate bodies –Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal – organised the event at a city hotel in honour of journalists who cover the party's political activities. Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said the government is using reform as an excuse to delay the election process. Mirza Abbas questions media’s silence on alleged political-business deals "Some of them are claiming that the [national] election will be held on completion of reforms. Reform is a continuous process. It is impossible for any government to complete reforms within a limited timeframe," he said. The BNP leader said although seven months have elapsed since the current government assumed office, it still has not presented any specific programme or plan for reforms. “When they announce the reform programme, the time required to complete it will depend on the pace of its execution. So, it is an ongoing process,” Mosharraf said. He alleged that the previous fascist government of Sheikh Hasina destroyed all sectors of the country. “It is the primary duty of the future government to address these issues. The current government's responsibility is to create an opportunity for the people so that they can establish their government through voting.” Mosharraf said the holding of local government elections is being used as an excuse to delay the national election, but it has no relation with policymaking decisions or reviving the economy. “Only the national parliament can address these issues. So on behalf of the people, we demand that a roadmap specifying a date for the Jatiya Sangsad election be announced immediately. This is the expectation of the people.”

The United Nations considers political reforms in Bangladesh an internal matter, said BNP leaders following a roundtable discussion on reform proposals on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after the discussion, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they told the UN that reforms should be implemented as soon as possible, with a focus on the election. "We have insisted that reforms must be carried out without delay. We were the first party to raise the issue of reforms. It is essential that these reforms, particularly in relation to the upcoming election, are completed promptly," he said. Fakhrul said they also talked about holding the next national election after completing the polls-related reforms. The BNP leader said they said the parliament that will be formed through the election will implement the remaining reforms. "We’ve said it’s a continuous process.” Party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "The UN has said it’s an internal affair of Bangladesh, and it is for you (politicians) to sit together and determine what reforms will be made." He also mentioned that the UN expressed hope that a strong democratic government would be established in Bangladesh through the upcoming election that should be in line with the will of the people of Bangladesh. Elections to be useless without reforms, Nahid tells dialogue “He (UN Secretary-General) hoped that the upcoming elections will set a precedent in the world,” Salahuddin said. Replying to a question, Fakhrul said they did not discuss any time-frame for completing the reforms, as it is an internal matter of Bangladesh. "We are in talks with the reform commissions... we are in contact with them, and we have provided what they have asked for… So, there can be no questions regarding those matters. Why should we provide a time-frame to the UN Secretary-General?" he observed. The BNP leader also said they participated in the roundtable organised by the UN’s Dhaka office and shared their views on the reforms and the election. Basically, he said the UN Secretary-General was informed about the reform initiative and the commissions established by the government in this regard. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined the roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders. Apart from BNP, the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Nagarik Oikya, CPB, AB Party and Ganosanhati Andolon participated in the event. On behalf of BNP, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed joined the meeting. UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, and representatives of different other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental.

Dhaka District unit Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad on Friday claimed that a deep-rooted conspiracy is underway against both the BNP and the country. "A well-planned conspiracy is being orchestrated against BNP. Some are saying certain media outlets are being used to malign BNP as part of this plot," he said. Murad made these remarks while addressing an Iftar mahfil organised by the Suapur Union BNP and its associate organisations in Dhamrai, held on the Suapur Union Parishad premises. He said various news stories are being deliberately presented against BNP in a planned manner. "Reports on trivial incidents are being blown out of proportion.” Murad urged the people of the country and nationalist forces to stay vigilant in order to thwart any plots against the nation and BNP. He affirmed that a humane and non-discriminatory Bangladesh would be built under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Mirza Abbas questions media’s silence on alleged political-business deals The Jubo Dal leader also expressed hope that under Tarique's leadership, Bangladesh will be free from corruption if BNP is voted into power. "A beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh will be built with the help of common people of the country. We must all work together to achieve this," he said. Murad reminded the people of Bangladesh’s past success in ousting a notorious dictator, Sheikh Hasina, through united efforts. "We must remain united to confront all conspiracies and succeed in the future," he concluded.

BNP Senior leader Mirza Abbas on Friday raised questions about why the media are not reporting on allegations of financial transactions between some specific political parties and business groups. "Some political parties still have connections with certain businessmen... sometimes we hear about (donations) of amounts like Tk 15/16 crore, sometimes Tk 100 crore (to different parties). Why don't you (media) write about this?" he said. Abbas made the comments while speaking at an Iftar party organised by the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) on its premises. He urged journalists to understand the gravity of their responsibility in highlighting societal anomalies and wrongdoings. "Your pen is far more powerful than a sword. What you write or say can greatly benefit the nation, but it can also cause harm if misused," the BNP leader observed. BNP forms legal, health support cells for oppressed women, children Mirza Abbas called upon the media to uphold professionalism and integrity, ensuring that the truth is presented to the public. At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman condemned the recent tragic incident of a minor girl’s rape and death in Magura. He expressed his deep sorrow over the little girl’s death and prayed for the victim’s soul and peace for her family. The Jamaat chief urged the nation to unite against such heinous crimes and demand justice. “The people of the country have been deeply hurt by this incident. May Allah grant us the ability to learn from this tragedy, stand against such crimes in the future, and demand justice,” he said. Shafiqur expressed the hope that the media would play an essential role in exposing these issues and ensuring accountability.

BNP has formed two special support cells—‘Legal Assistance Cell for Oppressed Women and Children’ and ‘Health Support Cell for Oppressed Women and Children’—comprising party-affiliated lawyers and doctors. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the formation of these cells at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. He said these cells will gather information on incidents of violence, rape and murder against women and children across the country. Rizvi said similar cells have been set up in all 84 organisational districts of the BNP. BNP leader accuses Hasina's regime of exploiting Rohingya crisis He said BNP’s Law Affairs Secretary Barrister Kaiser Kamal and Health Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam will serve as the central coordinators of the cells. Expressing deep concern over the rising incidents of violence against women and children, Rizvi particularly mentioned the case of a child named Achiya, who was allegedly raped and killed. "The nation cannot accept the brutal death of Achiya after she was subjected to rape. People had expected the rule of law to be firmly established at the grassroots level. However, due to the slow and lenient actions of the administration, criminals are being encouraged in various ways," he said. The BNP leader demanded strict enforcement of the law to punish the perpetrators of such crimes and restore justice in society. "The rule of law must be established immediately to ensure exemplary punishment for real criminals. We strongly reiterate our demand for the swift and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the brutal killing of Achiya," Rizvi said.

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday alleged that the government of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did politics over the Rohingya issue for financial gain. "Dr Muhammad Yunus, you are visiting Cox’s Bazar with the UN Secretary-General. Tell him openly that Sheikh Hasina has exploited the Rohingya issue for financial gain," he told a protest rally. Nagorik Odhikar Andolon organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest against "Indian aggression and propaganda against Bangladesh." UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon for a four-day visit and travelled to Cox’s Bazar on Friday morning to meet Rohingya refugees. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, voiced concerns over the rising incidents of crime, violence and social unrest in the country, urging the authorities to take swift action to restore normalcy. "Why have muggings increased? Why do incidents of assault still happen? Why are women still being raped? Professor Muhammad Yunus and Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury should investigate who is behind these acts," he said. The BNP leader claimed that those who amassed illegal wealth during the Awami League’s rule are now orchestrating various untoward incidents and fuelling social unrest. "You (Professor Yunus) must fight against them. You will prevail in this fight, and we are with you," he said. Ill-efforts underway to divide political parties: Mirza Abbas Farroque said the unity forged among the country’s politicians and people during the July-August mass uprising must be maintained for the greater good of the nation. "We have to sustain this unity so that the sacrifices of Abu Sayeed and Mugdha do not go in vain," he observed. The BNP leader also stressed the need for national unity to restore democracy through a credible election. He urged Dr Yunus to arrange a national election as soon as possible to thwart conspiracies against the country. "We want the unity through which Professor Muhammad Yunus can facilitate a credible election in Bangladesh. People are now saying that you [Sheikh Hasina] are no longer capable of running the state. A conspiracy has begun. To put an end to this conspiracy, an election is necessary... arrange for that election," the BNP leader said. Farroque alleged that Sheikh Hasina indulged in widespread looting of national wealth before fleeing the country. "Sheikh Hasina has fled with 18 steel boxes filled with Bangladesh’s wealth—dollars, rubles, everything. Her ministers and associates have plundered the nation's resources," he alleged. Farroque urged India to withdraw its support for Sheikh Hasina, calling her a "fascist leader and a destroyer of democracy." "If India truly cares about Bangladesh and has genuinely supported our Liberation War, then Narendra Modi’s government should never stand by a dictator like Hasina," he said. Farroque also alleged that Sheikh Hasina is conspiring against Bangladesh to destabilise the country from India.

The new leader of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) will be determined by those who fought on the streets during the country's struggles and disasters. Top leaders of the organisation came up with the remarks during a prayer and iftar mahfil organised by DAB Dhaka Metropolitan South at Siddheshwari in the capital on Thursday. The DAB will be governed by an elected committee in the future, they said. Professor Dr Farhad Halim Doner, Chief Advisor of DAB and Executive Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation, was the chief guest at the event. Special guests included DAB President Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid, Secretary General Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, Assistant Secretary of BNP's Health Affairs Dr. Parvez Reza Kanon, DAB Senior Vice President Dr. MA Selim, Treasurer Zahirul Islam Shakil, Senior Joint Secretary General Mehedi Hasan, and DAB Joint Secretary Shah Md. Amanullah. The programme was chaired by Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, President of DAB Dhaka Metropolitan South, and moderated by Dr. Mohammad Niaz Shahid Rana, the South General Secretary. Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, acting president of DAB Dhaka Metropolitan South, said, "We have stood by the people of the country during every crisis, whether it was the Corona pandemic or the devastating floods. During the July Movement, our doctors tirelessly treated the injured, prioritising their work over their own jobs. Even in the face of intense conflict in Jatrabari, our medical professionals never left the streets." The prayer and iftar gathering was attended by DAB members, top leaders of Dhaka Metropolitan South, as well as representatives from various political parties and professional organisations.

Expressing deep concern over the rise in sexual violence, Yasin Ferdous Murad, President of Dhaka District Jubo Dal, on Thursday called for exemplary punishment for rapists to curb the increasing number of such crimes. "As time goes on, violence against women, oppression, and rape are rising at an alarming rate. To prevent these heinous crimes, strict and exemplary punishment must be ensured," Murad said. He made the remarks while addressing an Iftar party organised by the local BNP and its affiliated organisations at Nannar Union, Dhamrai. Murad accused the allies of the ousted Awami League of attempting to destabilise the country in a bid to undermine the interim government. “The interim government must not be allowed to fail. We need to support the government to ensure a free and fair election," he said. Calling for a swift and credible election to counter conspiracies, Murad claimed that over the past seven months, the law and order situation has deteriorated, and no state institution has achieved stability. In such a situation, he said establishing a government truly representative of the people is the only way to restore full democracy in the country.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Thursday alleged that efforts are being made to create "artificial divisions" among political parties. “We, the leaders of different political parties, are sitting together for iftar. We’re all enjoying this moment together. If we can continue working in this way to build Bangladesh, where is the problem?” he told an iftar gathering. The BNP leader said their party sees no problem in working together with other parties to rebuild the country through united efforts. “But artificial problems are being created. Ill-efforts are there to divide us. Different parties are speaking out against each other, throwing accusations—that is not fair. If this continues, the victory we achieved on August 5 will be lost,” he warned. Public perception about ploy to delay election is valid: Mirza Abbas Gono Odhikar Parishad hosted the iftar event at Sky City Hotel at Malibagh in honour of political leaders. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the usual fears and uncertainties surrounding such gatherings in previous years were no longer present. "Last year, the year before that, and even the year before, we attended iftar events with concerns and apprehensions. But now, that fear is gone. There is now no persecution and we have come here peacefully and will leave peacefully. We achieved this state through the victory of our movement on August 5. We’re enjoying the benefits of that achievement," he observed. The BNP leader said just as they are sitting together at the iftar party, they want to remain united in all future activities, from elections to forming a government. He stressed the need to build a better country, asserting that hatred, jealousy, and envy could never contribute to the nation's well-being. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  The BNP leader urged everyone to hold themselves accountable to their conscience, ensuring that the sacrifices and struggles of August 5 were not rendered meaningless due to any conspiracy. Speaking at the event, another BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said it is now necessary to have a clear roadmap for the national parliamentary election. “Reforms, discussions, and proposals will continue, but we must make a decision regarding the national election. That is why we need a roadmap. We and the country’s people expect the government to present the election roadmap soon,” he said. Rizvi blames govt inaction for rise in rape and violence against women The BNP leader also said they had presented their concerns and demands to the Chief Advisor during their meetings with him, and he had assured them that an election roadmap would be presented.  “We just want clarity on one matter—that the Chief Advisor will soon provide a roadmap for the national election in line with the people's expectations,” he said.

BNP has appointed Nargis Begum, wife of the late BNP standing committee member Tariqul Islam, as the party’s vice-chairman. Besides, Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin, BNP’s relief and rehabilitation affairs secretary, has been appointed as a member of the party chairperson’s advisory council. Public perception about ploy to delay election is valid: Mirza Abbas BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the fresh appointments in a press release on Wednesday. Nargis previously served as the convener of the BNP’s Jessore district unit. NCP creating chaos to delay national election, alleges BNP leader   Party sources said the two leaders were given the new roles as part of the party’s ongoing organisational restructuring.