United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said they have decided that BNP MPs will not take any duty-free car. “We have also decided that no government plot will be taken by our MPs,” he told reporters after the first meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party (BNP) held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. BPP on Tuesday unanimously elected party Chairman Tarique Rahman as the Leader of the House. This means Tarique Rahman is set to form the new government as Prime Minister. The ministers are scheduled to take oath at the South Plaza of Parliament at 4pm. Fakhrul described it as a historic moment, saying that after a long period marked by repression, destruction of democracy and making parliament ineffective, the country has finally got a parliament through a credible election, achieved through the sacrifices of many people. “With a majority in parliament, we have elected our young leader Tarique Rahman as the leader of the parliamentary party,” he said. Earlier the newly elected BNP MPs were sworn in at the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said their party’s next government will face major challenges in keeping law and order, fighting corruption and boosting the economy. “The biggest challenges for the next government will be to get the economy moving, maintain law and order, control corruption, and ensure justice. These are the challenges,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the international terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from his electoral area in Thakurgaon. He said the BNP, having won a majority of seats in the 13th parliamentary election, will form the next government under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman. According to unofficial results, BNP won 209 out of 299 seats. ‘Joy and sadness together’ Commenting on the election results, Fakhrul described the moment as both joyous and sad. “One part is joy, another part is sadness. Our late chairperson and national leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, could not see this unprecedented victory, which is very sad,” he said.    

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won all three of Thakurgaon’s three parliamentary constituencies in the 13th National Election. In Thakurgaon-1, the party's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, contesting on the BNP’s  much-loved ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, secured victory. Dr. Abdus Salam, also representing the BNP on the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, won the Thakurgaon-2 seat. In Thakurgaon-3, BNP candidate Zahidur Rahman, contesting with the same symbol, emerged victorious. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir praised the voting process, saying the election was “festive, peaceful and beautiful.” Festive atmosphere beyond anyone's imagination: Mirza Fakhrul Visiting over a hundred polling centres in the district, he said the people’s enthusiasm and participation were remarkable. There are 12,55,017 voters including 5,98,488 women and 6,70,022 men and 7 transgender voters in the district. Besides, 10,292 voters have registered to cast their ballots through postal voting, including 2,326 women and 7,966 men.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the country is set to have an elected government and parliament through the ongoing national election. “None had imagined the voting would be so festive. The enthusiasm and interest of the people are remarkable. I have visited around a hundred polling centres throughout the day. The election has been held very peacefully and beautifully,” he told reporters while visiting Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School polling centre on Thursday afternoon. Expressing optimism about the outcome, Fakhrul said he believes the results will be positive. “This year, the people will get an elected government and parliament — something we have struggled for over the past 16 years,” he said. He also stated that he is quite optimistic about winning the election. According to the sources, a total of 20 candidates, including two women, are contesting in the three parliamentary constituencies of Thakurgaon district. Mirza Fakhrul casts his vote Among them, three candidates are contesting in Thakurgaon-1, seven in Thakurgaon-2 and ten in Thakurgaon-3. There are 12,55,017 voters including 5,98,488 women and 6,70,022 men and seven transgender voters in the district. Besides, 10,292 voters have registered to cast their ballots through postal voting, including 2,326 women and 7,966 men.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that BNP will always protect the rights of all people, regardless of religion, especially that of women. “I firmly believe that no one is a minority in this country. There are no minorities in this country. Everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh. Therefore, there is no reason to be afraid. I promise that BNP will remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of all citizens—Hindu and Muslim alike—especially the rights of women,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally at Jagannathpur of Thakurgaon district on Sunday. He also urged people to stand with confidence, saying he has always stood by them and that no one will be allowed to harm any citizen. Fakhrul slams Jamaat’s role in 1971 Liberation War The BNP leader also called for new leadership to steer the country forward. “Let the prime minister be a young person with fresh ideas who can take the country ahead. Let us all stand together in favour of that change,” he added. Referring to the referendum, Fakhrul urged people to vote ‘Yes’ to take a stand in favour of state reforms. “This referendum has one fundamental question—who wants reforms and who does not. Those who want reforms will vote ‘Yes’ and those who do not will vote ‘No’. We all want reforms, so I urge everyone to cast a ‘Yes’ vote,” he said. He also said reforms are essential to put the state back on the right track. “To fix the country, reforms are necessary, and this referendum is meant to decide that,” he added. Mirza Fakhrul reiterated that the BNP would always protect the rights of all people, irrespective of religion.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami over its role during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, saying the party must clarify its position on the country’s independence. “Jamaat leaders are currently making statements in television talk shows, online platforms and newspapers, but they should first explain their position during the country’s struggle for independence,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at Farabari High School ground in Thakurgaon. “Where were you in 1971? Whose side were you on?” the BNP leader asked. He also alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had assisted the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War and attempted to obstruct Bangladesh’s independence. There is no scope to forget about 1971 and just as the people would not forget 2024, when the country regained its democratic system, he added. The country achieved independence through the Liberation War and that history must never be erased, said the BNP leader. After 15 long years, the country now has a real opportunity to hold a fair, free and credible election, he said. Read More: Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul The interim government currently in charge and those who are elected through votes will form the government—that is their objective, he said. If people participate spontaneously and cast their votes, the election would become historic and widely acceptable, he hoped. Referring to his political future, Fakhrul said this might be his last election, and pledged to establish an airport and a medical college in Thakurgaon, if elected, along with creating employment opportunities to reduce unemployment. He also said the female voters of the district will be given training under the guidance of Tarique Rahman so that they can earn from home. “We must train our women and youth and create jobs by making them skilled and educated.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the nation will face grave danger if voters fail to make the right decision in the election.  “This election is extremely important. Citizens must make the right decision at the right time, vote for good leaders and a capable party to move the country forward,” he said during election campaign at Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila municipal community centre. Fakhrul said a group is trying to mislead general people by exploiting religion and attempting to undermine the spirit of the Liberation War. Jamaat wants to push Bangladesh back, says Fakhrul Recalling his political journey, he said, “Before taking over as Secretary General, I never had to appear on a court premises. But for speaking the truth and standing for justice I have repeatedly faced harassment.” Local leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations attended the meeting.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged voters not to ‘destroy the country’ by casting ballots for those who had collaborated with the Pakistani force in 1971 and are now seeking to rule the country again. “Those who assisted the Pakistani army even at the last moment are today asking for votes to govern the country. Do not ruin the nation by voting for them,” said Fakhrul, also the BNP-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency. He made the remarks during the election campaign at BD High School ground in Begunbari Union of Sadar upazila in the afternoon. “We want to uphold the spirit of 1971 because that year is our identity. Bangladesh was born due to Pakistan’s exploitation and repression. We fought Pakistan and achieved independence,” he said. About the absence of ‘Boat’ symbol in the election race the BNP leader said, “Earlier, there were ‘Boat’ and ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. This time there is no ‘Boat’. The boat’s helmswoman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has left you behind and fled to India. She is sitting in Delhi.” He said Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid protests by students while party leaders and activists were left exposed. “We do not want those who run away. We earned our right to vote through the blood of many students. For 15 years, we were denied freedom of expression. Those who wanted to vote were framed in cases and sent to jail,” he said. Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul said fear often exists among Hindu community people regarding persecution but there is no reason to be afraid. Begum Khaleda Zia clearly said that there are no minorities here, everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh, he said. He pledged that BNP would protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion and would remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of women. Speaking on agriculture, Fakhrul said the sector has not been properly developed and farmers were among the most vulnerable. He said BNP planned to promote agriculture-based industrialisation if voted to power. “Passing BA alone is not enough. Take technical training. Plenty of jobs are waiting abroad,” he added. Sadar upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid and other party leaders and activists were present at the programme.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said his party would ensure the safety and security of Hindu community people  if it comes to power. “Some people are trying to divide Hindus and Muslims  but there is no scope for such division. We live together and will continue to do so,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks Friday afternoon during election campaign at Sholtihori Bazar in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Addressing a series of rallies and roadside meetings from afternoon to evening at Sholothori, 11 Mile, Bairagi, Paysafela, Munshirhat and Debipur in Sadar upazila, Fakhrul urged voters to support BNP in the upcoming national election. He said over the last 15 years ballots were cast the night before elections or taken away, depriving people of their voting rights. “Now an opportunity is coming. Our Hasina Apa has gone to India. It is good that she has left, but she has put those who supported her  in danger. We are saying that no innocent person will face any trouble. We are standing by them. Those who have done no wrong will not be punished,” Fakhrul said. He said Jamaat-e-Islami has never governed the country while BNP is a tested party. “Only BNP, with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, can deliver development. No one else can,” he said. He said BNP activists are  ‘soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia’ who have always stood by the people in times of distress. BNP awaits landslide victory; some parties don’t want election: Fakhrul Making voters alert ahead of the February 12 election,Fakhrul said, “One party asking for votes with Scales symbols. Have they ever formed a government? Have they done any work for you? They have not. We have governed before and worked for the people.” Emphasising communal harmony Fakhrul said he works with people of all religions—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—and wants to ensure equal security for everyone.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday claimed that his party is set for a landslide victory in the national election and alleged this is why some parties are trying to block it. “Only 23 days are left before the election. In these few days, many parties are saying they are not sure whether the election will even be held. Some keep saying, again and again, that the election will not be allowed. If voting takes place, it is doubtful whether they would even get three votes,” Fakhrul said while addressing a programme at Diploma Engineers Institution in Dhaka, marking the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Expressing optimism, Fakhrul said BNP would win the upcoming election by a landslide as people are eager to see the party back in power. “People want to see a modern state under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. They want Tarique Rahman to implement his vision and future plans for Bangladesh.” Criticising a party for seeking votes in the name of religion, Fakhrul termed such practices as 'hypocrisy'. “They say that voting for the ‘daripalla’ symbol will ensure heaven without iman or amol. What could be a bigger act of hypocrisy than this? BNP is working on a plan to rebuild the country, while another party is driven by vengeance and violence.” Stating that Jamaat had never stood for the aspirations of the people, Fakhrul said, “Their leader Maulana Maududi opposed Pakistan and ignored Muslim aspirations. The same party opposed the Liberation War in 1971 and disregarded the aspirations of the Bengali people. Now they are spreading various kinds of misleading propaganda.” Fakhrul also accused the interim government of deception and bad faith over the reform process through a referendum. “It was agreed that issues on which there was consensus would go to a referendum. But matters BNP did not agree with were included without informing us. Still, in the interest of the country, we accepted it. Yet we are questioned on whether we want reforms. The reforms the government is now talking about are what we have been advocating since 2022. We are even ready to sacrifice our lives for those reforms," he said. Highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, Fakhrul said the former president gave the people of Bangladesh a distinct identity. “There are many Bengalis, but Ziaur Rahman gave the Bengalis of this country a separate identity — ‘Bangladeshi’.” Coordinated bid underway to manipulate election results: Abbas He said the banner of democracy carried by Ziaur Rahman passed through Khaleda Zia and is now in the hands of Tarique Rahman. “As soon as Tarique Rahman sets foot on the soil of Bangladesh, he has said to the people, ‘I have a plan’. His goal is to build a new, democratic Bangladesh based on the ideals of Ziaur Rahman.” At the programme, BNP standing committee members paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman and called for building a new Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman’s leadership by upholding his ideals.