United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said his party will welcome any move by the opposition to form a ‘shadow cabinet’, as the practice exists in many developed democracies. “In many developed democracies, the opposition forms a shadow parliament. If they take such a step, we will welcome it,” he said while talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Salahuddin Ahmed also presented a constitutional explanation regarding the oath of members of the Constitutional Reform Council. “If the Constitutional Reform Council is incorporated into the Constitution through an amendment, and if a specific oath format is included in the Third Schedule of the Constitution with a designated authority to administer that oath—only after all these conditions are met could such a process take place,” he said. However, a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat said the newly elected MPs of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will first be sworn in as members of parliament (MPs), followed by their oath-taking as members of the Constitutional Reform Council on Tuesday at 10am in the Oath Room of the parliament complex. Uncertainty remains over whether the MPs elected from BNP will take the oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, as the party believes the existing Constitution contains no provision for such a council. While the Third Schedule of the Constitution specifies the oaths for various offices, including that of Members of Parliament, it does not mention any oath for members of a Constitutional Reform Council. Responding to questions from journalists, Salahuddin Ahmed said the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission is to conduct the national parliamentary and presidential elections. Tarique Rahman quits Bogura-6, keeping Dhaka-17: EC The BNP leader explained that constitutionally, if the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unavailable, unable, or has not nominated a representative, the second option is for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to administer the oath to the elected MPs. Besides, he said, the oath of the newly elected members will be held in Parliament at 10:00am tomorrow (Tuesday), which falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of the CEC. Earlier, on Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shishir Monir and NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced the formation of a shadow cabinet through their posts on the social media. Before Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke to journalists, expressing hope that the opposition will play a democratic role in Parliament in the interest of the country. He mentioned that the new BNP government will face several major challenges in running the country. “We want to move the country forward in a united manner.” Referring to major challenges across sectors such as education, healthcare and the economy, Khosru said, “All the institutions have been destroyed. There are challenges in restoring them as well. So we must confront these challenges. The trust that the people have placed in us will remain at the forefront of our minds.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday hoped that the newly formed Jatiya Sangsad would be the most productive law-making house since the country’s independence and take steps to amend the Constitution. He also sought cooperation from people from all walks of life to build the country into a talent-based, technology-driven and knowledge-based state in line with the aspirations of the common people, martyrs and the younger generation. Salahuddin made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists in front of the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan in the afternoon. The BNP leader said the much-awaited national election was held peacefully and in a fair and impartial manner, meeting the expectations of the international community. He said the foundation of a strong democracy had been laid and that the process would continue. Salahuddin said democratic reforms of all state institutions and the desired constitutional reforms would be carried out, as outlined in the party’s 31-point manifesto, on the basis of which the election manifesto was prepared. Mirza Abbas says ‘vote engineering’ failed to override people’s mandate He said the July National Charter had already been signed, marking a political agreement. “This is a document of political consensus. It will be followed to the letter." Salahuddin Ahmed elected in the 13th national election obtaining 222,019 votes, while his nearest Jamaat contestant Abdullah Al Faruk bagged 129,728 votes and Islami Andolan contender Sarwar Alam Kutubi gained 4,528 votes.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said he feels a profound sense of responsibility and accountability to the people of his constituency who have elected him as their representative in the 13th Jatiya Sangshad. Reacting to the announcement of the unofficial results, he told the media that in Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria and Pekua), voters had earlier elected his wife with a significant margin during his absence, which further deepened his sense of responsibility towards the people of the area. “People of this area were long deprived of development. I spent my childhood and school years here, and I have always dreamed of doing something for this region,” he said. Expressing gratitude to the people of Bangladesh, he said, “When I was in enforced disappearance, people prayed for me and journalists wrote about me. By the grace of Allah, your prayers were answered and I returned with dignity to a fascism-free Bangladesh.” He said he had made many commitments and would strive to deliver even more than he had promised. Referring to the party’s overall victory, Salahuddin said the victory had been anticipated. “We will not hold any victory processions. We have many responsibilities ahead. We do not want to create any tension through celebratory rallies,” he added. According to the unofficial results, Salahuddin Ahmed secured 222,019 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Abdullah Al Faruk, received 129,728 votes, while Islami Andolan contender Sarwar Alam Kutubi obtained 4,528 votes.

Four BNP candidates including its standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and one Jamaat contestant were unofficially elected, according to the announcement the Election Commission made after Thursday midnight. In Cox’s Bazar-1: BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed obtained 222,019 votes, while his nearest Jamaat contestant Abdullah Al Faruk bagged 129,728 votes and Islami Andolan contender Sarwar Alam Kutubi gained 4,528 votes. In Chattogram-16: Jamaat candidate Jahirul Islam obtained 93,167 votes, while his nearest rival BNP’s Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury gained 83,105 votes, independent candidate Leyakat Ali pocketed 55,492 votes, Islami Andolan got 4,054 votes. In Bandarban: BNP candidate Saching Pru obtained 141,455 votes, while his nearest rival NCP contender Abu Sayed Md Sujauddin got 26,162 votes. EC's official announcements see BNP take lead in 15 seats, Jamaat in 4 In Sherpur-2:  BNP candidate Fahim Chowdhury obtained 118,472 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contender Golam Kibria got 108,335 votes. In Tangail-7: BNP candidate Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui obtained 141,253 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contender Abdullah Ebne Abul Hossain got 71,040 votes.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has taken a commanding lead in Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency. Unofficial results show Salahuddin has secured 102,110 votes in 74 out of 177 polling centres. His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abdullah Al Faruk received 45,073 votes in the same centres, said Chakaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Shaheen Delwar. BNP sweeps Thakurgaon as Fakhrul praises peaceful polls Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency comprises Chakaria and Pekua upazilas and has a total of 540,468 registered voters. Election officials said vote counting in the remaining centres is ongoing, and the figures are unofficial until the final results are declared.

There are no Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, or Christians in Bangladesh, only Bangladeshis, said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday. “The democratic atmosphere that we earned through the blood of our sons is our pride. We are committed to building a Bangladesh where there will be no distinction based on caste or religion—only a Bangladeshi identity,” he said while speaking at an event organised by the Malumghat Christian community of Dulahazara Union in Chakaria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar. Pointing to students, Salahuddin emphasised the importance of learning a third language alongside Bangla and English to become competitive in the job market. BNP to ensure press freedom to safeguard democracy: Salahuddin Salahuddin, candidate for the Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, said, “Our 18 crore people are our asset, not a burden.” He also sought votes for the BNP’s 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol in the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 12.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday, said their party will ensure full media freedom in Bangladesh, a promise included in the BNP’s 31-point plan. Speaking at a Meet-the-Press event organised by the party’s media cell in a Chakaria hotel, Salahuddin said BNP would establish a separate media reform commission and take necessary measures based on its recommendations. “A media reform commission has already been formed, and the BNP will review its proposals,” he said. Highlighting the importance of press freedom for democracy, Salahuddin said, “In countries where media freedom is guaranteed, the democratic structure is stronger.” Noting the digitalisation of the world, he said, “Information now spreads globally within moments, and everyone must act with extreme caution to uphold the nation’s dignity worldwide.” Salahuddin emphasised the crucial role of the media in strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic system. He recalled that an open media environment was fostered in 1991 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, which allowed electronic media to flourish. “However, over the past 16–17 years, the media has become increasingly partisan, affecting the democratic process in the country,” he said. ’Those who persecuted Hindus in 71 are back in elections': Salahuddin Ahmed On the role of journalists, Salahuddin advised, “Journalists should work with their conscience, not merely as employees of media owners. The media should aim to safeguard national sovereignty and democracy.” Chakaria Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque, General Secretary M Mobarak Ali, Cox’s Bazar Journalists’ Union President Nurul Islam Helali, Cox’s Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman, and media personnel from Chakaria and Pekua attended the event.  

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday (December 08, 2025) said the people of the country have already unmasked those who have no political principles or development plan, but are still trying to deceive the nation by selling a ‘religion card’. Speaking at the inauguration of BNP’s second day of the “Plan to Build the Country” programme, he also said anyone attempting to obstruct the democratic transition or the restoration of voting rights through various tactics will be rejected by the people. “Those who want to enter Jannah (heaven) without any effort should first find out where its bus station is. People understand these things,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, also said their party is preparing plans for how it will govern the country if voted to power, because, in their view, planning is half the job. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters “If you don’t plan, you are planning to fail. If we do not prepare a proper plan before running the state, we are actually preparing for failure. I think this message is meant for our friends who are indulging in business using religion,” he said. In a veiled reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP leader said this party leaders claim that anyone voting for their symbol will easily reach paradise. “But what about survival in this worldly life? They have no guidance on that. Just a few days ago, they even recruited a (Hindu) friend in Khulna. I won’t say more about it,” he added. Salahuddin said a party that has no principles, no ideology, no plans--only trying to cheat the nation by selling a ‘religion tablet’--the people have already identified them. “Their real face has been exposed.” He said BNP is planning for a modern, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh and is involving professionals, experts, and citizens in shaping the country’s future roadmap. “BNP’s policies and plans are designed for the people’s welfare, not for emotional exploitation. We are not here to sell a religious tablet. We must present our plans for economic freedom and public welfare in a simple and clear way so that people understand,” the BNP leader said. Referring to various initiatives by the late President Ziaur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia – including literacy campaigns and the Food-for-Education programme – Salahuddin said BNP has a record of implementing transformative national programmes through careful planning. Read more: No compromise with terrorism, extortion, drugs: Mirza Abbas “First comes policy, then programming, project implementation and monitoring. This is how a state is run, not by making false promises about Heaven,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP’s 31-point outline a realistic vision for good governance, democracy, and development, which the party will implement if voted to power. Salahuddin urged party activists to communicate BNP’s policies to the public in simple, relatable terms, highlighting programmes such as the Family Card for women and the Farmer Card for peasants which aim to empower the people, provide social security, and improve economic welfare. He stressed that BNP’s vision focuses on people’s education, health, and economic strength, noting that informed and empowered citizens form the backbone of the nation. Salahuddin also highlighted BNP’s democratic legacy under Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that safeguarding democratic institutions and prioritising Bangladesh’s national interest remain central to the party’s agenda. “A strong democratic Bangladesh can only be built if state and constitutional institutions are strengthened on firm foundations,” the BNP leader said. He urged the party leaders and activists to raise awareness about the importance of exercising voting rights in the upcoming elections. Tarique slams Jamaat for ‘propaganda’ against BNP echoing Awami League “We achieved the right to vote through years of struggle and sacrifice. The success of that democratic movement now depends on how we use that right. Anyone who tries to create obstacles in this democratic journey will be rejected by the people,” Salahuddin said. Addressing the programme, BNP Senior joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said JCD leaders and workers will be trained on eight subjects so that they can reach out to people in their areas and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises ahead of the election. He said some parties are trying to mislead people using religion by talking about a ‘ticket to heaven’ and urged JCD leaders to counter this with suitable arguments. Rizvi said by talking about the ‘ticket to heaven’, Jamaat is following an old European practice in the Middle Ages, when priests sold indulgence letters from the Pope to exploit people. On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election. Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the concluding session in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the event. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said no imposed law, order or forced proposal can be allowed to interfere with the sovereignty of the National Parliament. “We do not want the sovereignty of the National Parliament to be undermined in any way. That is why we will not allow any imposed law, order or coercive proposal to interfere with Parliament’s sovereignty,” he said. Speaking at a pre-march silent rally at Shahbagh, Salahuddin said Parliament is the country’s only sovereign House, representing the people. “Only the members elected by the people can exercise that sovereign authority. In Bangladesh, he said, discussions or proceedings of Parliament cannot be challenged in court. “We repeat that no proposal or imposed measure can be allowed to dictate or undermine the sovereignty of that National Parliament.” Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said their party welcomes the proposal to hold a referendum on the same day as the next national election, saying it would save time and cost and allow greater voter participation. “But a referendum cannot be used to enact laws or amend the Constitution. For that, a National Parliament must be formed. We want the national election to be held in the first half of February. We want to exercise our right to vote, and the people of this country are eager to cast their votes freely and enthusiastically,” he said. Referring to the July National Charter, Salahuddin reiterated that BNP is committed to implementing the charter exactly as it was written and signed on October 17. The rally titled “Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: Conscious Society Ready to Resist” was organised by the Women and Children Rights Forum in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh. After the rally, women participants covered their faces with black cloths and held a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Salahuddin accused a certain religious political party of exploiting religion for political gain. “There is a party that does business in the name of religion, engages in political business, and wants to win votes by selling different kinds of ‘tickets to heaven’. Women are now being oppressed at their hands.” BNP thanks Prof Yunus for reaffirming Feb election, same-day referendum He said this party wants to confine women to their homes, keep half the population in darkness, and block women’s progress. “They are calling for reduced working hours for women, claiming it will prevent inconvenience in employment. But reducing working hours will actually harm women’s employment. If working hours are cut, many offices, institutions and factories will hesitate to hire women. Employment will decrease, not increase,” the BNP leader warned. Salahuddin said women must have the opportunity to work with dignity and prove their skills through full employment. “Those calling for reduced working hours have bad intentions. They want women confined. They do not want society to progress.” He observed that the country can move forward only if both men and women progress equally and if their safety, dignity and opportunities are ensured in all sectors. Salahuddin said BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for women based on its 31-point agenda, covering education, employment, security and housing. He strongly condemned the recent assault on BNP women activists in Rajshahi, who were allegedly beaten and humiliated by supporters of a religious party. The BNP leader also criticised the case filed against a teacher of Jahangirnagar University for comments made during a talk show. “Her words offended a fanatical group, and they filed a case. We want a society where everyone is equal, without divisions based on religion, ethnicity, caste, culture or language.” Salahuddin said ensuring equal rights for all citizens is the true spirit of democracy, independence and sovereignty. “Our only identity should be that we are citizens of Bangladesh. There should be no majority–minority divisions or cultural or linguistic discrimination.” Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin He said the July uprising and past movements were aimed at building such a Bangladesh, and the fight must continue to establish a strong democratic state free from discrimination. The rally was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member and Forum convener Selima Rahman and conducted by member secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Jahangirnagar University Professor Mehrin Islam Khan, PSC member Professor Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, former MPs Shirin Sultana, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Bilkis Islam and Mayer Daak platform coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others, spoke the programme.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday alleged that the recommendations made by the National Consensus Commission do not fully reflect the discussions held with political parties, nor do they align with the provisions of the July Charter signed on October 17. “The charter includes only the Commission’s proposals. It does not mention what the political parties recommended, where consensus was reached, or where notes of dissent were recorded,” he said while speaking at a seminar held at a city hotel Salahuddin said the document signed by political parties at the South Plaza of the National Parliament was supposed to manifest the issues discussed with the Commission, but that consistency is missing. The BNP leader said the charter attached a schedule proposing amendments to 48 articles of the Constitution, which would be subject to a national referendum. “If this was their plan all along, then what was the point of holding 11 months of discussions under the Commission?” he asked. October 2006 incident was the first manifestation of Hasina’s fascism: Rizvi The BNP leader further said that during the Commission’s deliberations, when political parties sought assurance of the charter’s implementation, the BNP had proposed issuing a gazette notification to guarantee it. Although most parties supported the idea, the Commission later backtracked on the decision, he claimed. Reflecting on his own experience with the Commission, Salahuddin said, “I often felt isolated, as if I alone was on the opposing side. It seemed the Commission and several parties tried to impose their decisions.” He alleged that both the Commission and some political parties attempted to impose “unconsidered decisions” on the nation, while the BNP represented the voice of the people. Salahuddin also claimed that several of the issues now being put forward for a referendum were never discussed at the Commission level. “I was the first to suggest holding a referendum alongside the national election, and most political parties agreed with me then. But the 48 constitutional points now set for a referendum were never discussed with the Commission,” he said. BNP rejects Consensus Commission’s call for pre-election referendum: Khosru Expressing concern, the BNP leader warned that the Commission’s and government’s current approach would deepen political divisions instead of fostering consensus. He also criticized the Election Commission, terming its decision to compel alliance members to contest under their own electoral symbols “undemocratic.” Salahuddin concluded by expressing hope that the interim government would act as a true caretaker administration, maintaining neutrality in its functions.