United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Bangladesh is now facing two major challenges, building a strong political and economic foundation and resisting forces that are misleading people using religion. “We want to state something very clearly that the year 1971 is our very existence. Remember this loudly and firmly. Today I saw in a newspaper that someone has called the generation of 1971 ‘the worst generation.’ How can they show such audacity in saying this?” he said. Speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, the BNP leader also said certain quarters are trying to confuse the people by exploiting religion. “A dark claw seems to be emerging from behind the shadows…another form of fascism is trying to grip us. Unfortunately, by using our beloved religion, they are trying to mislead the people of Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader called upon his party colleagues to stand firm against these forces. “Today we face a new struggle. On one side, it is the struggle to place Bangladesh on firm political and economic footing. On the other side, it is the struggle to resist these destructive forces. You must move forward keeping both in mind. We always practise positive politics. We always think progressively,” he said. Bangladesh urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 genocide, historical issues Fakhrul told the party leaders and workers joined the workshop that it would not be enough to simply listen to the discussions and take notes. “You must present these ideas to the people… these are the things we want to do. If you do this, the people will surely be drawn to you. You have to win them over,” he said. The BNP leader said struggle is a part of human life, and a nation also has to struggle to rise. “We have carried out these struggles again and again. Our people have sacrificed their lives, our boys have sacrificed their lives. The boys of this generation also gave their lives in the July 2024 movement, just as our freedom fighters did in 1971. Let us unite all our strength and take a vow to win this battle.” Fakhrul said the upcoming struggle is the party’s toughest and most important yet, urging leaders and activists to move forward with determination and a strong mindset. He recalled the party’s long fight against autocratic regimes over the last 16 years, including the deaths of 20,000 party members and the hardships they faced amid immense repression and harassment. Fakhrul also highlighted the party’s historic contributions to Bangladesh’s development, recalling reforms by party founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in democracy, education, women’s empowerment, youth employment and the economy. He urged party members to unite, reach out to the people, win their hearts, and bring them to the polls. “This election is different from those under the Awami League. It will be a truly neutral election. You must ensure the people vote for us by understanding our leader’s vision and the plans we have for the country.” Fakhrul also prayed for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and expressed hope that a new phase of struggle will begin once Tarique Rahman returns home. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the KIB auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. It’s painful to see 1971 sacrifices questioned, says BNP’s Hafizuddin BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises before the polls.

Just hours before the announcement of the election schedule, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (December 11, 2025) called on party leaders and activists to get ready to welcome their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he will return to the country ‘very soon’. “Since all our leaders are here today, I want to tell you that our leader (Tarique) will come back to us very soon,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop. The BNP leader called on his colleagues to be ready to give Tarique a grand reception on the day he returns home, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “The day our leader arrives and sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should shake. You must remember this… You will be able to do it, InshaAllah. On that day, we want to change the face of the entire country,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory Fakhrul said the party wants to move forward with a progressive vision to take Bangladesh ahead. “We want to move ahead. We want progress. To place Bangladesh in a position of dignity, we want to carry forward our leader’s thoughts and plans.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation in the evening to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. Fakhrul said the election schedule will be announced today, opening the way for the people to establish new leadership for Bangladesh through a fresh election. “We now have the chance to work with the people to form a truly representative parliament — a parliament that will lead Bangladesh towards a new horizon, under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ He said the BNP must win the upcoming election and secure a full victory so it can take Bangladesh forward. “Many barriers will come. Many difficulties will appear. There are many campaigns against us, and there will be more. But we want to stand tall by overcoming all of these. BNP has never been defeated, and it will not be defeated,” he added. Describing BNP as the party of the people, the Liberation War and the struggle for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stay united. “Nothing else will bring you success. What will bring success is unity — a strong, steel-like unity — and the spirit to move forward with our nationalist and democratic ideals,” he said. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs: Mirza Abbas The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls. Read more: ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces

Mobile phone traders who blocked the Sonargaon crossing in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area and Jamuna Future park area of Kuril Bishwa Road on Wednesday evening demanding reforms to the proposed National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy, have withdrawn their blockade after more than two and a half hours. The traders began their protest around 6pm, placing barricades at the busy Sonargaon crossing, which soon caused severe traffic congestion stretching to several parts of Dhaka. At the same time, another group of telecom traders obstructed traffic near Jamuna Future Park on Kuril Bishaw Road towards Natun Bazar, halting vehicular movement from Kuril towards Badda. The blockade led to heavy tailbacks in the surrounding areas. Tejgaon Traffic Police ADC Tania Sultana said the traders’ sudden demonstration at Sonargaon crossing brought traffic to a complete standstill, affecting major connecting roads. “The impact spilled over into multiple adjoining areas,” she said, adding that traffic movement gradually resumed around 8:45pm once the traders withdrew the barricades. Witnesses said the protesters gathered at the Karwan Bazar roundabout shortly after evening and ignited debris on the road as part of their demonstration. Traffic from Karwan Bazar towards Shahbagh, Rampura, Panthapath and Farmgate was severely disrupted, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak hours. The suspension of movement on several major routes caused significant hardship for office-goers returning home and others on the road. Gulshan Division Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Ziaur Rahman said the barricade in front of Jamuna Future Park was also placed around 6:00pm by another group of phone traders. “They withdrew their programme at around 8:45pm, after which vehicular movement slowly returned to normal,” he added.  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is receiving the highest level of medical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Evercare Hospital, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid said on Wednesday night. Talking to reporters outside the hospital, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is still able to receive the treatment being provided by the doctors. “She is taking the treatment and she is responding as she did in the past,” he said, urging all not to pay heed to any rumours on social media regarding her health. Dr Zahid said local and foreign doctors are working together to ensure the best possible treatment for the former prime minister. “In medical terms, she is responding to the treatment being given,” he said. He said there was a plan to airlift Khaleda Zia to the UK last Friday for advanced treatment and an air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar was expected to take her to London. The physician, however, said this was not possible due to a technical problem with the air ambulance and also because Khaleda was not fit enough to fly at that time. Dr Zahid said the medical board, which includes specialists from both Bangladesh and abroad, is working to ensure that Khaleda Zia receives all necessary treatment at Evercare Hospital. He said she may still be taken abroad if required, but it is not possible to say exactly when that might happen. “The time has not come yet to give a definite date.” Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November with multiple health complications. A medical board led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, and including specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the USA, and China, is supervising her treatment. Her daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman, has been attending the medical board’s meetings in person since returning to Dhaka.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on party members to intensify their efforts to win public support in the upcoming election, saying that ensuring the victory of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ is essential to protect the country and promote its progress through the party’s well-planned programmes. “In the upcoming election, we seek the people’s verdict and support. This is not the time to sit idle. You must join the battle — a battle for the people, a battle for the nation, for the good of the country,” he said while speaking virtually at the closing session of the fourth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. The BNP leader also urged his colleagues to use their time wisely by planning and working to ensure the party’s victory. “We must ensure the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy, as there is no alternative. By winning with the Sheaf of Paddy, we can implement the plans made for the people… We must save the country by winning. Bangladesh comes first. No compromise,” he said. Tarique also warned that the country’s existence would be at risk if BNP is not voted to power. “If we do not wake up, if we do not take the field in this fight, the country will be ruined. Every time, your party has saved this country. If you look back at history, you will see that your party has always protected the nation.” He said whenever Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia were given the responsibility to lead the country, they rescued it from danger. “Now that responsibility of Shaheed Zia and Khaleda Zia has come to your shoulders. You must protect this country. Everyone must stand up. You must leave your homes, reach out to the people, go to every corner of the country. Only then will we succeed,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said BNP has plans to rebuild the country, but these plans must now be put into action. “Many plans were made in Bangladesh in the past, but they remained just plans. We want to turn our plans into reality for the people’s benefit.” He also said BNP will start the work, and the next generation will continue it so that the country’s healthcare, education, and employment systems keep improving. “To start this work, we must take the people with us. We must convince them and show that we can do this difficult task — and we will do it.” The BNP leader said people are tired of constant political arguments on TV and in newspapers. “Now they want clear solutions to their problems. The public expects political parties to explain what they will actually do if given the chance.” He said BNP is the only party that has presented a clear plan to improve roads, healthcare, education, and employment. Tarique urged party leaders and supporters to share this plan with people in every area so they understand how BNP wants to move Bangladesh forward. “We cannot just talk as we must act and work together to spread BNP’s message and win the people’s trust.” In the past, he said many infrastructure projects were built in the name of development, but they were not used properly. “Some so-called IT parks now stand empty, while others are used for social events instead of their real purpose.” Tarique said BNP will not take up unnecessary mega projects because “mega projects mean mega corruption.” “One of our main goals is that we will not go for any mega projects. We have seen that mega projects mean mega corruption. We must control corruption. We will spend the state’s money — the people’s money — on education, healthcare, and human development,” he said. Tarique outlined BNP’s plans for youth, education, and national development, saying the party aims to provide young people with better training, affordable internet, and small workspaces to encourage IT and online entrepreneurship. He also highlighted environmental and agricultural initiatives, including dredging rivers and canals and planting 250 million trees over the next five years to protect the environment and support sustainable development. During the rule of the previous fascist Awami League government, the BNP Acting Chairman said human rights were violated in the worst ways. He said BNP does not want human rights to be violated ever again. “Every citizen has the right to express their views safely. BNP’s responsibility as a major political party is to ensure that people with different opinions can speak freely without fear.” BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman Stating that many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are already exporting products abroad, the BNP leaders said if the government properly supports agriculture, farmers will get fair prices, and entrepreneurs will be encouraged to invest more. “This will increase exports, bring foreign currency, and create jobs in mills and factories. So, everyone in villages and cities will benefit.” The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. The fourth day of the programme was inaugurated by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal joined Wednesday’s event at the KIB auditorium in Farmgate.    

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday (December 10, 2025)announced the names of its first batch of 125 preliminary nominees for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. The list was disclosed by Member Secretary Akhter Hossen at a press conference held at the party’s makeshift office in the city’s Banglamotor area. “We have completed the distribution of nomination papers. If we receive any complaints against the announced candidates, we will investigate and cancel their nominations if necessary,” Akhter said. Before the announcement, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said their party aims to ignite a ‘ballot revolution’ in this election and urged all to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to be held together with the national election. Read more: Jamaat, NCP, other parties join EC’s dialogue Nasiruddin instructed party nominees to campaign both for votes in favour of the party’s symbol Shapla Koli and for the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara said the party would present a ‘different flavour of candidature’ in this year’s polls, adding that the NCP had sold around 1,500 nomination forms. “We kept the form sale open for everyone.” Top Leaders, Their Constituencies The announcement includes all key members of the party’s central leadership. Convener Nahid Islam will contest from Dhaka-11, while Member Secretary Akhter Hossen will run from Rangpur-4. Chief Organiser for the Northern Region Sarjis Alam secured the nomination for Panchagarh-1, and Chief Organiser for the Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah will contest from Cumilla-4. Tasnim Jara and Nasiruddin Patwary will run from Dhaka-9 and Dhaka-18 respectively. Among other notable nominees, Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar will contest from Narsingdi-2, Joint Convenor Tajnuva Jabeen from Dhaka-17, and Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud from Noakhali-6. Read more: NCP to contest election to promote ‘Yes’ in referendum: Nahid  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the party is participating in the election to ensure a ‘Yes’ victory in the referendum, not to come to power, following the announcement of its candidates for 125 constituencies. “Let us not forget, this election is essentially a referendum. The main question is ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. That is why we are contesting,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s makeshift office at Banglamotor in the capital. Asked about the number of seats NCP might win in the general election, he said, “We are not contesting with a mindset of securing a specific number of seats. Had we aimed for power, we would have joined some big alliance.” Criticising the electoral environment, Nahid alleged that NCP posters are being torn in several areas and many are violating election rules. “Some are even showing armed demonstrations to intimidate.” He criticised the Election Commission, saying, “Mafia candidates and loan defaulters have been given nominations. Whether the commission will act against them will determine how fairly it conducts the election process.” NCP, AB Party, Rashtra Sangskar Andolon form new political alliance Recalling the party’s formation, Nahid said, “We waited seven months, hoping that existing political parties would reach a consensus to fulfil the aspirations of the young generation. Since they failed and remained busy with internal disputes and party agendas, NCP was formed to realise the youth’s aspirations.” On Wednesday, NCP released its preliminary list of candidates for 125 constituencies. Nahid will contest from Dhaka-11, which includes Badda, Bhatara and Rampura areas. BNP candidate MA Qaiyum is also running from this constituency.  

The much-sought schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum will be announced at 6pm on Thursday (December 11, 2025), Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Md Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday. “The schedule will be announced at 6pm on Thursday, with Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar airing the Chief Election Commissioner’s national address,” he said while talking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon. The CEC’s speech was already recorded by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on Wednesday afternoon, which will be aired at 6 pm on Thursday. Replying to a question, the secretary said the schedule would be declared for elections in all 300 constituencies. When asked about the Appellate Division’s directive to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat district, he said, “The schedule will be announced tomorrow. As of now, the decision is to announce the schedule for 300 seats because we have not received any court order yet. If corrections are needed later, that can be done accordingly.” The Appellate Division on Wednesday upheld a High Court verdict declaring the Election Commission's gazette—reducing the number of parliamentary seats in Bagerhat by one—as illegal. On September 4, the Election Commission finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, bringing changes to the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 districts. The changes reduced the number of seats in Bagerhat from four to three and increased Gazipur’s seats from five to six. Following the Appellate Division’s verdict, now the Election Commission would need to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat and five constituencies in Gazipur district. Earlier on Wednesday, the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban to brief overall preparations to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections and the referendum. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah as well as EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present in the meeting. The President expressed satisfaction over the overall preparations undertaken by the EC for the upcoming election and the referendum. “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting. The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls, the registration of new political parties and Out-of Country Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV). The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. The President assured them that he would extend all necessary cooperation and support for the arrangement of a free, fair and meaningful election. There are some 12.76 crore voters under 42,761 polling stations across the country’s 300 constituencies. White ballot papers will be used for the national election and pink ballot papers for the referendum. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practiced in the previous elections. Read more: Prof Yunus calls upcoming election a historic chance to shape ‘new Bangladesh’ This is the first time the Election Commission is introducing a hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. Till Wednesday (December 10), nearly 300,000 expatriate voters from some 120 countries across the world have already registered through ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app to vote in the national election and referendum. The registration process for expatriates will continue till December 25. The ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process for the government staff on duty outside their voting places, polling personnel, and the persons under the legal custody (jails) will start after the announcement of election schedule and continue for 15 days. According to EC’s projection, some 10 lakh people from inside the country may vote through the postal ballot papers in the election.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said those who talk about ‘reforms’, except BNP, do not actually know what reforms the country needs, as they are only focused on gaining power. “Those who still speak about reforms don’t even understand what to reform. They surely know only one reform, a reform that will help them come to power. This is the only idea they have,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fourth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, inaugurated the day’s programme and gave instructions on how party activists should approach citizens to seek votes and explain BNP’s vision and development agenda. Highlighting BNP’s contributions to the country, Abbas said the party has always worked for Bangladesh’s progress with long-term planning. He mentioned that many sectors, including the garment industry and overseas employment, grew strongly due to initiatives taken during the time of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman. The BNP leader said these major achievements were also ‘reforms’, even though they were not announced through any official declaration. “Today, our economy largely depends on the garment sector. This reform was done without any prior announcement. The youth and women ministries were also formed during his time,” he said. Abbas said he recently asked some young activists what reforms they wanted, but they could not give any clear answer. “They are using the word without understanding it.” “One day, I was talking to a group of young boys from a political party. I asked them whether they would join our alliance in the election. They said ‘yes’, but they also have a condition. Imagine — such a big party, yet they still have a condition! They said they would join only if their demand for reforms accepted,” he said. BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman Abbas said he could not understand what they meant by reforms. “I asked them, ‘Tell me, what reforms you want? Explain it to me — let me see if I can do it.’ But they could not say anything. This means they are simply talking for the sake of talking. They are calling for reforms without even knowing what those reforms are. Tarique Returning Soon He expressed hope that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would soon return to the country and take charge of both the nation and the party. The BNP leader, however, did not mention any specific date or time for Tarique’s return. “We should all feel proud that we have such a leader and such a chairperson. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to do politics with, and under the leadership of, a successor like our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Khaleda Nation’s Guardian Abbas said that during the BNP Chairperson’s illness, it has become clear that she is not only the leader of the BNP but also a guardian of ordinary people across Bangladesh. “Throughout my life, I have never seen so many prayers being offered for a leader. Wherever I went, even before I mentioned praying for her, people were already prepared with religious clerics to offer prayers. Before anything else, they prayed for her. Perhaps because of these prayers and the mercy of Almighty Allah, she will return to us again, Inshallah,” he said. The BNP leader urged everyone to pray to Allah for Khaleda Zia’s full recovery. “It hurts us to think that she should have been here with us today — in the election campaign or taking part in such programmes. We have seen her among us in the past, and we can still feel her presence. Abbas said Khaleda’s condition is stable and has not worsened. “We will pray to Allah that her condition does not get worse and that she recovers soon.” BNP moves to finalise seat sharing as alliance friction grows At this crucial time, he said, both the BNP and the entire country urgently need a leader like Khaleda Zia, whom all political parties recognise as a guardian. “Even those parties that are our strongest opponents and do not like BNP have admitted Begum Khaleda Zia is now the guardian of all people, regardless of their political affiliation.” BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session of Wednesday’s programme virtually in the afternoon. The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal joined Wednesday’s event at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital’s Farmgate area.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday (December 10, 2025) said that his party is committed to accountability, reconciliation and democratic rights -- not revenge -- despite facing the most repression over the last 16 years. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Human Rights Day, he also said his party envisions a future Bangladesh to be built on unity, dignity and democratic freedoms with human rights upheld. “BNP has suffered deeply, yet emerged stronger, guided by the belief that truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the rule of law can build a Bangladesh that honours every voice and every life, a nation where human rights are defended as essential to our collective future,” Tarique wrote. He said Bangladesh ‘lived beneath a darkened sky’ for 16 years as fear replaced basic freedoms. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs:  Mirza Abbas “Some felt it sharply, others carried the weight quietly. But for many, especially those whose politics diverged from the deposed regime’s ruling line, the darkness was a lived reality: midnight knocks, fabricated cases, brutality endured, terror seeping into daily culture, and families waiting by doors that never opened again,” her said. Tarique said no political organisation bore this burden more than BNP. “Across extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, custodial deaths, and false charges, BNP leaders, activists and supporters formed the largest share of the wounded and missing. And in the 2024 mass uprising, it was again BNP’s ranks that suffered the highest number of deaths and injuries.” He stressed that the pain extended far beyond a single political group, affecting students, journalists, writers and ordinary citizens who lost the everyday essentials of dignity, safety and freedom of expression that “today’s Human Rights Day asks us to protect.” In those years, the BNP leader mentioned that he was stripped of the most basic right of voicing his opinion as he was silenced by an order prohibiting newspapers, electronic media and social media in the country from publishing or airing his words since 2015. Read more: BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman “Yet even from enforced silence, I kept fighting for the rights and democracy denied to millions, proving that a spirit committed to justice cannot be muted by decree,” he said. He also highlighted the suffering endured by his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he described as a national symbol of resilience through imprisonment, political cases and attempts to erase her legacy. “Yet she remained steadfast in the principles she had upheld throughout Bangladesh’s democratic journey. She has always championed that rights belong to every citizen, and that a nation cannot thrive when fear shapes its public life. Her resilience was never hers alone; it reflected the resilience of countless ordinary people,” the BNP leader said. Sharing personal accounts, Tarique said his own mother endured the pain of seeing her son tortured in custody, while his family also suffered the loss of his brother. Read more: Khaleda's condition remains unchanged: Board Yet, he said, this “pain does not always produce bitterness,” but instead strengthens the resolve to build a fairer future. “Our Deshnetri, my mother, exemplifies this more than anyone I know. It can shape people into guardians of a better future, and into people who understand that a nation cannot be rebuilt by repeating the injustices it survived. What Bangladesh needs now is larger than politics. We envision a united country where human rights are guaranteed, where plurality of opinions is welcomed, where opposition is a healthy part of democracy rather than a threat, and where no one is erased for their beliefs,” Tarique said. He said BNP stands strong, choosing resolution over retribution and it rejects the politics of vengeance and affirms that no Bangladeshi, whether ally or opposition, should ever again fear the institutions created to protect their rights. Calling for a rights-based future, he urged Bangladeshis to remember the stories of Abrar Fahad, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ilias Ali, Sajedul Islam Sumon, Sagar-Runi and many more, so that injustices are not repeated. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique