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 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. 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. Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory 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. 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. 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. Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ 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.

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.    

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

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, remains unchanged, according to her medical board. A doctor from the board, speaking to UNB on Tuesday night, said her age continues to slow her recovery, along with several long-running health complications. “Madam has shown a slight improvement, but not at the level we had hoped for,” the physician said, requesting anonymity. “She is now 80. Her age is a major factor. At this stage, treating several problems together carries high risk. This time the chest infection has been especially difficult for her, and recovering from it is taking time,” he added. The doctor said the positive sign is that her condition has not worsened. "There is no new deterioration, which is important for us.” For now, the medical board does not plan to send Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment. She is receiving all necessary care at Evercare Hospital,” he said. 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. Khaleda Zia’s health yet to improve, London trip ‘on hold’ Her daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman, has been attending the medical board’s meetings in person since returning to Dhaka. She spends most of the day at Khaleda Zia’s bedside and coordinates her treatment. Even when at home, she remains in regular contact with the doctors over the phone to check on her mother-in-law’s condition.    

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday announced that all women across the country will be brought under a universal 'Family Card' scheme if the party forms the next government, aiming to make four crore families economically self-reliant. Speaking at a views-exchange event with retired army personnel at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Tarique said the facility would be open to every woman — “from a woman of a poor household to the wife of a prime minister, only those who feel they need this support will opt in,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the BNP has already prepared a comprehensive action plan for its future government, with the Family Card scheme being one of the key components. "In the first phase, 5 million women will receive the card." Under the programme, each enlisted woman would receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000–2,500, along with essential commodities for her household, Tarique said, adding,“Once a woman becomes self-reliant, she may voluntarily opt out of the scheme." To ensure transparency, he said, the scheme is designed to eliminate corruption by making it universally accessible. Tarique Rahman compared the model to child protection services in the United Kingdom, saying even the wife of a prime minister would have the right to avail of the service, if needed. “Some may question where the money will come from or assume it’s a lavish project. But we have already calculated the budget and identified how each component will be implemented,” he said. Tarique also said the BNP has developed a dedicated digital app for farmers, through which they will receive real-time guidance — from fertiliser use to weather updates. “We will also introduce an Agriculture Card to ensure farmers become fully self-reliant,” the BNP leader added. Highlighting the party’s education reforms, he said 3.5 lakh primary school teachers will be provided training, and the entire education system will be modernised with a special emphasis on technical education. About the retired military officers, Tarique said, “Not everyone must enter politics. Those who are fit for politics should join, but the country comes before the party. We want to utilise the experience of those who can contribute to nation-building.” BNP moves to finalise seat sharing as alliance friction grows He criticised the previous authoritarian government for “breaking down the country’s entire system,” including the military and bureaucracy. “These systems must now be repaired — and you will have to play a key role,” he told his audience. Calling for restoration of democracy at any cost, Tarique said, “Where there is democracy, there is accountability. The former government intentionally destroyed the system to avoid accountability.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who chaired the event, urged all to remain united and work together for the country’s future.    

Amid growing dissatisfaction among alliance partners over BNP’s unilateral announcement of candidates without any discussion, the party has decided to finalise seat sharing soon with its partners ahead of the 13th national election. Talking to UNB, some senior BNP leaders indicated that the party is likely to start formal talks with its partners in the anti-fascism simultaneous movement from Wednesday (December 10) to settle the seat-sharing issue. They said BNP has decided to leave seats mainly for those alliance candidates who have a strong chance of winning, considering rival contestants and the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO), which now prohibits using the electoral symbol of another party. “Simply leaving seats for allies is not enough — we must also ensure their victory. For this reason, senior alliance leaders who may not have a strong position in the voting field will be given important roles in the state structure, including the proposed upper house of parliament, if BNP forms the next government,” said a BNP Standing Committee member, requesting anonymity. He said the Standing Committee at its meeting on Monday night discussed the issue of seat-sharing at length and chalked out a strategy to reach an understanding with like-minded parties by assuring them of proper evaluation if BNP is voted to power. The BNP leader said the meeting decided to begin talks with the partners from Wednesday, as frustration has grown among some alliance leaders for not engaging in discussions over the matter. Earlier, BNP announced a total of 272 primary candidates out of 300 --237 in the first phase on November 3 and 36 more on December 4. Only 28 seats now remain vacant, which BNP says, have been kept mainly for alliance partners. Several partners in the simultaneous movement, however, have expressed anger and surprise, claiming BNP announced nominees in 272 seats without any consultation, even though the allies already submitted lists of their preferred constituencies. In at least six constituencies-- Kushtia-2, Moulvibazar-2, Narail-2, Kishoreganj-5, Jhalakathi-1 and Jashore-5 --candidates from different alliance parties were expecting nomination, but BNP fielded its own leaders. Another BNP Standing Committee member said the meeting also discussed the need to maintain good relations with alliance partners by allocating a reasonable number of seats. He said the party may review nominations in a few constituencies where allies have strong expectations. “BNP wants to keep the unity of the anti-fascism alliance intact through a fair and logical seat-sharing deal.” The BNP leader said Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead a negotiation committee to sit with alliance partners to remove misunderstandings and finalise seat sharing issue. As part of the move, he said BNP is likely to sit with the 12-party alliance on Wednesday, while talks with Ganatantra Mancha, the Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote and other like-minded parties will take place soon. The BNP leader admitted that the amended RPO is a major challenge in seat-sharing, since each registered party must now contest using its own symbol. Previously, alliance partners could contest using another party’s symbol within the alliance. In this situation, he said, BNP believes the electoral symbol is now a very important factor. “We think it will be very difficult to make voters familiar with the symbols of other alliance parties in the election field.” He also said BNP leaders and activists can easily and spontaneously campaign for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, but it may not be possible to do the same for other symbols. “Even then, for the sake of unity, we have taken a policy decision to allocate seats for those alliance leaders who are well-known, have strong grassroots support, and have a real chance of winning.” He said BNP already has a good understanding with the LDP and a few Islamist parties on seat-sharing. “Victory in each seat is the top priority. Those who can win will get seats, and the others will be honoured in different ways.” The meeting also decided to launch extensive election campaign programmes highlighting BNP’s major pledges, including sector-wise promises on farmers’ cards, family cards, healthcare, employment, education and sports. The BNP leader said the party aims to reach every voter through leaflets, advertisements, professional network engagements and mass campaigns once the election schedule is announced, as BNP believes the country will fully enter the election process through the announcement of the schedule. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said they will soon sit with alliance partners to reach an understanding over seat-sharing issue. He, however, said it is not possible to satisfy every partner by giving them seats, as winning the election must remain the priority. “So, we consider sharing seats only with those who have the potential to win.” Tuku said BNP has finalised its candidates after careful assessment of many factors. “We have still kept 28 seats vacant and many of those will be shared with our alliance partners. Everyone needs to be patient.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday pledged that his party will fully ensure the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to effectively control corruption in the country if its returns to power. “Today is International Anti-Corruption Day. We must pull the reins on corruption and we have the track record to do it. BNP has a proven record of controlling corruption,” Tarique said while speaking virtually at the closing session of the third day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. During the tenure of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader said the ACC was set up with a strong authority so it could investigate any corruption allegation related to the government without needing permission from anyone. “It was completely independent. This shows how confident and committed Khaleda Zia was in fighting corruption. She made that commission fully independent. Insha’Allah, we will establish that same system again,” he said. Tarique accused the ‘autocratic Awami League government’ of later changing the law, making government permission necessary before starting any corruption probe involving government officials. “If it is needed and if it is in the interest of the country, we will change that rule again. Let us pull the reins on corruption,” he said. Tarique said BNP has a strong record in key areas, including food production, employment, the expansion of internet services and support for women’s education. He said BNP also improved industry, ensured overseas jobs and strengthened the economy in the past. “Only BNP has the track record of success. Only BNP has the plans. Nice words cannot give people food. Nice words cannot create jobs. Development needs planning — and only BNP has that planning.” Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take BNP’s plans to every village and every household, including women, young people, community elders and religious leaders. “There is no time to sit quietly. We must go to the streets and reach the people. Everything — including the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy — now depends on the BNP,” he said. The BNP leader stressed the need for unity to restore democracy and protect Bangladesh’s future. “We must stand by the people. If we fail to unite the nation now, the very existence of our country may come under question in the future.” Tarique said ensuring law and order is also crucial for the success of their development plans, claiming BNP always believed that no one should be above the law, even if the wrongdoer is from their own party. He said people are tired of hearing constant arguments and political blame games in the media. “Voters now want clear answers about what a party will do for them. Students want to know what kind of education system they will get. Young people want clear guarantees about their future and employment.” Tarique expressed strong confidence that BNP will be able to form the next government with the people’s vote, and he urged all party leaders and activists across the country to support that goal with full commitment. The third day of the programme was inaugurated in the morning by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan 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 the Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal from across the country joined the session. They received training on how to reach out to voters and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises ahead of the polls.