United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday expressed his profound sorrow and condolences at the passing of Pope Francis. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis — a revered spiritual leader whose life exemplified compassion, humility and tireless efforts to foster peace and interfaith dialogue,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page. Tarique mentioned that the Pope’s moral clarity and unwavering commitment to the dignity of all human beings had earned him the respect and admiration of people across all faiths and nations. “On behalf of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP and the people of Bangladesh, I convey my deepest condolences to the global Catholic community and all those mourning this great loss,” he said. Bangladesh mourns Pope Francis’ death; Prof Yunus pays tribute The BNP leader also expressed hope that the legacy of Pope Francis would continue to inspire generations to come. Pope Francis, who encouraged Catholics to embrace a more compassionate approach on many issues but struggled to fully address historical abuses by clergy, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Dhaka South city unit BNP leader Ishraque Hossain on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to law enforcers to arrest two Banani leaders of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) in connection with the murder of Primeasia University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activist Zahidul Islam Parvez. “We want to give a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest two leaders of Students Against Discrimination (for their involvement in the killing of Parvez),” he said while addressing a rally at Primeasia University. BNP backs reform efforts, says Salahuddin Ishraque, who was recently declared the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) by a court, also warned that if the perpetrators are not arrested within the stipulated time, a tougher course of action would be announced. The JCD Private University unit organised the rally in front of the university’s Banani campus on Monday, protesting the murder of Parvez and demanding the trial of the perpetrators. Jahidul Islam Parvez, a student of the textile engineering department at Primeasia University and an active JCD member who had played an outstanding role during the July-August mass uprising, was hacked to death on Saturday following a brawl over a trivial matter. Ishraque alleged that a meritorious student like Parvez was brutally killed in broad daylight over a petty issue, simply out of animosity towards Chhatra Dal. He said the names of two leaders--Sobhan Niyaz Tushar, joint convener of the Banani Thana SAD unit, and Hriday Miazi, joint member secretary of the same unit-- have emerged in connection with the incident. Ishraque also claimed that attempts are being made to pressure the police not to arrest the two SAD leaders. "Anyone obstructing the arrest of these criminals will also be resisted," the BNP leader said. He urged the government and law enforcement agencies to swiftly arrest those responsible for the killing of the JCD activist and bring them to justice, resisting any effort to shield the offenders. “A criminal is a criminal, regardless of whether they are affiliated with the BNP, Jamaat, NCP, or Students Against Discrimination.” BNP joins 2nd day talks with Consensus Commission Ishraque also called on JCD leaders and activists to return to their academic activities and to report any criminal acts to the authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands. “We want law enforcement agencies to perform their duties and establish the rule of law in Bangladesh.” Ishraque questioned the legitimacy of the committees formed under the banner of SAD across the country after the students involved in the mass uprising established the political party National Citizen Party (NCP). He alleged that a vested quarter, under the guise of SAD, has been engaging in extortion, looting and various other criminal activities all over the country for personal financial gains. Other protesters addressing the rally pointed to a local group known as the ‘Benson Gang’, alleging their involvement in the attack. They also demanded the immediate arrest of all involved in the brutal murder of the JCD activist. Earlier, on Sunday, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib, at a press conference, alleged that some “terrorists” affiliated with SAD were involved in Parvez’s murder. He also accused SAD of reviving old fascism under a new name on educational campuses, replicating Chhatra League-style intimidation tactics to target Chhatra Dal activists at various institutions.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said the national election can be held before December as it is possible to make a decision on reforms within a week. “There is ample scope to hold the election before December by reaching a consensus on reforms and signing the national charter on it,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Nurul Haque Nur-led Gono Odhikar Parishad at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. “Everyone is saying that reforms will be carried out based on consensus. All parties have submitted their reform proposals. So, there is no reason for it to take more than a week to identify where consensus exists on the reforms,” Khosru said. The BNP leader said it is now crucial to fix the election date after signing a national charter of reforms agreed upon by all political parties. “I personally believe it should not take until December to arrange the election. Based on an agreement on reforms, we can sign the national charter, and the election can then be held before December. There is no question of going beyond December—it is fully possible to hold it earlier,” he said. BNP, left-leaning leaders hold talks on election, political situation Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Consensus Commission should prioritise the reforms on which political consensus is reached. “As for the remaining reforms, political parties will seek a public mandate and pass them through parliament.” He said BNP does not see any crisis over the reforms. “But if anyone pretends not to understand something that is clearly understandable, then no solution will be possible.” Earlier, speaking to reporters, Nur said they want two student leaders-turned-advisers, Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, to resign from the interim government for the sake of its neutrality. He also demanded that the government hold the election by December, carrying out the necessary reforms based on a political consensus. Stating that various conspiracies are underway to put the nation at risk, Nur said Bangladesh is not safe as long as it remains under an unelected and undemocratic government. He said although the student leaders who led the July-August mass uprising have formed a political party, two of their representatives are still serving in the interim government. “They themselves should resign to uphold the neutrality of the government.” Nur said they discussed with BNP that his party would announce action programmes if the two advisers do not step down or if Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus fails to take any steps in this regard.

As part of BNP’s efforts to forge unity among political parties and build consensus on holding the national election by December this year, a delegation of the party held a closed-door meeting with several left-leaning party leaders on Sunday. The hour-long meeting, which began around 4pm, took place at a hotel in the city's Banani area, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Advisory Council Member Mujahidul Islam Selim, CPB President Shah Alam, General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, Joint General Secretary Mihir Ghosh, Bangladesh Socialist Party (Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-BSD) General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, and Joint General Secretary Rajekuzzaman Ratan, among others, attended the meeting. BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu were present at the meeting, Sayrul said. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ruhin Hossain Prince said it was an informal meeting with BNP leaders where they discussed the upcoming election, the current political situation and the need to establish a new political culture in which all parties engage in dialogue and exchange views. Prince said they attended the meeting at the invitation of BNP leaders for tea. “As politicians, over tea we talked about the election and the country’s political situation. We would like to emphasise our intention to help build a new political culture where we can meet and understand each other.” BNP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Thursday He said the past political culture discouraged interaction among rival politicians. “We want to break this tradition and introduce a new and positive culture. As part of that initiative, we held this meeting. We also met earlier with leaders of other parties, including the NCP.” In response to a question, Prince said the CPB and other left-leaning parties believe a fair election can be held before December after carrying out necessary reforms.  “BNP is talking about an election by December, but we think it can take place even earlier,” he said. Mujahidul Islam Selim said those who advocate for reforms after the election are the ones genuinely in favour of change. “But those who want to carry out reforms without any election through a decree are trying to build the bricks on sand rather than on a solid foundation. He said public participation and consent through an election are essential for reforms to be built on a strong foundation. Selim, however, said the reforms necessary to ensure a fair and credible election must be implemented before voting takes place. “It is the right approach to move forward with reforms by first strengthening their foundation through an election. Those who reject this path may harbour ill intentions under the guise of reform,” he added. END/UNB/ARJ/SAM

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed the hope that the ongoing political issues would be resolved and people would have their own representatives soon through an election. “We have submitted our proposals to reform commissions...we are also engaging in discussions with them. We believe that a truly acceptable solution will emerge through talks, and people will soon get their own representatives through an election within a short time,” he said at a discussion-cum-doa mahfil. Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of BNP Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Noman, who died on February 25 this year. Fakhrul said the nation is going through a difficult time as democracy has yet to be restored in the country. “The present time is testing us. If you watch TV, talk shows, or read newspapers, you'll notice that we're going through a turbulent time. We are turning some settled matters into uncertainty,” he said. The BNP leader also said the words "reform" and "election" are now being frequently discussed everywhere. “We believe it is the responsibility of everyone, including political parties and other stakeholders, to address the problems through patient and constructive discussions.” JCD blames Anti-Discrimination Movement for killing activist at Primeasia University Fakhrul called upon BNP leaders and activists to keep in mind that their struggle for democracy is not yet over. “We have not yet achieved our democratic transition. We have not yet secured an elected government and parliament through a proper election.” In such a context, he urged the BNP rank and file to work with utmost caution, awareness and perseverance to further strengthen the party and its organisations. Fakhrul denounced the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist Jahidul Islam Parvez, also a student at the textile engineering department of Primeasia University. He said those responsible for killing a dedicated student leader like Parvez did not embody the spirit of last year's student movement, which was driven by a desire for positive change. The BNP leader also said those who engage in divisive politics were behind Parvez's death. “They are neither pro-people, pro-democratic, nor pro-working-class forces.” Fakhrul said Abdullah Al Noman was a rare politician who dedicated himself solely to the country and its people, rising above narrow personal interests. In the current time of democratic transition, he said, the presence of a leader like Noman was essential to guide the nation in the right direction. BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan recalled Noman’s contributions to Bangladeshi politics, particularly in advocating for the rights of the working class. “He was a true friend of the workers. He was an outstanding labour leader and remained dedicated to the working class until his last day,” he said. Stating that Noman was a former president of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Nazrul urged the leaders and members of the organisation to strengthen their organisational capacity as a mark of true respect to the late workers’ leader and BNP vice chairman.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, on Sunday alleged that some ‘terrorists’, belonging to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, were involved in the killing of one of its activists at Primeasia University on Saturday. “Our initial investigation has revealed that several leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were directly involved in the murder. CCTV footage clearly identifies the individuals who fatally stabbed Parvez,” said JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP’s Nayapaltan Central Office, he said Jahidul Islam Parvez, a student of the textile engineering department at Primeasia University, was an active JCD member who had played an outstanding role during the July-August mass uprising. Ex-JCD leader freed on bail from Narayanganj jail The JCD president categorically said a group of terrorists, including Primeasia University student Mehraj Islam, along with Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Banani Thana committee joint convenor Shobhan Niaz Tushar, its member secretary Hridoy Miyaji, its Primeasia unit leaders Abujafar Gifari and Mahadi Hasan, and several outsiders, hacked Jahidul Islam Parvez to death following a brawl over a trivial matter at around 4pm on Saturday. Rakib said they believe the attack and murder of Parvez in broad daylight on a university campus was premeditated. He said the university proctor had intervened and resolved the matter when some students were locked in an altercation with Parvez over a minor issue. “Even after the incident was resolved, there can be no justification for stabbing a student to death in broad daylight on a university campus—unless it was premeditated and part of a conspiracy,” Rakib said. Case filed against 23, including JCD leader, over attack on 2 journos in Barishal He strongly condemned and protested the killing, demanding that the government immediately arrest those involved. “We demand the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the masterminds, planners, instigators, and perpetrators of this brutal killing,” the JCD president said. Rakib alleged that, in an attempt to disrupt the activities of Chhatra Dal, certain individuals operating under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have instilled fear and established dominance across various educational institutions, including private universities. “They are replicating Chhatra League-style terrorism by intimidating Chhatra Dal activists across various campuses. Not only within university campuses, but even beyond, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists are being obstructed from carrying out their activities— which is an outright violation of democracy and freedom of expression,” he said. The JCD President also accused the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of reviving old fascism under a new name on the campuses of educational institutions. He condemned the abusive post made on the verified Facebook page of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement regarding the murder of Parvez. “They could have called for a fair investigation into the incident. But instead, by resorting to abusive language and siding with the accused even before the investigation is complete, they have clearly shown their intent to cover up the crime,” Rakib said. He said the inclusion of former Chhatra League terrorists in every committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement suggests they have taken on the task of rehabilitating former Chhatra League members. “We call upon them to practise principled and constructive student politics without resorting to conspiratorial agendas,” the JCD president said. He also strongly urged the interim government to ensure the safety of students in all educational institutions. “I urge them to uphold equality and fairness, rather than engaging in unilateral and biased attitudes on various issues.”  

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said his party is extending sincere cooperation to the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. “We are cooperating with the reform initiatives with transparency, sincerity and seriousness in all matters,” he said ahead of the second day of talks between the BNP and the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. A five-member BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, joined the talks that began at 11:00am with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. BNP joins 2nd day talks with Consensus Commission The BNP delegation also included Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Ismail Jabiullah, former secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman and former Supreme Court Bar Association General Secretary Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol. Earlier on Thursday, the BNP participated in the opening round of discussions held from 10:35am to 4:45pm. The National Consensus Commission launched its dialogue process with political parties on March 20, aiming to build a unified position on key reform proposals initiated by the interim government. So far, it has held talks with 13 political parties. Dr Yunus to succeed in bringing positive changes, hopes Fakhrul Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission is tasked with shaping a shared national stance on critical reforms.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joined the second day dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Sunday morning. The Commission is holding a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. A five-member BNP, led by its Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, participated in the talks at 11:00am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The discussion is going on with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Jabiullah, former secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman and former Supreme Court Bar Association general secretary Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol are the other members of the BNP delegation. No need for movement against interim government: BNP’s Nazrul Earlier on Thursday, BNP attended the first day talks held from 10:35am to 4:45pm with a lunch break at the same venue. The National Consensus Commission began its dialogue process with political parties on March 20, aiming to build a shared position on key reform proposals initiated by the interim government. So far, it has held talks with 13 political parties. Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission is tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. In its initial phase, it compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback. BNP in talks for constitutional reform consensus: Salahuddin To date, 34 parties have responded. The Commission aims to complete its first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May, begin a second round in the second week of May, and reach a national consensus by mid-July.

Expressing the hope that the interim government will act in line with people's aspirations, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday they do not think it is necessary to launch a movement against Dr Yunus’ administration to compel it to hold the election by December. “We don’t think we have to do anything like that (waging a movement) because we have placed this government in power with the expectation that it will play a role in establishing democracy in the country and will act according to the people's aspirations,” he said. Nazrul, also a BNP Standing Committee Member, made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with the 12-party alliance, one of the components that carried out a simultaneous movement with BNP against the Sheikh Hasina regime. ADEUF places five-point demand to ensure neutral admin structure “We don’t think there is a need to initiate a movement against this government. We believe the government will work according to the wishes of the people. We are expressing our opinions and hope that the government will listen and act accordingly,” he said. Nazrul, however, said a final decision regarding their next course of action will be made after discussions with all other parties and alliances that had taken to the streets against the fascist Awami League government. The BNP leader said the Chief Adviser, during a meeting with BNP leaders on 10 February, had clearly stated that the national election would be held by December this year. “They (interim govt) have now said the election will be held between December and June. They also said this does not mean it will not be held in December. It can still be held in December,” he explained. Nazrul said they told the Chief Adviser during their meeting on Wednesday to announce a clear roadmap, confirming that the election would be held in December this year. In light of the situation, he said they have begun meetings with the parties and alliances that were part of the movement against the Awami League government, to inform them about the outcome of their meeting and work out the next steps. Earlier on Wednesday, a seven-member BNP delegation led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state house Jamuna to press for a specific roadmap to hold the national election by December this year. Following the meeting, Fakhrul expressed dissatisfaction, as Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus reiterated that the national election would be held between December and June, without providing any specific roadmap. When asked about the BNP’s strategy following the disappointing meeting with the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said the party would decide its next steps after holding internal discussions and consultations with its like-minded allies.

The 'Anti-Discrimination Employees’ Unity Forum' (ADEUF) on Saturday placed a five-point demand, including the immediate cancellation of all contractual appointments, to ensure a neutral administrative structure. The forum’s president and former secretary ABM Abdus Sattar presented the demands at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club. “To make the administration dynamic and hold the upcoming national election in a fair and neutral manner, all contractual appointments must be cancelled immediately,” he said. Sattar, also the personal secretary of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, said all officials and employees — both cadre and non-cadre — serving in the civil administration who have acted as cohorts of fascist forces or are involved in corruption must be removed from service and brought under legal action. NCP urges sweeping state reform to prevent slide into autocracy “We would like to say with due respect and inform the public through you (the press) that unless the trusted loyalists, partisan individuals and beneficiaries of the Awami League are removed from the administration, it will not be possible to establish a transparent and accountable bureaucracy. Besides, a professional and intellectually driven civil administration cannot be formed,” he said. The other points in the forum’s five-point demand include appointing all officials and non-cadre employees who have faced discrimination under fascist rule to important positions in ministries, departments, and offices, including the post of secretary; granting due promotions and benefits to those still deprived; and bringing to justice those who have patronised corrupt and partisan officials in their promotions or postings. The forum also warned of launching a movement with tougher programmes soon if the demands are not met without delay. “If our demands are not fulfilled, we will announce tougher programmes, and controversial officials will be declared persona non grata,” Sattar said. He also announced that the forum from now now on will regularly hold press conferences and issue statements to expose irregularities and corruption within the civil administration, along with disclosing detailed information about those involved.