United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election as he is set to take oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency on Tuesday. “We’ve received a letter that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman quits Bogura-6 constituency,” Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told UNB on Monday. He said now the process continues to publish a gazette declaring the parliamentary constituency vacant. Tarique Rahman was elected from two parliamentary seats – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17— in the parliamentary elections held on Thursday last. On Friday last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. The newly elected MPs are set to take oath as members of the 13th parliament and also members of the Constitution Reform Council on Tuesday morning. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat.

The BNP, which secured a massive victory in the 13th parliamentary election, has convened a meeting of its parliamentary party on Tuesday. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the meeting will be held at 11:30am at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban after the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected members of parliament (MPs). “The parliamentary party meeting will be held following the swearing-in of the BNP’s elected MPs,” he said, adding that the parliamentary party meeting will elect the Leader of the House. After BNP’s sweep, Tarique says ‘we are free’, greets nation “As the leader of the majority party, our party chairman Tarique Rahman will become the Prime Minister, Insha’Allah,” Salahuddin added. BNP won 209 out of 297 seats in the parliamentary elections held on Thursday.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday night paid a courtesy call on National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, shortly after holding a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. Tarique reached Nahid’s residence in the capital’s Bailey Road area around 8:30pm to hold the meeting, just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. On his arrival, Nahid welcomed Tarique with a floral wreath, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan accompanied Tarique. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam were also present. Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s political office at his residence in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Tarique Rahman meets Jamaat Ameer Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman also received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting. The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election. In the same election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday met Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. Tarique reached the Jamaat chief’s political office at his residence in Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10pm to hold a meeting, in what is seen as a positive political gesture after the election, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Jamaat Ameer received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher and its Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present. Later, Tarique is also scheduled to meet National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at his residence in the capital’s Bailey Road area. The meetings come a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election. In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six.  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday sent floral greetings and sweets to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman following the party's landslide victory in the 13th national election. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Ruman received the flowers and sweets in the evening at the party chairman’s political office in Gulshan. Special Officer of the Gulshan office Mehedul Islam Mehedi was also present. Earlier on Friday, Mamata Banerjee extended her congratulations to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman for guiding his party to victory in Bangladesh’s national election. Taking to X, she wrote, “My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan mubarak to all of them. For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy.” The national election was held on Thursday, in which BNP secured 209 parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will take oath on Tuesday morning, while the new cabinet members will be sworn in later in the afternoon.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said convincing people to get two-thirds majority in the national election was their ‘engineering’ and no other manipulative tactics. “Convincing the people of the country and bringing them over to our side was our engineering. Alhamdulillah, we have succeeded in it,” he said. Tarique made the remarks during a post-election press conference at a city hotel in response to a journalist’s question about whether he resorted to election engineering to win more than 200 seats.Responding to a question from an Indian journalist about the foreign policy of a future BNP government and mending relations with India, Tarique said, “We have made it clear that the foreign policy will prioritise the interests of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people. Protecting Bangladesh’s interests will guide our decisions.” BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury elaborated, saying Bangladesh’s foreign policy follows the principle of multilateralism. “We don’t have any country-centric policy. Our approach applies to all countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference, and strategic autonomy for Bangladesh. These are the fundamentals of our foreign policy.” Answering a question on whether the BNP government would review the verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, Khosru said this is a matter for the judiciary. “We believe the judiciary should remain separate from the executive and legislative branches.” Regarding relations with India, Pakistan, and China, Khosru reiterated that BNP’s foreign policy treats all countries equally and is not country-centric. On the key challenges his government might face, Tarique said tackling the economy will be a top priority. “We also face the challenge of ensuring law and order and guaranteeing safety for the people.” He criticised the previous authoritarian regime for politicising nearly all institutions, adding that ensuring good governance will be a major task for his government. On future relations with China, Tarique said, “We will protect the interests of Bangladesh and its people. If a measure is not in Bangladesh’s interest, we cannot support it. China, like many others, is a development partner, and we hope both countries can continue to work together.” Responding to a question on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said his government would review it first and decide only if it benefits Bangladesh’s economy. On listening to youths’ voices in governance, Tarique said, “We will definitely listen to the youth, but we also need to address the issues of all people in society.” Regarding reactivating SAARC, he said, “This forum was initiated by Bangladesh. Naturally, we would want to revive it. Once the government is settled, we will discuss with our friends and try to revive it.” In response to another question about brining Sheikh Hasina back from India, he said, “That depends on the legal process.” On tackling inflation, Tarique said, “Our focus will be on bringing in more businesses and creating jobs.” Finally, when asked about reconciliation with Awami League supporters who are staying in the country, he said it would be addressed by ensuring the rule of law.

Stating that justice will be the guiding principle of his future government in ensuring the rule of law, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday sought cooperation from all political parties and forces in building a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. Addressing a post-election press conference at a city hotel, the BNP chairman also placed the highest importance on maintaining peace and order in the country, saying law and order must be kept normal at any cost and that no form of violence, retaliation, provocative activities, or wrongdoing will be tolerated. “On the journey toward building a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion,” he said at his first press conference after his party secured a massive election victory. Tarique said while competing against one another, misunderstandings or discord may have arisen in some places during the election. “I urge everyone to ensure that such disputes do not turn into revenge or retaliation.” He called upon all democracy-loving people of the country to contribute to combating corruption, maintaining law and order, and ensuring accountability to the people from their respective positions so that Bangladesh may be established as a safe and humane nation. Mentioning that the country have once again given the mandate to BNP, Tarique said the trust and love that the people have shown toward BNP must now be repaid through tireless and united efforts to improve the quality of life of the country’s citizens. “I thank the BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Despite severe oppression and persecution, you did not leave the streets. You remained steadfast in the struggle to establish democracy. Now it is time to build the nation,” he said. In this journey of rebuilding the country, the BNP chief said each and every one of us must play a responsible role. “We have celebrated this victory of democracy and human rights peacefully and with dignity.” He called upon all BNP leaders and activists across the country to remain calm and vigilant to ensure that no unpleasant incidents occur anywhere in post-election Bangladesh despite numerous provocations, so that no malicious force can exploit the situation to create unrest. He also said even after achieving a landslide victory, Tarique said he instructed BNP and allied party leaders and activists not to hold victory processions, adding that the victory was instead celebrated by offering thanks to Almighty Allah. “Our position is clear. Peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No wrongdoing or unlawful activity will be tolerated. Regardless of party, religion, race, or differing opinions, under no circumstances will attacks by the strong against the weak be accepted. Justice will be our guiding principle,” the BNP Chairman said. He said if the rule of law is not established, all efforts would be in vain and stressed that in upholding the rule of law—whether in government or in opposition and regardless of differing views—the law must be equal for every citizen of Bangladesh, and it would be enforced in accordance with statutory provisions. Tarique congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election. “I congratulate the people of Bangladesh. By overcoming all obstacles, you have paved the way for the establishment of democracy in the country.” “This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy. From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored,” he added. Tarique said they are about to begin their journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions and a deteriorating law and order situation. With people’s spontaneous participation, he said, a parliament and government accountable to the public through direct voting are being re-established in the country after more than one and a half decades. “To ensure that no evil force can re-establish autocracy in the country, and to ensure that the nation is not turned into a subservient state, we must remain united and uphold the will of the people,” the BNP Chairman said. Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. “If both the government and the opposition play responsible roles from their respective positions, democracy will surely take institutional form in the country.” He called upon all democratic political parties that participated in the election, saying that their ideas and perspectives are important in the nation-building process. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” Tarique said, adding that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance. He said a free, fair, and credible election was finally held peacefully in the country, meeting the expectations of the people. The BNP chief extended special thanks to the interim government and the Election Commission, noting that their contribution to holding the long-awaited election will be remembered in the history of democracy. He said BNP presented a framework for repairing the state through discussions with other democratic parties and people across the country, known as the 31-point agenda. After BNP’s sweep, Tarique says ‘we are free’, greets nation “Our election manifesto was formulated based on these 31 points. At the same time, BNP signed the July Charter with a note of dissent on certain issues. We are committed to the people and, Insha’Allah, will gradually implement every promise we have made,” Tarique said. He said the victory of the party is a moment of great joy for BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country, as well as for all democracy-loving citizens. According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls.  Tarique Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the BNP Standing Committee were also present at the press conference.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election, declaring that ‘we all are free from today’. “This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people,” Tarique said at his first press conference following the national election, held at a city hotel. In his opening remarks, the BNP chief thanked voters for overcoming ‘all obstacles’ to pave the way for restoring democracy. “With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, a parliament and government accountable to the people through direct votes are set to be established,” he said, urging unity to ensure that “no force can ever again impose fascism or turn the country into a subservient state.” Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. The BNP chairman called on both the government and opposition to play responsible roles to institutionalise democracy. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” he added, stating that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance. Referring to the country’s ‘fragile economic and constitutional structures’ and a ‘collapsed law and order situation’, Tarique sought cooperation from all quarters in rebuilding the state framework. Reaffirming commitment to implementing the July Charter, he said BNP had presented a state reform outline and later finalised a 31-point agenda through consultations with democratic parties and citizens nationwide. “We are committed to gradually implementing every promise made to the people.” Expressing gratitude to party activists for their years of sacrifice, Tarique urged them to act responsibly. “Your biggest responsibility now is to build the country.” Stressing the importance of rule of law, Tarique Rahman said peace and order must be maintained ‘at any cost’, warning that no wrongdoing or illegal activity would be tolerated. “Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste or opinion, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Law will be applied equally to every citizen in accordance with due process,” he said. Tarique also cautioned against turning electoral rivalries into vengeance. “Misunderstandings may have arisen during competition in the field, but such differences must not turn into revenge or retaliation.” He thanked the interim government, the Election Commission, public administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and polling officials for organising what he described as a fair election. Paying tribute to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique said her absence at a “moment of national joy” was deeply felt. “She fought uncompromisingly against fascism, never yielding to autocracy. On issues concerning the country and the people, she remained steadfast.” Tarique calls for unity to build ‘humane Bangladesh’ Tarique prayed for the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for democracy from the 1971 Liberation War to 2024, and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the July uprising. He sought cooperation from all political forces, expatriate Bangladeshis and democratic communities worldwide in building a ‘safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh’. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s standing committee, as well as local and foreign journalists, were present at the press conference.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on all political forces to stay united and work together to build ‘humane Bangladesh’. He described his party’s landslide victory in the national election as not just a triumph for the BNP, but also a victory for Bangladesh and for pro-democracy forces across the country. At a press conference held at a city hotel, Tarique Rahman also congratulated all 51 political parties that participated in the election. Emphasising the importance of unity, he said, “National unity is strength, division is weakness.” We recognise overall election outcome: Jamaat Ameer   He urged all parties to rise above differences and collaborate for the overall development of Bangladesh. “Time has come for collective efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure a stable, inclusive future for the nation.” According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls.  Tarique Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the BNP Standing Committee were also present at the press conference.

After a resounding victory in the 13th parliamentary election, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will address a press conference this (Saturday) afternoon. The press conference will be held at 3:00pm in the ballroom of Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. This will be Tarique Rahman’s first press conference after returning to the country following nearly one and a half decades abroad and after the BNP’s sweeping victory in the 13th parliamentary election. Tarique Rahman wins both Dhaka-17, Bogura-6 seats According to the unofficial results, the BNP won 209 seats in the parliamentary polls. Tarique Rahman was elected from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the party’s Standing Committee will also remain present at the press conference.