United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the verdict delivered against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marks ‘the burial of all forms of dictatorship’ in Bangladesh. “We believe that today’s verdict is not just a judgment on Sheikh Hasina’s crimes, but a burial of all forms of dictatorship on the soil of this country,” he wrote in a post on his verified Facebook page, reacting to the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1). ICT verdict to uphold fair trial with international standards, hopes Fakhrul Earlier in the day, the tribunal convicted Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, in which more than 1,000 people were killed. The ICT-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death, while former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal also received the death penalty. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who gave testimony as a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court further ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) verdict convicting deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others delivers justice and serves as a warning against future dictatorship. “Justice has been established today in the International Crimes Tribunal. But the sentences given to the accused—fascist Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Kamal and former IGP Mamun—are far too lenient compared to the crimes they committed,” Salahuddin said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a seminar at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban at Dhaka University. Salahuddin, a BNP standing committee member, said the verdict also shows that any offender, no matter how powerful, must eventually face trial. “This verdict is not enough compared to the gravity of the crimes, but it is not only a step towards justice — it is also an example for the future. It sends a message that no one can ever again establish a fascist regime in this country, no one can become a fascist ruler, and dictatorship must never return. This is a lesson for the future, not just a judgement for the past, and we must remember that,” he observed. Earlier in the day, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) convicted and sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, which claimed more than 1,000 lives. The tribunal also awarded former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal the death penalty, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who became a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court also ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state. Salahuddin said there is no harsher punishment than what was awarded to Sheikh Hasina. “That is why the judges handed down the death penalty for one crime of Sheikh Hasina, and another death sentence for her separate crime… Asaduzzaman Kamal was sentenced to death, and IGP Mamun’s sentence was reduced to five years for his cooperation with the court.” He said there are still many cases pending against the accused, and he hopes justice will be served in those as well. “Through today’s verdict, several things are proven: no matter how strong a fascist dictator may be, or how long they exercise power illegally, they must eventually face trial. Sheikh Hasina tried to establish a one-party state and government, and to impose her rule through oppression, enforced disappearances, killings and inequality. But she could not succeed,” the BNP leader said. He also recalled that the country’s people suffered greatly under long-term misrule and fascist rule. “The country’s development and progress have been delayed for many years. We do not want to look back anymore.” Salahuddin said justice and the rule of law will be established in every sphere, and through this, in the days ahead, a strong democratic state will be built. That will be the Bangladesh of the future. “We are committed to establishing that Bangladesh. We will achieve this through reforms. We will establish the rule of law, and create a balanced state system and government, Insha’Allah. We will continue our relentless struggle to build a state where every citizen receives justice. Today, a milestone has been achieved for it,” he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed hope that the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will ensure a fair trial in line with international standards. Mirza Fakhrul made a post on his verified Facebook page in the morning saying, “In Dhaka, the verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina will be announced within a few hours. I hope a fair trial consistent with international standards will be ensured. The nation is waiting.” ICT-1 reading out verdict in Hasina’s case  “Mughdha, Wasim, Abu Sayed and many others are waiting, Bangladesh future is waiting,” he added. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver the verdict today in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July mass uprising which led to the fall of Hasina’s government.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday (November 17) alleged that the fascist Awami League is using ‘money looted from various banks and mega projects’ to buy cocktails and carry out acts of sabotage. “Those who committed crimes during the fascist era are now the ones shamelessly setting buses on fire. Cocktails are being bought with money looted from different banks. Funds misappropriated from projects like the Padma Bridge and Metro Rail are being used to finance acts of sabotage,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. During the fascist rule, he said the Awami League controlled the media and carried out vicious propaganda against BNP leaders and activists who were fighting for democracy, falsely linking them to arson attacks. “Even then, we repeatedly said that pro-democracy people had no connection with these arson incidents, and BNP leaders and activists had no involvement. We also presented clear evidence at the time that pro-democracy activists and the BNP had absolutely no link to arson violence,” he said. The BNP leader said the true perpetrators of arson violence are now visible to everyone. Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He said their party wants a peaceful Bangladesh where people of all opinions can speak freely, and where elections take place smoothly, fairly, and in an inclusive environment. Rizvi said the crimes committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure must face due punishment. “If Sheikh Hasina is properly punished for her crimes, it will stand as a powerful example. The previous fascist government controlled the media to spread propaganda. People believe there will be no more dictated courts like in Sheikh Hasina’s era. The country’s people want fair justice, and they are now witnessing it and will continue to witness it,” he said. He recalled the brutal mass killings during the July–August uprising carried out by the Hasina regime using law enforcement agencies. “We still remember how Abu Sayed, Mugdho, and Waseem Akram were brutally murdered, and how many children were mercilessly killed. Those horrific memories remain with us.” The BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been making unfair statements from India to create chaos in Bangladesh. “Why is India allowing this? By sheltering a criminal and giving her the scope to incite violence and carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh, India is violating the law. The people of Bangladesh do not view this positively. Such behaviour is unacceptable.” Replying to a question, Rizvi said, as in the previous year, instructions have been given not to hold any programmes, including cutting any cake, on Tuesday (20 November) to mark BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s birthday. Read more: Fakhrul calls for resistance against ‘vested quarter’ ahead of Hasina verdict

Leaders and activists of District and Upazila units of Juba Dal in Patuakhali on Sunday blocked the path of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi by wrapping themselves in shrouds. They were out there protesting the expulsion of former Patuakhali District Juba Dal vice-president and former Sadar Upazila convener Md Rimanul Islam Rimu. Rizvi was visiting the Kazirhat Bridge area in Sadar Upazila to provide financial assistance to a helpless family on behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman when the protesters took position on the road. Lying down in shrouds, they chanted slogans demanding that the expulsion order against Rimu be withdrawn.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged the authorities to ensure full justice as the International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Fakhrul said, “Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal is going to announce the verdict tomorrow (Monday) in the case against Sheikh Hasina, in which five charges of crimes against humanity have been brought over the deadly violence and repression that occurred in Dhaka last year.” “We demand full justice! Bangladesh deserves a transparent and fair trial,” he writes. BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case Earlier in the day, speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, Fakhrul urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarters’ that, he alleged, are trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. He also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he added. ICT sets Nov 17 to deliver verdict on Hasina case The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said great national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani will always remain a source of inspiration for the nation in securing the just rights of the helpless and in protecting democracy, human rights, freedom and sovereignty. “His immense patriotism, unwavering commitment to national interest, and courage to stand against enemies of democracy and humanity will inspire us for generations to come,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks in a message issued on the occasion of Maulana Bhasani’s 49th death anniversary, which will be observed across the country with due respect on Monday. He recalled Bhasani’s role in anti-colonial movements, the fight for the rights of farmers and workers, and his contributions to the country’s independence and democratic movements. “On the occasion of the death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, the leader of the downtrodden, I pay my deep respects to his memory and pray for the salvation of his departed soul,” the BNP leader said. He said Maulana Bhasani is an unforgettable and significant name in national history. From the anti-British movement to broader struggles across the subcontinent, Tarique said this iconic leader stood firmly and courageously for the oppressed and persecuted, becoming a powerful voice against imperialism, colonialism and all forms of domination. “Maulana Bhasani will always be remembered as a guide on the path to the nation’s liberation. He was a shining luminary in Bangladesh’s independence movement, in democratic struggles, and in the fight for the just rights of farmers, workers, and the toiling masses,” he observed. The BNP leader said Bhasani’s stance was always against exploitation and in favour of the exploited, and through his fearless and decisive leadership, he continuously inspired the people of this country to stand up for their rights. “His thunderous voice shook the thrones of oppressive rulers and exploitative forces. In the nation’s darkest times, he stood firmly for the public interest, earning the trust and confidence of the people,” he said. In another message, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also paid tribute to the late leader and sought blessings for his departed soul. He said Maulana Bhasani was a strong voice for the oppressed people of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and a fearless advocate for the rights of the deprived. Calling him a ‘friend of the downtrodden’, Fakhrul said Bhasani consistently protested against imperialism, authoritarianism, and exploitation. “At a time when the nation faces direct and indirect aggression against its environment, culture, and identity, the path shown by Maulana Bhasani remains our guiding light,” he added. Fakhrul urged all to dedicate themselves to the welfare of the nation by being inspired by Bhasani’s ideals of patriotism, justice, and humanity.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (November 16) urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. Speaking at a discussion, he also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he said. The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He urged all political parties to unite on the question of establishing democracy and move forward towards the coming election. “Guided by the ideals of Maulana Abul Hamid Khan Bhasani, we must work to establish democracy in this country.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August. BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 49th death anniversary of Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a legendary politician and one of the dreamers of Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul said the country’s politics has now fallen into a state of confusion, with ‘contentious’ elements entering the political arena that the people of Bangladesh could never imagine. He said it is unfortunate that the country is now facing a critical crisis due to bad politics practised by some parties. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case The BNP leader reiterated that elections are the only path to a transition to democracy. “An election is the only way through which we can move towards democracy and reflect the people’s aspirations.” Despite confusion, frustration and uncertainty, he said a possibility has now emerged that the national election will be held on 26 February. Fakhrul, however, warned that certain quarters are still deliberately trying to create uncertainty in the country by raising various demands with the intention of obstructing, halting or delaying the election. “But the people of this country now need one thing above all — an elected government that has public support,” he said. Fakhrul urged all political parties to support the election process instead of making efforts to derail the polls, for the sake of the country and its people. “Support the election so that the people can express their opinion, their belief, and elect their representatives through this vote.” He warned that the economic situation is deteriorating day by day and will worsen further without an elected government. “The law-and-order situation is already bad, and without an elected government it will deteriorate even more.” Fakhrul recalled how Bhasani devoted his entire life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and deprived, living very simply as a lifelong champion of the people. BNP to reinstate ‘faith in Allah’ in constitution if returns to power: Salahuddin He urged BNP leaders and workers to read books on the life and work of Bhasani and follow his ideals. Fakhrul also recalled that Bhasani had recognised in Ziaur Rahman a leader capable of changing the country’s fate, and blessed him, and had encouraged NAP leader Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia to work alongside Zia.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of the Australian Parliament for speaking out on democracy, human rights and electoral integrity in Bangladesh, saying their position echoes the hopes and concerns of millions of Bangladeshis. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 15), he said, “Many Bangladeshis, including myself, extend our sincere appreciation to the Australian parliamentarians who have spoken with clarity and conscience on the issues of democracy, human rights, and electoral integrity in Bangladesh. Their thoughtful intervention reflects a deep commitment to universal democratic principles and to the wellbeing of the Bangladeshi people.” Across Bangladesh, the BNP leader said many citizens are expressing genuine concern about political uncertainty, security, and the need for an electoral process in which every voice can be heard without fear or restriction. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation “These concerns come from ordinary people who wish only for stability, justice, and the opportunity to choose their future through a peaceful and credible democratic process,” he said. At this pivotal moment, Tariaue said the call from Australian MPs to ensure the safety, dignity, and political rights of all election participants resonates strongly with the hopes of Bangladeshis at home. “Their message acknowledges what millions have been saying for months: that democracy is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and safeguarded from violence or intimidation,” he said. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin The BNP leader also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia for their role in raising these issues internationally, noting their contributions to Australian society and their continuing commitment to Bangladesh. “Their advocacy, driven by love for their homeland, has helped ensure that the challenges and aspirations of Bangladeshis are understood globally,” he said. Tarique also said Australia and Bangladesh share long-standing ties based on respect and cooperation. He thanked the Australian representatives who have expressed solidarity, saying their support highlights the collective global commitment to democracy. Tarique’s 31-point plan offers path to democratic revival: Ndileka Mandela “When nations come together, we can encourage one another toward peace, justice, and progress,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that if the BNP returns to power, it will take steps to ensure a more business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs across the country. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at the Faridpur Divisional Business Forum meeting, chaired by BNP’s Faridpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid Islam. The BNP leader said that Bangladesh’s politics and economy have long functioned under a patronage system, where economic power became concentrated in the hands of a few people. “If we want to come out of that system, we cannot democratize the economy by simply offering concessions while leaving the core structure untouched,” he said. He added that the BNP’s new slogan is “democratizing the economy.” “To revive the economy, all citizens must have equal opportunity to participate in economic activities,” he said. “The benefits of those activities must reach everyone. A level playing field should be created in business and trade so that all entrepreneurs can participate equally. Investment procedures must be simplified, ensuring that investors can engage in business without unnecessary suffering.” The meeting was also addressed by BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Shahzada Mia, Krishak Dal Central General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, prominent businessman Jahangir Hosne Mia, District BNP Convener Modarres Ali Icha, Nayab Yusuf, Farian Yusuf, and other business leaders from Greater Faridpur.