United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed seven election rallies in just 16 hours on the first day of his campaign. He addressed the final rally of the day at Gausia in Narayanganj’s Rupganj around 4:30 am Friday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Reach polling centres before Fajr to safeguard votes: Tarique Later, he returned to his Gulshan residence, completing the first day of electioneering. Tarique began his day at 12:30 pm on Thursday with his first rally at Aliya Madrasa field in Sylhet. He then addressed rallies sequentially at Ainpur playground in Sherpur, Moulvibazar, Shayestaganj Upazila field in Habiganj, Kuttapara playground in Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, and a municipal-adjacent area in Narsingdi No loan defaulter to be allowed to rule Bangladesh: Nahid  Traveling continuously for 16 hours, Tarique drew large crowds at rallies along the route late into the night. On the second day of campaigning, Tarique is scheduled to attend an election rally at BRB Ground, Bhashantek, in the Dhaka-17 constituency at 6pm Friday.

A local BNP leader was injured in a gun attack by miscreants in Keraniganj on Thursday night. The victim was identified as Hasan Mollah, 45, son of Akar Mollah of Jagannathpur village under Keraniganj thana. He is the general secretary of Hazratpur Union BNP under the Dhaka-2 constituency. He was shot by unidentified assailants around 9:00pm, said M Saiful Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Keraniganj Model Police Station. He was initially taken to Square Hospital in critical condition and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 10:45 pm for further treatment. Rakib Hossain, younger brother of the injured BNP leader, said miscreants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire in front of the house of the Hero Chairman of Ward No. 7 before fleeing. The bullets hit Hasan Mollah on the right side of his abdomen, he added. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at DMCH, said a man from Keraniganj was brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds and is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency department.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged his party leaders, activists and voters to go to polling centres before Fajr prayers on the election-day to prevent any vote rigging. “Many people say voters should stand in line after Fajr prayers on the election-day. I say this time you should wake up earlier, offer Tahajjud prayers and then prepare to go to the polling centre,” he said. Addressing his party’s third election rally at Shayestaganj Upazila Parishad ground in Habiganj, the BNP chairman also said, “If needed, go to the polling centre early and offer Fajr prayers there in congregation before casting your votes.” Calling the upcoming election very important, he said only BNP can change the fate of the people, and for that, voters must cast their votes for the party. In an indirect reference to Jamaat-e-Islam, Tarique alleged that a political party is trying to steal the votes of expatriates. “They worked against the Liberation War. Everyone must remain alert and cautious about them.” Tarique said those who claim to establish honest rule do not need to be newly identified, as the people of the country recognised them during the Liberation War. The BNP Chairman also said Bangladesh belongs to its people, not to any individual or group. “This country is owned by the people. It is not anyone’s personal property. The thousands of people sitting in front of me are the real owners of this country. You have to decide how you want the country to be run, and you must give that decision through your vote,” he said. Earlier, the BNP chairman’s motorcade reached Shayestaganj shortly before Maghrib prayers. After arriving at the venue, Tarique Rahman went on stage and offered Maghrib prayers in congregation. Addressing the rally, Tarique alleged that even before the election, a political party has been collecting bKash account numbers and National Identity (NID) card details from men and women in rural areas. “But they claim they want to establish governance by honest people.” Tarique also said there has been no real voting or elections in the country over the last 15 years. “For the past 15 years, elections have been a mockery. People were not able to vote in so-called elections.” The BNP leader said many young people in the country have never been able to vote since reaching voting age. “We want people to be able to vote freely on February 12.” Tarique urged voters to elect candidates whom they can approach and speak to about local problems. Referring to development, the BNP chairman said no real progress was made in the region during the previous government’s tenure. “Just look at the condition of the highway to understand the situation. The condition of village roads must be even worse.” Tarique alleged that the country has been ruined over the last 15 years and that public money has been siphoned off abroad. “To save the country from widespread corruption, people must come forward. The people themselves must decide who will run the country in the coming days.” Outlining BNP’s plans, Tarique said if BNP comes to power, family cards would be introduced for poor rural households. He said BNP will provide technical training and send skilled workers abroad, introduce agriculture cards to help farmers get fertiliser and seeds, and launch crop insurance. The BNP chairman also said government honorariums will be introduced for imams, khatibs and muezzins. Earlier in the day, at around 1:00 pm, he formally began his election campaign at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After addressing a rally there, he travelled by road to Sherpur in Moulvibazar to speak at another gathering.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a political party of trying to mislead people, especially women, by selling ‘tickets-to-heaven’ in exchange for votes. “There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. They are now going to the homes of innocent mothers and sisters and selling ‘tickets to Jannah’. This is not hypocrisy alone as it is outright shirk,” he said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He made the remarks while addressing his party’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon. The BNP chairman recalled that the Jamaat leaders killed many people in 1971 during the country’s Liberation War. “Now they are misleading many people again and dragging them towards shirk (in the name of a ticket to Jannah).” “Those who are deceiving people by hurting religious sentiments before the election—just think how they will deceive the people if they come to power,” he warned the voters. Stating that people are the main strength of his party, Tarique called upon the voters to vote for the party’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy to restore democracy and bring change to people’s lives. “If we want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s destiny through the election scheduled for the 12th of next month, then where should we cast our vote? We must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said. Referring to past sacrifices, the BNP leader said many people shed their blood and many others became victims of enforced disappearances for the right to vote and democracy. Tarique urges voters to back BNP, warns against vote fraud Calling on all citizens to work together for rebuilding the country, Tarique said BNP is committed to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must reintroduce a democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak freely. Which party can guarantee this? Only the Sheaf of Paddy can,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that elections at different levels were held in a largely fair manner when BNP was in power. “People could speak freely, criticise the government and no one was subjected to enforced disappearance or killing,” he added. Tarique alleged that one political party handed over the country’s sovereignty in 1971, while another did the same over the last 16 years. “That is why voting for the Sheaf of Paddy is essential to save the country and change people’s fate.” He also briefly outlined his plans for the country’s future development during the speech. The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman. BNP candidates from different constituencies in the district also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Tarique formally began his election campaign by addressing a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After Moulvibazar, he is scheduled to address rallies in Habiganj’s Shayestaganj, Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, Kishoreganj’s Bhairab, Narsingdi and Narayanganj’s Araihazar and Rupganj areas.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged voters to back the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the February-12 election to ensure much-sought  good governance and warned them against vote robbery as he hit the campaign trail in Sylhet city on Thursday. “Seeking votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ on the 12th February, I want to say one thing, if, Inshallah, a BNP government is formed in the coming days, we will run the country on the basis of justice, following the example of the Holy Prophet (pbuh),” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing the first election rally at Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet city where thousands of party supporters gathered ahead of the 13th national election. Tarique alleged that attempts are underway to manipulate votes from abroad through the misuse of postal ballots. “You have seen in newspapers and on social media how postal ballots sent to various countries, including the Middle East, have been taken away.” He said the Awami League fled the country on 5 August 2024 after indulging in vote robbery, and that the same plots have now begun again. Stating that people have already seen signs of a conspiracy to steal votes, the BNP Chairman said, “We must remain alert against such plots. They are conspiring from abroad.” The BNP chairman also referred to the sacrifices made during the anti-government movement and the student-led July mass uprising, for restoring democracy and voting rights. He also recalled party leaders and activists who were killed or subjected to enforced disappearance during the long struggle against the Sheikh Hasina regime. Tarique named missing Sylhet BNP leader M Ilias Ali and said 13 people were killed in Sylhet during the 2024 mass uprising. “Through the sacrifices of these lives, as we set out on the path to reclaim our rights, conspirators have already begun plotting.” Sylhet sets the stage as Tarique ready to launch BNP’s election campaign On 5 August 2024, he said the people of Bangladesh proved that a united nation can defeat any conspiracy. “Will you resist again if needed?” he asked the crowd, which responded with chants. Tarique said that elected on 12 January, a BNP-led government will run the country on the basis of justice and fairness. He also outlined several proposed programmes, including family cards for women, farmer cards, health support schemes, employment initiatives for youth, dredging canals and reforms in education and healthcare. “We have freed the country from autocracy and started the journey to restore democracy. That journey will begin in full once you elect the sheaf of paddy on 12 January,” Tarique said. Tarique said his party wants to stand by farmers across Bangladesh and would restart canal excavation programmes to improve irrigation and water management if BNP wins the election. He said the canal excavation drive during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure helped address irrigation needs for farmers and eased water shortages and pledged to revive the programme to bring water back to canals, wetlands and rivers. Tarique also accused the previous government of looting public money in the name of development over the past 15–16 years. “You surely remember how a few years ago water was released from over there and the entire Sylhet city went under floodwater. And how, over the last 15 to 16 years, this country was mortgaged to another country. That is why I said “Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other country—Bangladesh comes first.” He said the ‘Take Back Bangladesh’ campaign is not only about protecting democracy but also about wider commitments, including canal dredging, standing by farmers, empowering women and creating jobs. Tarique Rahman promises family cards for four crore households The rally began shortly before midday. Tarique took to the stage at 12:28pm and spoke for about 23 minutes. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with leaders from Sylhet and Sunamganj, also addressed the gathering.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to formally kick off his party’s campaign for the forthcoming national parliamentary elections today, choosing the historic Government Alia Madrasha ground in Sylhet for what party leaders describe as a politically significant opening rally. Already, party activists and people from various walks of life have begun to gather at the ground ahead of the rally. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will address the people of Sylhet, and start the official campaign for the upcoming national election. Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday evening, landing at Osmani International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at around 8:00 pm. Tarique Rahman promises family cards for four crore households After paying respects at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), he proceeded to his in-laws’ residence in Biraimpur, South Surma, at around 1:00 am. Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman said, “Just as Dr Zubaida is your child, I am also your child. I hope the BNP will be victorious in this area in the election. I take your word with me.” Preparations for the grand rally have been completed, with a 30-foot area in front of the venue barricaded using bamboo poles. A separate section has been reserved in the northern part of the barricaded area for the families of martyrs and those injured in the July incidents. Tarique visits shrines of Shahjalal, Shah Paran; offers prayers BNP Organising Secretary G K Gaus said the rally will also formally introduce party- and alliance-nominated candidates for six constituencies in Sylhet and five in Sunamganj, as well as candidates from 19 constituencies across the Sylhet division. Meanwhile, the convoy carrying Tarique Rahman has already reached the rally venue.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party would introduce family cards for four crore households if his party comes to power. He made the remarks during an interactive discussion with youths at a hotel in Sylhet in the morning. The BNP leader said the card would be issued in the name of the female head of each family and would provide a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500, along with essential food items. Tarique also promised to modernise technical education to enhance skills for people seeking overseas employment and stressed the importance of learning foreign languages. Police ban drone use during BNP rally in Sylhet The event, titled 'The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman', allowed young participants, mostly students from various educational institutions, to share their views and seek guidance. Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a public rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night. The BNP chairman arrived at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) at around 8:45pm.  Later, at about 9:05pm, he offered two rakats of Nafl prayers beside the shrine, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. At around 9:30pm, he visited the grave of late General (retd) MAG Osmani, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Army, where he offered Fateha and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Islami Oikya Jote Chairman MA Rakib led the munajat.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night. He later performed Nafl prayers at 9:05pm, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. At 9:30pm, Tarique Rahman also visited the grave of late General (retired) M. A. G. Osmani, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Army. Earlier, the BNP chairman, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Sylhet by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 7:20pm and reached Osmani International Airport, Sylhet, at around 8:04pm to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election, with plans to address seven rallies on Thursday.

In a decisive move to maintain party discipline, BNP has expelled 59 more local leaders for defying party directives and contesting the upcoming national election as independent candidates. In a media release issued on Wednesday night, the party said they were expelled for engaging in activities that go against the party’s policy, ideology and organisational discipline. It said all of them have been stripped of primary membership along with all posts at every tier of the party. Earlier, BNP expelled 13 leaders for running in seats allocated to alliance partners, defying the party’s decision. The expelled leaders are from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Earlier in the day, party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said BNP will take organisational action against its ‘rebel’ candidates if they do not step aside from the election race. “The time for withdrawal of candidacy has passed. Now discussions will be held by the Election Steering Committee and by the top leadership of BNP. After that, if anyone remains a candidate, organisational action will definitely be taken against them by the party,” he said. Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s election office in Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party wants all members to work together with full dedication for the candidates under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “Those who do not do this will definitely face organisational action from the party,” he added. BNP in favour of ‘Yes’ in referendum: Mahdi Amin According to media reports, nearly 76 rebel BNP candidates remain in the field across the country as they did not withdraw their nomination papers on Tuesday, the last date for withdrawal. Rangpur Division From Rangpur Division, the expelled leaders are ANM Bazlur Rashid (Dinajpur-2), AZM Rezaeanul Haque (Dinajpur-5) and Riyad Arafan Sarkar Rana (Nilphamari-4). Rajshahi Division From Rajshahi Division, the party expelled Parvez Arefin Siddiqui Jony (Naogaon-3), Taiful Islam Tipu (Natore-1), Dr Yasser Arshad Rajon (Natore-1), Daudar Mahmood (Natore-3), Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul (Rajshahi-5), Barrister Rezaul Karim (Rajshahi-5), KM Anwarul Islam (Pabna-3) and Zakaria Pintu (Pabna-4). Khulna Division Those expelled from Khulna Division are Nuruzzaman (Kushtia-1), Monirul Islam (Narail-2), Advocate Shahid Iqbal (Jashore-5), Dr Shahidul Alam (Satkhira-3), Engr Masud (Bagerhat-1) and Khairuzzaman Shipon (Bagerhat-4). Barishal Division From Barishal Division, the expelled are Abdus Sobhan (Barishal-1) and Md Mahmud Hossain (Pirojpur-2). Dhaka Division From Dhaka Division, the expelled leaders are Md Dulal Hossain (Narayanganj-1), Md Ataur Rahman Khan Angur (Narayanganj-2), Prof Md Rezaul Karim (Narayanganj-3), Advocate Mohammad Ali (Tangail-1), Lutfur Rahman Khan Azad (Tangail-3), Advocate Farhad Iqbal (Tangail-5), Md Jamal Ahmed Chowdhury (Narsingdi-5), Md Mumin Ali (Munshiganj-1) and Md Mohiuddin (Munshiganj-3). Mymensingh Division From Mymensingh Division, the expelled are Rezaul Karim Chunnu (Kishoreganj-1), Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), Salman Omar Rubel (Mymensingh-1), AB Siddiqur Rahman (Mymensingh-10), Md Morshed Alam (Mymensingh-11), Md Delwar Hossain Bhuiyan (Netrokona-3) and Md Aminul Islam Badsha (Sherpur-3). Faridpur Division From the newly formed Faridpur Division, BNP expelled Lavlu Siddiqui (Madaripur-1), Kamal Jamal Nuruddin Molla (Madaripur-1), Milton Boiddya (Madaripur-2), Nasirul Haque Sabu (Rajbari-2), MS Khan Manju (Gopalganj-2), Sirajul Islam Siraj (Gopalganj-2) and Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib (Gopalganj-3). Sylhet Division Those expelled from Sylhet Division are Anwar Hossain (Sunamganj-3), Dewan Zainul Zakerin (Sunamganj-4), Mamunur Rashid (Sylhet-5), Mohsin Mia Madhu (Moulvibazar-4) and Sheikh Sujat Mia (Habiganj-1). Cumilla Division From Cumilla Division, the expelled are Advocate Kamruzzaman Mamun (Brahmanbaria-1), Kazi Nazmul Hossain Tapas (Brahmanbaria-5), Krishibid Saiduazzaman Kamal (Brahmanbaria-6), Engr Abdul Matin (Cumilla-2), Atikul Alam Shawon (Cumilla-7) and MA Hannan (Chandpur-4). Chattogram Division From Chattogram Division, BNP expelled Advocate Mizanul Haque Chowdhury (Chattogram-14), Shafiqul Islam Rahi (Chattogram-14), Liakat Ali Chairman (Chattogram-16), Kazi Mofizur Rahman (Noakhali-2), Engr Fazlul Azim (Noakhali-6) and Engr Tanvir Uddin Rajib (Noakhali-6).