• Dhaka Tue, 21 JANUARY 2025,
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Donald Trump Invites Tarique Rahman to National Prayer Breakfast
Tarique Rahman Thanks Qatar Emir for Providing Air Ambulance to BNP Chief
BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. In a post on social media platforms Facebook and X late Friday night (January 10), Bangladesh time, Tarique Rahman conveyed his appreciation. I am deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for graciously providing transportation and logistics for my mother, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. On behalf of my family and the people of Bangladesh,… pic.twitter.com/6lajcsdIN8— Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) January 9, 2025 Sharing a photo of his family standing beside his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, who was seated in a wheelchair, Tarique Rahman wrote, "I am deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for graciously providing transportation and logistics for my mother, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia." He further stated, "On behalf of my family and the people of Bangladesh, I extend our heartfelt thanks for this support. We look forward to fostering lasting, multifaceted ties between Bangladesh and Qatar." It is noteworthy that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia left Dhaka last Tuesday night (January 7) for the United Kingdom on an air ambulance provided by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for advanced medical treatment. She is currently admitted to the London Clinic under the care of Professor Patrick Kennedy, where her treatment has begun.
Tarique Rahman Convenes Permanent Committee Meeting Tonight
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Former BNP MP SA Khaleque Passes Away
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Tarek Rahman’s Four Extortion Cases
BNP’s Three Affiliates to Hold Long March Toward Agartala Today
In protest of the attack and vandalism at the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala, India, as well as the lowering and tearing of the national flag and alleged conspiracies to incite communal riots, three affiliates of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) will hold a long march toward Agartala today, Wednesday (December 11). This announcement was made during an emergency press conference held on Monday (December 9) at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan by the Jubo Dal (Youth Wing), Swechhasebak Dal (Volunteer Wing), and Chhatra Dal (Student Wing). At the event, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna stated that the leaders and activists of the three organizations would jointly march from Naya Paltan to the Akhaura border. He alleged that the silence of Indian law enforcement during the violent incident at the High Commission indicates tacit support from the Indian government. He also criticized some media outlets for spreading misinformation, claiming it disrupts communal harmony. Munna added that violent attacks on diplomatic missions are equivalent to assaults on sovereignty and independence. Calling India a "haven for criminals," Munna accused the country of fabricating baseless rumors. He noted that many members of the Sanatan community were victims of massacres during movements against discrimination under Hasina, yet India remained silent. Munna further stated that by providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina, India is embarrassing Bangladesh’s interim government. He argued that India has no moral right to comment on Bangladesh’s internal affairs. The Jubo Dal president announced that the long march against Indian aggression would take place from Dhaka to the Akhaura border on December 11, vowing to remain vocal against any conspiracy against Bangladesh’s territorial integrity. The press conference also urged students, youths, and volunteers from all walks of life in Bangladesh to participate in the program. Earlier, on Sunday (December 8), the same three organizations held a march toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Starting from Naya Paltan, thousands of leaders and activists participated in the program. The march ended in Rampura following a request from the police, after which a six-member delegation submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Baridhara.
Mirza Fakhrul: Only the 'Wrong-Headed' Claim to Be PM Now
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “A long time ago, the Chief Justice of Bangladesh referred to Sheikh Hasina as ‘wrong-headed.’ Now, only a wrong-headed person can claim to be the Prime Minister.” Mirza Fakhrul made this remark while responding to a journalist's question regarding Sheikh Hasina presenting herself as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh during a UK Awami League meeting. He shared these comments during a discussion with journalists from the UK print and electronic media on Saturday (December 7) at 6 p.m. local time in the UK. Key Points from Mirza Fakhrul's Speech: Criticism of Sheikh Hasina: Mirza Fakhrul claimed that Sheikh Hasina ignored her party's struggles and fled when difficulties arose. In contrast, he highlighted that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was repeatedly asked to leave the country but refused, declaring Bangladesh as her home. BNP's Struggles: Fakhrul alleged that 600,000 cases have been filed against BNP supporters and 20,000 people have been killed during the regime's crackdown on opposition. He reflected on the hardships faced by BNP members, stating, "There wasn’t a single year when we weren’t sent to prison. It felt like police and courts were competing over how much they could oppress BNP members." Democracy Under Threat: He argued that Bangladesh's progress towards democracy under the caretaker government was destroyed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure. Fakhrul criticized the Cyber Security Act and the suppression of independent media, accusing the government of promoting a culture of sycophancy and favoring certain media outlets. Responsibility of the Media and Diaspora: He urged journalists and expatriates to counter misinformation and uphold accurate reporting to protect the nation’s interests. On Foreign Dependence and Democracy: Fakhrul emphasized that democracy in Bangladesh cannot be achieved by relying on foreign powers, asserting that the responsibility lies with the people. He noted ongoing diplomatic engagement on various issues. State Forces and BNP: Fakhrul claimed BNP has no fundamental problem with state forces, though efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the alleged persecution of Tarique Rahman. Expatriates' Concerns: UK BNP President M.A. Malek highlighted grievances of expatriates, accusing Sheikh Hasina’s regime of illegally occupying their properties over the last 17 years. He assured that expatriates' contributions would be valued, as stated by the BNP’s acting secretary general. The meeting, presided over by M.A. Malek, also featured speeches by UK BNP General Secretary Koysar M. Ahmed and other leaders.
Mirza Fakhrul Heads to London for 10-Day Visit
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left Dhaka for London today on a ten-day visit. He departed with his wife on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG 201) on Saturday morning, November 30. Earlier, on Friday, November 29, Fakhrul’s personal assistant, agronomist Yunus Ali, informed the media that the BNP Secretary General would leave Dhaka at 8:20 AM on a Biman flight with his wife. During his stay in London, Fakhrul is expected to attend BNP events and hold a private meeting with the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. Sources indicate that Fakhrul’s visit will focus on key issues, including the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, plans for Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, promoting and implementing BNP’s 31-point reform framework for rebuilding the state structure with consensus from all parties, and strategizing ways to strengthen the party’s organizational momentum amid the current political situation. The UK BNP is prepared to welcome Fakhrul. The organization’s general secretary, Koysor M Ahmed, announced that they will greet the BNP Secretary General at the airport. On December 3, the UK BNP will organize a discussion titled “The Significance of Bangladesh’s Victory Day and Recent Developments” at the Royal Regency, where Tarique Rahman will attend as the chief guest and Mirza Fakhrul as the keynote speaker. It is noteworthy that Fakhrul last visited London twice in 2018, ahead of the 11th national parliamentary elections. This marks his first trip to London since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government and the subsequent political shift on August 5.
Take Action Against National Interest Violators: Jamaat Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that measures must be taken against anyone acting against national interests, not just ISKCON. He made this statement on Thursday (November 28) night after meeting Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that differences in political affiliations, opinions, or religions may exist, but unity on matters of national interest is essential. He noted that all parties, including the BNP, are in agreement regarding national unity. He further said that those who disrupt the peace and order of the country must be brought under the law and given exemplary punishment. In addition, he mentioned that the meeting included extensive discussions on elections, controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, and finding solutions to problems through united efforts. He also stressed the need to implement minimum reforms promptly to ensure elections take place. Earlier, on Wednesday (November 27) evening, a five-member BNP delegation visited Dr. Yunus at Jamuna. Following the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the country must avoid division. He emphasized that national unity is crucial at this moment to resolve the ongoing crisis. "We are facing significant challenges, and to overcome them, we need to foster national unity," he said. He added that the delegation had informed the Chief Advisor about public suffering, particularly regarding high commodity prices. They urged him to work towards reducing prices and expanding TCB’s truck operations. The BNP leader also mentioned that they requested Dr. Yunus to complete reforms quickly and provide an election roadmap as soon as possible, highlighting the urgency of such a roadmap.
Khaleda Zia's Overseas Treatment to Begin After Performing Umrah
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been invited by the Saudi Arabian government to perform Umrah. She is expected to perform the pilgrimage in mid-December before proceeding abroad for advanced medical treatment. Following her visit to Saudi Arabia, she is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom and later to the United States. According to members of the medical board overseeing her treatment, Khaleda Zia may require treatment in two or three countries, including the United States. Preparations are underway for her travel, and if all goes as planned, she may commence her journey on December 12 or 13. She will be accompanied by 17 individuals, including doctors, and plans to perform Umrah en route to her treatment destination. On Wednesday (November 27), Khaleda Zia visited the U.S. Embassy from her Gulshan residence, “Firoza.” She was welcomed by the acting U.S. ambassador and embassy officials. Accompanying her were BNP Standing Committee member Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain, Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid, her private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, and personal physician Mohammad Mamun. Her doctors confirmed that she is physically fit for air travel but emphasized precautions, with six doctors joining her on the journey. While her U.K. visa has already been obtained, her U.S. visa application is still being processed. Khaleda Zia, sentenced in the Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust corruption cases, was imprisoned on February 8, 2018. After more than two years of incarceration, her sentence was suspended by the government through an executive order on March 25, 2020, granting her conditional temporary release. The suspension was subsequently extended every six months upon application by the BNP. On August 5, following the fall of the Awami League government amid mass protests, Khaleda Zia was released unconditionally via executive order. Since then, BNP has been working to arrange her overseas treatment. The 79-year-old former prime minister suffers from liver cirrhosis, heart disease, lung complications, arthritis, kidney issues, diabetes, and other complex conditions. She has undergone prolonged treatment at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital under a medical board comprising specialist doctors, often requiring ICU care. After the government’s fall due to a student-led mass movement, she was discharged from Evercare Hospital on August 21 after a month-long stay and has been under preparation for her foreign medical treatment.