DHAKA: BNP presidential candidate and outgoing Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made an emotional appeal to the party’s lawmakers on Wednesday, urging them to vote for him in Thursday’s presidential election. Fakhrul made the appeal at a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party held at the government party meeting room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The meeting began at 2 p.m. and continued for about one and a half hours. According to lawmakers who attended the meeting, Fakhrul became emotional at the beginning of his speech and broke down in tears several times. His emotional remarks created a somber atmosphere in the meeting, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also becoming emotional.

Recalling his long political journey with the BNP, Fakhrul said he had served the party as Senior Joint Secretary General, Acting Secretary General and Secretary General. “If I have made any mistake while carrying out my responsibilities, or if I have unintentionally hurt anyone, I ask for forgiveness,” Fakhrul told his colleagues.

He expressed gratitude to the party for giving him what he described as immense respect and responsibility throughout his political career. He also recalled the contributions of the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and the party’s founder, former President Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul thanked Tarique Rahman for continuing to place his trust in him and assigning him important responsibilities over the years.

He pledged that he would preserve throughout his life the honor and trust that the party had placed in him. He also said he would never compromise on the issues of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

Referring to the possibility of moving to Bangabhaban if elected president, Fakhrul said he would miss his longtime colleagues and asked them to pray for him. He then directly appealed to the BNP lawmakers to vote for him in Thursday’s presidential election. Earlier, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni welcomed the participants and briefed the lawmakers about the voting procedure for the presidential election. He also sought their votes for Fakhrul.

Moni informed the meeting that the presidential election would be held on Thursday, August 20, and that Fakhrul himself would also cast his vote. He further explained that if Fakhrul is elected president and assumes office, his parliamentary seat in Thakurgaon-1 would become vacant. After Fakhrul, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the meeting and also urged BNP lawmakers to vote for Fakhrul in the presidential election.

The meeting was attended by BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Selima Rahman and A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, among others.The pre sidential election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 20. If elected, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will assume the office of President. As a result, Wednesday’s parliamentary party meeting could be Fakhrul’s final such meeting as a sitting member of parliament, giving the gathering an added emotional significance.

KISHOREGANJ (Pakundia) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government wants to build Bangladesh as a welfare state through people-oriented initiatives to improve people’s living standards. In this connection, he urged all to remain patient and vigilant against attempts to create disorder and impede the country’s development.

“Our goal is to build a welfare state. That is why we are taking various measures for the welfare of the people. We have already started implementing different programmes, including the Family Card,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a public gathering after releasing fish fry into the Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat in Pakundia this afternoon. Referring to the support extended by thousands of people to his government’s development plans, he said the people would benefit if the plans are implemented properly.

“So, I want to tell you to maintain the trust you placed in the party in the February 12 election,” he said. The Prime Minister urged the people to keep their trust in the BNP and assured them that the party would remain committed to their welfare and the country’s development.

“The government was formed with the support of the people. You placed your trust in the BNP through that support. I want to make it clear: InshaAllah, maintain that trust. The BNP was with you, is with the people of Bangladesh and will remain with the people of Bangladesh,” he added. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the BNP would work for the people of Bangladesh and, as long as the party exists, would not undertake any action contrary to the interests of the country and its people.

Criticising various unplanned measures taken by the previous government in the power and energy sector, Tarique Rahman said those measures had contributed to the current crisis. Referring to the next session of parliament, scheduled to begin on August 27, he said the government would present its plan there to address the country’s power-related problems over the next 10 years.

The Prime Minister also urged all to remain alert against those trying to create disorder on the streets. He said, “A small number of people are trying to create disorder on the streets. If disorder is created on the streets, ordinary people suffer the most. Their businesses are affected, their jobs are affected and their livelihoods are disrupted. But those who create disorder benefit from it.”

“Today, let us take an oath and pledge that those who work against the interests of the country, create disorder or obstruct various programmes taken in the public interest will be resisted by the people with all their collective strength,” he added.

Tarique Rahman said the people of the country now want peace, the rule of law, employment, education for their children and healthcare for their families. “If we are to accomplish these tasks, we must remain patient. At the same time, we must remain vigilant about those who are creating disorder,” he said.

After arriving in Pakundia, the Prime Minister first released fish fry into the Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat. He later took the stage at the gathering, where thousands of party leaders and activists greeted him with applauses. Lawmaker Fazlur Rahman and other leaders were present at the programme.

Staff Correspondent, New York: BNP Member of Parliament from Dinajpur-1, Monzurul Islam, has warned that a “difficult time” awaits Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stating that the beating he has faced so far is only the beginning.

“The beating of Patwary has just begun. The real beating hasn’t even started yet,” said the BNP lawmaker. “Speaking as an MP, a very difficult future awaits him.”

He made these remarks on Friday during a civic rally organized at the Bangladesh Consulate in New York, USA, to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. According to Monzurul Islam, Nasiruddin Patwary’s remarks crossing the boundaries of freedom of speech regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family are unacceptable.

“Not only the Prime Minister, but when he speaks about his wife and daughter, we cannot tolerate it because they are not a part of this. Yet Patwary is doing this constantly,” he added.

NEW YORK: A violent clash erupted between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Jackson Heights, Queens, leaving one senior leader seriously injured and another arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 3 during an event held on 73rd Street, commonly known as “Bangladesh Street,” in Jackson Heights.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a heated verbal altercation broke out between members of the two factions over longstanding organizational disputes and leadership rivalry. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, resulting in a bloody clash.

During the violence, several people at the scene were heard shouting warnings that a weapon or firearm might be present, prompting panic among attendees. Multiple videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media, drawing significant attention and concern within the Bangladeshi-American community.

Mohammad Shihab, Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League, was reportedly assaulted during the clash and sustained serious injuries. Local residents and bystanders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.

Responding to emergency calls, officers from the NYPD arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control. Based on allegations of assault, police detained and later arrested Zakir Hossain Rahul, also a Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Local party members said the violence stemmed from longstanding internal divisions within the organization, including demands for the resignation of the recently appointed president of the U.S. unit, Mahmud Hasan, and disagreements over the current leadership committee. They alleged that the clash was the result of escalating political rivalry and a struggle for organizational control.

The incident has drawn criticism from many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, who expressed disappointment over the outbreak of violence involving a prominent student organization on U.S. soil.

Following the incident, the President of the United States Awami League, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, and General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad issued a joint statement urging party leaders and activists to remain calm and exercise restraint.

In the statement, Dr. Rahman said those responsible for the violence would be investigated and that strict organizational action would be taken in accordance with the party’s constitution. The leaders also urged supporters to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation on social media and to rely only on verified information regarding the incident. The NYPD investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

NEW YORK: At the first moment of August (12:01 a.m.), the US Awami League and its affiliated organizations held a candlelight vigil and remembrance meeting in honor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the family members who were killed on August 15, 1975.

The program took place at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens, where leaders and members of the US Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League gathered to pay tribute.

US Awami League President Siddiqur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad and Member of Parliament Nazrul Islam Babu.

Participants lit candles and observed a moment of remembrance in tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely recognized as the architect of Bangladesh’s independence, as well as all those who lost their lives in the August 15, 1975, assassination.

In brief remarks, speakers condemned the killings of August 15, 1975, and called on Bangladeshis living abroad to remain united against what they described as conspiracies targeting the nation’s history and ideals. They also emphasized preserving the spirit of the Liberation War and the legacy of Bangabandhu.

The observance created a solemn atmosphere at Diversity Plaza, where members of the Bangladeshi community gathered to mark the beginning of the month of mourning with candlelight and prayers.

DHAKA: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has placed law enforcement and security agencies on high alert ahead of August 5 to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across the country

“All necessary measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful and secure environment across the country ahead of August 5,” he said while speaking to journalists at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The heightened security measures are part of routine precautionary steps taken in view of the significance of the day and prevailing security considerations, he said.

Ahmed said the Home Ministry has issued specific directives to police and other security agencies to strengthen vigilance and remain fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation.

As part of the instructions, police vehicles have been directed not to remain unattended, while security personnel have been advised to maintain continuous vigilance to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and rapid response capability.

Ahmed said a high-level coordination meeting involving the government, law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders will be held to review the overall security situation and finalize necessary arrangements for August 5.

The minister also referred to the recent recovery of bomb-like objects in Motijheel and Ashulia, describing the incidents as attempts to create panic and disrupt social harmony.

He said a coordinated investigation is underway to identify those responsible and determine whether there are any links between the incidents.

Ahmed added that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the activities of banned organizations and certain groups operating from abroad.

Further details will be disclosed once the ongoing investigations are completed, he said.

New York: Leaders and activists of the United States Awami League have strongly protested what they described as a conspiracy by BNP-Jamaat groups to ban the Bangladesh Awami League, warning of a strong movement if such efforts continue.

Speaking at a rally held on April 5 in Jackson Heights, New York City, party leaders expressed anger and concern over what they called a political conspiracy. They asserted that Bangladesh did not create the Awami League; rather, Bangladesh itself was born under the leadership of the Awami League. According to the speakers, those who do not believe in the red-and-green national flag are capable of engaging in such actions.

The speakers further noted that even Pakistani military rulers had once banned the Awami League, and alleged that BNP-Jamaat are now attempting to repeat that history. They said such efforts would never be allowed to succeed.

Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of the US Awami League, stated that the current government should not forget that the February 12 election lacks legitimacy, as it excluded what he claimed to be 55 percent of Awami League supporters. He added that this issue is increasingly coming to light and that similar voices of protest will soon rise across the United States, including New York. He warned that the power structure of what he described as extremist elements would eventually collapse.

The rally began with an opening speech by Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and was conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad.

Among those who spoke at the event were Sajjad Hossain Sabuj, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Imdad Chowdhury, General Secretary of New York City Awami League; Vice President Sakhawat Hossain Chanchal; Dr. Masudul Hasan, Vice President of US Awami League; freedom fighters Sharaf Sarkar and Solaiman Ali; Zainal Abedin; John Sikdar; Organizing Secretary Mohiuddin Dewan; Sharif Kamrul Hira; M.A. Malek; Professor Shahnaz Mumtaz, President of US Mahila Awami League; Sheikh Atik, Vice President of New York State Awami League; General Secretary Shaheen Azmal; Ashraful Uddin, Vice President of US Swechchhasebak League; Bronx Awami League leader Md. Muhit; US Awami League leader Md. Tulon; Jubo League leader Sebul Mia; Chhatra League leaders Hridoy Mia and Zahid Hasan, among others.

Also present were journalist union leader Saban Mahmud, US Awami League Organizing Secretary Abul Hasib Mamun, and Executive Member Shahanara Rahman.

Shibbir Ahmed, United Nations, New York: A large protest rally was held in front of the United Nations on April 20, where demonstrators strongly condemned the reported ban on the Awami League in Bangladesh and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Protesters warned that if the decision is not reversed, a strong আন্দোলন (movement) would be launched from the United States to overthrow the Jamaat-BNP-led government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

The main organizer of the program, Dr. Pradip Kar, an advisor to the United States Awami League and a freedom fighter, also called for intervention from President Donald Trump and the United Nations to address the rise of militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh.

Among those who spoke at the rally were leaders and activists from various affiliated organizations, including the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Mohila Awami League. Key speakers included Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Abdus Samad Azad, Dr. Masudul Hasan, Abul Hasib Mamun, Abdur Rahim Badsha, Rafiqul Rahman, Imdad Chowdhury, Shaheen Azmal, Mohiuddin Dewan, Sheikh Atik, M.A. Karim Jahangir, Hakikul Islam Khokon, Advocate Shah Bakhtiar, Solaiman Ali, Sakhawat Ali, Advocate Rokibuddin Dulal, Advocate Morsheda Zaman, Rumana Akter, Baker Bhuiyan, Jalal Uddin Jalil, Tarek ul Haider Chowdhury, Sheikh Jamal, Jewel Ahmed, Shahidul Islam, and Hriday Mia, among others.

During the rally, Dr. Pradip Kar announced a peaceful human chain demonstration to be held in front of the U.S. State Department on May 4 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, demanding the repeal of the law banning the Awami League. He also stated that a memorandum would be submitted to the U.S. Secretary of State. Additionally, a memorandum has already been submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations following the protest.

Meanwhile, the United States Awami League, along with its New York State and city units, has also announced another protest rally scheduled for April 30 at 12:00 PM in front of the State Department and the White House to oppose the passage of the law banning the Awami League.

With its political activities banned under an amended anti-terrorism law, the Bangladesh Awami League’s only remaining path to resuming operations now lies in the courts, legal experts say. The 13th National Parliament on Wednesday approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, formalising an ordinance issued during the interim government’s tenure that allows authorities to prohibit activities of individuals or entities accused of involvement in terrorism.

Under the law, the government can ban organisational activities through a gazette notification, restrict public statements, and prohibit meetings, processions and campaigns across all platforms. While the Awami League as an entity has not been dissolved, the ban on its activities effectively sidelines it from political engagement.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mamun Mahbub said the party still has a constitutional avenue to challenge the decision. “The Awami League has not been banned as a party, only its activities,” he said. If it wants to return, it must file a writ petition in the High Court. He added that the court could examine whether the restrictions are legally justified and consistent with constitutional provisions.

The ban has sparked debate among legal experts, particularly over its compatibility with Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.Human rights lawyer Manzil Morshed said such restrictions may not withstand judicial scrutiny unless clearly justified. Citizens have a fundamental right to organise. If this law is challenged, the court will assess whether that right has been unlawfully curtailed, he said.

He argued that only organisations engaged in activities threatening state security or public order can be legally banned, and any broader restriction could be struck down.

The amendment empowers the government to declare any individual or organisation involved in terrorist activities as banned, either by listing them in an official schedule or by prohibiting all activities. It also restricts any form of communication or mobilisation in support of such entities, including through media and social platforms.

The ordinance was originally issued in May 2025 under presidential powers when Parliament was not in session and has now been enacted into law without changes. Analysts say the issue now shifts from the political arena to the judiciary.

With the law in force, the Awami League’s ability to operate depends largely on whether it chooses to challenge the ban – and how the courts interpret constitutional safeguards against state restrictions. For now, the High Court stands as the final avenue for the party to seek restoration of its political activities.

Staff Reporter: Leaders and activists of the United States Awami League have strongly protested what they described as a conspiracy to ban the Bangladesh Awami League. They warned that if such activities are not stopped, a widespread movement will be launched across the United States. The remarks were made at a protest rally held on April 5 in Jackson Heights, New York City. Speakers at the event alleged that BNP and Jamaat are involved in efforts to push for a ban on the Awami League.

Addressing the rally, speakers said that the Awami League is not just a political party, but a historic organization that led the birth of Bangladesh. They argued that those who do not believe in the country’s red and green flag are capable of such actions. They further stated that in the past, Pakistani military rulers had also attempted to ban the Awami League, drawing parallels with the current situation.

Speaking at the rally, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of the US Awami League, said, “Those in power through what we consider a staged and illegitimate election should not forget that an election excluding a large portion of Awami League supporters lacks credibility. This issue will soon resonate across New York and the wider United States.”

The rally began with an opening speech by Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and was conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad.

Among those present were Sajjad Hossain Sabuj, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC; Imdad Chowdhury, General Secretary of New York City Awami League; Vice President Sakhawat Hossain Chanchal; Dr. Masudul Hasan, Vice President of US Awami League; freedom fighter Sharaf Sarkar; Solaiman Ali; Zainal Abedin; John Sikder; Organizing Secretary Mohiuddin Dewan; Sharif Kamrul Hira; M A Malek; Professor Shahnaz Momtaz, President of US Mahila Awami League; Sheikh Atik, Vice President of New York State Awami League; Shahin Azmal, General Secretary; Ashrafulddin, Vice President of US Swechchhasebak League; Bronx Awami League leader Md. Muhit; US Awami League leader Md. Tulon; Jubo League leader Sebul Mia; Chhatra League leaders Hriday Mia and Zahid Hasan, among others. Also present were journalist union leader Saban Mahmud, Organizing Secretary Abul Hasib Mamun, and Executive Member Shahanara Rahman.