Bangladesh Nationalist Party has announced a seven-day mourning period following the death of the party’s chairperson and Bangladesh’s three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday morning by BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Rizvi said that during the seven-day period, party leaders and activists would wear black badges. Quran recitations and prayer gatherings will be held in all offices. Condolence books will be opened at the BNP headquarters in Paltan and Gulshan. The schedule for her burial and final rites will be announced later. Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, passed away at 6:00am on Tuesday.

The Workers Party of Bangladesh and the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal–Jasod have decided to stay away from the forthcoming general elections and the referendum on the July charter, scheduled for February 12. The two political parties, also the allies of the Awami League-led alliance from 2008 to August 2024, in separate statements, said that they did not submit nomination papers to contest the election and alleged that the election would be held in a unilateral manner.

They also said that cases filed against their party leaders in connection with the July uprising had not been withdrawn, and that this was why they had been refraining from participating in the election.

None of the leaders and activists of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, led by Rashed Khan Menon, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal–Jasod, led by Hasanul Haque Inu, submitted nomination papers for any of the constituencies across the country.

Besides, several leaders of different Jatiya Party factions who initially collected nomination forms refrained from submitting the papers on Monday, the last date for filing nomination papers.

Jatiya Party faction chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, JP’s another faction secretary general ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, senior co-chairman Kazi Firoz Rashid, and Krishok Sramik Janata League president Abdul Kader Siddique are among the senior leaders of the parties who did not submit their nomination papers within the scheduled time, leaders of the parties said.

They alleged that the interim government and the Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. They said that cases filed against their leaders after the July uprising had not been withdrawn. The JP faction in November launched a political alliance named ‘National Democratic Front’, comprising 18 political parties, and had initially prepared to contest the national election.

However, JP faction chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud and executive chairman Mujibul Haque Chunnu submitted their nomination papers on Sunday for their respective constituencies. The Awami League regime was ousted from power on August 5, 2024 amid a mass uprising and the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took office on August 8, 2024.

Khaleda Zia, three-time former prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, passed away at 6:00am on Tuesday. She was 80. At the time of her death, those present at the hospital included her eldest son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Zobaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s younger brother Shamim Eskander and her elder sister Selina Islam.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the medical board were also in attendance. The BNP media cell confirmed the news. Khaleda Zia had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for various health complications. She was admitted to the hospital on November 23, and following medical examinations, doctors confirmed that she had developed a lung infection. The veteran politician had long been suffering from multiple health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney complications and eye problems.

Earlier, she travelled to London on January 7 for advanced medical treatment and returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after receiving medical care for 117 days. Born in Dinajpur district, Khaleda Zia rose to national prominence following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981.

She later led the BNP to multiple electoral victories and served as prime minister from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006.

Dhaka – Sajeeb Wazed, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has urged Bangladesh’s interim government to lift the ban on the Awami League, warning that elections held without the party would be illegitimate and could deepen political instability.

Speaking to The Associated Press from Washington D.C., Wazed said, “This ban has to be lifted. Elections must be inclusive, free, and fair.” He added that current restrictions are “political manipulation disguised as justice,” aimed at preventing his mother and party leaders from participating in the upcoming polls.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold national elections in February 2026, the first since a student-led uprising last year ended Hasina’s 15-year rule and forced her into exile in India. Three days after her ouster, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of interim head of government, promising to restore order and implement reforms. In May, his administration banned Awami League activities and arrested many of its senior leaders, while others fled the country.

Wazed stressed that if the Awami League is not given sufficient time to prepare for the election, the results “will not be recognized by the people or by international observers.”

The political landscape remains fragmented. While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) remains a key contender, the Jatiya Party continues to face suppression, including attacks on its headquarters and disrupted rallies. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami has also reemerged, expanding its presence and seeking alliances with other hardline groups. Wazed warned that ongoing instability could benefit Islamist parties and accused the Yunus-led government of facilitating their rise through a “rigged election.”

Wazed also highlighted human rights concerns, citing arrests, custodial deaths, and attacks on religious minorities. He criticized the interim government’s handling of last year’s uprising and questioned the impartiality of special tribunals prosecuting Hasina, including a recent call for the death penalty.

International rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have urged Yunus to lift the “broad ban” on Awami League activities, calling it an excessive restriction on freedom of association, assembly, and expression. The interim government has not commented on Wazed’s remarks.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged all political parties to take part in the upcoming national election, putting aside minor differences, to help restore the democratic process in the country.

“I call upon all political parties to join the coming election by putting aside small differences so that together we can bring back democracy in the country and return to the democratic system,” he said.

He made the call while speaking at a program marking the 21st founding anniversary of the Daily Naya Diganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Fakhrul said he believes the election will be held on time in February 2026. “We also think that through an acceptable election to all, we will get an opportunity to return to a democratic system.”

He said the student-led mass uprising in August 2024 created a new opportunity to establish a truly democratic state.On behalf of the BNP, Fakhrul paid deep tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 2024 for freedom and democracy. He mentioned that the interim government has already announced that the election will be held by February next year.

The BNP leader expressed the hope that the reform issues had already been settled, as the political parties had agreed upon them and signed the National July Charter.

He alleged that around 6 million political leaders and activists faced false cases, about 20,000 were killed, and 1,700 others became victims of enforced disappearance during the past “fascist rule” of the Awami League.

Recalling the post-Liberation War period, Fakhrul said the media, particularly the press, faced severe repression. “After the establishment of Baksal in 1975, all newspapers were shut down. I remember that many journalists became unemployed, and some even worked as hawkers in front of Baitul Mukarram, as there were no newspapers left.”

After the political changeover in 1975, he said, BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman was the first to move away from the one-party system and introduce multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom.

“We must not forget that the key reforms began during his (Zia’s) time and were later carried forward by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” Fakhrul added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the future of the nation’s economy and its overall political landscape hinges upon the upcoming general election. He alleged that, overall, BNP leaders and activists have endured the most severe political persecution in recent years.

He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon, while addressing an extended meeting of the Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila and Ruhea Thana BNP units as the chief guest at the Thakurgaon District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The senior BNP leader claimed that the party’s workers have faced unprecedented oppression during what he termed the 16-year ‘dictatorial’ rule of Sheikh Hasina. Providing statistics, he asserted that nearly 6 million leaders and activists have been targeted with ‘false’ cases. Furthermore, he alleged that 20,000 workers have been ‘killed’ and 1,700, including three sitting MPs, have been ‘forcibly disappeared’ (gums).

He observed: “Our political activists can, at least, sleep peacefully at night now.”

Fakhrul mentioned that numerous party workers in Thakurgaon have spent long periods in prison and been convicted in false cases over the last 15 years. He expressed gratitude to the lawyers for providing crucial legal assistance during this period.

On the subject of a nationwide referendum (or plebiscite), Mirza Fakhrul disclosed that the BNP has proposed to the National Consensus Commission that the national election and the referendum be held simultaneously on the same day. The meeting was chaired by Thakurgaon District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin.

Among the other attendees were District BNP General Secretary Paygam Ali, Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, Sadar BNP President Abdul Hamid, Ruhea Thana BNP President Abdul Jabbar, and other local leaders from the BNP and its affiliated bodies.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has formed a special team to spread false propaganda using digital technology. Speaking at a discussion marking the founding anniversary of the BNP-affiliated Olama Dal at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Rizvi said: “Jamaat is conducting misleading campaigns using digital platforms. They have formed a group of young individuals to spread lies, offensive remarks, and vulgar content on social media. These people are packaging falsehoods and spreading them regularly.”

He further said: “Claiming that voting can lead to heaven is a deception. Jamaat is trying to impose PR (proportional representation) out of frustration and is conspiring to disrupt the election. Ordinary people are not familiar with PR.”

Rizvi also remarked: “Those calling for a referendum in November have a master plan. Through certain conditions, they aim to confuse the public and delay the national election.”

He accused Jamaat of trying to remain under the shadow of the Awami League, saying: “Their political maneuvering shows they are trying to draw votes away from the Awami League. On one hand, they are creating debate over PR, reforms, and referendums; on the other hand, they are manipulating religious sentiments.”

He warned about the spread of a misleading ideology under the guise of a new Islamic trend in Bangladesh, saying: “This can be identified as ‘Maududism.’ The people of Bangladesh will never accept it. There is no place for such ideology in our faith, beliefs, and unity in monotheism.”

Referring to the events of 1971, Rizvi said: “Those who committed horrific acts during the Liberation War were also Muslims. But how can one Muslim inflict such atrocities on another? Those who supported or are still supporting such crimes—can they be called good people? Using religion as a tool to mislead the public and justifying any means for power is not supported by Islam.”

New York — Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has become one of the most talked-about figures in city politics ahead of the upcoming election. Calling for unity among Bangladeshi expatriates, Mamdani urged everyone to stay focused and resist misinformation campaigns.

“The upcoming November 4 election will make history,” said Mamdani. “We must not be distracted by confusion or propaganda. Only through unity can we win this battle at the ballot box.”

The remarks came on Monday evening at a community gathering jointly organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) and Bangladeshis for Zohran at the Sanai Party Hall in Jackson Heights.

Mamdani reminded attendees of his earlier electoral success, “We defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s son by a 13-point margin. Yet, he remains in the race as an independent. His goal is to block our progress, but together, we will achieve our mission.”

He further said, “Our vision is to make New York City a livable city for everyone. In this world’s most expensive metropolis, we must ensure fair opportunities for all — especially for hardworking immigrants.”

As the first Muslim candidate in New York City’s history, Mamdani emphasized the importance of collective action, “To turn this city into a city of dreams, we must stay united. Muslim and South Asian voters must come out and vote in large numbers.”

The event began with a welcome address from Abdus Sobhan, member-secretary of Bangladeshis for Zohran. JBBA President Giyas Ahmed presided over the meeting, which also featured speeches from Shahnewaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bangladesh Society; Imam Shamsi Ali, Director of Jamaica Muslim Center; Fakrul Islam Delwar, founding president of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society; and Tarek Hasan Khan, General Secretary of JBBA.

In the upcoming election, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani faces his main rival, 67-year-old independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Political observers suggest that current Democratic Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from the re-election race following a request from former President Donald Trump. Trump has labeled Mamdani a “socialist Democrat,” warning that if he wins, New York City could lose federal benefits.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Adams stepped aside amid corruption investigations, allegedly hoping for a presidential pardon from Trump. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is also being urged to withdraw from the race, as mounting political pressure from Trump’s camp seeks to prevent Mamdani’s victory by any means.

New York City has nearly 200,000 registered Muslim voters and over 300,000 South Asian voters. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda in 1991, is gaining growing support from African-American, Hispanic, and young voters, according to immigrant community leaders.

In contrast, Andrew Cuomo has been accused of attempting to create divisions between Muslim and Hindu communities, campaigning in mosques and temples while emphasizing his experience.

Zohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Uganda to a Muslim father, Mahmood Mamdani, originally from Gujarat, India, and a Punjabi Hindu mother, filmmaker Mira Nair. When he was five, the family moved to South Africa, and two years later, they immigrated to the United States.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that although certain reasons have delayed his return to Bangladesh, the time has now come for him to do so. “I will return soon and be among the people during the election,” he said in an interview with BBC Bangla, published on Monday. Tarique Rahman said: “Physically, I may be in Britain, but mentally and emotionally, I have been in Bangladesh for the past 17 years.”

He added: “There will be a much-anticipated national election in the country, and how could I stay away at such a time? During the election, I will be with the people and among them.” The BNP acting chairman further said: “I do not see myself as the mastermind of the July uprising. No individual or party was its mastermind. The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh were, in fact, the true masterminds of the July uprising.”

“BNP has consistently maintained that the sooner the election is held, the sooner stability will return to the country,” he added.

Tarique Rahman also said: “BNP believes that if the national election had been held six months earlier, many crises could have been avoided. The government has, albeit belatedly, come to realize this.”

He further said: “We wanted the election to be held within December, but the interim government aims to hold it by February. We want to have faith that the government will take all necessary steps, step by step, to ensure the election is held.”

When asked whether BNP would contest the election individually or through seat-sharing within an alliance, Tarique Rahman said: “Around 64 political parties tried to resist the former autocratic regime from their respective positions. We have always tried to work collectively. The 31-point state reform agenda we presented was initially proposed by BNP alone in 2016 as part of our Vision 2020 plan. Later, it was developed further into 27 points and, after consultations with allied parties, finalized as 31 points.”

“Our aim has always been to rebuild the state inclusively, incorporating the opinions of all parties that stood with us in the movement,” he added.

Regarding Khaleda Zia’s possible role in the election, he said that if her physical condition allows, she will certainly play some part.

Asked whether Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) politics would influence national politics, he said: “From what we have seen, individuals like Manna Bhai, who was Ducsu VP twice and is far more experienced in politics than I am, have expressed their views clearly. Student politics should remain in its sphere, and national politics in its own.”

On Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman said: “As long as any political party operates within the recognized laws and regulations of Bangladesh, it has the right to practice politics. BNP has always believed in multiparty democracy, and we wish to view the matter from that perspective.”

Speaking about the Awami League, he said: “If the party, as an organization, has committed any wrongdoing, it should face justice under the country’s laws. The law will determine the outcome.”

Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a “judicial legal process” and it requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.

Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.

“We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,” said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home.

“There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet,” he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi.

Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the foreign affairs adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary, adding: “However, I do not see any need at the moment.”

The foreign adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former prime minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina’s extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.