United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital, where she is on ventilator support and receiving intensive care for multiple serious complications, according to the medical board overseeing her treatment. In its latest update provided on Thursday, the board said that the former premier is being treated round the clock by a team of local and foreign specialists, as several of her vital organs continue to be under severe stress. It said over the past few days, several serious complications have been detected. “Her breathing difficulties increased, her oxygen level fell, and carbon dioxide levels rose. She was treated with High Flow Nasal Cannula and BiPAP support, but as there was no improvement, she was placed on elective ventilator support to give rest to her lungs and other vital organs,” the board said. On November 27, it said doctors diagnosed acute pancreatitis, which is still being treated. “Due to severe bacterial and fungal infections, she is receiving advanced antibiotics and antifungal medicines. Her kidney function has stopped completely, and she is undergoing regular dialysis,” the board mentioned. Owing to gastrointestinal bleeding and a condition called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), it said she is being given blood and blood products as required. “As her fever persisted and echocardiography showed issues in the aortic valve, a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) was performed. It confirmed infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valve. Treatment for this has been started according to international guidelines,” the physicians said. The also said the multidisciplinary medical board, led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, said specialists from Bangladesh and abroad are continuously monitoring her and providing every possible treatment. The board urged all concerned not to circulate speculation or misinformation about her condition and to respect her privacy and dignity.“Our medical team is working with the highest level of care, attention and sincerity.” Khaleda in Evercare ICU; getting top-level treatment: Dr Zahid The medical board and Khaleda Zia’s family have requested everyone to pray for her recovery. Khaleda Zia has long been suffering from a number of chronic and complex health problems, including liver complications, kidney disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and recurring infections. While staying at her Gulshan residence recently, she developed shortness of breath, cough, fever and increased weakness. As her condition worsened, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November. Following tests, doctors found a rapid deterioration in the functions of her lungs, heart and kidneys. She was immediately shifted from a cabin to the Critical Care Unit for advanced treatment and close monitoring.  

BNP on Thursday welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB. Giving his party’s initial reaction, the BNP leader said the schedule shows that Bangladesh has started its journey toward a desired democracy for which the people have risked their lives and struggled for more than a decade and a half. “We are happy with the schedule announced by the Chief Election Commissioner… There may be minor inconsistencies, but we consider them insignificant. The important thing is that the announcement of the election and referendum schedule is undoubtedly a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history,” he said. “We also hope a new chapter will begin in Bangladesh’s politics through this announcement,” Fakhrul added. He expressed hope that all pro-democracy parties would take part in the upcoming election and that voting would take place peacefully. Fakhrul said it is now the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that the election is free, fair, neutral, and credible. The Election Commission on Thursday evening announced that the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the schedules in a pre-recorded speech aired on state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar. Talking to reporters in front of BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul later said, “This is undoubtedly a very happy day for us… The election must be held and the date has now been announced.”   “We expect the Commission to ensure a fully neutral, fair, free, and credible election. All political parties and candidates should participate responsibly and make this election a festival-like event,” he added. Fakhrul urges BNP to prepare for Tarique’s ‘imminent return’ The BNP leader said elections had been made a farce over the past 15 years, undermining democracy. “Now, through this new election and the student-led mass movement, we have a chance to form a parliament that truly represents the people.” Speaking about reforms, he said political parties have discussed them for nearly nine months. “We have agreed on many points, but some could not be finalised. These will now be decided through the referendum.” Regarding candidate lists and seat-sharing with BNP’s alliance partners, Fakhrul said the party has not yet finalised its candidate list, though primary lists of contenders were earlier announced. “Those who have fought with us in the simultaneous movement will be properly evaluated through discussions. I believe there will be no problem and all pro-democratic forces can participate together,” he said. On the issue of certain points not being included in the referendum, Fakhrul said, “Some problems are inevitable, but if we all work together, we can overcome those.”        

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday once again warned his party colleagues that the next election will be a tough one amid a constant spread of lies and false campaigns, urging them to be serious and reach out to people with the party’s plans and programmes. “You must study our plans. If you don’t read them, if you don’t know them, then how will you explain what you want to do and what your party wants to do? Others--I won’t mention any names --but you know very well that in your constituencies, in your upazilas and municipalities, they are always spreading different kinds of lies to mislead people,” he said. Speaking virtually at the closing session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop, Tarique said there is no need for BNP leaders and workers to respond with lies. “You don’t need that. You already have many correct, truthful and realistic issues on your side to counter those,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul urges BNP to prepare for Tarique’s ‘imminent return’ He said when BNP leaders and activists are active in the field with BNP’s plans and programmes in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy, other parties will not be able to confuse people. The BNP leader called upon the party leaders and activists to take the party’s national plans directly to the people, saying the proposed plans can only be carried out if they win public support in the upcoming election. He said their party has this time not only given promises but also explained how those promises will be implemented within Bangladesh’s existing administrative and economic structure. Tarique said he warned over a year ago that the upcoming election would not be as easy as many believed. “At that time, many people laughed it off and did not take my words seriously. But today each one of you can understand exactly what I meant… The warning I gave is slowly being proven true. I want to tell you again — if we still do not become serious, the very existence and sovereignty of this country will be at risk,” he said. The BNP leader said only the restoration of democracy through the next election can save the country and its people. “It is you, every single member of the BNP, who can strengthen the foundation of that democracy. If you go to the field, if you go door to door and reach the people, then we can protect this country.” Bangladesh election, referendum on Feb 12; schedule announced He stressed that BNP’s proposed plans are for the people and the country, not a partisan document, and every leader and worker has the responsibility to take its message to citizens. “Our work is for 20 crore people. If we confine ourselves to our own problems, we become smaller.” Tarique said many leaders have genuine complaints about cases, repression and the lack of development in their areas, but the bigger responsibility now is to convince people about BNP’s vision for rebuilding the country. “I could have spoken about my mother and our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her physical condition. I could have shared my own pain with you. But I am not doing that. You must understand something. All of you must understand this. We are in politics for the country and its people. If we keep talking only about our own suffering, then where will the people go? Whom will they turn to with their pain and their struggles? They will come to you. That is why, leaders, we must rise to a position where we truly represent the people,” he said. Tarique asked the BNP leaders and workers that they must build themselves in a way that will earn the people’s trust and make people feel confident that the party is truly there for them. “From my 30 years of political experience, I can say that if we can take these eight issues discussed at the workshop to the field and later implement them with public support, people from every class and profession will benefit in some way.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the fifth day’s programme in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders and activists of BNP from different parts of the country joined the programme to receive training on eight issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Bangladesh is now facing two major challenges, building a strong political and economic foundation and resisting forces that are misleading people using religion. “We want to state something very clearly that the year 1971 is our very existence. Remember this loudly and firmly. Today I saw in a newspaper that someone has called the generation of 1971 ‘the worst generation.’ How can they show such audacity in saying this?” he said. Speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, the BNP leader also said certain quarters are trying to confuse the people by exploiting religion. “A dark claw seems to be emerging from behind the shadows…another form of fascism is trying to grip us. Unfortunately, by using our beloved religion, they are trying to mislead the people of Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader called upon his party colleagues to stand firm against these forces. “Today we face a new struggle. On one side, it is the struggle to place Bangladesh on firm political and economic footing. On the other side, it is the struggle to resist these destructive forces. You must move forward keeping both in mind. We always practise positive politics. We always think progressively,” he said. Bangladesh urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 genocide, historical issues Fakhrul told the party leaders and workers joined the workshop that it would not be enough to simply listen to the discussions and take notes. “You must present these ideas to the people… these are the things we want to do. If you do this, the people will surely be drawn to you. You have to win them over,” he said. The BNP leader said struggle is a part of human life, and a nation also has to struggle to rise. “We have carried out these struggles again and again. Our people have sacrificed their lives, our boys have sacrificed their lives. The boys of this generation also gave their lives in the July 2024 movement, just as our freedom fighters did in 1971. Let us unite all our strength and take a vow to win this battle.” Fakhrul said the upcoming struggle is the party’s toughest and most important yet, urging leaders and activists to move forward with determination and a strong mindset. He recalled the party’s long fight against autocratic regimes over the last 16 years, including the deaths of 20,000 party members and the hardships they faced amid immense repression and harassment. Fakhrul also highlighted the party’s historic contributions to Bangladesh’s development, recalling reforms by party founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in democracy, education, women’s empowerment, youth employment and the economy. He urged party members to unite, reach out to the people, win their hearts, and bring them to the polls. “This election is different from those under the Awami League. It will be a truly neutral election. You must ensure the people vote for us by understanding our leader’s vision and the plans we have for the country.” Fakhrul also prayed for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and expressed hope that a new phase of struggle will begin once Tarique Rahman returns home. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the KIB auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. It’s painful to see 1971 sacrifices questioned, says BNP’s Hafizuddin BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises before the polls.

Just hours before the announcement of the election schedule, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (December 11, 2025) called on party leaders and activists to get ready to welcome their Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he will return to the country ‘very soon’. “Since all our leaders are here today, I want to tell you that our leader (Tarique) will come back to us very soon,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fifth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop. The BNP leader called on his colleagues to be ready to give Tarique a grand reception on the day he returns home, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “The day our leader arrives and sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should shake. You must remember this… You will be able to do it, InshaAllah. On that day, we want to change the face of the entire country,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses winning people’s support for BNP’s victory Fakhrul said the party wants to move forward with a progressive vision to take Bangladesh ahead. “We want to move ahead. We want progress. To place Bangladesh in a position of dignity, we want to carry forward our leader’s thoughts and plans.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation in the evening to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. Fakhrul said the election schedule will be announced today, opening the way for the people to establish new leadership for Bangladesh through a fresh election. “We now have the chance to work with the people to form a truly representative parliament — a parliament that will lead Bangladesh towards a new horizon, under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Read more: Tarique stresses reconciliation over revenge after 16 years of ‘authoritarian rule’ He said the BNP must win the upcoming election and secure a full victory so it can take Bangladesh forward. “Many barriers will come. Many difficulties will appear. There are many campaigns against us, and there will be more. But we want to stand tall by overcoming all of these. BNP has never been defeated, and it will not be defeated,” he added. Describing BNP as the party of the people, the Liberation War and the struggle for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stay united. “Nothing else will bring you success. What will bring success is unity — a strong, steel-like unity — and the spirit to move forward with our nationalist and democratic ideals,” he said. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs: Mirza Abbas The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Fakhrul inaugurated the fifth day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of BNP joined the programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises before the polls. Read more: ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is receiving the highest level of medical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Evercare Hospital, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid said on Wednesday night. Talking to reporters outside the hospital, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is still able to receive the treatment being provided by the doctors. “She is taking the treatment and she is responding as she did in the past,” he said, urging all not to pay heed to any rumours on social media regarding her health. Dr Zahid said local and foreign doctors are working together to ensure the best possible treatment for the former prime minister. “In medical terms, she is responding to the treatment being given,” he said. He said there was a plan to airlift Khaleda Zia to the UK last Friday for advanced treatment and an air ambulance arranged by the Emir of Qatar was expected to take her to London. The physician, however, said this was not possible due to a technical problem with the air ambulance and also because Khaleda was not fit enough to fly at that time. Dr Zahid said the medical board, which includes specialists from both Bangladesh and abroad, is working to ensure that Khaleda Zia receives all necessary treatment at Evercare Hospital. He said she may still be taken abroad if required, but it is not possible to say exactly when that might happen. “The time has not come yet to give a definite date.” Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November with multiple health complications. A medical board led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, and including specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the USA, and China, is supervising her treatment. Her daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman, has been attending the medical board’s meetings in person since returning to Dhaka.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on party members to intensify their efforts to win public support in the upcoming election, saying that ensuring the victory of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ is essential to protect the country and promote its progress through the party’s well-planned programmes. “In the upcoming election, we seek the people’s verdict and support. This is not the time to sit idle. You must join the battle — a battle for the people, a battle for the nation, for the good of the country,” he said while speaking virtually at the closing session of the fourth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. The BNP leader also urged his colleagues to use their time wisely by planning and working to ensure the party’s victory. “We must ensure the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy, as there is no alternative. By winning with the Sheaf of Paddy, we can implement the plans made for the people… We must save the country by winning. Bangladesh comes first. No compromise,” he said. Tarique also warned that the country’s existence would be at risk if BNP is not voted to power. “If we do not wake up, if we do not take the field in this fight, the country will be ruined. Every time, your party has saved this country. If you look back at history, you will see that your party has always protected the nation.” He said whenever Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia were given the responsibility to lead the country, they rescued it from danger. “Now that responsibility of Shaheed Zia and Khaleda Zia has come to your shoulders. You must protect this country. Everyone must stand up. You must leave your homes, reach out to the people, go to every corner of the country. Only then will we succeed,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said BNP has plans to rebuild the country, but these plans must now be put into action. “Many plans were made in Bangladesh in the past, but they remained just plans. We want to turn our plans into reality for the people’s benefit.” He also said BNP will start the work, and the next generation will continue it so that the country’s healthcare, education, and employment systems keep improving. “To start this work, we must take the people with us. We must convince them and show that we can do this difficult task — and we will do it.” The BNP leader said people are tired of constant political arguments on TV and in newspapers. “Now they want clear solutions to their problems. The public expects political parties to explain what they will actually do if given the chance.” He said BNP is the only party that has presented a clear plan to improve roads, healthcare, education, and employment. Tarique urged party leaders and supporters to share this plan with people in every area so they understand how BNP wants to move Bangladesh forward. “We cannot just talk as we must act and work together to spread BNP’s message and win the people’s trust.” In the past, he said many infrastructure projects were built in the name of development, but they were not used properly. “Some so-called IT parks now stand empty, while others are used for social events instead of their real purpose.” Tarique said BNP will not take up unnecessary mega projects because “mega projects mean mega corruption.” “One of our main goals is that we will not go for any mega projects. We have seen that mega projects mean mega corruption. We must control corruption. We will spend the state’s money — the people’s money — on education, healthcare, and human development,” he said. Tarique outlined BNP’s plans for youth, education, and national development, saying the party aims to provide young people with better training, affordable internet, and small workspaces to encourage IT and online entrepreneurship. He also highlighted environmental and agricultural initiatives, including dredging rivers and canals and planting 250 million trees over the next five years to protect the environment and support sustainable development. During the rule of the previous fascist Awami League government, the BNP Acting Chairman said human rights were violated in the worst ways. He said BNP does not want human rights to be violated ever again. “Every citizen has the right to express their views safely. BNP’s responsibility as a major political party is to ensure that people with different opinions can speak freely without fear.” BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman Stating that many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are already exporting products abroad, the BNP leaders said if the government properly supports agriculture, farmers will get fair prices, and entrepreneurs will be encouraged to invest more. “This will increase exports, bring foreign currency, and create jobs in mills and factories. So, everyone in villages and cities will benefit.” The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. The fourth day of the programme was inaugurated by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal joined Wednesday’s event at the KIB auditorium in Farmgate.    

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said those who talk about ‘reforms’, except BNP, do not actually know what reforms the country needs, as they are only focused on gaining power. “Those who still speak about reforms don’t even understand what to reform. They surely know only one reform, a reform that will help them come to power. This is the only idea they have,” he said while speaking at the opening session of the fourth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, inaugurated the day’s programme and gave instructions on how party activists should approach citizens to seek votes and explain BNP’s vision and development agenda. Highlighting BNP’s contributions to the country, Abbas said the party has always worked for Bangladesh’s progress with long-term planning. He mentioned that many sectors, including the garment industry and overseas employment, grew strongly due to initiatives taken during the time of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman. The BNP leader said these major achievements were also ‘reforms’, even though they were not announced through any official declaration. “Today, our economy largely depends on the garment sector. This reform was done without any prior announcement. The youth and women ministries were also formed during his time,” he said. Abbas said he recently asked some young activists what reforms they wanted, but they could not give any clear answer. “They are using the word without understanding it.” “One day, I was talking to a group of young boys from a political party. I asked them whether they would join our alliance in the election. They said ‘yes’, but they also have a condition. Imagine — such a big party, yet they still have a condition! They said they would join only if their demand for reforms accepted,” he said. BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman Abbas said he could not understand what they meant by reforms. “I asked them, ‘Tell me, what reforms you want? Explain it to me — let me see if I can do it.’ But they could not say anything. This means they are simply talking for the sake of talking. They are calling for reforms without even knowing what those reforms are. Tarique Returning Soon He expressed hope that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would soon return to the country and take charge of both the nation and the party. The BNP leader, however, did not mention any specific date or time for Tarique’s return. “We should all feel proud that we have such a leader and such a chairperson. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to do politics with, and under the leadership of, a successor like our leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. Khaleda Nation’s Guardian Abbas said that during the BNP Chairperson’s illness, it has become clear that she is not only the leader of the BNP but also a guardian of ordinary people across Bangladesh. “Throughout my life, I have never seen so many prayers being offered for a leader. Wherever I went, even before I mentioned praying for her, people were already prepared with religious clerics to offer prayers. Before anything else, they prayed for her. Perhaps because of these prayers and the mercy of Almighty Allah, she will return to us again, Inshallah,” he said. The BNP leader urged everyone to pray to Allah for Khaleda Zia’s full recovery. “It hurts us to think that she should have been here with us today — in the election campaign or taking part in such programmes. We have seen her among us in the past, and we can still feel her presence. Abbas said Khaleda’s condition is stable and has not worsened. “We will pray to Allah that her condition does not get worse and that she recovers soon.” BNP moves to finalise seat sharing as alliance friction grows At this crucial time, he said, both the BNP and the entire country urgently need a leader like Khaleda Zia, whom all political parties recognise as a guardian. “Even those parties that are our strongest opponents and do not like BNP have admitted Begum Khaleda Zia is now the guardian of all people, regardless of their political affiliation.” BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session of Wednesday’s programme virtually in the afternoon. The party earlier announced the six-day workshop on 27 November involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other front organisations to prepare them for campaigning before the polls. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal joined Wednesday’s event at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital’s Farmgate area.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday (December 10, 2025) said that his party is committed to accountability, reconciliation and democratic rights -- not revenge -- despite facing the most repression over the last 16 years. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Human Rights Day, he also said his party envisions a future Bangladesh to be built on unity, dignity and democratic freedoms with human rights upheld. “BNP has suffered deeply, yet emerged stronger, guided by the belief that truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the rule of law can build a Bangladesh that honours every voice and every life, a nation where human rights are defended as essential to our collective future,” Tarique wrote. He said Bangladesh ‘lived beneath a darkened sky’ for 16 years as fear replaced basic freedoms. Read more: Only BNP understands reforms what Bangladesh truly needs:  Mirza Abbas “Some felt it sharply, others carried the weight quietly. But for many, especially those whose politics diverged from the deposed regime’s ruling line, the darkness was a lived reality: midnight knocks, fabricated cases, brutality endured, terror seeping into daily culture, and families waiting by doors that never opened again,” her said. Tarique said no political organisation bore this burden more than BNP. “Across extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, custodial deaths, and false charges, BNP leaders, activists and supporters formed the largest share of the wounded and missing. And in the 2024 mass uprising, it was again BNP’s ranks that suffered the highest number of deaths and injuries.” He stressed that the pain extended far beyond a single political group, affecting students, journalists, writers and ordinary citizens who lost the everyday essentials of dignity, safety and freedom of expression that “today’s Human Rights Day asks us to protect.” In those years, the BNP leader mentioned that he was stripped of the most basic right of voicing his opinion as he was silenced by an order prohibiting newspapers, electronic media and social media in the country from publishing or airing his words since 2015. Read more: BNP plans universal 'Family Card' for all women: Tarique Rahman “Yet even from enforced silence, I kept fighting for the rights and democracy denied to millions, proving that a spirit committed to justice cannot be muted by decree,” he said. He also highlighted the suffering endured by his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he described as a national symbol of resilience through imprisonment, political cases and attempts to erase her legacy. “Yet she remained steadfast in the principles she had upheld throughout Bangladesh’s democratic journey. She has always championed that rights belong to every citizen, and that a nation cannot thrive when fear shapes its public life. Her resilience was never hers alone; it reflected the resilience of countless ordinary people,” the BNP leader said. Sharing personal accounts, Tarique said his own mother endured the pain of seeing her son tortured in custody, while his family also suffered the loss of his brother. Read more: Khaleda's condition remains unchanged: Board Yet, he said, this “pain does not always produce bitterness,” but instead strengthens the resolve to build a fairer future. “Our Deshnetri, my mother, exemplifies this more than anyone I know. It can shape people into guardians of a better future, and into people who understand that a nation cannot be rebuilt by repeating the injustices it survived. What Bangladesh needs now is larger than politics. We envision a united country where human rights are guaranteed, where plurality of opinions is welcomed, where opposition is a healthy part of democracy rather than a threat, and where no one is erased for their beliefs,” Tarique said. He said BNP stands strong, choosing resolution over retribution and it rejects the politics of vengeance and affirms that no Bangladeshi, whether ally or opposition, should ever again fear the institutions created to protect their rights. Calling for a rights-based future, he urged Bangladeshis to remember the stories of Abrar Fahad, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ilias Ali, Sajedul Islam Sumon, Sagar-Runi and many more, so that injustices are not repeated. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, remains unchanged, according to her medical board. A doctor from the board, speaking to UNB on Tuesday night, said her age continues to slow her recovery, along with several long-running health complications. “Madam has shown a slight improvement, but not at the level we had hoped for,” the physician said, requesting anonymity. “She is now 80. Her age is a major factor. At this stage, treating several problems together carries high risk. This time the chest infection has been especially difficult for her, and recovering from it is taking time,” he added. The doctor said the positive sign is that her condition has not worsened. "There is no new deterioration, which is important for us.” For now, the medical board does not plan to send Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment. She is receiving all necessary care at Evercare Hospital,” he said. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since 23 November and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November with multiple health complications. A medical board, led by cardiologist Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, and including specialists from Bangladesh, the UK, the USA and China, is supervising her treatment. Khaleda Zia’s health yet to improve, London trip ‘on hold’ Her daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman, has been attending the medical board’s meetings in person since returning to Dhaka. She spends most of the day at Khaleda Zia’s bedside and coordinates her treatment. Even when at home, she remains in regular contact with the doctors over the phone to check on her mother-in-law’s condition.