COX’S BAZAR, Dec 7, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today said ousted prime minister and death-row-convict Sheikh Hasina’s fascist government destroyed the country’s democratic system.  “Pro-democracy people’s long struggle ousted the Awami League regime and its leaders fled the country,” he told a street rally at Harbang Bazar in Chakaria here. Wishing recovery of critically ailing BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Salahuddin said she has played an uncompromising role in the struggle for democracy.  Noting that the country now needs an election, he expressed his optimism that the people will cast their votes in favour of BNP to form the next government. Salahuddin Ahmed pledged that if BNP forms the government, it will ensure full independence of the judiciary and establish the rule of law. He said if BNP assumes office, upgrading the Cox’s Bazar–Chattogram Highway to six lanes will be attached outmost importance. The BNP leader said the initiative to build the country’s only deep seaport in Cox’s Bazar began during BNP’s tenure, and the port will be fully operational within the next one  and a half years.  When that happens, the construction of a six-lane highway will become essential, he added. He expressed hope that the Election Commission will soon announce the schedule for the national parliamentary elections. Once the schedule is announced, BNP candidates will begin their campaigns, he added. Salahuddin said after a long span of one and a half decades, people are finally getting the opportunity to exercise their voting rights, and this election will be the most significant in the country's history—an election to restore democracy by freeing the nation from fascism and authoritarian rule. Earlier in the morning, Salahuddin Ahmed conducted campaign in various localities of his constituency, including Nunachhari, Noya Para, Rakhine Para, Harbang Bazar, Kala Sikder Para, Gudar Para, Saudagar Para, and Pahartali of Harbang Union in Chakaria.

RANGPUR, Dec 7, 2025 (BSS) - Four meritorious female university-level students belonging to the insolvent families received 'Joyee Scholarship- 2025' ceremonially in the city on Saturday night.   The students from different universities and institutions were formally awarded cheques for Taka 24,000 each at the '387th Manon Pather Asar' of literary organisation 'Phiredeakha' held at Idea Library on Central Road in the city.   The 'Joyee Scholarship', is being run under the patronage of American expatriate poet and novelist Cynthia Khan, has opened new doors of opportunity for talented but financially challenged female students.    Presided over by Tapas Mahmud, one of the pioneers of 'Phiredeakha', the programme was conducted by Shakil Masud, director of 'Joyee Scholarship', poet and publisher.    Among others, the programme was attended by Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police and its Rangpur Range Reserve Force (RRF) Commandant, writer and poet Md Abdur Razzaque, poets and lyricists Md Abdur Rashid and Kaiyum Khan, poets Ahmed Moudud; Nilratan Sarkar and Al Amin Islam.   The scholarship winner students are-- masters second semester student of the Department of Economics at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) Most Rajni Khatun, fifth semester student of the Department of English at BRUR Safa Sultana, seventh semester student of the Department of Economics at Jagannath University Most Habiba Akhter and seventh semester B.Ed student of Rangpur Government Teachers Training College Most Shantana Parveen.   The scholarship winner students said they had been facing various obstacles in higher education due to financial hardship for a long time. This 'Joyee Scholarship' will make their educational path easier and brighter, they opined.    They also pledged to stand by other female students of the society after they become established in the future.    In his speech, DIG Abdur Razzaque said, "Cynthia Khan has expanded the circle of inspiration for young female students. She is a worthy successor to Begum Rokeya, the great woman of Rangpur."    Shakil Masud said, "Cynthia Khan is an American expatriate poet and novelist and a senior official of Bank of America. Apart from her humanitarian work, she has achieved challenging achievements like Himalayan expeditions and base jumping."    He further added, "This scholarship for women is not just financial support; it is a handle for their courage and a warm commitment of society towards a bright future. This initiative is to transform every girl here into a new Rokeya."    Meritorious and poor female students studying in universities or seeking admission can apply for winning the 'Joyee Scholarship' for 2026 on the 'Phiredeakha' Facebook page: www.facebook.com/phiredeakha by December 15, 2025.