DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that statements about the declaration of independence are being deliberately made anew. He said, "With what audacity and what sinister motive are you talking about the declaration of independence today? Those who are saying these things might themselves claim in a few days that Golam Azam was the one who proclaimed independence, because they never hesitate to lie." Rizvi made the allegation at a milad and prayer mahfil organized by the BNP on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat on the ground floor of the party's central office at Naya Paltan in the city.  He said, '"A party has made vulgar and derogatory remarks about women, which has angered women across the country. To cover up that anger, the party is now talking about the declarer of independence. But an established truth cannot be obscured by making it controversial." Rizvi said that the person whom the Jamaat Ameer in Chittagong tried to portray as the declarer of independence yesterday (Monday) never made such a claim himself. "The actual declarer of independence was former President Ziaur Rahman. At that time, as a major, he proclaimed independence, gave direction to the entire nation, and called upon them to join the Liberation War. The person who worked as his assistant has also repeatedly mentioned Ziaur Rahman's name with great respect in his own writings," said Rizvi.  He posed a question, saying, "If such statements are suddenly made for political gain now, will people accept them? He never claimed himself to be the declarer of independence during his military or professional life. Even when Ziaur Rahman formed a party, he remained as his assistant. These facts are also present in his published books." Highlighting the significance of Shab-e-Barat, Rizvi said, "Shab-e-Barat is a holy night. On this night, Muslims around the world engage in prayers to attain closeness to Allah. Every festival of Islam, be it Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Shab-e-Barat, or Shab-e-Qadr, is related to receiving Allah's mercy and blessings. These holy days and nights create a sense of self-purification among people." Rizvi alleged that some people want to reap benefits by doing politics and business in the name of Islam.  "Religion is used to attain power. However, the Muslims of this country hold Islam not as a commodity for business, but as an ideal for life conduct. The responsibility of scholars and clerics is to explain the true essence of Islam, but if hypocrisy is practiced in the name of religion, sin and corruption in society will only increase," he said. BNP Voluntary Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu and Executive Committee Member Md. Mainul Islam, among others, were present in the doa mahfil. 

BOGURA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - Women voters are expected to play a decisive role in determining the victory or defeat of candidates in all seven parliamentary constituencies of Bogura in the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, as they constitute more than half of the district’s total electorate. Political analyst Liaquat Ali said the election results in several constituencies could change significantly if women voters turn out in large numbers on polling day. “Women voters are numerically ahead in most constituencies. Their participation will be crucial,” he observed. According to Election Commission (EC) sources, Bogura’s seven constituencies—covering 12 upazilas—have a total of 2,981,672 voters. Of them, 1,480,842 are male voters, 1,500,788 are female voters, and 42 belong to the third gender. Overall, the number of female voters exceeds male voters by 19,946 in the district. In Bogura-1 constituency, comprising Sariakandi and Sonatala upazilas, there are 376,595 voters. Among them, 186,873 are male, 189,717 are female, and five are third gender voters, giving women a lead of 2,844 voters. Bogura-2, consisting of Shibganj upazila, has 342,155 voters—171,499 male, 170,651 female, and five third gender voters—where male voters outnumber females by 844. In Bogura-3 (Adamdighi and Dupchanchia upazilas), the total number of voters stands at 339,173, including 169,347 males, 169,823 females, and three third gender voters. Female voters exceed male voters by 476. The Bogura-4 constituency, covering Kahalu and Nandigram upazilas, has 359,523 voters. Of these, 178,985 are male, 180,530 are female, and eight are third gender voters, leaving a female majority of 1,545. Bogura-5, which includes Sherpur and Dhunat upazilas, has the highest number of voters at 572,340. Among them are 281,287 male voters, 291,047 female voters, and six third gender voters, with women exceeding men by 9,760. In Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency—comprising 11 unions and 19 wards of Bogura Sadar upazila—there are 454,043 voters. Male voters number 222,796, female voters 231,237, and third gender voters 10, giving women a lead of 8,441. The Bogura-7 constituency, consisting of Gabtoli and Shajahanpur upazilas, has 538,092 voters. Of these, 270,070 are male, 268,170 are female, and five are third gender voters. Male voters exceed female voters by 2,053 here. Rafiqul Islam, senior lecturer at Namuja Degree College, told BSS that women voters are generally keen to cast their votes. “If a fair environment and adequate security are ensured, women will come to polling centres in groups. In many centres, their votes will determine the outcome,” he said. General Secretary of the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) in Bogura, KG Faruk, echoed similar views, stating that greater participation of women voters could change the results in several seats. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has undertaken initiatives to renovate polling stations and install CCTV cameras to ensure a secure voting environment.  EC officials said around 100,000 new voters have been added to the updated voter list, while approximately 50,000 names have been removed. Bogura District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman told BSS that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to ensure a free and fair election.  He added that judicial courts are actively monitoring compliance with the election code of conduct and urged citizens to assist authorities by providing relevant information.