Friends of Bangladesh

Our recent visit to Bangladesh revealed a country far more hopeful and organized than many outside narratives suggest. Here's what we saw on the ground. Read the full blog thefriendsofbangladesh.com/our-visit-to-b… আমাদের সাম্প্রতিক বাংলাদেশ সফরে দেখা গেছে, বাইরের অনেক বর্ণনার বিপরীতে, একটি দেশ যা অনেক বেশি আশাবাদী ও সংগঠিত। মাটিতে নেমে আমরা যা দেখেছি, তা ভিন্ন এক বাস্তবতার গল্প বলে। সম্পূর্ণ ব্লগটি পড়ুন: thefriendsofbangladesh.com/our-visit-to-b… #FriendsofBangladesh #Bangladesh #transition #truth @ChiefAdviserGoB | @Yunus_Centre

✅ BREAKING PODCAST REVELATION 🔥 Sheikh Hasina has completely broken down. She is extremely disappointed and shattered. From ordinary citizens to the entire nation — and even her own Awami League party members and family — she is now openly abusing everyone, calling them “gadhdar” and “beiman” (traitors and betrayers). In a recent podcast with US-based journalist Sultana Ahmed, senior Awami League intellectual Mohammad Ali Arafat directly quoted Sheikh Hasina and revealed her current mental state. He said:
“She has expressed deep dissatisfaction even with her own party leaders and workers. Not even 10,000 people came out on the streets to protest her death sentence — this has left her utterly disappointed.” He further revealed:
“Despite having lakhs and crores of leaders and activists, no one — neither in the country nor abroad — has come out in her support. She can’t even drink a single cup of tea served by her own daughter-in-law. There is literally no one around her. Her son and daughter have refused to take responsibility for the party. She is profoundly broken.” In her own words (as quoted):
“After religious leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi’s verdict, hundreds of people sacrificed their lives for him. Yet my party’s leaders and workers didn’t even step onto the streets for me. Haven’t I done anything for them?” The once “iron lady” who ruled Bangladesh with absolute power now finds herself isolated, abandoned, and emotionally devastated — even by those who once worshipped her. This is not hearsay. This is coming directly from a senior Awami League figure in her inner circle. Source: Sultana Ahmed’s Podcast (Mohammad Ali Arafat interview) Picture: Collected from @MAarafat71 #SheikhHasina #AwamiLeague #JulyUprising #BangladeshPolitics #PostRevolutionBD @albd1971

Bangladesh’s recently elected prime minister, Tarique Rahman, and his Bangladesh Nationalist Party government face many urgent challenges but can use this opportunity to bring lasting protections of human rights: message from nine rights groups. trib.al/wOxIxRO

Great work !

It was a great honor to represent @rtoforg at the opening session of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliament. The mood at Parliament was festive with both government and opposition underscoring their commitment to seeing the institution function as intended. My congratulations to the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker as well as all the Members of Parliament. Now the real work begins.

This is Tarique Rahman and BNP's challenge. Assuming this attack happened as being suggested, will he/the party rein in their activists or allow its own student wing/activists to function in the same was as the Awami League student wing often used to?

This February 12 election marked a pivotal shift, where leaders, ordinary people, institutions, and civic pride converged to open exciting new possibilities for Bangladesh. The country's democratic renewal is complete--thanks in large part to the work of the Interim Government and gracious statements from the parties that will be in opposition. Learn more from our latest blog post! thefriendsofbangladesh.com/an-historic-el… ১২ই ফেব্রুয়ারির এই নির্বাচন এক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ পরিবর্তনের সূচনা করে, যেখানে নেতা, সাধারণ মানুষ, প্রতিষ্ঠান এবং নাগরিক একত্রিত হয়ে বাংলাদেশের জন্য নতুন সম্ভাবনার দ্বার উন্মোচন করে। দেশের গণতান্ত্রিক পুনর্নবীকরণ সম্পূর্ণ হয়েছে - অন্তর্বর্তীকালীন সরকারের কাজ এবং বিরোধী দলগুলির সদয় বক্তব্যের জন্য বৃহৎভাবে ধন্যবাদ। আমাদের ব্লগ পোস্ট থেকে আরও জানুন! thefriendsofbangladesh.com/an-historic-el… @ChiefAdviserGoB | @Yunus_Centre #Bangladesh #FriendsofBangladesh #progress #democracy

Those like Laura Loomer, Randy Fine, Valentina Gomez. and Amy Mek who are demonizing fellow citizens and callimg for them to be deported because of their Muslim faith are themselves un-American and should be denounced. Islamophobia is as unacceptable as anti-semitism.

It is refreshing to hear saner voices speaking out on Bangladesh-India relations. It is a shame that the last 18 months were lost to the extreme voices in India. youtu.be/iepax7ZJ1X0?si…

Tarique Rahman’s first decisions send a powerful anti-corruption message. 🌾🇧🇩 Leadership is judged not by promises, but by lifestyle, conduct, and use of power. On Day One, PM Tarique Rahman cut luxury convoys, limited VVIP motorcades, kept roads open, and rejected lavish state perks—restoring citizens’ dignity and challenging a culture of excess. From using simple vehicles to reducing protocol and moving governance back to institutions, the signal is clear: public office is for service, not privilege. Corruption isn’t only about money—it’s also about abuse of power. These symbolic steps may cost little financially, but their moral value is huge. If sustained, they can rebuild trust, reflect the aspirations of youth for a fair state, and move Bangladesh toward accountable, modern governance. ✊✨ #Bangladesh 🇧🇩 #GoodGovernance #AntiCorruption #LeadershipByExample #InstitutionalReform #CitizensFirst #Democracy #ShobarAgeyBangladesh #BNP #YouthAspiration 🌾

In a historic FIRST, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by Dr Shafiqur Rahman has paid tribute at the Shahid Minar in Dhaka to mark February 21 Bhasha Dibosh. It is deeply symbolic as Jamaat has historically shunned this event. But as the principal opposition party now, it has had to accept the changed political reality. Bhasha Andolon marks the rise of Bengali nationalism in erstwhile East Pakistan as native Bengalis asserted their ethnic identity and cultural pride agaist the Islamist Pakistani regime. It is the "Ekushey" spirit is at the core of the very existence of Bangladesh.

More great commentary about the success of the #Bangladesh election in @Deseret including a quote of @JonFDanilowicz - suggests that Bangladesh can serve as a role model and inspiration for the USA! deseret.com/opinion/2026/0…

@Paradoxeth_ Friends of Bangladesh is a network of people spanning multiple countries. Our member who went to Bangladesh in January is from the U.S.

And where are you from?

Wow, Bangladesh is changing in some very positive ways. Applause for gracious winners and runners up in the election, and to the Interim Govt for helping make this possible.

Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Mr. Tarique Rahman’s leadership in securing the BNP’s decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process. Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens. We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region.

Congratulations to @trahmanbnp on his party's victory, and to all the parties and candidates for participating vigourously and in the spirit of a vibrant democracy. Bangladesh has a bright future! Kudos to the Interim Government for managing the election well and so much more.

More good commentary by @TheDavidBergman

@MAarafat71 Give it a rest and think about how to rehabilitate your once proud party so it can rejoin a Bangladesh with a bright future

18.56% in One Hour — A Mathematical Miracle or Manipulation? Official figures show turnout rising from 14.32% at 11:00am to 32.88% by 12:00pm — an increase of 18.56% in just one hour. With 127.7 million registered voters, that jump equals roughly 23.7 million votes cast in 60 minutes. Let’s break it down: 32,789 polling centres nationwide ≈723 votes per centre in one hour ≈12 votes per minute per centre If 4 booths per centre → 3 votes per minute per booth That’s one vote every 20 seconds Now compare that to the standard voting process: ID verification, ink marking, ballot issuance, entering the booth, stamping, and depositing the ballot — typically taking several minutes per voter. So the question stands: Is one completed vote every 20 seconds realistic under normal conditions? Critics say such numbers don’t reflect organic participation — but a pre-arranged outcome dressed up as democracy. #BangladeshElections2026 #Bangladesh #BangladeshElections #Bangladesh

Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples. @trahmanbnp

Your corrections are spot on @TheDavidBergman