United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said the absence of a clear roadmap for reforms and the upcoming national election has created doubts among people. “We are demanding a clear roadmap from the government to restore the people’s trust,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer made the remarks at the biannual meeting of the party’s Central Majlis-e-Shura, held at Al-Falah Auditorium in the capital’s Moghbazar area. “We also demanded a fair trial of fascism. This trial process is very long. However, a credible trial must be visible to the nation soon,” he said. Referring to the Chief Adviser’s earlier comments, he said, “The Chief Adviser has said several times that he wants to complete the national elections between December this year and June next year. We have confidence in this. We want to provide all kinds of cooperation to the government in this regard.” Dr Shafiqur Rahman added that Jamaat’s politics are aimed at the welfare of the country and its people. “Jamaat always prioritises the interests of the people,” he said.  Jamaat Ameer urges Prof Yunus to call all-party meeting on current issues Criticising previous elections, he remarked that the unopposed election of 2014, midnight voting in 2018, and the farcical 2024 election with dummy candidates made a mockery of the nation. He stressed the need to ensure a fair election for the sake of the country. Regarding the armed forces, he said, “The army is our national pride. The nation expects the armed forces to serve the country by safeguarding its independence and sovereignty.” On the issue of Palestine, the Jamaat Ameer said, “The people of Palestine have been oppressed for decades. We call upon the United Nations as well as the global community not only for a ceasefire but also to permanently end the war.” Addressing the situation in Arakan, he said, “The Rohingyas of Arakan must be returned to their country and resettled with dignity and security. The United Nations must play a major role in this regard.” The Jamaat Ameer called on his party leaders to behave responsibly and remain vigilant and alert in all matters.  PM and party chief should not be the same person: Jamaat Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman and D Syed Abdullah Md Taher, Acting Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Assistant Secretary General Mawlana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, central leaders and members of the Central Majlis-e-Shura attended the meeting.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called on Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus to convene an all-party meeting to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis. He made the call at an emergency meeting of the party’s executive committee held at the central office in Moghbazar on Thursday. PM and party chief should not be the same person: Jamaat The party chief stressed the need for inclusive dialogue and urged Dr. Yunus to take the initiative to bring together all political parties for a solution-oriented discussion. The meeting discussed the current national situation, according to a press release sent from the party in the evening. Top leaders of the party attended the meeting.

Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has called for prioritizing Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interest, and independence in all development initiatives. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, AB Party General Secretary, Asaduzzaman Fuaad, barrister-at-law, stated that Bangladesh must not be allowed to become a proxy battlefield for global or regional superpowers. He stressed the urgent need for both national and international consensus to ensure the safe, sustainable, and dignified repatriation of over 1.5 million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh. The press conference on “Chittagong Port and the Humanitarian Corridor,” was held at the party’s central office in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Speaking of concerns over port management and the so-called humanitarian corridor, Barrister Fuaad stated that assuming any foreign management is inherently detrimental to national interest is a narrow, outdated and conspiratorial mindset. He asserted that with the right contracts, accountability mechanisms, and oversight, such initiatives can enhance development. The AB Party envisions Chittagong Port as a future international logistics hub for the South Asian region built on efficiency, transparency, technology and environmental responsibility. Drawing examples from the hotel, telecom and garment industries. He noted that many five-star hotels in Bangladesh are managed by international chains like Radisson, InterContinental, and Marriott without compromising national security. Similarly, proper management at Chittagong Port can elevate Bangladesh’s tourism and economic potential. Reach a consensus to expedite reforms, hold election: AB Party The AB Party called on the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority to clarify the following four points to the nation to avoid any potential confusion arising in public mind: 1. Publish the past performance, operational competence, competitiveness and contractual terms of any foreign company under consideration, DP World in this particular context, based on mutual transparency; 2. Ensure that no compromise is made on Bangladesh’s sovereignty or national security or interest under any circumstances; 3. Secure the interests of local workers and economic benefit to the country explicitly within the contract; 4. Maintain full transparency, accountability, and national acceptance throughout the entire process, to the extent possible. The party welcomed efforts to modernize the Chittagong Port, the largest in the country, and believes that, if implemented with foresight, patriotism, and transparency, it could transform Bangladesh’s economy over the next five years. The AB Party emphasized the need for public interest–oriented, open-deal frameworks—rejecting any backdoor agreements. Regarding the so-called “Humanitarian Corridor,” Barrister Fuaad stated that the Rohingya refugee crisis, with over 1.3 million (in reality, 1.7–2 million) people living in subhuman conditions, demands a comprehensive solution that respects Bangladesh’s security and diplomatic balance. He appreciated the recent statement by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman for clarifying the interim government’s position on this sensitive matter. He noted that current conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State remain unsafe for Rohingya repatriation, as confirmed by the UN and international human rights bodies. In this context, the proposed “humanitarian passage” could unintentionally involve Bangladesh in a regional geopolitical conflict—something that is entirely unacceptable. Barrister Fuaad stressed that the Rohingya crisis should not be politicized but addressed as a matter of national security requiring cross-party consensus. The only acceptable solution is the voluntary, secure, and dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland. Bangladesh’s diplomatic focus must remain steadfastly on this goal. AB party responds to constitutional, electoral reform commission reports He reiterated that Bangladesh’s territory, sovereignty, and national security cannot be compromised by any foreign pressure or geopolitical maneuver. “We seek a humanitarian yet courageous and pragmatic solution—led by Bangladesh, in the interest of Bangladesh and its people,” Fuaad asserted.

National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued a show-cause notice to Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud for allegedly securing the release of three detainees from police custody without party authorisation. The notice, signed by joint office secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat, was sent on Wednesday morning, asking him to submit a written reply within three working days. On Monday night, Dhanmondi police detained three people, who identified them as coordinators, after being accused of creating chaos in a residential area. A video containing an argument between police officials and coordinators went viral on social media, triggering criticisms. A day after, NCP leader Hannan reportedly visited the police station and arranged their release under a bond. The notice mentioned that one of the detainees Saiful Islam Rabbik, former convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s Mohammadpur unit, had previously been relieved of duties for unethical activity. Led by NCP, protesters block Shahbagh demanding ban on Awami League Despite this, Hannan intervened in the matter, raising concerns within the party, reads the notice. Expressing dissatisfaction over Hannan’s action, the party thinks such intervention without consultation undermines party discipline.  

National Citizen Party-NCP started staging demonstrations in front of Nirbachan Bhaban demanding reconstitution of the Election Commission and arrangement of local government elections. The NCP Dhaka city unit arranged the demonstrations against the AMM Nasir Uddin-led current Election Commission. The demonstration began at 12:00pm in the city's Agargaon area. The NCP leaders alleged that this Commission was constituted hastily before the reform initiatives were implemented. “This Commission has already lost its neutrality,” said NCP Gulshan Thana unit leader Nur Islam Jewel. BNP’s Salahuddin accuses interim govt of siding with NCP  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that the interim government is using force to stop Ishraque Hossain from assuming office as mayor, despite a court order in his favour. “Even after the court’s verdict, Ishraque is not allowed to take oath. This proves the interim government is abusing its authority. If Dr Shahadat can become mayor in Chattogram, what wrong has Ishraque done?” Rizvi said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting injured BNP activist Rakibul Hasan in Khilkhet, who was wounded during the July uprising. BNP is protector of national sovereignty: Salahuddin Criticising what he called the immature conduct of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Rizvi said, “Due to the sudden assumption of a significant state role, he lacks maturity and balance in his statements, which is evident considering his young age.” He further alleged that the real perpetrators behind the 2024 mass uprising have yet to be brought to justice, while the interim government continues to take more counterproductive steps than constructive ones. Referring to the police’s role during recent protests, Rizvi said, “When university teachers marched to Jamuna demanding housing, they were disrespected and the police were seen taking action against them. This echoes past abuses under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.” BNP won’t compromise with AL, says Nazrul amid ‘rehabilitation’ rumours Rakibul Hasan, an activist from the BNP’s volunteer wing, was injured during a protest on July 18 last year at ECB Chattar in Dhaka. He was reportedly attacked by police and ruling party activists while participating in an anti-government demonstration. A delegation from the pro-BNP platform ‘Amra BNP Poribar (We Are BNP Family)’, led by its convener journalist Atikur Rahman Ruman, also met Rakibul and spoke with his mother.  

Biplabi Ganajot, an alliance of seven non-registered political parties, on Tuesday urged the Election Commission to simplify the party registration process allowing a political party to be registered on condition of having just its central office, central committee and organisational charter. A seven-member delegation of the alliance placed the demand in a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and other election commissioners at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. “We’ve sought the registration to be granted on the basis of only a party’s central committee, central office and charter,” Abdul Monem, coordinator of the alliance and also general secretary of Bangladesh Ganomukti Party, told reporters after the meeting. Many political parties showing flexibility to reach consensus: Prof Ali Riaz He said they discussed how to replace the current registration law with a more practical one as this bad law was formulated by the 1/11 government during the 2007-2008 caretaker regime. “The Hasina-led government made this law even tougher,” said Monem. Formed in November last year, the alliance comprises Bangladesh Ganomukti Party, Bangladesh Green Party, Biplobi Gorib Party, Bangladesh Sarbajanin Dal, Bangladesh Peace Forum, Bangladesh Samybadi Dal and Prayat Neta Smriti Sangsad. Demand to Ban AL: Govt to take decision soon in consultation with political parties The delegation included Sarbajanin Party president Noor Mohammad Monir, Gorib Party president Didar Hossain, Peace Forum convener Jashim Uddin Raza, Smriti Sangsad general secretary Alok Chowdhury, leader of Samyabadi Dal Ahmad Hossain Bhuiyan and Green Party leader Md Mozammel Haque.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday urged the government to expedite the reform process and then take steps to hold the national election as soon as possible. “I think we shouldn’t waste much time. A consensus must be reached quickly, prioritising the critical issues for political stability and a fair and proper election. Then it is necessary to arrange for an election to be held as soon as possible” he said. The Jamaat leader made the remarks during Jamaat’s second day talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. An 11-member Jamaat delegation, led by Taher, participated in the dialogue at 10:30am with National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Referring to recent developments in the country, Taher said several incidents since Jamaat's last meeting with the Consensus Commission (on April 26). “Some analysts think there might be conspiracies behind these incidents to destabilise the country. The ongoing process to create unrest in the country in many ways appears to be part of such plots,” he said. Jamaat joins talks with Consensus Commission for day 2 The Jamaat leader called on the interim government to tackle these things with firmness and accuracy, pledging Jamaat’s support for all positive initiatives.  “Our primary goal is to ensure the next election is free, fair, credible, and free from violence,” he said, adding that the last three elections were the main reasons behind the present situation of the country. A completely acceptable, fair and free election is the only solution to come out from this situation, he added. Taher said the failure to announce a clear election timeline was contributing to unrest within political parties. “That’s why I would like to request the Consensus Commission that…we should reach a consensus (over reform issues) on not consuming so much time here,” he said. He, however, expressed concern that the current environment still does not reflect the conditions needed for a fully credible and fair election as various problems have already surfaced in some constituencies.  “I personally think that the situation for the arrangement of the next election in a completely fair and just manner is not being observed yet,” he said. Jamaat’s registration: SC sets June 1 for delivering verdict Noting that Jamaat’s office in Pabna’s Atghoria was set on fire recently, and there were attacks on Jamaat supporters, he said though the date for election has not been announced yet, the competition for establishing dominance in different areas. Pointing at the head of the Election System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar who was present in the meeting, the Jamaat leader said it should ensure a system that guarantees fair and proper elections.  “Whatever measures are necessary—be they hard or accommodative—must be taken. But elections should be very fair and acceptable,” he said. “It is our special request that we hold the election (next general election) as early as possible with these amendments and reforms,” said Taher. The Jamaat Nayeb-e Ameer also criticised the Election Commission, saying it appeared unable to take appropriate action in some cases.  He urged the government to ensure a level playing field well ahead of the election, tackling any potential threats of violence in advance. “The government should give this message to all political parties as well as the nation that it is committed to making the election proper and fair under any circumstances,” he continued. Mentioning that some recent actions of the interim government give an impression of lacking neutrality or efficiency, the Jamaat leader urged the government to pay attention to it. “The government must be completely neutral over it (election),” said Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Earlier on April 26, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the dialogue with the Consensus Commission for the first day. During the first day's talks, Jamaat-e-Islami agreed to the proposals for the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system, a bicameral parliament and the provision to prevent any individual from becoming Prime Minister more than twice. They discussed only the Constitution-related reform recommendations on the first day. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with more than 30 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). Ex-Jamaat leader Barrister Abdur Razzaq passes away Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.    

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami joined talks with the National Consensus Commission on Sunday morning for the second day. The discussion began at 10:30 am with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. An 11-member Jamaat delegation, led by its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the discussion at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  Earlier on April 26, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the dialogue with the Consensus Commission for the first day. During the first day's talks, Jamaat-e-Islami agreed to the proposals for the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system, a bicameral parliament and the provision to prevent any individual from becoming Prime Minister more than twice. They discussed only the Constitution-related reform recommendations on the first day. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with more than 30 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. Jamaat’s registration: SC sets June 1 for delivering verdict The commission, in its initial phase, compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback. At least 34 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and NCP, responded by sending their reform opinions in broad sheets to the Consensus Commission. Ex-Jamaat leader Barrister Abdur Razzaq passes away The Commission aims to reach a national consensus by mid-July.      

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has said that if the advisers of the interim government believe there are any other reforms as important as the trial of the Awami League and the murderers (during July Uprising), they are mistaken. The trial of murderers is the main and first reform of this interim government, the NCP leader made the remarks during the July rally held in honor of the injured, martyred, and brave sons of Cumilla at the July uprising organized at the Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy on Friday evening. He expressed his desire to see this reform implemented first. Face The People Editor Saifur Rahman Sagar, Cumilla South District BNP convener Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, Joint Member Secretary Rifat Rashid, Joint Coordinator Tariqul Islam, Abu Baker Majumdar, and others spoke at the rally.