United News of Bangladesh

Jatiotabadi Chhatradal (JCD) on Monday expelled three leaders of its Rajshahi University (RU) unit and issued show-cause notices to six others over their involvement in an assault on journalists on campus. Central JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir approved the organizational action on Monday, according to press releases signed by Central JCD Office Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam. The expelled leaders are RU JCD Vice-President Ahsan Habib, Joint General Secretary Hasib Hasan, and student leader Bishal Chakraborty. Ahsan Habib and Hasib Hasan were stripped of their organizational posts, while Bishal Chakraborty was expelled from primary membership for breaching organizational discipline. Meanwhile, show-cause notices were served to six other leaders: Vice-Presidents Takbir Ahmed Imon, Shariful Islam, Bulbul Rahman, and Faruk Hossain; Assistant Office Secretary Shahariar Alam; and activist Saju. They were instructed to submit written explanations in person at the central office within 48 hours in the presence of the central president and general secretary. Following the announcement, expelled Vice-President M Ahsan Habib posted a sharp critique of the central leadership on Facebook. Sharing the expulsion notice, Habib wrote: "Did you give a hat-trick trophy of expulsions? From today, RU JCD became a 'hijra' unit in the cantonment of Shibir."

The 11-party alliance on Monday announced that it will hold a nearly 400-kms long march from Dhaka to Kushtia on October 31, pressing its seven-point demands. The alliance made the announcement after an emergency meeting of its liaison committee at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition in the capital. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said the long march will begin from the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka at 8 am, following an opening rally at 7 am. The motorcade will travel through the Padma Bridge, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Bhanga, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Fakirhat, Khulna, Jashore, Jhenaidah and Kushtia, where a concluding rally will be held at the Kushtia Zilla School ground. Roadside rallies are also planned at Naodoba in Shariatpur, Katakhali in Fakirhat, Babri Chattar (Shibbari intersection) in Khulna, Phultala in Khulna, Chanchra in Jashore, and Chuadanga Bus Stand intersection in Jhenaidah. He said the decision was taken to shift the program from October 10 to October 31 considering the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. He said, “As citizens, it is our duty to extend sympathy and cooperation regarding the religious rights of the Hindu community.” He urged the administration, police, intelligence agencies, road authorities, transport workers, and local people to cooperate to ensure a peaceful and orderly program. “We will show the utmost patience and restraint even in the face of any provocation,” he said, adding that the alliance’s activists would not respond to attempts to create disorder. Porwar also criticised what he described as the deteriorating law-and-order situation, referring to the arrest of former lawmaker Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and an alleged attack on NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari’s motorcade in Kushtia. He also condemned the reported attack on journalists at Rajshahi University and demanded action against those responsible. Regarding the government’s recent fuel-price hikes, he said the alliance would continue its movement, arguing that rising fuel and LPG prices were worsening public suffering. Asked about the demands of protesting autorickshaw drivers, Porwar said the alliance supports legitimate demands of workers and professionals but does not support violence, vandalism, or actions that make public life unbearable.  The alliance said further meetings would be held over the next 25 days to coordinate preparations for the long march across its organisational structures.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Monday condemned an alleged attack by Chhatra Dal leaders and activists on journalists and students at Rajshahi University and demanded immediate action against those responsible. In a statement, the NCP said the attack reportedly followed a dispute over a comment on a Facebook post. According to the statement, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists gathered in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall carrying weapons and attacked journalists covering the incident. The NCP said four journalists — Mainul Islam Raju of Samakal, Noor Ahsan Mridul of The Daily Star, Arifuzzaman Korban of bdnews24.com and Jahidul Islam of Agamir Somoy — were injured in the attack. It said Jahidul sustained a serious head injury. The party also alleged that the attackers threatened the journalists, including by warning that they would “bury them alive.” The NCP claimed that at least 10 Chhatra Dal leaders and activists took part in the attack, naming University Chhatra Dal Vice-President Ahsan Habib, Joint General Secretary Hasibul Islam, Vice-President Shariful Islam and Assistant Office Secretary Shahriar Alam among those allegedly involved. The injured journalists were initially taken to the university medical centre and later shifted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment, the statement said. The NCP criticised the university administration for failing to ensure the safety of students and journalists on campus. It demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and strict action against them under party rules and state law. The NCP also called for measures to ensure the safety of students and media personnel and protect freedom of expression on university campuses.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and his office spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said political, geopolitical and economic uncertainties can be addressed through proper policies, planning and preparedness. “Uncertainty is inevitable. But with the right values, policies, plans and programmes, it is possible to face any challenge,” he said while addressing a discussion titled “The Inner Forum: Leadership in an Age of Uncertainty” at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 at a city hotel in the morning. Mahdi Amin said Bangladesh and other countries in the region could collectively face challenges and move forward on the path of development by building relations based on regional cooperation and mutual benefits. Speaking about the Rohingya crisis, he said international funding for the Rohingyas should continue while Bangladesh needs to work with global and regional stakeholders to ensure their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation. “We can build bilateral and multilateral relations with every country on the basis of equality, fairness and justice,” he said. He also stressed the need to increase mutual cooperation in education, healthcare, communications, connectivity, technology and maritime security. On technological changes, Mahdi Amin said some jobs might disappear due to artificial intelligence, robotics and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “However, new employment opportunities can be created through training, skills development and modernising curricula,” he said. Highlighting various government plans to address climate and environmental risks, he said the government plans to plant 25 Crore trees over the next five years, excavate 20,000 canals and rivers, construct the Padma Barrage for water conservation and undertake the Teesta Barrage Master Plan. He said people’s living standards could be improved through proper policies even amid fears of an economic crisis. To this end, he also mentioned plans to introduce Family Cards, Farmers Cards and Health Cards. Other speakers at the discussion included Aamna Khan, Non-Resident Fellow at the London Dialogue, Qatar; Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, India; Hadza Min Fadhli Robby, Director of the Institute for Global and Strategic Studies at the Islamic University of Indonesia; Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University, Malaysia; Krzysztof Marcin Zalewski, President of the Boym Institute, Poland; Hallelujah Lulie Wondimu, PhD Researcher at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Mehmet Ozkan, Professor of International Relations at the Turkish National Defence University, Turkey; and Petr Topyckanov, Associate Senior Researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia. Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor-in-Chief of The Annapurna Express, Nepal, moderated the discussion. The Bay of Bengal Conversation, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), brought together around 200 speakers, 300 delegates and 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries. Former heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, researchers, journalists, businesspeople, security experts, civil society representatives, innovators and young leaders took part in the three-day international conference, which concludes on Monday.

Hasnat Abdullah, MP for Comilla-4 and chief organiser of the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has said repeated attacks, intimidation and repression will not silence NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary. In a Facebook post reacting to the reported attack on Patwary at the Lalon Akhra in Kushtia, Hasnat said Patwary had once again been targeted in Kushtia, marking the fifth such incident since the BNP government came to power. “No one has ever succeeded in silencing Patwary through such attacks, nor will anyone be able to do so in the future, Insha'Allah,” he said. Hasnat said no obstacle could halt the struggle for justice, rights and freedom, adding that the fight for truth and justice would continue. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary was allegedly attacked and his vehicle vandalised on the premises of Lalon Akhra in Chheuria under Kumarkhali upazila on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 7:15pm, according to police and party sources. Jamal Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kumarkhali Police Station, said police went to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary was allegedly attacked and his vehicle vandalised on the premises of Lalon Akhra in Chheuria under Kumarkhali upazila on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 7:15pm, according to police and party sources. Jamal Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kumarkhali Police Station, said police went to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. Patwary remained confined inside the Akhra for some time following the incident. Police later rescued him and, around 8pm, escorted him to Kumarkhali Police Station with the help of local party activists, where he was expected to file a complaint. According to NCP sources, Patwary was visiting Kushtia on a personal trip. He first visited Rabindranath Tagore’s Kuthibari in Shilaidah and later went to the Akhra in Chheuria. While he was watching a musical performance by local artists and livestreaming it on Facebook, he was allegedly attacked and his vehicle was vandalised, the sources said. Local NCP leaders alleged that the attack and vandalism were carried out under the leadership of Sangram, a member of the Kushtia municipal unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. Mozakkir Rabbi, convener of Kushtia District Chhatra Dal, however, said the organisation did not believe in “mob-style politics”. He said if any Chhatra Dal leader or activist was involved in the incident, that individual would be personally responsible for their actions. NCP Kushtia District Convener Jannatul Ferdous Tony and other local leaders were accompanying Patwary when the incident occurred. NCP Joint Member Secretary Tarek Reza alleged in a social media post that BNP leaders and activists attacked Patwary. A video circulating on social media shows several people chasing Patwary and his associates while shouting, “Catch them, catch them”. However, the authenticity of the video and the identities of those seen in it could not be independently verified. Patwary did not speak to local media about the incident at the time of reporting.

Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said various disgraceful measures were taken to humiliate freedom fighter and former two-time MP Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman. “Instead of correcting the weaknesses by taking his protest into consideration, he (Akhtaruzzaman) was arrested. Even different disgraceful measures were taken to humiliate a former two-time MP and a freedom fighter before people,” he said in a post on his Facebook page on Sunday. Dr Rahman said no human being is above mistakes. Freedom fighter Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman had raised his voice against the suffering and harassment faced by general passengers at the airport, as well as the indifference and irregularities of the authorities, he said. “In fact, he has become the voice of protest of the suffering passengers, particularly expatriate Bangladeshis returning home,” said the Jamaat chief. He said the people are not blind and they rather are seeing everything. “In fact, by protesting against injustice, he has proved his bravery and has become a hero in the hearts of the people who have suffered,” he said. Dr Rahman prayed to Allah to elevate the dignity of Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman. Detectives arrested Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman from his Cantonment residence in the capital on Friday evening. The arrest follows a case filed against Akhtaruzzaman at Airport Police Station on Friday under several sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure by Dhaka Airport Security Officer Md Shahriar Alam Sajib on charges of obstructing government duties, creating disorder at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and physically assaulting a security official. According to the FIR, the incident occurred Thursday morning when passengers arriving from Madina on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-338 faced a shortage of trolleys and delays in collecting baggage. Airport Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad went to the spot to control the situation. Akhtaruzzaman allegedly verbally abused and threatened him and later assaulted Security Supervisor Warrant Officer Mohammad Kamal Uddin after the latter asked his protocol assistants to stop recording videos in the restricted KPI area. Akhtaruzzaman threw bottles of Zamzam water from passengers' trolleys and behaved aggressively toward a Biman representative, according to the FIR. Police said they will examine CCTV footage, record eyewitness statements and collect other evidence before taking further legal action.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said a government elected by the people's votes must work quickly and effectively to fulfil their expectations. “Public representatives are elected by the people and perform their responsibilities. After five years, they will again have to face the test before the people. Therefore, ensuring services to the people and remaining accountable to them for their actions are the responsibilities of an elected government,” he said. The minister made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a review meeting on “Solar Power, Dengue Prevention and Development Programmes” organised by the Local Government Division at the Multipurpose Hall of the Cooperative Bhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar as the chief guest. The local government minister said the goal of both government officials and elected representatives is to serve the people. “Development activities must be implemented quickly while ensuring the maximum use of limited resources,” he said. He said solar power can play an important role in addressing the electricity problem. “Alongside installing solar panels on the rooftops of Union Parishad and Upazila Parishad buildings, people should also be encouraged to install solar panels on rooftops at the rural level,” he said. “If surplus electricity generated during the day can be stored in batteries and used at night, dependence on the national grid will decrease,” he added. Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari stressed honesty, transparency and efficiency in implementing government services and development projects at the grassroots level. He said honesty and professional efficiency are being given priority in postings and promotions. He also urged field administration officials to consider their workplaces as their own areas and perform their duties with sincerity. Speaking as another special guest, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the role of the upazila administration is important for successfully implementing the government's welfare programmes. “Over the next four years, Family Cards and Farmer Cards will be delivered to all families and farmers in phases,” he said. He also said licences would be issued soon after verifying the list of fertiliser dealers. Regarding infrastructure, the state minister said concrete and Uni-blocks should be used instead of bricks on small rural roads, drainage systems should be introduced on roads in haat-bazaar and port areas, and a safe distance should be maintained when excavating ponds alongside roads. He also called for assessing the potential of producing organic fertiliser and electricity from waste and encouraged educational institutions to organise annual sports and cultural competitions. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Public Administration Ministry Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Dr Rafiqul I Mohamed, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, among other senior officials, attended the meeting. Chief executive officers of all city corporations, deputy directors (local government) of districts, upazila nirbahi officers and administrators of municipalities were also present.

A special cleanliness and mosquito control campaign was held at Dhaka University on Saturday as part of a pre-announced program of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), DU unit. The campaign was implemented by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) with the cooperation of the university administration and initiated by DU JCD unit. The campaign was inaugurated at the TSC premises around 9am, with DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam attending as the chief guest and DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam as the inaugural guest. DU Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Proctor and leaders of the JCD were also present.

BNP Chairman’s Adviser Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal on Saturday said taking action against wrongdoers within the party is not a new practice but a long-standing culture. He said action was taken against BNP leaders, activists and ministers in the past as well when allegations were raised against them, he said at a human chain organised by Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the arrest of those involved in the alleged assault on Bangladesh NAP Chairman Shaon Sadiq. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, has repeatedly warned party leaders and activists at various levels. Referring to recent action against a BNP lawmaker, Alal said action has also been taken against a woman MP who had made many sacrifices as a BNP leader. Recalling BNP’s past, Alal said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had spoken about taking action against corrupt elements and “weeds” within the party at a meeting of the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in Dhaka ahead of his death on May 30, 1981, in Chattogram. Referring to incidents during the BNP government’s 2001-2006 tenure, Alal said the president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, BNP’s largest political affiliate, and an elected MP at the time was arrested over an allegation and remained in jail for a long period. He said the son of a then Posts and Telecommunications minister was the president of Kushtia Jubo Dal. After allegations emerged against him over establishing dominance and involvement in controversial activities, he was expelled from Jubo Dal and his father was removed from the Cabinet. Alal also said another minister from Chattogram was removed from the Cabinet over a fertiliser scam. He said the practice of taking action against wrongdoers in BNP was not new and had a long history. “At a time when the party is working for the development of the country in various fields, some people are resorting to false propaganda and disinformation in an attempt to establish lies as truth,” he said. Regarding the alleged attack on NAP Chairman Shaon Sadiq, Alal said the incident might appear small to the media, but it was a serious matter to them. “Those who stood at the forefront of BNP’s 17-year movement faced attacks and imprisonment,” he said. Addressing the Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, Alal called for intensified efforts to arrest the actual perpetrators of the attack on Sadiq. Leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote were present at the programme.