United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday walked from the Secretariat to the Osmani Memorial Auditorium to attend the Ekushey Padak award ceremony and later returned to his office on foot. The Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the Prime Minister reached his office at the Secretariat at 9:04am and joined the cabinet meeting at 9:30am. At around 10:40am, he left the Secretariat through Gate No. 5 and walked to the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, located just across the road, to attend the Ekushey Padak distribution ceremony. His daughter Zaima Rahman accompanied him. PM promises UN recognition of Bangla, globalising Ekushey Book Fair On entering the auditorium, the Prime Minister went up to the stage and asked officials to replace the ‘royal’ chair kept for him with an ordinary one.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday called on all political and social organisations, regardless of party affiliation, to work together for the sake of peace, order and national development. He made the remarks during a meeting with senior law enforcement officials in Dhaka. “The role of law enforcement agencies is very important in protecting the lives and property of people and in establishing a just society,” he said. By earning the trust of the public, law enforcement agencies must play a more people-friendly and effective role, Dr Shafiqur added. Among others, Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Barrister Arman), an MP from Dhaka-14, and Abdul Baten, MP from Dhaka-16, were present at the meeting. They stressed the need for coordinated efforts to curb crime alongside continuing development work in the area. Law enforcement officials sought public cooperation and briefed the meeting on the ongoing special operations and awareness programmes.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the party’s iftar programme scheduled to be held on February 28. Jamaat Secretary General Miah Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim on Wednesday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his office at the Cabinet Division. “During the meeting, the Jamaat leaders invited the Prime Minister to attend the party’s iftar programme scheduled to be held on February 28,” said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

By-election to two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 -- will be held on April 9 next as the Election Commission announced the schedule on Tuesday. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed declared the schedule at a press briefing in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is March 02, while the scrutiny date of the nomination papers is March 05 and the last date for withdrawal of candidates is March 14. Earlier on Sunday, Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud said the Election Commission will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats -- Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3-- by April 14 next. Masud said the Commission is trying to complete the elections ahead of Pahela Baishakh as the rainy season and storms are common after that period. “We hope we will be able to do it before that.” Replying to a question about postal ballots, the commissioner said postal voting will remain in place for the by-election as well. Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-election to by April 14: EC Masud BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 and he was elected from the two seats. But Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election and took oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency.  Besides, the EC on February 04 last cancelled the election to Sherpur-3 constituency, following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. The elections to 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) were held on February 12. The EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates on February 12, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. On Tuesday, 296 newly elected MPs took oath as Tarique Rahman who was elected from two constituencies left Bogura-6 for by-election. The 296 newly MPs include 208 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday said their party believes in multiparty democracy and not in the politics of revenge. “We would like to clearly say that the BNP is a liberal political party. We practise politics with all and do not believe in the politics of revenge,” he said while talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Replying to a question about the Awami League reopening offices in different places and alleged ‘perpetrators of genocide’ returning to the country, the BNP leader said their party believes in multiparty democracy and the rule of law. “BNP has always worked in favour of independence. On the dark night of 1971, when the Pakistani occupation forces attacked innocent people of this country, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman raised the flag of protest. We believe in that ideal. We believe in multiparty democracy and parliamentary democracy, and we will move forward with that belief,” he said. Dr Moyeen, also a former minister, said the BNP does not believe in one-party rule. “The one-party Baksal system that was imposed on Bangladesh like a heavy stone is not our ideology. We believe in the power of the people. We believe in the rule of law.” He said democracy in Bangladesh was restored repeatedly through different movements and struggles. The BNP leader said the student-led mass uprising on August 5, 2024 paved the way for the restoration of democracy once again in Bangladesh. “We will protect this democracy and the country’s independence.”  

By-elections to two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 -- are likely to be held on April 09 next. The Election Commission is considering April 9 as the tentative date to hold by-elections in the two constituencies, an EC official said on Tuesday. He said the schedule for the by-polls is likely to be announced on Tuesday. Earlier on Sunday, Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud said the Election Commission will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats -- Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3-- by April 14 next. Masud said the Commission is trying to complete the elections ahead of Pahela Baishakh as the rainy season and storms are common after that period. “We hope we will be able to do it before that.” Replying to a question about postal ballots, the commissioner said postal voting will remain in place for the by-election as well. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 and he was elected from the two seats. But Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election and took oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency.  Besides, the EC on February 04 last cancelled the election to Sherpur-3 constituency, following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. The elections to 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) were held on February 12. Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-election to by April 14: EC Masud The EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates on February 12, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. On Tuesday, 296 newly elected MPs took oath as Tarique Rahman who was elected from two constituencies left Bogura-6 for by-election. The 296 newly MPs include 208 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

National Citizen Party (NCP) has formed a committee to conduct the upcoming local government elections, appointing its Chief Organiser (North) Md Sarjis Alam as Chairman and Abdul Hannan Masud as member secretary. The party disclosed the information in a message posted on its official Facebook page around 10:15pm on Monday. Other members of the committee are Ariful Islam Adib, Alauddin Mohammad, Tahsin Riaz and Advocate Monjila Jhuma.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday accused the government of appointing BNP-backed individuals as administrators to six city corporations, alleging that the move undermines democratic expectations. In a statement, party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar protested a February-22 notification issued by the Local Government Division appointing administrators to the city corporations of Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Khulna, Sylhet, Narayanganj and Gazipur. Porwar claimed the appointments reflect what he described as the government’s disregard for public aspirations. He said the July Uprising had sought to establish a discrimination-free and democratic social order, ensure accountability for the massacre, and implement necessary reforms. Referring to the 13th national election and referendum as initial steps towards that goal, he said people expected local government bodies to be formed through democratic elections. The Jamaat leader also pointed to what he termed positive signals from the Election Commission regarding upcoming local government polls. Against that backdrop, he alleged that appointing individuals affiliated with the ruling party as administrators in six city corporations was 'morally reprehensible' and tantamount to deceiving the public. He further warned that the move could fuel suspicions of a broader plan to delay local government elections or stage what he called another 'engineered election'. Jamaat demanded the immediate cancellation of the appointments and urged the government to announce election schedules for local government bodies at all levels without delay.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain has announced that he will contest the mayoral election of Dhaka South City Corporation. “I will contest the city election from Dhaka South, InshaAllah,” he wrote in a brief Facebook post on Monday. Ishraque was elected MP from Dhaka-6 in the February 12 national election. He was later appointed State Minister for Liberation War Affairs in the new government. In the last city corporation election held on February 1, 2020, amid allegations of widespread vote rigging and manipulation, Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh defeated BNP’s Ishraque Hossain. Local government elections to be held ‘in due time’: Fakhrul However, on March 27, 2025, an election tribunal cancelled the result and declared Ishraque the lawful mayor. But he could not take the oath of office due to legal complications and what he described as non-cooperation from the interim government. Earlier in the day, the government appointed full-time administrators to six city corporations, including Dhaka North and Dhaka South, until elections are held. Md. Abdus Salam, a member of the BNP Chairman’s advisory council, has been appointed administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation. The Election Commission has not yet announced a schedule for the city corporation polls.  However, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (Monday) said the local government elections will be held at the “right time”, despite the appointment of administrators to six city corporations.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said local government elections will be held at the ‘right time’, even though administrators have been appointed to six city corporations. “There are government rules and procedures for local government elections. Some bodies have fixed terms, and some terms have already expired. We will consider everything and ensure the elections are held at the proper time,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Fakhrul also said the government will certainly give priority to the local body polls. Asked whether the appointment of administrators would delay the elections, he said, ‘No’. Fakhrul arrived at the BNP central office at Nayapaltan around 10:30am, where he exchanged greetings with party leaders, activists, supporters, and office staff before speaking to reporters. This was his first visit to the party office after taking charge as Local Government, Rural Development and Co‑operatives Minister. On the qualifications for party nominees to reserved women’s seats in Parliament, Fakhrul said the decision will be made by Parliament. “For nomination, candidates must follow the party’s ideals and principles, have close ties with the people, and show dedication and sacrifice for the party. Those who have been actively involved for a long time will be given priority,” he said. Asked whether two members from the same family would be considered for women’s seat nominations, he said no decision had been taken yet. In response to reports that Awami League offices are reopening in some areas, Fakhrul said, “We do not want this. Since their activities are legally banned, the matter will be addressed accordingly everywhere.” Speaking in the briefing room at Nayapaltan, Fakhrul paid tributes to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “Our central office is very dear to us. From here, all our movements for democratic change and struggle were carried out. Under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, we held many rallies in front of this office, inspiring people to join the democratic movement,” he said. Fakhrul recalled Khaleda Zia’s role in the 1990 mass uprising, forming government in 1991 and 1996, and leading later movements to restore democracy. He said she was one of the key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region in establishing democracy. The BNP leader prayed for the salvation of the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul said their party is now working to build a new Bangladesh under the leadership of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. BNP’s Nayapaltan office springs back to life with Fakhrul’s Visit