United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Bangladesh has begun to rise from the ruins left behind by a previous government. He made the remarks while addressing a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. "Today, Bangladesh has started rising from a heap of destruction. Under their rule, our agriculture was destroyed, our industries were devastated, our banks and insurance sector were ruined, and our economy had virtually sunk to the bottom," Fakhrul said. Without naming anyone, he alleged that the previous government had severely damaged key sectors, including agriculture, industry, banking, insurance and the overall economy. Highlighting the significance of May Day, Fakhrul said the day symbolises workers' long struggle and sacrifices for dignity, fair wages and fundamental rights. He said workers in Bangladesh continue to face immense hardship, grappling with rising living costs, inadequate wages and the absence of basic protections. Recalling the country's labour movement, Fakhrul said workers have repeatedly sacrificed their lives in the fight for justice and better working conditions. He specifically mentioned the killing of garment worker Maqbool during a demonstration on December 10, 2022, calling it a stark reminder of the risks workers still face. The BNP leader also drew attention to the plight of garment workers, tea garden labourers and day labourers, many of whom are struggling to survive amid economic hardship. He urged the government to address their grievances and provide relief to the oppressed working class. Referring to Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as a beacon of hope, Fakhrul praised his leadership and vision for a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. "Tarique Rahman has won the hearts of the people through his dedication and commitment. When he says, 'I have a plan,' it reflects his vision for a better future," he said. He called on party leaders, activists and workers to unite behind Tarique Rahman's leadership to build a new Bangladesh founded on democracy, justice and prosperity. Fakhrul also placed several demands on behalf of workers, including the introduction of a national minimum wage, better access to education and healthcare for workers' children, and improved living conditions for tea garden labourers. He urged the Prime Minister to give these issues urgent attention. Reaffirming BNP's commitment to democracy, Fakhrul said the struggle for workers' rights is inseparable from the broader fight for democratic values in Bangladesh.

BNP Standing Committee member and Narsingdi-2 lawmaker Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Friday described workers as the true builders of the nation and the driving force behind Bangladesh's development. He made the remarks while addressing a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. Little ‘Khaleda Zia’ draws attention at Sramik Dal’s rally Referring to workers as the "artisans of nation-building," Moyeen Khan said their contribution is central to the country's economic growth and overall progress. "Teachers are called the architects of human development, and workers are the artisans of nation-building," he said. He recalled BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman's philosophy of the "politics of production," saying workers are the real force behind production and a key driver of GDP growth. "It is the workers who power our industries, strengthen our economy and build Bangladesh," he said. Moyeen Khan also praised Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, highlighting his long struggle against authoritarian rule during his years in London. He said Tarique's leadership inspired mass movements across the country that ultimately brought political change. Welcoming Tarique as the current Prime Minister, Moyeen Khan said his vision for a new Bangladesh would guide the nation toward greater prosperity and restore its standing on the global stage. "He has been outlining his vision for the country over the past two and a half months. Under his leadership, Bangladesh will move forward and regain the international respect it once enjoyed under Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia," he said. He expressed gratitude to the workers for their participation and reaffirmed BNP's commitment to grassroots politics. The future of politics in Bangladesh lies with the people at the grassroots, he said.

Addressing a May Day rally, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday said improving the lives and livelihoods of workers is essential for national progress. “Working class do perform the duty risking their lives. We want to build a just society for them,” he said while addressing a rally at Bhogra Bypass in Gazipur, marking the historic International Workers' Day. The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation Gazipur Metropolitan unit. Female workers face widespread discrimination: Jamaat women’s wing secretary

Five-and-a-half-year-old Eftin, a kindergarten student, captured attention at the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal’s May Day rally at Nayapaltan on Friday by appearing dressed as former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The child arrived at the rally from Old Dhaka with her mother, wearing a saree styled after Khaleda Zia's iconic look. "I love Khaleda Zia. I want to grow up to be like her and serve the people of this country," Iftin told UNB. Sramik Dal’s rally begins at Nayapaltan

Nurunnisa Siddiqua, secretary of the women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has lamented that female workers in Bangladesh continue to face widespread discrimination both at workplaces and in society. In a statement marking International Workers' Day, she expressed solidarity with workers across the country, saying they are the main driving force of the country’s economy, sustaining production in all sectors from agriculture to industry through their sweat and hard work. However, many are still deprived of fair wages, safe working conditions and basic rights, Nurunnisa Siddiqua said. Highlighting the condition of women workers, she said a large number of women are engaged in the workforce but continue to face “double discrimination”—both at workplace and in society due to insecurity. “It is the moral responsibility of the state to protect their rights and ensure their dignity,” the Jamaat women’s wing leader added. Referring to Islamic teachings, she noted that the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SM) emphasises the payment of workers’ wages before their sweat dries. Nurunnisa Siddiqua called on the authorities concerned to take effective steps to meet workers’ legitimate demands, properly implement labour laws and improve working conditions. She said International Workers’ Day is not just a day but a symbol of the struggle to establish workers’ rights, urging all to work together to build a just society.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday said their party in its present form should not be equated with its 1971-era version. “The party’s constitution has been amended several times in line with the demands of the time. The introduction of the current constitution mentions respect for the sacrifices and struggles of the heroic freedom fighters of the Great Liberation War,” he said. The Jamaat leader was addressing a workers’ rally organised by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation’s Cumilla city unit at the Cumilla Town Hall Ground, marking historic May Day. He said despite so many constitutional changes, a group is trying to keep the old debate alive. “This is not an expression of patriotism or the spirit of independence; rather, it is part of a foreign conspiracy to divide the nation.” Porwar said such issues need to be resolved quickly in the interest of the country and stressed the importance of national unity to ensure a better future for the next generation. The rally was presided over by Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation’s Cumilla city unit President Prof Md Rafiqul Islam. Jamaat city unit Ameer Kazi Din Mohammad and Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation Central Vice President Md Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan attended the event as special guests.

The May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal began at Nayapaltan in the capital on Friday afternoon, drawing a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. The rally started around 2:30pm in front of the BNP’s central office. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the rally with Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain in the chair. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party Standing Committee members and labour leaders are also expected to speak. Although adverse weather and overnight rain left many roads in Dhaka waterlogged, people thronged the venue since morning. A huge stage has been erected in front of the party's central office. The north-facing stage features portraits of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, late Chairperson Khaleda Zia and current Chairman Tarique Rahman on both sides. Organisers said more than 150 loudspeakers have been installed in and around Fakirerpool, Paltan and Kakrail. The rally has generated considerable enthusiasm among party leaders and activists. Many arrived wearing red caps and T-shirts, carrying banners and beating drums. Since morning, processions from different parts of the capital and neighbouring districts converged on Nayapaltan, turning the entire area vibrant with slogans and applause. According to Sramik Dal sources, the road from Fakirerpool to Kakrail remained closed, with vehicles being diverted through alternative routes. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the movement of emergency services, particularly ambulances. Free medical camps and mobile toilet facilities have also been arranged for party activists and members of the public attending the rally. This is the BNP's first major party programme in the capital since forming the government after securing a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election. Leaders and activists from Dhaka and neighbouring districts, including Narayanganj, Gazipur, Manikganj and Narsingdi, joined the rally. May Day commemorates the sacrifice of workers who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 while demanding fair wages, dignity of labour and an eight-hour workday. The day is observed with due respect in Bangladesh and all other countries in the world as a symbol of workers' rights and solidarity.

The Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, the labour wing of the BNP, is set to hold a major workers' rally in the capital this afternoon, marking history May Day. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the rally, which will begin at 2:30pm in front of the BNP's central office at Nayapaltan. The party expects the spontaneous participation of hundreds of thousands of workers. The programme will be chaired by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party Standing Committee members and labour leaders are also expected to speak. All preparations for the rally have already been completed. Besides, several meetings have been held with the administration to ensure overall security. Although adverse weather and overnight rain left many roads in Dhaka waterlogged, people have already started arriving at the venue since morning. Organisers expect the crowd to swell as the day progresses. A mobile stage has been set up at the rally venue, and security personnel are conducting checks around the area ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival. According to Sramik Dal sources, the road from Fakirerpool to Kakrail will remain closed on the day, with vehicles being diverted through alternative routes. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the movement of emergency services, particularly ambulances. Free medical camps and mobile toilet facilities have also been arranged for party activists and members of the public attending the rally. This is the BNP's first major party programme in the capital since forming the government after securing a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election. Leaders and activists from Dhaka and neighbouring districts, including Narayanganj, Gazipur, Manikganj and Narsingdi, are expected to join the rally. Labour leaders believe the event will not only focus on workers' rights and welfare but also help boost the morale of leaders and activists of the party's associate bodies. At a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan office on Thursday, Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the rally had been organised to uphold workers' rights on the occasion of May Day, also known as International Workers' Solidarity Day. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed hope that a massive wave of workers would descend on Dhaka for the event. May Day commemorates the sacrifice of workers who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 while demanding fair wages, dignity of labour and an eight-hour workday. The day is observed with due respect in Bangladesh and all other countries in the world as a symbol of workers' rights and solidarity.

Badruddoza Badal, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the Law Affairs Secretary of BNP. The appointment will take effect from Wednesday, according to a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Before his new appointment, Badal served as Assistant Training Affairs Secretary of the BNP National Executive Committee. The post remained vacant after Kaiser Kamal resigned from the position upon assuming office as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the deaths of several people, including a pregnant woman and children, in sudden storms and lightning strikes across the country. In a statement on Monday, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the Central Publicity and Media Department, Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, said the recent incidents of casualties in different parts of the country due to seasonal storms and lightning were tragic and heartbreaking. “I am deeply saddened, grief-stricken and concerned over the loss of lives caused by these natural disasters. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased the highest dignity,” he said. The Jamaat leader mentioned that fatalities from lightning strikes occur frequently in the country during seasonal weather changes. He urged people to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions. He also called on the government to strengthen awareness campaigns, and install lightning arresters in areas prone to frequent strikes. Referring to recent incidents, he said that in Melandaha upazila of Jamalpur, a mother and her two daughters were killed when a tree fell on their house during a storm last night. In Atrai of Naogaon, a pregnant woman named Arafatun, 20, from the Bede community, died after a tree collapsed on her. In Ullapara of Sirajganj, a woman named Nasima Khatun, 45, also lost her life in a similar incident. Additionally, according to media reports received between morning and afternoon on Monday, one fisherman and two farmers were killed by lightning strikes in separate incidents in Khaliajuri upazila of Netrakona. Zubair said these deaths are irreparable losses for the affected families. He urged the government to provide humanitarian assistance based on the needs of the victims’ families and ensure financial support for repairing storm-damaged homes.