United News of Bangladesh

Vowing to continue resistance against ‘Fascism and Mujibism’, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday urged all to remain vigilant as there is another fight ahead. “There is another battle ahead. I urge our supporters to stay alert. We need the support of the people of Munshiganj in this fight to build a new Bangladesh," he said.  Nahid made the call while addressing a street rally organised by the party at Super Market intersection in Munshiganj Sadar upazila. “The fight against fascism and Mujibism will go on. We must build resistance in every neighborhood,” he said. Referring to a recent attack in Gopalganj, he warned that even if similar attacks take place in ten more places, their movement will not be stopped. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Seeking support from people of Munshiganj, he also pledged action against river erosion and illegal sand extraction in the district. NCP leader Sarjis Alam said the country will not be truly free until fascism is eliminated.  Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organiser  for the southern region, said all political forces must unite to resist both domestic and foreign conspiracies. “We need a policy-based state, not a leader-based one,” he said. Earlier, a procession from Shaheed Minar premises in Munshiganj town joined the rally at Super Market’s Shaheed Square.  A large number of NCP leaders, activists and residents attended the event, where speakers urged people to prepare for a mass movement. 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said that while elections are important, meaningful reforms and justice must come first. “We’re not saying elections should be held in three or six months. We are saying that elections must take place—but only after ensuring justice and implementing reforms,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by the NCP on Thursday night at 9pm at Shaheed Rafiq Chattar in Manikganj. The event was held as part of the party’s ongoing ‘Desh Garte July Padajatra’ (July March to Rebuild the Nation) programme. “We envision a corruption-free, non-discriminatory society built on the foundation of justice and development. That is the Bangladesh we want,” added the NCP leader. Criticising growing Islamophobia in the country, Nahid Islam said anyone who speaks up for Islam is labelled a militant or fundamentalist. He also accused the ruling Awami League of hypocrisy, claiming, “They call themselves secular and non-communal, yet they have grabbed the most property from the Hindu community.” Speaking about Manikganj's historical and political significance, the NCP convener praised its people for their role in both the Liberation War and the ongoing anti-discrimination movement. “Manikganj became independent on December 13 during the Liberation War. And on July 4, the people of Manikganj expelled the Awami League from here as part of our movement. This district has always been a step ahead when it comes to struggle and resistance,” he said. “But in terms of development, Manikganj is two steps behind. We aim to change that.” Central NCP leaders including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, Northern Region Chief-Coordinator Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, Southern Region Chief-Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, and Manikganj District Coordinator Zahidur Rahman Talukder, were also present. In light of the gathering, extensive security measures were taken throughout Manikganj town. Alongside police deployment at the event venue and surrounding intersections, members of the Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar were also on patrol and actively monitoring the meeting site to ensure public safety.   

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Thursday alleged that a ‘hidden force’ seems to be influencing the government, judging from what he describes as its apparent weakness and indecision. Speaking at a rally organised jointly by Jamaat’s Dhaka South and North units protesting the attack on NCP in Gopalganj, the senior Jamaat leader said the people of the new Bangladesh, earned through the blood and sacrifices of thousands of students and people, are not afraid but deeply concerned. Referring to the incident in Gopalganj, he said his discussion with the Home Adviser gave him the impression that the latter is ‘helpless.’ “The Home Adviser told me he will take action if there is any weakness in the administration. But it appears that he himself is weak and helpless. The reality is reflected in the overall law and order situation of the country,” Taher claimed. He alleged that the fallen Awami League’s ‘goons’ were emboldened by earlier incidents such as last week’s macabre murder of a local scrap dealer outside Mitford Hispital  Mitford incident and called for the immediate removal of the ‘Mr Helpless”’Home Adviser. Dr Taher also demanded the arrest and punishment of members of Jubo League and banned Chhatra League whom he accused of attacking an NCP rally in Gopalganj. The rally was presided over by Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, and conducted by Central Working Committee member Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud. Speakers included Jamaat Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar and senior leaders ATM Masum, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, Dr Rezaul Karim, and others from both the central and city leaderships.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday alleged that "mobocracy" instead of the craved-for democracy, is reigning in the country. “Now we’re witnessing that a reign of mobocracy is prevailing all over Bangladesh. We wanted democracy but it is becoming mobocracy,” he said, adding the July student mass uprising was organised for democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks at a rally held in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital following a procession organised by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal to protest the deterioration of law and order due to what he described as government indifference. Fakhrul suspects plot to thwart February polls Salahuddin said the spirit of the 2024 July Uprising is now being attacked due to the government’s indifference and its failure to maintain law and order. “Who all are challenging the spirit of the people’s uprising, and why? The answers are the government’s indifference and its failure to maintain law and order,” he said. Referring to BNP's support for the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, Salahuddin said, “Unfortunately, that spirit of the mass uprising is now being attacked from all sides. An ill-effort is being seen to stigmatise BNP – the party that has historically led anti-fascist democratic movements in Bangladesh— through creating issues in different planned ways.” He said those who want to bring back and rehabilitate fascism in Bangladesh are now working to challenge and defame the forces of the mass uprising by creating different issues,” he said. On election date Salahuddin once again questioned the government's continued delay in announcing the next general election date. Following the London meeting between the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman, the BNP's acting chairman, Salahuddin said they (BNP) expected the CA would instruct the Election Commission through "proper process" to prepare to hold the election in the first week of February 2026. BNP condemns NCP rally attack in Gopalganj, calls it anti-democratic The BNP leader likely means a formal instruction to start preparations through 'proper process'. “But you have not yet officially instructed the Election Commission in the proper process to hold the election in the first week of February. We hope you will reassure this nation and the people very soon and will send that message to the Election Commission from the office of the Chief Adviser through the proper process," he said. The BNP leader said those who are creating issues in various ways to thwart the election or trying to delay the election in a well-planned manner should not be given shelter. He said the interim government should be careful so as to not give the people any scope for questioning its neutrality. On Gopalganj mayhem Referring to the situation in Gopalganj, Salahuddin said it was hard to imagine that 'fallen fascist forces' (referring to AL) would attack pro-mass uprising forces —be it in Gopalganj or anywhere else. But such attacks have happened. Jamaat expects massive turnout at first-ever Suhrawardy Udyan rally He advised leaders of the Nationalist Citizen Platform-NCP to gain more experience in politics and wished a bright future for them. “We hope you will contribute much more to the democracy in Bangladesh and will be turned as the national leaders in future,” he said. BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku also spoke in the rally presided over by Jubo Dal president M Monayem Munna. The event was conducted by Jubo Dal general secretary Nurul Islam Nayan.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that a conspiracy is underway to foil the national election scheduled for February next year. “Trouble began the moment the idea of holding the election in February was set. Their intention is clear — they don’t want the election to happen. But the people of this country have always fought for their rights and achieved them through struggle. This election too will be held within the announced timeframe,” Fakhrul said. He made the remarks while addressing an event ‘Remembering the Martyred Students of the July Movement,’ organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University’s TSC on Thursday afternoon. BNP condemns NCP rally attack in Gopalganj, calls it anti-democratic Calling the student martyrs the vanguard of the anti-fascist movement, Fakhrul said, “We have overcome fascism and created opportunities. But conspiracies haven’t stopped. There are planned efforts to restrict the transition to democracy. Social media is being used to launch smear campaigns against our leaders. Even obscene and abusive language is being used against our leader Tarique Rahman.” Criticising the conspiracy what he claimed, the BNP leader said Tarique Rahman is already established as a national leader. They (plotters) fear if he returns, their position will be threatened. “Our struggle is not over. Our enemies are all around. Remember, BNP means democracy, BNP means freedom, BNP means development. We will take Bangladesh to the pinnacle of development,” he asserted. BNP leader Moyeen Khan urges end to division, calls for unity Alerting the party activists about the traps being set to provoke them, he said they (plotters) want them to react, create unrest and derail the path to democracy. Highlighting the July mass uprising, Fakhrul said credit goes to people—from farmers to veiled women—everyone united for a democratic Bangladesh. Fakhrul expressed frustration that many injured activists still haven’t received any assistance. “Why hasn’t this government ensured their support yet?” he questioned.

The BNP Standing Committee has strongly condemned the attack on a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, saying criminals and supporters of the fascist Awami League carried out the attack to disrupt the democratic process. The party also hoped that political parties will determine their programmes very carefully in the coming days, said a press release issued on Thursday by the party on the outcome of its Standing Committee meeting held on Wednesday night. “The meeting believes that the supporters of the fallen fascist Hasina attacked the rally of the National Citizen Party, which played a significant role in the anti-fascist movement, in a planned way to disrupt the democratic process,” the release said. The BNP Standing Committee meeting was held at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office and was virtually presided over by party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The attack, which took place following the NCP rally on Wednesday, left four people dead and many others injured. In the meeting, BNP policymakers expressed deep shock and anger over the casualties in the attack, which later forced the government to enforce a curfew in the area. Gopalganj curfew to continue until further order with 3-hr break on Friday The BNP Standing Committee said they consider the attack as part of a blueprint to disturb the democratic process. The BNP leaders also criticised the government for what they called its failure to maintain the law-and-order situation in this regard. They warned that if political programmes are not conducted with caution, it may give an opportunity to anti-democratic forces to make political gains. The BNP Standing Committee alleged that a certain quarter is systematically deteriorating the law and order situation in the country to obstruct the path to democracy and disrupt the promised national election in February. The BNP policymakers observed that criminal activities like mobocracy, murder, kidnapping, robbery and extortion are on the rise. The incompetence and indifference of the concerned departments of the government are making the situation worse. The responsible advisors are only speaking in the media but are failing to take effective steps, they said. The meeting called upon the government to take all necessary steps to improve the law-and-order situation. 25 arrested over Gopalganj violence, crackdown to continue: Home Adviser The meeting also condemned what it described as ‘unjust and indecent’ remarks made by some political parties unfairly linking BNP to the recent brutal murder of a trader, Lal Chand Shohag, in Old Dhaka. The BNP policymakers said offensive, indecent and disrespectful remarks and slogans targetting party founder Ziaur Rahman, Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman have shocked the nation and caused public outrage. “The meeting strongly condemns and expresses its anger over all these actions.” They said such behaviour would not only harm the political environment but also derail the path to democracy and the upcoming parliamentary election process. The BNP policymakers hoped that all political parties would give importance to mutual respect and harmony and refrain from such non-political activities. Those responsible for Gopalganj violence won’t be spared: Home Adviser At the same time, they strongly condemned and expressed anger over the killings that have taken place in various parts of the country, including near Mitford Hospital, and urged the government to immediately arrest those responsible and bring them to justice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is gearing up for its first-ever rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday expecting a turnout of over 10 lakh people, aimed at creating ‘a bid political stir’ through what it calls a ‘quiet but significant’ public gathering. "This rally will be a historic turning point. We expect more than 10 lakh people will participate -- not just party activists but also general people who are demanding a change amid the country’s current political deadlock," Jamaat's secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday. He outlined the party’s preparations, plans and demands for the upcoming rally aimed at ensuring a ‘memorable public presence’ at a time when political debate and divisions among parties are intensifying. Jamaat leaders, including party Ameer and other senior leaders, are directly supervising organisational activities to mobilise supporters from Dhaka and across the country, said Parwar. Golam Parwar also said an implementation committee was formed to complete all the preparations where eight sub-committees were also formed. He called upon the law enforcement agencies and the government to cooperate in facilitating the event. Jamaat favours PR for upper house, reserved seats, referendum for critical changes in Constitution Golam Parwar also reiterated the party’s demand for a neutral caretaker government during the election period to ensure the democratic rights of people. Rally Buildup To make the rally a success, street rallies, meetings, and public outreach programmes are being organised every day across the country, party leaders said. "Our activists are going door to door across the country to spread the message of this rally," Golam Parwar said. To facilitate transportation for the massive turnout, the party has rented around 10,000 buses alongside trains and launches. Special route plans have been made for vehicles coming to Dhaka from various districts. 6,000 Volunteers The party has also taken steps to ensure order and discipline at the event. Legal basis needed for reforms before polls: Jamaat leader Taher More than 6,000 volunteers will be deployed to help maintain internal security, manage the crowd, and coordinate logistics during the gathering. Meeting with DMP To address issues related to law and order, transportation and safety, a seven-member Jamaat delegation met senior officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on July 15 afternoon. The meeting, presided over by DMP Additional Commissioner (Operations) Nazrul Islamb, discussed topics such as traffic control, parking arrangements, sound system installation and public safety.

The Election Commission (EC) has formed a specialised technical committee to work on the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies ahead of the 13th national elections. According to an office order signed by EC Deputy Secretary Md Shah Alam, the seven-member committee was formed on Wednesday. Md. Rafiqul Haque, systems manager at the EC, has been appointed as the convener of the committee. The other members are geographer Md. Mostafizur Rahman, cartographer KH Rajimul Karim, information technologist Moshiur Rahman Rimu, urban planner Farhana Ahmed, and statistician Hifzur Rahman. Mohammad Delwar Hossain, senior assistant secretary (Election Support-1), will serve as the member secretary. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven days to the broader committee led by Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker. This move follows a recommendation from the Electoral Reforms Commission, as part of preparations for the upcoming general election.  The committee also has the authority to co-opt additional officers or employees if necessary.

The Dhaka Metropolitan North unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest rally on Wednesday afternoon, condemning the attack on leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj earlier in the day. The rally was led by Jamaat Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, the party said in a press release. Addressing the gathering in the capital's Mirpur, Mohammad Selim Uddin said that Gopalganj has been drenched in blood due to the repeated failures of the government and the Home Ministry. "The terrorists dared to carry out such a brutal attack because they were not arrested," he added. He warned of greater movement if the law and order situation in Gopalganj is not normalised within 24 hours and no action is taken against the attackers. Central Majlis-e-Shura member and Metropolitan Assistant Secretary Dr. Fakhruddin Manik, Ziaul Hasan, Engineer Kazi Abid Hasan Siddiqui, Dr. Asaduzzaman Kabul, Shah Alam Tuhin, and several others were also present. Meanwhile, the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir brought out a rally on Wednesday evening, protesting the attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders in Gopalganj. The march began at 7:30 pm from the university's central mosque premises, passed through Raju Sculpture and VC Square, and concluded with a brief rally back at Raju Sculpture.

National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a countrywide protest rally on Thursday in response to the attack on its rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday afternoon. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement at a press conference held at the Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night. He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack. Gopalganj clashes over NCP rally leave 3 dead “This attack on us reflects the Awami League’s ongoing fascist behavior, even a year after the July Uprisings,” Nahid said during the press conference. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisations and political parties that condemned the incident and urged them to unite against  the “fascist Awami League.” At least three people were killed and several others injured in clashes between police and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies over a rally of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the government imposed a curfew in Gopalganj district amid heightening tensions over clashes between police and Awami League activists over an NCP rally. The curfew will remain in force from 8pm on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.