United News of Bangladesh

Tension gripped Shahbagh police station on Thursday evening following a clash between activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders over a Facebook post. Two DUCSU leaders elected from the panel backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir, were briefly left in a vulnerable situation before being escorted to safety by senior JCD leaders. The incident involved DUCSU Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad and Social Welfare Secretary Zubayer bin Nesari (A B Zubair).

A leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday warned the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to rein in alleged “terrorist activities” by its student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to consequences worse than those faced by the Awami League. Md. Mubarak Hossain, a central executive council member of Jamaat-e-Islami and regional director for Jashore-Kushtia, made the remarks while addressing a conference at the district auditorium in Magura. “What the Awami League did over 15 years, BNP has begun doing within just two to three months. Therefore, their downfall is inevitable,” he said. He also claimed that Islami Chhatra Shibir represents students in several public universities, and expressed confidence in the organisation’s ideological strength over Chhatra Dal. The event was presided over by Professor Maulana M. B. Baker, a member of Jamaat’s Central Majlis-e-Shura and Ameer of Magura district. Among others, Narail district Jamaat Ameer and Central Majlis-e-Shura member Advocate Ataur Rahman (Bachchu), MP, and Abdul Matin, a former Ameer of Magura district and a member of the Central Majlis-e-Shura, were also present.

A BNP activist was killed and 15 others were injured in a clash between two factions of the party over establishing supremacy at Madhabpur village in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Mohon Sheikh, 65, of the village. Locals said BNP activists Sher Ali Matabbar and Mashiur Rahman Matabbar of the village had long been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy in the locality. As a sequel to the enmity, the supporters of both groups were locked into an altercation on Thursday morning, said Humayun Kabir Molla, officer-in-charge of Shailkupa Police Station. At one stage, they attacked each other with sharp weapons, triggering a clash that left Mohon dead and 15 other individuals injured, he said. A number of dwelling houses were also vandalised during the clash. The injured were taken to district hospital. One of them was later shifted to Kushtia Medical College Hospital as his condition was stated to be critical. Additional police have been deployed in the area to fend off further trouble.

International Crisis Group on Thursday said the new elected government in Bangladesh faces a "daunting set of challenges" but how the BNP handles these competing pressures will shape Bangladesh’s trajectory in the years ahead. "If it can revive the economy, the government will create space to pursue the rest of its ambitious agenda, including improving public services and strengthening the rule of law," said the organisation that sounds the alarm to prevent deadly conflict globally. If it fails to create the jobs needed to meet the aspirations of young Bangladeshis or struggles to ensure clean governance, however, the country could find itself confronting another bout of instability and political upheaval, said the independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world. The organisation said BNP should take advantage of the post-election honeymoon to move quickly on economic, governance and security reforms. Dealing with economic disruption linked to the Iran conflict will be a crucial test, it said. The BNP, the organisation said, should avoid confrontation with opposition parties over proposed reforms and review cases against Awami League activists, according to the Crisis Group Asia Briefing titled "Bangladesh’s New Government Gets Down to Business". “The stakes are high for the BNP. It should move quickly to take advantage of the narrow post-election window for political and economic reforms, and demonstrate to the Bangladeshi people it is not simply reverting to past practices now that it is back in power," said Crisis Group's Senior Consultant on Bangladesh and Myanmar, Thomas Kean. Kean said Bangladesh’s 12 February elections were a historic moment, ending eighteen months of interim rule following a mass uprising that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a clear majority while voters also backed the July Charter reforms in a concurrent referendum. The parties, the interim government, the election commission and security forces all deserve credit for the way they conducted the election, which was largely free of violence or irregularities, and was followed by a smooth transfer of power, Kean said. “Two months on from the vote, however, the scale of the challenge facing the new government is becoming clearer. For the BNP, the top priority needs to be reviving the economy and managing the fallout from conflict in the Middle East, which is hurting households and businesses. Bangladesh is heavily dependent on energy imports from the Middle East for fuel and electricity, and the region is also an important source of fertiliser for the agriculture sector," Kean said. Rising energy prices and trade disruptions linked to the Iran conflict are likely to drain foreign exchange reserves, lower GDP growth and push up inflation. "But conflict in the Middle East will not just drain government coffers – it could potentially push millions of Bangladeshis back into poverty," Kean said. “At the same time, economic growth on its own is not enough. Bangladeshis are expecting to see real improvements in the performance of state institutions and public security," Kean said. "The government will also need to implement political reforms, and it should avoid a major confrontation with its political opponents over the July Charter in order to focus on more pressing challenges," he said. The BNP government will also have to address the politically sensitive question of the Awami League’s future, he said. Given its pivotal role in Bangladesh politics since independence, the party’s temporary ban is not sustainable over the longer term, Kean said. Challenges Ahead The election and handover of power marked a huge step in Bangladesh’s attempt to turn the page on a decade and a half of increasingly authoritarian rule, the organisation said. But while the new government has a clear mandate from voters, whether it can translate that into lasting popularity and stability remains uncertain, it observed. The BNP will face several major tests in the coming years, including in reviving the economy, improving security, managing political reforms and dealing with the question of the AL’s future, said the Crisis Group. If it fails to meet the political and economic aspirations that fuelled the uprising against Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh could face renewed unrest and political upheaval, according to the briefing note. Bangladesh’s history of anti-incumbency mobilisation suggests that the BNP will struggle to maintain its current support without decisive action, the organisation said. The U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, coming less than two weeks after the BNP took office, have only amplified the challenge given Bangladesh’s reliance on oil and gas imports from the Middle East. Economic Growth The government’s most important task will be to deliver inclusive economic growth. Though the interim administration initiated some reforms and was largely successful in restoring macro-economic stability, political uncertainty during the transition and high interest rates discouraged the private investment needed to create jobs for the country’s large youth population, said the Crisis Group. The GDP growth is still recovering and inflation remains high, at almost 9 per cent. Foreign currency reserves have increased, but the economy remains heavily dependent on garment exports and remittances from overseas workers. Both sources of revenue are vulnerable to global shocks. Pressure to service debt incurred to pay for infrastructure projects initiated under the AL government is also rising, said the Crisis Group. Meanwhile, it said, the banking sector remains under severe strain, with high levels of non-performing loans linked to poor governance and large-scale corruption under Hasina’s rule. Economic frustration played a major role in sparking the popular revolt that brought down Hasina, including anger over corruption and mismanagement, rising prices and limited opportunities for young people, said the organisation. The BNP has unveiled an ambitious 180-day plan focused on electricity supply, infrastructure bottlenecks and investment, but it will have only a short window of  time in which to demonstrate progress. External shocks are already complicating this task: the conflict in the Middle East is pushing up energy prices and disrupting trade. With Bangladesh importing most of its commercial fuels from Middle Eastern sources, and the Gulf Arab countries also accounting for almost half of remittance income, the Crisis Group said, a prominent economist has predicted that the war could hit the economy “like an earthquake”. Already, Bangladesh is suffering from power outages and long lines at fuel stations, while most of its fertiliser plants have been forced to close, the organisation said. The energy crisis is putting downward pressure on the local currency and depleting foreign reserves, with Bangladesh’s fuel import bill expected to rise by as much as 40 per cent in 2026. Though the government has increased subsidies to shield consumers, officials concede they may soon have little choice but to roll these back. Bangladesh’s 12 February election and handover of power mark an important step forward for the country after eighteen months of interim rule. There is now an opportunity to strengthen this step toward peaceful, democratic competition and make sure it is not a one-off occurrence, the organisation said.

The Central Youth and Sports Division of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a meeting at the party’s central office in Moghbazar in the capital on Wednesday. Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and President of the Central Youth Division, presided over the meeting. Members of the Central Youth and Sports Division—Manjurul Islam Bhuiyan, Dr Fakhruddin Manik, Muhammad Yasin Arafat and Dr Mubarak Hossain—attended the meeting. Leaders of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Youth Division, Dr Moin Uddin and Secretary Hasanul Banna Chapal, as well as in-charge of the Dhaka Metropolitan South Youth Division Shahin Ahmed Khan and Manjurul Islam, were also present. The meeting reviewed the department's overall activities and approved the annual report for 2025 along with the annual plan for 2026. It also discussed and decided on several important organisational matters. Additionally, the meeting decided on regional supervision, tour plans, and the observance of National and International Youth Day, Anti-Drug Day, and other programmes marking important national and international occasions.  

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas is gradually recovering, his wife Afroza Abbas said on Tuesday afternoon. She said the BNP leader is currently undergoing regular therapy and his condition has improved significantly. “He is receiving therapy every day. Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, his condition is now better. He is slowly recovering and his physical condition has improved a lot,” Afroza said, urging everyone to pray for Abbas’ speedy and full recovery. Mirza Abbas was admitted to Prince Court Medical Centre in Malaysia on April 14 for physiotherapy. Earlier on March 11, he fell ill after suddenly losing consciousness during Iftar and was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. A medical team of neurology specialists quickly performed surgery on his brain. After the operation, on March 15, he was taken to Singapore by an air ambulance and admitted to Singapore General Hospital. There he received intensive treatment for about a month and made significant recovery. He was later moved to Malaysia for physiotherapy on doctors’ advice. Afroza said he is now doing well and is receiving physiotherapy every day.

The BNP-led ruling alliance on Monday announced the final list of 36 nominees for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, effectively ensuring their election unopposed. Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the names at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Although the Election Commission has scheduled election for May 12, no polling will be required as the number of candidates matches the seats allocated to the alliance. If the nominations pass scrutiny, the nominees will be elected without contest. BNP delegation visits top Chinese university, stressing research and academic collaboration The alliance nominees are Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arli, Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Sakila Farzana, Helen Jerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeba Amin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sansila Jebrin, Sanjida Islam Tulee, Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minz, Subarna Sikdar, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bithika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Jerin, Mansura Akter, Johorat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alo, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan Papon, Showkat Ara Akter, Madhabi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana. Under existing law, the 50 reserved seats for women are distributed among parties – having representation in Parliament – in proportion to their representation in the general seats. Accordingly, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, the combine, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, 13 and independents will receive one. According to the election schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. However, since parties nominate candidates equal to their allocated seats, these polls are typically uncontested. The nominees will be officially declared elected unopposed on the final date for withdrawal.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended his best wishes to the candidates appearing in this year’s SSC, Dakhil and equivalent examinations. In a statement on Sunday, he prayed for the physical and mental well-being of the students and wished them success in their examinations. He said around 20 lakh students are expected to participate in this year’s exams, including SSC, Dakhil and equivalent candidates. He also stressed the importance of ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the examination period and called for special attention to the safe movement of examinees. In addition, he urged law enforcement agencies and teachers to ensure a fair, peaceful and cheating-free examination environment. This year's SSC, Dakhil and equivalent examinations are set to begin simultaneously across the country from April 21 (Tuesday).

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday expressed deep concern over the recent hike in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, urging the authorities to reconsider the decision. In a statement, party Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has increased the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder by Tk 212, setting the new rate at Tk 1,940 at the consumer level. He said such a hike would put additional pressure on ordinary people already struggling with rising living costs. Parwar also noted that the LPG price had been raised by Tk 387 to Tk 1,728 earlier on April 2, adding that two consecutive increases within a short period would make public life more difficult. He said the situation has worsened due to significant increases in the prices of other fuels, warning that the overall cost of living would rise further. “When people are already burdened by the rising prices of essential commodities, such a price hike will make their lives even harder,” he said. Describing LPG as an essential fuel for lower- and middle-income households, Parwar said the increased cost would directly affect cooking expenses and household budgets, calling the decision against public interest. The party demanded immediate reconsideration of the new price and withdrawal of what it termed an “unreasonable” hike.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has spent around 12 hours at his party’s Gulshan political office, continuing work until around 3:00am on Sunday, as he oversaw key organisational activities and interviewed aspirants for reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. According to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, the BNP office remained active even long after house lights dimmed across the capital, with the nomination process continuing in full swing until late at night. The interviews of the party aspirants began at 3:00pm on Saturday at the Gulshan office. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, AZM Zahid Hossain and Selima Rahman were present as members of the nomination board. Candidates from districts under Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions took part in the interviews, which continued till late at night. Earlier on Friday, aspirants from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal and Faridpur divisions were interviewed. Party sources said around 900 nomination forms were submitted out of 1,025 sold. Earlier, the Election Commission on April 8 announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will be held on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. Under the seat distribution, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-aligned bloc 13 seats, and independents one seat.