United News of Bangladesh

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Wednesday urged people to stay alert so that no one could delay the national election beyond February, warning that any such move would open the door for the return of fascism. “An acceptable, fair and transparent election is needed to restore democracy, and such an election has been announced for next February. People are happy and expect the election to be held within February,” he told a protest rally. The BNP leader said everyone at home and abroad, including experienced political parties and election experts in the country, knew there was enough opportunity to hold the election by December. “Dr Yunus, as the head of the government, expressed his wish to hold a historic election in February. Taking that into account, we accepted the shift from December to February. But we must remain cautious — under no circumstances should this February deadline be crossed,” he said. ‘Aparajeyo Bangladesh’ organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting what they said is a plot to derail the national election. Election resistance threat an ‘echo of autocracy’, says BNP’s Dr Zahid Stating that the election must be held within the announced deadline, Dudu warned that any attempt to delay the polls would be an effort to bring back fascism and autocracy in the country. “Fascism is once again trying to raise its head. We can see, both inside and outside the country, how fascists and their collaborators are speaking in the media, moving around and giving signals that are ominous for democracy,” he said. The BNP leader cautioned that the fall of autocracy does not mean everything has been achieved. “Autocracy was removed for the sake of democracy, freedom, independence and rights--and these rights will only be regained by establishing democracy.” He said the people of the country will decide who will be elected in a credible election, but their voting rights must be restored. Dudu alleged that former autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina destroyed democracy in the country through the last three elections. “Not only that, this woman committed genocide, killed our sons and daughters, looted our wealth and smuggled it abroad.” He said the trials for genocide and the recovery of looted money are ongoing, and the election must be held while these processes continue. The BNP leader said a government must be formed to carry forward these trials, recover the stolen money and continue necessary reforms. Play your part in ensuring free elections: Fakhrul to BNP followers He made it clear that if anyone tries to block democracy or the election, it should be understood that they are attempting to bring back dictatorship and fascism. “That is why everyone must remain alert.” Dudu also urged all to remain united under the leadership of party chief Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman. “Only then will we be able to achieve our desired goal.”

Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman Golam Mohammad (GM) Quader said on Wednesday that elections excluding certain parties, particularly the ruling Awami League, would not be acceptable. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting of the party’s Dhaka district unit at the central office in the capital, he stressed that the country’s citizens must be allowed to participate in a free and fair political process. The JaPa chief recalled that he had previously protested when the Awami League banned Jamaat-e-Islami from politics. “Similarly, now we say that elections will not be acceptable if they are held without including all parties,” he said. He criticised the government for filing numerous false cases following the July People’s Uprising. “Many fabricated murder cases have been filed against me and our party activists. Those arrested under false charges are not being granted bail. Law adviser and the IGP have confirmed the cases are false, so why are bail pleas denied?” he asked. Attempts to intimidate them through arson, attacks, and legal harassment would not succeed, he said, adding, “We oppose the government’s wrongdoings and speak for the people despite risks. Fear of repression will not stop us, and that is why the public stands with us. If anyone else tries to claim our symbol, we will protest in the streets.” Quader also addressed the party’s previous lack of clear direction, saying that there was confusion among leaders and the public about what the party wanted. From now on, they will pursue politics in the interest of the people. He highlighted that he had long been outspoken against electoral restrictions under Sheikh Hasina’s administration, defending citizens’ right to vote. JaPa leader criticized both past and current governments for restricting his political activities under legal pretenses, saying, “The current government has followed the same pattern as the Awami League. What has changed?” “Now, except for our party, all others enjoy government privileges. We face obstacles even in exercising our constitutional rights, making us the true oppressed in the eyes of the people,” he said. Struggle for JaPa: GM Quader's faction to meet CEC Thursday, amid Anisul-Hawladar committee’s claim for recognition The meeting, presided over by party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari, included speeches from presidium members Md. Rezaul Islam Bhuiya, engineer Iqbal Hossain Tapas, chairman’s adviser Khalilur Rahman Khalil, joint organizing secretary Bahadur Islam Imtiaz, and several other party leaders. Earlier in the week a newly emerged faction of the Jatiyo Party, led by Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud as chairman and ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader as secretary general, wrote to the Election Commission to approve their recently formed committee as the "mainstream" of the party. The faction held the party's 10th National Council in Dhaka's Gulshan on Saturday– leaving aside the GM Quader faction – where Anisul and Ruhul were elected to the above-mentioned posts by voice vote of councillors.

Reiterating the call for a free, fair and neutral election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher on Wednesday claimed that only one party has welcomed the government’s election roadmap while other pro-democracy parties have neither endorsed nor could endorse it. Speaking at a rally organized by the Dhaka city units (North and South) of the party on Bijoynagar Road, Dr. Taher emphasized that fundamental state reforms, justice for all past atrocities, and a level playing field have yet to be ensured. “Even after 54 years of independence, the people of this country have never witnessed a fully free, fair, and impartial election,” he said. He highlighted that the July Uprising had raised hopes among citizens for a “new Bangladesh” with an election that truly reflects their will. Although the interim government had pledged to implement state reforms, Dr. Taher accused it of failing to purify and uphold the integrity of the institutions it currently controls, calling their promises “empty.” Addressing the government, he criticised months of meetings under the guise of reform, which have yet to yield any legal basis for the reforms, and urged authorities not to deceive the public. He called for collaboration, saying, “Give us the responsibility, sit with us, and do not try to fool the people.” Jamaat’s income nearly double BNP’s in 2024 Dr. Taher also reiterated the party’s support for the proportional representation (PR) system, which a survey by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) shows is favored by 71 percent of the population. “Democracy means respecting the majority’s voice. Yet, one political party opposes it because PR elections would prevent vote theft and curb authoritarian exploitation,” he said. He warned that parties promising reform while in power should not now raise objections. “If they take office, how can citizens trust they will implement reforms?” he questioned, urging the government to provide a legal foundation for the July Declaration without delay. Special addresses were delivered by Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and other central and city leaders, including Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Dr. Rezaul Karim, Maulana Abdul Halim, Mohammad Selim Uddin, and Mobarak Hossain. The rally concluded with a large protest procession from Bijoynagar to Kakrail Nightingale Mor, ending in front of the Chief Justice’s residence. Central and city leaders, along with party activists at various levels, actively participated in the demonstration.

Jatiya Party (JaPa) faction, led by GM Quader and Shameem Haidar Patwary, will meet Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday to present its legal explanation opposing the recognition claim of the Anisul Islam Mahmud–Ruhul Amin Hawlader-led committee. “We have already sent a letter to the Election Commission outlining our legal position against their claim for recognition. Tomorrow, we will meet the CEC and explain why this committee is illegal,” Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary told UNB on Wednesday. Patwary, who is the secretary general of GM Quader-led JaPa’s faction, said a three-to-four-member delegation will meet the CEC in the afternoon. An EC official also confirmed the scheduled meeting. On August 10, the Anisul-Hawlader group submitted a letter to the EC seeking recognition for their newly elected leadership, just a day after holding what they called the party’s 10th council on August 9. PBI to probe Jatiya Party's alleged nomination trade prior to 2024 polls The council, organised without GM Quader, elected Anisul Islam Mahmud as the JaPa chairman, Ruhul Amin Hawlader as secretary general, Kazi Firoz Rashid as senior co-chairman, and Mujibul Haque Chunnu as its executive chairman. Anisul Islam Mahmud told media that the council was held in compliance with due procedure and claimed it represented the “mainstream” JaPa. "We have informed the Election Commission about the council conducted following the procedures. We have held a council for the registered party number 12 (Japa, Pratik Langal)." he said, adding that the decision now rests with the Commission. Anisul claimed that only their committee has the constitutional right to use the party’s election symbol, the Plough. However, the EC’s website still shows GM Quader as the chairman of Jatiya Party and Md Mujibul Haque as its Secretary General. Jatiya Party postpones tomorrow’s rally On July 07 last, GM Quader removed his party’s 10 senior leaders, including Anisul, Hawlader and Chunnu from JaPa and made Shameem Haidar Patwary as the party’s secretary general.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the interim government will not allow the loan defaulters to contest the next parliamentary election scheduled for February 2026. “If political leaders encourage nomination and voting in exchange of money there’s nothing the Finance Ministry can do, ” the adviser said  at the launch of the “UPension” app, organised by the National Pension Authority at the Finance Ministry. He also said that the ministry will extend all necessary cooperation to improve the law and order situation for holding a good election in February. According to the current law loan defaulters cannot contest the elections. Under Article 12 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, a loan defaulter is ineligible to become a Member of Parliament. “If one is a defaulter, they cannot run for office,” Salehuddin said adding that this provision is often misused ahead of polls. “The Election Commission should identify the loan defaulters,” he said. Citing an example, he said former Awami League minister Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir served five years despite being a defaulter. Asked about measures to curb the use of black money in the polls, the adviser said, “The matter has not yet come to us, the Election Commission will consider it.” He mentioned that there are two aspects of black money — the source and the process. Dr Salehuddin denies IMF, WB influence on Bangladesh reforms “The source is now more or less blocked compared to past times. Earlier, the same person could be a bank owner, factory owner, newspaper owner, and flat owner. That’s no longer the case. Now there is some check and balance.” About the remarks made NCP’s chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary  on Tuesday that “there will be no election in February,” the finance adviser said, “Let them make political statements.” The Adviser said he used to do leftist politics in his student life.“I also made many statements like — shut down the hall, close the university, and so on. Did they ever shut down?”

Harun Chowdhury on Wednesday introduced himself as the president of Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal (ML) and said he has no information about the current whereabouts of the party’s senior leader and former minister Dilip Barua. “Dilip Barua was the party’s general secretary. But I have no idea where he is now. I am the president of Samyabadi Dal (ML),” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. A three-member delegation, led by Harun Chowdhury, met the CEC in the afternoon to inform to place the party’s new committee list and revised organisational structure before him. The president is the chief of the party instead of the general secretary under the new structure, said Harun. “For various reasons, Dilip Barua has become controversial and we don’t know where he is now. However, I have understood that he has not been arrested. Whether he is abroad or in hiding, we cannot say,” he said. Samyabadi Dal (ML) welcomes BNP’s 27-point campaign Talking about their demands placed before the CEC, Harun said the use of muscle power and the games of money, and declaration (of unopposed elected candidates) must be stopped in the next election. “We have demanded an acceptable election, a neutral administration and equal dignity for every candidate (in the election),” he said. Following the 2024 July-August mass uprising, Dilip Barua, the general secretary of Samyabadi Dal, a component of the Awani League-led 14-party alliance, has not been seen in public places. The Harun Chowdhury-led faction has kept control of Samyabadi Dal’s central office at Segunbagicha. During Dilip Barua’s tenure as minister, Harun Chowdhury was expelled from the party over various allegations. BNP holds talks with Samyabadi Dal, DL to wage greater movement Later, Harun formed another party with the same name (Samyabadi Dal) and joined the BNP-led alliance. After August 5, this faction, led by Harun, has been claiming to be the original party and is seeking recognition from the Election Commission.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh on Wednesday issued a stern warning to the Election Commission (EC), saying it could face the same fate as its predecessors if it fails to deliver a free, fair and acceptable national election. At a press conference, the party also unveiled a seven-point demand, which includes holding the upcoming polls under the proportional representation (PR) system and in line with the July National Charter. “If you think you can’t deliver a free, acceptable and neutral election, then don’t take the risk because if you fail to hold such an election, you will face the fate of past Election Commissions. A towel might be around your neck and a rope tied to your waist—remember this reality before heading towards the election,” said Islami Andolan Joint Secretary General Mawlana Gazi Ataur Rahman. Ataur Rahman was briefing reporters after his party’s four-member delegation, led by its secretary general Yunus Ahmad, met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban. Raising his party’s demands, Ataur said, “Our main demand is that the next election be held in line with the July National Charter. We also want a proportional representation system in the Lower House to ensure that 100% of public opinion is reflected in the formation of parliament.” He said Bangladesh’s elections over the past 53 years have been plagued by flaws in the electoral system. “We have said the PR system must be introduced in the upcoming national election so that every vote is valued, and the polls are free, neutral and peaceful. It is our basic demand.” Islami Andolan calls for local polls before national election in its declaration Ataur Rahman said they told the CEC not to announce the election schedule before the July Charter gets legal backing. He said Islami Andolan observed that a level playing field is currently absent. “The CEC assured us that once the schedule is announced, law and order and the overall situation will come under the EC’s jurisdiction, and he will try to create a good environment,” he said. “We said that if you (CEC) think you can hold a fair and acceptable election, then you hold the election,” he added. Asked whether the election should be postponed, Ataur said, “We did not demand postponement. We want the election to be held, but in a manner that is free, fair and neutral—not controversial and one-sided.” On the February election timeline, he said the election can even be held even in December, but the key is ensuring the proper electoral environment. “If it’s under the PR system, we have no objection to any date.” “We will try our best so that the next election is based on PR. We want PR in the lower house. Whether it will be in the upper house or not is the next issue. First, there must be PR in the lower house....If there is no PR, it is difficult to hold a fair and impartial election here,” said Ataur Rahman replying to a question. Islami Andolan Presidium Member Prof Ashraf Ali Akon readout his party’s seven-point demand before the reporters. The demands include holding local government elections before the parliamentary election; holding all national and local elections in line with the reforms stipulated in the July National Charter; introducing proportional representation (PR) elections to ensure 100% public opinion is reflected in an effective parliament; and disqualifying Awami League and its allies from elections and cancelling their registration. The demands also include disqualifying corrupt persons, terrorists, extortionists, land grabbers, tender manipulators and murderers from contesting elections; deploying the armed forces at every polling station, not just as a striking force; and providing proper training and guidance to election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure responsible and impartial conduct.

The government has set a target to bring all public servants under the Universal Pension Scheme introduced in 2023, Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Majumder said on Wednesday. “Ultimately our goal is to bring the government employees under the Universal Pension Scheme,” he said while responding to questions at the inaugural ceremony of the UPension App at the Finance Ministry where Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed was the chief guest. The Finance Secretary said although initially it was stated that the public servants of the country will be brought under the UpS by July 2025 it was suspended. “Now it will be done slowly and the target has not been scrapped yet, it has been suspended,” he said. He mentioned the pension system in India where everyone is under one universal pension scheme.“We will do that gradually,” he added. The Finance Secretary said there was a criticism that there is nothing like that for the non-government job holders which exists in the developed countries across the globe. “After studying several years from the Finance Division we have introduced the system to provide protection for the private job holders, this is a very good package,” he said. Economy bounces back from brink of collapse: Finance adviser He also mentioned that since the inception of the system in 2023, some 375,000 persons have been enlisted in this UPS. National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said that public university teachers opposed to be enlisted in this UPS at that time as they had found that they would be getting less benefits from the existing system. “We have to address those problems, there might be little bit slide down in benefits, but must not be highly different from the existing pension system,” he said. Executive chairman of the National Pension Authority Md Mohiuddin Khan also spoke at the programme. The UPS is a government-led, contributory pension programme designed to provide a structured retirement safety net for all citizens aged 18 and above.

BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Wednesday described the threat to resist the national election in early February as an ‘echo of autocracy’. “We now hear many things… some are even threatening that the election will not be allowed to hold next February. Such statements seem to echo the behaviour and rhetoric of past dictators,” he said while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Dr Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks in reaction to National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nasiruddin Patwary’s comment on preventing the election in February. He urged political parties to remain active in the field with their programmes instead of issuing threats. “No one can suppress the election journey with threats.” The BNP leader expressed concern that conspiracies may be underway to derail the national election, even though the Chief Adviser has instructed the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission to complete the polls by mid-February. “Yet, we hear that some having connections with the government are saying they will not allow the election if certain conditions are not met. At the same time, they also talking about democracy,” he said. Dr Zahid, along with the newly elected leaders of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave at Sher-e-Bangla. Earlier on Tuesday, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said the upcoming election cannot be held in February next year. Speaking at the National Youth Conference organised by NCP to mark International Youth Day at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka's Farmgate, he said, “The election plan has been announced for February, but it cannot happen then.” Dr Zahid said the people of Bangladesh are supporters of democracy and want to elect their representatives directly. “People do not understand the proportional representation (PR) system because it has never been practised here. Many countries have PR systems, but in major democracies like India, the UK and the USA, the PR system is not followed,” he said. The BNP leader also said those advocating the PR systems are likely thinking of gaining power through backdoor deals. He urged political parties making demands to obstruct the election to understand the voice of the people. “Since 2008, people have not regained ownership of the country and could not cast their votes freely. They want to vote without fear and choose their representatives themselves.” Zahid said those threatening to block the election are ignoring what the people truly want and whether they have public support. He criticised the government for creating a culture of fear, mismanaging law and order, and failing the education system. “No threats can suppress the people. History has shown that neither in 1973 nor during past dictatorships were the people subdued, despite violence, enforced disappearances, and loss of lives. The people’s determination cannot be broken,” the BNP leader said. Zahid urged all to remain united as they were during the July 2024 movement, work together responsibly for the people, and allow them to choose their leaders who will shape the future of Bangladesh. “Our martyrs’ souls will find peace, and those who have been crippled will have some relief. Our responsibility now is to create a national election environment where people can exercise their voting rights freely. The people will decide who their representatives will be,” he said.

Expressing deep concern over potential risks in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged the government to protect the industry through a transparent, inclusive, and industry-friendly policy. “We have recently observed that certain non-transparent, one-sided policies and directives taken by the government, along with inaction on some issues, have created significant risks for this promising industry,” he said in a statement. The BNP leader pointed out that no representative from the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries has been included in the recently formed Drug Control Committee (DCC), the task force to ensure the list and availability of essential medicines, and the technical sub-committee of the DCC. “BNP believes that transparency, participatory decision-making and reflecting the views of professionals are essential in formulating policies, regulating, and developing the pharmaceutical sector,” he said. Fakhrul said the best approach in the national interest would be to find solutions jointly through discussions with the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and all relevant stakeholders. Fakhrul-led BNP delegation to join July Declaration programme “We do not support the formation, amendment, or implementation of any committee that excludes industry entrepreneurs. With the upcoming LDC graduation in mind, the right decisions must be taken to protect this sector,” he added. The BNP leader noted that for nearly two years no new medicines have been registered, and medicine prices have not been adjusted for a long time. “By not approving new medicines, Bangladesh risks losing the TRIPS waiver advantage, as the country will officially graduate to middle-income status on 24 November 2026. In such a situation, new medicine registrations should be granted without delay,” he said. Fakhrul emphasised that the pharmaceutical sector is now not just a manufacturing industry but also a strategic national asset. “Timely and responsible decisions are crucial to protect and develop this sector.” He also said BNP believes in coordinated cooperation between the government among the private sector, industry entrepreneurs, relevant experts, and researchers can help advance Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector towards sustainable development. “BNP hopes the government will engage in discussions with entrepreneurs and take industry-friendly decisions to maintain the stability and reputation of the country’s pharmaceutical sector,” Fakhrul said. He observed that Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry has long been making a significant contribution to the economy, public health, and employment. Fakhrul said the industry meets almost the entire domestic demand and has earned international recognition by steadily expanding its export potential.  “Quality medicines made in Bangladesh are now exported to more than 160 countries, including the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. The sector is also making notable progress in building capacity for producing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API),” he said.