United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the brutal repression by the deposed leaders of the Awami League was similar to the cruelty shown by Yazid’s forces in Karbala. “Over the last 16 years, the fallen Awami fascist regime established a rule of extreme oppression and injustice through fake elections, snatching away people’s voting rights, resorting to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, violence, unrest and siphoning off public money abroad,” he said in a message on the occasion of holy Ashura. Tarique said the Awami League regime also imprisoned BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia with dictated verdicts in politically motivated cases, and by denying her proper medical treatment, pushed her towards death. “The cruel repression carried out by the ruthless Awami League leaders, who later fled the country, was like the brutality of Yazid’s forces,” he said. Tarique said the nation must continue its struggle without pause until justice and fairness are truly established in the country, inspired by the spirit of sacrifice shown by Imam Hussain (RA) and his close companions. “The battle of Imam Hussain’s forces will always inspire us to stand against all forms of tyranny, so that such cruel oppressors can never rise again,” he observed. The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Martyr Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his martyred family members, and companions, and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls. BNP slams Jamaat for trying to 'fish in troubled waters' “On this day, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), embraced martyrdom on the land of Karbala while fighting against injustice, oppression and tyranny. This is a day of mourning, respect and sacrifice,” he said. Tarique said Imam Hussain’s protest against worldly injustice and corruption, and the sacrifice he made, remains a glorious and timeless example for Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world, as well as for all of humanity. He said the pain and martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), and his sacrifice to uphold Islam, continue to serve as a powerful source of inspiration for people around the world. “At the same time, this event also reveals the message of divine justice, piety, sacrifice, and human dignity.” Tarique said the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA) stands as an unmatched example of an ideological struggle against injustice, oppression, and despotism. “Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions gave their lives in battle against those who, blinded by the lust for power, trampled justice and humanity. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain’s (RA) followers in Karbala continues to inspire oppressed and suffering people across the world to rise against tyranny in every era and every country,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned that holding another national election without cleansing the country's ‘stinking past practices’ would amount to a ‘massacre of democracy’. "We have made it clear that before any proper election, some essential and fundamental reforms must be carried out. It cannot be the genuine political intention of any party to obstruct this reform,” he said while speaking at a programme titled ‘Sudhi Somabesh’ in Feni town. The first step towards ensuring people’s rights is to hold a fair election, said the Jamaat chief, calling upon all to cooperate with the reform commission. Recalling the martyrs of last year’s July movement, he said, "We will not betray our children, and no one else will be allowed to do so either. We are ready to establish the state our martyrs dreamt of, respecting the price of their sacred blood." Any form of fascism must be resisted, reiterates Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said they do not want to hear even a “whisper of administrative interference” in the upcoming national election. "If that’s the case, then why so many people sacrificed their lives?" he questioned. The Jamaat Ameer reiterated his party's stance against fascism, saying that no fascism can stay on Bangladesh’s soil and they [Jamaat] have fought for the rights which are yet to be established. He mentioned that their fight for justice and people's rights will continue until every trace of authoritarianism is wiped out. "With patriotism in our hearts and faith in Allah, we must take the country forward." Presided over by Feni district Jamaat Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan, the event was addressed, among others, by central and local Jamaat leaders, including central Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Earlier in the afternoon, the Jamaat Ameer addressed a gathering of the party Rukon at the same venue. Jamaat wants local polls before national election 'to reduce public suffering'  During his speech, Dr Shafiqur emphasised adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system to prevent the rise of fascism. He also stressed the need for holding local government elections before the next national one and insisted that all future elections must be held under a caretaker government.

Accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to fish in troubled waters, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday alleged that a party which had taken part in the 1986 election under an autocratic regime is now questioning the electoral atmosphere under the interim government. “Some people are now trying to fish in troubled waters and saying there is no proper environment for the election,” he said while inaugurating a football tournament at the Dhanmondi Sports Club ground. BNP’s Dhaka North City unit organised the event as part of the party’s month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. Throughout world history, Rizvi said people have gained their rights through movements and struggles. The BNP leader said an elected parliament with public representatives, who are accountable to people, is essential to speed up political progress. BNP sees February polls as chance to restore democracy “But instead of supporting such elections, you're trying to delay them under the pretext of political rhetoric. You're questioning the election atmosphere, but we know your history. You had no hesitation in joining an election under an autocrat, following Sheikh Hasina’s footsteps,” he said. Earlier on Friday, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said a neutral election is not possible in Bangladesh under the current circumstances. “Under the current circumstances, a neutral election is impossible. We must first create an environment for credible elections, and that requires fundamental reforms,” said Shafiqur while addressing a rally in Rangpur. Rizvi said the Jamaat Ameer sounded like a green activist, raising concern about the election environment. “Suddenly, you have become an 'environmentalist'! If you are so concerned about the environment, then work on the global environmental decline we are all witnessing.” He said the country now needs an elected government to restore people’s rightful political, democratic and human rights. “That is why we are calling upon the interim government to arrange a free and fair election by completing the necessary reforms within a very reasonable timeframe,” Rizvi said.

BNP senior leader Hafizuddin Ahmed said on Saturday that their party is waiting for the national election in February next as an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s right to vote. “We hope that in February, the government will hold a fair and credible election, and the Election Commission will make proper arrangements so that the people can express their opinions. We are waiting and hoping for such a fair election,” he said. Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks while addressing a football tournament event at Dhanmondi Sports Club ground. BNP’s Dhaka North City unit arranged the event as part of the party’s month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. Hafiz, also a valiant freedom fighter, said they fought the Liberation War in 1971 for democracy. “But even today, democracy has not been established in the country. There have been movements, and dictatorships have fallen several times, yet democracy is still far away.” “We hope this government will not create any more king’s parties and will instead ensure an environment where people can safely exercise their right to vote,” he said. Calling on journalists to present the truth, Hafiz said their party wants to see a beautiful Bangladesh for which the martyrs of last year’s mass uprising gave their lives. “The nation will forever remember and honour their sacrifice with pride.” Laws must have provisions against misuse by enforcers: Nazrul He said they carry deep sorrow in their hearts regarding the political situation after last year’s mass uprising. “Our party struggled for 17 years, and most of those who were martyred during this time were supporters of the BNP.” Hafiz also said many of their leaders and activists have endured enforced disappearances, been murdered, oppressed, imprisoned and falsely accused in numerous cases. “After 16–17 years of continuous movement, we had brought the struggle to a decisive stage. At that moment, the students against discrimination played an important and commendable role, and we sincerely appreciate their contribution,” the BNP leader said. He, however, said the sacrifices of BNP leaders and activists are beyond words. “The way they have been tortured, no political party in the world has ever faced such levels of repression. We remember with deep respect those who were martyred in this movement and pray for the peace of their souls.” Accusing the Awami League regime of destroying the sports sector through politicisation over the last 17 years, he called for keeping the sports arena free from politics.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday said every law must include strict provisions to hold those responsible for enforcing it accountable if they misuse their power or violate the law. “I think one thing that should be included in all laws is that there should be provisions for punishment for those who are responsible for enforcing the law if they make deliberate mistakes in enforcing the law or unjustly violate the law and oppress the people,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on the ‘Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025’ arranged by Nagorik Oikya at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity. He said when people in powerful positions break the law or fail to protect public interests, there must be a legal mechanism to hold them accountable and ensure they are punished. “Simply writing laws on paper or making the language beautiful is not enough. If people responsible for applying the law use it to oppress citizens, and if there is no way to bring them to justice, then the law serves no real purpose,” Nazrul observed. The BNP leader expressed concerns over the Cyber Security Ordinance, saying that although some changes were made, the law still falls short in meeting the needs of the people. He also criticised the poor implementation of labour law in the country, saying there were many labour laws in the country before combining them into a single law known as the Labour Code or Labour Court Act in 2006. “If you read the law, it seems like a very good one. But if you look at its implementation, it is quite disappointing.” BNP slams BTRC’s draft telecom policy, calls it inappropriate before polls Nazrul said the law clearly states that every worker must be given an appointment letter, but 20 to 25 percent of workers in Bangladesh actually do not get it. “Most of them do not have clear terms of employment. They have no old-age benefits, no leave, and no other facilities that are written in the law.” He said although there is a minimum wage set for agricultural workers, there is no effective mechanism to ensure they are paid fairly or to punish those who pay less. Nazrul Islam said many laws in the country are unclear, and this confusion is often exploited by those in authority or law enforcers to harass the public. In Bangladesh, he said, there are many laws for women, youth, children and workers, but most of them are not aware of these laws. “The people for whom these laws are meant often do not understand them or cannot benefit from them.” The BNP leader urged all political parties, social organisations and representatives of various professional groups to raise public awareness about the law, help people understand their legal rights, explain the flaws within existing laws and actively involve them in efforts to correct those flaws. He stressed the need for making sure people can enjoy the rights they have under the law and are able to fight for the rights they are still deprived of. 

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged his party leaders and activists to forge strong resistance against what they said fascism whether it is old or new one. “We don’t care whether it’s a new or old force—any form of fascism must be resisted with determination,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paduar Bazar in Cumilla Sadar Dakkhin upazila in the morning. “The martyrs who shed their blood for Bangladesh left us a sacred trust. We will not allow anyone to betray their sacrifice. We want to uphold the value of their blood,” the Jamaat Ameer added. “We don’t want an election for the sake of it. Our leaders and activists must be prepared,” he said. No credible election possible without basic reforms: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat chief addressed four roadside rallies on his way to Feni to attend a party event. Dr Shafiq warned, “We are observing how some parties are looting and grabbing everything. We urge them to restrain themselves; otherwise, people will resist you.” The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Cumilla city Ameer Qazi Din Mohammad. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Maulana ATM Mohammad Masum, central Majlish-e-Shura member and Cumilla South district Ameer Advocate Mohammad Shahjahan, North district Ameer Prof Abdul Matin and city Nayeb-e-Ameer Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, among others, also spoke at the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said a free and fair election is not possible without fundamental reforms. "A number of fundamental reforms must be made for fair elections. We have talked about those reforms. We must realise the reforms and also a fair election, InshaAllah," he said while addressing a divisional rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground. Referring to recent incidents of violence at Patgram in Lalmonirhat, he claimed that a neutral election is not possible in the current situation.  “So, the electoral atmosphere must be created first and we are demanding fundamental reforms to create such an environment,” he said. The Jamaat chief urged leaders of all political parties to act responsibly and take control of their activists to prevent political violence. He said if anyone dreams of holding an Awami fascism-style election, they turn that dream into a nightmare.  Major parties agree on special committee for constituency delimitation: Jamaat leader “No administrative coup will be tolerated. No hooliganism in the polling stations and the use of black money will be tolerated,” he added. About mob violence, the Jamaat Ameer said, “Mob culture has continued in the country for a long time, but no Jamaat activist has ever been involved in such violence. Since 1972, Jamaat has stood firmly against mob politics.” In the rally, Jamaat’s 'aspirants for 33 parliamentary seats' of Rangpur Division were introduced ahead of the next national election. Jamaat Rangpur city and district units jointly arranged the rally to press home four-point demand, including the trial of all perpetrators of killings carried out the 2024 July-August mass uprising and necessary reform before election. From gallows to public stage: ATM Azharul Islam Addressing the rally, Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam said Allah has brought him from the gallows to the public stage. Had it not been the August 05 uprising, the people would have attended his namaz-e-janaza (funeral). “Abu Sayed's sacrifice paved the path to my release… I demand quick trial of his killers,” said Azhar, who had been sentenced to death in a war crimes case but was acquitted following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, 2024. ‘We’ve not got justice yet:” Abu Sayeed’s brother Ramzan Ali, elder brother of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, expressed frustration over the delay of justice. “Even after more than a year, we’ve only seen formal announcements. Four are in jail, and arrest warrants have been issued for 26 others. But this is not enough,” he said. Jamaat wants local polls before national election 'to reduce public suffering'  He demanded that all the accused be brought back from home and abroad, tried publicly under a platform like the July uprising tribunal, and sentenced accordingly. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman, Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar, assistant secretaries general Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin and Islami Chhatra Shibir President Jahidul Islam also spoke at the rally presided over by Rangpur city Jamaat Ameer ATM Azam Khan. Friday’s rally marked the first major Jamaat gathering in Rangpur in nearly 17 years.  Thousands of leaders and supporters from Rangpur and neighbouring districts joined the rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground, with the crowd spilling over onto adjacent streets. The rally echoed with slogans demanding the implementation of Islamic law and governance by honest leaders.  Jamaat supporters travelled to Rangpur by rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and trucks since morning to join the event.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said their party maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against unethical and criminal activities, warning that no one will be spared if anyone of its member is found involved in wrongdoings. “Anyone who engages in any kind of illegal, immoral, or violent activity will not be spared. We do not hesitate to immediately investigate and take organisational action after any incident occurs, and action is being taken without delay,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan Central office, he also gave a warning so that no one else dares to behave violently within the party, with neighbours, or with any other person. “They will not be spared. We have taken immediate action in all such incidents whenever we have received complaints since August 5, 2024.” BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is constantly monitoring what is happening in the name of the party and what is being done, he said.  “We have taken action against four to five thousand leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations for violating party discipline and indulging in wrongdoings," Rizvi said.  Judiciary must be freed from fascists: Salahuddin He said they are still taking immediate action whenever any allegation is made against any leaders and workers of the party and its associate bodies. “In this case, BNP and its leadership are uncompromising. Tarique Rahman is doing this with zero tolerance.” Rizvi said whoever commits a crime—whether a party leader or member—will face consequences. “This step is being taken to ensure that no one within the party becomes involved in any terrorist or unlawful activities.” Reaffirming the party’s longstanding commitment to democratic principles, Rizvi said BNP has been continuously struggled for democracy over the past 16 years. “BNP has kept up its movement against Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule, which buried democracy. Despite intense repression, our party has never backed off from it.” He reiterated the party’s demand for an immediate, free and fair national election, saying, “Only a truly free and fair election will reveal BNP’s popularity.”

Two groups of BNP’s student wing Chhatra Dal clashed over dominance in Sylhet’s Tilagor area on Thursday, leaving two people injured. The clash erupted around 4 pm near Sylhet Government College following an alleged attack on Chhatra Dal leader Minhaz Uddin by rival activists. Army and police personnel conducted a joint operation to bring the situation under control. Three held for raping mentally challenged girl in Sylhet During the raid, Shahadat Hossain, president of Green Hill State College Chhatra Dal, and activist Asfiya were detained with local weapons. Both were later admitted to Osmani Medical College Hospital with injuries. Shah Paran Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monir Hossain said the situation is now under control, with additional police deployed in the area. The detained individuals, who were injured, have been handed over to the police and admitted to the hospital. An investigation is underway, he added.

National Citizens Party (NCP) seeks to build an equal, democratic Bangladesh for farmers, workers, students, and ordinary people, said Nahid Islam, convenor of the party. Speaking at a public gathering in Thakurgaon on Friday afternoon, Nahid said the NCP is committed to realising  the dream of a dignified Bangladesh that emerged from the July uprising. The event was held at the Thakurgaon bus stand area after Jummah prayers at the district’s Art Gallery Model Mosque as part of the party’s countrywide ‘July March’ programme. "Friends, we remember how students took to the streets in July and August to resist the fascist dictatorship. Many were injured and martyred in that movement. Today, we honour their sacrifices," said Nahid. He alleged that the old system rooted in fascism still exists in the country. "The NCP has emerged to dismantle that system and establish a new Bangladesh," he added. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Nahid stressed the party's fight for justice for genocide, basic reforms, and a new constitution. "We must present the July Declaration within July-August," he said. Issuing a stern warning over border killings and pushbacks by India’s BSF, the NCP leader declared, "This is not Hasina's Bangladesh, this is the Bangladesh of the people after the uprising." Nahid also criticised the Dhaka-centric development model, saying, "There will be no regional or economic disparity in Bangladesh. Development will reach neglected districts like Thakurgaon." Among others, NCP Central Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, Southern Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Northern Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara and Thakurgaon District Coordinator Golam Mortuza Selim were present at the event.