United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said their party will restore ‘absolute faith and trust in the Almighty Allah’ in the Constitution’s preamble and in the fundamental principles of state policy if it returns to power. “Our leader and martyred President Ziaur Rahman was the first to add ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ to the Constitution of Bangladesh. It is still there. Many tried to remove it, but they could not,” he said while speaking at the International Khatme Nubuwwat Grand Council at Suhrawardy Udyan. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said Ziaur Rahman also included ‘full trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ in the Constitution’s preamble and in Article 8 of the fundamental principles of state policy. “You know that it has been removed … Do you want us to restore it?...InshaAllah, we will restore it (if we are voted to power),” he told the large gathering. The phrase ‘absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ was added to the Constitution through the Fifth Amendment during Ziaur Rahman’s rule, replacing ‘secularism’ as a fundamental principle. But it was removed in the 15th Amendment in 2011, which reinstated secularism as a state principle, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the Fifth Amendment illegal. Referring to various demands raised at the gathering, including the demand to declare members of the Ahmadiyya community (often referred to as Qadianis) as non-Muslims, he said their party would take steps to address these demands by placing them in Parliament. “If Allah grants us the responsibility to run the state, and if the people support us, and if you all — the Islamic scholars and alem-ulema — help us, we will address your demands. The proposals raised here today will be discussed in Parliament, and necessary legal steps will be taken, InshaAllah,” he added. The BNP leader also urged political parties, Islamic scholars and citizens to remain united to materialise these demands. “For this proposal to be adopted, everyone must remain united. Everyone in the National Parliament must be united, and all Muslims across Bangladesh must be united. InshaAllah, we will accept your proposal. As I said earlier, those who are not on the side of the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) cannot be Muslims.” The Ahmadiyya community was founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. They believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Promised Messiah of the latter days. They also believe in the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) as the Seal of the Prophets, but hold that a prophet can come after him as a reformer. Salahuddin said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had declared that he is the final Prophet and Messenger. “Anyone claiming prophethood after him falls outside the teachings of the Prophet. We became Muslims by believing in the finality of prophethood. As citizens of Bangladesh, we take pride in our national identity, but the unity of the global Muslim community is our strength,” he said. Referring to global conflicts, including in Palestine and the suffering of Rohingya Muslims, the BNP leader said Muslims around the world are facing persecution because of division and weakness.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman Ripon on Friday warned that any activity or programme in the name of Awami League (AL), which he described as a ‘banned entity,’ will be considered as illegal. He made the remarks while addressing journalists at a discussion and cultural programme marking the birth and death anniversary of national awakening poet Golam Mostofa in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district. The attorney general said the victorious forces of the July uprising will determine the outcome of future referendums and shape Bangladesh’s path. He said that the forces victorious in the 1971 liberation war framed the constitution of 1972, and the 1990 movement restored democracy in the country. He warned that the government and law enforcement agencies would lawfully confront any anarchy linked to the AL, particularly over the verdict of genocide cases. Highlighting the poet’s legacy, Asaduzzaman said the poet’s works reflect the life, consciousness, and struggle of Bengali Muslims. No legal barrier to implementing July Charter: AG Asaduzzaman He added that studying Mostofa’s creations helps Bangladeshis uphold their struggle, rights, heritage, and egalitarian ideals. Prominent personalities including Mia Mosharraf Hossain and the poet’s son, renowned artist Mostofa Monowar, were honoured at the event.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said no imposed law, order or forced proposal can be allowed to interfere with the sovereignty of the National Parliament. “We do not want the sovereignty of the National Parliament to be undermined in any way. That is why we will not allow any imposed law, order or coercive proposal to interfere with Parliament’s sovereignty,” he said. Speaking at a pre-march silent rally at Shahbagh, Salahuddin said Parliament is the country’s only sovereign House, representing the people. “Only the members elected by the people can exercise that sovereign authority. In Bangladesh, he said, discussions or proceedings of Parliament cannot be challenged in court. “We repeat that no proposal or imposed measure can be allowed to dictate or undermine the sovereignty of that National Parliament.” Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said their party welcomes the proposal to hold a referendum on the same day as the next national election, saying it would save time and cost and allow greater voter participation. “But a referendum cannot be used to enact laws or amend the Constitution. For that, a National Parliament must be formed. We want the national election to be held in the first half of February. We want to exercise our right to vote, and the people of this country are eager to cast their votes freely and enthusiastically,” he said. Referring to the July National Charter, Salahuddin reiterated that BNP is committed to implementing the charter exactly as it was written and signed on October 17. The rally titled “Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: Conscious Society Ready to Resist” was organised by the Women and Children Rights Forum in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh. After the rally, women participants covered their faces with black cloths and held a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Salahuddin accused a certain religious political party of exploiting religion for political gain. “There is a party that does business in the name of religion, engages in political business, and wants to win votes by selling different kinds of ‘tickets to heaven’. Women are now being oppressed at their hands.” BNP thanks Prof Yunus for reaffirming Feb election, same-day referendum He said this party wants to confine women to their homes, keep half the population in darkness, and block women’s progress. “They are calling for reduced working hours for women, claiming it will prevent inconvenience in employment. But reducing working hours will actually harm women’s employment. If working hours are cut, many offices, institutions and factories will hesitate to hire women. Employment will decrease, not increase,” the BNP leader warned. Salahuddin said women must have the opportunity to work with dignity and prove their skills through full employment. “Those calling for reduced working hours have bad intentions. They want women confined. They do not want society to progress.” He observed that the country can move forward only if both men and women progress equally and if their safety, dignity and opportunities are ensured in all sectors. Salahuddin said BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for women based on its 31-point agenda, covering education, employment, security and housing. He strongly condemned the recent assault on BNP women activists in Rajshahi, who were allegedly beaten and humiliated by supporters of a religious party. The BNP leader also criticised the case filed against a teacher of Jahangirnagar University for comments made during a talk show. “Her words offended a fanatical group, and they filed a case. We want a society where everyone is equal, without divisions based on religion, ethnicity, caste, culture or language.” Salahuddin said ensuring equal rights for all citizens is the true spirit of democracy, independence and sovereignty. “Our only identity should be that we are citizens of Bangladesh. There should be no majority–minority divisions or cultural or linguistic discrimination.” Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin He said the July uprising and past movements were aimed at building such a Bangladesh, and the fight must continue to establish a strong democratic state free from discrimination. The rally was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member and Forum convener Selima Rahman and conducted by member secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Jahangirnagar University Professor Mehrin Islam Khan, PSC member Professor Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, former MPs Shirin Sultana, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Bilkis Islam and Mayer Daak platform coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others, spoke the programme.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher on Wednesday slammed the government’s decision to hold a referendum alongside the national election, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Dr Taher made the remarks after a meeting at Jamaat’s Moghbazar office with leaders of the 'eight-party alliance'. While acknowledging that the chief adviser’s speech contains some points worth consideration, he said the overall package does not promise national relief or a better future. President issues order to implement July Charter; gazette published He stressed that reforms must precede elections and noted that the alliance has consistently advocated for pre-determined referendum outcomes to guide subsequent polls. Criticising the simultaneous scheduling, Dr Taher said it could create practical difficulties in implementing approved referendum measures, though he described the cost of the referendum as negligible compared with its intended benefit. Appreciating the adviser for issuing the July Charter, he added, “The referendum’s timing with the national election has created confusion. We urge its withdrawal.” BNP thanks Prof Yunus for reaffirming Feb election, same-day referendum Dr Taher also confirmed that the previously announced action plan of the 'eight-party alliance' would continue as scheduled. The 'alliance' is set to provide detailed explanations at a press briefing on Nov 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Al-Falah Auditorium, where all party leaders will be present.

BNP on Thursday thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the next national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will take place on the same day. “The BNP Standing Committee, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will be held on the same day in his address to the nation,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Fakhrul said the meeting urged the government and the Election Commission to make all necessary preparations to hold the national election as soon as possible, along with the referendum to seek public approval of the July National Charter signed on October 17, 2025. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter would be held on the same day. BNP not to take responsibility if CA goes beyond signed charter: Khosru In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals in the charter and, subsequently, forming a Constitution Reform Council,” he said.    

Political parties, taking part in the Election Commission’s (EC) dialogue on Thursday, voiced concern over the prevailing law and order situation and demanded an impartial role from the administration and proper enforcement of the electoral code during the upcoming national election. They also expressed views on issues such as the influence of black money in elections, party registration, voter security, enforcement of the electoral code, and the amount of security deposit and election expenditure. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission wants to act as a true referee in the upcoming national election, emphasising the need for cooperation from all political parties. The EC arranged two separate sessions – the first one with six political parties and the second one with another six parties – in Nirbachon Bhaban as the Commission opened its electoral dialogue with registered parties ahead of the next general election likely to be held in early February 2026. Liberal Democratic Party-LDP, Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National People's Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan and Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh joined the morning discussion, while Communist Party of Bangladesh-CPB, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-Basod, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Front-BNF and Bangladesh Nationalist Movement-BNM attended the afternoon session. Addressing the first session, the CEC said "You (political parties) will play in the elections. You are the players. We really want to be in the role of referees. Without your cooperation, it is difficult to play the role of referees and hold fair elections." Nasir Uddin said cooperation from political parties is essential to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. “If we do not get cooperation from the main players (political parties), the election will inevitably become questionable,” he said. Referring to the recent surge of posters in Dhaka city, he said, “The city is flooded with posters, though the use of posters has already been declared illegal. “These (posters) must be removed. Those who put them up should take them down. We will be strict. We will not spare anyone; we will blindly jump over these violations. Once the election schedule is announced, we will take immediate action,” he said. The CEC also urged political parties to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct, saying, “If anyone stubbornly refuses to comply, it will create a conflicting situation. We do not want confrontation. We want to move forward to ensure implementation of the code of conduct with everyone’s cooperation.” Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus While addressing the second session, the CEC said the Election Commission will be able to give its opinion on holding a referendum on the July National Charter 2025 only after receiving the matters formally from the government. "If we know the matters formally, do exercises, and all sit down in the commission and discuss, we can give our opinions. It would not be appropriate to give opinions now," he said, replying to a question sent by reporters, seeking the Commission’s opinion over the announcement of the Chief Adviser to hold the referendum and the national election simultaneously in a single day. The CEC said he couldn’t even listen to the speech of the Chief Adviser as he was in the dialogue. “I actually did not listen to the speech. I do not want to give my opinion right now,” he said. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said that the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously in the first half of February next year. LDP Presidium Member Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy said there is still a serious lack of security. “I think adequate measures have not yet been initiated to ensure a conducive electoral atmosphere. Security operations should be launched before the announcement of the election schedule to restore public confidence,” he said. CPB President Sajjad Zahir Chandan said no immediate action was taken against the violation of election code in the past. “If those who have muscle power or political influence engage in irregularities or violation of electoral code, no instant action is taken against them. The authority used to say that action will be taken later. This culture must change for a fair election,” he said. Fakhrul sees Feb polls as a chance for truly representative parliament He also proposed reducing the election security deposit, saying, “If we truly believed in equality, we wouldn’t fix the deposit at Tk 10,000. Our specific proposal is to set it at Tk 500 so that poor and working-class people can participate. Otherwise, it’s discrimination.” CPB General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan urged the EC to ensure strict enforcement of election laws and announce a specific time or week for schedule declaration in a bid to remove confusion among people. Bangladesh Muslim League Adviser Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babor urged the EC to take steps to improve the election atmosphere, while Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan Secretary General Maulana Yusuf Sadek Haqqani called for strong EC action against the use of black money in elections. Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Saiful Haque said instructions given to deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and officers-in-charge are crucial. “After the schedule is announced, you must bring election-related ministries and agencies under your control to prevent any allegations of partiality. Otherwise, even a good election will not be possible,” he warned. CA’s speech fails to meet public expectations on referendum: Parwar JSD Senior Vice-President Tania Rob alleged that certain political actors are already trying to influence the administration. “If they start controlling officials even before the schedule, one can easily guess what will happen during the polls,” she said. The EC will sit with 12 more political parties in two sessions on Sunday next (November 16) as part of its electoral dialogue. The six parties who are being invited for the Sunday’s morning session are Gonoforum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikyajote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party. The six other parties for the afternoon session are Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Bangladesh Jasod, Bangladesh National Awami Party-Bangladesh NAP, Trinomul BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. The Commission aims to complete the dialogue with all registered political parties within this month before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the national election scheduled for February 2026 can lead to the formation of a truly representative parliament that will discuss and resolve people’s unsettled issues and set a clear roadmap for the nation’s future. “I want to emphasise that there will be disagreements and not everyone will agree on everything. The Chief Adviser’s address may seem acceptable to many, but differences of opinion can still exist,” he said. Speaking at a dialogue on the election, the BNP leader said the interim government has already announced that the election will be held in February 2026 to elect a parliament representing the people. “The main point is that this parliament will be able to discuss and resolve the people’s unresolved issues and set out a clear roadmap for the country’s progress within a specific timeframe,” he added. Fakhrul said since people are the true owners of the state, their representatives in parliament must guide the way forward. “But if we fail to elect that parliament and instead a few individuals or intellectuals try to impose their views, we must consider how acceptable that will be to the people.” The Foundation of Strategic and Development Studies arranged the dialogue titled ‘National Parliamentary Election 2026: The Necessity for National Unity’ at a city hotel. Fakhrul spoke about Bangladesh’s long struggle for democracy, recalling that the nation has paid heavily for democracy but has rarely had the opportunity to practise it properly. “Since the Pakistan period, democracy here has been repeatedly disrupted and weakened…democracy has never truly been practised in this country, and that is why today we see so much mistrust, anxiety and instability in our society,” he said. The BNP leader paid tribute to those martyred in the July struggle who sacrificed their lives to fight autocratic rule. “We are grateful to the martyrs who have given us a chance to give democracy an institutional form.” He said it is now necessary to build democratic institutions to overcome the political crisis. “I believe our main responsibility, wherever we are and in whatever capacity, is to fulfill our duty by working to institutionalise democracy.” Fakhrul said the sooner the nation can form an elected government through an election, the better it will be for the country, marking the start of the democratic journey forward. “I don’t see any reason for despair… I’m not depressed at all. In fact, I believe that since there is so much discussion and debate about democracy now, a fresh breeze of hope is emerging — a new fragrance that will pave the way for a new democratic order in Bangladesh,” he said. Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul Fakhrul warned that the proportional representation (PR) system is still not widely understood by ordinary people. “You cannot simply push complex systems on people who are not prepared for them… The PR is still not understandable to the public. I’ve made that clear again today. We must make an effort to make it understandable — we have to explain it to the people and prepare them for the system.” He also said BNP has long aimed to unite the forces that fought against fascism. The BNP leader reiterated that they have clearly proposed forming a national government after the election with those political parties and groups that joined them in the anti-fascist movement. Fakhrul said this demonstrates their genuine intention to unite the nation on fundamental issues and move forward together. “I believe if we all understand and realise this, we will surely be able to move ahead successfully. I want to repeat again that election is the only option to return to a democratic path.”    

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central executive council is holding an emergency meeting to work out its next course of action following the chief adviser’s announcement that the national election and the referendum will be held on the same day. The meeting began on Thursday evening at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, said Mujibul Alam, senior assistant of Jamaat’s central publicity department. Members of the executive council and the party’s legal experts are attending the meeting. Earlier in the day, Jamaat Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar announced the meeting during a press conference held shortly after the chief adviser’s televised address. CA’s speech fails to meet public expectations on referendum: Parwar Parwar said holding the referendum and the national election simultaneously could create complications for voters. “If both take place on the same day, a voter will have to cast a ballot in the referendum and another in the national election. This will create confusion,” he said. He said the party’s next course of action would be finalised after detailed discussions at the meeting and subsequently communicated to the nation through the media.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday warned that his party will not take responsibility if Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus takes any decision beyond the framework of the signed July National Charter. “We will fully implement the charter signed through consensus in the next parliament. If the Chief Adviser stays within that framework, we have no issue. But if he or anyone acts outside it, we will not take responsibility,” he said. Khosru made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and newly appointed French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the people of Bangladesh, as well as democratic countries, want a timely election. “Those who try to hold the government or the people hostage for political gain will become isolated from the public.” The BNP leader said the country must not be allowed to fall into instability, and no party’s programme should disrupt or delay the election. Khosru, also a BNP Standing Committee member, accused some political parties of trying to obstruct the election and prevent the restoration of a democratic order in the country. “Those who are plotting against the election do not want it to happen. No party has the right to hold the government or the people hostage and deprive citizens of their voting rights. Those who try to do so will be cut off from the people,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh now want tolerance, stability and peace as they want to build the country. “Political parties that pursue intolerance and create instability will not have a good future.” Referring to recent incidents of violence, including arson attacks and crude bomb explosions, Khosru said such acts have no link with the election. “Those who do not believe in democracy are behind these incidents. But their actions will not disrupt the election process or delay the vote. The people are waiting for a return to democratic rule.” Khosru also said their party has already announced the names of 237 candidates, and the remaining nominations will be finalised in the next few days. “So, there is no question about whether the election will take place. The people have no doubt about it, though some individuals might.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday said the nation’s expectations regarding the proposed referendum were not fulfilled in the Chief Adviser’s recent address. Speaking at a briefing at the party’s Moghbazar central office, Parwar said the Chief Adviser’s remarks lacked clarity on how the referendum would be conducted alongside the national election. “If the national election and the referendum are held on the same day and balloting is suspended in any area due to unrest, what will happen to the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes in the referendum?” he questioned. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus He said the Chief Adviser’s speech did not clearly explain the mechanism of managing both national and referendum ballots on the same day. Earlier in the day in an address to the nation, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously in the first half of February next year.