United News of Bangladesh

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Saturday that development must not come at the cost of destroying nature. “All forms of development must be pursued while conserving nature. Our identity is tied to rivers, and they must not be polluted. We must cherish our rivers, trees, and hills. The message of nature must reach the people,” she said. The adviser made the remarks while speaking as the Chief Guest at the National Inter-College Cultural and Debate Competition 2025 held at the National University in Gazipur. Highlighting the role of youth, she said the future of the country lies in the hands of the young generation. They have the courage to face any challenge, and they are the foundation of a new Bangladesh. She emphasised that if young people remain united, any problem can be solved. “To build a beautiful Bangladesh, all forms of discrimination must be eradicated from society. No one before has called so strongly for breaking down inequality.” Local administration involved in Bholaganj stone looting: Rizwana Hasan The event was presided over by National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Amanullah. Pro-Vice Chancellors Professor Md. Lutfar Rahman and Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, along with Treasurer Professor Dr. A. T. M. Zafarul Azam, also spoke. Later, the Adviser distributed prizes, crests, and certificates among the winners of the competition. Adviser Rizwana Hasan also visited Belai Beel in Gazipur.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said it would be a ‘serious mistake’ to think that young people alone can build Bangladesh. “The country was not built only by a few students of Dhaka city or Dhaka University but with the participation of disadvantaged people from villages, rickshaw-pullers and other ordinary citizens. Their thoughts, aspirations and thirst for democracy and economic emancipation cannot be ignored in the process of nation-building,” he said. The BNP leader was speaking at the launching ceremony of a book’ titled ‘Politics of Tarique Rahman: The Sublimity of Mass Uprising '. at the Jatiya Press Club. He said young people always played a vital role at the forefront of movements but farmers and general people also stood beside them. BNP pledges commission to ensure fair journalism: Amir Khosru The BNP leader said, “People are not monsters or demons who want democracy. We want to build a state where good governance, human rights and the fulfillment of basic needs will be ensured.” About reforms, he said those cannot be done sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Dhaka or it is not like turning an electric light on and off, rather it is a continuous process. Moyeen Khan said, “What we expected from this government has not been delivered. However, though delayed, they have now announced election time.” The book’s author, Prof Saiful Islam of Dhaka University’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, along with former Vice-Chancellor of University of Health Sciences and founder of the Centre for Cultural Development Prof Liaquat Ali, Bangladesh Open University Pro-VC Dr Dil Rowshan Jinnat Ara Nazneen, and former Professor of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University Dr Jamal Uddin Runu also spoke at the event. BNP, IRI discuss upcoming election, reforms Prof Dr Mohammad Amirul Islam, General Secretary of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum at Rajshahi University and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology presided over the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said inequalities, rooted in Bangladesh’s state structure for decades, cannot be eradicated overnight, though structural reforms are essential. “Instant solutions to long-standing issues of injustice, corruption, authoritarianism and structural discrimination cannot be expected,” he said while speaking at a seminar at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul said reforms of the state framework and the electoral process are still at a preliminary stage. The seminar, titled ‘How Well is Social Protection Secured’, was organised by Arpon Alok Songho. Senior journalist Sohrab Hassan, Ganosamhati Andolon’s Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, former BNP MP Rehana Akter Ranu and Policy Exchange Chairman Dr M Masrur Reaz spoke at the event as special guests. Fakhrul said the recent mass uprising has opened a new opportunity for change but cautioned that sustainable reforms require well-defined planning, political sincerity and structural change. The BNP leader said it is impossible to expect a functional democracy and just society without restructuring the existing state system, which, he said, fosters inequalities and corruption. He highlighted how bureaucratic centralisation forces citizens, including schoolteachers, to come to Dhaka even for minor issues that could be resolved at district level. This system, he alleged, is designed to sustain bribery and rent-seeking, extending from recruitment in schools to universities. Fakhrul insisted that reforming the state structure is inevitable if Bangladesh is to move towards an egalitarian society. “The present system cannot yield justice and fairness, and calls for collective political commitment to ensure lasting change.”  Zonayed Saki said his party seeks to represent working-class demands and criticised successive governments for failing to build even minimum social balance. Class divisions, especially wealth disparity, have grown under policies shaped over the past five decades, resulting in a plundering-based economy, he said. Bobby Hajjaj criticised both past and present governments for institutional decline in the financial sector. Referring to the ‘closure of nine non-bank financial institutions’ last week, he said looting in the banking sector did not stop even after Sheikh Hasina’s departure. He alleged that Bangladesh Bank was aware of irregularities during Hasina’s rule but accountability was absent as officials responsible for oversight were never brought under scrutiny.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said their party will form a commission to ensure free and transparent journalism if it returns to power. “Journalism in Bangladesh was completely devastated during the fascist era. BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has always been vocal in favour of independent journalism. A commission will be formed in the future to ensure press freedom,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled ‘Journalism during fascist regime and present situation’ at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), organised by the Ziaur Rahman Study Circle. Khosru alleged that the ruling Awami League has destroyed journalism in Bangladesh over the past 15 years. He said many journalists were forced to leave the country as they could not survive in the hostile environment, while others abandoned the profession altogether. “I personally helped a few journalists go abroad since they could not sustain themselves here,” he added. Stressing the need for a clear division between management and editorial practices in media houses, the BNP leader said, “Just as the Hasina government destroyed the state by removing the dividing line between the judiciary, the Election Commission and Parliament, it also destroyed journalism by removing the dividing line between media management and journalists.” He said democracy cannot flourish without political democracy, economic democracy and freedom of expression. Referring to a cartoon of Tarique Rahman drawn after August 5, Khosru said, “Instead of being angry or critical, Tarique himself shared it and praised the cartoonist. This is what respect for free media and freedom of expression looks like.” He advised journalists to remain objective in their reporting regardless of their personal political ideals. Khosru also said the hopes and aspirations of the people in Bangladesh have changed after the mass uprising in July. “Any political party that fails to understand and realise the change that has taken place in the minds of the Bangladeshi people — the expectations and hopes that have grown since Sheikh Hasina's departure — will have no place in the future politics of Bangladesh,” he warned. Former Senior Assistant Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Ashik Islam, presented the keynote at the seminar. In his paper, Ashik said the Awami League government introduced the Digital Security Act (DSA) in 2018 to permanently prevent the media and journalists from reporting objectively. He said 1,436 cases were filed under the DSA, accusing at least 4,520 individuals between October 2018 and September 2023. At least 451 journalists were taken to court during this period, including 209 from national media and 197 from local outlets. A total of 97 journalists were arrested, 50 of them being local reporters, Ashik said. Mohammad Kashem, Chief Executive of the Ziaur Rahman Study Circle, presided over the seminar, which was moderated by former DRU president Mursalin Nomani.

The last elected DUCSU VP, as well as president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nurul Haque Nur, on Friday said that the influence of money in elections must end, allowing politics to  start serving the people again. "Politics must be for the people and so the old corrupt politics will no longer continue in this country," he said, while addressing a grand rally organised by the Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) in Jashore's Town Hall ground. Nur said people-centric politics must reclaim its place, and everyone must remain united in the national interest. He conceded that political parties may have differences of opinion but stressed unity on key national issues. As an example, he referred to the deposed Awami League. “There can be disagreements among parties, but we must all unite on the issue of the Awami League,” Nur said. Nur expressed disappointment over the failure to reach consensus on the post-AL reform agenda, particularly the delay in finalising the July Charter. “The views of all the parties were not reflected in the reform," Nur said, before adding: "A new system cannot emerge from the existing old one.” The rally was presided over by District Gono Odhikar Parishad President ABM Ashikur Rahman. Fascist behaviour still seen among many: Nur General Secretary Rashed Khan was the main speaker, while Spokesperson and Senior Vice President Faruk Hasan, Senior Joint General Secretary Hasan Al Mamun, and Khulna Divisional Organising Secretary Ashiq Iqbal attended as special guests. Finance Secretary Rashidur Rahman Newton moderated the programme.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday accused deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of committing crimes against humanity by carrying out enforced disappearances and demanded her highest punishment. Speaking at a human chain and photo exhibition event organised by 'Mayer Dak' at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, he also said the interim government has completely failed to bring the incidents of enforced disappearances before the public and stop the cries of the victims’ families. “I expect the government to make every effort to reveal full information about the children who lost their fathers, the sisters who lost their brothers, and the mothers who lost their sons. Whoever may be responsible, no matter how powerful they are, nothing can be more dreadful than this crime against humanity,” Fakhrul said. Mirza Abbas smells fresh ‘minus-two formula’ to depoliticise Bangladesh He said everyone knows that enforced disappearance is a serious crime against humanity and the punishment for such a crime is the death penalty. “It has now been proved that Hasina is responsible for these killings and disappearances. Her trial must take place in this country and she must be given the toughest punishment,” the BNP leader said. He urged the families of the victims not to lose hope, saying people’s movements never fail and never failed in the past either, as proven by last year’s mass uprising. Fakhrul said the young generation and even the children will one day see justice for the wrongs done to their fathers and brothers. Elections without real reforms undermine public trust: Jamaat leader Taher On behalf of his party, he reaffirmed that BNP has always stood by the victims, remains with them now, and will continue to stay with them until justice is finally ensured. The BNP secretary general also thanked the UN Human Rights Commission for giving full cooperation in investigating the incidents of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. He, however, lamented that the interim government has failed to take the necessary steps to strengthen the commission on enforced disappearances and bring the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. “The interim government has completely failed to place the disappearance commission before the public and hold hearings. They have also failed to ease the pains and stop the tears of mothers, brothers and other relatives of the victims. They must be held accountable,” Fakhrul said. He said their demand has always been that these incidents must be tried and assured that BNP will continue to stand by the children who lost their fathers. He said BNP’s demand has always been that these incidents must be brought to justice. The BNP leader turned emotional while describing the sufferings of the victims’ families, including the cries of the children for their missing fathers. Tarique urges parties to face people’s verdict through politics, not tactics “Many were picked up during our movements. In some cases, even seven members of a single family, were made to disappear. Seeing the children who lost their parents breaks my heart, because I knew them when they were very young. Now they have grown up without their loved ones,” said a weeping Fakhrul. He pledged BNP’s full support to the victims’ families, saying, “From day one, we have stood by the families of the disappeared. We will remain with them until justice is delivered.” Fakhrul said BNP wants elections to ensure justice for these crimes and to speed up the trial process. “Enforced disappearances were never part of our history. For the first time, this monstrous Hasina regime used state machinery to carry them out.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has claimed that a new ‘minus-two formula’, backed by local and international quarters, is now active to depoliticise Bangladesh by sidelining BNP after Awami League. In an interview with UNB, Abbas also voiced deep concern over what he termed a serious conspiracy against the country’s sovereignty and national interests centring Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachhari and New Mooring Container Terminal, being pushed by quarters with ‘evil intentions’. The BNP leader regretted that some political parties have fallen into the trap of such conspirators by trying to derail the upcoming national election with various excuses. He warned that the nation will have to pay a heavy price if the national election is not held in February as announced by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “A new minus-two formula is at play in Bangladesh politics, similar to the minus-two formula during the 1/11 period. While the earlier attempt came under an army-backed interim government, the current effort is being made in different forms by both local and foreign conspirators,” Abbas said. As part of the moves, he said, vested groups are trying to brand BNP as a ‘bad’ or ‘unreliable’ political force to isolate it from the people, often through coordinated social media campaigns and political propaganda. He alleged that some Awami elements within the administration, along with a section of political and ideological groups, are still working to weaken BNP. “They think they will be able to rule the country if BNP is sidelined while top Awami League leaders remain outside the country.” Abbas said those who want to keep Bangladesh unstable are trying to enforce the minus-two formula for their own benefit. “During 1/11, the so-called minus-two formula appeared in one form, as there was a military-backed government at that time. Now, with Awami League out of office, a different kind of minus-BNP formula is in action.” Asked who are behind it, Abbas said the same local and international masterminds are trying to carry it out in a new way. “Satan can take many disguises,” he remarked, implying that the actors may appear in different forms this time but with the same goal. The aim is to weaken or sideline BNP so that the country’s politics can be controlled as per their interest, he said, adding, both local and foreign conspirators are active in this scheme. The BNP leader also said many pro-Awami League bureaucrats within the administration have become active as they see benefit in removing BNP from the political scene. “They want revenge by pushing BNP aside.” He pointed out that even some political parties are raising slogans along these lines, saying BNP is now heading down the same path once taken by the Awami League. The BNP leader said some parties, including Islamist ones, are now trying to show that BNP is in the same position where Sheikh Hasina once stood, while also raising different issues and demands to obstruct the election in February. “Even one party is saying they will not allow the election unless their demands are met. They are behaving like fascists.”  In such a situation, Abbas said he is concerned about the country’s national security. “We fought for independence in 1971 not to hand over any part of our land to others.” People to reject PR system like EVM: Mirza Abbas Abbas said the attempts to implement the minus-two formula and the discussions on St Martin’s, Sajek and the New Mooring Container Terminal involving foreigners are all linked. It is not an isolated matter, he added. The BNP leader thinks the next election will be very competitive and challenging. Since BNP enjoys huge popularity, he said some quarters are trying to damage the party’s image out of jealousy. “But I believe people love BNP and no one will be able to harm its popularity with false campaigns.” The BNP leader said the government should take steps to remove the cohorts of Awami League from the administration to ensure a free and fair election. “Otherwise, it will be difficult to hold a credible election with these bad elements in place.” Abbas said BNP is fully prepared organisationally for the elections and wants the polls to be held by February next year to restore democracy and foil all conspiracies against the country. On a question about their party’s possible electoral alliance partners, the BNP leader said it can only be decided once the election schedule is announced, not before. Abbas, however, said the statements of some political parties give him an impression that many of them are trying to foil the election. “If they succeed, it will bring a disaster for the country.” He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already announced that the election will be held in February. “We want to believe and trust that the election will indeed take place at that time.” In reply to a question on whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would take part in the election, Abbas said it depends on her wish and her physical condition, and no decision has been made in this regard yet.  He said Khaleda Zia herself has not yet spoken about the matter. Mirza Abbas off to Bangkok for eye treatment When asked whether Khaleda Zia might hold any role or position if the BNP forms the next government without her contesting, Abbas replied that only time will tell. On another question, he said their party is not worried about some Islamist parties’ attempts to form alliances and use religion in politics, as the people of Bangladesh are moderate Muslims who prefer a democratic and moderate party, not communalism.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Friday said that without actual reforms public confidence in elections will be undermined. A hasty or poorly managed election will fail to meet people’s expectations, he warned. Speaking as the chief guest at a party programme in Cumilla city, the Jamaat leader said, “We want a participatory, free, fair, and impartial election — a celebration of democracy. All legitimate parties should be able to participate and a level playing field must be ensured beforehand.” He said that if the government acts sincerely to remove these barriers, there will be no hindrance to timely elections. “Elections must take place; otherwise, the country could face a crisis,” he added. On the proportional representation (PR) system, Taher said those committed to democracy have a moral obligation to accept it, citing a recent survey indicating that 71 percent of the public supports PR. He claimed that elections under the PR system would prevent autocracy and ensure credibility, unlike the traditional 54-year system. Chaired by Kazi Din Mohammad, Cumilla city Jamaat Ameer, also prospective candidate for Cumilla Sadar-6, central leader and former Feni district Ameer Prof Liakat Ali Bhuiya, Cumilla city unit Nayeb-e-Ameer AKM Emdadul Haque Mamun, Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Assistant Secretary Kamruzzaman Sohel, among others, spoke at the meeting

A total of 462 candidates have been primarily declared eligible for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. Chief Returning Officer Professor Jasim Uddin shared the information at a press conference held at the university's Senate building on Thursday night. Professor Jasim Uddin informed that 47 nomination papers were declared invalid due to various discrepancies including incorrect voter numbers, name mismatches, registration errors, and missing or incorrect signatures. He added that those whose nominations were suspended may appeal to the Election Commission by August 23, 2025. Umama announces independent panel for DUCSU polls Appeals submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. The final decision on appeals will be announced after scrutiny on August 24, he added. The chief returning officer also revealed that no female candidates are contesting for three positions, including Student Transport Secretary. Candidates by Post: Vice President (VP): 43 candidates (5 female) General Secretary (GS): 18 candidates (1 female) Assistant General Secretary (AGS): 24 candidates (4 female) Festive mood sweeps DU campus as Ducsu polls approach Liberation War and Student Movement Secretary: 14 (1 female) Science and Technology Secretary: 10 (1 female) Career Development Secretary: 7 (2 female) Social Service Secretary: 13 (1 female) Human Rights and Law Secretary: 8 (3 female) Health and Environment Secretary: 12 (3 female) Student Transport Secretary: 9 (no female) Sports Secretary: 12 (1 female) Research and Publication Secretary: 7 (4 female) Common Room, Reading Room, Cafeteria Secretary: 2 male, 9 female What makes DUCSU a leadership incubator? International Secretary: 15 (1 female) Literature Secretary: 17 (2 female) Member: 191 male, 24 female (total 215) In total, 402 male and 60 female candidates were initially cleared for the election. Hall Sangsad Elections: In the hall-level elections, 1,108 candidates have been deemed valid, while one nomination paper has been suspended. Campaign Guidelines: Professor Jasim Uddin also outlined strict regulations ahead of the elections. From August 21 to September 10, candidates and their supporters are prohibited from engaging in any voluntary service activities, distributing gifts, offering financial help, or organising entertainment programmes on campus. DUCSU and Hall Sangsad Elections: A look into the contenders and campaigns Such acts will be treated as violations of the DUCSU election code of conduct. In addition, campaign activities within halls and on campus grounds are banned until August 25. Campaigning may officially begin on August 26, 2025. “Any breach of these rules will lead to disciplinary action,” said Professor Jasim Uddin.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly rejected the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) report linking its leaders to alleged Sada Pathar looting in Sylhet, calling the report ‘purposeful, fictional, and dictated.’ At a press conference jointly organised by the Sylhet district and metropolitan units of Jamaat on Thursday, Metropolitan Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul claimed the party found no truth in the ACC’s allegations. "This report is fabricated and politically motivated. No such ACC report has even been officially found," Fakhrul said. He added if the ACC indeed publishes such a report without evidence, they must offer an apology. He further alleged that the real culprits are being protected, stating, "No Jamaat leader or even party worker is involved in the matter." The party urged the public not to be misled by what it termed a smear campaign based on false information. Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) identified several people linked to large-scale stone looting from the popular Sada Pathar tourist zone in Sylhet’s Companiganj. The commission said its enforcement team conducted raids and investigations that confirmed the involvement of the political leaders.