United News of Bangladesh

National Citizens Party (NCP) has finally agreed to accept ‘Water Lily Bud’ (Shapla Koli) instead of ‘Water Lily’ as its electoral symbol during its registration as a new political party. "We’re taking Shapla Koli....But we’ve not yet received an explanation as to why Water Lily will not be given (to us)," said NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary after a meeting between his party’s delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on Sunday. To accept Water Lily Bud as its symbol, NCP also submitted a letter before the Election Commission bringing change to its desired symbols – Water Lily, White Water Lily and Red Water Lily-- by incorporating Water Lily Bud to replace Red Water Lily. Noting that the EC has added several new symbols including Shapla Koli in the list of symbols, Patwary explained that now the order of NCP’s preference for symbols is – (First) Water-lily, (Second) White Water Lily (Second) and (Third) Water Lily Bud. “They’ve received a positive response among the people about Water Lily in the overall situation of the country,” he said. NCP accuses Asif Nazrul of political biasness over amendment issue The NCP said they call on NCP leaders and activists as well as the people of Bangladesh, who want to be candidates in all three hundred constituencies, to prepare for the election. He said the Water Lily Bud will be a major fighting symbol against larger parties such as BNP and Jamaat. “Water Lily is already established among the people; now the bud has joined Water Lily,” he said. Criticising the EC, the NCP leader said the Commission has been moving slowly while election festivity has already started in the country. “We want to enter the election phase and the February election to be held fairly. We also want to participate in it,” he added. NCP insists on ‘Shapla’ symbol, rejects ‘Shapla Kali’ He urged the commission to complete the NCP’s registration process quickly so the party can go to the field with its symbol. “Inshallah, in the future there will be a neck-and-neck contest between ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ (BNP’s electoral symbol) and ‘Water Lily Bud’ (NCP’s possible electoral symbol).” On October 30 last, the EC released a revised list of 119 electoral symbols, incorporating ‘Water Lily Bud’ (Shapla Koli). According to the revised schedule, 20 new symbols have been added to the list, while 16 old ones have been dropped. Later on the day, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that there is a difference between the ‘Water Lily’ symbol sought by NCP and the newly incorporated ‘Water Lily Bud’ (Shapla Koli) in the revised list of 119 electoral symbols. Two other NCP delegation members are its joint convener Khaled Saifullah and its joint member secretary Jahirul Islam Musa. NCP may form alliance based on commitment: Sarjis Replying to a question whether the NCP would form an electoral alliance, Nasiruddin Patwary said his party will neither accompany Jamaat nor BNP as Jamaat promotes religious fascism, while BNP carries out extortion and violence. "We want there to be no terrorism, extortion, or corruption in the future parliament. There should also be no religious fascism either," he said. About the referendum, the NCP leader said BNP and Jamaat are currently in a confrontation over the issue. He asked both the parties to avoid confrontation otherwise it may derail the electoral timetable or delay the election. “We would like to urge the two parties not to try to delay the election and avoid bad-debate over the timing of the referendum,” the NCP leader added.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organizer (South) Hasnat Abdullah has said that the election must be held in February and that only those seeking to create a confrontation between the government and the July Charter want to delay it. “If reforms are not implemented, how will the election take place? If this government does not have the mandate for reforms or for declaring the July Charter following the mass uprising, then under what mandate will it hold the election? I want to see that,” said Hasnat. The NCP leader came up with the information while talking to reporters at a press briefing after a coordination meeting aimed at strengthening the party’s activities at the Bhola Zila Parishad auditorium on Sunday afternoon. “Those who oppose the July Charter must explain which direction they want to take Bangladesh in and what kind of preparation they are making. The people will soon understand their motives. We will ally only with those who support reform and are committed to addressing the constitutional weaknesses that led to the events of 2024.” Reiterating the need for reforms before the polls, Hasnat said, “The reform process must be completed properly and the election must be held in February.” The reform order must be issued through a public mandate and it has to be signed by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, he said adding “But we can see that one party wants the President to sign this order. If we have to get the July document signed by him, it is better for all of us to drown in the river.” NCP Bhola District Chief Coordinator Mehedi Hasan Sharif presided over the meeting. Central, district, and union-level NCP leaders were also present.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman has been re-elected Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for three years. The party's Chief Election Commissioner and Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, who was in charge of conducting the internal election, announced it on Saturday night, Jamaat-e-Islami shared on its verified Facebook page. According to the announcement, voting was held across the country from October 9 to October 25 through a secret ballot among the party’s members (Rukon). After the completion of the voting process, the responsible teams counted the ballots. Dr Shafiqur  was elected Ameer receiving the highest number of votes, the Chief Election Commissioner said.

The Election Commission (EC) has reinstated the registration of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party-Jagpa with its electoral symbol ‘Hookah’ in line with a High Court order. “The Jatiya Ganatantrik Party-Jagpa’s registration with its party symbol (Registration No-036, ‘Hookah’ symbol, dated November 20, 2008) was reinstated cancelling its earlier notification that had revoked the party’s registration,” said a notification signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Sunday. The commission had first awarded registration to Jagpa ahead of the 2008 national election. However, on February 1, 2021, the then Election Commission cancelled the party’s registration for its failure to comply with conditions under the Representation of the People Order (RPO). Challenging the cancellation, Jagpa president Tasmina Prodhan filed a writ petition with the High Court later that year. In March 2025, the court handed down its order, directing the EC to reinstate the party’s registration. Jagpa founding president Shafiul Alam Prodhan passed away on May 21, 2017, then its chairperson Rehana Prodhan died on October 22, 2018. Later their daughter, Tasmina Prodhan, later took over as the party’s acting president. A total of 57 parties have so far obtained registration, but five of them—Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, Oikyabodha Nagorik Andolan, PDP and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa)—later lost their status due to different grounds and court orders. But Jamaat has recently got back their registration following the court order. Now Jagpa got back its registration as well. Besides, the registration of Awami League remains suspended. Recently, Bangladesh Republic Party (BRP) officially received registration as a new political party with the ‘Elephant’ as its electoral symbol on October 26 and Bangladesh Labour Party on September 25 last, following two separate court directives. The registration system for political parties was first introduced ahead of the 9th parliamentary election in 2008. Besides, the registration process for new parties is underway ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

National Citizen Party (NCP) has accused Law Adviser Asif Nazrul of assuring a particular political party of advantages regarding the proposed amendment to Article 20 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972. The NCP raised the allegation in a letter signed by its Member Secretary Akhter Hossen and sent to the Law Adviser on Sunday, seeking the government’s official stance on the matter. The NCP letter says, “Recent discussions surrounding the amendment to Article 20 of the RPO, 1972 have raised serious questions about your personal assurance and position favouring a specific political party. We respectfully remind you that as an adviser, you are a neutral legal counsellor of the state, not a representative of any political party.” Offering assurance to one party regarding an electoral law amendment contradicts the neutrality and accountability expected from advisers of the post-July Uprising interim government, the letter says. NCP insists on ‘Shapla’ symbol, rejects ‘Shapla Kali’ “It must be remembered that amending such a law is not a unilateral decision—it is an institutional, consultative and public interest-driven process. Any commitment that signals alignment with a single party’s demand undermines public confidence in the administration and questions the impartiality of the interim government,” the letter reads. The NCP also criticised the Law Adviser’s position, saying it runs counter to the views of the Election Reform Commission and the Election Commission. Highlighting its stance, the party argued that the purpose of the political party registration system is to ensure internal democracy, financial transparency and ideological stability. “When a registered party contests under another’s symbol, it effectively escapes its own accountability. This creates a legal inconsistency and weakens the regulatory authority of the Election Commission,” the letter mentions. The NCP added that when multiple registered parties contest under the symbol of a larger party, voters are left confused about whom they are actually voting for. “This practice breaks the link between voters and political accountability,” the letter says. NCP symbol to be allocated by EC if it fails to pick one: Akhtar Ahmed The letter also warned that such practices create “artificial pluralism,” enabling dominant political forces to sponsor smaller “proxy parties” that later echo their views in Parliament and committees. “This undermines genuine diversity of opinion and distorts the process of building national consensus,” it read. Endorsing the position of the Election Reform Commission and the Election Commission, the NCP reiterated that Article 20 of the RPO should be amended to explicitly prohibit any registered political party from contesting under another party’s election symbol. “If joint nominations or alliance-based candidacies are necessary, the concerned parties should formally unite and register as a single new political entity with the Election Commission,” the party suggests. The NCP argues that such reform would not restrict political pluralism but rather strengthen genuine democratic diversity. “It will ensure every party takes responsibility for its own name, policy, and leadership — a prerequisite for protecting voters’ rights, state transparency, and constitutional balance,” the letter says. Akhter Hossen urged the Law Adviser to clarify the government’s official position on both issues mentioned in the letter.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday voiced concern that the ‘enemies of Bangladesh’ are reemerging and attempting to create chaos and instability in the country. “We are seeing that the enemies of Bangladesh are rising again. As time goes by, there are growing attempts to create a completely anarchic situation in the country,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, Fakhrul said they are also, unfortunately, noticing a spread of propaganda and false information on social media aimed at fuelling unrest and disorder in the country. He said the current political situation is full of uncertainty and frustration. “People are constantly wondering what will happen next.” Earlier, Fakhrul attended a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies to finalise a 10-day programme to observe with due respect the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975. BNP announces 10-day programme to mark November 7 The BNP leader said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics. He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms. “That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution,” Fakhrul said. He recalled how late President Ziaur Rahman united the nation and how party Chairperson Khaleda Zia led long struggles against autocracy and for democratic change. “In the same way, our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly from London to unite the nation and lead the party. He is giving new hope to the people of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Reflecting on the events of November 7, 1975, and Ziaur Rahman’s rise to state leadership, Fakhrul said the country witnessed new enthusiasm and development under Zia’s rule. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach “During his rule, the country was engaged in a wave of development, and a spirit of enthusiasm spread among the people. Sadly, the enemies of Bangladesh brutally killed President Ziaur Rahman at the Chattogram Circuit House, marking another dark chapter in our history,” he said. He said the philosophy of Ziaur Rahman, based on Bangladeshi nationalism, “can never be defeated”. “That’s why the BNP has never been defeated as it has risen again and again from the ruins, just like the mythical phoenix.” Fakhrul also highlighted Zia’s contributions to introducing multi-party democracy and reforms in the administration, judiciary, economy, education, industry, agriculture, media and women’s empowerment.  “November 7 remains an important day in our political life. We want to remember this day with respect and move forward with the spirit of the revolution and solidarity it represents,” the BNP leader said. BNP Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Abdus Salam Azad, Chairperson’s Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and leaders of the city units and associate bodies of the party were present.    

BNP on Sunday announced a 10-day programme to observe with due respect ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies. He said the observance of the day will begin on November 5 with a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and end on November 13. As part of the programmes, he said the party flag will be hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country on the morning of November 7, while senior BNP leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late president and party founder Ziaur Rahman at 10:00am. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach The BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units will also hold a rally the same day, starting from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party will bring out rallies on the same day. Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units across the country will organise various programmes, including discussions, cultural events, photo exhibitions, distribution of educational materials among orphan students, release of documentaries through electronic and print media, and on Facebook, YouTube, and online platforms. Supplements will also be published in newspapers across the country to mark the day with due respect. On November 12, the party will arrange a discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Salahuddin warns against politicising Islam Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975, jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. Speaking at the press conference, Fakhrul said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics. He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms. “That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution. We want to make this day memorable and move forward with the philosophy of November 7,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), has strongly condemned an attack on his party activists by BNP supporters following a procession in Bhola on Saturday. In a Facebook post, Partho said thousands of people had joined a BJP election procession in Bhola Sadar on Saturday morning. “When the peaceful procession ended before Zuhr prayers, only a small number of leaders and activists remained at the BJP office. At that time, out of jealousy, a group of 400–500 BNP supporters attacked our leaders and activists without any reason and vandalised the party office,” he wrote. “This is sad and disappointing, and I strongly protest against it,” he added. Partho warned that if such incidents continue, the respect of the nationalist force could be severely damaged nationwide, affecting the country’s entire voting process. “There is no alternative to remaining united,” he said. 50 injured as BNP, BJP supporters clash in Bhola, party office vandalised However, witnesses said the violence flared when BNP and BJP brought out separate processions around the same time. Both parties traded blame over the incident. At a press conference later in the day, BNP leaders claimed that BJP activists launched an attack on their peaceful procession near the Bangla School Bridge area. “BJP members threw crude bombs and bricks at us, injuring several of our leaders and activists, many of whom were hospitalized,” said district BNP member secretary Raisul Alam, accompanied by joint conveners Humayun Kabir Sopan and Enamul Haque. On the other hand, Bhola district BJP’s organizing secretary Advocate Monirul Islam alleged that BNP supporters attacked their rally and vandalized their party office during a leaflet distribution campaign in support of party chairman Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha. “Around 30 of our activists were injured, six of whom were sent to Barishal for advanced treatment,” he said, accusing a faction of BNP of attempting to disrupt unity within the party ahead of the national elections.

At least 50 people, including journalists, were injured as clashes broke out between activists of the BNP and Andalib Rahman Partha's Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) in Bhola on Saturday. The two groups engaged in chases, counter-chases, brickbat throwing, and crude bomb explosions. Several motorcycles parked on the road and the BJP’s local office were vandalized during the violence. The clashes erupted around 12:30 pm near the New Market and Bhola Municipality areas. Witnesses said the violence flared when BNP and BJP brought out separate processions around the same time. BJP leaders and activists held a rally at their office in the Mahajan Patti area before bringing out a procession, while BNP members marched from their office toward New Market. As the two groups came face to face, they began hurling bricks at each other, leaving dozens injured. Police later intervened to bring the situation under control and deployed additional forces in the area. Both parties traded blame over the incident. At a press conference later in the day, BNP leaders claimed that BJP activists launched an attack on their peaceful procession near the Bangla School Bridge area. “BJP members threw crude bombs and bricks at us, injuring several of our leaders and activists, many of whom were hospitalized,” said district BNP member secretary Raisul Alam, accompanied by joint conveners Humayun Kabir Sopan and Enamul Haque. On the other hand, Bhola district BJP’s organizing secretary Advocate Monirul Islam alleged that BNP supporters attacked their rally and vandalized their party office during a leaflet distribution campaign in support of party chairman Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha. “Around 30 of our activists were injured, six of whom were sent to Barishal for advanced treatment,” he said, accusing a faction of BNP of attempting to disrupt unity within the party ahead of the national elections.  

BNP has formed seven specialised teams to strengthen its communication with mainstream media, social media and grassroots networks across the country. The announcement came through a press release, signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on Saturday. According to the release, BNP has launched a coordinated communication initiative to improve the party’s engagement with the mainstream media, digital platforms, and grassroots level. It said the initiative has already been approved by the party’s National Standing Committee. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will oversee the overall activities of the initiative as its convener. The seven teams are headed by Mahdi Amin (Spokesperson), Saleh Shibli (Press), Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel (TV and Radio), Ziauddin Haider (BNP Grassroots Network), AKM Wahiduzzaman (Online Activist Network), Saimum Parvez (Content Generation) and Rehan Asad (Research and Monitoring).