United News of Bangladesh

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met the Chief Adviser at his invitation on Saturday morning to discuss the country’s overall situation, including preparations for the next national election. The meeting was held around 11am at the state guest house Jamuna. Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, along with Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, attended the meeting on behalf of the party. At the same time, leaders of the BNP and NCP, as well as relatives of Inqilab Mancha convener and July movement activist Sharif Osman Hadi, also met the Chief Adviser. From the BNP, the delegation included Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and retired Major Hafizuddin Ahmed. From the NCP, the participants were Convenor Nahid Islam and Chief Organizer (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah. According to a press release sent by Jamaat’s Senior Publicity Assistant Mujibul Alam, the discussion focused on creating a conducive environment for holding the 13th parliamentary election in a free, fair and peaceful manner, improving law and order, and ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property. The participants also raised the issue of the brutal attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured after being shot in the head in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday. They demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and exemplary punishment. Condemning the attack, the leaders said the entire nation is shocked and outraged, describing the incident as not only an attack on an individual but a direct assault on the nation and democracy. They urged the government to ensure proper medical treatment for Hadi and prayed for his speedy recovery, while also expressing sympathy for his family and seeking patience and strength for them. During the meeting Jamaat leader Golam Parwar said, “Recently, our various statements have increased the tendency to blame one another which has given our opponents an opportunity. We must remain united as we were before.”

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan and Mancha 24 Convener Fahim Faruqi on Saturday demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam, accusing him of inaction following the armed attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson and prospective independent parliamentary candidate from Dhaka-8, Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking at an emergency press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital, the two leaders alleged that the Home Adviser must take responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly after Hadi was shot at close range while riding a rickshaw. They said Hadi, known for his simple lifestyle, believed that adequate security measures would be in place. “If Hadi does not return to us alive, the government will have to bear full responsibility,” Rashed Khan said, adding that the Home Adviser cannot evade accountability for the incident. He further claimed that under the current leadership of the Home Ministry, law enforcement agencies are unable to function effectively. “If the government truly wants to hold a free, fair and credible election, the first step must be the removal of the Home Affairs Adviser,” he added. The two leaders alleged that the attack was politically motivated and carried out by activists linked to the Awami League, with the intention of sabotaging the upcoming election. Rashed Khan claimed that at least 50 candidates have been targeted nationwide as part of a broader plan to create fear and destabilise the electoral process. Describing the modus operandi of the attackers, he said the assailants approached Hadi in the guise of friends and had conducted surveillance on him multiple times, sometimes wearing masks and sometimes not. “These masked processions by Awami League goons, even if small in number, prove that the party will not be able to return to power. It was misbelief,” he said. He also alleged that he had earlier informed at least two advisers about the alleged plan to disrupt the election. “Awami League has failed to return as a ‘refined Awami League’ or by using the National Party. Now they want to contest as independents—not to participate, but to derail the election,” he said. Rashed Khan claimed that he repeatedly warned the Election Commission that allowing Awami League or its affiliates to participate would make it impossible for other candidates to stay in the race due to insecurity. Meanwhile, Fahim Faruqi said the attack on Osman Hadi was aimed at preventing the election from taking place. “Awami League has sent a clear message that if elections are held, their existence will be erased. That is why they want to stop the election at any cost,” he said. He described the police administration as “ineffective” and blamed the Home Adviser’s inaction for the situation. “We demand his resignation and the immediate arrest of the terrorists. If the attackers are not arrested within the next six hours, we will announce continuous protest programmes. We want justice, not excuses,” he said. Sharif Osman Hadi is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, where his family members are present. The family has expressed interest in taking him abroad for advanced medical treatment. Earlier on Friday night, Inquilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government to arrest those responsible for the attack. The ultimatum was announced by the organisation’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber at an emergency press conference held at around 10:45 pm in front of Evercare Hospital. Jaber said Osman Hadi has been one of the strongest critics of the interim government, yet also a key figure who stood by it during critical moments. “Now it is the government’s responsibility to ensure his best possible treatment. If necessary, he must be sent abroad by air ambulance,” he said. He added that the Chief Adviser has already contacted Hadi’s family and other advisers have visited the hospital to inquire about his condition. “Osman Hadi is not only a leader of Dhaka-8, but of the entire country. Those who fired bullets into his chest must be arrested within 24 hours. We will not accept any narrative that the attackers were ‘killed elsewhere’,” Jaber warned.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged the nation to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day with due respect and solemnity. In a statement, he said these two days are significant milestones in the nation’s history, honoring the sacrifices and struggles of the martyred intellectuals and the valiant freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and offered condolences to their bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery for those injured during the July Uprising last year. Referring to the recent attack on Inquilab Mancha convener and July 2024 activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Shafiqur Rahman condemned the assault, calling it a shocking act against not only an individual but the nation and democracy itself. He urged the government to ensure Hadi’s proper medical care and appealed to the public to pray for his swift recovery. The Ameer-e-Jamaat emphasized that the country has recently freed itself from oppressive rule through the united movement of students and the public. Despite economic challenges, he warned that forces supporting fascism, both domestic and foreign, are continuing their conspiracies, citing the assassination attempt on Hadi as evidence. Former BNP MP Akhtaruzzaman joins Jamaat He called on Jamaat-e-Islami’s branches and citizens to resist anti-national conspiracies and celebrate the upcoming national days with commitment to independence, sovereignty, and citizen rights. Three-day Jamaat program announced: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a three-day programme to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 and Victory Day on December 16 with due respect. According to the schedule, a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day will be held on December 14 (Sunday) at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Dhaka. Organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North Jamaat, the event will begin at 3:30 PM, with the party’s Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar attending as the chief guest. On December 15 (Monday), Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat will host a discussion marking Victory Day at the Institution of Diploma Engineers at 3 PM. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman will join the programme as the chief guest. The three-day observance will conclude on December 16 (Tuesday) with a youth marathon or rally organised by the party’s central youth wing at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. The party will also hold discussions, rallies, and prayers nationwide to uphold the country’s independence and citizens’ rights while observing Victory Day with due respect.

Former BNP lawmaker Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman of Kishoreganj-2 constituency has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. On Saturday morning, he met Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the party’s central office and completed the formalities by filling out the preliminary membership form. During the meeting, Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman expressed deep confidence and satisfaction with Jamaat-e-Islami’s principles, ideology, patriotism, and steadfast stance on safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. He pledged to dedicate the remainder of his life to upholding Islamic values, national interests, and the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He also vowed to remain loyal to the party’s rules, discipline, and organizational principles. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman warmly welcomed him and wished him a long and prosperous life. The event was attended by the party’s Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, as well as Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim. Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman was expelled from BNP on February 20, 2022, for allegedly engaging in activities against party discipline. A veteran of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman is a senior politician and prominent leader of various democratic movements. After independence, he remained active in politics and social welfare initiatives. He served in the Bangladesh Army before retiring as a major and was elected twice to the national parliament from Kishoreganj-2 as a BNP candidate.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Saturday described the gun attack on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi ahead of the election as a small part of a larger conspiracy, not an isolated incident. “This is not an isolated incident. First Ershad Ullah was attacked in Chattogram, now Hadi has been attacked in Dhaka. This is a small part of a big conspiracy. More plots will come to light in the coming days,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a protest rally in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office. The rally was organised by BNP Dhaka South city unit to protest the attacks on Hadi and Ershad Ullah and to demand quick justice. He said a similar attack had been made earlier, referring to the shooting of Ershad Ullah in Chattogram. “The attack on Osman Hadi is an assault on people’s democratic rights, sovereignty and freedom,” he said, calling for resistance against dark forces. “These forces must be stopped and given a strong reply. Those trying to create chaos should be careful.” Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, claimed the attack was pre-planned, saying Hadi was shot around 2:00pm and within half an hour social media posts began calling people to unite and create chaos. “This shows it was all planned.” Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, setting February 12 as polling day, leaving him seriously injured. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital with a bullet injury to his head. Hadi was campaigning to contest the Dhaka-8 seat as an independent candidate. Earlier, on November 5, BNP-nominated candidate Ershad Ullah was also shot while campaigning in the Chattogram-8 seat. Abbas, who has also been nominated by BNP to contest the Dhaka-8 seat, narrated facing aggressive slogans when he went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital to see the injured Osman Hadi. Abbas said those who shouted slogans were not supporters of Hadi but leaders of an associate organisation of another political party, alleging they wanted Hadi to die by disrupting his treatment. Condemning the attack, Mirza Abbas said Osman Hadi was “like a son” to him. “When I heard that Hadi was shot, I was mentally shaken. This is an attack on democracy,” he said. Abbas said he did not wish death on anyone, regardless of political identity, but stressed that those involved in violence and incitement must be arrested. “We want the attackers of Hadi to be arrested and the masks of those behind the plot to be removed,” he said. Calling Osman Hadi a brave street activist, Mirza Abbas said, “He is not my electoral rival, he is my competitor. I hope to see him active again in the election field soon.” After the rally, a protest procession was brought out from Nayapaltan, which marched through Bijoynagar and Fakirapool before ending in front of the BNP party office.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday described the gun attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi as a well-planned conspiracy and demanded exemplary punishment for the real perpetrators through a proper investigation. “This is a planned conspiracy aimed at putting the blame on BNP leaders. The real miscreants must be identified and punished through a fair and credible investigation,” he said while speaking at a protest rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi also said the attack on Hadi, as well as a separate attack on BNP-nominated candidate Ershad Ullah in Chattogram-8 seat, is not an isolated incident. The rally was organised by BNP to protest the attacks on Hadi and Ershadullah and to demand quick justice. Within one or two hours of the shooting, Rizvi said, a motivated post spread on social media, making objectionable and defamatory remarks against BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas without any investigation. “If guilt is decided on Facebook within such a short time, then what is the need for an investigation?” he questioned. The BNP leader said many influential political leaders from different parties live in areas such as Shantinagar, Sajanpur and Khilgaon, but none of them ever faced such an attack. “Then why was Sharif Osman Hadi suddenly targeted?” Rizvi asked. He said Hadi never spoke against Mirza Abbas, nor he attacked him politically. “He spoke against injustice and against the enemies of the country. Is becoming an independent candidate in Dhaka-8 his crime?” He also criticised a recent social media post by a student leader, saying it is unacceptable to label a senior national leader without any proof. Rizvi highlighted Mirza Abbas’s long political career, saying there had never been any allegation of violence against him in nearly 50 years of politics. “Even those he disagrees with say that although he may scold people, he has never harmed anyone. It is not believable that such a guardian-like figure would harm someone young enough to be his son,” he said. The BNP leader mentioned that the Police Commissioner has already told the media that those involved in the attack have been identified and that important clue has been found. “This is not BNP’s claim. This is the statement of a responsible state authority,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that a vested group has carefully planned the attack to frame BNP leaders. “This master plan is now slowly becoming clear. The people understand it, and the administration also knows who is behind this dangerous conspiracy.” He warned against attempts to create disorder in the name of mob politics. “Anarchy and mob violence can never establish good governance, justice or democracy.”

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday called upon their party leaders and workers to remain alert against mob violence and attempts to destabilise the country ahead of the election. “Keeping in mind the change in the mindset of the people of Bangladesh after 5 August, BNP is committed to building a stable and peaceful Bangladesh through the politics envisioned by Tarique Rahman. But now we see the opposite kind of politics,” he said. Speaking at the opening session of the sixth day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ workshop at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, the leader also expressed concern over the prevailing politics of mob rule, brute force, speaking disrespectfully to others, and belittling people. Fakhrul urges govt to ensure law and order after Hadi shooting “The politics of creating instability under any pretext can never be desirable for Bangladesh’s democracy. We must keep our eyes and ears open,” he said. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, condemned the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, calling it a very sad incident. “The President of the Chattogram City unit was attacked earlier, and another incident occurred yesterday (Friday). This is a time when stability is extremely important.” Describing Tarique Rahman as the ‘torchbearer of democracy’, he expressed excitement over his upcoming return to Bangladesh. “Those who have been waiting for Bangladesh’s democratic revival will be glad to know that the torchbearer of democracy, Tarique Rahman, will return to Bangladesh on December 25, Inshallah. This is truly joyful news for us,” he said. Khosru said the party’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ follows the commitment, vision, and dreams that Tarique Rahman has set for rebuilding the nation and shaping its future. “We are especially delighted that on December 25, the most popular leader awaited by the people will return, bringing hope for the restoration of democracy and democratic order in Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader said Tarique Rahman united the nation and led the movement against the Awami League regime successfully. “The hero of that struggle and the torchbearer of democracy, Tarique Rahman, will return to Bangladesh on December 25.” Speaking about the political impact of Tarique’s return, Khosru said a new wave of democratic energy will sweep across Bangladesh’s political landscape. “Everyone must be prepared for that day and for the upcoming election.” “The forthcoming election is not just a victory for BNP as it will be a victory for democracy. BNP is the torchbearer of democracy, and we must uphold this responsibility,” he added. Khosru emphasised, “BNP’s priority will not be mega projects in the name of development, but investment in education and healthcare. Sustainable development is not possible without fulfilling people’s basic needs.” He inaugurated the sixth day’s programme at the KIB auditorium, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually in the afternoon. Leaders and activists from across the country joined the programme to receive training on various issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises ahead of the polls.

BNP on Saturday called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to take immediate and effective steps to prevent a recurrence of violence and ensure quick justice following the gun attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. “We have urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to be more active and called upon the Chief Adviser to take the necessary measures. As a political party, we have made our highest commitment and assured that we will give our fullest cooperation in this matter and continue to do so,” said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Talking to reporters after meeting the Chief Adviser with his colleague Hafizuddin Ahmed, the BNP leader reminded them that their party-nominated candidate for Chattogram-8 constituency, Ershadullah, was subjected to a deadly attack on his life on November 5. “However, the law enforcement agencies did not take any strong action after the incident. If a proper investigation had been carried out and those responsible had been arrested and brought under the law, such incidents might not have been encouraged or repeated. When those behind these acts believe they can remain safe and unpunished, such incidents continue to happen,” he said. Replying to questions, Salahuddin said their party is not ruling out the possibility of bigger attacks on election candidates or other untoward incidents ahead of the polls. He, however, emphasised that it is the government’s responsibility, as well as that of political parties, to resist such attacks. “Public awareness is also very important. That is why we have said that if the Home Ministry, the law enforcement agencies, the joint forces, the government, the people, and political parties work together in unity, then InshAllah we will be able to stop such incidents. At the very least, we can be more alert in advance and take precautionary measures,” the BNP leader said. He also warned that if the fallen fascists think they can foil Bangladesh’s election through one or two isolated incidents that is a mistaken belief. Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was shot on Friday after Juma prayers on Box Culvert Road in the capital’s Bijoynagar area, leaving him critically injured. He is now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser called upon all democratic political forces to work together in unity in the wake of the attack on Hadi. He said the head of the interim government also urged all political parties to join the resistance rally organised by Inqilab Mancha. Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser called for the participation of all political parties in the protest programmes scheduled for Sunday and Monday at Shahbagh or the Shaheed Minar. He said they assured the Chief Adviser of their party’s participation in Monday’s programme. Emphasising the need for unity to resist fascism and terrorism, Salahuddin said, “We want to show unity. We want to demonstrate a national unity against fascism and terrorism. This will be our strength.” Asked whether Tarique Rahman’s security was discussed during the meeting, he said, “This issue was not discussed today. However, it is certainly our top priority. We will make efforts at the party level and also urge the government to ensure his security.”

Calling the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi unacceptable in any way, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the interim government to strictly maintain law and order over the next two months, saying the safety of election candidates and ordinary citizens must be the government’s first and foremost responsibility. In a Facebook post, he also suggested forming a special interim security cell if needed to ensure public safety. “The shooting of Osman Hadi yesterday (Friday) is a very tragic incident. This incident is completely unacceptable. It has deeply angered the nation, especially as it happened just one day after the election schedule was announced,” he said. ‘1971 is our very existence,’ says Fakhrul as he calls for resisting evil forces He expressed the hope that the government would quickly arrest those responsible and ensure proper medical treatment for Hadi. At the same time, Fakhrul urged leaders and activists of all political parties to deal with the situation with patience and wisdom. “Any form of mob violence is unacceptable. Reckless actions are not desirable,” he said. “I urge the interim government to keep the law and order situation under control over the next two months. Protecting the lives and property of everyone in the country—from election candidates to ordinary citizens—is the government’s first and foremost responsibility. If necessary, form a special interim security cell,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul also said they announced at a press conference on Friday that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25. Fakhrul calls for unity to uphold gains of July mass uprising “This is a special day for the BNP, Begum Khaleda Zia, her family, and the nation. We hope that his return to the country will be safe. Inshallah, a beautiful time lies ahead for Bangladesh,” he said. Tarique, who has been living in London since 2008, will return home on December 25 ahead of the national election, ending nearly 18 years of exile.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night (December 12, 2025) said the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on 25 December, ending nearly 18 years of exile. “It is with great joy that I inform you that our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman – the most beloved leader of millions, who has been in exile for almost 18 years and has led the democratic movement for more than a decade – will arrive in Dhaka on 25 December,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul expressed hope that Tarique’s return would help remove obstacles on the path to democracy. “We believe that once our Acting Chairman returns home, the barriers placed before the democratic transition will begin to disappear,” he added. Read more: Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy Fakhrul said the news of Tarique’s homecoming would bring a “message of relief” for the entire nation. He also said their party welcomes Tarique’s return with “great happiness” and wants to share that joy with the entire country. Referring to a meeting in London between the BNP Acting Chairman and the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said it was decided that the national parliamentary election would be held within February, which removed all doubts regarding the election. “With the announcement of the election schedule yesterday, the electoral process has started, and people across the country now have hopes that it will be carried out,” he added. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. During the last Awami League government, he was sentenced in five different cases in his absence, while around 100 cases were filed against him. Read more: BNP announces nationwide protests for Saturday over attack on Hadi But after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, he was cleared of all charges through legal processes. Now, he has no cases pending against him. Fakhrul condemned the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, calling it “a conspiracy to sabotage the election”. “The incident shows that evil forces are working to disrupt the election. We strongly condemn the attack and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible,” he said. Fakhrul also criticised the behaviour of supporters of a political party at Dhaka Medical College Hospital when BNP leader Mirza Abbas went there after hearing about the attack on Hadi. “I cannot remain silent on this. Our Standing Committee senior member and long-time BNP leader, Mirza Abbas, who is a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, naturally went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital upon hearing the news of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi being shot, to show his sympathy as a political leader,” he said. But, unfortunately, Fakhrul said, some individuals and supporters of that party, along with a few conspirators, gathered there, shouted provocative slogans, and at one point tried to create a mob violence. “We strongly condemn that, and we want to warn all parties that if such behaviour happens, BNP will not remain silent and will respond immediately,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want any kind of unrest or violence, but if the party comes under attack, it will not take it lightly, as BNP knows how to respond. Fakhrul urged all political parties to refrain from creating mob violence, inciting tension, or disrupting the election process. “Everyone should focus on restoring calm and ensuring a fair election. Otherwise, the path of democratic transition will be blocked, and the journey of democracy will be obstructed. I urge all sides to take this matter seriously.” Earlier, the BNP National Standing Committee held a meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman via video link, starting at 9 pm. Read more: Mirza Abbas barred from visiting bullet-hit Hadi at DMCH BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the press conference.