United News of Bangladesh

A new house is being constructed for Golapi Begum, a homeless woman who had been living on the footpath in Shahbagh, following a directive from Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. The construction work for the new house was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Ratanpur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. Golapi Begum’s plight reportedly came to attention during a 2025 Jatiotabadi Chatrodal rally marking the first anniversary of the July uprising of 2024, when she was seen living in extreme hardship on the streets of Shahbagh. Following humanitarian considerations, the matter was brought to the attention of the party leadership. Subsequently, PM Tarique Rahman, who is also the chief patron of “Amra BNP Paribar”, reportedly instructed his additional press secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, to take necessary steps for her treatment and rehabilitation. Following the directive, arrangements were made for Golapi Begum’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. She was later provided accommodation in Dhaka for around eight months while receiving treatment, the sources said. Later, in view of ensuring her permanent rehabilitation, a decision was taken to construct a house for her. Acting on that decision, construction work for a new house was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Ratanpur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. A representative team led by Engineer Ashraf Uddin, adviser of “Amra BNP Paribar” and MP from Narsingdi-1, and Moksedul Momin Mithun, member secretary of the organisation, formally inaugurated the construction work. Others present on the occasion included Brahmanbaria-5 (Nabinagar) MP Advocate Abdul Mannan, members of “Amra BNP Paribar” and leaders of BNP and its associate bodies. Speaking to local media, the leaders said the organisation’s main objective is to stand beside underprivileged and helpless people in society. They added that humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation activities will continue in the future under the guidance of Tarique Rahman.

The BNP has started the final selection process for nominating candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, with aspirants appearing before the party’s nomination board. The nomination board began interviewing the aspirants on Friday afternoon at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters that interviews of those who collected and submitted nomination forms for the reserved seats started in the afternoon. “As per the party constitution, the nomination board is headed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, and its members are from the party’s standing committee,” he said. On the first day, candidates from Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur and Faridpur divisions are being interviewed. More than 400 aspirants are taking part in the interviews, Rizvi said. He said interviews for candidates from Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla and Mymensingh divisions will begin at 3:00pm on Saturday. Earlier, the Election Commission on April 8 announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. BNP has political track record of managing crises, achieving growth: Titumir Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. The EC said all preparations have been taken to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. According to seat distribution, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independents one seat. Since early afternoon, BNP aspirants and their supporters gathered in front of the party Chairman’s Gulshan office. Security personnel allowed only the candidates to enter the premises. Inside the office, a designated waiting area has been arranged for the aspirants. Highlighting the criteria for nomination, Rizvi said the party will consider the contributions of women leaders, especially their role during the last 15-16 years of political struggle. He mentioned that many women leaders faced harassment, including cases, attacks, and intimidation during that period. The BNP leader also said educational background, ability to speak in Parliament, and knowledge of lawmaking will be taken into account in selecting the final candidates. Rizvi expressed hope that the party will make proper evaluations in choosing the women members of parliament.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said his party will support the government on all just causes while firmly opposing injustice and any actions that undermine people’s rights. Speaking at the District and Metropolitan Ameer Conference of the party at Al-Falah Auditorium in the capital, he said Jamaat’s stance is “clear” on issues of public interest. “We will support the government on all just causes, but will stand as a barrier in case of injustice and any actions that deprive people of their rights, wherever they occur.” The Jamaat chief said his party rejects what he called “deception and fraud” surrounding the referendum. He urged the government to accept the verdict of the referendum, saying his party will extend full cooperation in its implementation. Shafiqur Rahman criticised the handling of the post-July political transition, alleging that the interim government failed to ensure a credible and acceptable transfer of power through the election. He also questioned the credibility of the latest parliamentary election, claiming it was “engineered” and failed to reflect public expectations. The Jamaat ameer voiced concerns over governance, alleging politicisation in key sectors, rising prices of essentials, energy shortages and increasing public hardship. He reiterated that Jamaat will continue to work with the people and raise public concerns both inside and outside parliament. Senior party leaders, including nayeb-e-ameers, the secretary general, assistant secretaries general, central executive council members and district and metropolitan leaders, were present at the conference.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday said there is “no alternative” to implementing the verdict delivered through a referendum, accusing the government of delaying its execution. Speaking at a press conference of an 11-party alliance held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, Parwar alleged that the government had taken a “U-turn” and was offering various excuses instead of implementing the referendum outcome. He also claimed that opposition voices were being suppressed in the National Parliament and criticized recent government statements on multiple issues. Referring to the energy sector, Parwar questioned the Energy Minister’s claim that there was no crisis, saying the country was facing fuel shortages, long queues at petrol stations, and difficulties even for lawmakers in accessing fuel. He further said the fuel situation was contributing to a fertilizer shortage, warning that it could affect agricultural activities, including the upcoming Boro season. On the health sector, he expressed concern over what he described as a worsening measles situation, claiming that hospitals were under severe strain and many patients were in critical condition. Parwar also alleged a deterioration in law and order, citing incidents of extortion, murder, and land grabbing, and claimed that banking sector stability had been undermined by large-scale loan defaults. He further accused the government of politicising public administration through transfers and forced resignations, saying there had been no qualitative improvement in governance.

BNP will start interview of nomination seekers for reserved women seats in the 13th Parliament on Friday. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press briefing at the party’s central office at Nayapaltan in the capital on Thursday. Interviews will be held at the BNP’s Chairman’s Gulshan office starting at 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Candidates from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal and Faridpur divisions will be interviewed on Friday while those from Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions on Saturday. A large number of aspirants have submitted nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats, prompting the party to arrange the interviews, said Rizvi. BNP nomination board, headed by Party Chairman Tarique Rahman, will conduct the interviews in the presence of members of the party’s standing committee, he added. More than 600 aspirants have collected nomination forms. The Election Commission earlier announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seats election. The deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21 while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26, and will be settled between April 27 and 28. Symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. According to the seat distribution, the BNP alliance is expected to get 36 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independents one seat.    

An 11-party opposition alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday announced a series of protest programmes across the country from April 18 to May 2 to press for implementation of the July Charter reforms in line with the referendum. The programmes include a mass procession in Dhaka on April 18 under the alliance banner, followed by similar rallies in divisional cities on April 25 and district-level processions on May 2. As part of the campaign, the alliance will also distribute leaflets and organise seminars in divisional headquarters and key district towns during the period. Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, made the announcement at a press conference held at Al-Falah Auditorium near the party’s central office in Moghbazar. Earlier, senior leaders of the alliance held a strategy meeting at the same venue to determine their next course of action amid the ongoing movement. The meeting was presided over by opposition leader and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. Among others, Nahid Islam, chief whip of the opposition and NCP convener; Oli Ahmad, president of the Liberal Democratic Party; Mamunul Haque, chief of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis; and Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the AB Party, were present. The alliance leaders reiterated their demand for swift implementation of the July Charter, stressing that their movement would continue until the reforms are carried out.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia on Wednesday alleged that the inclusion of Jamaat leaders and activists in the murder case of ‘Pir’ Abdur Rahman Shamim alias Jahangir in Daulatpur is part of a “well-planned conspiracy”. They also demanded an impartial, transparent and credible investigation to uncover the true circumstances of the incident. The claims were made at a press conference held in Kushtia city on Wednesday afternoon. Jamaat leader among 200 sued over Kushtia ‘Pir’ murder In a written statement, Daulatpur Upazila Jamaat Ameer Maulana Belal Hossain said that in the recent murder incident in Philipnagar, party-nominated union parishad chairman candidate and former district president Muhammad Khaja Ahmed has been named as the main accused, while attempts are being made to implicate other party leaders. He rejected the allegations, calling them “completely false, baseless and part of a well-planned conspiracy.” He further claimed that neither the party nor its leaders and activists were involved in the killing of Pir Shamim, nor in any related attack, vandalism or arson at his shrine. Jamaat leaders said the party has maintained a peaceful and lawful stance since the incident and supported dialogue and legal processes. They also raised the alleged presence of local BNP leaders also at the spot, calling for a fair investigation to uncover the real facts behind the incident. The leaders stressed that political or ideological differences should never be resolved through violence, and said they do not support any form of extrajudicial activity. They alleged that a vested-interest group is trying to implicate their leaders for political reasons, targeting individuals who advocate “anti-extortion and anti-occupation politics” in the area. The press conference urged authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, identify the real culprits, and bring them to justice, while also calling for an end to the harassment of innocent individuals. They also requested the media to report responsibly and avoid spreading rumours or one-sided information. The leaders called on locals to remain calm and not be provoked by any misinformation, and said the party would contest the matter through legal channels. Jamaat leaders and activists, including Kushtia city Jamaat Ameer Enamul Haque, Daulatpur Upazila Ameer Maulana Belal Hossain, Secretary Abdullah Al Noman, and former Shibir president Mostafizur Rahman Palash, attended the press conference. Earlier on Tuesday, a case was filed against four named individuals, including a local Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader, and 180-200 unnamed ones, over the murder of self-proclaimed ‘Pir’ Abdur Rahman, also known as Shamim Reza and Jahangir, who was killed in a mob attack at his shrine in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia. Victim’s brother Fazlur Rahman filed the case at Daulatpur Police Station. Shamim Reza, 65, was beaten and hacked to death on Saturday afternoon at his shrine known as “Shamim Baba’s Darbar Sharif” in Philipnagar union. According to locals, an old video from 2023 resurfaced, leading to allegations of blasphemy and triggering the attack. Three of his followers– Zubayer, Mohon Ali and Jamirun Nesa – were also injured in the incident.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Wednesday said the BNP government has a proven political history of navigating global crises while simultaneously delivering two percent economic growth, asserting that the current government is equally equipped to manage challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Titumir made these remarks after the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee formed under the Planning Commission's General Economics Division tasked with formulating economic strategies to accelerate national development and implement the government's electoral manifesto. “Every time BNP came to power, it faced a crisis and every time, it overcame that crisis and opened new horizons,” Titumir said. “In the 1970s, President Ziaur Rahman confronted the twin challenges of a global energy crisis and a post-famine economy. He rose to the occasion, laid the foundation of remittance earnings by exporting manpower to the Middle East, and unlocked a new chapter for Bangladesh's economy. In the 1990s, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia spearheaded a revolution in the garment industry. The two pillars of Bangladesh's economy were both built under BNP governance.” He added that even when economists in the 1970s declared the crisis unmanageable, BNP found a way through. “BNP has always had the capacity to mobilise people and manage crises, backed by strong public support. That capacity remains intact today.” Titumir said by objective economic indicators, Bangladesh's growth trajectory has remained essentially stagnant since BNP last left office. “Neutral statistics show that Bangladesh's economic position did not meaningfully advance after BNP's departure. Whenever BNP has taken power, the growth rate has risen by two percentage points.” The adviser stressed that the current government would pursue only realistic and future-oriented economic projects, rejecting schemes that are impractical. “We will not write feel-good narratives. Development will not be confined to rhetoric. The government has begun the task of recovering a damaged economy and moving it forward.” On social protection, Titumir said the previous system was politically motivated, often benefiting party loyalists and those who needed no assistance. “BNP has brought about a social revolution here, ensuring that benefits reach those who truly deserve them. Farmers are getting their fair dues. Women are receiving dignity through the Family Card. This is proof that Bangladesh is steadily moving towards a welfare state.” Responding to questions on fuel prices, Titumir said the government would adjust energy prices in line with global fluctuations but would not rush into any hasty decisions. “We will calibrate price adjustments carefully to ensure inflation does not spike and farmers are not hurt during the Boro season.” He also noted that at least 9 million people had fallen into poverty over the past three years, partly as a result of repeated hikes in gas and electricity prices by the previous government under various pretexts decisions that disproportionately burdened general people. “The current BNP government is accountable to people and every decision will be taken with the people's welfare in mind,” the adviser said, adding that the government would craft strategic policies for energy conservation and build domestic capacity to ensure long-term energy security.

Expressing optimism, Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister on expatriate welfare and overseas employment, said that the ‘Farmers Card’ initiative will contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic development. Farmers Card will facilitate access to fertiliser, seeds, irrigation services and agricultural machinery. It will also create opportunities for farmers to receive training, he said while speaking at a press briefing held on Monday. In the first phase, a total of 20,000 farmers in 11 upazilas across 10 districts will receive the cards. The programme will later be expanded gradually to include all farmers nationwide. Govt aims to make farmers self-reliant, prosperous: PM The fishermen and livestock farmers will also be brought under the scheme, he added The adviser noted that the initiative would help ensure transparency in the distribution of agricultural subsidies and enable farmers to receive fair prices for their produce. Earlier in the day, the government on Tuesday launched the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme in Tangail on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, marking another step towards fulfilling its election pledges. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the programme at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged BNP leaders and activists to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order across the country and not to take the law into their own hands. He gave the instruction at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat following the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of parliament from Bogura-6 (Sadar) and Sherpur-3 constituencies, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. Addressing party members at the ceremony, he said they must work closely with the administration and law enforcement agencies so that peace and law and order are maintained in their respective areas. “If anyone does anything that disrupts the peace of the area, it is your responsibility to inform the law enforcement authorities. Never take the law into your own hands,” the Prime Minister said, pointing at party members. He also stressed the importance of development alongside maintaining order. “We must ensure development in every area at any cost, and we must also safeguard peace and stability under all circumstances.”