United News of Bangladesh

Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday expressed hope that Bangladesh-US relations would continue to deepen based on shared democratic values and mutual respect. He made the remarks while speaking at the "Freedom 250" event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Dr Shafiqur also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the country's independence. He called for transforming the current Bangladesh-US relationship from one of friendship into a genuine partnership based on trade, security cooperation and mutual support for democratic institutions. The Opposition Leader also thanked the United States for its long-standing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char. Referring to the Middle East, Dr Shafiqur said, "I welcome the recent diplomatic efforts of the United States to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, including the ceasefire agreement with Iran, and call for continued efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region." The Bangladesh Parliamentary Caucus on America and the US Embassy in Dhaka jointly organised the event. Dr Shafiqur congratulated the Parliamentary Caucus on America for its work and said the core responsibility of parliamentary diplomacy is to protect the interests of disadvantaged and marginalised groups, including refugee families, people in flood-affected areas and voiceless working people. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal attended the event as the chief guest. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen also spoke at the programme, which was conducted by Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman, MP, co-chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on America.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Faridpur-2 MP Shama Obaed on Saturday called for a broad-based social movement to build a society free from drugs, corruption, terrorism and extortion. Speaking at a civic discussion organised by the Citizens' Committee in Faridpur town on Saturday, she said such a movement must begin from every household, village, ward and union. Hospitals can deliver better services even with limited budgets if corruption is curbed: Shama Obaed "Our 17 years of struggle must not be wasted because of our own mistakes. We must stay away from corruption and extortion at any cost and work together to build a drug-free, corruption-free, terrorism-free and extortion-free society," she said. Shama also said declaring Faridpur a division and upgrading its municipality to a city corporation were long-standing demands of the district's people. She urged local business leaders to form a business platform for the proposed Faridpur division to help raise the concerns of entrepreneurs before the prime minister. Highlighting the need for unity, she said people of all religions and political beliefs should work together for the district's development. Leaders from different political parties, business organisations and civil society also addressed the programme.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday announced that it will hold marches in 100 municipalities (pourashava) and upazilas across the country from July 6, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, employment generation and stronger border security. As part of the programme, the party will organise the "July March 2026" in 100 upazilas and municipalities across all 64 districts. NCP describes proposed budget as 'ambitious, fiscally unrealistic' The announcement was made at a press conference held at the party's central office in Banglamotor by NCP's Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam. Party leaders said the marches would begin simultaneously in the northern and southern regions on July 6. The northern campaign will be led by Sarjis Alam and NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, while the southern campaign will be led by Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah and party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. Sarjis alleged that those who supported the perpetrators of the July killings have become increasingly emboldened because they have not yet been brought to justice. He said the marches would also introduce the party's potential local election candidates and urged people from all walks of life to participate in the programme. According to the announced schedule, a march will be held in Kaliganj Upazila at 4 pm on July 6, followed by another in Savar Upazila later that evening. On July 7, the party will organise a march in Cox's Bazar. Sarjis also announced that a farmers' rally will be held in Kurigram on July 15, where the party's new platform, Jatiya Krishak Shakti (National Farmers' Power), will be formally launched. On July 16, NCP leaders and activists will visit the grave of July movement martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur. Addressing the press conference, Sarjis said the NCP wants to see the Home Minister's remarks regarding the banned Awami League reflected in concrete action. He alleged that because justice has yet to be ensured against those who assisted the perpetrators of the July killings, some of them have returned to the public sphere and are making provocative remarks about the July movement. Senior NCP leaders, including Ali Ahsan Junayed and Mahin Sarkar, were also present at the press conference.

State Minister for Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam on Saturday visited the Rajabari-Damdama road in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after a section of the newly constructed road collapsed within months of its completion. The damage of nearly one-kilometre stretch of the road, built at a cost of around Tk nine crore, sparked widespread criticism over the quality of the construction works. Govt committed to implementing every election manifesto: Shahe Alam As the media highlighted the allegations of the substandard construction, the issue came to the notice of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which prompted him to direct the state minister to take necessary steps in this regard. Following the prime minister's instructions, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam visited the site and inspected the damaged sections of the road. During the inspection, he was briefed by the officials concerned on the overall progress of the construction work, its technical standards and the possible causes behind the collapse. The state minister instructed the authorities concerned to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse, identify those responsible and take necessary action against anyone found accountable. He also directed officials to take effective measures to minimise public suffering caused by the damaged road. Local MP Dr Rafiqul Islam Bacchu (Gazipur-3) and senior officials of the district administration were present, said a PID handout here.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the party never bowed to fascist regime despite enduring 17 years of political struggle, repression and imprisonment. "We fought against fascism for 17 years. We endured repression, sacrificed lives and spent time in jail, but we never bowed our heads. Under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, we secured victory. Now we have an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh," he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a public awareness programme titled Alokito Lalmonirhat (Enlightened Lalmonirhat) as the chief guest at MT Hossain Ground in Lalmonirhat town. He said the movement to rebuild Bangladesh has now taken shape through the Alokito Lalmonirhat initiative led by Asadul Habib Dulu. Expressing concern over the growing drug menace, Fakhrul said drug abuse is destroying the future of the country's youth and weakening society. "We cannot allow this to continue. We must build a social movement by raising public awareness and engaging people in resisting drugs and other social crimes," he said. He expressed hope that the anti-drug campaign launched by Dulu would spread across the country. Calling on people to reject drugs, dowry and gambling, Fakhrul said such social evils must be eliminated to build a prosperous nation. Referring to the Teesta issue, he said the government is committed to implementing the Teesta Master Plan, which he said would open a new horizon for the socio-economic development of people living along the Teesta River. Highlighting various government initiatives, Fakhrul said programmes such as the Family Card, Farmers' Card and allowances for imams and muezzins have already been introduced as part of efforts to build an economically prosperous Bangladesh. "We want the light of Lalmonirhat to spread across the country," he said. The keynote paper on Alokito Lalmonirhat was presented by the initiative's chief patron, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu. The programme was chaired by Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rashedul Haque Prodhan. Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, lawmakers Rokon Uddin Babul and Hasan Rajib Prodhan, Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Mominul Haque, among others, attended the event. A procession led by the ministers and lawmakers was brought out after the discussion, marching through the town before ending at Mission Mor in the district headquarters.

Prime Minister's Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said the government is working relentlessly to fulfil the commitments it made before the election, adding that programmes such as family cards, agriculture cards and health cards are being implemented without any shortcomings and are under regular monitoring. He made the remarks at a discussion held at the Dhakeshwari National Temple to mark the 45th death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been consistently working to implement his election pledges, including introducing family, agriculture and health cards, while personally monitoring their implementation. Referring to national identity, Rizvi said describing oneself as "Bangladeshi" carries a unique sense of belonging because it represents a sovereign nation with its own flag, map, national anthem and language. He said people from all communities stood together during the July movement, noting that Muslims, Hindus and Christians alike were among those who lost their lives. "Today people from all communities and ethnic groups have gathered here under one banner. We hope no one will be able to break this sense of brotherhood among us. We will work together, rebuild together and resist any threat together to protect our independent identity," he said. Highlighting measures included in the national budget, Rizvi said individuals with an annual income of up to Tk 400,000 will not have to pay income tax. He also said the government's initial proposal to impose VAT on small neighbourhood grocery shops was withdrawn after objections, including from BNP leaders, arguing that poor shopkeepers should not bear such a burden. Rizvi further said the price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been reduced by Tk 357, demonstrating the government's commitment to easing public suffering. At the same time, he urged the government to improve the education sector, expressing concern that nearly one-third of students registered for this year's Higher Secondary Certificate examinations were unable to sit for the tests. He said the Education Ministry should investigate why so many students dropped out, adding that ensuring students remain in education is a key responsibility of a democratic and accountable government.  

The Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) on Friday relieved its Secretary General Zakir Hossain Riaz of his duties, citing anti-party activities. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the party's National Executive Council, chaired by JAGPA President and freedom fighter Khandaker Lutfor Rahman. According to a party press release, those present at the meeting included Vice Presidents MA Wahab, Dr Awlad Hossain Shilpi and Advocate Shahidul Islam; Joint Secretary General Dewan Mohammad Rokon Uddin Hazari; Organising Secretaries Mohammad Hossain Mobarak and Abul Hossain; Publicity Secretary Kamrul Hasan; and Finance Secretary Md Mahfuzar, among other leaders. The meeting appointed Joint Secretary General Dewan Mohammad Rokon Uddin Hazari as acting secretary general. The party also instructed its leaders and activists not to maintain contact with Zakir Hossain Riaz. It decided to convene an extended meeting within the next month to fix the date for the party's next council. The meeting further decided that JAGPA's organisational activities would resume on July 10 with a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) in Sylhet. It also resolved that JAGPA would stand alongside Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in building the future of Bangladesh. At the end of the meeting, special prayers were offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan.

UNN- Budget-reaction Hefajat-e-Islam leader Maulana Karim hails budget FY27 as welfare-oriented Maulana M.A. Karim Ibn Moshabbir, former central member of Hefajat-e-Islam Bangladesh and a key leader of the historic Shapla Chattar movement, has welcomed the proposed national budget for the fiscal year FY2026-2027, describing it as time-befitting, realistic, and welfare-oriented. In a press statement, Maulana Karim said that Tk 9.38 trillion budget reflects the country’s current economic realities, public needs, and national development goals. "This is not an unrealistic or overambitious budget. Rather, it is a balanced and responsible fiscal roadmap formulated by considering the existing economic situation, global challenges, and the livelihood of ordinary citizens," he said. The Islamic scholar appreciated the budget’s prioritized allocations for key sectors, including development, social safety nets, education, health, agriculture, employment, and infrastructure, which he noted would accelerate the nation’s progress. Maulana Karim particularly termed the decision to increase taxes and prices on alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful products a "groundbreaking step." "Tobacco and drugs are severely detrimental to public health, families, and society at large. Increasing their prices will curb consumption among the youth, safeguard public health, and minimize drug addiction, crime, and social decay," he added. He emphasized that building an advanced, prosperous, and moral state requires the parallel cultivation of social and human values alongside financial growth. Expressing optimism over the smooth implementation of the budget plans, Maulana Karim extended his congratulations to the Finance Minister, respective policymakers, and the government for delivering a realistic budget aimed at ensuring economic stability and uplifting the living standards of the low- and middle-income groups.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Rakibul Islam Rakib on Thursday rejected comments made by BNP women’s reserved seat Nilufar Chowdhury Moni regarding the July Mass Uprising, describing them as "unwarranted." In a post on his verified Facebook page, Rakib described Moni as a companion in the long anti-fascist movement, saying she had played a remarkable role in building a democratic Bangladesh. “But we are deeply hurt and angered by your unwarranted remarks on the July-August Mass Uprising during a recent television talk show. We strongly reject your comments." He said they expect her to exercise greater restraint and show more respect when speaking about the July-August Mass Uprising. The reaction came after Moni, also BNP self-reliance affairs assistant secretary, during a TV talk show, questioned who had used snipers during the July movement. She said, "There are many things I want to say but cannot. If I speak, many people will be exposed. Those who speak today had meetings with the military and played different roles. No one really knows who the main actors in the movement were. The protesters themselves did not know each other. Someone walking beside you suddenly fell; you thought they had simply collapsed, but they had actually been shot. Many did not even know whether the bullets came from the front or behind. There was no sound, it was sniper firing." When the programme host asked whether it indicated a planned operation or conspiracy, Moni replied, "It was certainly planned. Whether it was a conspiracy, I cannot say." Questioning who carried out the silent killings during the movement, she added, "No one knows who fired those shots. There were no police directly in the front. If the police had fired, the bullets would have come from the front. It is possible the shots came from buildings or upper floors. I still do not have answers to many of these questions."

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Thursday unveiled a detailed month-long programme to commemorate the historic July Mass Uprising. JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir announced the programmes, according to a press release signed by JCD Office Secretary Md Jahangir Alam. It said the programmes have been designed to commemorate the historic uprising, pay tribute to the martyrs and injured, preserve its historical memory, recognise the contributions of all stakeholders, strengthen national unity against fascism and mark the second anniversary of the student-led victory against authoritarian rule. As part of the programmes, the JCD organised "Aloy Aloy Smriti Samujjwal" at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of July 1, featuring a collective rendition of the national anthem and candle-lighting in memory of the martyrs. The organisation will hold a discussion titled "Turning Point of the Mass Uprising" at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium of Dhaka University (DU) on July 15. On July 16, student rallies will be held in Chattogram and Rangpur divisions with the participation of leaders of university, district, metropolitan, college, upazila and municipality units. On the same day, memorial meetings will be organised by all university, district and metropolitan branches across the country, except those in Chattogram and Rangpur divisions. On July 18, JCD's private university units will observe Private University Resistance Day with a special programme. A memorial discussion on the contribution of private university students to the uprising will be held on July 20. On July 21, the DU unit of JCD will organise a live performance titled "Symbolic July" depicting unforgettable moments of the July-August movement. The university chapter will also host a children's drawing competition, a photo exhibition featuring images from the past 17 years of movements and struggles, a poetry festival and a street theatre performance. On July 22, prayer and milad mahfils will be held at the DU Central Mosque and at university, district, metropolitan, upazila, college and municipal branches nationwide, seeking eternal peace for the martyrs and recovery of those injured during the uprising. On July 24 and 25, JCD central leaders and leaders of all organisational units across the country will visit the graves of the martyrs, pray for them and meet their families. They will also deliver gifts to the families on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is also the organisational guardian of JCD. The month-long programme will conclude with a student rally at the Central Shaheed Minar on August 3, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to attend as the chief guest.