United News of Bangladesh

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Friday said the Teesta Master Plan is expected to receive approval at the next meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), with implementation work to begin after completion of assessments by an expert team. “The Prime Minister has taken the project as a priority initiative. Therefore, residents along the Teesta basin have nothing to worry about anymore,” Annie meanwhile told reporters after visiting the Teesta Bridge area in Kaunia, Rangpur, on Friday evening. Another barrage on Teesta River under consideration: PM He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has undertaken a mega project centering on the Teesta River, which will be implemented in the shortest possible time through full domestic financing alongside local and foreign technical assistance. According to the minister, the project will require an estimated Tk 13,000–14,000 crore and will be implemented under a special financing arrangement. He added that the Prime Minister is personally overseeing the overall progress of the initiative. “If we can construct embankments in a planned manner and carry out systematic dredging, we will, Insha Allah, be able to protect the people of this region,” he said. Annie described the Teesta Master Plan as an urgent necessity, saying the river’s challenges affect not only the people of Rangpur and Lalmonirhat but the entire country. “Once the project becomes visible and is completed, whether it takes two to four years or even six to seven years, the benefits will be enjoyed by the people of this region and the national economy will be strengthened,” he said. He added that the project would help develop agricultural infrastructure and agro-based economic zones, transforming the longstanding hardships of people in the five Teesta basin districts into prosperity. He also said preliminary surveys and feasibility assessments have already been completed, while a nine-member team of expert engineers is currently working on the project design. “The formal journey of the master plan will begin within the next one to two months,” he said.

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatradal (JCD), the student wing of BNP,  has announced a new 12-member convening committee for its Comilla University unit after a gap of five years. In the newly formed committee, Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo, a student of the English Department from the 2008–09 academic session, has been made convener, while Abul Bashar, a student of the Anthropology Department from the 2012–13 academic session, has been appointed member secretary. JCD holds protest march against Shibir concocting 'false narratives' around Jisan  The committee was announced through a press release signed by JCD Central President Md Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir on June 18. The newly formed committee also includes Atikur Rahman as senior joint convener, while Md Saiful Islam, Sagar Ahmed, Riaz Uddin Antor, Safayet Hossain Sajal, Motasim Billah Rifat, Ashraf Uddin Munna, Mahfuzur Rahman Arif, Tarikul Islam and Md Saidul Islam Shawon have been made joint conveners. Convener Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo said the committee was formed after a long struggle and expressed gratitude to the central leadership of JCD as well as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman for placing confidence in them. According to the press release, the committee has been instructed to form a full-fledged convening committee within 10 days and arrange a council to elect a new committee within one month.

BNP leader Rashed Khan on Friday said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would soon face political decline as an opposition party, adding that its own leaders and activists would be responsible for their downfall. In a post on his verified Facebook account, Rashed made the remarks while alleging that he is regularly subjected to abusive language for making what he described as “reasonable criticism.” As an example, he shared a screenshot in the same Facebook post. Rashed Khan said some people believe that using abusive language against him and his family would force him to remain silent. He claimed that insults have become their primary tool to stop him from speaking. He further said those engaged in such activities do not realise that a difficult outcome awaits them, adding that the bell was already ringing to signal their downfall.  According to Rashed, who switched to BNP from Nurul Huq Nur's Gono Odhikar Party just prior to the February election in order to avail the party's famed electoral symbol of paddy sheaf, Jamaat's shortcomings and incompetence are becoming visible in parliament. He also thinks the more its leaders speak, the more their mistakes and weaknesses will be exposed. Rashed Khan also claimed that Jamaat would soon face what he termed a “harsh downfall” and alleged that the party’s own “ignorant activists” would be responsible for it.

Leaders and activists of Swecchasebak Dal staged a protest march in the capital on Friday demanding justice for the killing of former convener of Ramna Thana Swecchasebak Dal, Billal Hossain Talukdar. The procession began in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan in the afternoon and marched through Kakrail and Paltan intersections before ending in front of the National Press Club. The programme was led by Dhaka Metropolitan Swecchasebak Dal General Secretary Saad Morshed Pappa Sikder. Leaders and activists from different units of Dhaka Metropolitan also joined the protest. The protesters demanded that those responsible for the killing be brought under the law and given exemplary punishment. Billal Talukdar was stabbed to death by miscreants in front of Anarkali Market in Mouchak at around 8pm on June 8. According to reports, the killing stemmed from disputes over collecting electricity bills and waste management fees from market shops, as well as conflicts surrounding control of footpaths and extortion activities. Supporters of the deceased blamed a rival group for the incident. Meanwhile, the victim’s wife, Ambia Khatun, filed a murder case with Ramna Police Station, naming 21 individuals as accused. Police have already arrested several of the accused in connection with the case.

Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday alleged that the government is trying to establish a one-party rule in the country by appointing its “own supporters” to key positions in banks, universities and local government institutions. “The government is trying to impose a one-party system by placing its party loyalists in various positions, including banks, vice-chancellors’ posts at universities and district council chairmen,” he said, adding that the people of the country will not accept such a system. Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks while addressing a workers’ rally at the Central Eidgah Ground in Narayanganj city organised by the city Jamaat. Referring to the previous Awami League government, he said it used to belittle opposition parties in Parliament, particularly the BNP and Jamaat.   “The current government is also labelling and targeting opposition parties in different ways. But the people of the country do not buy these narratives,” the opposition leader said. He urged the government to understand the pulse of the younger generation “Do not follow the path of the Awami League,” he said. The rally was presided over by Narayanganj city Jamaat Ameer Maulana Abdul Jabbar. Jamaat central executive council member Saiful Alam Khan, MP, Dhaka South city unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, MP, and Islami Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam Saddam also addressed the programme.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Thursday underscored the need for bringing street children into the formal education system. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) at the T&T College ground in Mohakhali, marking the birthday of its Vice President and noted cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman. The event included Holy Quran recitation, doa mahfil and free medical check-up for street children. Moyeen Khan said education is essential for any nation to stand tall in the world, and excellence in knowledge and science is what transforms a country into a global power. Emphasising the importance of education for street children, he said, “Bringing such children under the formal education system will be the greatest achievement.” The BNP leader said Zubaida Rahman wants to promote the same ideals of education among people, urging all to move forward inspired by her life. Addressing children and adolescents present at the programme, he said Zubaida Rahman’s ideals should be taken as a source of inspiration. “Her goal is the development of underprivileged people and children of the country, and the programme was organised following that philosophy.” Moyeen Khan said Zubaida Rahman is not only a renowned physician but also an outstanding student. “She proved her excellence by earning a top degree from the prestigious Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, and instead of limiting her success to personal achievement, she dedicated herself to human welfare.” He said Zubaida Rahman’s goal is not publicity but public welfare. “This humanitarian ideal should be carried forward.” The BNP leader urged all to take a pledge on her birthday to build Bangladesh as a dignified nation in the world through service, education and welfare. Born on June 18, 1972 in Sylhet, Zubaida Rahman is the daughter of former Bangladesh Navy chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, who served as the country’s naval chief from 1979 to 1984 and later held ministerial responsibilities. Zubaida Rahman completed her MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College and joined government service after securing first place in the BCS Health Cadre examination in 1995. She married Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in 1993. Later, she pursued higher studies at the prestigious Imperial College London, where she earned an MSc degree in Medicine with record marks and a gold medal. She is currently engaged in advanced research in pre-cardiology. END/UNB/MN/AM 1629 Hrs  

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna on Wednesday called on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to abandon what he termed “cheap politics” and return to “healthy political practices.” He made the call while addressing a protest rally held in front of the BNP’s central office at Nayapaltan in the capital in the afternoon, organised against what the party described as misinformation and indecent political practices. The programme was organised by Dhaka South city Jubo Dal. After the rally, a protest march was brought out from Nayapaltan. Munna alleged that a speech by a BNP lawmaker was being misrepresented and circulated as an anti-hijab statement. He claimed that the MP did not mention hijab in his remarks, but that the issue was being deliberately distorted and used to create agitation in different places. The Jubo Dal chief said the people of Bangladesh are religious, adding that late President Ziaur Rahman had inserted the phrase “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” into the Constitution, and therefore a party founded by him could not be anti-Islamic in nature. He also said BNP holds sincere respect for Islam, citing the suspension of their programme during the call to prayer as an example. Munna urged Jamaat not to seek political advantage through misleading statements and propaganda, and to return to constructive political practices instead of what he called “cheap politics.” He also warned that if any indecent or offensive remarks are made about Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, Jubo Dal will respond politically. Leaders of Jubo Dal central and city units were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal will hold a protest march in the capital on Wednesday against what it described as propaganda and conspiracies. The programme will be organised by Dhaka South Jubo Dal as part of a centrally announced programme of the organisation. The information was disclosed in a press release issued on Tuesday and signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, joint general secretary (office) of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal central executive committee. According to the programme, the march will begin at 4:30 pm in front of the organisation’s central office at Naya Paltan and proceed towards Shahbagh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayon MP and other central leaders are expected to participate in the programme.

Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday warned that they would take to the streets with the demand for implementation of people’s verdict given in the referendum if it is ignored in Parliament. “It will be resolved either in Parliament or on the streets. We will not leave this public demand, nor do we have the right to do so,” he said while exchanging views with journalists at the LD Hall of the Parliament complex. Dr. Shafiqur said they are committed to fulfilling the aspirations expressed by people and cannot betray that commitment. “We are confident this demand, Inshallah, will be materialised either today or tomorrow,” he added. The opposition leader rejected a government proposal seeking opposition nominations for a special parliamentary committee on constitutional amendment. He said his party would only consider participating in a committee formed for constitutional reform, not for routine amendments to the constitution. Referring to the referendum results, he noted that 70 percent of voters supported constitutional reform. “We stand with people and the verdict of the people. Therefore, we have said that if a committee is formed for reform and not for amendment, we will consider joining it.” Dr Shafiqur said constitutional amendment is a routine parliamentary process that does not require a special committee. When a constitutional amendment comes as a bill in Parliament, the opposition will participate in discussions over the bill, he said. “If they come up with a proposal for reform, then we will consider it,” he added. In reply to another question, he said the people sent them to Parliament to raise voice for them. If any logical issue is not considered or ruled out and we can’t get scope, then we will walk out (from the house) but not for a long term. Asked about the role of the opposition in Parliament, Dr Shafiqur said their lawmakers were elected to represent public interests and raise the people's concerns. “If any logical issue is ignored and we are denied the opportunity to speak, we may walk out of Parliament, but not for a long term,” he said. He said they should not be considered as an aggressive opposition. “Do not consider us an excessively aggressive opposition. Rather, cooperate with us to perform as a reasonable and logical opposition over national interests,” he said pointing at the journalists. The opposition leader recalled that Bangladesh had a relatively effective opposition in Parliament following the 2008 election but claimed that no effective opposition existed in the legislatures formed through the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024. “We have seen opposition parties sharing ministries with the government. We have also seen opposition leaders whose selection depended on the ruling party leadership. We have witnessed such opposition in Parliament,” he said. “Our position is completely different. We will not be a submissive opposition. At the same time, we will not engage in any behavior inside Parliament that hampers public interest. The people sent us here to speak on their behalf,” said the opposition leader. He emphasised that the opposition would focus exclusively on issues affecting the country and its people. “Our concern is the country and its people. We will not spend even a single minute in Parliament on matters beyond national interest,” he said adding that every minute of Parliament's session costs approximately Tk 176,000. Commenting on the supplementary budget passed by Parliament on Monday, Dr. Shafiqur criticised the timing of its presentation. According to the law, the supplementary budget should be placed in March, but it is often presented in June at the very end of the fiscal year, he said. Dr Shafiqur noted that parliamentary approval was sought for approximately Tk 56,000 crore through the supplementary budget 2026 and alleged that a significant portion of the allocation could be vulnerable to misuse. “There is no accountability for a big portion of it,” he said. The opposition leader also said the country's fiscal year should be aligned with the calendar year to ensure better planning and implementation in public finances. Deputy Opposition Leader Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, Jamaat lawmakers ATM Azharul Islam, Shahjahan Chowdhury, Rafiqul Islam Khan, Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen, Prof Mujibur Rahman and GM Nazrul Islam, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant secretary general AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad were present.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman on Tuesday raised an objection in Parliament to the practice of MPs bowing their heads while entering the House chamber, saying it contradicts Islamic principles. Raising the issue on a point of order at the start of the day’s sitting, he said an earlier provision in the Rules of Procedure required lawmakers to bow as a mark of respect while entering the chamber, but the matter was later reviewed and amended. “In the 3rd Parliament, the Rules of Procedure stated that members should enter the chamber by bowing their heads in respect. Later, the matter was discussed and reviewed. I was also involved in the process at that time. Eventually, an amendment was made removing the provision because bowing in this manner is contradictory to Islam and may amount to sin Shirk,” Mujibur Rahman said. He said MPs commonly bow their heads or offer greetings while entering the chamber. Addressing Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, the lawmaker said, “I sometimes notice that you greet members nicely with salam, and we also exchange salam. But afterwards the old habit of bowing is still there. It happens with you and with the Deputy Speaker as well.” He added that since the Rules of Procedure was amended to remove what he described as a practice linked to Shirk, all members should follow it. “That will be virtuous for us, will save us from sin, and will benefit us on the Day of Judgement,” he said. In response, the Speaker said he will review the Rules of Procedure and examine whether such a provision was indeed abolished in previous parliaments. However, he noted that the matter could also be seen as a personal practice. “Some may offer salam, some may bow their heads. Similar practices exist in parliaments around the world,” he said, adding that he will look into the issue further.