United News of Bangladesh

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday strongly condemned the attack and vandalism at the historic Shah Ali Mazar in Mirpur, calling on the government to ensure a swift and impartial investigation into the incident. In a statement, the party said the assault on a site of religious and historical significance was not only a sign of deteriorating law and order but also a grave threat to social harmony, coexistence and public safety. NCP calls for national emergency over measles outbreak in Bangladesh The NCP's Dhaka Metropolitan North unit urged law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay and take effective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The party emphasised that shrines and mazars should be viewed not merely as centres of religious worship, but as open spaces of social, cultural and human harmony for people of all faiths, communities and persuasions. For generations, such places have served as symbols of mutual coexistence, respect and human connection in our society, the statement reads. NCP called on the government to take concrete steps to make the mazar premises a safe, orderly and inclusive space for visitors, devotees and ordinary citizens from across the country. Earlier in the day, NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb and Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar visited the mazar and held discussions with the shrine authorities. The attack took place late Thursday night when a group of men stormed the century-old Shah Ali Bogdadi Mazar in Mirpur-1, vandalising the premises and assaulting people present at the site.

Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said Farakka Barrage is causing harm not only to Bangladesh but also to India. “It is not only harming Bangladesh, it is also negatively affecting India,” he said while presiding over a discussion organised by BNP marking the Historic Farakka Day. Rizvi said the significance of the historic Farakka Long March Day on May 16 must be remembered and conveyed to younger generations. PM working tirelessly to fulfil election pledges: Rizvi “We are gradually forgetting this history. If this continues, the new generation may not even know about it in the future,” he said. He said BNP had earlier issued statements marking Farakka Day but this year the party has organised a larger-scale discussion involving experts and resource persons so that party leaders and activists connected to nationalist politics could better understand the issue. “We want good relations with all neighbouring countries but those relations must be based on dignity and mutual respect,” he said. Questioning the necessity of the Farakka Barrage, Rizvi referred to Indian engineer Kapil Bhattacharya who had warned decades ago about the harmful impacts of the project. “He said the Farakka Barrage would bring disaster. He protested against it and at one stage reportedly even resigned over the issue,” Rizvi said. He alleged that Indian policymakers ignored such warnings. Rizvi also referred to statements by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who had reportedly called for dismantling the Farakka Barrage due to its adverse effects inside India. “Bihar is facing untimely floods and severe environmental problems because of the barrage,” he said. He further mentioned environmental activists Medha Patkar and Himanshu Thakkar as among those who had criticised the Farakka project and warned about its long-term consequences for India itself. Rizvi questioned whether maintaining navigability at Kolkata Port justified causing environmental and ecological damage to Bangladesh. “You claim Bangladesh is your friend and that you supported its Liberation War. But within just a few years, you built a Dam on the Ganges that caused devastating ecological consequences for Bangladesh,” he said. He said the effects of reduced river flow had contributed to salinity intrusion, environmental degradation and arsenic contamination in groundwater in parts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Pabna, Sirajganj, Kushtia and Jessore regions. Referring to river management practices in the United States, Rizvi said many dams there had been removed to restore natural river flows. “If you block the mouth of a river and divert its natural course, the river will ultimately die. In the end, nobody benefits, not even India,” he said.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said d the prospect of maintaining good relations between Bangladesh and India largely depends on the renewal or conclusion of the Ganges water-sharing agreement, commonly known as the Farakka Treaty. He made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by BNP marking the Historic Farakka Day as the chief guest. The discussion was presided over by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Fakhrul said Farakka Day symbolises resistance and recalled the role of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, who had led movements throughout his life for the welfare of  people without compromising with power. “Maulana Bhashani raised resistance to protect the livelihood, biodiversity and environment of the people of Bangladesh,” he said. He said the Ganges or Padma River is directly linked to the lives and livelihoods of nearly one-third of Bangladesh’s population and the Farakka Barrage had long threatened the country’s ecology and environment. Referring to BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul said Zia had internationalised the issue by mobilising public opinion and raising it on the global stage. Fakhrul alleged that Bangladesh’s problems began after then Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman allowed India in 1973 to experimentally divert water through the Farakka Barrage. He also mentioned that later efforts regarding water-sharing agreements were made by former president Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul said a short-term agreement would not be enough.“This treaty must be for an indefinite period and remain effective until any future agreement replaces it,” he said. The BNP leader said no demand could ever be realised unless people become united behind it. “Maulana Bhashani united people over the Farakka issue, which later made it possible for Ziaur Rahman to implement an agreement,” he said. Fakhrul said the current Ganges Treaty is set to expire on December 2026 and warned that failure to renew the agreement or ensure water flow would create serious concerns for Bangladesh. “I thank our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who has taken a quick decision to move forward with the Padma Barrage project.This is a historic decision that will help protect vast areas of the country,” he said. Fakhrul claimed that the government led by Tarique Rahman is a people’s government elected through a legitimate democratic process. He alleged that certain groups are carrying out propaganda against the government and trying to destabilise the country. “The people of Bangladesh who earned democracy through sacrifice will never allow any conspiracy to raise its head,” he said. Fakhrul said Bangladesh expects immediate discussions over the Farakka Treaty in consideration of the interests of the Bangladeshi people. He also asserted that Bangladesh would never allow any agreement that undermines the country’s interests. “We believe Tarique Rahman’s government will always prioritise Bangladesh’s interests above everything else,” Fakhrul added. Among the special guests were BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, and BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ataur Rahman Dhali. Among the discussants were Emeritus Professor and water resources and climate change expert Dr Ainun Nishat, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, BUET Professor Dr Md Ataur Rahman, and Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr Nahrin Islam Khan. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka Central University Prof Dr Md Nurul Islam presented the keynote paper at the event.  

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Saturday alleged that the previous Awami League government had tried to turn Bangladesh into a ‘virtual province’, of India. “It will be difficult to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty in the future without this government. Because the previous Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina continuously tried to transform Bangladesh into a virtual province of India,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by BNP marking the Historic Farakka Day. BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present as the chief guest. Paying tribute to Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Dudu described him as the architect of the Farakka movement. “I pay my respects to the oppressed people’s leader Maulana Bhashani. I also pay tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who played an important behind-the-scenes role in the Farakka movement,” he said. Dudu said concerns over water sharing and Bangladesh’s survival had remained central issues since the days of Maulana Bhashani.“Even today, the struggle over water has not ended,” he said. Referring to the Farakka Barrage issue, he alleged that Bangladesh suffered major losses when the Awami League government and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman allowed India to experimentally operate the Farakka Barrage without proper discussion.“The damage to Bangladesh began from that very decision,” he said. He also criticised former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over water-sharing issues during her tenure. Dudu praised BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, describing him as following the path of his father, Ziaur Rahman, in addressing the country’s water crisis. He particularly mentioned the Padma Bridge project as an example of a practical step taken under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. Expressing optimism over the current political situation, Dudu said he believed the existing government would be able to resolve disputes related to water sharing and the Ganges issue through agreements. “I firmly believe that through negotiations and agreements, the water crisis and the Ganges issue will reach a resolution by December, InshaAllah,” he said. He also called for public support for the current government and BNP leadership.“We must strengthen the hands of this government. We must support Tarique Rahman and stand united to resolve the water crisis through the government.”. Concluding his speech, Dudu urged people to remain united in defence of the country’s sovereignty and interests. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presided over the event. Among the special guests were BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ataur Rahman Dhali. Among the discussants were Emeritus Professor and water resources and climate change expert Dr Ainun Nishat, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, BUET Professor Dr Md Ataur Rahman, and Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr Nahrin Islam Khan. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka Central University Prof Dr Md Nurul Islam presented the keynote paper at the event.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the people of Bangladesh had been deprived of their fair share of waters of the transboundary rivers because of the deposed Awami League government. In a message marking the “Historic Farakka Day” on May 16, Fakhrul said the day remains a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s national movement. Rebuilding country from ‘ruins’ is BNP’s new challenge: Fakhrul “Forty-nine years ago, under the leadership of the undisputed oppressed people’s leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, hundreds of thousands of people from across the country joined the historic long march towards Farakka demanding Bangladesh’s rightful share of the Ganges water in accordance with international law,” he said. Fakhrul said India constructed a dam at the Farakka point on the Ganges and began unilaterally withdrawing water from the shared river. “As a result, the northwestern region of Bangladesh has nearly turned into a desert. Severe ecological imbalances, including water scarcity, have emerged in the region,” he said. He alleged that the then Awami League government ignored public opinion and allowed India to experimentally operate the Farakka Barrage for a few days without considering biodiversity, environmental standards and the risks of natural and humanitarian disasters. “But the barrage has continued operating ever since and has now turned into a deadly trap,” Fakhrul said. “Due to the then Awami League government, the people of this country have been deprived of their fair share of water,” he added. The BNP leader said Maulana Bhashani, anticipating public suffering and environmental disaster caused by the deprivation, led the historic march towards Farakka to protest before the Indian government and draw international attention to the issue. “From then on, the Farakka Barrage and its role in creating large-scale humanitarian consequences began to receive widespread international attention,” he said. Fakhrul said the significance of Farakka Day remains highly relevant even today. “Disregarding international laws, regulations and conventions, India has continued constructing dams on the 54 transboundary rivers flowing into Bangladesh and unilaterally diverting water in its own favour by obstructing the natural flow of rivers. This has become dangerous for Bangladesh’s very existence,” he said. He warned that signs of Bangladesh gradually turning into barren and infertile land had already become visible. “Therefore, the historic march led by Maulana Bhashani on May 16, 1976 from Rajshahi towards Farakka remains a fearless and inspiring step in the struggle for rightful demands,” Fakhrul said. “That is why every year the observance of ‘Historic Farakka Day’ inspires people in movements for the realization of their rights,” he added. He also wished success to all programmes organised by different organisations marking the occasion.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to remain highly cautious in their dealings and conduct, saying the party is now widely seen as a potential contender for state power. Speaking at a district, upazila and thana-level Ameer conference of the Rangpur-Dinajpur region held at Rangpur Model College auditorium on Friday afternoon, he said Jamaat-e-Islami was previously not considered a competitor for state power, but the perception has now changed. Well done Bangladesh cricket team, says Jamaat Ameer “In the past, no one thought Jamaat would be a rival for power. They only thought of it as an effective political party that would survive,” he said.

The divisional rally of the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will be held at the historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi on Saturday (May 16), demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, alleviation of public suffering and a fair share of the Padma River water. The rally will begin at 2pm, according to a statement issued on Thursday. Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman will address the rally as the chief guest. Leaders of the 11-party alliance, along with opposition members of parliament, are also expected to speak. The organisers said preparations have been made to ensure a large turnout, with participation expected from several lakh leaders, activists and supporters from different districts of the northern region, including Rajshahi. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Rajshahi regional director Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan has called upon people from all walks of life in the northern region to join the rally and make it a success in support of the stated demands.  

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday said the current Parliament could become a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic history if democratic institutions are established on strong foundations. “If we can strengthen our democratic institutions on solid foundations for the future of democracy in Bangladesh, this Parliament will certainly remain a milestone in the country’s democratic history,” he said while addressing a round-table discussion titled “The Current National Parliament: A New Milestone in Democratic Politics” at a city hotel. Former Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury chaired the event arranged by Citizen’s Forum, Bangladesh. “Our key responsibility now is institutional building,” Moyeen Khan said. Drawing comparisons with the United States, he said democratic institutions built over centuries help sustain democratic governance even during periods of political uncertainty. “In Bangladesh, after more than 50 years, we must ask ourselves what democratic institutions we have truly built,” he said. The BNP leader said the present Parliament bears an additional responsibility to establish durable democratic institutions capable of protecting democracy in the future. He said it was still too early to conclusively determine whether the current Parliament will ultimately emerge as a milestone, but stressed that the discussion itself reflected the country’s renewed democratic aspirations. “Time will say whether this Parliament becomes a new milestone. But I believe the sacrifices made by people during the movement against authoritarianism created an opportunity to move Bangladesh forward through democratic institutions,” Moyeen Khan, who had experience serving in five parliaments, said. Referring to the responsibilities of lawmakers, he said the primary duty of MPs was lawmaking, but in developing countries like Bangladesh parliamentarians are also expected to address various public demands at the grassroots level. “In our context, MPs have to do everything from lawmaking to solving people’s immediate social problems,” he said. The BNP leader questioned how effectively lawmakers were able to fulfil their legislative responsibilities given the large volume of laws and ordinances processed by Parliament. He referred to discussions over 133 ordinances promulgated during the interim administration in the maiden session of 13th Parliament and said lawmakers had to review and pass a substantial number of laws within a limited timeframe.  

Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman has extended support to six-month-old Nur Nahar, who has been battling measles and pneumonia amid severe financial hardship, after media reports highlighted the infant’s critical condition and her mother’s desperate struggle to continue treatment. The matter came to the attention of Zubaida Rahman, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and one of the organisers of internationally recognised voluntary organisation Suravi, after a report titled “Six-month-old battling measles in critical condition; mother has no money and does not know what to do” was published in a daily. Zubaida Rahman stresses women’s empowerment for social progress After learning about the infant’s condition, she instructed that immediate medical support be arranged for Nur Nahar.

Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket team for defeating Pakistan in a Test match on home soil. In a congratulatory post on Facebook, he wrote, “Well done Bangladesh cricket team”. Earlier, the Tigers secured a 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday. Bangladesh had earlier won their previous two Tests against Pakistan in Pakistan. Shanto, Rana shatter records in Bangladesh’s historic victory The latest victory marked their first Test win over Pakistan on home soil. It was also the Tigers’ third consecutive Test victory against Pakistan. Bangladesh set a target of 268 runs in the Mirpur Test and, on the fifth day, bowled Pakistan out for 163. Rana became the first pace bowler in Bangladesh’s 26-year Test history to claim five wickets in the fourth innings of a match. His devastating spell of 5-40 not only dismantled Pakistan’s chase but also ended a 16-year drought for Bangladeshi seamers on home soil.