United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday accused the government of betraying the aspirations of the 2024 July Revolution, demanding immediate implementation of constitutional reforms endorsed by the people through a referendum. Speaking as chief guest at a dialogue titled 'Reform Deadlock: Way Forward,' organised by the NCP Reform Committee at a city hotel, Nahid said the revolution was a historic rejection of authoritarianism that called for structural transformation, not cosmetic change. “The 2024 revolution was a historic rejection of authoritarianism. The people of Bangladesh demanded not cosmetic reform, but structural transformation,” he said. Referring to the referendum on the July Charter and 48 reform proposals, he said the people overwhelmingly approved both the reforms and the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council mandated to implement them within 180 working days. Nahid, who also serves as Opposition Chief Whip in parliament, levelled sharp criticism at the BNP-led government, alleging it had reneged on pre-election commitments. “Before the election, BNP leaders, including the current Prime Minister, publicly supported the referendum framework. Yet after assuming office, the government refused to form the Constitutional Reform Council.” He further alleged that the government repealed key reform ordinances covering judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, police accountability and enforced disappearances, while simultaneously expanding executive authority through new legislation. Reaffirming NCP's stance, Nahid said the party remains committed to pursuing democratic and institutional reforms both inside parliament and beyond it. “The struggle for a democratic state based on justice, accountability, pluralism and institutional reforms continues.” Diplomats, representatives of international organisations, civil society members and human rights activists attended the dialogue. NCP Reform Implementation Committee Deputy Chief Sarwar Tushar, Joint Member Secretary Alauddin Mohammad and Nusrat Tabassum also addressed the session. Central leaders Javed Rasin, Mahmuda Mitu and Faridul Hoque were among those present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party’s new challenge is to rebuild the country from what he described as ‘ruins’. “You have finished a major struggle. That battle was to protect the country, protect the people and safeguard democracy. You have won that war,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district-level leaders of BNP and its three associate bodies. Fakhrul said BNP secured a parliamentary majority and formed the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “We now face a very big challenge. We have come to government from a state of destruction. Wherever you look, you will only hear ‘nothing, nothing, nothing’—that is the reality. Rising from this state of devastation and rebuilding it, lifting it up… not only the party, but also the government and the state—that is our new challenge ahead,” he said. The BNP leader said their main objective now is to overcome this challenge. “We are confident under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, who has led us even from exile, that we achieved a successful uprising and also won a successful election to form the government,” he said. Fakhrul urged party leaders and activists to strengthen the organisation, especially at the grassroots level. “We must remember the leadership and sacrifices of our leaders and workers and ensure better coordination and organisation at all levels,” he added. The closed-door meeting began around 10:45 am at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chaired the session. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the programme, which was attended by leaders from the party’s district units, as well as Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal. Party Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and AZM Zahid Hossain were also present. This was the first views-exchange meeting between Tarique Rahman and the party’s grassroots leaders since the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.  

Opposition parties should criticise the government, but such criticism must be constructive, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday. Speaking to reporters after inspecting preparations for a BNP dialogue meeting scheduled for Saturday (May 9) at the Krishibid Institution in the capital, Rizvi made the remarks. The meeting will be attended by presidents and general secretaries of BNP’s three associate bodies — Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechhasebak Dal — from district and metropolitan units. Tarique-led govt earning public confidence: Rizvi Rizvi said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the programme as chief guest. Senior party leaders, including the secretary general, are also expected to be present, while district-level leaders from across the country will present their views on organisational issues and various government activities. He added that ministers concerned will also present analyses of recent government initiatives over the past two to three months, including measures that have been implemented and those in progress. “Our Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and initiatives on canal excavation are among several good programmes,” he said. Referring to opposition politics and criticism of the government, Rizvi said BNP has struggled for democracy for 16 years, during which many lives were lost, including those of children, students, teachers and workers. “In a democracy, the government performs its duties and the opposition provides criticism. That is the basic principle, and that is how it should be,” he said. He added that opposition criticism is acceptable if it is constructive. “If there are mistakes in the government’s work, pointing them out strengthens democracy and makes the state more effective and efficient,” Rizvi said. “However, if we take programmes with the intention of putting the government in trouble or spread falsehoods, then that becomes conspiracy. Sheikh Hasina, both in power and outside power, has made many false claims. If politics follows that path, it falls under conspiracy,” he added. Rizvi further said constructive opposition would strengthen democracy. “If people consider the opposition’s stance positive, they will judge it accordingly. Ultimately, the people are the final judges. In the next election, they will decide whether the government has performed properly,” he said. BNP leaders Mahfuz Kabir Mukta, president of the Nationalist Publicity Party, and Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal, vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, among others, were present during the briefing.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Thursday said Zia Shishu-Kishore Sangathan has long been closely associated with Bangladesh’s literary, cultural and democratic movements, as well as the struggle for establishing democracy in the country. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at their graves in the Zia Udyan on the occasion of the organisation’s 38th founding anniversary. Dudu said the organisation was established with specific ideals and objectives, and over the years, it has played a role in producing hundreds of leaders and activists who later became involved with BNP at different levels. Referring to the current political context, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and BNP are now carrying forward those ideals and objectives. “I expect further progress and expansion of this organization.” The BNP leader also said the organisation played a role in the anti-Ershad movement and resisted what he described as authoritarian tendencies in later years. He alleged that the “arrogance” displayed through “three controversial elections” under the previous government had undermined the spirit of the Liberation War and mocked those who sacrificed their lives in democratic movements. Dudu claimed that such actions eventually forced those responsible to flee the country. Leaders and activists of Zia Shishu-Kishore Sangathan Dhaka South city unit, Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal and other BNP affiliated organisations were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday expressed deep shock at the death of Begum Jebunnesa, mother of Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. In a condolence message, he said Begum Jebunnesa made significant contributions to the nation as a teacher and was known for her virtuous and pious life. “With her demise, the nation has lost a noble woman,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Begum Jebunnesa breathed her last at a hospital in the capital early Wednesday. She was 83.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives(LGRD)  Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s political situation has improved compared to the past and expressed hope that sustained stability would pave the way for stronger economic growth, increased investment, and job creation.  “We believe that if we can ensure stability in the country, we will be able to move forward with our goals of economic development through  increasing investment and creating employment opportunities,” he said at a seminar titled “Cooperation on Markets, Policy, Alignment, Security, and Sovereignty.” Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research(ISTR) organised the seminar at a hotel in the capital in the morning. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general,  said government initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards and canal excavation programmes have created hope among  people. However, he identified slow bureaucratic processes as a major obstacle to investment, noting that delays by government agencies often discourage foreign investors. The pace at which our agencies handle investment issues creates a negative situation. “Foreign investors become frustrated. This has become a major problem,” he said. He said the government is working to reform the bureaucracy and improve the overall investment climate, acknowledging that the current business environment is not yet satisfactory. “Our Prime Minister is discussing it regularly and pushing all ministries to act quickly,” Fakhrul added. Highlighting challenges in the energy sector, he said Bangladesh is moving towards renewable energy, particularly solar alongside efforts for onshore and offshore exploration of oil and gas. He also underscored the importance of ensuring investment security, maintaining stability in the Bay of Bengal, and fostering balanced relations with ally and neighbouring countries. Mentioning Rohingya issued as a major challenge he said the government is working towards a solution. Fakhrul thanked ISTR for initiating the dialogue and expressed hope that it would lead to further discussions and constructive outcomes. The seminar aims to bridge the gap between national priorities and the interests of international partners, serving as a platform for aligning immediate policy needs with long-term sovereign goals. Organised in collaboration with Bangladesh Defence Journal and Change Initiative, the initiative seeks to function as a strategic forum to enhance coordination and clarity in policymaking.

The agriculture cell of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Agriculture urging the government to take immediate steps to address the devastating crop losses suffered by farmers in the haor region due to flashfloods and upstream water. The memorandum, signed by NCP Joint Chief Coordinator and Agriculture Secretary Golam Mortuja Selim, was received by ministry officials in the absence of Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid. NCP central members and agriculture cell members Touhid Ahmed Ashik and Md Omar Faruk were also present on the occasion. In the memorandum, the party said thousands of hectares of ripe Boro paddy have already gone under water across vast haor areas in Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrokona and Kishoreganj districts, while the remaining crops face acute risk. It noted that around 37 percent of the crop is still standing in the fields in an unripe state, with rapid deterioration feared due to sudden flooding. Even harvested paddy is rotting due to inadequate drying and storage facilities, the memorandum said, adding that fodder for livestock has also been destroyed, pushing farming families to the brink. The party identified labour shortages, lack of mechanised support and weak embankments as factors compounding the crisis, warning that many farmers have already lost everything and now face food insecurity. It called on the government to declare flood-affected districts as disaster zones and provide emergency cash assistance and free food aid for affected farmers. The NCP also demanded full waiver of agricultural loans for completely ruined farmers along with easy-term re-financing, and the immediate deployment of mobile drying units and temporary dryers on an emergency basis. It urged the government to launch special paddy-harvesting programmes with Army and administrative support, ensure adequate harvesters and mechanised assistance, and expedite repairs to embankments while constructing durable long-term flood barriers. The memorandum further called for implementation of an integrated master plan for haor management, modernisation of early flood forecasting and warning systems, introduction of crop insurance for farmers, and preparation of a full list of affected farmers to ensure rapid rehabilitation. "If the haor farmers survive, the nation's food security is secured," the memorandum said, calling on the government to act without delay.  

Newly elected BNP MP from reserved seat Nipun Roy Chowdhury on Tuesday said women lawmakers will not remain symbolic figures in Parliament but will actively represent people’s concerns and work across multiple sectors to rebuild the country. “We are not going to Parliament as ornaments. We are going to speak for the people and bring their real-life issues to the House,” she said after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Zia Udyan in the capital. BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy was also present. Nipun Roy said many women, especially those who are poor, oppressed and vulnerable, continue to face serious challenges, adding that lawmakers must not only highlight these issues but also ensure sustainable and legal solutions. She emphasised the importance of legal awareness from an early age, saying initiatives will be taken so that children can understand the language of law and the Constitution. “We will prove that women are not limited to women’s issues. We will speak on education, healthcare, administration and local government. We will be part of decision-making and help rebuild the nation,” the women MP said. Expressing gratitude, Nipun Roy said she felt honoured to be entrusted with such responsibility and thanked party leadership, including Chairman Tarique Rahman, for their confidence in her. She said she was inspired by the ideals and political guidance of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, particularly their roles in movements against authoritarianism. Nipun Roy also congratulated those elected in the West Bengal assembly elections. She added that Bangladesh’s future politics should be guided by people’s interests and national priorities. “We believe BNP will not take any decision against the interests of the people of Bangladesh. That is where our confidence lies,” she added. Leaders of Dhaka district and Keraniganj BNP, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and other associate bodies were present on the occasion.

BNP lawmaker and party’s Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s relations with India will remain unchanged regardless of which party assumes power there. He made the remarks after paying tributes to Shaheed President and party founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Zia Udyan in the capital. Gayeshwar was accompanying BNP central executive committee member Nipun Roy Chowdhury, who was elected MP from women’s reserved seat. “Which party comes to power in India is not our concern. We believe in independence and sovereignty. So, relations will remain the same whoever is in power there,” the BNP leader said. Congratulating the Indian people for electing their preferred leaders in assembly elections, he said BNP respects the democratic choice of the people of India. Gayeshwar, MP from Dhaka-3, also stressed that BNP does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries and prioritises Bangladesh’s national interests. Referring to the current challenging situation, he said the government has taken responsibility amid multiple challenges and expressed optimism that these will be overcome to restore stability in the country. Highlighting the challenges ahead, the BNP leader said the country is facing a fragile economy, a weakened banking sector and massive capital flight. “However, we are prepared to face them,” he added. Recalling the legacy of Ziaur Rahman, he described him as the proclaimer of independence and a proponent of multiparty democracy who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Gayeshwar said after Zia’s demise, Khaleda Zia led the party through long political struggles, ultimately contributing to the restoration of democracy. He said they offered prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, and also prayed for the good health and success of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in fulfilling public expectations. Explaining the purpose of the visit, the BNP leader said 36 BNP alliance women MPs, including Nipun Roy, have recently been elected and so they came to pay respect to the party founder and the former Prime Minister. He said the party expects the newly elected women MPs to play an important role in ensuring women’s empowerment and rights. “Not only for women, but they will also contribute to meeting public expectations in the broader political context and democratic transition,” Gayeshwar added. He said BNP is committed to promoting women’s leadership and aims to ensure more women are directly elected to Parliament in the future.

Nusrat Tabassum Jyoti has been declared elected unopposed to a reserved seat for women in the 13th National Parliament on behalf of the National Citizen Party, according to a notification issued on Sunday. Following a directive of the High Court Division on a Writ Petition, her nomination papers were accepted and scrutinised on May 2, 2026, the Election Commission said. After the scrutiny process, her nomination was declared valid. NCP's Nahid warns BNP of 'another mass uprising' over intransigence to reforms Under Section 12(2) of the National Parliament (Reserved Women Seats) Election Act, 2004, she was formally declared elected unopposed as per the schedule, the notification added. The announcement was issued from the Election Commission Secretariat in Dhaka. The notification was signed by Joint Secretary Md Moin Uddin Khan. Earlier, on April 22, the Election Commission of Bangladesh cancelled Tabassum’s nomination on the grounds that her papers were submitted after the stipulated deadline. The commission also suspended the candidacy of another NCP leader, joint convener Monira Sharmin. April 22 was the final day for submitting nomination papers for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament, with the deadline set at 4pm. According to officials, Nusrat Tabassum submitted her nomination papers at 4:19pm—19 minutes after the deadline—leading to the rejection of her candidacy. She later filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking restoration of her candidacy, following which the court issued the directive.