United News of Bangladesh

Three leaders of BNP and its student wing Chhatra Dal have been suspended over the attack on the vehicle of Jamaat MP (Netrokona-5 ) Masum Mostafa. The suspended leaders are Purbadhala Upazila BNP joint convener Ishtiaq Ahmed Babu, Upazila Chhatra Dal member secretary Saju Ahmed, and former joint convener Solaiman Kabir. They were suspended through separate party notices issued on Sunday, District Chhatra Dal President Anik Mahbub Chowdhury said on Monday. Ishtiaq Ahmed Babu has been suspended from all posts, including primary membership, of the BNP on charges of involvement in terrorism, violence and activities against party discipline, said a notice. Besides, Chhatra Dal central committee said Saju Ahmed was suspended while Solaiman Kabir was removed from primary membership for breaching organisational discipline. Party leaders have also been instructed to sever all organisational ties with the suspended members. Earlier on Friday evening, the private car of Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Masum Mostafa came under attack in Purbadhala upazila. Locals and witnesses said a group of people attacked the vehicle when the MP went to Atkapara Petrol Pump beside the Birishiri road to refuel and briefly confined him. Jamaat leaders alleged that BNP men were involved in the attack, saying they vandalised the vehicle and attempted to assault the lawmaker.

Golam Sarwar Milon, president of Janata Party Bangladesh and a former deputy minister, died of a cardiac arrest here on Sunday morning. He was 69. Family members said he suffered a sudden heart attack at their residence early in the morning and was rushed to Popular Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Golam Sarwar Milon is survived by wife Fatema Sarwar, son Sabayer Sarwar and daughter Tanzia Sarwar Omi. Sabayer Sarwar said the first namaz-e-janaza was held after Zohr prayers at Singair Pilot High School ground in Manikganj. He will be buried after second janaza in the capital. Golam Sarwar Milon was elected a Member of Parliament from the then Manikganj-4 constituency as a Jatiya Party candidate in the 3rd and 4th parliamentary elections. He also served as Deputy Minister for Education in the cabinet of President HM Ershad. Golam Sarwar Milon served as the founding president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal during the 1981-82 term and was known as an influential student leader at Dhaka University. He was previously involved with a left-leaning student organisation supported by Bhasani NAP and was arrested during the anti-Ershad movement. Later, he joined the Jatiya Party in 1986 and became a Presidium member. During the 2007 caretaker government period, he joined the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), led by Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi, but later returned to the Jatiya Party. Before the 11th parliamentary elections, he joined Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, led by former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, and contested Manikganj-2 constituency with the “Kula” symbol but was defeated. In April 2025, he joined the newly formed Janata Party Bangladesh. The party was initially led by actor Ilias Kanchan as president, with Golam Sarwar Milon serving as executive president and journalist Shaukat Mahmood as general secretary. Later, after Ilias Kanchan stepped aside due to illness, Golam Sarwar Milon took charge of the party leadership. END/UNB/ARJ/AM 2422 Hrs

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that the BNP is following the same “fascist path” as the Awami League. “BNP is opposing key issues where the state needs reform. This is a clear betrayal of the nation,” he said. He made the remarks at a rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, attended by families of those killed and injured in the July Uprising. Dr Shafiqur Rahman, also Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said the ruling party speaks about July and Shaheed Hadi in Parliament, but its actions do not reflect those claims. NCP's Nahid warns BNP of 'another mass uprising' over intransigence to reforms

Professor Dr Md Abdul Quddus, a former teacher at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), noted physician, freedom fighter and adviser to the BNP Chairman, died on Saturday afternoon while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in the capital. He was 76. The BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan confirmed the matter. He breathed his last at around 2:20 pm while receiving treatment at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he had been admitted for a long time. The deceased is survived by his wife, one son, one daughter, grandchildren and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. According to family sources, the first namaz-e-janaza of the deceased will be held after Asr prayers in front of the BNP central office at Naya Paltan in the capital. Later, the second janaza will be held on Sunday (April 26) after Zohr prayers in his ancestral home at Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, followed by burial at the family graveyard. Professor Dr Md Abdul Quddus was not only a physician but also a freedom fighter. In his professional career, he served as a former teacher of the Ophthalmology Department at BMU and also held the position of Deputy Superintendent. In his political life, he was actively involved with BNP as an adviser to the party chairman and also served as the former president of Zia Parishad Central Committee. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock at his death and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family. In separate condolence messages, BNP Standing Committee member and Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, expressed deep shock and sorrow in a separate condolence message. Besides, VC of the university Professor Dr FM Siddiqui also expressed sorrow, saying his contributions in both medical and political fields will be remembered with respect by the nation.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday strongly criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the party “never thinks in a rational way” and accusing it of attempts to create political confusion and instability in the country. He said, “We all know their past history very well. That is why the entire nation has consciously rejected them. In the future, we must work in such a way that they can be completely eliminated politically.” Speaking at a briefing at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan after a joint meeting, Fakhrul condemned recent remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, who alleged that BNP came to power through “election engineering.” Fakhrul rejected the claim, calling it “completely false and misleading,” and said both domestic institutions and international observers had recognised the past election as the “most free, fair and credible” in Bangladesh’s history. He said the BNP secured 213 seats based on public support and formed the government through a legitimate mandate. The BNP leader further alleged that efforts were underway to destabilise the country and undermine democratic progress, accusing Jamaat and other unnamed groups of spreading misinformation and creating division in politics and on social media. He warned that such activities could push the country towards instability and urged the public to remain alert against what he described as attempts to restore authoritarian rule. Fakhrul also called on party leaders and supporters to make BNP’s upcoming May Day workers’ rally a success, announcing that the event will be held on May 1 at 2:00pm with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as the chief guest. He said the rally would be both a celebration and a political commitment to strengthening democracy and labour rights. Senior BNP leaders and affiliated organisation representatives were present at the briefing.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Opposition Chief Whip  in Parliament Nahid Islam on Saturday warned ruling party BNP that it risks provoking another mass uprising if it continues to obstruct reform and follow what he called the “autocratic path” of the ousted Awami League. Addressing a national rally of July uprising martyrs' families and veterans at Suhrawardy Udyan organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to press for implementation of the July Charter in line with a public referendum mandate, Nahid said BNP has been blocking meaningful reform at every turn since the mass uprising. “After the mass uprising, BNP has obstructed reform at every step. When they eventually joined the Consensus Commission, they registered notes of dissent on every major reform proposal,” he said. Accusing BNP of reneging on the referendum, Nahid said the party had initially agreed to a public vote only to begin walking back from that commitment after the election. “The very party born through a referendum is now repudiating the referendum after the mass uprising, in doing so, BNP is essentially repudiating its own existence.” He cautioned that BNP's attempt to re-partisan state institutions mirrored Awami League's methods. “If BNP tries to take this country down the old autocratic road, the people of Bangladesh will rise again. The youth will rise again. The students and citizens who took part in the mass uprising will be compelled to return to the streets.” Turning to governance failures, Nahid alleged that the government was trying to placate the public with family cards and farmer cards while denying a deepening energy crisis, worsening law-and-order, and mounting economic troubles. “Ministers in parliament say there is no fuel crisis but the government has run out of fuel.” Nahid added that BNP had become unpopular within two months of taking office. “I don't know if any government in Bangladesh's history has become so unpopular in so short a time,” he said, while stressing that his party sought no instability. “Our sole demand is that the July Charter be implemented in line with the referendum, and that the July mass uprising and the families of the martyrs be honoured. We are on the streets and in parliament, and we will secure this demand together.” The rally was also addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, and other senior leaders of the 11-party alliance.

The BNP will hold a workers' rally in Dhaka on May 1, marking International Workers' Day. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will attend the rally as the chief guest. BNP Standing Committee member and the Prime Minister's Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan made the announcement at a press conference held at the party's central office in Nayapaltan on Friday afternoon. He said May Day is the most significant day for working people across the world. How BNP handles competing pressures to shape Bangladesh’s future: Crisis Group "Workers from different sectors and labour movements will join the rally. Since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be the chief guest and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will attend as the special guest, leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will also be present," the BNP leader said. Nazrul expressed hope that the gathering would be a massive one. The rally will begin at 2:30pm in front of BNP's central office in Nayapaltan, he said. BNP’s labour wing, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, president Anwar Hossain will preside over the programme. Nazrul sought cooperation from journalists to ensure the successful coverage of the event. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister's Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Sramik Dal  Coordinator and MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, General Secretary Nurul Islam Khan and other labour leaders were present at the press conference.

Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday denounced the alleged attack on a college in Rajshahi reportedly carried out by BNP men. In a statement, he said attacks on teachers and vandalism at educational institutions in the presence of law enforcers reflect a serious deterioration in the country’s law-and-order situation. Referring to Thursday’s attack on Daokandi Government College in Durgapur, the Jamaat leader alleged that a group of people entered the campus, demanded extortion, assaulted teachers, and vandalised the premises during an ongoing examination. He described the incident as “unacceptable, unforgivable and deeply alarming,” and accused local BNP leaders and activists of being involved in it. “The honour and dignity of teachers must be upheld, as they are key to nation-building. Such attacks not only insult the teaching community but also destroy the academic environment,” Zubair said. He further said incidents of attacks on educational institutions despite the presence of law enforcers indicate a breakdown of law and order, putting citizens' safety at risk. The Jamaat leader called for a proper investigation into the incident, including the alleged inaction of law enforcement agencies, and demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested and brought to justice. He also urged the authorities to ensure proper treatment, security and compensation for the injured teachers. At least five people, including the principal, were injured in the attack on the college that took place on Thursday afternoon. The injured include Principal Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, Professor Rezaul Karim Alam, and two other staff members.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday strongly condemned the “attacks” on DUCSU leaders at Shahbagh Police Station in the capital, as well as “assaults” on activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir in Pabna and Cumilla. In a statement, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar criticised what he described as “barbaric and cowardly” attacks allegedly carried out by leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). He said the attack on Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders – Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad, Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair, and women leader Fatima Tasnim Zuma – inside Shahbagh Police Station was “deeply unfortunate and unacceptable.” “This kind of attack on elected representatives of students has no place in a democratic and civilised society,” the Jamaat leader said. Porwar alleged that a false post was circulated using a fake account in the name of DU student Abdullah Al Mahmud. “Despite his denial, he was reportedly threatened. When he went to file a general diary at Shahbagh Police Station, it was not accepted instantly,” he claimed. He further alleged that when DUCSU leaders went to the police station to address the matter, they were attacked and seriously injured in the presence of police. Expressing concern over the role of law enforcers, the Jamaat leader claimed the police acted passively during the incident, which he described as “highly condemnable.” He also alleged that activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir were attacked during a procession at Ishwardi Government College in Pabna on Thursday noon, leaving several injured. Later that night, at least 20 leaders and activists were injured in another attack at Cumilla Polytechnic Institute. “These incidents indicate a planned attempt to destabilise educational institutions,” he said. Porwar stressed the need to ensure peaceful coexistence among student organisations and maintain a proper academic environment, urging the authorities and student community to remain vigilant against any attempt to create unrest. He also demanded the immediate identification, arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the attack on the DUCSU leaders at Shahbagh Police Station. The Jamaat leader wished the injured a speedy recovery and urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid political violence.  

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, the labour wing of BNP, will hold a rally in the capital on May 1 to mark the historic May Day. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2:30pm in front of BNP's Nayapaltan central office, said BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan. He came up with the announcement at a press conference at the BNP’s central office on Thursday. He said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the rally as the chief guest, while party Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be present as special guest. Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain will preside over the rally. Nazrul Islam Khan said working people play a vital role in the country’s economy and daily life. “BNP has always stood by workers and will continue to do so,” he said. Speaking about workers’ rights, the BNP leader said the government is working to fulfil the commitments made in the election manifesto for the welfare of labourers. He said various demands and concerns of workers will be presented to the prime minister at the May Day rally. Organisers said extensive preparations are underway to make the programme successful, expecting a large turnout of workers from Dhaka and nearby areas. Earlier in the afternoon, a preparatory meeting was held at the party’s central office with Anwar Hossain in the chair, where different aspects of the programme were discussed.