United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded an immediate revision of the recently published July Declaration, alleging that it reflects the ideology and intentions of a particular political party, rather than a broad national consensus. Speaking at a discussion held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Thursday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, “There are widespread rumors in the political arena that the declaration expresses the vision of a specific party. This is unacceptable in a national declaration.” Parwar acknowledged the significance of the July mass uprising of 2024, describing it as a historic event that should have been a turning point in Bangladesh’s political evolution. Election schedule likely in early December: Sanaullah “The nation was waiting for the July revolution. It will be marked as an important chapter in our history. However, if the blood and sacrifice of hundreds go in vain, it may pave the way for a new wave of fascism,” he warned. The Jamaat leader also criticised the manifesto for excluding key national events like Judicial killings, Pilkhana massacre in 2009, Shapla Chattar crackdown in 2013, and the role of teachers in the country’s political landscape. “These events, and the sacrifices of teachers and islamic scholars, were ignored in the manifesto. The Chief Adviser-led declaration is incomplete and must be amended,” Parwar added. He further cautioned that holding elections under the current system, without structural reforms, could lead to another era of authoritarian rule. Jamaat terms July declaration 'incomplete', demands inclusion of people's aspirations He urged the authorities to organize the next national elections under a non-partisan government, in line with the legal framework of the ‘July Charter’. The discussion event, titled “Contributions of Students, Teachers, and Citizens: What Needs to Be Done,” was organized by the Bangladesh Ideal Teachers Federation to commemorate the July Uprising. Dr. M. Korban Ali presided over the event, with Professor ABM Fazlul Karim, general secretary of the Teachers Federation acting as moderator. Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, secretary of Jamaat's Dhaka Metropolitan South unit, was also present as the special guest.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has claimed in his show-cause response that he travelled to Cox’s Bazar with prior consent from party’s Convener Md Nahid Islam. In a written reply addressed to Convener Md Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat explained that on the night of August 4, he first tried to reach Nahid directly. Failing to do so, he informed NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari about his travel plans and requested him to notify Nahid. “About 30 minutes later, Nasiruddin confirmed that Nahid had approved the trip,” Hasnat wrote, adding that other NCP leaders later joined him on the trip. About his absence from the first anniversary event of the July Uprising on August 5, Hasnat expressed disappointment over what he termed an “incomplete and exclusionary declaration.” NCP leaders respond to show-cause notices; decision pending “The government should have produced a declaration that reflected the hopes of the people. Instead, many of us were deeply pained to see how those who led the uprising—the injured, the families of martyrs—were ignored during its formulation,” he wrote. “My travel was a silent protest against this flawed declaration,” the NCP leader said. Hasnat also criticised a key point in the declaration, which claimed that people intended to entrust the responsibility of constitutional reform to the next elected government. “That claim is false and contradicts the original spirit of the uprising. From the outset, we have demanded a new constitution through a People’s Assembly election, one that would dismantle the fascist structure of the state and bring about fundamental change,” he said. Hasnat said he personally decided not to attend the event due to what he described as a shift from unity towards factionalism. “When the voices of martyrs and the injured are replaced by a few select groups, I did not feel it was appropriate to participate. The next day, I chose to leave Dhaka for reflection, reassessment, and consideration of our next course of action,” Hasnat explained. Regarding the Cox’s Bazar trip, Hasnat expressed strong resentment over what followed. “From the airport itself, every movement of NCP leaders was photographed and recorded by state intelligence officials, who then handed the footage to media outlets,” he alleged. NCP’s Nasiruddin Patwari defends Cox’s Bazar trip in show-cause reply “Some media, with background music fit for a crime thriller, falsely portrayed our movements and linked us to baseless conspiracy theories, including a secret meeting with former US Ambassador Peter Haas, who wasn’t even in the country at the time,” he said. Hasnat accused certain media and intelligence agencies of colluding to criminalise and demonise political dissent. “This tactic mirrors the propaganda campaigns previously run against opposition leaders during the Hasina era. That such behavior persists in today’s ‘new Bangladesh’ is both shocking and infuriating.” He warned that such patterns of targeting could be used against anyone in the future, not just the current leadership. On August 5, five senior NCP leaders --Nasiruddin Patwari (Chief Coordinator), Hasnat Abdullah (Chief Organiser, South), Sarjis Alam (Chief Organiser, North), Dr Tasnim Jara (Senior Joint Member-Secretary), and Khaled Saifullah (Joint Convener) -- skipped the July Uprising anniversary programme and travelled to Cox’s Bazar. The party issued individual show-cause notices the next day.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has defended his controversial Cox’s Bazar trip, calling the party’s show-cause notice against him ‘unrealistic’ and rooted in misinformation. In a formal reply submitted to the NCP leadership, Patwari said there was no prior instruction or official programme assigned to him for August 5, the date of the July Uprising anniversary event. “I wasn’t on duty, nor was I informed that my presence was required. So, I went on a short personal trip,” he wrote. His explanation follows internal party criticism over his absence from a significant NCP programme, which coincided with a trip to Cox’s Bazar that included other senior leaders. NCP leaders respond to show-cause notices; decision pending The NCP served notices to five top members, including Patwari, seeking clarification. Patwari’s letter, addressed to NCP Convener Md Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, clarified that he had informed the Convener about the trip in advance after being contacted by Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s Chief Organiser for the Southern Region. Hasnat had reportedly called using a colleague’s phone, as his own had been stolen during a recent party event. Patwari also mentioned that Akhtar Hossain had told him three representatives were designated for the August 5 programme, and he was not one of them. “Based on that understanding, I joined a few colleagues for the trip,” he explained. But the letter went beyond mere justification. Patwari framed the trip as a moment of political reflection rather than abandonment of responsibility. “While sitting by the sea, I contemplated the future of our party, the structure of the NCP, the People’s Assembly, even a new democratic constitution. That is not a crime; it’s political work in solitude,” he wrote. Youths who’ll turn 18 by Oct 31 to be voters: EC He also dismissed rumours that the group had secretly met with former US Ambassador Peter Haas during the trip. “The hotel confirmed no such guest was staying there. Later, it was verified that the ambassador was in Washington at the time,” he added. Patwari concluded his letter with a reflective tone, saying, “Going on a trip is not a crime. History isn’t always made in boardrooms; it sometimes begins in solitude, even by the sea.” The NCP issued show-cause notices on August 5 to five senior leaders Nasiruddin Patwari, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Dr Tasnim Jara, and Khaled Saifullah, for skipping the anniversary event in favour of the trip.

Five senior leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have submitted their written responses to the show-cause notices issued over their absence from the first anniversary event of the ‘July Uprising’ and their controversial trip to Cox’s Bazar on the same day. In a press statement issued Thursday evening, Saleh Uddin Sifat, NCP’s Joint Member-Secretary (Office Affairs), confirmed that all five leaders -- Nasiruddin Patwari (Chief Coordinator), Tasnim Jarah (Senior Joint Member-Secretary), Sarjis Alam (Chief Organiser of the Northern Region), Hasnat Abdullah (Chief Organiser of the Southern Region), and Khaled Saifullah (Joint Convener) -- submitted their responses within the given deadline. Hasnat, Sarjis, Jara among five NCP leaders served with show-cause notices The replies were formally addressed to the party’s Convener Md Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, as instructed. NCP stated that a decision regarding further action will be taken after reviewing the responses. Earlier, on Wednesday, the party issued individual show-cause notices to the five leaders, citing their absence from a politically significant day without prior notification to the central leadership. The notices reads, “On the occasion of the first anniversary of the ‘July Uprising’, a day of national and organisational importance, you along with four other central leaders went on a personal trip to Cox’s Bazar without informing or seeking permission from the party’s political committee. You are hereby requested to appear in person and submit a written explanation to Convener Md Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain within 24 hours.” Five NCP leaders' visit to Cox's Bazar triggers speculation Meanwhile, Nasiruddin Patwari published his full written reply on Facebook, stating, “I believe the show-cause notice is not based on factual grounds. My trip was transparent, not in violation of any organisational policy, and was a space for private reflection. Nevertheless, out of respect for party discipline and political decorum, I am submitting this explanation—as a mark of civility in an uncivil world.” The five leaders had travelled to Cox’s Bazar on August 5 -- the same day government observed the ‘July Uprising’ anniversary-- leading to questions about internal coordination and commitment at the senior leadership level.  

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said that certain “conspiratorial forces” are still trying to disrupt the democratic process, even after the announcement of holding national election. Addressing a rally at New Market area in Chattogram to mark the first anniversary of July Uprising, Khasru made it clear that indiscipline and factionalism will not be tolerated within the party. “There is no place for any usurper or extortionist in the BNP. Five to six thousand people have already been expelled. No one will survive without disciplined politics. ‘Brother politics’ will not work—only BNP politics will,” he declared. Jamaat terms July declaration 'incomplete', demands inclusion of people's aspirations Khasru said the election announcement had brought a sense of relief to the public, but warned that anti-democratic elements remain active. “Even after the fall of Sheikh Hasina, certain groups are trying to run the country by sidelining the people. The people of this country will not accept that,” he said. He also said, “We have defeated fascism under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Now we have to take the country forward on the path of democratic politics. We have to go door to door and earn the trust of the people.” BNP Central Organising Secretary Mahbuber Rahman Shamim also addressed the rally, noting that the chief adviser has announced elections will be held by February. “People are now eager to vote. If we remain united, BNP will win by a huge margin,” he said. Tarique seeks public support for BNP to implement reform proposals Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain said the country’s independence and democracy are secure in BNP’s hands. “BNP will return to power under the leadership of Tarique Rahman with the people’s mandate,” he added. Among others, central leaders Mir Md. Helal Uddin, Harun Or Rashid, AM Nazim Uddin, Abul Hashem Bakkar, Abu Sufian, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Tariqul Islam Tenzing, and Idris Mia were present. The rally was presided over by Metropolitan Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman and led by Southern Member Secretary Helal Uddin and Joint Convener of the City Committee Shawkat Azam Khawaja.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has denounced the July Declaration as “incomplete” and “detached from the expectations of the people.” The party has demanded that the core aspirations of the July Uprising be fully reflected in the document, along with a clear legal framework for implementation. Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher, Nayeb-e-Amir of Jamaat, made the remarks during a press conference held at the party’s central office in the capital's Moghbazar on Wednesday afternoon. Referring to Tuesday’s declaration, which was read out by the chief adviser to the interim government at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, Taher said, “The July Declaration does not reflect the expectations of the people. It ignores key historical events and sacrifices that shaped our political struggle.” He pointed out the omission of several significant incidents, including the 1947 independence, the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the events of October 28. There is also no recognition of the contributions made by Islamic scholars, madrasa teachers and students, expatriates, and online activists during the July Uprising, he added. Taher further mentioned that the 9-point demand that served as the cornerstone of the July Uprising was reduced to a one-point, which he said was also overlooked in the declaration. He said that the primary goal of the July Uprising was to bring about comprehensive state reforms. “A 19-point consensus was reached in two phases through the National Consensus Commission to formulate the July National Charter. However, the declaration failed to mention this process, or how and when it will be implemented,” he added. He expressed concern that the responsibility for implementing the declaration has been passed on to the next government, which, in his words, "undermines the sacrifices made by thousands of people and disrespects the spirit of the July movement." While Jamaat has conditionally supported the December–June election timeline announced by the Chief Adviser, Taher criticised the lack of political consultation in setting the schedule. Nonetheless, he called the move “positive in the national interest.” Describing Jamaat as an election-oriented party, Taher stressed that the government must ensure a conducive environment for free and fair elections. The Jamaat leader demanded that polls be conducted based on the July National Charter and that a level playing field be established for all political parties. He urged the interim government to give legal footing to the July National Charter—through an ordinance, Legal Framework Order (LFO), or referendum—before announcing the national election schedule. “Otherwise, the reform efforts of the interim government will remain incomplete,” he said. He further added that a sense of anxiety prevails among the July fighters, including families of the martyrs and injured. “The nation is still unclear on how the July Charter will be implemented through the Consensus Commission.” Among others, Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Hamidur Rahman Azad, Maulana Abdul Halim, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Selim Uddin, were also present.

Welcoming the interim government for rolling out a roadmap for the next general election, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman sought on Wednesday public support for the party to implement reform proposals. Virtually addressing a rally organised by BNP in front of its Nayapaltan central office marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising, Tarique said his party has already presented its vision before people, outlining how it would govern, run the state and politics, if entrusted with state power. “And the interim government has proposed reforms in consultation with all democratic political parties, and BNP seeks public support to implement all these programmes for the welfare of the country and its people,” he said. “The interim government yesterday announced a timeframe for holding the (national) election with the aim of establishing a democratic government accountable to the people in the fascist-free Bangladesh. The government has unveiled the July Charter in order to implement people’s will. We welcome these initiatives to implement,” he said. Tarique Rahman made the remarks while virtually addressing a rally, organised by BNP in front of its Nayapaltan central office in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 July Mass Uprising.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday welcomed the announcement to hold the next national election in February 2026, saying the party sees it as a step towards restoring democracy in Bangladesh. “BNP welcomes the announcement made, setting February 2026 as the timeframe for the next election following the meeting between the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Dr Yunus in London. BNP believes this historic announcement will help overcome the political deadlock and pave the way for transition to democracy in Bangladesh,” he told a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the capital. Mirza Fakhrul said BNP hopes that the government and the Election Commission will take all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming election is free, fair, impartial and acceptable to all. He said BNP calls upon all political parties and the people to come forward and work collectively to make this election successful, thereby institutionalising democracy and forming an effective national parliament. Prof Yunus’ move clears confusion over next national election: Salahuddin “BNP is expressing its sincere thanks to the head of the interim government, Professor Dr Yunus, the members of the Advisory Council and all the members concerned who are involved in this process for their initiatives and necessary measures to smooth the path to democracy despite many adversities in the last one year, as well as expecting that the remaining work of reforming the state structure will be completed very soon,” he said. Mentioning that Prof Yunus announced the ‘July Proclamation’ on Tuesday, Fakhrul said his party also welcomes this proclamation. “BNP believes the commitments made by the political parties in this declaration will mark the beginning of a transformation into a new democratic Bangladesh. This will create an opportunity to build a truly progressive and prosperous Bangladesh, founded on equality, human values, and justice,” he said. Fakhrul said BNP once again pays tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in this struggle for democracy, sympathises with those who were injured, and prays to the Almighty for their quick recovery. CA Prof Yunus to write CEC to arrange national election in February The BNP leader said his party calls on the government to take measures for rehabilitation and good medical treatment for the victim families. He said BNP expresses its sincere thanks and gratitude to Tarique Rahman for successfully leading the democratic movement for eight long years. Fakhrul expressed BNP's heartfelt gratitude and greetings to all political parties, students, farmers, workers and people from all walks of life who participated in this struggle for democracy, including those who were martyred, injured, or maimed in it.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said all confusions about the next national election have been cleared through Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ announcement to send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner to hold the polls in February next year. “He (Yunus) announced that he will send a letter to the Election Commission and the Commission will take the necessary steps to hold the election before the Ramadan in the first half of February 2026,” the BNP leader said. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after the Chief Adviser addressed the nation, Salahuddin also said the Election Commission will announce the schedule in due time. He said the whole nation and his party have been waiting for such an announcement from the Chief Adviser for a long time. “Through this announcement, the doubts that many people had about the election process in Bangladesh are now gone,” the BNP leader said. CA Prof Yunus to write CEC to arrange national election in February “With this, the confusion that many believed existed regarding the holding of the election in Bangladesh no longer remains. The entire nation will now move forward in an election-oriented environment,” Salahuddin said. He expressed the hope that the upcoming election would be free, fair, neutral and one of the most admired polls in the world. The BNP leader also urged the entire nation and all citizens to prepare for the next national election. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said that he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can holds the national election before the next Ramadan in February. "Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the upcoming 2026 election. In a televised speech, Prof Yunus expressed hope that the people of this country will be able to move forward in building a 'New Bangladesh' by successfully holding the election. July Declaration highlights people’s desire for good governance, fair polls, social justice Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser made two important announcements today: one about the July Charter and the other about the upcoming election. “We welcome both announcements.” He said the July Charter includes commitments that will be recognised constitutionally and officially by the state. “We have pledged to ensure its rightful place in the constitution.”

Criticizing the role of media during the Sheikh Hasina’s regime in the country, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said that journalists should not serve political parties but act as the voice of the people. He said this while addressing an event at Chittagong Press Club marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising. Speaking as chief guest at the ‘Journalist-Student-Public Gathering’ at the club, Khosru said, “You don’t need to be BNP’s journalists. Be journalists of the nation, of the people. That is the promise of a new Bangladesh.” Those who stood with autocrats in the name of journalism are not true journalists. Standing in front of the Press Club to support a party or an individual turned them into political workers, not journalists, he said. He reflected on the last 15 years of journalism under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, claiming many sold out their integrity and sided with fascist powers for personal gain. Those afraid of elections should join NGOs, not politics: Amir Khosru The BNP leader praised Tarique Rahman’s stance on media freedom, referencing a past incident where a cartoon criticizing him was defended in support of free speech. He called for neutral, ethical journalism that highlights people’s voices and national rights, aligning with BNP’s 31-point vision for a democratic Bangladesh. The event included speeches, cultural performances and a photo exhibition titled “July Uprising Through the Lens.” Chaired by Jahidul Karim Kochi, member secretary of Chittagong Press Club, the event featured speeches from special guests including Abul Hashem Bakkar, former general secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, Abu Sufiyan, former convenor of South District BNP, journalists, and cultural personalities.