United News of Bangladesh

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur was discharged from Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Monday after 18 days of treatment. Rashed Khan, general secretary of the party, said Nur was released around 4:30 pm. Although Nur has been discharged he will not be able to speak to the media and is scheduled to be admitted to another hospital for further treatment, he said. Nur may need 4–6 weeks to recover: DMCH Director Nur was admitted to DMCH on August 29 with multiple injuries  after a clash between activists of his party and Jatiya Party in front of his party office. He was initially treated at the One-Stop Emergency Centre (OSEC) before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Once his condition stabilised, he was moved out of the ICU. He was given treatment under a six-member medical board.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said their party believes in building an inclusive Bangladesh where no one is left behind because of religion, caste or individual identity or physical limitation. “We want a Bangladesh for all. There is no room for division based on religion, caste or personal differences. We want Bangladeshi nationalism to be seen as inclusive, not divisive,” he said. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while addressing a training programme organised by Bangladesh Pratibandhi Kalyan Samity at its office. He said BNP’s politics is not just about development, but about production-driven growth that ensures wealth creation and fair distribution. “Investment is not just about money; it must be about people. Every citizen needs to be empowered and their skills enhanced so they can contribute to production, wealth creation and fair distribution. The more a country produces, the more wealth it creates, and only when wealth is created can it be distributed. Without production, there is nothing to distribute,” Khosru said. Salahuddin sees security risks if polls miss February deadline He also said every citizen must be engaged, empowered and skilled in order to contribute to national production. “Through empowerment and skill-building, citizens generate production. From that production comes wealth, and when wealth grows, everyone benefits.” Khosru underlined the importance of making full use of Bangladesh’s demographic dividend. “If able citizens, including people like you (physically challenged), are not empowered, the dividend will remain incomplete. To realise the full dividend, everyone must be empowered.” He said their party wants to move away from the politics of donation and charity by pursuing policies of empowerment. “Real change does not come from donations and charity. It comes from empowering people so they can play their part in nation-building and economic development.” The BNP leader also stressed the need to make the best use of the country’s demographic dividend by ensuring that all citizens are empowered. Rizvi warns of rising ‘dangerous forces’ endangering democracy He also said ageing people should not be seen as a burden and no one should be labelled incapable simply because of age or physical limitations. “No one is truly disabled until they are completely cut off from work and society. Even at 60, 70 or 80 years of age, people can remain productive if they are engaged. People may lose eyesight or face physical challenges, but that does not mean they have no ability. Everyone can and must be empowered, wherever their potential lies,” Khosru observed. He said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia introduced policies to include and empower marginalised and physically challenged people. “The responsibility of the state is to invest where capacity-building is needed, and to adopt policies that ensure empowerment.” Encouraging persons with disabilities to take part in politics, the BNP leader said, “We want you to come into politics. There should be no difference or division. In BNP, people are valued for their abilities, not their limitations. Your contribution cannot be represented by others; only you can best present your issues and solutions.”  “Bangladesh belongs to everyone. Our dream for the future is not separate dreams for different groups – it is one shared dream for all citizens,” Khosru said. Reject cruelty, embrace humanity: Tarique Rahman He also said their party will work to enhance the capacity and empowerment of persons with different abilities in building a new inclusive Bangladesh. Referring to the political situation, the BNP leader said the street movement phase is over and now it is time to return the country’s ownership to the people. “Every political party must seek its mandate from the people. Without public support, any attempt to act will undermine democracy.”  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday proposed the promulgation of a ‘constitution order’ by implementing the constitutional related reform recommendations inscribed in the July National Charter, followed by referendum to further strengthen its legitimacy, said its leader AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad. “If a constitution order (executive order) is issued, there will be no scope for legal challenge anywhere and this will create a strong legal position. We’ve told the government that then a referendum can be held on it (the order), the legitimacy will be even stronger,” he said. Azad, assistant secretary general of Jamaat, was briefing reporters after talks between the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital over the implementation of the July Charter. The Jamaat leader said there will be no further scope to challenge the reforms if such a ‘constitution order’ is issued. “If there is a referendum, then the matter will rest with the people. If they accept it, we have no reason to object. The people have decided it,” he said. Azad said people are dreaming of a future Bangladesh built on good governance, justice, democracy, accountability and welfare-oriented policies, replacing remnants of past authoritarian eras. So, there is no alternative to place the July Charter on a legal foundation to start this new journey. “We’ve submitted our proposal in writing (to the NCC) and explained it verbally today. It has to be a strong legal base so that it is not overturned or repealed in future. The way to achieve this is through a constitution order,” he said. The Jamaat leader said a fair and historic election will only be possible if it is held putting the July Charter on a legal framework. “We also told (the NCC) that elections must take place in February next, but the polls must be conducted on the basis of this Charter,” he said. Azad said the July Charter reflects consensus on 84 issues, despite some notes of dissent. “There are no more barriers to implement the July Charter. “The only question now is how to implement it. That is what we have discussed today.” He said Jamaat has been cooperating with the interim government since it assumed office in the interest of the country and its people.  

The upcoming national election will be free, fair and acceptable only when it is held based on the framework of the July Charter, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said on Sunday. Speaking at a meeting of the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, the Jamaat leader outlined two possible ways to implement the charter: either through a Provisional Constitutional Order or by holding a referendum. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the meeting and focused on the charter’s implementation process. "If political parties fail to reach an agreement, people should decide through a referendum," Azad said. The Jamaat leader said the government had made reform its top priority and had promised to correct past errors and deviations that had damaged the state system. He added that the government's first commitment was to lead the country towards a new path, free from past failures. The second promise was national reform, and the third was to hold the best election in Bangladesh’s history in a festive and inclusive atmosphere. Azad said Jamaat-e-Islami wants to believe that a level playing field will be created, as promised by the Chief Adviser, ensuring a neutral and acceptable election. He, however, expressed concern over the recent DUCSU and JUCSU elections, suggesting they sent a negative signal regarding the electoral environment and result announcements. "We are worried that such influence in student elections might reflect on the national election as well," he mentioned. Azad reiterated that the people’s expectations can only be fulfilled if the upcoming general election is conducted under a fair, impartial and credible administration. Wishing for a smooth and successful conclusion to the national charter process, the Jamaat leader called for an extension of the Consensus Commission’s term and proposed that it be finalised under the leadership of Vice President Ali Riaz.

Offering Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus the full liberty to find a way to implement the reform recommendations related to the Constitutional amendment, BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday warned that failure to hold the next national election within the announced February timeline could pose national and regional security threats. “Please find a fully implementable process. You have already taken opinions from many experts. If you feel any of their suggestions are appropriate and decide to implement them, you are at liberty …we will have no objection,” he told the Chief Adviser. Speaking at the National Consensus Building Commission meeting at the Foreign Service Academy, in the presence of the Chief Adviser, the BNP leader also urged Prof Yunus to seek opinions from the judiciary if he thinks it necessary. “We do not think that 15 out of 19 constitutional reform proposals are legally feasible for implementation in the current context. But if you take the initiative, consult the judiciary, or decide on another course of action, and invite us to discuss it, we will always cooperate,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, however, said reforms, justice and elections should not be seen as mutually interdependent. Consensus must; polls to be a grand festival: Prof Yunus “Reform will continue as reform is a continuous process. Justice can never be bound by a time limit...no matter which government is in power, the trial will go on,” he said. The BNP leader mentioned that their party leaders and workers have been the worst victims of injustice, enforced disappearances, killings, and repression during the rule of the Awami League. “So, holding the trials is our commitment and the nation’s commitment, and this will continue. But elections cannot be made conditional on these issues,” he said. Salahuddin warned that creating uncertainty over the election in February, as per the commitment of the Chief Adviser, will only serve fascist forces. “If we take any actions that give fascist forces an opportunity or indulgence, many believe it would become a national security threat. I think it could even become a regional security threat. Two regional powers and a global power could get involved. We do not want to take Bangladesh into that situation,” he said. Reaffirming BNP’s position, Salahuddin said the election must be held on schedule in February as directed by the Chief Adviser. National charter a document of political unity: Prof Riaz “There can be no conditions attached to it. We believe that through further efforts by the National Consensus Commission, and with the Chief Adviser’s personal initiative, a solution will be achieved,” he concluded. About reaching a national consensus on many issues, he said there are still several areas that need reform, which perhaps could not be fully traced due to time constraints. “Those issues need to be traced and addressed in the days to come.” The BNP leader said they received 826 proposals for reforms and submitted their party’s written opinions after discussions in the party forum. We disagreed on only 51 proposals, and placed different views over 115 proposals. He warned against the faulty implementation process saying the reforms will not sustain if it is challenged in the court in future. “It should take a proper time to make the implementation sustainable,” Salahuddin said. Referring to dissenting notes on some issues in the National July Charter, he said the ‘notes of dissent’ were registered on some of the 19 constitutional issues and the political parties should sign the charter with notes of dissent. The party which gets the public mandate (in the election) must implement the charter except the issues with their notes of dissent. Only July Charter can ensure fair election: Jamaat Over the question of authority to implement the constitutional reform issues by any other forum other than parliament, the BNP leader said the legal advice can be taken from the Supreme Court on this. “We can go there and take assistance (from the Supreme Court). “Beyond that, if there is anything, let us know—we agree. We are ready to sign the Charter,” he said. Calling for keeping up the anti-fascist unity and transforming it into strength, Salahuddin said compromise and more negotiations are necessary to find an implementation way. “If any path is found through dialogue, we will agree.” Noting that the final version of July Charter has some clerical mistakes and slight confusion. He said, “We will correct those—it is not major.” But since it is a national, political, and historic document, it must be flawless. Issues not discussed should not be included. The less the controversy, the better,” he said. Describing the July Charter as a national and historical document of political compromise, he said it must be flawless. Salahuddin said the Charter should be kept above the Constitution and should be made immune from judicial review. “No document can exist that cannot be questioned in court. Placing the Charter above the Constitution is unacceptable. Still, there are ways to give it legitimacy—such as seeking advice from the Appellate Division whether an Extra Constitutional or Special Constitutional Order can be issued,” he said. Rizvi warns of rising ‘dangerous forces’ endangering democracy National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Jamaat leader AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and National Citizen Party leader Akhter Hossen also spoke at the programme, conducted by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday voiced deep concern over the rise of what he described as dangerous forces in the country, saying they pose a serious threat to democracy, religious freedom and cultural diversity. “What we are witnessing now is the rise of forces that are dangerous to democracy, dangerous to democratic values, and a threat to the religious faith of our people,” he said while speaking at a discussion and doa mahfil. The Diploma Engineers Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, praying for ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and marking the 18th anniversary of party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s release from jail. Rizvi said many of those involved in the July-August mass uprising are now trying to impose a new form of cultural dominance, while BNP upholds a political and cultural tradition rooted in the soil of this country. He said Jamaat-e-Islami wants to preach Islam, even though Islam has long been established in the country. Rizvi alleged that Jamaat is in fact trying to spread Maududi’s ideology in the name of Islam and by exploiting religious sentiments. The BNP leader said Bangladesh’s cultural identity is one where people offer prayers five times a day but also watch TV dramas and listen to music. “This is our cultural reality. But when you try to make everything one-sided, fascism emerges, and the worst form of fascism is religious extremism and the spread of radical politics.” Reject cruelty, embrace humanity: Tarique Rahman He also raised questions the fairness of the recent student union elections to Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University students unions, suggesting there might be a secret plan to wipe out nationalist forces. “Is a ‘deep blueprint’ being drawn up by the state and university authorities to eliminate pro-BNP student organisations? This has now become a matter of public concern.” Rizvi alleged that ballot papers for the DUCSU and JUCSU elections were printed at a privately-owned press rather than a government press. “The owner of that press is known to have close ties with a particular political party. Isn’t this an irregularity and a breach of fair practices?” He noted that even teachers at Jahangirnagar University resigned from their duties after witnessing such irregularities. Rizvi further criticised the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University for introducing a new code of conduct that reportedly bars former students from entering the campus. “But a university is not an isolated place. Former students remain emotionally connected to it for life.”

Abdur Rashid Zitu, the newly elected Vice President (VP) of Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU), has pledged to end the culture of sycophantic student politics on the campus. "We’ve seen how party-aligned politics damages students’ academic lives. Our goal is to create a 100% safe and education-friendly campus," he said while talking to reporters at the JU Senate Building on Saturday evening after the election results were announced. He also focused on the long struggle for JUCSU elections, noting delays due to previous governments. "JUCSU elections were due in 2013, but they were blocked. Even after the DUCSU polls in 2019, there was demand for JU elections, but it didn’t happen under the then administration," he said. When asked about his post-election plans, Zitu said his priority will be building an inclusive JUCSU, working with all elected representatives regardless of party affiliation. Zitu grabbed the VP post with 3324 votes. He is the convener of JU’s Gonoovvutthan Rokkha Andolon and a 47th batch student of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture. Meanwhile, Islami Chhatra Shibir has tightened its grip on Bangladesh’s student politics, storming to a resounding victory in the Jahangirnagar University Central Student Union (JUCSU) elections. Riding high on its earlier victory of Dhaka University’s DUCSU polls, the Shibir-backed ‘Coordinated Student Alliance’ clinched 20 out of 25 central council seats, leaving rival groups trailing far behind.

Ruhul Islam, a candidate from the Shibir-backed panel, narrowly defeated Igimi Chakma of the Sampriti Oikya panel to win the post of Drama Secretary in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election. Ruhul secured 1,929 votes, while Igimi received 1,928 votes — losing by just one vote in one of the tightest races of the election. The razor-thin margin drew attention from students and election observers alike, highlighting the intense competition between panels in this year’s JUCSU polls. From DUCSU to JUCSU: Shibir’s winning streak rolls on Meanwhile, Islami Chhatra Shibir has tightened its grip on Bangladesh’s student politics, storming to a resounding victory in the Jahangirnagar University Central Student Union (JUCSU) elections. Riding high on its earlier victory of Dhaka University’s DUCSU polls, the Shibir-backed ‘Coordinated Student Alliance’ clinched 20 out of 25 central council seats, leaving rival groups trailing far behind. Although independent candidate Abdur Rashid Zitu won the Vice President (VP) post, Shibir-backed panel candidates secured the remaining key positions.

The results of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and Hall Union elections have been announced. The announcement of hall union results began at 5:30pm on Saturday, followed by the declaration of central Jucsu results around 7:30pm at the university’s Senate Hall. Returning officers of the respective halls declared the hall union results, while the event was conducted by the election commission’s member secretary and Proctor Prof AKM Rashidul Alam. Earlier, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of JU teacher Jannatul Ferdous, who died of a heart attack on Friday while attending election-related activities. Winners of the top hall union posts are as follows: Al Beruni Hall: VP – Rifat Ahmed Shakil; GS – Muntasir Billah Khan Nawab Faizunnesa Hall: VP – Bubli Ahmed (Marketing, unopposed); GS – Sumaiya Khanam Jahanara Imam Hall: VP – Mahmuda Khatun (Mathematics); GS – Rizwana Bushra (Public Health) Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hall (No. 10): VP – Asif Mia (Government and Politics); GS – Mehedi Hasan (International Relations) Hall No. 15 (Female): VP – Sharmin Rahman (unopposed); GS – Mehnaz Mohona Shaheed Salam-Barkat Hall: VP – Maruf Hossain (Chemistry); GS – Masud Rana (History) Sufia Kamal Hall: VP – Jannatul Nayeem Zerin; GS – Rubina Jahan Maulana Bhashani Hall: VP – Abdul Hai Swapon (Mathematics); GS – Hridoy Poddar (Public Administration) Mir Mosharraf Hall: VP – Khaled Jubair; GS – Shahriar Nazim Hridoy Joy Taramon Bibi Hall: VP – Farzana Akhter Urmi; GS – Priyanka Karmakar Kamal Uddin Hall: VP – Raihan Kabir; GS – Abrar Shahriar Rokeya Hall: VP – Tafmim Khanam; GS – Nabila Mahjabin Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall: VP – Rakibul Islam; GS – Ali Ahmed; AGS – Labib Bin Samir Hall No. 21 (Male): VP – Shihab; GS – Oli Ullah Rafique Jabbar Hall: VP – Mehedi Hasan; GS – Shariful Islam Joy Tajuddin Ahmed Hall: VP – Md Sifat Ullah; GS – Mahmudul Hasan Sakib Rabindranath Tagore Hall: VP – Anik Kumar Banik; GS – Mahmudul Hasan Imon Begum Khaleda Zia Hall: VP – Farhana Rahman; GS – Fatema Tuz Zohra Hall No. 13 (Female): VP – Mahdatun Hasan; GS – Mohsina Tuba After two days of tense delays and high-stakes political drama, the Jahangirnagar University Central Student Union (JUCSU) election results were declared on Saturday evening, with independent contender Abdur Rashid Zitu clinching the VP post while Shibir’s Mazharul Islam taking GS. Riding high on its earlier victory of Dhaka University’s DUCSU polls, the Shibir-backed ‘Coordinated Student Alliance’ clinched 20 out of 25 central council seats, leaving rival groups trailing far behind.

Stating that many people have grown intolerant due to long-term deprivation of rights, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged all to embrace humanity and show compassion towards all living beings by rejecting cruelty. “I feel that a kind of intolerance may have developed in many of us due to the loss of all democratic and political rights as citizens for more than a decade and a half. Overcoming this intolerance, let us commit to embracing humanity and rejecting cruelty,” he said. Speaking virtually at a ‘Gathering of Life and Animals’, Tarique also said he believes that if humans can ensure their rights within the state and society, they will also be more careful and conscious in protecting the rights of all other living beings. Gayeshwar warns of rising communal forces after fall of ‘fascism’ Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association organised the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre to highlight the importance of safety, care and love for animals in order to protect the ecosystem.  Animal lovers from different parts of the country attended the event with their beloved pet animals, including cats, dogs, horses and birds, delighting the audience with their presence. Tarique stressed the necessity of ensuring the safety of all animals, not only for the protection of the ecosystem but also for the well-being of humans.  He expressed concern that the existence of many animals is under threat due to human intervention.  “As far as I know, around 390 species have become extinct, and this is not just in Bangladesh but in many other countries as well, largely due to human activities. Our pride, the Royal Bengal Tiger, a symbol of our heritage, is now an endangered species.” BNP leader smells secret alliance by ‘fugitive autocrats’ to undermine democracy Tarique said the elephant population has also decreased, while many other animals in Bangladesh are gradually being added to the list of endangered species. He also deplored that population growth, climate change, unplanned urbanisation, river and wetland filling, deforestation, and other factors are putting biodiversity at risk. “At the same time, wildlife trafficking is increasing at an alarming rate. Because of all these factors, the habitats of wild animals, aquatic plants, and other creatures are facing a serious threat to their survival.” The BNP leader said that if his party comes to power, they will modify laws related to wildlife protection to safeguard different types of animals and biodiversity. He said in protecting biodiversity and ensuring the safety of wildlife, public awareness is more important than laws or regulations. “We all need to feel a consciousness that the safety of biodiversity and wildlife is directly linked to our own well-being and safety.” Tarique, however, said that if people do not have a sense of care and empathy in their hearts for animals—be it birds, elephants, dogs, cats, or tigers—then simply passing laws will not be enough to secure their habitats, shelter, security and food. “Without fostering this awareness in people, ensuring the safety, food, and rights of animals through laws alone will be extremely difficult.” Salahuddin warns of election challenges for lack of consensus He said protecting the safety and rights of animals plays a crucial role in measuring the advancement and development of human civilisation. The BNP leader said protecting animal rights is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also essential for conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for humanity. “When humans show compassion towards animals and secure safe habitats for them, it reflects the maturity and high moral standards of human society. So, humans must protect animals and preserve their habitats, not only for the animals themselves but also for their own benefit,” he said. Tarique acknowledged that some people may think that discussing animal safety is unusual when the state sometimes fails to ensure human safety. “Such thoughts are not unreasonable,” He, however, said even when there are limitations or visible failures, it is important to continue practising and discussing all positive initiatives. BNP leader urges govt to clear doubts over election The BNP leader personally believes that just as democracy is closely linked with human rights, the ecosystem is closely connected with the rights of birds, animals, and wildlife. “So, when integrity is maintained in state politics and democracy, the ecosystem is naturally protected.” Tarique concluded by urging everyone to follow the slogan: ‘Save lives, save animals. Let the country be a safe haven for all living beings’.