United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to hold a "National Rally" at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday afternoon with party activists marching towards the venue since morning. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman will preside over the rally scheduled to begin at 2pm and several central leaders are expected to address the rally. Party activists started arriving at the venue on Friday evening and began marching in processions from various city points early Saturday chanting various slogans. Some had cloth tied around their heads, others were carrying party flags and a few were waving the red-and-green national flag of Bangladesh. Many were also seen wearing T-shirts bearing the party’s symbol—the scales. Jamaat leader Taher senses 'hidden force' behind govt's weakness Jamaat activists and supporters were also seen gathering in large numbers at several metro rail stations. Jamaat-e-Islami activists said they are marching to press home their seven-point demand. According to senior party leaders, this is the first rally being held by Jamaat at Suhrawardy Udyan since independence. The event is being held amid a volatile political atmosphere marked by growing discord among political parties over upcoming national elections and recent unrest centering an NCP rally in Gopalganj where activists of the banned Awami League and Chhatra League reportedly carried out attacks.

BNP’s senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said that their party’s  ongoing movement is aimed at restoring democracy and people's right to vote, not for gaining power. “BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has organised the pro-democracy movement efficiently, even while residing in London. BNP does not engage in politics for power—this has been proven time and again,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks on Friday while addressing a discussion and prayer meeting held at Panchdona intersection in Narsingdi, in memory of the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. He said the sole demand of millions of Bangladeshis is the restoration of their voting rights. “Democracy must be reinstated as soon as possible through essential reforms,” he added. Following the event, Moyeen Khan handed over donations on behalf of the BNP to the families of those killed and injured during the July uprising in the district. The meeting, organised by BNP and its affiliated organisations under the Narsingdi-2 constituency, was presided over by Md Abdul Sattar, President of Palash Thana unit BNP.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Thursday urged the interim government to stop what he termed a 'biased attitude' and hold the national election promptly to restore stability in the country. “We would like to tell the interim government that please, stop showing biased behaviour. This is harming the country,” he said while speaking briefly before inaugurating a silent procession in memory of the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, also called upon the government not to try to eliminate BNP by favouring one party while sidelining another. “Never think like that." BNP slams law and order deterioration in Chattogram He said BNP welcomed the current interim government and the party is trying to cooperate with it. “We are still supporting you. So, please, arrange a national election very soon. If an election is held, the ongoing unrest in the country will cool down. But if not, people will believe that you are the ones making the country unstable so that you can stay in power longer,” Abbas said. The Dhaka South City unit of BNP organised the event in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office as part of its 36-day programme marking the first anniversary of the July uprising. Referring to recent offensive remarks against their party by some political leaders, Abbas mentioned that someone said BNP’s name would be written in the Guinness Book for being completely eliminated from Bangladesh. “They want to erase BNP. I say to them, please hold your tongue. It will be better for you, better for the country, and better for the people,” he said. NCP convener vows to resist ‘fascism, Mujibism’, urges people to stay vigilant The BNP leader also urged political leaders not to make such nonsense and unguarded remarks about their party as those could spark public outrage. “Don’t try to provoke us or push us in a different direction. You are trying to pick a fight with BNP. But BNP will not engage in quarrels. BNP is not a party of chaos. BNP is a democratic party that fights for democracy and stands with the people,” he said. Abbas also criticised certain political leaders for making tall claims after 5 August. “I don’t know what they found or where they got their courage from. We hope you grow strong and brave, but please, don’t spread baseless rumours and slander against a truly patriotic party like BNP.” Referring to the tragic killing of a scrap trader at Mitford, he said a Jubo Dal leader was the victim of the murder, but some are using the incident as a way to try to wipe out BNP from Bangladesh and clear the way to power. BNP leader urges vigilance against conspiracies hindering restoration of democracy “Some are saying BNP is desperate to come to power. That’s not true. BNP has been on the streets for 17 years, fighting for people’s democratic rights and the right to vote. Now you want to erase BNP and take power,” the BNP leader said. He warned that those hoping to remove BNP to smooth their path to power are making a mistake. “As long as even one BNP leader or activist is alive, your dream of eliminating BNP will never come true.” Abbas said BNP leaders and activists have been trained over 17 years and they know how to protest on the streets and how to survive in jail. “We’ve become used to it. So don’t try to scare us with threats,” he added. At the beginning of his speech, Abbas paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls. Asked for democracy, got 'mobocracy': Salahuddin He alleged that some parties are trying to use the martyrs for their own political gain and to secure their position in politics, instead of working to restore democracy and build the country through united efforts, in line with the spirit and aspirations of the martyrs of the mass uprising. Later, the BNP leaders and activists brought out the procession that ended near Abul Hotel after marching through Kakrail, Shantinagar, Mouchak and Malibagh crossings.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said a party who has always been engaged in misleading politics is now trying to fish in troubled waters. “They once stood against independence, and later went against the people or their sentiments. They are now trying to fish in troubled waters. I won’t name them — you understand who I’m talking about,” he told the gathering. Salahuddin Ahmed made the remarks while speaking at a procession in the capital’s Mirpur area, organised by BNP’s Dhaka North city unit to commemorate the martyrs of the July mass uprising. He harshly criticised the parties who are demanding for the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system in the country's parliamentary election and insisting on holding the local government pills first, saying they have an evil intention. “Those who are raising the demand for PR-based elections in Bangladesh and the arrangement of local government polls before the national parliamentary election — they have an evil intention,” he said. Not naming Islami Andolon Bangladesh-IAB (founded by the Charmonair pir), the BNP leader said, “The party that fan Awami League with the hand fan (the IAB's electoral symbol) for 16 years is now claiming that no election should be held without a PR system,”  Without naming Jamaat, he said another party that has always engaged in misleading politics in Bangladesh joined hands with them (IAB). Asked for democracy, got 'mobocracy': Salahuddin The BNP Standing Committee member said the people of Bangladesh don’t understand this PR system.  The people understand a system where one candidate is elected from one specific constituency and becomes a Member of Parliament (MP). That MP remains in touch with the people, works to solve local problems, and participates in lawmaking, he said. “But in the PR system, you may vote for Aminul in Mirpur and end up getting Babul from Sandwip as your MP. People of this country neither know about this system nor want it,” he said. Salahuddin said the caretaker government was restored following the court’s verdict and it has the constitutional mandate to hold a national election within three months. “We consider this neutral interim administration as the caretaker government. Your only responsibility is to ensure a free, fair and neutral parliamentary election. You have no authority to arrange local government elections,” he said. So, those who are pushing for local government elections to be held first under the interim government are the ones trying to delay the national polls by creating confusion, said the BNP leader

BNP on Friday expressed deep concern over the worsening law and order situation in Chattogram city and the filing of false cases against ordinary people, including businesspersons. In a statement issued on the party’s official letterhead, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party said, “The BNP is extremely worried about the deteriorating law and order situation in Chattogram, where extortion and false cases are being used to harass the common people. The party called upon the business community and people from all walks of life to unite and resist the miscreants together. At the same time, the BNP urged the local administration to take proper action against these wrongdoings. The press release strongly called for steps to improve the law and order situation in Chattogram and to protect innocent businesspeople from false cases and extortion. “After the capital, Chattogram is the second most important city in the country. As a port city, Chattogram holds great importance. Most of the country's trade and commerce are conducted from there. So, improving law and order in this city is essential for boosting trade and strengthening the national economy,” it added. BNP warns of zero tolerance for wrongdoing within party ranks: Rizvi The party said it is unfortunate that at present, false cases and widespread extortion are causing harassment to businesspeople and ordinary people, resulting in a fragile law and order situation in Chattogram. “This worsening condition is having a negative effect on business activities. If this continues, the country’s trade and economy could come to a standstill,” it observed.

BNP senior leader Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday urged all to stay alert, saying those who are conspiring against the restoration of democracy are secretly continuing their evil activities. “It is our responsibility to expose the conspirators who are hiding among us and trying to block the path to democracy. We are seeing that a web of conspiracy is being spread in many ways, very cunningly,” he said at a rally. Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the interim government should have empowered people by quickly reforming the ruined institutions like the Election Commission, the administration, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary, and by holding a credible national election to bring back democracy and stability in the country. Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad organised the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting a conspiracy to destroy the country’s democratic atmosphere. Talking about the recent brutal killing of a scrap trader at Mitford, the BNP leader said their party and its associate organisations took immediate action and demanded exemplary punishment for the culprits. Asked for democracy, got 'mobocracy': Salahuddin “Still, false allegations are being made against our leader Tarique Rahman. Don’t you realise what you’re doing? Why are you playing with fire? Why are you trying to ruin the country’s political culture by acting as puppets of others? Everyone must stay alert and have patience. We must not fall into the trap of these conspirators,” he said. The BNP leader also said some political parties are trying to delay the democratic process by bringing up the Proportional Representation (PR) system and local government elections. “You keep talking about PR and local body polls. But we have been fighting for a national election, not for local elections. PR has never been used in Bangladesh in the last 54 years… So why are you trying to create confusion and conflict by suddenly raising these issues? It looks like some of you are trying to delay democracy because you have other interests,” he said. Dr Zahid warned that everyone should remember that if anyone tries to keep the people powerless for too long, the public will rise up. “And when that happens, those responsible will be burned to ashes in the fire of people’s anger.” He urged everyone to remain patient and united, just like they once resisted autocracy and forced it to flee. “In the same way, this fight to restore democracy will lead to elections in February. The conspirators will not succeed under any circumstances.” Referring to the attack on the NCP’s programme in Gopalganj, the BNP leader said the government and law enforcement agencies completely failed there to handle the situation. He claimed such an incident could not have happened unless there was a conspiracy behind it. The BNP leader pointed out that NCP held a peaceful programme in Faridpur where nothing happened. BNP condemns NCP rally attack in Gopalganj, calls it anti-democratic “Gopalganj, Faridpur, Rajbari — they are all close to each other. You went to Narail — nothing happened. You’re moving around the country, and nothing is happening anywhere — then why only in Gopalganj? So, while blaming the autocracy's supporters is correct, we must also expose those within us who are secretly working to destroy democracy,” he said. Professor Zahid said the role of professionals during the July–August movement cannot be ignored. “They stood with the politicians in the fight to restore democracy. But now, when we see political leaders divided over small personal interests, it’s very sad.” He urged political parties that are working against national unity to stop such efforts for the sake of the country and democracy. Dr Zahid criticised the government's failure to prevent recent violent incidents and mobocracy despite deployment of the army with magistracy power along side the law enforcement agencies.

Vowing to continue resistance against ‘Fascism and Mujibism’, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday urged all to remain vigilant as there is another fight ahead. “There is another battle ahead. I urge our supporters to stay alert. We need the support of the people of Munshiganj in this fight to build a new Bangladesh," he said.  Nahid made the call while addressing a street rally organised by the party at Super Market intersection in Munshiganj Sadar upazila. “The fight against fascism and Mujibism will go on. We must build resistance in every neighborhood,” he said. Referring to a recent attack in Gopalganj, he warned that even if similar attacks take place in ten more places, their movement will not be stopped. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Seeking support from people of Munshiganj, he also pledged action against river erosion and illegal sand extraction in the district. NCP leader Sarjis Alam said the country will not be truly free until fascism is eliminated.  Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organiser  for the southern region, said all political forces must unite to resist both domestic and foreign conspiracies. “We need a policy-based state, not a leader-based one,” he said. Earlier, a procession from Shaheed Minar premises in Munshiganj town joined the rally at Super Market’s Shaheed Square.  A large number of NCP leaders, activists and residents attended the event, where speakers urged people to prepare for a mass movement. 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said that while elections are important, meaningful reforms and justice must come first. “We’re not saying elections should be held in three or six months. We are saying that elections must take place—but only after ensuring justice and implementing reforms,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by the NCP on Thursday night at 9pm at Shaheed Rafiq Chattar in Manikganj. The event was held as part of the party’s ongoing ‘Desh Garte July Padajatra’ (July March to Rebuild the Nation) programme. “We envision a corruption-free, non-discriminatory society built on the foundation of justice and development. That is the Bangladesh we want,” added the NCP leader. Criticising growing Islamophobia in the country, Nahid Islam said anyone who speaks up for Islam is labelled a militant or fundamentalist. He also accused the ruling Awami League of hypocrisy, claiming, “They call themselves secular and non-communal, yet they have grabbed the most property from the Hindu community.” Speaking about Manikganj's historical and political significance, the NCP convener praised its people for their role in both the Liberation War and the ongoing anti-discrimination movement. “Manikganj became independent on December 13 during the Liberation War. And on July 4, the people of Manikganj expelled the Awami League from here as part of our movement. This district has always been a step ahead when it comes to struggle and resistance,” he said. “But in terms of development, Manikganj is two steps behind. We aim to change that.” Central NCP leaders including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, Northern Region Chief-Coordinator Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, Southern Region Chief-Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, and Manikganj District Coordinator Zahidur Rahman Talukder, were also present. In light of the gathering, extensive security measures were taken throughout Manikganj town. Alongside police deployment at the event venue and surrounding intersections, members of the Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar were also on patrol and actively monitoring the meeting site to ensure public safety.   

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Thursday alleged that a ‘hidden force’ seems to be influencing the government, judging from what he describes as its apparent weakness and indecision. Speaking at a rally organised jointly by Jamaat’s Dhaka South and North units protesting the attack on NCP in Gopalganj, the senior Jamaat leader said the people of the new Bangladesh, earned through the blood and sacrifices of thousands of students and people, are not afraid but deeply concerned. Referring to the incident in Gopalganj, he said his discussion with the Home Adviser gave him the impression that the latter is ‘helpless.’ “The Home Adviser told me he will take action if there is any weakness in the administration. But it appears that he himself is weak and helpless. The reality is reflected in the overall law and order situation of the country,” Taher claimed. He alleged that the fallen Awami League’s ‘goons’ were emboldened by earlier incidents such as last week’s macabre murder of a local scrap dealer outside Mitford Hispital  Mitford incident and called for the immediate removal of the ‘Mr Helpless”’Home Adviser. Dr Taher also demanded the arrest and punishment of members of Jubo League and banned Chhatra League whom he accused of attacking an NCP rally in Gopalganj. The rally was presided over by Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, and conducted by Central Working Committee member Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud. Speakers included Jamaat Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar and senior leaders ATM Masum, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, Dr Rezaul Karim, and others from both the central and city leaderships.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday alleged that "mobocracy" instead of the craved-for democracy, is reigning in the country. “Now we’re witnessing that a reign of mobocracy is prevailing all over Bangladesh. We wanted democracy but it is becoming mobocracy,” he said, adding the July student mass uprising was organised for democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks at a rally held in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital following a procession organised by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal to protest the deterioration of law and order due to what he described as government indifference. Fakhrul suspects plot to thwart February polls Salahuddin said the spirit of the 2024 July Uprising is now being attacked due to the government’s indifference and its failure to maintain law and order. “Who all are challenging the spirit of the people’s uprising, and why? The answers are the government’s indifference and its failure to maintain law and order,” he said. Referring to BNP's support for the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, Salahuddin said, “Unfortunately, that spirit of the mass uprising is now being attacked from all sides. An ill-effort is being seen to stigmatise BNP – the party that has historically led anti-fascist democratic movements in Bangladesh— through creating issues in different planned ways.” He said those who want to bring back and rehabilitate fascism in Bangladesh are now working to challenge and defame the forces of the mass uprising by creating different issues,” he said. On election date Salahuddin once again questioned the government's continued delay in announcing the next general election date. Following the London meeting between the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman, the BNP's acting chairman, Salahuddin said they (BNP) expected the CA would instruct the Election Commission through "proper process" to prepare to hold the election in the first week of February 2026. BNP condemns NCP rally attack in Gopalganj, calls it anti-democratic The BNP leader likely means a formal instruction to start preparations through 'proper process'. “But you have not yet officially instructed the Election Commission in the proper process to hold the election in the first week of February. We hope you will reassure this nation and the people very soon and will send that message to the Election Commission from the office of the Chief Adviser through the proper process," he said. The BNP leader said those who are creating issues in various ways to thwart the election or trying to delay the election in a well-planned manner should not be given shelter. He said the interim government should be careful so as to not give the people any scope for questioning its neutrality. On Gopalganj mayhem Referring to the situation in Gopalganj, Salahuddin said it was hard to imagine that 'fallen fascist forces' (referring to AL) would attack pro-mass uprising forces —be it in Gopalganj or anywhere else. But such attacks have happened. Jamaat expects massive turnout at first-ever Suhrawardy Udyan rally He advised leaders of the Nationalist Citizen Platform-NCP to gain more experience in politics and wished a bright future for them. “We hope you will contribute much more to the democracy in Bangladesh and will be turned as the national leaders in future,” he said. BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku also spoke in the rally presided over by Jubo Dal president M Monayem Munna. The event was conducted by Jubo Dal general secretary Nurul Islam Nayan.