United News of Bangladesh

Although the party has already announced candidates in 236 constituencies ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, BNP’s real challenge now is to allocate seats among its alliance partners and like-minded parties, as they have already sought over 200 seats, said senior BNP leaders. Talking to UNB, several senior BNP leaders said sharing seats with alliance partners has now become an uphill task, as there is a big gap between expectations and reality. They said the party has started informal talks with like-minded groups to ensure effective negotiations and find ways to achieve a win-win outcome. The BNP leaders said the party has kept 64 parliamentary seats open for its long-time allies in the anti-fascist simultaneous movement, but it is willing to share at best 40 seats, including 10 for the National Citizen Party (NCP). A BNP Standing Committee member, wishing anonymity, said under the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO), coalition partners cannot contest using BNP’s election symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, and must compete with their own symbols. “We now have to be very careful about seat sharing because of this. If the alliance partners cannot use our symbol, it could reduce their chances of victory, as many do not have strong local support or personal vote banks,” he said. In this situation, the BNP leader said, the party will try to persuade its alliance partners with other assurances, such as giving them ministerial positions or appointments to important institutions if their party comes to power. Another BNP Standing Committee member said the party has already announced plans to form a national government with representatives from different parties included in the cabinet. He said members of the party’s liaison committee, in consultation with Tarique Rahman, are closely monitoring the seat-sharing discussions to strike a balance between the party’s interests and the demands of its partners. “BNP is serious about giving proper space to its alliance partners. The decision to keep 63 seats open reflects our commitment to a united opposition,” the BNP leader said. He also said some changes may be made to the list of 236 announced candidates after discussions with the alliance partners. The BNP leader said they have recently asked key partners of the joint movement to indicate which constituencies they wish to contest. “So far, they have submitted lists for 222 constituencies,” he said. Party insiders said 14 leaders from like-minded parties have already been asked to start their election campaigns in respective areas. They include Mostafa Jamal Haider, Chairman of Jatiya Party, for Pirojpur-1 while Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikko, for Bogura-2, Andalib Rahman Partha, Chairman of BJP, for Dhaka-17, Shahadat Hossain Selim, Chairman of Bangladesh LDP, for Laxmipur-1, Tania Rob, wife of JSD’s ASM Abdur Rab, for Laxmipur-4, Syed Ehsanul Huda, Chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party, for Kishoreganj-5, Bobi Hajjaj, Chairman of NDA, for Dhaka-13, Jonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Gonosonghoti Andolon, for Brahmanbaria-6, Professor Omar Farooq, son of Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmed and Chairman of LDP, for Chattogram-14, Dr Redowan Ahmed, General Secretary of LDP, for Comilla-7, Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad, Coordinator of Nationalist Alliance and Chairman of NPP, for Narail-2, Nurul Haque Nur, President of Ganadhikar Parishad, for Patuakhali-, Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Ganadhikar Parishad, for Jhenaidah-2, and Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of Labour Party, for Jhalakathi-1. BNP has not nominated any candidates in those seats. BNP suspends Kamal Jaman Mollah’s nomination in Madaripur-1 Party sources said the NCP sought 20 seats from BNP, though the party is considering giving them at best 10. NCP sources said they might not reach an understanding with BNP if their key leaders are not nominated, including Nahid Islam for Dhaka-11, Akhtar Hossain for Rangpur-4, Sarjis Alam for Panchagarh-1, Hasnat Abdullah for Comilla-4, Nasiruddin Patwari for Dhaka-18, Tasnim Jara for Dhaka-9, Sarwar Tushar for Narsingdi-2, Hannan Masud for Noakhali-6, and Adibul Islam Adib for Dhaka-14. BNP may also share seats with two Islamist parties — Jamiat Ulama-e Islam and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish. Jamiat, led by Maulana Ubaydullah Faruq and Maulana Manzurul Islam Afendi, has sought around 12 seats, including Sylhet-5, Nilphamari-1, Brahmanbaria-2, Narayanganj-4, Kishoreganj-1 and Sunamganj-2. Martyr Mugdha's brother steps into politics with BNP BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the alliance partners in the simultaneous movement have already been asked to submit their lists of potential candidates. “We will consider their proposals seriously and finalise seat sharing on the basis of field realities and viability,” he said. Fakhrul said although the party has already announced 236 potential candidates, some changes may be made later after discussions with allied parties. BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “In our preliminary candidate list, 63 seats have been left vacant. These seats are not all reserved for coalition partners. Some areas have multiple strong candidates, and we have not yet finalised decisions there. These unresolved constituencies will be decided soon.” On the allocation of seats for allies, Dr Hossain said, “We will give maximum consideration to parties that have been part of our movement. Discussions are ongoing about who will contest from which constituency, and we will finalise the decisions very soon.”  

A delegation of women entrepreneurs on Wednesday urged the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that female candidates are nominated in at least 150 parliamentary seats and facilitate women voters in exercising their franchise in the national election. The delegation, led by President of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) Nasreen Fatema Awal, placed the demand during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter’s Nirbachan Bhaban office in the afternoon. “We want the number of women in parliament to increase. At least 150 constituencies should be given to women. We are also requesting the government, through the Election Commission, to extend support to women candidates,” said Nasreen Fatema Awal while talking to reporters after the meeting. Army to deploy up to 100,000 troops during election: Army HQ Noting that women receive various forms of assistance in elections in different countries including the USA, the WEAB president said such support would help women contest comfortably and also encourage female voters to participate freely. “We want at least 50 percent — that is, 150 of the 300 seats — to be contested by women. We wanted to ensure that women can contest in the election,” she added. Nasreen Fatema said contesting polls is difficult for women as they don't have easy access to funds in the patriarchal environment. “If the government provides some financial support, many more women will be able to participate in the election,” she said. Settle applications of expat voters by Thursday: EC to field officials   Responding to a question, she said political parties should also increase the share of nominations for women. Right now, some parties give only 5 percent or less of their nominations to women, said the women entrepreneur. She asked the Election Commission to play a role so that the political parties would raise the share of nominations for women in the election.

National Citizens’ Party (NCP) on Wednesday clarified that it has not held any discussions or reached any decisions with any political party regarding seat-sharing or participation in any cabinet. In a statement, the NCP refuted a report published in a national daily claiming that the party ‘wants 20 seats from BNP and also a share in the cabinet’, describing it as false and misleading. “The news regarding seat-sharing with BNP and demands for cabinet positions is entirely baseless and deliberately fabricated,” the statement said. The party reiterated that it has never engaged in any alliance, seat-sharing negotiations, or power-sharing discussions with any political party and no such proposal has ever been approved by the party’s policy-making council. Clarifying its stance, the NCP said, “We once again make it clear that NCP has not demanded any seats or cabinet participation from any party. We remain committed to building a Bangladesh-oriented, responsible, and independent political force that earns the trust of the people.” NCP’s candidate list on Nov 15; likely to skip Khaleda’s constituencies The party emphasised that its vision for the country’s future politics is rooted in citizens’ rights, accountability, reforms, and democratic reconstruction. It is actively preparing its organisational structure and conducting candidate vetting nationwide in line with this mission. The NCP also called on the national daily to publicly apologise and publish a correction, noting that the so-called ‘sources’ cited in the report were purely speculative, misleading the public and harming the party’s reputation.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami now wants the proposed referendum on the July National Charter 2025 to be held any day before the next generation election, said its assistant secretary general AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad on Wednesday. “The latest stance of our eight parties is that the referendum should be held any day before the election,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. A two-member Jamaat delegation, led by Azad, met the CEC at the latter's Nirbachan Bhaban office at 3:30pm. Earlier, Jamaat had been demanding for arrangements of the referendum within November 2025. But BNP opposed the demand and asked the government and the Election Commission to hold the referendum simultaneously with the national election. Azad said the CEC told them if the government asks the Election Commission to hold the referendum on a separate day, they will do it. The Jamaat leader said they will place a formal memorandum before Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday for arrangements of referendum on a separate day. Explaining the reasons behind the stance, Azad said holding both referendum and the national election on the same day could invite uncertainty over reform.  If the referendum and election is held on the same day and the polling is suspended at any polling station due to irregularities and violence, then the issue would be uncertain, he said.   He added that if both votes are held on the same day, people’s attention would naturally shift to their party candidates and symbols, making the referendum a “minor issue,” which may lead to low voter turnout in the referendum and may invite questions over referendum result. Azad said the eight-party alliance, which is waging a movement on a five-point demand, held three meetings recently and focused the promulgation of an order on the July Charter, which has already been late. Jamaat forms 2-member committee to hold talks with political parties In response to a question about seat-sharing talks with the National Citizen Party (NCP), Azad said they haven’t started specific discussions on seat allocations with any party including NCP. During the meeting, Jamaat drew the EC’s attention to some recent incidents to ensure the pre-electoral law and order situation otherwise the situation would go beyond control during the election. “If you can't control the pre-election environment, then you won't be able to control it during the election,” he told the EC. He further said Jamaat also demanded effective measures to ensure the voting rights of expatriates and proper implementation of the postal ballot system. Another delegation member is Jamaat publicity and media secretary Matiur Rahman Akanda.

Newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Boris van Bommel on Wednesday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and held discussions on bilateral matters and issues related to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. The ambassador arrived at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office at 3:00pm and the meeting lasted about an hour, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP leader terms surge in millionaires ‘alarming’ BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Organisational Secretary Shama Obaed and Tabith Awal, member of the BNP Chairperson’s Special Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs, were also present. Sayrul said the meeting focused on issues of mutual interest between the two countries, as well as matters related to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday said the rapid rise in the number of millionaires in Bangladesh compared to many other countries in recent years is ‘alarming’. “The number of millionaires in Bangladesh has increased at a staggering rate, even faster than in many other countries. This is truly alarming,” he said while speaking at a discussion. In contrast, the BNP leader said, millions of people in Bangladesh have become poorer during the same period. “This so-called development is actually unequal development. A few are getting richer while the majority of people are getting poorer. That cannot be called development for all.” Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, recalled that their party founder and the late President Ziaur Rahman followed a policy of inclusive development. “Shaheed Zia wanted development for everyone. That’s why he worked to create employment both at home and abroad, and established industries that could generate jobs so that people from all walks of life could take part in the country’s economic progress,” he observed. BNP expels four Meherpur leaders over nomination-related violence Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal arranged the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ commemorating the civil-military uprising on November 7, 1975. Nazrul said development should benefit all citizens, not just a privileged few, as envisioned by their party founder. “Ziaur Rahman promoted industries that could employ large numbers of people and expanded agricultural production alongside industrial growth. He also took steps to develop small and cottage industries, marine fisheries, and export facilities by setting up dedicated institutions,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that the opportunities once created for rural people have now been disrupted in various ways, unsettling the country’s true path of development and progress. Nazrul said attempts have also been made to undermine the legacy of Ziaur Rahman, but those efforts have failed. Martyr Mugdha's brother steps into politics with BNP Referring to the coming national election, the BNP leader urged party supporters to unite and work together to ensure the victory of BNP candidates. “We must remember that opportunities don’t come again and again. If we truly believe that Ziaur Rahman and the BNP worked for inclusive and lasting development, then we must work together so that our candidates carrying the paddy sheaf symbol win in the next election,” he said. Nazrul said BNP’s announced 31-point programme highlights issues concerning people from every section of society, giving special attention to workers. He said if BNP can bring people together in support of the planned change outlined in the 31-point, it will be possible to fulfill many of the aspirations initiated by the late President Ziaur Rahman.      

National Citizen Party (NCP) is unlikely to field candidates in the three constituencies where BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to contest in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, said party Convener Nahid Islam. “We may not nominate any candidate out of respect for those, including Khaleda Zia, who played a role in the country’s July movements,” Nahid told reporters on Wednesday while visiting the family of late freedom fighter Gazi Salahuddin in Godnail, Narayanganj. Read more: NCP to field candidates in all 300 seats: Nahid Nahid said the NCP’s preliminary list of candidates will be announced by November 15, as the party is preparing to contest the election independently and has already completed groundwork to nominate candidates in all other constituencies. “In today’s politics, those with muscle power, black money, and local godfather influence dominate elections. But the NCP will challenge that toxic culture,” Nahid said, emphasising that his party wants honest, hardworking individuals to represent ordinary citizens in Parliament. Regarding possible alliances, Nahid said any coalition would have to be based on ideological alignment. “If any party supports our reform proposals under the July Charter, we may consider forming an alliance,” he added. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said they would not form any alliance for the upcoming national election, as it will contest the polls independently. Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning. The party will ensure the elections are held in February 2026 with the participation of everyone. If elections are delayed, it may lead to various forms of unrest, he said. Read more: Jamaat asks EC to be ready for separate referendum, polls days Regarding the electoral alliances, he said, “We have not decided to form any alliance, and we will not form one,” he said, adding that there is no scope for the Awami League in the upcoming election. Speaking about his recent foreign visit, Rahman said he met with Bangladeshi expatriates abroad, who expressed immense warmth and love. “I am deeply moved by their affection. They have high expectations from the nation and want to contribute to its rebuilding. Yet, despite their significant contributions, we have not been able to show them proper respect,” he said. It was his first visit to Sylhet after being elected Ameer of the party for the third term. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

BNP on Tuesday (4th November 2025) expelled four of its leaders, including the Meherpur district and Gangni upazila presidents, over their alleged involvement in violence, road blockade and vandalism centring the party’s nomination process. In a press release, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the expulsion decision. The expelled leaders are Meherpur District BNP President Javed Masud Milton, Gangni Upazila BNP President Afaz Uddin Kalu, Meherpur District Jubo Dal General Secretary Kausar Ali, and Gangni Municipality BNP President Mokbul Hossain Meghla. Martyr Mugdha's brother steps into politics with BNP The four were expelled from all party positions, including their primary membership, for engaging in violence, clashes, road blockades, and vandalising the party office at Gangni Bazar area on the Meherpur–Kushtia highway on Tuesday morning, the press release said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list of 237 party candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka on Monday evening. Four Sitakunda BNP leaders expelled over  nomination-related violence 

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdha, the twin brother of July Uprising martyr Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, formally joined BNP on Tuesday night. Snigdha filled out the party’s membership form and handed it to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office around 9:30pm, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the event virtually from London, welcoming Snigdha to the party and paying tribute to the sacrifice of his late brother Mir Mugdha and their family’s contribution. BNP expels four Meherpur leaders over nomination-related violence BNP Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dhaka North BNP Convener Aminul Haque, and Snigdha’s father Mostafizur Rahman were present during the joining ceremony. Mugdha, a student of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), was shot dead in Dhaka’s Uttara Azampur area on July 18 last year while distributing water among protesting students during the anti-discrimination movement.