United News of Bangladesh

Former DUCSU vice president and MP for Dhaka-2 constituency Amanullah Aman has said that anyone involved in drug trade or consumption using the name of BNP will be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking after inaugurating the office of Tetuljhora Union BNP in Savar. The programme was presided over by Union BNP president Haji Mohiuddin and conducted by its general secretary Abdul Aziz. PM tells youngsters to prepare for future responsibilities through education and sports Aman said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that there will be no place for drug dealers and terrorists in the country. He added that BNP believes in a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and drugs. He further said that strict action will be taken against those involved in criminal activities. During the event, Aman also laid foundation stones for several new road construction projects in Tetuljhora and Vakurta unions.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Mia Golam Porwar, has alleged that the government is deliberately steering the country towards a deep political and constitutional crisis by ignoring what he described as the people’s verdict in a referendum. He said the referendum verdict is being denied under the cover of the July Charter. “This is not just a political strategy, but a stance directly against the people's mandate,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled “Government against Referendum Verdict: A Country Facing Crisis,” organized by Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami at the Banquet Hall of Khulna Press Club on Saturday. Current Jamaat different from 1971 version: Porwar Golam Porwar further alleged that the government is deliberately creating confusion in the public mind by separating the July Charter from the referendum verdict. He claimed that the government and its ministers have repeatedly promised to implement the July Charter in Parliament, but are maintaining silence on the direct verdict given by the people in the referendum. Mentioning that 47 out of the 84 proposals for constitutional reform involve legal and constitutional changes, Porwar said that although there is consensus on these issues, BNP has given a note of dissent on 10 important points, which, in reality, weakens the overall structure of the reform. He consistently stated that the issues on which BNP has raised objections include: the Prime Minister not being allowed to serve as party leader simultaneously; refusal to accept the proportional representation (PR) system in the upper house; non-compliance with the obligation to present and ratify international treaties in Parliament; opposition to an independent commission for the appointment of judges; and rejection of proposals to reduce the influence of the Prime Minister in the Public Service Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He said, “If these 10 points are left out, the entire reform becomes meaningless. The government actually wants to maintain its control in these areas.” He stressed that the verdict reached through the direct participation of about 5 crore people in the referendum is stronger than the delegated power of Parliament. “Members of Parliament are representatives of the people; they exercise delegated power. But in a referendum, the people make decisions directly. Denying that decision means denying the sovereignty of the people.” Referring to Article 7 of the Constitution, he said that the will of the people is the supreme law. “Parliament never has absolute power.” He described the current position of the government as authoritarian and fascistic. He said, “The verdict of the people is being denied by the power of the majority. This is not democracy, but a sign of fascism.” He warned that if this trend continues, a situation of conflict, instability, and bloodshed may arise again in the country. The Jamaat Secretary General clearly stated that if the referendum verdict is not implemented in Parliament, those concerned will be forced to take to the streets. “If the verdict given by 5 crore people is not implemented in Parliament, we will go back to the people. A movement is the only way,” he said. He called on the government to return to implement the referendum verdict. However, he warned that time is running out. “There is still a chance. If we want to avoid a crisis, we have to respect the mandate of the people. Otherwise, the government will have to take responsibility,” he said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and the Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has already generated positive public sentiment. He made the remarks at a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. The rally began around 2:30 pm in front of the BNP's central office. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to address the gathering, with Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain in the chair. Rizvi said the government's first two months in office had been highly encouraging. "The beginning of this government has been excellent," he said, highlighting the fulfilment of promises made to farmers and low-income people. He said one of the government's notable achievements was resolving the acute fuel crisis, noting that the long queues once seen at petrol pumps had disappeared. Rizvi also referred to the government's response to the recent untimely floods in areas such as Sunamganj and Baliadangi, saying affected farmers would receive compensation within three months. He described the swift response as evidence of the administration's efficiency and capability. Referring to labour rights, Rizvi noted that German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck advocated for minimum wage more than 130 years ago. Yet, Bangladesh still does not have a national minimum wage, he said. Expressing disappointment, he said workers continue to be deprived of this basic right. He also criticised the large number of cases filed against workers, questioning how they could fight legal battles while also trying to earn a livelihood. "Workers are the backbone of civilisation. Their contributions must be recognised through a fair minimum wage," Rizvi said. He also stressed the need for a national policy to reopen closed industrial units. According to him, these factories possess vast assets that, if properly utilised, could create employment opportunities for millions of Bangladeshi workers.Rizvi further accused the previous government of deliberately shutting down several power plants, including those with capacities of 210 megawatts and 80 megawatts, as part of a "preplanned conspiracy." He expressed confidence that the current government would effectively address these challenges.  

BNP Standing Committee member and the Prime Minister's Political and Agricultural Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday called on every attendee at the party's May Day rally to recruit at least two new members for the BNP within the next year. He made the appeal while addressing a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. Nazrul said such an initiative would further strengthen the party and help defeat all conspiracies and political opponents. "If each of you can bring just two new members into the BNP over the next year, our strength will multiply significantly, and no force will be able to stand against us," he said. He expressed confidence that achieving this goal would ensure the party's continued success. Nazrul began his speech by paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the May Day movement and in struggles for workers' rights, both globally and in Bangladesh. He also paid homage to BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, saying Zia had identified himself as a worker and always upheld the dignity of labour. Nazrul praised former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for enacting the Labour Code and establishing the Labour Foundation to protect workers' rights and welfare. He also lauded Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leading the labour movement from abroad for many years and for incorporating workers' welfare into the party's election manifesto. "The BNP remains firmly committed to the welfare of working people, in line with the vision of Shaheed Zia, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman," he said. Nazrul noted that the current government has been in office for only two months, and while all problems cannot be solved immediately, he expressed optimism that the condition of workers would improve in the days ahead. He said the party's electoral pledges contained several important commitments for workers and that their full implementation would significantly improve the lives of the working class.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Bangladesh has begun to rise from the ruins left behind by a previous government. He made the remarks while addressing a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. "Today, Bangladesh has started rising from a heap of destruction. Under their rule, our agriculture was destroyed, our industries were devastated, our banks and insurance sector were ruined, and our economy had virtually sunk to the bottom," Fakhrul said. Without naming anyone, he alleged that the previous government had severely damaged key sectors, including agriculture, industry, banking, insurance and the overall economy. Highlighting the significance of May Day, Fakhrul said the day symbolises workers' long struggle and sacrifices for dignity, fair wages and fundamental rights. He said workers in Bangladesh continue to face immense hardship, grappling with rising living costs, inadequate wages and the absence of basic protections. Recalling the country's labour movement, Fakhrul said workers have repeatedly sacrificed their lives in the fight for justice and better working conditions. He specifically mentioned the killing of garment worker Maqbool during a demonstration on December 10, 2022, calling it a stark reminder of the risks workers still face. The BNP leader also drew attention to the plight of garment workers, tea garden labourers and day labourers, many of whom are struggling to survive amid economic hardship. He urged the government to address their grievances and provide relief to the oppressed working class. Referring to Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as a beacon of hope, Fakhrul praised his leadership and vision for a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. "Tarique Rahman has won the hearts of the people through his dedication and commitment. When he says, 'I have a plan,' it reflects his vision for a better future," he said. He called on party leaders, activists and workers to unite behind Tarique Rahman's leadership to build a new Bangladesh founded on democracy, justice and prosperity. Fakhrul also placed several demands on behalf of workers, including the introduction of a national minimum wage, better access to education and healthcare for workers' children, and improved living conditions for tea garden labourers. He urged the Prime Minister to give these issues urgent attention. Reaffirming BNP's commitment to democracy, Fakhrul said the struggle for workers' rights is inseparable from the broader fight for democratic values in Bangladesh.

BNP Standing Committee member and Narsingdi-2 lawmaker Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Friday described workers as the true builders of the nation and the driving force behind Bangladesh's development. He made the remarks while addressing a May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal at Nayapaltan in the capital, which drew a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city. Little ‘Khaleda Zia’ draws attention at Sramik Dal’s rally Referring to workers as the "artisans of nation-building," Moyeen Khan said their contribution is central to the country's economic growth and overall progress. "Teachers are called the architects of human development, and workers are the artisans of nation-building," he said. He recalled BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman's philosophy of the "politics of production," saying workers are the real force behind production and a key driver of GDP growth. "It is the workers who power our industries, strengthen our economy and build Bangladesh," he said. Moyeen Khan also praised Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, highlighting his long struggle against authoritarian rule during his years in London. He said Tarique's leadership inspired mass movements across the country that ultimately brought political change. Welcoming Tarique as the current Prime Minister, Moyeen Khan said his vision for a new Bangladesh would guide the nation toward greater prosperity and restore its standing on the global stage. "He has been outlining his vision for the country over the past two and a half months. Under his leadership, Bangladesh will move forward and regain the international respect it once enjoyed under Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia," he said. He expressed gratitude to the workers for their participation and reaffirmed BNP's commitment to grassroots politics. The future of politics in Bangladesh lies with the people at the grassroots, he said.

Addressing a May Day rally, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday said improving the lives and livelihoods of workers is essential for national progress. “Working class do perform the duty risking their lives. We want to build a just society for them,” he said while addressing a rally at Bhogra Bypass in Gazipur, marking the historic International Workers' Day. The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation Gazipur Metropolitan unit. Female workers face widespread discrimination: Jamaat women’s wing secretary

Five-and-a-half-year-old Eftin, a kindergarten student, captured attention at the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal’s May Day rally at Nayapaltan on Friday by appearing dressed as former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The child arrived at the rally from Old Dhaka with her mother, wearing a saree styled after Khaleda Zia's iconic look. "I love Khaleda Zia. I want to grow up to be like her and serve the people of this country," Iftin told UNB. Sramik Dal’s rally begins at Nayapaltan

Nurunnisa Siddiqua, secretary of the women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has lamented that female workers in Bangladesh continue to face widespread discrimination both at workplaces and in society. In a statement marking International Workers' Day, she expressed solidarity with workers across the country, saying they are the main driving force of the country’s economy, sustaining production in all sectors from agriculture to industry through their sweat and hard work. However, many are still deprived of fair wages, safe working conditions and basic rights, Nurunnisa Siddiqua said. Highlighting the condition of women workers, she said a large number of women are engaged in the workforce but continue to face “double discrimination”—both at workplace and in society due to insecurity. “It is the moral responsibility of the state to protect their rights and ensure their dignity,” the Jamaat women’s wing leader added. Referring to Islamic teachings, she noted that the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SM) emphasises the payment of workers’ wages before their sweat dries. Nurunnisa Siddiqua called on the authorities concerned to take effective steps to meet workers’ legitimate demands, properly implement labour laws and improve working conditions. She said International Workers’ Day is not just a day but a symbol of the struggle to establish workers’ rights, urging all to work together to build a just society.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday said their party in its present form should not be equated with its 1971-era version. “The party’s constitution has been amended several times in line with the demands of the time. The introduction of the current constitution mentions respect for the sacrifices and struggles of the heroic freedom fighters of the Great Liberation War,” he said. The Jamaat leader was addressing a workers’ rally organised by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation’s Cumilla city unit at the Cumilla Town Hall Ground, marking historic May Day. He said despite so many constitutional changes, a group is trying to keep the old debate alive. “This is not an expression of patriotism or the spirit of independence; rather, it is part of a foreign conspiracy to divide the nation.” Porwar said such issues need to be resolved quickly in the interest of the country and stressed the importance of national unity to ensure a better future for the next generation. The rally was presided over by Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation’s Cumilla city unit President Prof Md Rafiqul Islam. Jamaat city unit Ameer Kazi Din Mohammad and Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation Central Vice President Md Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan attended the event as special guests.