United News of Bangladesh

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday questioned the BNP-led government's commitment to combating corruption, asking why graft continues if "everything runs" according to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directives. "We see that everything runs on his directives. Then why can't corruption be stopped on his directive?" the Jamaat chief said, while addressing the triennial national conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation at the National Press Club in the city. Jamaat holds protest march in Jashore over attack on MP's house Referring to remarks made by BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir a day earlier, the Jamaat chief said a senior BNP leader had himself admitted that they were frustrated as corruption has not abated in the first five months of the current government, and added that corruption had instead increased. "According to him (Fakhrul), everyone is involved in corruption except one person—Tarique Rahman. I (Shafiqur) don't understand. If Tarique Rahman is the Prime Minister and does not want corruption, how can everyone else be corrupt?" he said. On Thursday, Mirza Fakhrul said those who used to take bribes were still looking for ways to do so, while officials who used to obstruct good work continued the same practices. Despite expressing disappointment over the persistence of corruption, Fakhrul said he remained hopeful because he had witnessed positive changes in Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who remains above it all.  Shafiqur said since the government's acknowledgement of its failure to control corruption, it has lost the moral authority to remain in office. "When the government itself admits its failure, does it still have any moral right to stay in power? Morally, it has lost its right to govern the country," he said. The Jamaat chief also accused BNP leaders and activists of extortion, particularly in the transport sector, alleging that transport workers were routinely harassed by extortionists. "If workers refuse to pay extortion money, they face attacks. They are beaten, injured and their vehicles are vandalised," he said. About the July-August 2024 mass uprising, Shafiqur urged all political parties and persons not to claim sole credit for the movement. "We have never claimed the July-August achievement as our party's achievement. I request everyone not to claim exclusive credit for it. Whether a person, a political party or a group, it belongs to no one alone," he said. Addressing the conference, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan said the transport sector could only be freed from extortion if it was led by people free from corruption and extortion. The conference was chaired by Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation President Kabir Ahmad.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser Nasir Uddin Patwari on Friday said the death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be carried out if she returns to Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet under the party’s “July Awakening to Build the Nation” programme, Patwari said Hasina, who he claimed has been staying in New Delhi since being ousted from power, should return if she intends to continue political activities. NCP files police complaint over Habiganj attack Addressing supporters, he said that if Sheikh Hasina set foot on Bangladeshi soil, “the death sentence would be executed,” referring to legal proceedings against the former prime minister. Patwari also alleged that the former government was responsible for the deaths of Abu Sayeed and other protesters during the July 2024 movement, claiming around 400 people were killed. He said the party would continue to seek justice for those deaths. Replying to a question from journalists before the rally, Patwari said the BNP would face political consequences if it ignored public opinion on state reforms. He claimed that a majority of voters had supported reforms and warned that opposing them could erode the party’s public support. He also criticised the government over electricity, gas and fuel shortages, alleging that government benefits, including agricultural cards, were being distributed to BNP activists instead of ordinary people. Patwari further claimed the country's economy had stagnated, citing the slow reopening of Malaysia’s labour market and the lack of expected outcomes from a recent visit to China. He said the NCP’s three key demands before the election were ensuring a credible election, implementing state reforms and bringing those responsible for alleged crimes during the Awami League government to justice. The rally, chaired by Companiganj Upazila NCP Convener Ubaid Ahmed, was also addressed by the party’s Northern Region Chief Coordinator Sarjis Alam, reserved seat lawmaker Dr Mahmuda Mitu and local NCP leaders. Several speakers also alleged that some BNP activists were involved in land grabbing, tender manipulation and extortion, urging the party leadership to take action against those responsible.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that a vested quarter is trying to undermine the country's communal harmony by creating divisions in the name of religion. “A quarter is trying to destroy the harmony in the country by creating division in the name of religion,” he said. Nothing has changed yet, but Tarique Rahman is trying to bring change: Fakhrul The minister made the remarks while addressing a views-exchange and representatives conference titled "Ensuring Protection and Security for Minorities", organised by the Sammilita Sanatan Parishad at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in the capital. Fakhrul, also the BNP secretary general, urged the people to be united against such ill-attempts to destroy the communal harmony. “There is no place for extremism and fundamentalism in Bangladesh. We want to build a liberal, democratic and harmonious Bangladesh,” he said. He said Bangladesh is a country that belongs to the people of all faiths who would continue to enjoy equal rights and dignity here. “The government remains highly vigilant to ensure that no one can create unrest in society by creating divisions based on religion,” he said. The LGRD Minister said people of different religions have been living together in harmony in this land for centuries. “So, there is no scope for creating division on the basis of religions,” he said. "I never consider you a minority. You are the sons and citizens of this country," he told the Hindu community members. The minister said the great 1971 Liberation War was the struggle for the freedom, dignity and economic emancipation of all people, regardless of religion. Bangladesh must be built as a democratic, secular and humane state where citizenship, rather than religious identity, serves as the foundation of the nation, he said. Fakhrul said the government has taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of people of all faiths and protect their places of worship since assuming office. Addressing the Hindu community people, he urged them to present their problems and demands in an organised manner and assured them that the government would sincerely work to resolve their reasonable demands through discussion. The LGRD Minister said Bangladesh's democratic journey should continue by upholding the spirit of the Liberation War and remembering the sacrifices made in the movements for establishment of democracy. "Bangladesh will move forward not through religious division, but through mutual respect, communal harmony and equal rights for all," he added. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the programme. BNP lawmaker Luthfullahel Mazed (Mymensingh-8), Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, and leaders of various political, social and religious organisations attended the event.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Thursday said they will not allow any “autocrat or oppressor” to remain in power in Bangladesh, even if they have to make sacrifices. “Even at the cost of our blood, we will not allow any new autocrat or oppressor to stay in power in Bangladesh – never, never, never,” he said while addressing the party’s “July March” programme in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet in the evening. Nahid also criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying he returned home in December last year mentioning that he had a plan. “Is this your plan?” Referring to a college student who allegedly lost an eye in an attack in Habiganj, he alleged that supporters of Whip GK Gouse attacked him and damaged one of his eyes with rods. “He is a young man, a July fighter. His eye must be returned.” The NCP leader said hundreds of his fellow protesters lost their eyes or were injured during the previous Awami League government, adding that Sheikh Hasina is now living in exile in Delhi. He also warned that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any damage to the eyes of anyone. Nahid said they will not leave the streets until justice is ensured for the injured youth. “We respect Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. But we will not accept using their pictures and posters as a cover for committing terrorism, grabbing land or occupying property,” he said. The NCP convener called for ensuring people’s right to freedom of expression, employment and food, while also demanding reforms and justice. Addressing residents of Kanaighat, he warned that attempts could be made to manipulate the upcoming local government elections through “musclemen and terrorists.” “We could not prevent the engineering in the national election, but we will not allow any manipulation, musclemen or terrorists in the local government elections,” Nahid said. He urged people to remain prepared and vote for suitable representatives in the upcoming local government polls.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam on Thursday urged the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to take immediate steps to control its student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), warning that the organisation was gradually moving towards becoming a “terrorist group”. “If BNP does not want to repeat the authoritarian practices of the past, it must rein in Chhatra Dal,” Sarjis said while talking to reporters after meeting families of seven martyrs of the July uprising at Golapganj in Sylhet. He also called upon BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to take action against what he described as the “violent activities” of JCD. “If you cannot control Chhatra Dal, then declare that you want to use the student organisation as a force of musclemen,” he said. Recalling a previous remark of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Sarjis said, “She had said that Chhatra Dal needs students, not street criminals. BNP and the country will both benefit if this message is kept in mind.” Sarjis said protests would continue, adding that the style and language of protest may vary from person to person. “The people will decide whose statements are acceptable. If anyone disagrees, they have the right to express their views from their own position,” he said. The NCP leader also criticised the role of the Sylhet administration, alleging that it was not acting neutrally. He claimed that the administration was making decisions based on the interests of elected representatives and the government rather than maintaining professionalism. “Recently, when NCP Convener Hasnat Abdullah and other leaders went to a police outpost to file a case, they were obstructed,” Sarjis alleged. He said a five-member NCP delegation was prevented from filing the complaint, while JCD activists allegedly chanted provocative slogans without facing any action. Addressing law enforcement officials, Sarjis said, “Do not sell your professionalism. If you want to do politics, remove the police uniform and join politics directly.” Earlier, a discussion meeting with families of seven July uprising martyrs was held at Golapganj Municipality Auditorium. NCP Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin attended the programme as a special guest. At the event, respect was paid to those killed during the July uprising. Family members of the victims shared their memories, current challenges and expectations from the state. NCP leaders expressed solidarity with them. Samanta Sharmin said the martyrs had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country and standing beside their families was both a political and moral responsibility. She said justice, accountability and people’s rights must be ensured to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyrs. Meanwhile, allegations surfaced that an NCP convoy came under attack while returning from the programme. According to the allegations, a group of people targeted the convoy after it left Golapganj, creating panic among party activists. Another attack and vandalism were allegedly carried out near Panchmile area. However, no one was injured in the incident. Golapganj Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Shabed Ali said police were trying to identify those involved and operations were underway.

A regular case has been filed against 11 named and 100 unnamed leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) over the attack on the leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Habiganj. The case was filed at Habiganj Sadar Police Station on Thursday morning. NCP convoy now comes under attack in Sylhet The accused include district JCD President Rajib Ahmed Ringon, Brindaban College unit General Secretary Ashraful Islam Riaz, and organisation leaders Asikul Islam Imon, Mozakker Hossain Imon, Shimul, Saimon, Mahfuz, Ishtiaq Sabbir, Nazmul and Roxy. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahidul Haque of the Sadar Police Station said a complaint was filed on Wednesday night by district Jubo Shakti Convener Tanmoy Taher Rubel at the Kamaichhara Police Camp in Bahubal upazila. The complaint was recorded as a regular case on Thursday. The case stems from Tuesday’s alleged attack on NCP central and local leaders and activists in Habiganj, in which NCP Chief Organiser (Norther Region) Sarjis Alam and at least 15 others were injured. A microbus carrying party leaders was also vandalised, according to the complaint.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday lamented that nothing has changed in the country’s administrative culture despite the July mass uprising, but expressed hope that change will come under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. "With great pain, I must say this based on my four to five months' experience as a minister. I see that nothing has changed. Those who used to take bribes are still finding ways to take bribes. Those who used to obstruct good work are still doing so," he said while addressing a discussion marking the 2nd anniversary of the July mass uprising in the capital. Presidential election to be held on time: Mirza Fakhrul The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organised the event at Tatya Bhaban in the city. A publication of the Press Information Department was unveiled and a photo exhibition inaugurated at the event. Fakhrul, also the BNP secretary general, said many people have simply changed their colours and they have now become the biggest July warriors.

A convoy carrying leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), including its Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, came under attack in Golapganj upazila of Sylhet district on Thursday, leaving one vehicle damaged. The incident took place around 2:45pm as the convoy was heading to Kanaighat after attending a programme at the Golapganj municipality auditorium with families of those killed during the July 2024 mass uprising. However, there was no report of any injury in the incident. NCP files police complaint over Habiganj attack According to witnesses, a group of miscreants attacked the convoy in front of Noor Mansion near the municipality gate, shattering the rear glass of one of the vehicles. Sarjis later alleged in a Facebook post that the attackers were activists of the BNP. Local sources said a group of youths, believed to be activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), surrounded the convoy and chanted slogans such as "fake, fake" and "NCP is fake." According to party sources, Sarjis and other central NCP leaders travelled to Golapganj earlier in the day to exchange views with families of those killed during the July movement. JCD activists reportedly gathered in the Golapganj Chowmuhani area before the convoy arrived and shouted slogans against the party. The same slogans were chanted as the NCP leaders left the municipality auditorium after the programme, witnesses said. At one stage, several people allegedly rushed towards the convoy and bricks were thrown at one of the vehicles. Police later dispersed the crowd and escorted the NCP leaders out of Golapganj safely, said Officer-in-Charge of Golapganj Police Station Mohammad Sabed Ali. "The NCP leaders left Golapganj safely," he said. The incident comes two days after NCP leaders came under attack in Habiganj allegedly by JCD activists during a July march programme. The party announced a protest programme for Wednesday, but its central leaders' convoy reportedly faced repeated police obstruction in Sreemangal of Moulvibazar and Bahubal of Habiganj while travelling to the district amid Section 144.

Jatiya Chhatra Shakti staged a protest rally and held a brief gathering at Dhaka University (DU) on Wednesday night, condemning the alleged attack on the convoy of leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Habiganj, the imposition of Section 144 during the party's centrally announced programme, and what it described as police obstruction. The organisation demanded the arrest of those responsible for the attack, protection of freedom of expression, and an end to restrictions on political programmes. NCP files police complaint over Habiganj attack The protest procession began from the Raju Memorial Sculpture around 9pm. It marched through the VC Chattar before returning to the Raju Memorial Sculpture, where it concluded with a brief rally. Central leaders of Chhatra Shakti as well as leaders of its DU unit attended the programme. Addressing the rally, Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, president of the DU unit of Chhatra Shakti, alleged that the current government is following the path of the previous regime by suppressing dissent. He said, "There are signs that Tarique Rahman is developing the tendencies of Sheikh Hasina. Just as Hasina's government used sand-laden trucks to suppress dissent, they attempted to block the NCP protest march in the same way. But those who freed the country from 17 years of authoritarian rule and secured Begum Khaleda Zia's release from prison cannot be stopped by sand trucks. Whether in the name of Tarique or Hasina, fascism will never be allowed to return to this country." Chhatra Shakti Central Council General Secretary Abu Bakar Majumdar alleged that the BNP is moving towards establishing a "one-party" system following the national election. He said, "Their plans before the election have become evident over the past five months–how to curb people's freedom of speech and how to attack public meetings and rallies." Criticising the activities of the home minister and the education minister, Abu Bakar alleged that the government is using the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal to create violence on university campuses. "The Awami League failed to suppress movements with sand trucks, and you will not succeed with empty trucks either. You have failed to understand the democratic transformation that has taken place in the minds of the people through the July mass uprising," he said. Abu Bakar further warned that public dissatisfaction with the government will intensify if it continues to suppress freedom of expression through repression and attacks. At the end of the protest, the speakers demanded the immediate arrest and trial of those allegedly involved in the attack on NCP leaders and activists in Habiganj.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has filed a complaint with police over Tuesday's attack on its convoy in Habiganj. The complaint was lodged around 8:30pm on Wednesday at the Kamaichhara Police Outpost in Bahubal upazila, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said in a Facebook post. Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, police stopped a convoy of NCP leaders travelling from Moulvibazar to Habiganj following the imposition of Section 144 in Habiganj municipality. The convoy, carrying NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah and Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam, left the Moulvibazar Circuit House around 4:30pm but was halted in the Cha Kanya area of Sreemangal of Moulvibazar about 5:00pm. At least 15 NCP leaders and activists, including Sarjis, were injured in Tuesday's attack, during which the microbus carrying the leaders was vandalised. According to the NCP, the attack came while Sarjis and Nasiruddin were leaving the venue after addressing a programme marking the July mass uprising near the Court Mosque. Police later escorted the two leaders to the Circuit House for security. The NCP alleged that activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal carried out the attack.