United News of Bangladesh

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam has described the recent remarks made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed about “indiscriminate killings” by Indian forces along the border “deeply objectionable” and “humiliating,” and demand their immediate withdrawal. “To hear such remarks from a responsible state figure is a matter of profound national shame,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday night. Govt betraying July Revolution, constitutional reform must follow referendum mandate: Nahid Islam Nahid said even after four days, Salahuddin Ahmed has neither withdrawn nor clarified his remarks, while no official condemnation has been issued by the government. “Therefore, we are compelled to assume that the remarks reflect the government’s position on border killings,” he said. Criticising the interpretation of border-related deaths, the NCP leader said home minister attempted to downplay the crisis by narrowing the definition of border killings, arguing the term applies exclusively to fatalities occurring directly at the zero line. “He asserted that individuals involved in cross-border crimes or illegal trespass fall entirely under the domestic jurisdiction of the respective nation's law enforcement. By this logic, he claimed it is improper to classify these fatalities as border killings.” However, international legal frameworks, including United Nations human rights principles and the Geneva Conventions, strictly prohibit unlawful shootings, torture, or brutal treatment of unarmed civilians, he said. “The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols explicitly forbid violence against civilian populations, even during war or armed conflict. Furthermore, UN principles governing law enforcement dictate that security forces may use only necessary and proportionate force. Any excessive or indiscriminate use of lethal force constitutes a direct violation of international law,” Nahid said. Referring to the similar comments made by then Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in 2020, which sparked similar outrage, he said, “Momen's subservient stance toward India is widely recognised. This compliance ultimately relegated that regime to the dustbin of history. Against this backdrop, the compromising rhetoric from the home minister of the post-revolution government raises serious concerns.” On June 2, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said killings of individuals, who are involved in crime or illegal intrusion, by any border force within its own territory cannot be labelled as “border killing.” “If any foreign force kills someone by entering our border or at the zero line, then it can be called border killing. But if someone is involved in any sort of crimes within our borders and their borders or if someone commits illegal trespassing, then they (border forces) will address the issue as per their own local laws. In such cases, it should not be called border killing,” he had said.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Md. Nahid Islam, met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Fidan congratulated the NCP leadership for their role in the July Revolution, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, according to a Facebook post shared by the party on Saturday. The NCP delegation expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its continued diplomatic support and engagement in resolving the Rohingya crisis.  

The government is developing a new economic model to navigate the current financial crisis, with a target of elevating Bangladesh to a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034, focusing on investment growth, administrative reform, industrial revival and long-term agricultural transformation. “Our philosophy is 'Bangladesh for All', the new economic framework is being built to ensure the benefits of growth reach every segment of society," said Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to the Prime Minister on finance and planning, while addressing a roundtable titled ‘Budget 2026-27 in a Moment of Crisis’ at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre in the city on Saturday. Govt sets 5  energy security milestones to break import dependence: Titumir Titumir stressed that ensuring an investment-friendly environment was crucial to placing the economy on a sustainable footing, calling for reduced bureaucratic complexity, equal opportunities for domestic and export-oriented industries, business-friendly policies and administrative reforms. He added that the government was working on a restructuring package worth around Tk 60,000 crore to revive long-dormant industrial units, while simultaneously prioritising job creation and expansion of the productive sector. On agriculture, the adviser said the sector must be steered toward long-term development rather than relying solely on subsidies, emphasising the need to improve water resource management, modernise farming systems and strengthen the rural economy. He also underscored the need to improve the effectiveness of spending in health and education, saying service quality, accessibility and grassroots-level delivery of public services must be ensured alongside increased allocations. Apex Footwear Managing Director Nasim Manzur called for tax structure reforms to attract fresh investment and boost private sector growth, proposing a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 27.5 percent to 20 percent. He also urged policy stability, modernisation of tax administration and improvement of airport warehousing facilities. Researcher and rights activist Maha Mirza demanded higher budgetary allocation for agriculture, arguing that greater investment is needed to strengthen food security and the rural economy. She stressed agricultural mechanisation, storage infrastructure and union-level agri-facility development. Speakers at the roundtable said the upcoming budget must be pragmatic and reform-oriented amid high inflation, investment stagnation, employment pressure and global economic uncertainty. They emphasised modernising tax administration, boosting productive investment, ensuring financial sector good governance and maintaining long-term policy stability. Among others, the discussion featured Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman M Masrur Reaz, former Finance Secretary Muslim Chowdhury, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, ICMAB President Kausar Alam and North South University School of Business and Economics Dean Dr AKM Wareseul Karim.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said Dhaka no longer feels like a livable city, warning that worsening pollution, deteriorating public services, declining institutions and unplanned urbanisation are making life increasingly difficult for residents. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Dokkhiner Janala” initiative and a seminar titled “Citizen Thoughts and Necessary Actions” organised by Dhaka South City Corporation at a restaurant in the capital’s Paltan area, Fakhrul said the city is facing a multifaceted crisis that requires urgent structural reforms and long-term planning. Fakhrul says 'democracy under threat,' flags planned digital campaign against government “Dhaka no longer feels livable. There is hardly an environment where people can breathe freely. Various institutions are approaching destruction. If we fail to come out of this situation, living in the city will become even more difficult for residents,” he said. Referring to the presence of the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA at the event, Fakhrul expressed deep concern over the capital’s water quality and the deteriorating condition of surrounding rivers. He questioned why, despite numerous development projects involving thousands of crores of taka, there has been no effective initiative to free the Buriganga River from pollution. “Will merely raising awareness among citizens solve the problem? Those who formulate policies, govern Dhaka and design development plans must evaluate how much ordinary citizens are actually benefiting from these projects,” he said. The minister stressed that city governance requires stronger commitment, improved planning and greater accountability from elected representatives and urban authorities. “Dhaka is our home. But nowadays I sometimes feel I would rather return to my hometown than continue living in this city,” he said. He cited air pollution, overcrowded public hospitals and the deteriorating condition of public institutions as major concerns affecting the quality of life in the capital. “Step outside and the air you breathe is polluted. Visit a public hospital and you can hardly enter because of the conditions there. Every institution seems to be moving towards decline,” he said. Recalling his student days, Fakhrul said he used to enjoy boat rides on the Buriganga after arriving in Dhaka as a college student in 1963. “At that time, we would often travel on the Buriganga by boat. Today it is almost impossible to go near the river because of the pollution and foul smell,” he said. He added that the condition of the Buriganga has become so severe that it may now be contributing to many of Dhaka’s environmental and public health problems. The minister also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Shitalakkhya River, saying city residents would have nowhere to turn if the rivers surrounding Dhaka continue to degrade. He stressed the need for structural reforms and proper urban planning rather than project-based approaches that end once construction is completed. “Projects should not end once construction is completed. Their long-term impact and sustainability must be ensured,” he said. Referring to recent cabinet discussions on Dhaka’s water situation, Fakhrul said a significant portion of the city’s water remains unsuitable for consumption. He also warned about the rapid depletion of groundwater levels, saying the situation could create serious risks in the event of a major natural disaster such as an earthquake. “The groundwater level has dropped alarmingly. This poses a serious threat to Dhaka in the future,” he said. Fakhrul said restoring the rivers surrounding Dhaka must become a national priority. “So many projects are undertaken, but there is no dedicated project to make the Buriganga pollution-free. I am repeating this because I believe we must seriously discuss what can be done to restore the Buriganga, the Turag and our other rivers,” he said. He lamented the lack of planned urbanisation despite the city’s rapid population growth over the decades. “Population growth and urbanisation are natural, but development has not been properly planned. Drainage systems are either inadequate or ineffective. Thousands of crores of taka are spent on drainage projects, yet water often fails to drain properly,” he said. The minister expressed hope that future city corporation leaders elected through upcoming local government elections would address these challenges with greater seriousness. He said the Local Government Ministry would treat the matter as a priority and welcome expert recommendations on improving Dhaka’s livability. “We want to know what measures the government can take so that citizens of Dhaka can once again breathe freely and enjoy a better quality of life,” he said. Referring to the “Dokkhiner Janala” initiative, Fakhrul said the city must be transformed into a place where residents can genuinely enjoy a healthy, clean and open environment. “We must create a Dhaka where people can truly open their windows and breathe freely,” he added.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief organiser, northern region, Sarjis Alam has alleged that BNP is betraying the people and “rejecting the referendum in parliament,” adding that such behaviour will never be accepted by the public. He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest at an Eid reunion and joining programme organised by NCP at Chengarchar Degree College in Matlab Uttar upazila of Chandpur on Friday afternoon. NCP calls for national emergency over measles outbreak in Bangladesh NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary alleged that a recent government deal had resulted in the release of Selina Hayat Ivy Rahman, accusing BNP of falling into an “Awami League trap.” He also claimed that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “died without proper medical treatment.” He further made a series of allegations addressing BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, saying that those responsible were involved in the killing of his father, mother, numerous BNP and Jamaat leaders, journalists Sagar-Runi, the killings at Shapla Chattar, and the BDR mutiny at Pilkhana. The event was presided over by Matlab Uttar upazila NCP convener Arifa Tuhin and conducted by upazila joint convener Imadul Islam. During the programme, more than 100 leaders and activists from various political parties, including five elderly freedom fighters from the upazila, joined the NCP. They were formally welcomed with flowers by Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwary.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that a section of people are engaged in various conspiracies aimed at preventing democracy from taking root in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in memory of late politicians Mahbubul Haque and Mahbubul Alam Tara, Fakhrul said efforts are underway to undermine politics and democratic institutions. Zia gave Bangladeshis a distinct national identity: Fakhrul “There is a conspiracy to destroy politics. Such efforts are never a good sign for healthy political practice,” he said. Fakhrul said he was uncertain whether those involved were acting consciously, but many appeared to be pursuing a deliberate agenda. “The language and content they are promoting are sufficient to destroy the normal course of politics,” he said. Referring to the current political environment, he remarked that the late leaders being commemorated were fortunate not to have witnessed what he described as the present culture of political bullying and character assassination. The BNP leader also criticised social media, saying it often misleads people and encourages poor judgment. “I do not use social media and I do not even have an account because I have seen that it can confuse people, take them in the wrong direction and force them into making wrong decisions,” he said. Fakhrul said the country had regained an opportunity to return to a democratic process following a major movement and mass uprising, but alleged that organised efforts were now being made to disrupt that process. “After such a large movement and mass uprising, we had an opportunity to return to a democratic process. But I can see a very deliberate attempt to obstruct that process,” he said. He expressed concern that democracy was facing serious challenges. “Democracy is in danger. There is a conscious and organised effort to break down institutions, make everything meaningless and create chaos,” he said. According to Fakhrul, some quarters had been engaged in conspiracies even before the election and intensified their activities shortly after the events of 2024 with the objective of ensuring that democracy does not survive in the country. He said the government had been formed through a democratic election and therefore had a responsibility to identify such conspiracies quickly and strengthen democratic institutions. “The government's duty now is to identify these conspiracies and reinforce the democratic process,” he said. Paying tribute to the late leaders, Fakhrul said Mahbubul Alam Tara, Mahbubur Rahman and others had made lasting contributions to the nation and society. “They viewed politics as a means of serving the people and strengthening democracy,” he said. Criticising the growing trend of personal attacks in politics, Fakhrul said attempts were being made to discredit political leaders through various forms of content and language. “The tendency to assassinate the character of political leaders has reached an alarming level. This is a warning sign for a healthy political culture,” he said. While acknowledging that political differences are natural, he said personal attacks and propaganda only weaken politics. He also said the misuse of social media was diverting people away from mainstream democratic politics. Highlighting BNP’s political philosophy, Fakhrul said the party is not a revolutionary organisation but a liberal democratic political party committed to protecting people's rights and welfare. “BNP is a fully liberal democratic political party devoted to the rights and welfare of the people,” he said. He warned that forces opposed to democracy and people's rights had emerged in the country and called on citizens to speak out against them. During the programme, Fakhrul also discussed a proposal to name two public establishments after Mahbubul Alam Tara to preserve his memory. He said such decisions would have to be implemented through the relevant local authorities and elected representatives, though BNP would be willing to support the initiative. Fakhrul further stressed the importance of preserving the legacy of distinguished political leaders, suggesting that the Election Commission or other relevant authorities publish biographies and accounts of their contributions for future generations. Speaking at the same programme, BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said the country was facing enemies and multifaceted conspiracies from various directions. “A new addition to these conspiracies is the bot army. But it will not succeed because the people remain with Tarique Rahman,” he said. Dudu said the government must be protected at any cost and warned that the country could face serious difficulties in the future unless people become aware of the ongoing conspiracies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday staged a protest rally and demonstration in the capital against repeated increases in fuel and electricity prices, as well as the rising cost of essential commodities. The programme, organised by the party's Dhaka city units, was held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at around 5 pm. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar urged the government to curb corruption instead of increasing electricity tariffs. He claimed that public dissatisfaction with the government had become evident within three months of its assumption of office and alleged that people were expressing frustration through slogans directed at ministers. Parwar alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its election pledges and accused it of ignoring public opinion on various issues, including constitutional reforms and electricity pricing. He said stakeholders at a recent public hearing had recommended against raising electricity prices, but the government was proceeding with plans to increase tariffs by nearly 17 percent. The Jamaat leader called on the government to withdraw the proposed electricity price hike immediately. Speaking as a special guest, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan alleged that the government had increased fuel prices twice within a month and raised gas prices earlier, contributing to inflationary pressure on consumers. He also expressed concern over the country's law and order situation and criticised the appointment of the chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, alleging that the appointee had previously resigned from a senior position at the central bank amid allegations of irregularities. Rafiqul Islam Khan further accused the government of politicising state institutions and rehabilitating individuals linked to the former Awami League administration. He urged the government to respect public opinion and avoid policies that, according to him, go against public interests. The rally was conducted by Shafiqul Islam Masud. Among others, central executive council member Mubarak Hossain, Dhaka South Nayeb-e-Ameer Helal Uddin and Dhaka North Assistant Secretary Yasin Arafat addressed the gathering. Following the rally, a procession marched from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram through Paltan intersection and Bijoynagar before ending at Kakrail. Party leaders claimed that thousands of activists participated in the demonstration.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said former President Ziaur Rahman’s greatest contribution was providing the people of Bangladesh with a distinct national identity through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism. He said the people of Bangladesh had become fully convinced in 1971 that it was no longer possible to remain part of Pakistan and that they had to wage a war for independence. “And that war was launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.” Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent Foreign Policy in the Current Context” and a newspaper exhibition organised at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) auditorium, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the former President. Describing Ziaur Rahman as a courageous patriot who responded to the aspirations of the nation at a critical moment in history, the BNP leader said, “At a time when the entire nation was waiting for a declaration to begin the war, and when such a declaration did not come from the expected leadership, this then little-known major suddenly announced rebellion against Pakistan and declared war from Chattogram.” Calling Ziaur Rahman a unique and inspirational figure, he said the BNP founder’s most significant achievement was giving the people of Bangladesh a distinct sense of identity through Bangladeshi nationalism. “He gave the people of this land a sense of selfhood and identity. He made it clear that we are different and that our existence is unique,” he said. Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Fakhrul said some intellectuals and sections of the media had predicted that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as a major political force. “Many even suggested that I would lose my own election. But people did not make that mistake. They chose BNP because it represents a liberal democratic political tradition,” he said. “BNP is a party of liberal democracy. We believe in liberal democratic values and want to establish them. We do not seek to create divisions in society,” the BNP leader added. He said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s slogan, “Bangladesh First,” reflects the same spirit and philosophy championed by Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman entered politics at a time when Bangladesh was facing economic collapse, institutional breakdown and political divisions. “Rather than creating further divisions, he brought together people of different political views. His main objective was reconciliation and moving the nation forward together,” he said. According to him, one of Ziaur Rahman’s defining political characteristics was his ability to unite people and maintain friendly relations with all countries. Explaining Ziaur Rahman’s enduring popularity, the minister said Bangladeshis have always aspired to build a nation free from external influence and domination. “The people of Bangladesh want to stand on their own feet. They do not want to lean towards any external power. That aspiration was reflected in Ziaur Rahman’s politics,” he said. He said the people of Bangladesh have consistently stood up to protect the country whenever it faced threats, including during the July 2024 movement. “The people once again created an opportunity for Bangladesh to move forward on a new path,” he said. Fakhrul expressed confidence that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be able to lead the country in line with the ideals and vision of Ziaur Rahman. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon presided over the programme. Economist Dr Mushtaq Khan of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, attended the event as a special guest, while Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), delivered the keynote speech. Among the discussants were Abu Rushd, editor of the Bangladesh Defence Journal, and Dr Shafiqul Rahman, executive director of Brain. PIB Director General Faruk Wasif moderated the programme.

The 151-member fully-fledged central executive committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal was announced on Thursday, with Abdul Monayem Munna as president and Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan as general secretary. The information was disclosed in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Although a partial committee had been announced earlier, the party on Thursday published the full list of the 151-member executive committee. According to the committee, Rezaul Kabir Pol has been made senior vice-president, while Billal Hossain Tarek has been appointed as the No. 1 joint general secretary. Md Kamruzzaman Jewel has been given the responsibility of organising secretary and Al Mehdi Talukder has been appointed publicity secretary. The full committee includes 29 vice-presidents, 28 joint general secretaries and 23 assistant general secretaries. For the central office, Vice-President Nurul Islam Sohel and Joint General Secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiyan have been assigned office responsibilities. Among other key appointments, Rokonuzzaman Rokon has been made treasurer, Ashraf Jalal Khan Monon literature and publication secretary, Aminur Rahman Amin information and research secretary, and Khairuzzaman Lincoln international affairs secretary with the status of vice-president. In addition, AR Mamun Khan and Mujahidul Islam Murad have been appointed as international affairs secretaries with the status of joint general secretary. The committee also includes five law affairs secretaries and two health affairs secretaries.

Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday warned against any attempt to take over or control Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, saying the people will not accept any such move. He alleged that the government is trying to hand over Islami Bank to individuals appointed during the previous “fascist” regime, adding that opposition leaders and activists were prepared to take to the streets to “rescue” the bank. The Jamaat ameer made the remarks while speaking at an Eid reunion held at a convention centre in the capital’s Mirpur area. He claimed that Tk 34,000 crore was looted from Islami Bank during the Awami League government, alleging further attempts to destabilise the banking sector. Shafiqur Rahman said any damage to Islami Bank will severely impact the country’s economy. He also urged the government to ensure stability in the banking sector and criticised the Bangladesh Bank governor over the current situation. Expressing concern over the country’s overall situation, the Jamaat chief said the nation could not continue in its present state, questioning the future of those involved in what he described as political repression.