United News of Bangladesh

The BNP-led ruling alliance on Monday announced the final list of 36 nominees for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, effectively ensuring their election unopposed. Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the names at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Although the Election Commission has scheduled election for May 12, no polling will be required as the number of candidates matches the seats allocated to the alliance. If the nominations pass scrutiny, the nominees will be elected without contest. BNP delegation visits top Chinese university, stressing research and academic collaboration The alliance nominees are Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arli, Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Sakila Farzana, Helen Jerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeba Amin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sansila Jebrin, Sanjida Islam Tulee, Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minz, Subarna Sikdar, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bithika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Jerin, Mansura Akter, Johorat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alo, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan Papon, Showkat Ara Akter, Madhabi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana. Under existing law, the 50 reserved seats for women are distributed among parties – having representation in Parliament – in proportion to their representation in the general seats. Accordingly, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, the combine, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, 13 and independents will receive one. According to the election schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. However, since parties nominate candidates equal to their allocated seats, these polls are typically uncontested. The nominees will be officially declared elected unopposed on the final date for withdrawal.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended his best wishes to the candidates appearing in this year’s SSC, Dakhil and equivalent examinations. In a statement on Sunday, he prayed for the physical and mental well-being of the students and wished them success in their examinations. He said around 20 lakh students are expected to participate in this year’s exams, including SSC, Dakhil and equivalent candidates. He also stressed the importance of ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the examination period and called for special attention to the safe movement of examinees. In addition, he urged law enforcement agencies and teachers to ensure a fair, peaceful and cheating-free examination environment. This year's SSC, Dakhil and equivalent examinations are set to begin simultaneously across the country from April 21 (Tuesday).

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday expressed deep concern over the recent hike in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, urging the authorities to reconsider the decision. In a statement, party Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has increased the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder by Tk 212, setting the new rate at Tk 1,940 at the consumer level. He said such a hike would put additional pressure on ordinary people already struggling with rising living costs. Parwar also noted that the LPG price had been raised by Tk 387 to Tk 1,728 earlier on April 2, adding that two consecutive increases within a short period would make public life more difficult. He said the situation has worsened due to significant increases in the prices of other fuels, warning that the overall cost of living would rise further. “When people are already burdened by the rising prices of essential commodities, such a price hike will make their lives even harder,” he said. Describing LPG as an essential fuel for lower- and middle-income households, Parwar said the increased cost would directly affect cooking expenses and household budgets, calling the decision against public interest. The party demanded immediate reconsideration of the new price and withdrawal of what it termed an “unreasonable” hike.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has spent around 12 hours at his party’s Gulshan political office, continuing work until around 3:00am on Sunday, as he oversaw key organisational activities and interviewed aspirants for reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. According to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, the BNP office remained active even long after house lights dimmed across the capital, with the nomination process continuing in full swing until late at night. The interviews of the party aspirants began at 3:00pm on Saturday at the Gulshan office. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, AZM Zahid Hossain and Selima Rahman were present as members of the nomination board. Candidates from districts under Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions took part in the interviews, which continued till late at night. Earlier on Friday, aspirants from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal and Faridpur divisions were interviewed. Party sources said around 900 nomination forms were submitted out of 1,025 sold. Earlier, the Election Commission on April 8 announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will be held on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. Under the seat distribution, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-aligned bloc 13 seats, and independents one seat.

Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin on Saturday said the opposition is creating obstacles to the country’s development initiatives instead of cooperating with the government’s ongoing reform and development activities. “We thought that in this short period, (the opposition) would extend overall cooperation with the positive steps taken by the government under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister,” Mahdi said, at a press conference held at the PMO to mark the completion of the first two months of the BNP government. “But we have seen that instead of doing that, they chose alternative paths, including creating ruckus in Parliament, threatening protests on the streets, and spreading rumors and propaganda, which are obstacles to the country's progress." Mahdi, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said such activities were undermining the government’s efforts to implement its development agenda. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives, including various welfare programmes, economic measures, and administrative reforms, taken over the last two months. Mahdi said it was a matter of “great pride” that the Prime Minister and "people’s leader" Tarique Rahman has been included in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world this year. He said the recognition reflects the prime minister's “visionary leadership, courage, and contribution towards restoring democracy,” and brings international recognition to his role. He said the government has begun implementing its election manifesto within two months of assuming office, outlining a wide range of policy actions aimed at economic stability, social protection and administrative reform. Mahdi also presented a list of 60 key initiatives taken over the last two months under what he described as the government’s 180-day action plan. He said the government, led by the Prime Minister, had moved at “fast pace” to begin delivering on electoral commitments across multiple sectors. Among the major measures highlighted were the rollout of a pilot “family card” programme aimed at women’s financial support, under which 37,567 families have already received monthly cash assistance of Tk 2,500. He said the initiative is intended to strengthen household-level economic security. The adviser also mentioned the introduction of a “farmer card” scheme, which has started in 10 districts covering over 22,000 small and marginal farmers, including those involved in fisheries and livestock. He added that interest on loans for around 12 lakh small farmers up to Tk 10,000 has been waived. In the agriculture and water sector, he said the government has taken up a plan to dredge and re-excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and water bodies, with work already started in 54 districts. The adviser also said the government has continued to keep fuel prices stable despite global energy pressures, while increasing subsidies and strengthening international procurement efforts. In the energy sector, he noted that 35 megawatts of electricity have been added to the national grid through rooftop solar and net metering initiatives, with a target of producing 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030. A pilot fuel card system has also been launched. On food and market stability, the adviser said inflation and commodity prices have been kept relatively stable through imports and supply management during Ramadan and beyond. Mahdi Amin said the overall goal of the government is to build a more stable, inclusive and growth-oriented economy, with a long-term target of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited Shishu Hospital in the capital's Shyamoli on Saturday to see children affected by measles. During the visit, he spoke with attending physicians and took updates on the condition of the patients, said Mujibul Alam, senior assistant publicity secretary of the party’s Central Publicity Department. Jamaat Ameer stressed the need for ensuring proper and necessary medical care for those affected by measles. Jamaat to back just causes, resist injustice: Ameer Rahman also visited a petrol pump near Asad Gate in the capital, where he reviewed the latest situation regarding fuel supply. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament for Dhaka-12 Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Committee Member Mobarak Hossain, and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Selim Uddin, among others.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced a 53-member central convening committee of its associate body, Jatiya Nari Shakti. The committee was announced on Saturday through a press release, approved under the directives of NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossen. Monira Sharmin has been appointed as convener of the new body, while Mahmuda Alam Mitu will serve as member secretary. NCP MP questions gap between fuel supply claim and reality at pumps Among other key posts, Sanzida Bushra Mishma has been made senior joint convener and Nusrat Tabassum appointed as chief organiser. The joint conveners include Hafsa Jahan, Nabila Tasnid, Khandakar Khaleda Akter, Ashrefa Khatun and Muna Hafsa. Manjila Jhuma has been named senior joint member secretary, while Dyuti Arannya Chowdhury Preeti, Nahida Bushra, Kazi Ayesha Ahmed, Neela Afroz, Mahmuda Rimi and Israt Jahan Bindu have been made joint member secretaries. Ishrat Jahan, Ursi Mahfila, Sadia Afrin, Jayanti Biswas, Sonia Lubna, Nafisa Mushtari and Nadia Islam Mim have been appointed as joint chief organisers. Besides, Rehnuma Ruma, Farzana Akter, Moni Mukta, Sejuti Akter and 30 others have been included as organisers in the committee.

A mass reception was accorded to National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram by Tazumuddin Upazila BNP in Bhola on Friday (17 April) afternoon. The reception ceremony was held at the Tazumuddin Upazila Parishad auditorium. Speaking as the chief guest, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, said that the example of the Awami League is now before everyone. “The consequences of committing injustice, corruption, looting and terrorism are visible. A six-time Member of Parliament was not even allowed to leave his house. They thought such practices would continue indefinitely, but Allah’s wrath has befallen them,” he said. Be attentive, Speaker tells MP amid bill confusion

Sylhet district BNP on Friday organised a doa mahfil seeking the recovery and safe return of disappeared BNP leader and former lawmaker M Ilias Ali. The programme was held at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Dargah Mosque after Jummah prayers, with participation of local BNP leaders and activists. Speaking as chief guest, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said M Ilias Ali was a dedicated, courageous and pro-democracy leader who had always raised his voice for people’s rights and fair elections. He said that leaders who spoke for the country and democracy often faced risks, adding that political developments in recent years had brought major changes in the country’s governance. Anee also said BNP had now come to power through the people’s mandate, with Tarique Rahman serving as Prime Minister, while noting that many party leaders and activists had faced repression over the years. Sylhet District BNP President and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kayyum Chowdhury said Ilias Ali played a key role in leading the party during difficult times and had become a symbol of public rights. He added that the circumstances of his disappearance remained a matter of deep concern even after 14 years, calling for clarity on the issue. Sylhet-6 MP and District BNP General Secretary Advocate Imran Ahmad Chowdhury described the disappearance of Ilias Ali as a “dark chapter” of the previous Awami League era. The event concluded with special prayers seeking the recovery of Ilias Ali as well as peace and welfare for the country and party leaders and activists.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is committed to collective efforts aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards. The LGRD Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Carnival-2026, held at the Pepper Tree BD Event Venue on Madani Avenue in the capital. Mirza Fakhrul, also ruling party BNP's secretary general, said the role of Junior Chamber International Bangladesh in fostering youth leadership and promoting community service is highly commendable, adding that the organisation should further expand its activities to contribute to national development. Widespread corruption committed in name of development: Mirza Fakhrul tells Parliament