United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday formally notified the Election Commission (EC) that it has expelled Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam from the party after an internal investigation found allegations of moral turpitude against him to be true. In a letter signed by party's Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and addressed to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, Jamaat informed the EC of its decision. According to the letter, the party conducted an organisational investigation into various media reports published recently regarding MP Nazrul. The investigation found the allegations of moral turpitude against him to be substantiated. Consequently, he was expelled from the party under Article 62 of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami constitution, it said. The letter stated that the decision was unanimously taken at an emergency meeting of the party's Central Executive Council held on July 22 chaired by Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman. It said copies of the decision have also been sent to the Office of the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad for taking necessary action.

Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice President and cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman on Thursday called for building a humane and effective healthcare system to ensure that no villager dies for lack of medical treatment and no pregnant woman or newborn loses life due to inadequate healthcare. "We want a future Bangladesh where no sick villager dies because of lack of treatment, no pregnant woman dies without receiving proper medical care, and no newborn leaves its mother's lap because of inadequate healthcare," she said. "We want to build a healthcare system that will set an example for the world because everyone's health matters," she said at a programme as the chief guest at the Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College auditorium in the capita, where meritorious students were honoured for their academic achievements. Congratulating the award recipients, she also praised students who managed to pursue cultural activities alongside their hard academic schedules. "If you continue to nurture your talents this way, it will be highly commendable. Culture is what we are; civilisation is what we have. Culture is the foundation of civilisation," she said. Describing the students as some of the country's brightest minds, Dr Zubaida said they had earned the opportunity to study medicine through merit and urged them to combine excellence with compassion. Expressing hope that many students would pursue higher education and advanced medical training abroad, she urged them to return and serve the people of Bangladesh. Citing healthcare statistics, she said Bangladesh currently has only 0.83 physicians per 1,000 people, meaning one doctor often has to serve between 1,200 and 1,800 patients, with the situation being even worse in rural areas. "This situation can change if we commit ourselves to serving the country from our student life," she said. She noted that 70 to 75 percent of doctors work in urban areas while 78 percent of the country's population lives in rural and remote regions. Dr Zubaida also said the nurse-to-population ratio in Bangladesh is only 0.549 per 1,000 people, compared to the World Health Organization's benchmark of 1.48 nurses per 1,000 people. She added that the WHO recommends 2.28 doctors per 1,000 people while in Bangladesh there is only one government doctor for every 6,500 people. "That is why healthcare remains one of the major causes of poverty." She expressed confidence that through merit, hard work, perseverance and patriotism the students would build the healthcare system the country aspires to have. "Our villagers are often deprived of timely treatment because of the shortage of doctors. But if you dedicate yourselves to serving the people, this challenge can certainly be overcome," she said.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam on Wednesday said if the referendum is illegal, then Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and the BNP government will also lose their legitimacy. "If the referendum is illegal, then you, Mr Salahuddin Ahmed, are also illegitimate as the home minister, and so is the BNP government," he said while addressing a public rally at the Baninagar High School ground in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat at night. Sarjis accused both the Awami League and the BNP of corruption in the implementation of large-scale development projects. He alleged that thousands of crores of taka were looted from the Padma Bridge project during the Awami League's tenure and claimed that the BNP is now engaging in similar irregularities through canal excavation projects.

Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin on Wednesday said the government is working to build a skilled and competitive workforce by aligning education and skills development with the aspirations of the country's youth through stronger industry-academia collaboration, expanded technical training and internationally recognised certification. Speaking at the “World Youth Skills Day 2026” programme organised by UCEP Bangladesh in Mirpur, he said empowering young people means empowering the government, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions a Bangladesh where youths are equipped with skills, moral values, family education and social responsibility. Govt aims to deliver new textbooks to all students by Jan 1: Mahdi Amin The government wants to overhaul the education system by strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and industries so that students acquire market-relevant skills and become employable, Mahdi Amin said. He said employment opportunities should be developed equally in the private sector, public sector, overseas job markets and entrepreneurship, stressing that not every student needs to become a doctor or engineer. “Instead, students should be encouraged to pursue fields matching their interests and abilities.” Mahdi Amin, also Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesperson, said the government wants to expand short-term, trade-based training programmes lasting three months, six months and beyond to better prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship. He also stressed the need to create greater overseas employment opportunities by improving workers' skills and developing an integrated ecosystem linking technical and vocational education, polytechnic institutes, SSC and HSC vocational education, Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and other training institutions. Noting that 23 ministries currently run different skills development and training programmes, the adviser said greater coordination is needed to harmonise curricula, certification, training methods and competency standards. Acting on the Prime Minister's directives, the government is working to establish a unified framework so that certificates issued by the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) gain international recognition while maintaining common standards across training programmes offered by different ministries, he said. Mahdi Amin praised UCEP Bangladesh for ensuring employment for more than 80 percent of its graduates, describing it as an encouraging example that should be replicated nationwide. "Many students complete technical and vocational education or receive training but still struggle to secure jobs. We want to replicate successful models like UCEP across the country by adopting global best practices," he said. The PMO spokesperson said the government also wants to ensure equal access to quality education, skills training and employment opportunities for young people living outside major cities. "No student should fall behind simply because of where he or she lives. Students in remote and marginalised areas must have access to the same quality of education and skills training as those in Dhaka," he said. Mahdi Amin said private institutions will remain the driving force behind skills development, innovation and expansion, while the government's role will be to provide policy support and create an enabling environment. He also pledged greater government support for reputed institutions so that their expertise and experience can contribute more effectively to implementing national skills development policies. Referring to labour welfare, the adviser said no major labour unrest was witnessed during the two Eid festivals after the current government assumed office, attributing the situation to measures taken to ensure workers' rights, freedom, and timely payment of wages and bonuses. He said the current administration, elected through a genuine public mandate, remains committed to creating an inclusive system that expands opportunities for all young people regardless of their background or location.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Wednesday demanded that all those responsible for the killings during the July-August mass uprising 2024, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, lawmakers and members of the law enforcement agencies allegedly involved, be brought to justice. The demand was made at a prayer and milad mahfil held at the Central Mosque of Dhaka University as part of the organisation's month-long programme commemorating the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising and praying for the recovery of the injured. The programme was attended by JCD's central leaders, leaders of its Dhaka University unit, and from various university, college and metropolitan units. Speaking at the event, JCD Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib said the prime minister had reiterated the commitment to implementing the aspirations of the July uprising. "He assured us during our meeting that everyone involved in the July killings will be brought to justice in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh," Rakib said. He added that the organisation wants to remain assured of the judicial process, noting that verdicts have already been delivered in several cases, including the killing of Abu Sayed. JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said the organisation had launched its month-long programme with a candlelight vigil at the Central Shaheed Minar in remembrance of those killed in the July uprising and in solidarity with the injured. "Today's prayer and milad mahfil is a continuation of that programme," he said. The event concluded with special prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of those killed during the July-August mass uprising and the speedy recovery of the injured.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said local government elections are likely to be held either by the end of this year or in early 2027, assuring that the polls will be conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner without any political interference. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairmen and Members Association at the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, he said there will be no scope for anyone to influence the elections and that candidates will have to secure victory through the people's support. Addressing UP chairmen and members, Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general, said elected representatives regularly participate in the festivals of people from different faiths and stressed that communal harmony must be preserved. Referring to the upcoming local government elections, he said no political party – BNP or Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami – will receive any special privilege. "Chairmen, members and women members will have to be elected through the people's support. This is the true foundation of democracy," he said. The minister also stressed the need for proper distribution of relief so that the rights of the poor are not violated. He said a country's democracy and state system become truly strong only when its local government system is effective and empowered, noting that empowering grassroots public representatives will help deliver services to people's doorsteps and further strengthen the foundation of democracy. Fakhrul said local governments in developed countries serve as the foundation of administration, justice, healthcare and various public services. "But since independence, Bangladesh has not been able to bring its local government system to that desired level of strength. Now is the time to empower local government in the true sense," he said. The minister described UP chairmen and members as the closest representatives of the people at the grassroots who understand local problems, needs, and opportunities better than anyone else, pledging to discuss their allowances with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure they receive a more respectable level of benefits. He underscored the need for making local government more effective and stronger to institutionalise development and democracy. Fakhrul said local representatives should be involved in determining beneficiaries of various government programmes, including social safety net initiatives. He also called for greater empowerment of women and improvements in the country's education system, saying Bangladesh will not be able to move forward without educational advancement. The minister said healthcare services should also be brought closer to local government institutions so they can play a greater role in improving public health services.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam after an internal investigation found evidence of what the party described as "moral lapses" following the circulation of a viral video that sparked widespread controversy. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the party's Central Executive Council held at 4pm on Wednesday at the official residence of the Opposition Leader on Mintoo Road in the capital, said a statesman of the party. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman chaired the meeting. According to the party, an organisational investigation into allegations reported by various media outlets found evidence of "moral lapses" on the part of Gazi Nazrul Islam. Based on the findings, the council decided to expel him from the party, said the statement. The party said it will immediately notify the Election Commission of his expulsion. Earlier at noon, local people brought out a protest procession in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, demanding the removal of Gazi Nazrul Islam. The protesters under the banner of Shyamnagar Sachetan Nagorik brought out a procession around 12pm that marched through the upazila's main roads before ending on Shyamnagar Press Club premises. Later, the protesters burned an effigy of the MP. A video on social media on Monday night showed the Satkhira-4 lawmaker getting intimate with a girl in a room. Amid the controversy, Gazi Nazrul Islam claimed in a Facebook post that the girl seen in the video is his second wife.

Local people brought out a protest procession in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira on Wednesday, demanding the removal of Jamaat-e-Islami MP Gazi Nazrul Islam over a viral video that has sparked widespread controversy. The protesters  under the banner of Shyamnagar Sachetan Nagorik brought out a procession around 12pm that marched through the upazila's main roads before ending on Shyamnagar Press Club premises. Later, the protesters burned an effigy of the MP. They alleged that the MP has lost the moral authority to represent the constituency and demanded that Jamaat-e-Islami remove him from both the party and Parliament. They also declared Gazi Nazrul Islam ‘persona non grata’in Shyamnagar, alleging that his actions has tarnished the image of the locality. They also urged the party to take organisational action against him. The protest follows the circulation of a video on social media on Monday night showing the Satkhira-4 lawmaker getting intimate with a girl in a room. Amid the controversy, Gazi Nazrul Islam claimed in a Facebook post that the girl seen in the video is his second wife. However, his claim has also triggered debate and drawn public scrutiny. Jamaat-e-Islami has not issued any official statement on the matter yet.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhter Hossen on Tuesday alleged that the BNP government has strayed from its 31-point electoral commitment, including promises of constitutional reforms and implementation of the July National Charter. Speaking at a rally titled "July March to Build the Nation" at Jaldhaka Govt Pilot High School ground in Nilphamari, he claimed that the BNP had promised before the election to implement the July Charter and introduce state reforms but failed to fulfil those commitments even after five months in office. Akhter claimed that the party no longer supports constitutional reforms and has backed away from its promise to ensure voting rights through a new-formula caretaker government. "The BNP is not only rejecting the referendum but is also abandoning its own 31-point commitment," he said, adding that the government wants to retain control over the caretaker government system instead of introducing reforms. The NCP leader also criticised the government's handling of judicial reforms, alleging that it failed to enact legislation for transparent appointments of judges. Referring to the country's economy, he claimed that the debt burden is increasing while the prices of essentials have risen even before the announcement of the national budget. Akhter urged the government to implement the verdict of the referendum and continue state reform efforts. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said northern Bangladesh remained neglected due to a lack of industries and adequate healthcare facilities, stressing the need to implement the referendum outcome. Addressing the rally, NCP Chief Organiser (Norther Region) Sarjis Alam accused leaders of BNP and affiliated organisations of influencing government offices and engaging in irregularities, including tender manipulation. He urged people to remain united against what he described as growing misrule.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday raised questions over who had sheltered and patronised one of the convicted killers of former President Ziaur Rahman for the past 45 years. He raised the question while speaking as the chief guest at a programme to pray for the departed soul of the party's former Vice-President Zakir Hossain Nannu organised by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in capital's Nayapaltan. Rizvi said the arrest proved that no criminal ultimately escapes justice. "But the question is where was he during these 45 years? Who gave him shelter? Who maintained him? Who patronised him?" he asked. Rizvi said many developments have taken place following the events of August 15, 1975, adding that some of those who later became ministers were also associated with Awami League. "Anyway, I am not going into those issues now," he said. Encouraging party leaders and activists not to lose hope, Rizvi said people should rely on hard work rather than frustration. "Don't believe in frustration, believe in your hard work," he said, urging everyone to remain committed to their ideals. He said no one's hard work ever goes in vain and that even if some people leave this world without seeing the results of their struggle, their memories inspire others to continue working. Rizvi said the sacrifices of leaders like Zakir Hossain Nannu would be meaningful if these initiatives achieved success over the coming years. Rizvi said that from the anti-Ershad movement to the past 17 years of movement under Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, the party consistently fought for democracy. Despite repeated conspiracies and challenges, he added, the BNP has never resorted to compromise or secret deals. Among others, BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Organising Secretary for Volunteers Affairs Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon attended the programme.