United News of Bangladesh

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman will leave for Saudi Arabia early Wednesday to perform holy Umrah. Dr Rahman, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad, is scheduled to depart Dhaka at 3am, the party said in a statement on Tuesday night. He is expected to return to Dhaka on the morning of March 6, read the statement.

The Election Commission has suspended the Upazila Election Officer of Tungipara in Gopalganj after allegations of irregularities in correcting National Identity (NID) cards were proven through a departmental investigation. Md Harun Or Rashid, Upazila Election Officer of Tungipara (former office: Babuganj, Barishal), was suspended under Section 39(1) of the Government Service Act, 2018, according to notification signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Tuesday. The allegations against him were undoubtedly proven in the departmental investigation. Considering the nature and gravity of the misconduct, the Commission thinks that it is necessary and appropriate to refrain him from official duties. During the suspension period, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance and other lawful benefits as per existing rules.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam has said that there will be no existence of fascism in Bangladesh. In a post on the party’s verified Facebook page on Monday, he said, “We will not leave any trace of fascism in Bangladesh.” Nahid, also a lawmaker from Dhaka-11, said the president must be impeached and brought under arrest. NCP forms committee to oversee local government polls

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike carried out by joint US–Israeli forces on Sunday. In a Facebook post, he wrote, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike reportedly carried out by joint U.S.–Israeli forces on Sunday. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.” He extended heartfelt condolences to the freedom-loving people of Iran during this time of profound grief. The post described the attack as an unprovoked act of aggression against a sovereign nation, warning that it risks further escalation and deepening instability across the Middle East. He urged that diplomacy must prevail and international law must be upheld, and criticised global leaders for failing to safeguard peace and stability. Nahid demands removal of new BB governor Nahid called on all concerned parties to immediately cease military actions, exercise maximum restraint, and return to dialogue, urging the international community, including the United Nations, to act swiftly and decisively to preserve peace and security worldwide.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday said the current government will move the country forward in a united manner under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “BNP has repeatedly been elected by people’s votes because it is a people-based political party. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we will take the country much further ahead in a united way,” he said. Speaking at an iftar mahfil organised by Palash upazila BNP in Narsingdi, he also said unity among party leaders and activists, along with public support, is the main strength of BNP. Moyeen Khan said that in 1991, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia, BNP won all five seats in Narsingdi. “It was a historic chapter in restoring democracy. Likewise, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, BNP again won all five seats here in the February 12 election,” he said. Dr Zubaida calls for women’s empowerment for self-reliance The BNP leader also said party leaders and activists must work together to restore Narsingdi’s past tradition and glory. Moyeen Khan mentioned that during the time of Ziaur Rahman, Abdul Momen Khan served as a minister and was elected with the highest number of votes. “He is our pride.” He said Narsingdi once played a leading role in political leadership and development, and everyone must work together to regain that position. Before the iftar, a munajat was offered seeking peace and prosperity for the country and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah. BNP district unit President Khairul Kabir Khokon, Narsingdi-4, MP and Health Minister Sardar MD Sakhawat Husain, Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bakul, MP and Manjur Elahi, MP, among others, addressed the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party will extend full support to all reasonable initiatives taken by the government by playing a constructive and responsible role in Parliament. The Jamaat Ameer made the remarks while addressing an iftar mahfil at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also spoke at the iftar programme, which was hosted by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for different political leaders and noted personalities. Tarique Rahman and Shafiqur Rahman were seen sitting at the same table during iftar alongside other BNP and Jamaat leaders. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami does not wish to function as a traditional opposition party in Parliament but is keen to play a meaningful and constructive role there. “We do not want to act as a conventional opposition in Parliament. We want this House to become meaningful and a centre of hope for the people. Just as the ruling party should play a responsible role, we also want to play a responsible and constructive role from the opposition benches,” he said. Referring to past parliamentary practices, he alleged that the nation witnessed a ‘dummy opposition’ in Parliament, formed through elections held between candidates and ‘dummy candidates’. “As elections were staged between candidates and dummy candidates in the past, both the government and the opposition were also symbolic. Such an opposition cannot bring positive outcomes for any country,” he mentioned. He said Jamaat would first draw the government’s attention to any irrational decision or step and offer recommendations. “If the government accepts our suggestions, we will be grateful, and the nation will benefit. But if our suggestions are not accepted, we will perform the role expected of an opposition party.” Expressing hope for the role of Parliament, the Jamaat chief said the government should turn it into a vehicle for moving the country forward. “A vehicle cannot run on one wheel alone. If the ruling party is the front wheel, the opposition will be the rear wheel. Without either of them, the vehicle cannot move,” he said. Shafiqur Rahman also expressed optimism that ruling party and opposition lawmakers would work collectively to remove what he described as ‘black laws’ still existing in the Constitution and enact necessary laws to establish Bangladesh as a developed and dignified nation. He hoped that constructive political practices could free the nation from what he termed the long-standing culture of disappointing politics. “If we can do it, then I hope this nation will be freed from the clutches of the disappointing politics of the past that have held it back until now.” PM Tarique Rahman urges parties to vow to change people’s fate Recalling former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s stance following the death sentence of Jamaat leader Maulana Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, he said Jamaat would remember her role in protesting the killings of demonstrators at that time. “We remain grateful to the then opposition leader,” the Jamaat chief said, noting that Khaleda Zia returned from Singapore, cutting short her overseas visit, to protest the injustice and killings. She termed the killings as genocide and declared a countrywide strike at that time, Shafiqur Rahman said, adding, “We’ll remember her role in this regard forever.”

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Friday stressed the importance of placing women at the heart of family and development initiatives to promote their self-reliance. “The BNP government believes that if women’s dignity and economic independence are ensured, it will be easier to achieve national development and establish social justice,” she said. Speaking at an iftar party, Zubaida also said, “That is why women will be placed at the centre of family and development.” The event was arranged by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation at its Gulshan office in the capital for underprivileged women and children. New DSCC Administrator Salam unveils drive to make South Dhaka a ‘clean city’ Highlighting the importance of empowering women and making them self-reliant, she stressed the need for learning a third language. “To help them get priority in employment at home and abroad, a third language will be introduced from the secondary level, and technical education will be included in the curriculum,” Zubaida said. More than 100 underprivileged women and children took part in the iftar event. Before breaking the fast, Zubaida exchanged greetings with the participants.

Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the kidnapping, rape and brutal murder of a teenage girl in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. In a statement, he described the incident as a grave blow to humanity, morality and the rule of law. Zubair prayed for the departed soul of the deceased and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family. He called for the immediate arrest of all those involved, irrespective of their political affiliation or social standing, and urged that they be brought to exemplary justice. He emphasised that there must be no political influence, social pressure or compromise in the cases of heinous crimes such as rape and murder.  “There is no scope for giving concessions to rapists, whether they belong to BNP or any other party. Attempts to cover up such incidents constitute an even greater crime. If justice is not ensured, public trust in the law will erode and criminals will be further emboldened,” the Jamaat leader said. He reiterated that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has consistently been vocal in support of justice, human rights and social security, and will continue to uphold these values. Zubair also urged the government to take effective and stringent measures to prevent violence against women and children across the country.

Md Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Thursday demanded the removal of the newly appointed governor of Bangladesh Bank. “You (govt) may appoint a person of your choice, but he must be skilled, capable and honest,” he said at a programme marking the first anniversary of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti at the Krishibid Institute in the capital. He said the country does not want to witness further looting or debt-driven settlements. “We want an accountable system,” he added. The NCP leader said that if Bangladesh Bank operates without proper accountability and continues to protect the interests of loan defaulters, the country’s economic situation will not improve. “Bangladesh will go from bad to worse, and people will be forced to take to the streets,” he warned. Nahid condemns attack on Hannan Masud’s convoy in Hatia However, he said his party wants Bangladesh to move forward. Nahid Islam also urged the government to take proper steps to ensure that people can travel safely and without hassle during the Eid holidays and celebrate the festival with their families.  

BNP has nominated Rezaul Karim Badsha as its candidate for the by-election to the Bogura-6 constituency, which fell vacant after party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman quit the seat. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Thursday that the party picked Rezaul Karim Badsha, currently serving as the President of its Bogura District unit, to contest the by-election scheduled for April 9. BNP MP from Bogura-4 constituency Md Mosharraf Hossain also confirmed it in a Facebook post. “Alhamdulillah, the final nomination has been given to our respected Bogura District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha Bhai as the BNP candidate for the Bogura (Sadar)-6 constituency from the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office,” Mosharraf writes. Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two constituencies — Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 — and was elected from both. He later vacated the Bogura-6 seat and took oath as a Member of Parliament from Dhaka-17. In the election, BNP secured 209 parliamentary seats and formed the government on February 17. Earlier on Tuesday, the Election Commission announced that the by-election in Bogura-6 and the rescheduled election in Sherpur-3 will be held simultaneously on April 9.