United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin has resigned from the party, citing its alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, “deviation” from its founding principles, “failure” to ensure women's political rights and lack of internal democracy. In a post on her verified Facebook page on Thursday, Sharmin said she no longer believed the NCP was sincere about upholding the values on which it was founded, despite her repeated efforts over the past 11 months to bring changes through internal discussions and written proposals. “I believe it is no longer possible for the NCP to remain sincere to the values on which the party was founded,” she said. Sharmin said she had opposed an alliance with Jamaat from the outset, arguing that the party was neither a principled nor a strategic partner for the NCP and that the alliance would come at a high political cost. She accused Jamaat of not genuinely supporting democratic reforms and said its political philosophy and proposed state structure were incompatible with a democratic system. Criticising the NCP's electoral strategy, Sharmin said the party had sacrificed its independent political identity and the possibility of building a new political direction after the July 2024 mass uprising by joining an alliance with established political forces in the 2026 election. She also alleged that the NCP had failed to recognise women's contributions to the uprising by ensuring their meaningful representation in leadership and decision-making, instead following conservative political trends. Sharmin further criticised the party leadership for restructuring its convening committee without holding a council, saying the move had undermined internal democracy and reflected the practices of traditional political parties. She said she had repeatedly urged the leadership to reconsider these issues, but the party showed no willingness to change its course. Outlining her future political vision, Sharmin called for a new political force based on national unity, democratic governance, sovereignty, women's equal participation and economic justice. She urged young people to build a political platform beyond traditional party divisions, stressing that Bangladesh's national interests must remain above the interests of any foreign power.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Thursday alleged that banned (activities) Awami League and its affiliated organisations might be exploiting the ongoing garment workers’ unrest to create instability in the country, calling for a neutral investigation into any attempts to incite violence. “Whether the banned (activities) Awami League, Jubo League, Sramik League or any vested group is attempting to provoke unrest and sabotage under the cover of the ongoing labour unrest must be investigated impartially,” he said. He made these remarks while reading out a written party statement at a press conference at the party’s central office in the city. In his remarks, Porwar said the ongoing movement did not appear to be entirely a genuine labour or trade union movement, alleging that external forces with ulterior motives were trying to use the situation to destabilise the country. He, however, stressed that ordinary workers should not be held responsible without evidence and that those involved in violence and sabotage must be brought to justice irrespective of their political or social identities. In its written statement, Jamaat expressed deep concern over the ongoing labour unrest, vandalism, factory closures and uncertainty surrounding the livelihoods of garment workers. The party also demanded a neutral investigation into the death of worker Toufiq Sheikh, 21, who died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Uttara after being injured in clashes in Gazipur. It called for compensation for his family and proper treatment for the injured workers. Porwar said workers were struggling with rising living costs and house rents, while factory owners were facing higher energy costs, inadequate gas and electricity supplies, high interest rates and reduced prices offered by international buyers. He called for a balanced government role in resolving the crisis, warning against excessive force, harassment and intimidation of workers by law enforcement agencies. In its 15-point set of demands, Jamaat called for the immediate determination of a new minimum wage, effective retrospectively from January 2027, and the release of innocent workers and labour leaders arrested during the unrest. The party also demanded the withdrawal of harassment cases, reopening of closed factories, an end to unlawful layoffs and payment of outstanding wages and allowances. It proposed an immediate dialogue involving the government, factory owners and workers’ representatives to resolve the crisis. Jamaat said the workers’ demand for a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 should be considered in determining a reasonable wage, although it was willing to allow room for compromise to reach a balanced settlement. The party also called for a rationing system for workers, expanded healthcare and housing facilities, and improved maternity protection and workplace safety for female workers.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Wednesday announced a series of programmes to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir announced the programmes, urging spontaneous participation from its leaders and activists. According to a press release signed by JCD Office Secretary Jahangir Alam, the programmes include putting up posters at all universities, districts, metropolitan cities and colleges across the country. At 11am on November 7, JCD leaders and activists will place wreaths and offer Fateha at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital. At noon, the DU unit of the organisation will arrange a photography exhibition. Later, at 3pm, the party's central programme will be a colourful rally from in front of the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan. All Dhaka-based units of JCD have been asked to join the procession. On November 8, the student organisation will hold a discussion at the TSC auditorium of Dhaka University. Similar discussions will also take place at universities, medical colleges, metropolitan cities and district levels across the country.

Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday described late party leader and former Dhaka mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka as a true fighter on the streets, recalling their long political journey together through various movements and struggles. He said although they had differences of opinion and occasional disagreements, they ultimately worked together for the ideals of the BNP and the welfare of the people. The programme was organised at the Sadek Hossain Khoka Community Centre in Gopibagh to mark the seventh death anniversary of the former mayor and BNP vice-chairman. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and BNP Chairman’s Adviser Md Abdus Salam and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain also spoke at the programme, recalling Khoka’s political career, contribution to the Liberation War and role in building the BNP’s organisational strength in Dhaka. Recalling his long personal and political association with Khoka, Abbas said he was from Shahjahanpur while Khoka lived in Gopibagh. They had gradually become close companions and political comrades, standing together from the days of the Liberation War to their roles as public representatives. “Khoka was a true fighter on the streets. He did not laugh much, but his words and sincerity easily brought people closer to him. He was a very simple-hearted and large-hearted person,” Abbas said. He said writing about the various events in their lives would fill an entire book. Although they sometimes had political differences and arguments, they always worked together for the BNP’s ideals and the people. “Today he is no longer among us. Had he been alive, perhaps many more good things could have happened in the current political situation,” Abbas said. Paying tribute to the late leader, Abbas said they were planning to organise a larger commemorative programme to highlight Khoka’s political contributions and different aspects of his life. He also expressed sympathy with Khoka’s family and called for prayers for the salvation of his departed soul. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam said Sadek Hossain Khoka and Mirza Abbas had played important roles in building the BNP’s organisational foundation in Dhaka city. Under their leadership, the BNP was organised in the capital and brought to power through movements and struggles, he said, adding that the party could not be pushed aside as millions of people stood behind it. Salam said Khoka was an undisputed leader not only in Dhaka but also in the politics of the country as a whole. He fought for the country's independence and was one of the prominent freedom fighters of Dhaka. Referring to Khoka’s popularity, Salam said it was evident both during his lifetime and after his death. When his body was brought to Dhaka airport, a huge crowd gathered from the airport along the entire route. The massive turnout at his funeral prayers also demonstrated how popular he was among the people of Dhaka, he said. Among others, Dhaka-9 MP and State Minister for Railways and Roads and Highways Habibur Rashid Habib, BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Jubo Dal President Monaem Munna, Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, former Senior Joint Convener and Acting Convener of Dhaka South BNP Nabiullah Nabi, former Dhaka South Jubo Dal Convener Golam Mawla Shaheen and Jagannath University Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel attended the programme. Leaders and activists of the Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal and other BNP associate and affiliated organisations were also present. The programme ended with special prayers seeking the salvation of Khoka’s departed soul and peace and prosperity for the country.

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will lead a colourful procession on foot in the capital on November 7, marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The procession will begin at 3pm in front of the BNP’s central office at Nayapaltan, with Tarique himself joining the march on foot. Dhaka North BNP Convener and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Safiqul Islam Khan confirmed the programme at a view-exchange meeting at a community centre in Mirpur on Wednesday afternoon. He said Tarique would take part in the procession on the streets of Dhaka and lead it on foot. He also gave necessary instructions to party leaders and activists regarding the programme. At the meeting, Safiqul stressed the importance of maintaining party discipline. He said action would be taken against anyone who tried to use the BNP for personal gains. He said the party was identifying individuals whose activities were tarnishing its image. The BNP leader also issued a warning against those who had taken responsibility for establishing the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned. He urged party leaders and activists to remain alert and disciplined while taking part in the November 7 procession.  

BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said Bangladesh and China had tremendous opportunities to further strengthen their bilateral relations and build a community with a shared future in the new era. “As Bangladesh and China move forward, we see tremendous opportunities to further strengthen our relationship. We look forward to elevating our bilateral relationship and building a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks at a seminar titled “Where History Illuminates the Future: China-Bangladesh Political Parties Plus Roundtable and Inauguration Ceremony of Bangladesh-China Research Centre for Party and State Governance Studies” at a city hotel. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka organised the programme, attended by a delegation led by Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Liu Haixing. Welcoming the Chinese delegation on behalf of the BNP, Rizvi said the visit reflected the long-standing friendship, mutual trust and enduring partnership between the two countries and their political parties. He said Bangladesh and China had built a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, equality and a shared commitment to peace and development. The BNP leader said the present government remained committed to an independent, balanced and forward-looking foreign policy guided by national interests and the principle of “Bangladesh First”, while maintaining friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all countries. He referred to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to China from June 22 to 26, 2026, and appreciated the hospitality extended by the Chinese leadership. During the visit, the Prime Minister held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Rizvi said. He said the discussions provided an opportunity to reaffirm the two countries' commitment to cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, connectivity, technology and development. The BNP leader expressed confidence that the outcomes of the visit would give fresh momentum to bilateral ties and create new opportunities for cooperation. He appreciated China's continued commitment to good neighbourliness and friendship with Bangladesh, saying a strong and constructive relationship between the two countries could contribute to their people's prosperity as well as peace, stability and economic cooperation in the wider region. Describing China as one of Bangladesh's important partners in investment, development and infrastructure, Rizvi said it was Bangladesh's largest trading partner and second-largest development partner. He said Chinese cooperation had contributed to the development of roads, bridges, power generation, transportation, communication and other critical infrastructure in Bangladesh. The BNP leader also said bilateral trade reached US$12.8 billion in the first half of 2026. He said China's achievements in economic transformation, poverty reduction, industrialisation and infrastructure development offered valuable lessons for Bangladesh as it pursued its own development goals. Rizvi said the present government was committed to building a prosperous, modern and inclusive Bangladesh and looked forward to strengthening cooperation with China in infrastructure development, industrial modernisation, renewable energy, digital transformation, agriculture, water management and human resource development. He stressed that future cooperation should be guided by mutual benefit, transparency, sustainability and the creation of tangible opportunities for the people of Bangladesh. The BNP leader also reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to the One-China principle, saying there was only one China in the world. On relations between the two political parties, he said the BNP and the CPC had maintained a long-standing channel of communication and exchanges through dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. Rizvi said Bangladesh offered significant opportunities for Chinese investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, information technology, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and other emerging sectors. He called on China to take advantage of the investment opportunities and said Bangladesh also looked forward to expanding access for its products to the Chinese market. The BNP acting secretary general also welcomed China's support for Bangladesh's industrialisation and economic modernisation, saying special economic zones, industrial parks and technology-based enterprises could contribute to employment generation and economic growth. In this connection, he welcomed the proposed Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, which is expected to bring around 30 Chinese companies with approximately $500 million in investment and potentially create an estimated 100,000 jobs for Bangladeshis. In his concluding remarks, Rizvi expressed confidence that Liu's visit would further strengthen the historic friendship between the BNP and the CPC and contribute to a new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations.  

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister and BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan returned home from hospital on Wednesday afternoon after receiving treatment. He was discharged from Evercare Hospital Dhaka at 3:30pm, said BNP Media Cell Member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Moyeen Khan was admitted to the hospital on October 21 after suddenly falling ill. He received treatment under the supervision of a medical board. According to doctors' advice, he will have to take rest for a few more days.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday urged the government to take immediate steps to resolve the ongoing garment workers' wage dispute, warning that delays would further increase losses in the country's major export sector. In a video message, he said garment workers had been protesting in different industrial areas for the past several days demanding higher wages and other benefits, while many factories had been shut amid the unrest. He said the rising cost of living had made it increasingly difficult for low-paid workers to make ends meet, stressing the need to revise the wage structure through discussions with both workers and factory owners. “An industry can survive only if its workers survive,” he said, urging the government to fulfil its responsibilities without further delay to prevent additional losses and avoid creating opportunities for further instability. The Jamaat chief also condemned the killing of Taufiq, a garment worker from Gaibandha, in Sreepur of Gazipur, and demanded a fair investigation to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible. He said the garment sector was the country's principal export industry and that any major disruption in the sector could severely affect the national economy. He also cautioned that opportunists might try to exploit the situation, calling on the government and all concerned to act responsibly and remain vigilant. Urging workers to protect their workplaces, the Jamaat chief said he stood by their legitimate demands and called on factory owners to treat workers as members of their own families. He said cooperation between workers and owners would make it easier to reach a solution, while prolonged indecision would only worsen the situation. He called on the government to act quickly to resolve the dispute, prevent further damage to the industry and ensure that workers received their rightful wages.

Aam Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman on Tuesday said that garment workers demanding a wage hike would hopefully return home, in view of attempts being made to gain political mileage from their movement. He said the wage board had been formed already, and a wage hike was imminent.  “Workers will return home. This government is the government of workers. Workers brought this government to power,” he wrote. He pointed out that some vested interests were using workers as a shield to attack police and chanting "liberation will come in December". These were clearly political actors, Tarek said, adding that they were being identified.  “Workers themselves will resist those political activists seeking liberation in December, because they know that if factories shut down, they will be the first to face starvation,” he wrote.

Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan on Tuesday described the Jamaat-e-Islami's embrace of Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman as a union of two razakars, the colloquial for traitors. While Jamaat are usually tagged as razakars for the role they willingly took on in 1971 during the Liberation War, Akhtaruzzaman, Rashed alleged, had called the participants in the 2024 July Uprising as “children of Razakars”. Rashed wrote: “Seeing Jamaat's programme for Major Akhtaruzzaman today, people are saying that the Razakars of 1971 have welcomed a Razakar of 2024 with flowers,” he said, referring to a reception for Akhtaruzzaman by the Jamaat Ameer, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, following the former's release from jail on Tuesday. “Razakars of 1971 have welcomed a Razakar of 2024 with flowers,” Rashed Khan wrote, in a post published on his verified Facebook page in the evening. Rashed said that he had also been present at a talk show organised by `Face the People’ after the July Uprising, where Akhtaruzzaman allegedly referred to the protesters as “children of Razakars”. “He attacked me too, calling me a child of Razakars, and said that those taking part in the movement were Jamaat-Shibir activists and children of Razakars,” Rashed wrote. He said, when asked whether all the protesters were children of Razakars, Akhtaruzzaman allegedly said they were “100 percent” the children of Razakars. In his post, Rashed noted how Akhtaruzzaman, whom he described as a supporter of the July Uprising's opponents and perpetrators of the killings, had now become a Jamaat leader. He questioned how the freedom fighter, who had previously called Jamaat a terrorist organisation, had now learned to chant “Nara-e-Takbir”, and was being presented as a committed believer and people's leader. “What more does one need to enter politics in this society if one learns to use religion for political purposes?” Rashed asked. Addressing Jamaat, he questioned whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would also be allowed to join the party if she apologised and expressed interest in doing so. Jamaat leaders recently accorded a reception to its associate member and retired Major Akhtaruzzaman after he secured bail in a case over allegedly threatening the executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and assaulting a security supervisor. Rashed said Akhtaruzzaman had remarked, “Yahya Khan could not stop it, so how will you stop it?” He then sarcastically suggested that the Jamaat Ameer might have been uncomfortable with Akhtaruzzaman's reference to Yahya Khan and 1971, despite previously praising him as not merely a Jamaat leader but a leader of the entire country.