United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister's Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Friday said the government's authority is derived from the people and that protecting human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remains its foremost priority. Speaking at the Bengal Delta Conference-2026 at Hotel InterContinental in the capital, Mahdi said the current government assumed office through a free, fair and credible election and is committed to strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding citizens' rights. Govt to build skilled workforce around youth aspirations: Mahdi Amin The conference was organised by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA). Mahdi alleged that the BNP was the principal victim of political repression during the previous 16 years of what he described as authoritarian rule, citing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths and politically motivated cases. However, he said the crackdown was not limited to a single political party, claiming that all pro-democracy political forces and many citizens from different walks of life who spoke out against the then government were subjected to repression. Referring to enforced disappearances, Mahdi said not only political leaders but also individuals with no political affiliation had fallen victim to such incidents. While some victims eventually returned, he noted that many others remain missing. He claimed that thousands of people had been killed in alleged extrajudicial incidents or died in custody over the years, adding that more than 700 victims of enforced disappearance have yet to return. Mahdi said the government recognises the suffering of families who lost loved ones and is committed to ensuring justice for victims. He also referred to the personal experiences of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying his family had endured political persecution and human rights violations, which, according to him, gives the prime minister a deep understanding of the pain experienced by victims' families. The adviser further claimed that the current Home Minister and many members of the cabinet, lawmakers and political activists had themselves experienced enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention or politically motivated legal cases. According to Mahdi, the present administration represents a major departure from the governance system of the past decade and a half, arguing that state institutions previously functioned to sustain an authoritarian regime rather than protect citizens' rights. He said the government had effectively pressed a "reset button" following the political transition and adopted a clear reform agenda centred on empowering citizens, restoring the rule of law, protecting human rights and ensuring freedom of expression. Mahdi asserted that during the government's first five months in office, there had been no incidents of human rights violations, political repression, custodial deaths or enforced disappearances to the best of the government's knowledge, expressing hope that this record would continue. He said the government seeks to end the culture of political vengeance while ensuring accountability for those responsible for serious human rights violations committed under the previous administration. "Our objective is clear—no perpetrator should escape justice, while no innocent person should be deprived of the right to live freely in a democratic country," he said. Mahdi also said the government is pursuing a policy of reconciliation and social harmony following the fall of the previous administration, recalling that democratic political parties led by the BNP had worked to maintain peace and order during the period when the country remained without a government from August 5 to August 8. Looking ahead, he said the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership will continue to prioritise the protection of human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression, alongside efforts to empower women and young people and promote inclusive and balanced development that benefits all citizens.

A review meeting between a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) delegation and Democracy International (DI) was held in the Capital on Friday to assess progress on activities aimed at strengthening the party's organisational capacity and internal democratic practices. The meeting reviewed the progress of initiatives related to enhancing the party's organisational capabilities and internal democracy, while participants also discussed future plans in detail. BNP submits annual financial report to EC; reports Tk 6.93 crore surplus At the outset, Democracy International presented an update on the implementation of the BNP's central strategic action plan formulated in April 2023, as well as the outcomes of strategic plans implemented in 20 local organisational units. According to DI, significant progress has been achieved in institutionalising training programmes, increasing women's participation in party committees, resolving internal conflicts and expanding public engagement activities. The participants held an open discussion and reached a conceptual consensus on future priorities, including conducting a needs assessment, updating the existing strategic action plan and ensuring its effective implementation. The BNP delegation was led by Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration (with the status of a minister) Md Ismail Zabiullah. Other members of the delegation included Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator and BNP National Executive Committee Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, and the party's Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain, MP. Representing Democracy International at the meeting were Chief of Party Aminul Ehsan, Senior Director Lipika Biswas and Senior Manager Md Rabiul Islam. Democracy International has been providing technical assistance to strengthen democratic practices and the organisational capacity of democratic institutions in Bangladesh with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

A local Jamaat leader in Satkhira's Shyamnagar upazila has announced his resignation from the party, staging a symbolic milk bath in protest over allegations involving Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam. Delwar Hossain made the announcement through a video message after taking the milk bath at around 6pm on Thursday. Delwar, son of Monsur Sardar of Harinagari village under Nurnagar union, said he had been serving as Baitul Mal secretary of Ward No. 8 and secretary of the union's Youth Jamaat unit. In the video message, he said he was quitting politics and would no longer support any political party, claiming that his decision was prompted by the alleged misconduct of MP Gazi Nazrul Islam. "I am resigning from the party because of the alleged actions of Satkhira-4 MP Gazi Nazrul Islam. I will no longer engage in politics or support any political party. That is why I am taking a milk bath," he said. However, Nurnagar Union Ward Jamaat Ameer Abdur Razzak said Delwar had not submitted any written resignation to the party. "I have heard that he took a milk bath and declared he would no longer remain with the party. He has been a dedicated Jamaat activist," Abdur Razzak said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday said the BNP would be seen as a party that had broken its promise to the nation if it failed to implement the July Charter in full. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "July National Charter and Referendum: Government's Responsibility and Our Course of Action in Realising Public Aspirations" at the Dinajpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium, Parwar alleged that the BNP had retreated from its earlier commitment to constitutional reforms. He said the BNP had earlier pledged to form a constitutional reform commission if it came to power, but was now talking about constitutional amendments instead of reforms. "They had promised constitutional reform, but now they are speaking of amendments. That means they have failed to honour their commitment to the nation," he said. Parwar also alleged that although the BNP now claims it will implement the July Charter "to the letter," the party had already registered a note of dissent on parts of the proposed charter. "If the sections covered by the note of dissent are excluded, there will be little left of the historic July Charter," he said. He further argued that if the charter were passed only through Parliament, it could later be struck down by the courts. Stressing the need for a referendum, he said the entire outcome of such a vote must be implemented. Parwar also compared separating the issues of a national election and a referendum to "saving one of two twin children while killing the other." The seminar was chaired by Dinajpur district Jamaat Ameer Principal Anisur Rahman. Among others, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Golam Rabbani MP, Prof Mahbubur Rahman Belal MP, Barrister Najibur Rahman MP, JAGPA Chairman Rashed Prodhan, former Islami Chhatra Shibir central president Rajibur Rahman Palash, former upazila chairman Aftab Uddin Molla, Advocate Mainul Alam, Dinajpur Journalists' Union President Sadakat Ali Khan, NCP Dinajpur Convener Shamsul Moktadir, Jamaat's city Ameer Sirajus Salehin, and others addressed the programme. The keynote paper was presented by Muhaddis Dr Enamul Haque.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday demanded the resignation, arrest and trial of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, alleging that he had played a role in the killings during the July uprising. Speaking at a roadside rally at Foujdari intersection in Jamalpur after a party procession, Nahid alleged that President Shahabuddin, whom he described as "an ally of the fascist regime," should not only resign but also be brought under legal proceedings. He claimed the President had indirectly contributed to the killings of students and protesters during the July mass uprising and therefore should face justice. Nahid also called for the appointment of "an honest, neutral and widely acceptable person" as the next president following Shahabuddin's resignation. He said accountability must be ensured for everyone involved in killings and human rights violations if the spirit of the July-August uprising is to be upheld. "No individual or institution is above the law," he said, urging the authorities to take necessary steps to end the culture of impunity. Addressing the rally, NCP Northern Region Chief Coordinator Sarjis Alam said that if the referendum is ultimately declared unconstitutional or illegal, a BNP-led government would also be considered illegitimate. Among others, NCP Joint Member Secretary Lutfor Rahman, National Jubo Shakti Vice-President Hifzur Rahman Bakul, district Member Secretary Dr Mosharraf Hossain and Advocate Shamim Ahmed also spoke at the programme.

BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Rafiqul Islam Miah was placed on life support at Evercare Hospital Dhaka on Thursday evening after his condition deteriorated. He was put on life support at 7:20pm, his Personal Secretary Muksedur Rahman Abir said. He said the BNP leader’s kidneys are no longer functioning, and doctors detected blood infection. "He has been suffering from neurological problems for a long time and is now facing multiple complications," he added. Rafiqul Islam was admitted to Evercare Hospital on July 21 and had been receiving treatment in a cabin equipped with ICU facilities. However, his condition began to worsen from around noon on Thursday, his personal secretary said. He is currently under the care of specialist physician Dr Farid Hossain at the hospital. Abir said the family has sought prayers from people across the country for Rafiqul Islam's recovery.

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.