United News of Bangladesh

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.

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.

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.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned the government that it would face a strong public movement if it failed to implement the verdict of the recent referendum, claiming that nearly 70 percent of voters had supported the proposals placed before the people. "If the referendum is ignored, this government will also lose its legitimacy. If you make the referendum fail, you will be made to fail. The people will compel you to respect the referendum," he said. Addressing an 11-party divisional rally at Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah Maidan in Barishal, Dr Shafiqur urged the government not to embark on what he described as a "path of deception." "Our position is clear—the people's verdict through the referendum must be honoured. Those who reject the referendum reject democracy itself. They are enemies of democracy. We urge the government to return to the path of respecting the people's mandate," he said. The rally was organised to press for implementation of the referendum verdict, easing public suffering, controlling soaring commodity prices and improving the country's transport system. Dr Shafiqur said the July movement was not fought to create another form of discrimination but to eliminate discrimination altogether. "Be cautious while there is still time. Respect the mandate of the people," he said. Recalling political events between 2009 and 2024, the Jamaat chief said many people had sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment and suffered persecution but did not bow before what he termed "fascism." "People drove fascism out of Bangladesh. You may become a dummy version of fascism, but you cannot become Awami fascism," he said. He criticised the BNP, alleging that it had retained all ordinances introduced against what he called the previous fascist regime. Calling the parliamentary Constitution Amendment Committee "illegal," he said Jamaat had rejected it outright. "There is no such thing as a Constitution Amendment Committee. It is illegal. If anyone attempts political trickery, the nation will not spare them," he said. He accused the government of repeatedly changing the committee's identity. "First it was called the Constitution Amendment Committee, now it is being described as a special committee. How long will the government continue deceiving the people?" he asked. Warning the government against what he called "lies and deception at every step," Dr Shafiqur said it should be prepared to face the consequences. Referring to the country's political history, he said the significance of the 2024 mass uprising should not diminish the importance of the 1971 Liberation War. "Twenty-four must remain honoured as Twenty-four, and Seventy-one must remain honoured as Seventy-one. We will not allow the legacy of Twenty-four to disappear," he said. He demanded proper state recognition for those killed and injured during the 2024 movement. "Whether martyrs or survivors, they deserve full state honour. The nation will not tolerate any neglect of the heroes of Twenty-four," he said. He also alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the July Memory Museum established to commemorate the movement. "If any changes are made to the July Memory Museum, we will raise our voices again. We will not remain silent. If any part of that heritage is erased, we will recover every bit of it. There are continuous attempts to suppress the spirit of July," he said. On the economic front, Dr Shafiqur criticised the government's handling of inflation and rising living costs. "People are being crushed under the burden of rising prices. Gas, electricity and fuel prices have increased. Taxes have gone up for every family. Commodity prices have doubled, yet family cards provide assistance worth only Tk 2,500 while the additional burden is around Tk 5,000. How will the government compensate people for this?" he asked. Issuing another warning to the government, he said failure to implement the referendum verdict would trigger a massive rally in Dhaka. "If you do not accept the referendum verdict, prepare for a grand rally in Dhaka. People will march to the capital carrying only flattened rice and puffed rice if necessary," he said. However, he expressed hope that the government would eventually "come to its senses" and implement the referendum verdict before such action became necessary. Highlighting regional development issues, Dr Shafiqur said Bhola remained isolated due to the absence of a bridge. "The people of Bhola deserve a bridge. We want to know why the project has still not been placed before ECNEC," he said. He also criticised the lack of railway connectivity in Barishal. "The people of Barishal have heard stories about railways, but they have never seen one. Barishal must get a railway. Balanced national development is impossible if Barishal continues to be deprived. The region must receive its rightful share," he said. He added that Jamaat would continue to raise its voice against all forms of discrimination. "Wherever there is deprivation, we will speak out, InshaAllah," he said. The rally was chaired by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Barishal regional director Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal. Among others, Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Bangladesh Labour Party President Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA Vice President Engineer Rashed Pradhan and Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Khan addressed the gathering. Leaders from the participating political parties at the central, divisional and district levels were also present. 

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday urged the government to convene a session of the proposed Constitution Reform Council in Parliament instead of pushing the country towards “political confrontation.” "If BNP wants to avoid driving the country towards conflict, it should convene the Constitution Reform Council session in Parliament, take the oath and implement the constitutional reforms in line with the July Charter by accepting the verdict of the referendum that provided its legal basis," he said. "If that is not done, we will have no option but to take to the streets," Porwar warned while responding to questions from journalists after attending a party members' (Rukon) conference at the Narsingdi Shishu Academy auditorium. Referring to the implementation of the July Charter, he said the current political crisis could be resolved through constitutional reforms based on the outcome of the referendum. Responding to a question about the possible return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces death sentence in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 uprising, the Jamaat leader said the matter rests with the court and the government. "It is a legal issue and the government's responsibility. The government has banned the activities of her party, and it will decide the matter," he said. He alleged that the former Awami League government committed widespread atrocities during the July-August movement, including killings and other acts of violence, and said those responsible must face justice. "The wounds inflicted during that period have not yet healed. Those who committed these crimes must be tried and punished," Porwar said. He claimed the previous government had ignored constitutional principles and democratic norms and said the people had forced what he termed an "autocratic regime" to leave the country. On the political right of the Awami League, the Jamaat secretary general said it should be determined by the people rather than by any single political party. "The July mass uprising showed that the people of this country no longer accept fascist politics. The referendum has also reflected that position," he claimed. Porwar also criticised India for providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina, alleging that she continues to fuel unrest in Bangladesh from New Delhi. He further alleged that India had violated international law, prisoner extradition agreements and the Geneva Conventions by allowing "a death-row convict" to stay comfortably in New Delhi with access to all forms of modern communication and technological facilities. "This cannot be regarded as a normal situation under any circumstances," he said, without providing evidence to support the claim. The conference was presided over by Md Ibrahim Bhuiyan, organiser of Narsingdi district Jamaat. Earlier in the day, the party also organised a workshop for its district-level members.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday expressed deep sorrow at the death of former acting President, ex-Speaker and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar. In a condolence message, Shafiqur Rahman recalled the seasoned politician’s distinguished career, describing him as a renowned senior lawyer and a patriotic politician who discharged both his professional and political responsibilities with dedication and integrity. Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar passes away He said Jamiruddin Sircar earned respect across party lines during his tenure as Speaker of Parliament and remained sympathetic to victims of political repression, including senior Jamaat leaders, during what he described as the previous fascist regime. According to Shafiqur Rahman, the late leader provided important legal and political advice on various occasions. Highlighting Jamiruddin Sircar's generosity, he said he stood in court as one of the principal lawyers for Jamaat leaders in several legal battles and refused to accept any professional fees despite difficult circumstances. The opposition leader prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family, followers and colleagues. In a separate statement, the NCP termed the death an irreparable loss to Bangladesh's political and legal arena and prayed that Allah grant him Jannatul Ferdous and give strength to his family and admirers to bear the loss. Jamiruddin Sircar passed away at a city hospital in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 95.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged the government to honour its promises to the people, warning that otherwise it would be compelled to implement the referendum verdict. "Do not become a national traitor. Fulfil the promises made to the people and implement the referendum verdict," he said while addressing an 11-party alliance rally at the Rangpur District School Ground. Jamaat Ameer alleges conspiracy involving interim govt to defeat 11 parties in last election The rally was organised to press for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, effective steps to implement the referendum verdict, an end to border killings and push-ins, and measures to ease public suffering. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said attempts were being made to divert public attention from the demand to implement the referendum verdict. "Many things are being said to distract us from the demand for implementing the referendum verdict in different ways. But we cannot betray the nation. We have promised the people that we will continue our struggle and ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict, InshaAllah," he said. "We will not move an inch from this position. I am reaffirming this commitment here in Rangpur, the land soaked in the blood of Abu Sayed," he added. Shafiqur said the country's youth had fought against inequality and corrupt politics to build a new Bangladesh. He claimed the referendum was held to bring about reforms. He alleged that the current Prime Minister had pledged to vote for both his party and the referendum but had fulfilled only the first promise. Referring to the Teesta issue, Shafiqur said the ruling party had earlier launched the "Jago Bahe Teesta Bachao" movement before the election, but no allocation had been made for the Teesta project in the current budget. "We do not want empty words. We want practical action. If this government fails, the 11-party alliance, with the support and votes of the people, will form the government in the future and implement the Teesta project, InshaAllah," he said. Speaking about the border situation, the Jamaat chief alleged that India was creating tension along the border while the government remained silent. "The people are not only protesting, they are also standing beside BGB personnel to resist such actions. We salute these brave people," he said. He criticised the government's silence over the issue and urged it to reflect the aspirations of the people instead of acting to please others. Reiterating his demand, Shafiqur said there should be no further delay in implementing the Teesta project. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the government would fail to secure international support if it failed to maintain national unity and honour the commitments made after the mass uprising. "If there is no national unity in the country, the government will not receive support from any country in the world. The IMF has already told them it will not provide any more loans. No country will cooperate with them if they betray the spirit of the mass uprising and the reform process," he said. Nahid claimed that the mass uprising, the referendum, the reform agenda and the July Charter had created the political environment that brought the BNP to power. He alleged that the BNP had since gone back on its commitments. "The BNP has betrayed the referendum, the 31-point reform proposal, the July Charter and democracy," he said. Leaders of the alliance components also spoke at the rally with Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam in the chair.

Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday visited flood-affected areas in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila and distributed relief assistance among affected families. After arriving in Chattogram by air from Dhaka in the morning, Shafiqur travelled directly to the flood-hit areas, where he inspected the damage caused by days of heavy rainfall and hill runoff, according to a press release. During the visit, he spoke with flood-affected residents, inquired after their condition and assessed the overall situation. Describing support for disaster-hit people as a humanitarian and moral responsibility, the opposition leader urged affluent individuals, social organisations, volunteer groups and people from all walks of life to come forward and assist those affected by the floods according to their capacity. Following the inspection, he distributed dry food and provided financial assistance for affected families, while assuring them of continued support in dealing with the disaster.