United News of Bangladesh

Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman on Monday urged the government to take visible and effective steps to bring back public assets laundered abroad and the culprits saying that even one-ninth of the siphoned-off money would be enough to eliminate the budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year. "Tk 28 lakh crore was laundered abroad over the 15 and a half years. But this budget contains neither any guideline nor any proposal on how that money will be brought back. If we can recover just one-ninth of the laundered money in the 2026-27 fiscal year through proper initiatives, there will be no budget deficit," he said. The opposition leader said this while taking part in the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year in Parliament. Noting that the laundered money belonged to people and must be returned to them, he said, "The assets must be recovered and the culprits must also be brought back to face punishment. If so, none will dare anymore to extend their black hand to plunder public assets in future.” He warned that overlooking the issue would encourage creation of even larger financial criminals in the future. "We want to see visible and effective steps in this regard," the opposition leader said. He urged the government to pursue all legal avenues including signing necessary Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the countries concerned to recover the assets. "But the pace must be like that of a deer, not a tortoise, because the sooner the assets are recovered, the more the state and the deprived people will benefit," he said. Referring to the proposed budget, Shafiqur said he would neither describe it as large, small nor medium-sized. "I would say the nation needs a budget that truly meets its requirements," he said. Though he expressed concern over the revenue target, he said the government could collect more revenue than the target set in the budget if it remains honest and demonstrates political will. Drawing attention to the country's tax system, the opposition leader alleged that income taxpayers effectively paid three kinds of taxes. "One goes to the state treasury, another ends up in the pockets of some dishonest people involved in the system, and the third goes to extortionists," he said. He said if taxpayers could be assured that they would pay only one tax—the one deposited to the government—they would be more willing to pay higher taxes voluntarily. Shafiqur also said the government must build confidence among businesses by standing beside them during difficult times. "If confidence created among businesspeople that paying taxes is not a one-way tunnel, rather two-way tunnel—that they pay taxes in my good times and will receive support in difficult times—they will be encouraged to pay taxes in the same way businessmen do in developed countries," he said. He focused on different issues, including education, Ebtedaiye Madrasha, Qawmi Madrasha, nationalizing the eligible non-MPO educational institutes, healthcare services, medical research and reduction of migration cost for overseas jobseeker by breaking syndicate of recruitment agencies; Take humane-logical step over Ad-din Hospital: He urged the government to take humane and logical steps soon regarding Ad-din Medical College and Hospital, considering the academic future of hundreds of medical students and nurses left in uncertainty following the suspension of it's licence by the government. "I urge the government to give serious consideration to this issue in order to protect the academic careers and lives of the medical students and nurses," he said. He said tens of thousands of people had been receiving healthcare services from the hospital, while around 750 medical students and an equal number of nursing students were now facing uncertainty over their academic future because of the licence suspension. He also expressed concern that foreign students would lose interest in enrolling in such institutions in Bangladesh if they feared their education could be disrupted midway. Shafiqur said if the hospital is not reopened very soon after completing the required reforms, all these students and nurses will remain in uncertainty, he said. "If anyone is found guilty through a proper investigation, let them face trial and punishment—we have no objection," he said. He said if it commits any wrong, it should be dealt with appropriately. "But our steps should be humane and logical," the opposition leader added. Raise FFs honorarium: The opposition leader asked the government to raise the honorarium allowance for all freedom fighters, instead of raising only the allowances for the families of titled freedom fighters. The FY 2027 budget proposes to keep the monthly honorarium for a freedom fighter unchanged at Tk 20,000, while increasing allowances for the families of titled freedom fighters. "I would request the government to increase the allowance for all. Everyone has needs. Those who received state titles are already honoured separately by the nation," he said. Like the July heroes, who is being honoured (with monthly allowance), he urged the government to recognise all victims of political repression, --killing and enforced disappearance-- over the 17 and a half years since October 28, 2006. He said the victims are not only from Jamaat, but also from BNP. “Among the 34 people killed on October 28, 2006, 14 belonged to Jamaat-e-Islami and 20 to the BNP, he said.  Opposition is being chopped in House: The opposition leader criticised what he described as repeated attacks on the opposition in Parliament while simultaneously calling for national unity. “An excellent tendency was noticed in this Parliament. We are first chopped down and then invited to work together. We’ve to leave the chopping tools,” he said. He said the ruling party must develop the mentality to respect the opposition, while the opposition should cooperate with the government on all justified issues. Shafiqur thanked the finance minister for preparing the national budget under difficult economic circumstances. “The finance minister had to place a national budget sitting on a collapsed economy,” he said. Describing the opposition as the watchdog of the government, he expressed optimism that the proposals raised by opposition lawmakers as well as some treasury bench members would be reflected in the final budget. He also proposed changing Bangladesh's fiscal year from January to December to align it with the calendar year, saying it would accelerate implementation of development work and reduce national losses. The opposition leader further demanded visible progress in the trial of the Osman Hadi murder case, speedy implementation of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway project, construction of a bridge connecting Bhola with the mainland, implementation of the Teesta mega project, and resolution of the water crisis and other civic problems in Dhaka-15 constituency, which he represents in Parliament. .

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Sunday evening, signalling a gesture of political goodwill. A BNP leader close to Tarique Rahman, who requested anonymity, told UNB that the BNP chief will first visit the Jamaat Ameer’s residence around 7:00 pm, followed by a visit to Nahid’s house at approximately 8:00 pm. The visits come in the wake of BNP’s decisive victory in Thursday’s national election, where the party secured 209 seats, paving the way for the formation of the next government. In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the NCP secured six seats. Speaking at a post-election press conference on Saturday at a city hotel, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation. “On the journey towards building a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion,” he said. Tarique pledges justice, seeks unity to build ‘safe, humane Bangladesh’ He also acknowledged that electoral competition may have caused misunderstandings or disagreements in certain areas. “I urge everyone to ensure that such disputes do not escalate into revenge or retaliation,” he added. Tarique Rahman stressed that justice will be the cornerstone of his government in upholding the rule of law.

A Dhaka court on Monday sent Managing Director (MD) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Shafiqur Rahman, his wife and two others to jail in a case filed over torturing domestic help. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam passed the order when sub-inspector of Uttara West Police Station, Romer Mia produced them before the court in the case. The court also rejected the bail petitions of four people when Advocate Zakir Hossain filed a petition seeking their bail. Earlier on Sunday, police arrested Shafiqur, his wife Bithi and two other domestic helpers of the house—Rupali Khatun and Sufia Begum in connection with torturing a domestic help from Uttara area of the capital. Read More: Biman Bangladesh Airlines launches online travel date change service Golam Mostafa, father of the domestic help filed a case in this connection. According to the case statement, Mostafa sent his girl to the house of Shafiqur, at his residence in June, last year. On November 2, last year, Mostafa met with his daughter and since then the girl was not allowed to meet with his family.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on Dhaka University campus, condemning  the offensive remarks about women made from the verified X account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said that the government will seek cooperation from the United Nations to assess the role of Bangladesh's media and journalists over the past 16 years and to present the truth to the global community. Speaking at a discussion titled 'Bangladesh after the July Uprising: Challenges for the Media' at Chattogram Press Club, he claimed that the current level of freedom of expression and freedom of writing enjoyed by the media in Bangladesh is unprecedented. Alam reaffirmed that the government is committed to upholding freedom of speech, including that of the media. Referring to the recent termination of three journalists from respective outlets, he said the government had no involvement in those decisions, which were made independently by the organizations. The press secretary also instructed the formation of a probe body to investigate allegations that some journalists handed over student protesters to the police during the anti-discrimination student movement in Chattogram in July and took a controversial stance in their reporting. He alleged that a neighboring country's media has been continuously spreading falsehoods and provocative news since the July uprising, in collaboration with elements supporting authoritarianism and allegedly with backing from the Awami League. Govt committed to independent journalism, says Deputy Press Secretary "Their disinformation campaign is expected to intensify ahead of the upcoming elections," he warned, urging everyone to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of news. Chattogram Press Club and Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists' Union (CMJU) jointly organized the event. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder delivered keynote speech. Chaired by Press Club's Member Secretary Zahidul Karim Kochi, BFUJ acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, CMJU President Md. Shahnewaz, engineer Jane Alam Selim, professional leader Dr. Khurshid Jamil, and Chittagong University's Journalism department Prof Dr Md. Shahidullah, among others, spoke at the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has warned that fascists will have the opportunity to return if the nation's unity is shattered. The Jamaat leader spoke about the importance of preserving national unity and building a humane Bangladesh, while speaking at a workers' rally organised by the district Jamaat at the Kurigram Government College grounds on Friday. India gave shelter to traitors: Jamaat leader He called for the cessation of extortion and land grabbing, stating, "Such activities must be stopped to protect our national unity. If unity is destroyed, the fascists will return." Shafiqur also criticised the Awami League, accusing it of embezzling a staggering Tk 26 lakh crore under the guise of development. "The fascists have no place in Bangladesh," he said, demanding justice for all the killings that have occurred during the current AL government's tenure. He made it clear that the struggle for a humane Bangladesh would continue until justice is served. "From January 10, 1972 to January, 24, 2025, all crimes, murders, and disappearances will be judged on the soil of Bangla. We demand the publication of a list of those who have tortured people, grabbed land, displaced families, and violated the dignity of others,” the Jamaat ameer also said. War against extortion, encroachment will continue: Jamaat Ameer Kurigram Jamaat Ameer Prof Abdul Matin Faruqi presided over the rally. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, Barrister Salehin, Prof Azizur Rahman Swapan, spoe at the rally, among others.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday called for national unity and the creation of a fair and equal Bangladesh. “Our children and people from all walks of life gave their lives for a non-discriminatory society,” he said at an event in Jashore. “We want a Bangladesh where everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or party, enjoys equal rights.” He emphasized protecting national unity and staying alert against forces trying to divide the country. He said, “We have to maintain this national unity… No one can destroy this unity. For this, our students and the people of all Bangladesh must be vigilant.” Shafiqur Rahman accused the former government of  perpetuating injustice, forced disappearances and smuggling resources abroad. Plot afoot to brand Bangladesh as communal, stay alert: Fakhrul “Those who spread the branches of fascism on us, those who carried out violence for 15 and a half years, those who committed murder, looted the country's resources and smuggled them abroad, we will not forgive them,” he said. He vowed to seek justice for these actions. Referring to his party’s struggles, he said many Jamaat leaders, including Delwar Hossain Sayedee, Golam Azam, Ali Ahsan Mujahid and Abdul Quader Mollah, were killed unfairly. Despite oppression, the party remains committed to its goals, he added. Praising Jashore’s history of resistance, he recalled the contributions of Major MA Jalil and his comrades during the Liberation War.  

The Counter Terrorism & Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested the ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Shafiqur Rahman early hours of Tuesday.  Deputy Commissioner (media) of DMP Faruq Hossain confirmed it to UNB but he didn’t disclose the details of the arrest and the allegations against the Jamaat ameer. Acting Secretary General of Jamaat ATM Masum in a statement claimed the arrest was made around 1 am from his residence in the capital. Read more: Jamaat declares overlapping 10-point demand; announces mass rally on Dec 24 He condemned and protested the arrest. He said the government cannot stop the ongoing political protests in the country by such arrests. “The people’s movement cannot be stopped by creating fear, attack and filing cases,” he said in his statement. Masum urged the authority to immediately give unconditional release of arrested Jamaat leaders including Shafiqur and leaders of other political parties. On December 11, the ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami announced a 10-point demand largely overlapping with the BNP's, and declared a mass rally on December 24 just after the BNP's announcement. Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Abbas shown arrested in Paltan police station case: DB Chief Jamaat-e-Islami made the announcement to build a nationwide simultaneous mass movement based on the 10-point demand to restore democracy in the country and bring back the people's rights, said a media statement..

Freedom fighter Shafiqur Rahman (Munna), advisor and founder director of Mercantile Insurance Co. Ltd, passed away on August 23. He was 70. He breathed his last at his residence in Dhaka due to cardiac arrest. Rahman left behind his mother, wife, only daughter, grandson, granddaughter and host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. Rahman served as Chairman of Skyways Techno Services Ltd, Managing Director of S. Rahman Associates Ltd and Managing Director of Comfort Real Estate Ltd. He was an Executive Member of Bangladesh Cricket Control Board (BCCB 1991-1996) and advisor of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB 2002-2005) and Chairman of the Grounds and Facilities Committee, BCB (2003-2005). Late Rahman developed venues and pitches of international standards in Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi Divisional Stadiums, Narayangonj Fatullah Cricket Stadium, Bogra Shaheed Chandu Stadium. He was a member of the Under-19 World Cup Organizing Committee, President of Victoria Sporting Club (2001-2006). During this period, Victoria Sporting Club won Championships for two consecutive years in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League during the seasons 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. He also served as General Secretary, Victoria Sporting Club (1985), Cricket Secretary, Victoria Sporting Club (1975-1980), Victoria Sporting Club won the Dhaka Cricket League Championship in 1975-1976 and Runners-up in 1976-1977. Rahman produced and groomed cricket players like Abdur Razzak Raj, Alok Kapali, Manjurul Rana, Shakib Al Hasan, Aftab and others. He was a pioneer in introducing professionalism in club cricket by paying remuneration to players since 1975. Read: PM mourns death of freedom fighter Mukul Bose Rahman was a life member of Victoria Sporting Club, Dhaka Club Ltd and Gulshan Club Ltd. He was also a founding member of Cadet College Club. The veteran sports organiser, also an ex-president of Victoria Sporting Club, played many roles at the cricket board. He was a member of the BCB's executive committee and advisory committee and was also a member of the interim committee for the BCB formed in 2007. He had been a long-standing chairman of the board's Grounds and Facilities Committee and was a member of the first BPL Governing Council.