United News of Bangladesh

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the eligibility of National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam to contest the Dhaka-11 seat election over allegations of dual citizenship. Shamim Ahmed, the Jatiya Party candidate for Dhaka-11, filed the petition on Monday, seeking a stay on Nahid’s candidacy. The Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission Secretary, Returning Officer, and Nahid Islam have been named as respondents in the petition. Advocate Majnu Mollah represented the petitioner. According to the petition, Nahid obtained citizenship of Dominica on April 20, 2025, shortly after assuming the position of Adviser of the Council on August 8, 2024, which the petitioner claims violates Article 66(2)(ga) of the Constitution. The petition also alleges that Nahid concealed this information in his election affidavit. NCP pledges military training for youth if 11-party alliance comes to power Advocate Majnu Mollah said the writ petition will be placed before the High Court for hearing on Tuesday. The Dhaka-11 constituency covers the Gulshan areas, including wards 21, 22, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 of Dhaka North City Corporation, as well as ward 23 of Sabujbagh. A total of 4,39,078 voters—including 2,22,877 male, 2,16,198 female, and three third-gender voters—are expected to cast their votes in the election. BNP candidate MA Quayum is also contesting the Dhaka-11 seat.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday that the people of Bangladesh have already decided in secret whom they will vote for and are set to carry out that ‘great act’ on Thursday. In a televised address on Bangladesh Television in the evening, Nahid, also a candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance from Dhaka-11 constituency, said voters have quietly made up their minds in favour of what they consider the better option. “I believe the people have already secretly decided to vote for a comparatively better side. The intelligent, conscientious and aspirational people of Bangladesh will, God willing, perform this great act in secrecy on Thursday, February 12,” Nahid said. Nahid accused a political party of capturing the state apparatus after the fall of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that while no party leaders became prime minister or ministers, elements of a ‘criminalised party’ took control of the entire state machinery. He alleged that the group used state institutions as tools for extortion, land grabbing, appointments and transfers, promotions, filing false cases, buying and selling verdicts, and widespread corruption, siphoning off huge sums of money. Nahid warned that if such forces return to power, the consequences for the country would be ‘terrifying’, adding that voters have understood this reality from past experience. He also pledged to implement 17 commitments if elected, with the first focusing on bringing to justice those involved in enforced disappearances, killings, torture, false cases and attacks during the Awami League regime. Criticising the interim government’s decision to grant magistracy powers to the armed forces, Nahid claimed the move failed due to a lack of interest from senior command. He said that despite the launch of “Operation Devil Hunt,” there had been no notable success in identifying criminals, recovering weapons or making arrests. Nahid further promised to recover money looted from banks and development projects during the previous government and to prosecute those involved in money laundering. “Our goal is very clear— to end the culture of bribery, corruption and plunder of state resources, establish justice by eliminating economic inequality, and return the nation’s wealth to the people.” On foreign policy, Nahid said the 11-party alliance would bring a fundamental shift, moving away from what he described as a subservient approach towards an independent and balanced global stance. He alleged that the previous government’s foreign policy was dictated by India, turning Bangladesh into a ‘puppet state’ and undermining national interests. Nahid also outlined plans to restructure the armed forces, noting that nearly 70 percent of the defence budget currently goes to salaries and allowances, which he termed unsustainable. To strengthen national defence, Nahid proposed compulsory military training for all able citizens aged over 18 to build a people-based defence system. Nahid vowed sweeping reforms in the police force, promising prosecution of officers involved in killings, torture, false cases, corruption and extortion over the past 15 years. He said the police would be restructured at the local government level, with recruitment and posting at the upazila level, ensuring equal numbers of men and women. He also proposed renaming the police force to ‘Janosebak Bahini’ (People’s Service Force) or a similar name. Calling for a complete overhaul of the judiciary, Nahid stressed the need to appoint competent and impartial judges at all levels, increase the number of judges, fully digitise the justice system, and dismantle what he described as a bribery-based culture of verdict trading. Nahid concluded his address by seeking votes for the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, pledging decentralisation of power, reduction of commodity prices, prevention of adulteration, gender equality, protection of minority rights and improvements in healthcare and medical services.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday warned that anyone attempting to steal votes or commit election fraud will face consequences similar to those faced by fascists. Speaking at an election rally in Savar for Dilshana Parul, the 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-19, Nahid Islam said, “The upcoming election is for the people’s future. It is an election for reform and for the people’s verdict against loan defaulters.” He said that Dilshana Parul has returned from abroad to serve people and urged all to vote for her. Nahid Islam described the election as a chance to give a verdict against oppression and to free the country from hegemonists and fascists. “We are participating in the February-12 election to establish justice and give opportunities to newcomers,” he said. Nahid claimed that some parties are obstructing women’s campaigns out of fear and cited the killing of one of their supporters in Sherpur. “Those who seek power through murder must be stopped. February 12 is the day to stop them,” he said. Nahid criticised the government for failing to apprehend the killers of Osman Hadi. “His family is still demanding justice. The upcoming election will deliver a verdict based on the ideals of Osman Hadi and the July uprising,” he said. Nahid stressed that his party will not compromise on independence or resist hegemony. “People will go to the polling stations without fear. Even if you vote against us, go to the polls to establish justice and reject slavery." The NCP leader warned against the return of corrupt politics. “No more dishonest leaders should come back to the country’s politics. If the 11-party alliance comes to power, experienced and skilled people from home and abroad will take part in governance,” he said. The rally, held at the ground near Matribagan Mosque in Shahibagh, Savar Municipality, was presided over by NCP Savar Upazila convener Zulkarnain. Dilshana Parul, Jamaat’s Dhaka District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Delwar Hossain, District Secretary Maulana Afzal Hossain, District Jamaat Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Shahidul Islam, and Savar District Political Secretary Hasan Mahbub Master, also spoke.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12. Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion. “We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said. Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country. Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.” Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.” Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls. “The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the eligibility of BNP candidate of Dhaka-11 MA Quayum over allegations of dual citizenship and concealment of wealth information. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam filed the writ petition with the HC bench concerned. It also sought a stay order on the candidacy of  Quayum. Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa who stood for the petitioner said the petition is expected to be heard this week. Earlier, the Election Commission declared the candidacy of Nahid and Quayum valid for Dhaka-11 constituency. Why Vanuatu’s ‘Golden Passport’ Programme Draws Global Interest Allegations have circulated on social media claiming that Qayum obtained citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu and owns property there. However, Dr Qaiyum has rejected the allegations, describing them as completely false, fabricated and politically motivated. 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday warned the Election Commission (EC) and demanded punishment over the harassment of Nasiruddin Patwary, Jamaat-backed alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 and NCP’s chief coordinator, during electioneering in the city. The incident took place at Habibullah Bahar College in Circuit House Road while Nasiruddin was campaigning.  He was allegedly obstructed at the college gate, faced scuffles and was later humiliated as eggs were thrown at him. Addressing an emergency press conference at Fakirapool after the incident, Nahid Islam alleged that identified activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal carried out the attack “on the instructions of Mirza Abbas and with the consent of Tarique Rahman.” “We want to warn the Election Commission and ask how it will act against this attack, what steps the college administration will take and what position the BNP will take as a party,” Nahid said. BNP 'practiced' polling booth capture in attacking NCP's Dhaka-18 candidate: Hasnat  Referring to BNP leader Mirza Abbas, Nahid said if such conduct continues, it will not end well in the election. “An election is a battle of words. You speak, we speak and the people decide. Why are you not allowing people to decide? On February 12, people will determine who is arrogant, who is a gangster, who is a terrorist and who speaks for the people.” Nahid also criticised BNP for repeatedly raising Jamaat’s past, saying people have not forgotten BNP’s own record, particularly the period from 2001 to 2006. “If politics is discussed based on the past, we too will speak about everyone’s past.” Speaking at the press conference, Nasiruddin Patwary said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman must decide whether he will continue to patronise 'terrorists' within the party or take disciplinary action against them. Nasiruddin demanded the expulsion of Mirza Abbas from BNP on charges of violating party discipline. “Win or lose, I will not allow a reign of terror in Dhaka-8. This is my commitment. On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against terrorism and corruption through their votes.” ‘BNP activists shouldn’t be afraid, we’ll give you shelter’: Nasiruddin Patwari According to NCP, Nasiruddin was present at Habibullah Bahar College as an invited guest at a programme when he was initially obstructed at the gate, followed by scuffles that culminated in the egg-throwing incident. NCP strongly condemned the incident and issued an immediate statement demanding accountability.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially kicked off its election campaign on Thursday afternoon by paying respect at the graves of the Three National Leaders, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, located near Doel Chattar of Dhaka University. Following this, party leaders visited the graves of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Osman Hadi, situated adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The event was attended by the NCP Convener Nahid Islam, as well as Nasir Uddin Patwari, a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Speaking at the venue, Nahid Islam noted that Dhaka University was the starting point for the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the mass uprising of 2024. Consequently, the NCP chose this historic site to begin its electoral journey. Ameer-e-Jamaat launches campaign for Dhaka-15 in Mirpur "We want the election to be held on February 12 at any cost," Nahid Islam stated. "Our sole agenda now is to win that election and represent the people in Parliament." He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is failing to maintain neutrality under the current government’s influence. "We have repeatedly pointed out that the Commission is not acting impartially. They are granting special privileges to a particular party. While that party has been campaigning for several days despite it being against the rules, the EC served us a show-cause notice for campaigning in favor of a referendum. We demand true neutrality, yet we are determined to move forward regardless of these obstacles." Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP remains as steadfast regarding elections and referendums as it has been regarding reforms and justice. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure a fair election on February 12. We expect the 10-party electoral alliance to win by a landslide and form the government," he added. He asserted that the general public is with them and that there is no alternative to a victory for the 10-party alliance to carry forward the spirit of the July uprising and the momentum of national reform. Urging the nation to support the alliance, he said, "We have 30 candidates across the country. I call upon the people to elect them under the 'Shaplakoli' symbol. In Parliament, the NCP and the 10-party alliance will be the voice of the common people, the mass uprising, national reform, and our country's sovereignty."

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday said Awami League (AL) should face trial as a political party for crimes committed against people. Talking to reporters completing his testimony and cross-examination in a crimes-against-humanity case, Nahid, also a key leader of the July Uprising, said there was scope for bringing AL under trial and that an appeal would be lodged with the tribunal as sufficient evidence had now been presented. He alleged that Sheikh Hasina, as the party chief, chose to stay in power by unleashing violence against citizens, describing it as a political decision aimed at retaining absolute authority, which led to civilian deaths. “Hasina must face trial as these crimes were committed under her leadership,” he said. Nahid appeared as the 47th prosecution witness before International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumder. His testimony was recorded on September16–17 followed by two rounds of cross-examination concluded on Sunday. Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi SH Tamim, were present during the proceedings. BNP’s Rizvi accuses Jamaat of trying to build ‘state within the state’ State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain represented absconding accused Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad appeared for former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was arrested but later turned state witness. The tribunal had earlier accepted Mamun’s application to become an approver; he testified as the 36th prosecution witness, admitting his role and providing evidence against other accused. On July 10, the tribunal framed charges against Hasina, Kamal and Mamun over crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Hasina is also facing two other trials – one concerning enforced disappearances and killings during her 15-and-a-half-year rule, and another over the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre of Hefazat-e-Islam activists. According to the complaints, AL leaders, party cadres, and sections of the administration and law-enforcement agencies were involved in mass killings and other crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that a draft of the much-anticipated ‘July Charter’ has been prepared and is expected to be announced by August 5. “After the 1990 mass uprising, political parties betrayed the people and the student community. This time, the July Charter must have the consensus of all political parties and elections must be held on its basis with full legal backing,” he said. Nahid was speaking at a street rally organised by the Gazipur Metropolitan and District units of the NCP on Rajbari Road in the city. “The draft of the July Charter has been prepared, " he said. "We have said that there must be consensus among the political parties on this and elections must be held based on the July document and it must have a legal basis. Whichever government comes to power, it will be obliged to implement these reforms. We hope that by August 5, the interim government and political parties will present the July Charter,” he said. Sylhet will be a key base for NCP in future Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Earlier in the day, the party also held a rally in Mawna of Sreepur upazila, as part of their ongoing campaign across the country. Nahid Islam reiterated his party’s stance on what he termed the fight for a "new Bangladesh." He alleged that despite intimidation efforts by "terror elements" in Gazipur, NCP would not be deterred. “They couldn’t stop us in Gopalganj and they won’t stop us in Gazipur either. We’ve reached 64 districts and will continue our movement. We’ve declared that every inch of Bangladesh’s land will be freed from Mujibism, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” said Nahid. He also urged the people to stand by the families of the martyred and  injured in the mass uprising. Speaking at the rally, Hasnat Abdullah, an organiser of the party, said “Sheikh Hasina turned the army into construction workers and used the police as political tools.” He added that reforms are underway to prevent the political misuse of law enforcement and if given the chance, NCP would modernise and strengthen the army, he said. Moderated by NCP organiser Sarjis Alam the rally was addressed by several other leaders of the party.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday said Sylhet will become one of the strongest bases of the NCP in building a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks while addressing a street rally at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar after leading a procession in the city as part of the party’s ongoing “July Campaign.” “Sylhet has always stood at the forefront of history — from the 1947 referendum to the Liberation War and the July uprising. But the people of Sylhet have long been deprived first by the British, then by Pakistan, and even during the Awami League era,” Nahid said. Paying tribute to the 17 Sylhet residents who were killed during the July uprising, including journalist ATM Turab, he said the NCP is committed to fulfilling the dreams of those martyrs through the creation of a just and inclusive Bangladesh. No progress on justice for killings, disappearances since uprising: NCP’s Akhter Nahid also highlighted the contribution of expatriates, especially the Sylheti community in London, to the national economy. “Our economy moves forward with the sweat of our brothers abroad. We are fighting for their voting rights and believe they should have a role in national policymaking,” he added. Calling for mass participation at the party’s upcoming rally in Dhaka on August 3, he said the “July Charter” and “July Declaration” would be formally announced from that platform. NCP's southern region coordinator Hasnat Abdullah said, “Our country has always been run by administrators, businessmen, or the military- never by the people. We want to build a people’s Bangladesh.” Attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj carried out with intent to murder: Nahid Islam He claimed NCP has emerged as a clean political alternative, free from corruption and extortion. Earlier, the NCP brought out a procession from Chowhatta, which ended at the Shaheed Minar with a rally moderated by northern coordinator Sarjis Alam. Senior party leaders including Anik Roy, Ehteshamul Haque, Tasnim Jara, Nasir Uddin Patwari, Sadia Farzana Dina, Samanta Sharmin, and Golam Mortuza Selim were also present.