United News of Bangladesh

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said Awami League and democracy can never go together as the party has historically failed to uphold democratic values. “Awami League and democracy can never go together. They did not go together in the past, not after the party’s birth, and certainly not during the recent fascist period. It is a DNA problem, and it will not change,” he said. He made the remarks at a discussion marking the Black Day of Newspapers at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) arranged the event. “BNP is not a revolutionary party. It is a liberal democratic party that accommodates everyone,” he said. The BNP leader also expressed concern about what he described as attempts by various groups to destabilise society through misinformation, deterioration of law and order and online propaganda. “There is a conscious effort to push society in a different direction through misinformation and propaganda on social media. We must collectively resist and defeat these efforts,” he said. He said efforts should be made to reopen media outlets that have ceased operations and added that the current government is working to ensure freedom of the press. Fakhrul said those who fought and sacrificed for democracy and media freedom have often failed to remain united. “Unfortunately, those of us who have struggled and sacrificed for democracy and freedom of the press have not always been able to remain united,” he said. However, he criticised some media owners and organisations for what he termed unjust treatment of journalists. He said many journalists continue to face harassment and professional insecurity. “There are still many journalist brothers who remain unemployed. We have not yet been able to create sufficient employment opportunities for them,” he said. He suggested creating new media platforms through collective efforts to generate employment opportunities for journalists. Fakhrul said the current government came to power after a prolonged struggle and  Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring media freedom. He said that BNP remains one of the safest political platforms for journalists and professionals because it tolerates opposing views, Fakhrul said. “BNP is a political party that accepts opposing views and that is what we have always practised,” he said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke as a special guest at the event. Leaders of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, the Jatiya Press Club and the Dhaka Union of Journalists were also present.

Around 1200 leaders and activists of the Awami League joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday. The joining ceremony was held at Jangal Bazar area under Nijra Union of Gopalganj Sadar upazila, where the new members formally joined the BNP by presenting flowers to Gopalganj-2 lawmaker Dr KM Babor. MP Babor said around 1,200 Awami League leaders and activists from Gopalganj Sadar upazila joined the party at the event. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies were present there. Dr Babor said BNP is playing an important role in fulfilling public expectations in the current political reality. He said the party would welcome experienced and popular individuals from other political parties and ensure them due respect within the organisation. The newly joined leaders said they decided to join BNP with the aim of promoting development, establishing democratic values and securing people's rights. They also pledged to work actively to implement the party’s ideals and programmes. The development has generated mixed reactions among different political circles in Gopalganj district.

A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to former Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in an attempted murder case linked to the 2024 July uprising. Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain passed the order on Tk 50,000 on bond considering her illness and gender, said Public Prosecutor M Omar Faruq Faruqi. There is no legal bar to the release of the former Speaker as she has not been shown arrested in any other cases, said court sources. A Dhaka court on April 7 sent her to jail in the case following her arrest the same day. According to the case statement, Ashraful alias Fahim suffered bullet injuries to his left eye in the Azampur Bus Stand area of Uttara on July 18, 2024 during the mass uprising, which ultimately led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. Later, he filed a case against 25 named individuals, including Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and 120 unnamed ones. Following the fall of the Awami League government, she resigned on September 2, 2024. Abdul Hamid was elected Speaker after the Awami League came to power through the 2008 general election. Following his election as President, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was elected Speaker on April 30, 2013. Since then, she had been serving as Speaker until the government’s fall. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was a Member of Parliament from Rangpur-6 constituency.

A father on Monday in Jhenaidah has formally disowned his son for involvement in banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activities, the youth wing of the Awami League. The declaration was made through an affidavit submitted at the Jhenaidah District Notary Public office. According to the affidavit, businessman Md. Abu Zafar (48) of Aruakandi village in Porahati Union, Jhenaidah Sadar, declared his son Md. Nahid Hasan Shobuj (24) as a disowned child. Shobuj currently serves as the joint general secretary of BCL Jhenaidah Government Keshabchandra College branch. Abu Zafar stated that his son has long been living a disobedient and reckless life, staying separately from the family and acting on his own will. He also criticized Shobuj for continuing to participate in BCL activities even after the organization was banned on August 5, 2024. In particular, he mentioned an incident on February 21, when Shobuj hoisted the party flag at the abandoned Jhenaidah District Awami League office, a video of which went viral on social media, causing embarrassment to the family. The affidavit further clarified that Shobuj’s income, responsibilities, and actions will have no connection with his father or any other family members. The family will not bear responsibility for any of his misconduct, and all legal and blood relations with the family are considered severed. Abu Zafar said, I do not want my son to engage in any activities against the country’s laws and policies. Despite repeated warnings, he did not reform, leaving me with no choice but to take this difficult decision. The legal process was completed through Jhenaidah District Judge Court lawyer Md. Sadatur Rahman Hadi. Efforts to reach Chhatra League leader Nahid Hasan Shobuj for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unanswered.

The local office of the Bangladesh Awami League was reopened in Betagi Upazila of Barguna on Monday, around 18 months after its activities were declared banned. The office, located at Betagi Bazar, was unlocked around noon by leaders of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, witnesses said. The reopening was carried out under the supervision of former Chhatra League joint general secretary Asaduzzaman Nadim. RAB detains two JMB members in Borguna Photographs of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina were also displayed inside the office. Among those present were Betagi Upazila Chhatra League general secretary Sifat Sikder and former upazila general secretary Mostafa Jamal Shamim, along with a number of other leaders and activists. Eyewitnesses said leaders and activists of Jubo League and the banned Chhatra League gathered in front of the office and chanted slogans. Later, a banner reading “Reopening of Betagi Upazila Awami League office after 18 months” was hung inside and outside the office. U-16 Women’s Football: Borguna, Magura make good start No immediate reaction from the local administration was available in this regard.

A BNP leader on Friday has opened a closed party office of the Bangladesh Awami League in Panchagarh, triggering controversy within his own party. The office was opened in the morning at Chaklahat Union in Panchagarh Sadar upazila by Abu Daud Pradhan, president of the Sadar upazila unit of BNP. A video of the incident later went viral on social media. It showed Abu Daud Pradhan standing on the veranda of the Awami League office and giving a speech. According to local sources, Abu Daud Pradhan is a former chairman of Chaklahat Union Parishad. In his speech, Abu Daud Pradhan said he was unaware that the Awami League party office had remained locked and claimed he would have opened it earlier had he known. He also said the recent election victory came after 18 years and described it as a mandate given by forces from both sides of the Liberation War, adding that the party had received a record number of votes across Bangladesh. He said every party has some wrongdoers and that there are clear instructions to expel such elements. Stressing law and order, he urged leaders and activists of both parties to ensure that peace and stability are not disrupted in Panchagarh. Referring to local results, he expressed disappointment that the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol failed to secure first position in any polling centre of his own union. Addressing Awami League supporters, he said they are citizens of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh and urged them not to engage in any wrongdoing. He said no offender would be spared, regardless of party affiliation, and asked them to inform him if they faced any harassment. He referred to cases against Awami League leaders and activists, saying that regardless of their nature, the party’s leader would soon go to Parliament to take oath and, he hoped, become prime minister, after which the situation would be clear. Freedom fighter Abul Hossain said the office had earlier been locked by Jamaat supporters. He added that the office was opened with local people present and would temporarily be used by freedom fighters, not for Awami League political activities. Speaking on the matter, Abu Daud Pradhan said the move was not a party decision. He said the Awami League office was opened only to prevent tension in the area and maintain peace, adding that the office had earlier been locked by Jamaat supporters. District BNP Convener Md Jahirul Islam Kacchu said there was no decision from the district or central BNP regarding opening the Awami League office. Awami League was right fit for Jamaat : Mirza Abbas He said the upazila BNP president would have to bear responsibility for his action and that the matter would be discussed with the central leadership. He also said opening the banned Awami League office immediately after the election victory was not a good move and that organisational action would be taken against Abu Daud Pradhan following an investigation for breaching party discipline.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday claimed that the trial of the genocide during the 2024 mass uprising and the implementation of the July Charter would not take place if the BNP comes to power. Addressing a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office in the evening, Asif Mahmud alleged that recent remarks by BNP’s top leadership clearly indicate the party’s stance. “The BNP chief has said in a recent interview that Sheikh Hasina’s children could enter politics if people want. This proves that if BNP assumes power, it will not try the Awami League for genocide.” In a scathing attack on BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Asif Mahmud said allowing Sheikh Hasina to do politics was a ‘historic mistake’. “That mistake has cost the people of Bangladesh for decades. Even Khaleda Zia had to pay for it with her life. Yet, blinded by lust for power, her son is now willing to give the Awami League space in politics.” Asif added. Claiming that people no longer want the Awami League in politics, the NCP spokesperson said the 2024 mass uprising would not have happened if there was any such public support. “At this point, BNP coming to power and Awami League coming to power mean the same thing. BNP has already reached a kind of understanding with the Awami League.” Asif Mahmud also accused the BNP of deceiving its grassroots leaders and activists. “Grassroots leaders endured imprisonment and repression, while top leaders lived a luxurious life in London. Now, by allowing the Awami League to return to politics, they are betraying their own activists.” He also alleged that BNP has already ‘betrayed’ the July Charter, despite signing it. “The issue of an upper house in parliament, as clearly stated in the July Charter, has been avoided in BNP’s election manifesto. Even if BNP comes to power, regardless of whether a referendum says ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will not implement the July Charter.” Warning of security risks ahead of the election, Asif Mahmud alleged that some political parties are stockpiling weapons, which could be used on polling day and make the situation ‘dangerous’. He urged the joint forces to launch an all-out drive to recover illegal arms. Nasiruddin criticises Tarique Rahman, Chhatral Dal, Jubo Dal Asif also complained of the absence of a level playing field, alleging bias by the Election Commission. “Our candidates are being served show-cause notices over minor issues, while candidates of other parties openly violate the code of conduct without any action. This discriminatory attitude is destroying the level playing field.” Expressing optimism over voter turnout in the February-12 election, Asif Mahmud dismissed claims that a significant portion of Awami League supporters would stay away from voting. “Those who worked as polling agents during the Awami League-era are now either working for BNP or independent candidates. With them active in the field, general voters will also turn out,” he said.

Indian media outlets and the ousted Awami League are spreading disinformation about Bangladesh, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Monday. “We have seen newspapers, including a prominent one, publishing false information, despite it being among the most widely read Bengali dailies in India. India is deliberately spreading misinformation and disinformation,” he said while speaking at a policy conclave titled ‘Misinformation: Challenges to Governance and Democracy’ at the central auditorium of Dhaka International University. Telling again, no uncertainty over election: Press Secretary The event was organised by the Dhaka International University Journalists’ Association (DIUCA). Shafiqul Alam said disinformation was originating from both local and external sources. “For the first time in 18 months, we have observed Indian media circulating alarming false narratives about Bangladesh. No government in our 54-year history has faced such a situation. They spread lies every day, fuel hatred, and even major Indian dailies and television channels are involved. This poses a serious threat to our government and democracy,” he said. The Press Secretary said that while the government is working towards smooth democratic transitions and fair elections, a narrative is being created abroad suggesting that minorities would not be safe even if democracy is restored in Bangladesh. Daily Protidin Editor Maruf Kamal Khan stressed the media’s responsibility in countering disinformation. “We often talk about the ‘media’, but for a long time we failed to speak for the common people. Instead, we promoted one side and tried to eliminate the other, which itself contributed to misinformation. Even after the end of the fascist system, we have not fully freed ourselves from that mindset. The media must become the true voice of the people,” he said. DIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Zahidul Islam said the AI era has significantly amplified disinformation, leaving the state confused and vulnerable. Chairman of DIU’s Media Studies Department, Dr Sheikh Mohammad Shafiul Islam, described misinformation as a structural crisis reinforced by social media algorithms, political polarisation and weak media literacy. Complete level playing field exists in Bangladesh election process: Press Secretary He called for a combined approach involving strong media policies, education reforms and the development of critical thinking to address the challenge. Mahfuzur Rahman, Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), and Fasih Uddin Mahtab, former President of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BASF), among others, spoke at the event. The programme wrapped up with the M I Patwari Best Reporting Awards being presented to the top four journalists of 2025.

The government and people of Bangladesh have expressed surprise and shock that fugitive Sheikh Hasina, convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, was permitted to make a statement at a public event in New Delhi on January 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. In which, the MoFA in a statement said, she openly called for the removal of the government of Bangladesh and issued blatant incitements to her party loyalists and general public to carry out acts of terror in order to derail the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh. "The unabashed incitements by Awami League's leadership yet again demonstrated why the interim government had to ban its activities," said the interim government. Read More: Court sets Feb 2 for verdict in Rajuk plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip Bangladesh would hold this ‘outfit’ responsible for committing incidents of violence and terror in the run up to the elections and on the election day, and will take appropriate actions to foil its evil conspiracies, according to the statement. Bangladesh is deeply aggrieved that while India is yet to act on her obligations to hand Sheikh Hasina over to Bangladesh under the bilateral extradition agreement despite repeated requests by the Bangladesh government, she has instead been allowed to make such ‘inciteful’ pronouncements from its own soil, said the Ministry. "This clearly endangers Bangladesh's democratic transition and peace and security." Allowing the event to take place in the Indian capital and letting mass murderer Hasina to openly deliver her hate speech are contrary to the norms of inter-State relations, including the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference and good neighbourliness, and constitute a clear affront to the people and the government of Bangladesh, MoFA said. Read More: Hearing of appeal seeking death penalty of Hasina, Kamal on Jan 20 "It sets a dangerous precedent vis-a-vis the future of Bangladesh-India relations and may seriously impair the ability of the future elected polity in Bangladesh to engage, shape and nurture mutually beneficial bilateral relations," it said.

Apparently ruling out the possibility of the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming national election, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday (December 15, 2025) said that no democratic country in the world would allow an organisation led by such a ‘terrible criminal’ to engage in any form of activity, let alone taking part in elections. “This (AL) party leader (Sheikh Hasina), is a fugitive from justice, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, and is calling for terrorist attacks against Bangladesh,” he told UNB when asked whether the Awami League would be permitted to participate in the next general election. The much-sought national election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 will simultaneously be held on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government after 18 years as the Election Commission announced the schedule on Thursday evening. Read more: No uncertainty over national election, reaffirms CEC Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in his pre-recorded speech telecast by state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar recently. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). Read more: Jamaat Ameer warns against return to ‘fascist past’