United News of Bangladesh

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’

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday strongly criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for spreading propaganda against his party in the same tone as the fascist Awami League, saying the people of Bangladesh saw how Jamaat killed lakhs of people and dishonoured women in 1971 for political gains. Delivering his concluding remarks virtually at the inaugural ceremony of BNP’s six-day ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, he also accused Jamaat of misleading people with false promises, including claiming they could ‘guarantee heaven in return for votes’. “We hear some people or some groups nowadays—in different places or on social media— saying ‘We have seen this party and that party, so now give this party (Jamaat) a chance’. But the people of this country already saw this party in 1971,” Tarique said. He warned party leaders about people in a particular political party who are reportedly selling tickets for different things and making promises that only Allah can decide. “They are giving guarantees about matters that belong to Allah alone. The owner of Heaven, Hell, and everything in the world is Allah. Only He has the right to decide. If I claim something from my own perspective, I understand that it is shirk, associating partners with Allah,” Tarique said. Speaking to the leaders of his party’s student wing at the event, he said they should go door to door and tell people that those making such claims are committing shirk. “Anyone who listens to these claims will also fall into shirk,” he added. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said this party killed lakhs of innocent people in 1971 to protect its own political interests, just like the fallen dictator who killed thousands before fleeing to cling to power. “Those who are now asking people to support—the people of this country have already seen them in 1971. They not only killed lakhs of people, but their collaborators also violated countless mothers and sisters. We must never forget this,” Tarique said. When the BNP governed the country from 2001 to 2006, he said, it inherited a nation badly damaged by corruption under the rule of Awami League. Later, Tarique said BNP under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia worked step by step to reduce corruption and improve the situation. “The progress we made was reviewed by an international organisation, and that analysis has already been clearly shared with you in the leaflet. So, we can confidently say — if any party in Bangladesh can stop corruption, it is BNP. We have done it before and, Insha’Allah, we will do it again for the people,” he added. Indirectly referring to Jamaat leaders, Tarique said some people are repeating the same false propaganda about BNP that the fugitive autocrat once spread. “We recently noticed a few individuals or parties making those same baseless claims. But here is the question — two of their senior leaders were in our government at that time. Both have passed away. They were respected political figures, and we should not speak badly about those who are no longer alive,” he said. “What we can say is that they stayed in the BNP government until the very last day, showing their full confidence in Begum Khaleda Zia’s fight against corruption,” the BNP leader observed. He said the allegations of corruption during BNP’s rule were brought, but now, with a more independent judiciary--unlike during autocratic time--no charges against them have ever been proven. “All those were only propaganda. So, the conclusion remains—only BNP has been able to pull Bangladesh away from corruption in the past, and Insha’Allah, only BNP will be able to do it again.” Tarique reminded that he has been saying since 5 August last year that the days ahead would not be easy. “More difficult times are waiting for us. Different conspiracies are being planned from different directions. Only the people can stop these plots, and BNP, together with the people, can resist them,” he said. He said the only way to stop these conspiracies is to restore democracy. “If we can establish democracy and ensure the people’s mandate at any cost, we will be able to stop many conspiracies. Yet even then, tough days are still ahead.” Tarique said his party must prioritise addressing corruption and restoring law and order in the country. “We must rein in corruption at any cost, and ensure law and order,” he said, adding that these are essential for improving health, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and the economy. Tarique also spoke on BNP’s vision for the country. “Our goal is to build an independent Bangladesh, where people have jobs, live peacefully, and corruption is under control. We don’t want Bangladesh to become like Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, or the US—we want a self-reliant nation.” He urged student leaders to actively engage with communities across the country, meet people at their homes, and explain how the BNP plans to improve the lives of women, farmers, and young people. “If we work together, we can build the Bangladesh we dream of.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the programme in the morning with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from different parts of the country joined the event.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday (November 30) said the next national election will be held excluding Bangladesh Awami League which is now "a kind of socially acceptable fact." "It's kind of a socially acceptable fact that Awami League will not be part of the next national election," he said, while responding to a question at "DCAB Talk". Adviser Hossain said he does not think that Bangladesh society has taken this (election without AL) very negatively. He mentioned that the activities of the AL have already been suspended but the party is not banned. Read more: Awami League using looted money for acts of sabotage: Rizvi The next national election is scheduled to be held in the first half of February and the government thinks it will be held in a festive and peaceful manner. Responding to a question, Adviser Hossain said he does not think the election will be questionable if BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman does not return to Bangladesh. He said the party's leadership was in fact in his hands though he is not at home. It depends on many factors, including the law and order situation whether the election will be held in a fair manner. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the ‘DCAB Talk’ titled ‘Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy: Charting a Relevant Role in a Changing World’. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Md Arifuzzaman Manun also spoke at the event. Read more: Record number of first-time voters to vote, AL can’t participate: Prof Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (November 18) said a record number of young people would cast their first ballots in the upcoming national election, as they had been unable to vote in the three rigged general elections held under the previous autocratic regime. He said the Awami League would not be able to participate in the election because its activities have been banned and its registration has been suspended by the Election Commission. “It is a historic moment for all of us. The young people who filled the walls of Dhaka and other cities with graffiti and drawings during the uprising will now come to vote,” the Chief Adviser said when Dutch Vice-Minister for International Cooperation Pascalle Grotenhuis called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. They discussed Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a ‘free, fair, credible and festive’ election in the first half of February. During the meeting, they discussed expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including agriculture, trade and investment, technology, youth development, and the potential of a social business fund for young and women entrepreneurs. Bangladesh Election: EC to launch mobile app for postal balloting Tuesday The visiting Dutch Vice Minister praised Bangladesh’s election preparations, noting that the interim government had only a few months to get ready for the vote. Pascalle Grotenhuis also commended Bangladesh’s newly enacted labour laws, saying they would help attract more Dutch and European investment. The sweeping reforms, approved by the cabinet earlier this month, were signed into law by the President on Monday. She said the Netherlands plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Public-Private Partnership with Bangladesh’s investment authorities, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. She expressed hope that the MoU would be signed soon, paving the way for increased Dutch investment in Bangladesh. It’s an election to save country, work with honesty, Prof Yunus asks DCs “For 50 years, Bangladesh and the Netherlands were development partners. Now we want to transform this into an equitable partnership in politics, trade, and investment,” she said. The minister added that Dutch companies that have long purchased goods from Dhaka are now looking to invest and become working partners in Bangladesh.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday (November 17) alleged that the fascist Awami League is using ‘money looted from various banks and mega projects’ to buy cocktails and carry out acts of sabotage. “Those who committed crimes during the fascist era are now the ones shamelessly setting buses on fire. Cocktails are being bought with money looted from different banks. Funds misappropriated from projects like the Padma Bridge and Metro Rail are being used to finance acts of sabotage,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. During the fascist rule, he said the Awami League controlled the media and carried out vicious propaganda against BNP leaders and activists who were fighting for democracy, falsely linking them to arson attacks. “Even then, we repeatedly said that pro-democracy people had no connection with these arson incidents, and BNP leaders and activists had no involvement. We also presented clear evidence at the time that pro-democracy activists and the BNP had absolutely no link to arson violence,” he said. The BNP leader said the true perpetrators of arson violence are now visible to everyone. Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He said their party wants a peaceful Bangladesh where people of all opinions can speak freely, and where elections take place smoothly, fairly, and in an inclusive environment. Rizvi said the crimes committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure must face due punishment. “If Sheikh Hasina is properly punished for her crimes, it will stand as a powerful example. The previous fascist government controlled the media to spread propaganda. People believe there will be no more dictated courts like in Sheikh Hasina’s era. The country’s people want fair justice, and they are now witnessing it and will continue to witness it,” he said. He recalled the brutal mass killings during the July–August uprising carried out by the Hasina regime using law enforcement agencies. “We still remember how Abu Sayed, Mugdho, and Waseem Akram were brutally murdered, and how many children were mercilessly killed. Those horrific memories remain with us.” The BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been making unfair statements from India to create chaos in Bangladesh. “Why is India allowing this? By sheltering a criminal and giving her the scope to incite violence and carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh, India is violating the law. The people of Bangladesh do not view this positively. Such behaviour is unacceptable.” Replying to a question, Rizvi said, as in the previous year, instructions have been given not to hold any programmes, including cutting any cake, on Tuesday (20 November) to mark BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s birthday. Read more: Fakhrul calls for resistance against ‘vested quarter’ ahead of Hasina verdict

Dhaka remained under a stringent security blanket on Monday (November 17) as law enforcement agencies intensified vigilance ahead of a verdict by International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a case against Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity. Multiple security layers are in place from the early hours of the day to prevent any untoward incident as several teams of law enforcing agencies, including police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), were seen patrolling at key points of the city. Movement of vehicles remained normal in Dhaka as Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Workers Federation on Sunday announced that traffic would continue operating defying the planned ‘lockdown’ of the ousted Awami League. Besides, people, particularly office-goers and students, were seen moving to their destinations and availability of the vehicles was sufficient. Earlier, Awami League, which activities are banned, and its associated bodies had observed a countrywide ‘lockdown’ on November 13 as the ICT-1 led by its Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder was scheduled to fix the date for delivery of the verdict on that day. Later, the tribunal set November 17 to deliver the judgment. Several crude bombs exploded in Dhaka on eve of Hasina's verdict Though the presence of law enforcers, including police, RAB, intelligence units and BGB was noticeable, vehicular movement across Dhaka was thinner compared to usual on that day. However, the traffic flow on the city streets increased remarkably on Monday than that of November 13. Since the early morning, Doel Chattar, High Court Mazar Crossing, Shahbagh, Press Club, Farmgate and other key points witnessed an extensive presence of police and other security forces. Checkposts were set up across strategic routes where officers were performing duty by checking pedestrians, private vehicles and especially motorcyclists. Law enforcement officials said motorcyclists are facing heightened scrutiny because assailants involved in recent explosions—reported since 10 November—used motorcycles to flee the scenes. “Given the pattern of movement observed in previous incidents, we are checking every motorcycle to prevent any attempt to commit sabotage,” said a duty officer wishing not to be named at the High Court area. Since morning, security personnel were seen stopping each motorcycle, verifying identity documents and searching bags and helmets. Foot patrols and mobile patrol teams were also deployed across busy commercial zones such as Motijheel, Gulistan and Karwan Bazar. Business owners in the Motijheel commercial area reported that although the streets are calmer early in the day, security presence is “unusually high,” adding that it offered a sense of reassurance amid prevailing tension. SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case Heavy security was also reported at major city entry points including Gabtoli, Jatrabari and Mohakhali where long-distance buses, trucks and private vehicles were screened. According to law enforcement agencies, the highest level of alert remains in place to thwart any “spot violence” or organised attempts to disrupt public order on the verdict day. Authorities said the security measures would continue throughout the day and into the evening. Despite the undercurrent of anxiety surrounding the tribunal verdict, the visible security presence across Dhaka has contributed to a sense of controlled calm as the situation continues to evolve in real time.

Several crude bombs went off at different points in the capital on Sunday evening (November 16), heightening tension on the eve of the verdict in the cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity during last year’s July–August uprising. Around 9pm, two crude bombs exploded in front of the Central Road residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources. However, no one was injured in the incident. Witnesses said unidentified miscreants hurled the bombs and fled the scene immediately after the explosions. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case Earlier, around 7:30pm, two crude bombs also went off near the Saarc Fountain intersection in Karwan Bazar. In a separate incident, two more explosions occurred minutes before 10pm in the Mohakhali Kacha Bazar and Amtoli areas. Police said no one was hurt. The series of explosions came a day ahead of Monday’s (November 17) scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in the trial of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over allegations linked to last year’s July uprising. Amid the tense political climate, the Awami League last week announced a nationwide “lockdown” programme. Since November 10, incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions in Dhaka and other districts, have occurred amid tight security. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has requested the Bangladesh Army to deploy troops to bolster security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of Monday’s verdict. Besides, BGB personnel have been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur districts to maintain overall security and ensure law and order. Read more: Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case

Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in a high-profile case of crimes against humanity. The tribunal is set to deliver its judgement on cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, who stand accused of crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising. The verdict will be delivered amid fresh tensions as a series of arson and crude bomb attacks were reported in Dhaka, Savar, Kushtia, Gazipur and other parts of the country. Awami League, whose activities remain banned in Bangladesh, called for a ‘complete shutdown’ on Sunday and Monday in protest citing several demands including the cancellation of the tribunal’s proceedings. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order. Read more: Fakhrul calls for full justice ahead of ICT verdict in Hasina’s case Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment. In a press briefing on November 13, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they have appealed to the court for the highest penalty. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will be executed and people will accept it. Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incident centering the verdict, he said. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live. The live verdict will be shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the Dhaka, said MH Tamim, a prosecutor of the ICT. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said at a discussion in Dhaka. Jamaat, allies to mobilise on streets on Hasina verdict day The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report on February 12 said Bangladesh’s previous government and security and intelligence services, alongside violent elements associated with the Awami League, systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during last year’s student-led protests. Based on deaths reported by various credible sources, the report estimates that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed between 15 July and 5 August, and thousands were injured, the vast majority of whom were shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. it said. Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it. After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused. The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day. After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year. On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused. The charges include inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024, ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, shooting death of student Abu Sayed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka and burning of six people to death in Ashulia. The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10. Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused. On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness. Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman. In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial. Read more: BGB deployed in Dhaka, 3 other districts

The recent reshuffle and appointments of district commissioners (DCs) in 52 districts ahead of the national elections have sparked fresh controversies, raising concerns over neutrality, election management and administrative credibility. Experts warn that politically influenced appointments in field administration could pose risks and undermine trust in governance. Although no major financial irregularities have surfaced in the recent appointments, several civil servants perceived as beneficiaries of the Awami League government have been entrusted with crucial administrative roles, reigniting debate within the bureaucracy. Rizvi alleges govt appointing members of an Islamic party as DCs, SPs According to sources, officials who previously served as personal secretaries (PS) to ministers and secretaries under the Awami League government were among those promoted. Appointments in Kurigram and Rangpur districts have drawn criticism from senior bureaucrats, as selection committees reportedly had not recommended these officers. It is alleged that the placement of party-affiliated and controversial officers in key districts is a ‘strategy to control the electoral field’, intensifying the ongoing debate over DC appointments. Over the past week, the government reshuffled DCs in three phases. Government appoints new DCs in 23 more districts On the night of November 13, 23 new DCs were appointed through two government notifications covering nine districts in one and 14 in the other. Earlier, on November 8 and 9, the interim government appointed DCs in 15 and 14 districts respectively, though some appointments were later canceled. The latest appointments have sparked renewed criticism within the bureaucracy as seniority, experience, and recommendations from the Senior Selection Board (SSB) were allegedly overlooked. Similarly, appointments of officers with limited field experience but strong ties to Awami League have raised fears over election management and increased discontent among qualified and senior bureaucrats who were bypassed. Govt appoints new DCs in 14 more districts Several controversial appointments including those in Gazipur, Noakhali and Madaripur were later canceled amid criticism over political affiliations and past irregularities. Former secretary and public-administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder said prioritising political loyalty in DC appointments threatens the neutrality of the administration. “This poses the most serious risk. DCs serve as the chief executives of field administration during elections and the transparency and peaceful conduct of the polls depend heavily on their impartial behaviour,” he said. Dhaka, Khulna among 15 districts that get new DCs  “The Public Administration Ministry must reassess this appointment process immediately. If experienced and neutral officers are not prioritised, divisions within the administration will deepen further, ultimately harming the quality of state service,” he added.          

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman Ripon on Friday warned that any activity or programme in the name of Awami League (AL), which he described as a ‘banned entity,’ will be considered as illegal. He made the remarks while addressing journalists at a discussion and cultural programme marking the birth and death anniversary of national awakening poet Golam Mostofa in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district. The attorney general said the victorious forces of the July uprising will determine the outcome of future referendums and shape Bangladesh’s path. He said that the forces victorious in the 1971 liberation war framed the constitution of 1972, and the 1990 movement restored democracy in the country. He warned that the government and law enforcement agencies would lawfully confront any anarchy linked to the AL, particularly over the verdict of genocide cases. Highlighting the poet’s legacy, Asaduzzaman said the poet’s works reflect the life, consciousness, and struggle of Bengali Muslims. No legal barrier to implementing July Charter: AG Asaduzzaman He added that studying Mostofa’s creations helps Bangladeshis uphold their struggle, rights, heritage, and egalitarian ideals. Prominent personalities including Mia Mosharraf Hossain and the poet’s son, renowned artist Mostofa Monowar, were honoured at the event.