United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami wants a bicameral parliament in Bangladesh with five-year tenure, said its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Saturday. “We've agreed on the bicameral parliament issue” he said at a press briefing during the lunch break of talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. He said there were proposals to reduce Parliament and Presidential tenures to four years from five years. “But we told them that it wouldn’t be right. The tenures should be of five years,” said Taher. A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the discussion that began at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Jamaat delegation members included its Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, publicity and media affairs secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul and Shishir Monir. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 16 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). The commission formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday called upon the government to hold local government polls before the national election to demonstrate the Election Commission’s sincerity and capacity. “There is now an Election Commission in place, which claims it will deliver the best election in the country’s history. We want to an acid test from them. Hold local elections first and let us see your sincerity and capability,” he said while addressing a party conference in Mymensingh. He said people are suffering due to the absence of elected representatives in local government bodies. “So, hold the local polls first. Show your commitment and ability. If people are satisfied with that, they’ll support you fully in the future. But if irregularities are found, people will show you a red card.” Referring to a recently submitted report on women's affairs reform commission, Dr Shafiqur criticised certain recommendations as being contrary to the Quran and Sunnah. “Those who made these recommendations do not represent the 95 million mothers of this country. We will not allow them to take society in the wrong direction.” He urged the Chief Adviser to reject the report upon his return to the country and called for the formation of an inclusive commission comprising people from all classes, professions, and ideologies. 'Janata Party Bangladesh' launched under Ilias Kanchan’s leadership Besides, he stressed that Jamaat would not tolerate any move to benefit a particular party or group but would support all efforts aimed at benefiting the public. The Jamaat chief questioned, “If the past practices continue, what was the point of all the bloodshed and sacrifices? What will we say to the nation?” He said they are prepared to fight once again, if necessary, to build a corruption-free, injustice-free, and tyranny-free Bangladesh. Calling for a new political culture, he urged the youth to lead the change, saying, “Youth have always brought about transformation, including the movements of July and August.” They took to the streets to protect your dreams and aspirations. Don’t rest until the rightful demands are met, he said, adding, “You are tomorrow’s leaders, and we’ll work as your workers. We want to give you the opportunity to serve the country and its people.” Dr Shafiqur also alleged that the deposed Awami League, along with its allies and some government officials, had looted Tk 28 trillion from the country—four to five times the national budget. He urged the European Union and other foreign representatives to help recover the stolen money and return it to the public fund. “We want a Bangladesh where there is no discrimination based on political belief or religion. Everyone must enjoy equal rights,” he added. He reiterated Jamaat’s vision of a humane, corruption-free, and just Bangladesh based on Islamic principles and the Holy Quran, where people of all faiths can practice their religions freely. “Islam respects all religions. We are united in establishing humane governance—there is no division among us. Together, we will build the Bangladesh we envision.”

Bangladeshis will not accept any election until two key demands are met—visible trial of Sheikh Hasina and essential political reforms, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday. He made the remarks while addressing a public rally at the Lalmonirhat Collectorate Field. Calling for a level playing field to ensure free and fair elections, the Jamaat chief urged the Chief Adviser to resist polls influenced by “black money” and muscle power. He also emphasised maintaining diplomatic ties with India based on mutual respect, equality and good neighbourliness. “If we prosper, our neighbours will benefit too. But if our wellbeing is compromised, India must ask whether theirs can remain unaffected,” he added. Jamaat wants Dr Yunus' election promise fulfilled Dr Shafiqur said although fascism has fallen, some “ill-politicians” continue to extort and occupy property. He pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, women will be given respect, protection, and employment opportunities. Dr Shafiqur also promised to prioritise development in Lalmonirhat, including implementing the long-stalled Teesta Mega Plan. “We want a country free from the divisions of ‘supporter’ and ‘opponent’. We reject the notion of 'minority' and 'majority'. That rhetoric has long been used to oppress us. Now, men and women alike will help build this nation,” he said. “Youth will be empowered to become productive. Millions are now saying—they will sacrifice their lives, but not the country’s sovereignty. We did not fight West Pakistan only to be subjugated again. We want to live as citizens of a truly independent nation,” Dr Shafiqur added. The Jamaat leader also called for the establishment of an agricultural university and a local airport in Lalmonirhat to tackle unemployment in the region. Earlier in the day, party supporters from across Lalmonirhat and surrounding districts joined the rally in colourful processions, creating a festive atmosphere.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that there is no ”majority or minority” in Bangladesh. “We are one nation. Our identity is that we are Bangladeshis. Anyone born in this country is a proud citizen of Bangladesh," he said on Wednesday while addressing a public rally organised by the party's district unit at Panchagarh Sugar Mill ground. He said the people of a country who cannot remain united cannot stand with their heads held high. He said, "Bangladesh is a country of harmony. I ask our Muslim brothers and sisters to be kind and not to hurt our brothers and sisters of other religions. we dislike it." Jamaat Ameer warns of unrest if elections held under current circumstances The Jamaat leader also criticised those who label groups of citizens as minorities, saying that they cause the most harm. "They inflict the greatest damage on the wealth, honour, and lives of our brothers." He called for the publication of a white paper on all the incidents that have occurred in Bangladesh from January 10, 1972, to the present, through a joint initiative between Bangladesh and the United Nations, so that people can know who really killed people, robbed them of their honor, and plundered their wealth. The Jamaat Ameer said, “India is our closest neighbour, and we have no intention of causing it any unnecessary harm.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said that if elections are held under the current circumstances, there will be unrest and chaos, stressing the need for reforms to ensure a fair voting environment and restoring law and order. Addressing a roadside gathering organised by the Domar upazila Jamaat-e-Islami at the Upazila Parishad ground in Nilphamari on Wednesday, he said, “If elections are held under current conditions, it will be like burying the election.” He said that reforms are crucial to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. On the issue of local government elections, the Jamaat Ameer criticised the absence of elected representatives in key local bodies, including union parishads, municipalities, upazilas, districts and city corporations, leading to public suffering. “Our politics is not about increasing people's hardships but reducing them,” he said, calling for the immediate holding of local government elections. Jatiya Biplobi Chatra Parishad demands ban on AL, issues 72hr ultimatum He stressed that the national election should only take place after essential reforms to restore credibility. He also spoke about corruption and extortion, claiming that despite leadership changes, these issues persist. “Businessmen tell us that extortionists used to collect money every month, but now they demand higher rates, saying they don't know how long they will stay in power, so they must loot as much as possible while they can,” he added. The Jamaat chief called for  a social movement against corruption and injustice, saying, “Wherever there is extortion, we must fight. Wherever there is occupation, we must resist. This struggle will continue because the country has not yet been freed from fascism after August 5.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday said that their movement will continue until the release of its Assistant Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam and the restoration of the party's registration. "He (Azharul) has been languishing in jail for 12-13 years without committing any crime. We don't want him to stay even for 13 more minutes in jail. We are humble but not fool. Don’t make a mistake by treating our politeness as weakness," he told a rally organised in Baitul Mukarram area in Dhaka demanding Azharul Islam’s release. The Jamaat Ameer also called for the immediate reinstatement of the party’s registration, asking, “Do you want to do what the oppressive government did? Did students and the public sacrifice their lives for this?” He emphasised that their struggle is yet to be ended. “The war is ongoing. Thousands of students and common people are ready to give their lives on the streets. All conspiracies have been thwarted by them.” UN report exposes genocide under Hasina: Jamaat Ameer The rally spanning areas around Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, Nightingale, Kakrail, Zero Point, and the Press Club drew a huge gathering of party members. Following the rally, a protest procession led by Ameer was brought out. Earlier, on February 17, in a statement, Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar called on party leaders, workers, and people from all walks of life to ensure the success of the rally and the protest march.

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has said that all murders in independent Bangladesh must be tried in courts.  If not, the cycle of murders would never end, he said.  Similarly, he said the culture of looting will not end if incidents of looting aren't properly tried. "We want to build an exploitation-free, corruption-free, non-communal Bangladesh," he said.  Jamaat Ameer warns fascists will return if unity destroyed He made these comments as the chief guest at the Jamaat-e-Islami workers’ conference held at Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur on Saturday noon. The conference was presided over by District Committee Amir, Principal Anisur Rahman. Other speakers included Central Committee Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Working Council member Principal Maulana Mamataj Uddin, and others. Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy The workers' conference, organised after 20 years, was attended by grassroots leaders and workers from 14 district organisational committees, including female members, along with nearly a hundred thousand leaders and workers from surrounding areas. Earlier, they joined the conference in processions. The event was secured with strict security measures, including volunteers, and was conducted peacefully.

Interim government adviser Mahfuj Alam has said ‘anti-Bangladesh Awami League fascists’ will no longer be allowed to participate in elections. “If Awami League returns to power, fascism will also return,” he said while addressing a street rally in Hajiganj Bazar area of Chandpur town on Saturday. Mahfuj said only pro-Bangladesh political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami will take part in the elections. Dr Yunus hailed as "beacon, hero, amazing image of stability" at Davos: Shafiqul Alam Through a fair election and positive competition among all political parties, governance in Bangladesh will be reestablished, he said. “We no longer want the fascist regimes of Sheikh Mujib or Sheikh Hasina. We want pro-Bangladesh forces will rule the country,” the adviser added. Dr Yunus calls for a system allowing people to vote "freely, fairly without any threat" Student representatives from Chandpur and Hajiganj Upazila were present during the event.

With the Awami League absent from the political stage following the August 5 (2024) political changeover, the two long-standing allies, BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, appear to be drifting apart as they vie for dominance ahead of the upcoming elections, according to political analysts. They said a deepening rift between the BNP and Jamaat is taking centre stage, with their leaders trading sharp criticisms, signalling a new polarisation in the country’s political landscape. Political analysts also observed that while BNP and Jamaat have had conflicts in the past, the level of hostility between them this time is unprecedented in recent years as both parties seek to assert their political power They also predicted that Jamaat may try to forge an alliance with Islamist parties to emerge as a strong opposition in the 13th parliament if Awami League fails to stage a comeback in politics ahead of the election. 'Jamaat chief’s remarks hurt, still hope for united movement': BNP leader However, they are not ruling out the possibility of Jamaat contesting the polls under BNP’s alliance if the Awami League can engage in politics and join the election race. Despite the current strain, senior leaders from both BNP and Jamaat told UNB that they do not want to damage their unity since they believe any division could ease the Awami League’s return to politics. The conflict between the two parties intensified after the mass uprising, primarily surrounding the Islamic bank takeover and the dispute over taking credit for the uprising. Following this, Jamaat leaders accused the BNP of "grabbing and extortion" across the country. BNP initially refrained from commenting, but on December 29, BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that not only India but also several political parties, including those opposed to the 1971 Liberation War, were trying to exploit the political turmoil for their own gain. BNP leader criticises Jamaat for defending 1971 role instead of apologising Rizvi also accused Jamaat of being involved in taking over various institutions, including banks, and engaging in tender manipulation. In response, Jamaat issued a statement refuting these allegations. The discord continued as Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at an event in Rangpur on December 23 said there are only two tested patriotic forces in the country-- one is the army, the other is Jamaat-e-Islami. Later, Rizvi termed the Jamaat chief’s comment ridiculous and raised questions about the role of the "Islamist party" in the 1971 Liberation War. At a programme on Thursday, BNP senior leader Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed slammed Jamaat for trying to justify its role in 1971 instead of offering an apology. Supporters of both parties have been particularly active on social media, exchanging harsh words and fueling the growing hostility between them. The BNP and Jamaat have had an enduring relationship, especially during the 1991 national election, and their formal coalition was formed in 1999. They remained politically aligned until the dissolution of their 20-party alliance before the 12th national election. For quite some time, there has been a noticeable gap between the two parties, especially since the BNP dissolved the 20-party alliance in December 2022, to carry out a simultaneous movement with many other parties, including some left-leaning ones. BNP-Jamaat relations also got strained in 2018, as BNP formed Jatiya Oikyafront with Dr Kamal Hossain-led Gonoforum and some other parties, ignoring Jamaat. Jamaat also harboured resentment towards BNP due to its silence over the arrest and execution of Jamaat’s top leaders for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. However, the differences were later resolved following a high-level meeting, but now, tensions have resurfaced. Some BNP leaders said that Jamaat Amir first attacked the BNP with his comments shortly after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, stating that although one oppressor had left, another should not take the nation's reins. Jamaat Ameer discusses reforms, national unity with Chief Adviser Yunus They said the Jamaat chief also criticised the BNP in September when the party demanded an early election, prompting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to respond, saying that those with no public support do not want the election. BNP leaders said though they are actively vocal about the election roadmap and early election, Jamaat wants the election to be delayed with their evil intention. They said Jamaat is also now seeking local body elections before the national election, which goes against the stance of the BNP. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said it is natural for BNP leaders and workers to feel resentment over the negative remarks made by Jamaat leaders. “Jamaat has not been a rival of BNP in electoral calculations in the last 50 years, but it seems the party has started considering BNP as a rival,” he observed. Tuku said Jamaat leaders should be more cautious with their political statements as the BNP is focused on uniting pro-democratic forces for the nation's greater good. Talking to UNB Jamaat-e-Islami Publicity Affairs Secretary Adv Motiur Rahman Akand said some BNP leaders are making derogatory comments against Jamaat by using outdated words and terms. “The people of the country have not accepted such old narratives about Jamaat. Had they accepted these outdated statements, Jamaat’s popularity and organisational expansion would not have increased,” Akand said. He said some BNP leaders are attacking Jamaat out of jealousy and envy, as it is increasingly gaining popularity. Akand , however, claimed that although some leaders are engaging in verbal exchanges, both parties remain united in the greater interest of the nation. “There is no rift between the top leaders of the two parties. I also believe the relationship between the two parties has not deteriorated. Some leaders are making comments out of frustration and ego. This is a temporary stance. The original unity remains intact,” the Jamaat leader said. Dr Shamsul Alam, a professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, said Jamaat is trying to stimulate its grassroots and expand its organisation by making negative comments against the BNP in the absence of the Awami League. He said the pro-Jamaat student body Chhatra Shibir is also trying to establish its supremacy on all educational campuses, challenging BNP’s student wing Chhatra Dal. “I think there is a rift at the grassroots level of the two parties, not at the centres, in the changed situation. But before the election, either both parties will reunite, or there will be a new polarisation,” he said.      

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan said on Friday said they were hurt by the comments of the Jamaat-e-Islami chief, who claimed that the army and his party are the only tested patriotic forces in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with a delegation of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, he, however, expressed the hope that Jamaat would join the movement for the restoration of democracy alongside other democratic parties in the future. “We have no such distance with Jamaat. They (Jamaat) also want democracy and elections, and they speak of human rights, as we do,” the BNP leader said. He said, "But if anyone claims that they alone are patriots, naturally, we will feel hurt. We will say, brother, that is not true. We all are patriots." Tarique thanks Qatar Emir for support in transporting Khaleda to London The BNP leader hoped that no politician would make such remarks in the future. Asked whether BNP would hold any meeting with Jamaat, he said their party was not formally engaged in a simultaneous movement with Jamaat. While Jamaat was also part of the movement against the Awami League government, like BNP and other parties, their programmes were not the same, he said. “We hope that in the coming days, we all will be three in the movement to restore democracy, and they (Jamaat) will also join the movement,” Nazrul said. In response to another question, he said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving proper care at the London Clinic. Khaleda admitted to The London Clinic for medical care “By the grace of Allah, her treatment is progressing well. We urge the people of the country to pray for her swift recovery so that she can return to us after the treatment,” the BNP leader said. Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote chief and National People's Party (NPP) Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad also spoke, urging the interim government to arrange elections after promptly completing the necessary reforms.