United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Monday alleged that the BNP government has failed on multiple fronts during its first six months in office. He made the remarks at an emergency press conference at NCP's temporary central office at Banglamotor around noon. Nahid alleged that the government has failed in 29 areas, including energy, commodity prices and law and order. Criticising the government's various activities, he said the BNP government has failed to properly fulfil any of the promises it made to the people during its 180 days in power. The NCP leader said mismanagement has become evident across sectors, from the energy crisis and price spiral to the worsening law-and-order situation. He also alleged that important artefacts were removed from the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum. Nahid also criticised the government for its move to rebrand Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), saying despite the long-standing demand for RAB dissolution, the government has instead moved to reorganise the force under a new name to “avoid sanctions.” He cited the government's failure to bring back former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates as evidence of a weak foreign policy, calling it the manifestation of the administration's diplomatic shortcomings. Reflecting on the government's six months in office, the opposition chief whip said while six months is too short for a full assessment, the government should still have apologised to the people for its failures and lack of planning. He alleged that the administration is once again attempting to revert to old-style politics, and criticised the government for failing to establish the rule of law overall. At the press conference, the NCP convener also spoke on India and deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that Hasina's press conference in Delhi on August 5 last was held with the “cooperation” of the Indian government.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday urged the government to implement the verdict of the referendum and implement promises of state reform, saying this would demonstrate its commitment to the aspirations of the July mass uprising. After paying tribute at the mass grave of martyrs of 2024 uprising at Rayerbazar, Nahid said merely observing the anniversary would not be enough unless the promises of justice and reform are fulfilled. "The government has to prove that it stands with the July Uprising by implementing the reforms demanded by people and executing the referendum verdict," he said. He said July 1 marked the beginning of the historic uprising and that the party has started its observance by visiting the martyrs' mass grave at Rayerbazar. Nahid said that although the uprising took place two years ago, the country has yet to achieve the discrimination-free and democratic Bangladesh envisioned by its participants. Referring to a recent verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal, he said the judgment has failed to satisfy the people or the families of the martyrs and injured. He criticised the sentence given to Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) President Hasanul Haq Inu, alleging that he had actively supported the July killings as an ally of the Awami League-led alliance. "We do not think the sentence of 10 years in each of the three cases is enough," Nahid said, urging the state to appeal against the verdict and seek the maximum punishment. He also expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of investigations and trials related to the July killings, saying only two verdicts have been delivered since the current government assumed office. Nahid called for the speedy completion of all pending trials and demanded that those accused of involvement in the July killings, including Sheikh Hasina and the killers of Osman Hadi be brought back to Bangladesh to face justice. He also demanded the implementation of the death sentence against Sheikh Hasina once all legal procedures are completed. Nahid urged the government to fulfil its commitments to the families of the martyrs and injured by ensuring financial assistance and rehabilitation for the July fighters.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Md. Nahid Islam, met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Fidan congratulated the NCP leadership for their role in the July Revolution, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, according to a Facebook post shared by the party on Saturday. The NCP delegation expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its continued diplomatic support and engagement in resolving the Rohingya crisis.  

More than 50 leaders and activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad and Jubo Odhikar Parishad formally joined the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Barishal on Saturday. They joined the party at an event held at Barishal Press Club around noon, where NCP's Barishal district convener Abu Sayeed Musa welcomed them into the party born out of the July 2024 Uprising with flowers. Musa said that over a hundred activists from different political parties filled out membership forms on the day and were inducted into the NCP. Notable among the new members are Sirajul Islam, president of Babuganj upazila unit of Gono Odhikar Parishad, and its general secretary Masum Howlader. Others include Zahidul Islam Riyad, president of Babuganj upazila Jubo Odhikar Parishad, and Anisur Rahman Khan, general secretary of Kedarpur union unit, along with leaders and activists from Wazirpur, Gournadi, Mehendiganj and Muladi upazilas. Among those present at the event were Abu Sayeed Khan Ferdous, member secretary of NCP Barishal district; senior joint member secretary Abed Ahmed Rony; Nafisa Mustari, central senior joint chief organiser of Jatiya Nari Shakti; organisational secretaries Asif Ali and Imran Hossain; and office secretary Nazmul Hasan, among others.

Jamaat-led alliance candidate and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam on Thursday said ensuring a free and fair election is more important than electoral victory or defeat, stressing that the real test is whether people can exercise their voting rights without obstruction. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Dhaka-11 at AKM Rahmatullah College in Badda, Nahid said the election must be credible at any cost. “If the election is not fair, the July movement will be rendered meaningless,” Nahid warned. Bangladesh’s long walk to the ballot box; voting  begins at 7:30am Expressing optimism about forming the next government, Nahid said the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance had united with the clear objective of coming to power. “We believe this alliance is standing at the threshold of forming the government.” He said the alliance would accept the election outcome regardless of the result, provided the polls are conducted fairly. “We are prepared to accept the people’s verdict. If the election is free and fair, we will accept whatever result comes.” Nahid also urged the administration, law enforcement agencies and the army to make all-out efforts to ensure a fair electoral process. Commenting on the electoral environment, he acknowledged existing challenges but said the Jamaat-led alliance wants the highest possible voter turnout so that people can cast their votes without hindrance. He also called on voters to support the ‘Yes’ option in the referendum. “There are obstacles, and some are trying to undermine the electoral atmosphere. It is not enough for you or me to say the election was fair. Public reactions on social media and the opinions of election observers will determine whether the polls were transparent.” Voting began at 7:30am on Thursday at more than 42,000 polling centres across the country in 299 constituencies. The 13th national parliamentary election is being held with around 13 crore registered voters, whose decision will determine the formation of Bangladesh’s next government.  

Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for the upcoming national election. Speaking during electioneering at different spots in Badda-Satarkul area in the morning, Nahid claimed that the Jamaat alliance activists are being subjected to intimidation ahead of the polls. “Although there is no direct obstruction to campaigning, a climate of fear is being deliberately created so that people refrain from going to polling centres. But these attempts will not succeed,” he said. NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid Nahid also accused the Election Commission of not maintaining neutrality towards the Jamaat alliance, alleging that he was served with a show-cause notice for campaigning in favour of a referendum, while no action was taken against others for promoting their respective parties. Nahid said the election would mark the end of extortionists, terrorists and land grabbers. “People expected extortion and land grabbing to stop after August 5, but that has not happened in some cases. February 12, the election day, will be the final day for extortionists.” Highlighting various local problems, Nahid assured voters that he would work to address the area’s crises if elected. “This election is not just about a change of power; it is about building a new Bangladesh. It is going to be a historic election where new dynamics will be seen in the electoral field.” Khaleda’s struggle for restoring democracy to be remembered forever: Nahid Calling on voters to cast their ballots freely, the NCP convener said, “Vote for whoever you choose, but do so after careful consideration, because this election will determine the fate of Bangladesh.” Addressing local residents, he urged them not to be influenced by money, benefits or false promises. “Think carefully and vote for a deserving candidate who is truly capable of bringing change to your area and the country.” During the campaign, Nahid called on voters to vote for the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol and to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) unveiled its election theme song at Shahbagh on Saturday, with party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain leading the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Asif Mahmud said, “We chose Shahbagh because it is where our political journey began and grew. That is why we launched the theme song right here, in the street.” Highlighting the inclusive nature of the song, he added, “This theme song is for ordinary people from all walks of life, not for celebrities in five-star venues. It represents hard working citizens, including members of marginalized communities. We do not want to go to places where these people cannot even enter.” NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University Asif explained that through the theme song they aimed to introduce the party, outline their election vision, and familiarize people with the Shapla Kali motif. NCP has made every effort to ensure a quality output and hoped that everyone would enjoy it, he added. NCP joint convener Monira Sharmin, NCP's National Youth chief Tarikul Islam, and leaders and activists from various party units attended the event.

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Monday announced the launch of a centrally managed crowdfunding initiative ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, seeking financial support directly from the public. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said the party does not want to rely on money from loan defaulters or business groups to enter parliament. “We do not want to go to parliament with money from loan defaulters or businessmen. We want to go to parliament with the people’s money and remain accountable to the people,” Asif said. He said although NCP candidates had earlier raised election funds individually, the party has now decided to introduce a centralised crowdfunding system through a designated website. Donors will be able to contribute either to the party as a whole or to individual candidates. Asif said contributions will start from a minimum of Tk 10, allowing people to donate according to their capacity. “Those who can afford more may give more, but we have no intention of taking large sums from a single individual. We want broader public participation.” The funds would be disclosed to the public through annual audits. “Unlike the BNP, we will not contest elections with thousands of crores of taka from loan defaulters. We have only a handful of wealthy candidates. Our core principle is accountability,” Asif added. When asked whether the donated funds would be returned if the NCP ultimately decides not to take part in the election, Asif declined to comment, saying no final decision has been made yet. “We wanted to bring the Election Commission under accountability. If that does not happen, we will take a considered decision.” Rejecting allegations of corruption against him, Asif challenged his accusers to prove their claims. “If anyone can prove that I am corrupt, I will accept whatever punishment is imposed.” If, he added, corruption by a powerful party like the Awami League can come to light, proving allegations against him would not be difficult if they were true. Asif also warned that what he described as ‘false’ corruption allegations could be brought against NCP leaders in the coming days and urged party members to remain cautious.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Monday (January 05, 2026) said the entire incident involving Tahrima Jannat Surovi, popularly known as a “July warrior”, was false and fabricated. Tahrima, who was granted bail and released from jail on Monday night, did not receive justice, Nahid said while visiting her residence late at night. “Justice was not served to Tahrima Jannat Surovi. The whole matter was fabricated,” he said, alleging that a section of the media is attempting to defame individuals who were at the forefront of the mass uprising ahead of the upcoming election. The NCP leader said the incident involving Surovi was part of a continued effort to malign such individuals. Read more: Another NCP female leader quits Claiming that vested quarters are involved in destabilising the country and creating anarchy, Nahid urged everyone to remain vigilant. Earlier on Monday morning, police produced Tahrima before a court, seeking a seven-day remand in connection with a case filed by a journalist over alleged abduction and extortion. After the hearing, the court granted a two-day remand. As the news spread, students staged demonstrations protesting the remand order. Later, a revision petition was filed, and the court granted bail to Tahrima on Monday night. She was later released from jail the same night. Read more: NCP secures nomination validity in four Dhaka seats

A labour leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) was injured in a gun attack in Khulna city on Monday (December 22, 2025), just days after the shooting of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka, which resulted in his death. The injured, identified as Motaleb Shikder, 42, organiser and divisional chief of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, is the son of Muslim Shikder, and a resident of Sheikh Para area in Khulna city. Read more: Journalist shot dead, another injured in Khulna Police said miscreants shot him in the head around 11:45am. Locals rescued him and took him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, according to Sonadanga Police Station officer-in-charge Animesh Mondol. The attack comes 10 days after Osman Hadi was shot in the capital. He later died from his injuries at a Singapore hospital, triggering widespread outrage and demands for quick arrests. Read more: BNP leader shot dead in Pabna