United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Monday alleged that some activities of the Election Commission (EC) appear to be influenced by certain quarters. “Some activities of the Election Commission give us the impression that they are being carried out under influence,” he said, citing an example that the EC came away from engaging Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) cadets in the polling stations following a demand from a particular party. Asif Mahmud made the remarks while briefing reporters after a meeting between a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam led 11-party alliance and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Voters secretly decided whom they’ll vote: Nahid He said the Election Commission informed them that the BNCC issue is under reconsideration, but the NCP has clearly demanded that BNCC members be allowed to remain deployed at polling centres. “This election is going to be different to some extent. In that context, having additional forces will be helpful in maintaining law and order,” he added. The NCP spokesperson also accused that the EC acted as per the recommendations of the BNP in case of administrative reshuffle. “Administrative reshuffles are supposed to be conducted through a normal and neutral process. But we are seeing that a particular party is being given special facilities. In some cases, when a candidate from a specific party proposes the withdrawal of an officer, that officer is removed on the same day or the following day,” he claimed. Asif Mahmud also alleged that when NCP candidates submitted written complaints to the Election Commission against certain officials, no replies are coming from the Election Commission.

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.  

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and the 11-party alliance candidate for Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgachha) constituency, has received a death threat, according to a general diary (GD) filed at Pirgacha Police Station. The GD, lodged on Saturday night, states that while campaigning at Kishamat village of Chaula Union around 5:30 pm, Hossain received a threatening call from an unknown mobile number. The caller reportedly warned him of serious harm and then abruptly ended the call. Hossain noted in the GD that the unidentified caller could cause significant damage at any time and requested the police to record the matter for future reference. Read More: NCP sticks to reform agenda despite Jamaat alliance: Nahid On Sunday morning, Hossain shared a video message about the threat, saying that intimidation will not stop his campaign or the people’s march toward victory. Officer-in-Charge of Pirgachha Police Station Khondakar Mohibullah said a GD has been filed and necessary investigation will be conducted soon.

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 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.

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.

NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that loan defaulters should not be allowed into power, saying they would plunder the country rather than repay debts if elected to parliament. Speaking at a public gathering organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for Dhaka-15 constituency, Nahid said, “The people of Bangladesh do not want to witness looting. We will not let looters come to power, and the people will not either.” Addressing the city’s low-income and underprivileged residents, he said a political party promised flats to slum dwellers, but they actually seek a safe life, which is possible even in slum areas. He alleged that past attempts to provide flats ended in eviction after elections, and now the slum dwellers recognize these as empty promises. “They will vote not for flats but for justice and the nation’s interest.” Read more: NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University Criticizing BNP’s promised family card scheme, Nahid questioned its feasibility, asking, “Who will actually receive the 2,000-3,000 Taka cards? Will the genuinely needy get them, or will they have to pay a bribe of 1,000 Taka?” He accused a major political party of nominating loan defaulters, saying the party is simultaneously offering family cards while trying to bring debtors to parliament to carry out looting. Nahid also urged the Election Commission to ensure a fair and transparent election, warning against giving undue advantage to any party. “The commission must act impartially. We are still active on the ground and will not tolerate injustice.” Read more: Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus Calling the upcoming election more than just a contest between rivals, he appealed for a ‘Yes’ vote in the national referendum. “We must vote yes to reject discrimination, extortion, injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism. The fight against fascism and exploitation must continue.” Speaking on behalf of the 10-party alliance led by Jamaat, Nahid urged city residents to vote for the coalition’s candidates, adding, “Cast your vote at Dariapalla and Shapla Kali; ensure the victory of our 10-party alliance candidates.”

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."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said it is the responsibility of all stakeholders - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that the election scheduled for February 12 is held in a ‘fair and festive’ atmosphere. “I seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” he said when a delegation of National Citizen Party (NCP) met him at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the evening. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin, and Head of the Legal Assistance Subcommittee Zahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for ICT Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb were present at the meeting. During the meeting, the NCP leaders shared their observations and raised various concerns regarding the election. NCP delegation to meet CA Prof Yunus this afternoon They said NCP leaders and activists from all walks of life are campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. They also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related issues and urged the government to be vocal in ensuring a level playing field in the polls.