United News of Bangladesh

Former Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday (December 28, 2025) said he will not join the National Citizen Party (NCP) because of its alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. In a post on his verified Facebook account at night, Mahfuj said his respect, affection and friendship for his 'July comrades' remain intact, but he has decided to stay away from the party. “Under the present reality, my respect, affection and friendship for my July comrades will not be erased. But I am not becoming part of the NCP,” he wrote. Mahfuj said he was offered the opportunity to contest the election as a candidate of the Jamaat–NCP alliance, but he was not interested. Read more: NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid “Maintaining my long-standing position is far more important to me than becoming a Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate in any constituency in Dhaka,” he said. Raising questions over how far the NCP upholds the ideals of July, Mahfuj wrote that he has long spoken about a new political and economic order, a cultural struggle against fascism, confronting social fascism, reconciliation and building a society based on responsibility and empathy. “These are ideas that my July comrades have repeatedly spoken about from within those two organisations. But did they truly internalise them?” he questioned. He said he made every effort to establish NCP as an independent, broad-based 'big July umbrella', but that attempt failed for various reasons. Describing the current phase of history as a 'cold war' for Bangladesh, Mahfuj said it is wiser at this moment to avoid taking sides and instead remain firm in one’s own principles and positions. “The possibility of an alternative July force has not yet ended. Rather, I will continue to uphold what I have said and the principles I have believed in over the last one and a half years — through political, cultural and intellectual means. If you care to join me, you are most welcome," he said.  Read more: NCP finally joins Jamaat-led alliance, Jamaat Ameer announces new coalition He also said a new political and economic order is both possible and realistic, adding that the rise of an alternative, moderate July force is very close. Speculation had been rife throughout the week about the NCP joining a Jamaat-led alliance. On Sunday afternoon, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman formally announced the new coalition with NCP. In a separate press briefing, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the decision to join hands with Jamaat and like-minded groups was taken in the interest of broader unity. Meanwhile, opposing the Jamaat alliance, two central NCP leaders — Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen — have resigned from the party. Another central committee member, Monira Sharmin, has announced her withdrawal from the election, though she has not formally resigned. Read more: ‘I won’t resign, though NCP deviated from founding goal’: Samantha

National Citizen Party (NCP) joined an alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other like-minded parties, citing the need for a broader unity to protect the generation that actively participated in the July uprising, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday (December 28, 2025). Nahid made the announcement at an urgent press conference held at NCP’s temporary office in the city's Banglamotor in the evening. “We initially intended to contest the election independently and had prepared to field candidates in all 300 constituencies. However, incidents such as the killing of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Moncho, prompted us to reconsider and take a new decision,” Nahid said. Referring to ongoing conspiracies to disrupt the February elections, he said the main aim of the defeated forces is to destroy the July generation. “To preserve the dreams of the July generation, NCP has joined hands with Jamaat”. Read more: Mahfuj Alam rules out joining NCP over Jamaat alliance Nahid emphasised that the alliance seeks broader unity to reform the country, ensure justice for the July mass killings, and curb hegemony and corruption. “From that perspective, we have joined this alliance to ensure a competitive election.” The decision to ally with Jamaat has sparked mixed reactions within NCP. Central leaders such as Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen resigned, while leaders including Samantha Sharmin and Monira Sharmin openly opposed the move. “We have taken the decision based on the majority opinion. The party will continue to operate according to its rules,” Nahid said. When asked how NCP’s ideology aligns with Jamaat, he replied, “For now, the alliance is purely for electoral purposes. Post-election, we will decide whether to move forward together. The primary focus of the current alliance is the 13th national election and referendum.” Regarding seat-sharing, Nahid said, “No final decision has been made yet. We will announce the details at a press conference on Monday.” Earlier in the day, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, at an urgent press briefing with like-minded parties, announced NCP’s formal entry into the alliance. Besides NCP, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has also joined the coalition. After the July uprising, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JaGaPa) began discussions to field single candidates in all constituencies through seat-sharing arrangements. Read more: ‘I won’t resign, though NCP deviated from founding goal’: Samantha The Bangladesh Development Party later joined the process, forming an eight-party alliance that carried out prolonged joint movements on various demands. With the fresh inclusion of NCP and LDP in the electoral understanding, the number of parties in the Jamaat-led alliance has now risen to ten.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) joined the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance of like-minded parties, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced on Sunday (December 28, 2025). He made the announcement at an emergency press conference held in the afternoon at the Jatiya Press Club, saying that NCP had agreed to be part of the alliance. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also said the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) joined the bloc as a new member. Although top leaders of the eight-party alliance were present at the press conference, including LDP President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, no representative from NCP attended the event. Shafiqur Rahman said NCP Convener Nahid Islam had held discussions with the alliance leaders and expressed consent to formally join the coalition. NCP in talks with Jamaat over electoral alliance, no final decision yet: Akhter Hossen “Just a short while ago, our meeting with NCP concluded. Although they could not manage the time or opportunity to attend this press conference, they have informed us that after internal party discussions, they will formally announce their alliance with us by tonight,” he said. Regarding electoral preparations, the Jamaat Ameer said seat-sharing negotiations among the alliance partners are nearing completion. “We will sit for discussions very soon and reach an understanding on seat sharing in a peaceful manner. There will be no complications over this.” He also noted that several other parties had expressed interest in joining the Jamaat-led alliance, but due to time constraints, it was not possible to include them at this stage. The Jamaat Ameer, however, said the alliance is interested in working with those parties after the election. NCP to pay ‘heavy price’ if it aligns with Jamaat: Samantha Sharmin Speaking about the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum, Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance wants a free and fair election to be held on time. “We want the election to be held properly at the scheduled time. Under no circumstances should there be any change to the announced date of February 12.” He also alleged that a level playing field has not yet been ensured for the election. “Ensuring a level playing field is the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission. We expect both to fulfill their constitutional duties. Any failure in this regard will not be accepted by the people of the country,” he warned. After the July uprising, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JaGaPa) began discussions to field single candidates in all constituencies through seat-sharing arrangements. Tajnuva Jabeen quits NCP over alliance-forging concerns The Bangladesh Development Party later joined the process, forming an eight-party alliance that carried out prolonged joint movements on various demands. With the fresh inclusion of NCP and LDP in the electoral understanding, the number of parties in the Jamaat-led alliance has now risen to ten.

Tajnuva Jabeen, joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), resigned from the party on Sunday, expressing strong objections to the manner in which its electoral alliance was formed. She made the announcement in a post on her verified Facebook account. In the post, Tajnuva said many were assuming her objection stemmed from ideological or gender-related concerns regarding the alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, but stressed that the real issue was “far more alarming.” “What is more frightening than ideology is the process through which this has been done. It is being labelled as political strategy or an electoral alliance. I would call it a planned move, carefully staged to reach this point,” she writes. Emphasising that trust matters more than ideology, she said the party had recently invited nominations from across the country with much fanfare, issued 125 nominations, but later decided to strike seat-sharing arrangements for only 30 constituencies—effectively barring the rest from contesting the election. “They dragged the matter to the very last moment so that no one could even contest as an independent candidate. Tomorrow is the last day for submitting nominations,” she writes, adding that although she currently has no intention to run independently, “everything has been thrown into chaos and disowned in the blink of an eye.” 30 NCP leaders urge Nahid Islam not to form alliance with Jamaat Expressing frustration, Tajnuva also dismissed media reports suggesting she opposed the alliance out of fear of losing her nomination. “I had clearly written earlier that if negotiations took place in my constituency, I would not contest the election. No matter how tough the opponent was, I was ready to fight. But that opportunity was not given,” she said. She alleged that while Jamaat-e-Islami was negotiating seat-sharing for 70 constituencies with the Charmonai Pir-led group, the party born out of the mass uprising was being allocated only 30 seats. Tajnuva had initially received the NCP’s primary nomination for the Dhaka-17 constituency and had been actively campaigning there for several days. Her resignation comes a day after senior joint member secretary of the NCP, Dr Tasnim Jara, stepped down on Saturday over the party’s decision to forge an alliance with Jamaat ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Besides, 30 members of the party have sent a letter to NCP convener Nahid Islam, stating their unwillingness to join any alliance with Jamaat. A central leader of the NCP, speaking on condition of anonymity, told UNB that more resignations are likely in the coming days. Tasnim Jara quits NCP; to contest as independent candidate “Not only Jara and Tajnuva—more leaders will leave the party. In particular, women leaders holding senior positions are not interested in aligning with Jamaat,” the NCP leader said.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara resigned from the party on Saturday. In a message sent to the NCP's WhatsApp central group, Tasnim Jara wrote: “Dear comrades, I have resigned from the party. I have learned a great deal from you over the past one and a half years, for which I am sincerely grateful. Best wishes to you all.” Earlier in a Facebook post on her verified Facebook page, she announced her decision to contest the national election from Dhaka-9 constituency as an independent candidate. In a post on her verified Facebook page on Saturday, Tasnim Jara addressed residents of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh and Mugda, saying she was born and raised in Khilgaon and had dreamed of entering parliament under the banner of a political party to serve her constituency and the country. “However, considering the practical realities, I have decided not to contest the election as a candidate of any particular party or alliance,” she wrote. She said she remained committed to her promise to people to work for a new political culture and she would contest the election independently from Dhaka-9. “I promised you and the people of the country that I would fight for you and work to build a new political culture. No matter the circumstances, I am determined to keep that promise,” the post reads. Tasnim Jara said party-backed candidates usually benefit from organisational support, local offices and channels to communicate with the government and administration on issues such as security. “As I am not affiliated with any party, I will not have those advantages,” she said. “My only hope is you. If you support me considering my honesty, dedication and unwavering determination to practise new politics, only then will I get the opportunity to serve you,” she added.  

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

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday (December 10, 2025)announced the names of its first batch of 125 preliminary nominees for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. The list was disclosed by Member Secretary Akhter Hossen at a press conference held at the party’s makeshift office in the city’s Banglamotor area. “We have completed the distribution of nomination papers. If we receive any complaints against the announced candidates, we will investigate and cancel their nominations if necessary,” Akhter said. Before the announcement, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said their party aims to ignite a ‘ballot revolution’ in this election and urged all to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to be held together with the national election. Read more: Jamaat, NCP, other parties join EC’s dialogue Nasiruddin instructed party nominees to campaign both for votes in favour of the party’s symbol Shapla Koli and for the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara said the party would present a ‘different flavour of candidature’ in this year’s polls, adding that the NCP had sold around 1,500 nomination forms. “We kept the form sale open for everyone.” Top Leaders, Their Constituencies The announcement includes all key members of the party’s central leadership. Convener Nahid Islam will contest from Dhaka-11, while Member Secretary Akhter Hossen will run from Rangpur-4. Chief Organiser for the Northern Region Sarjis Alam secured the nomination for Panchagarh-1, and Chief Organiser for the Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah will contest from Cumilla-4. Tasnim Jara and Nasiruddin Patwary will run from Dhaka-9 and Dhaka-18 respectively. Among other notable nominees, Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar will contest from Narsingdi-2, Joint Convenor Tajnuva Jabeen from Dhaka-17, and Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud from Noakhali-6. Read more: NCP to contest election to promote ‘Yes’ in referendum: Nahid  

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday (November 19) urged leaders of political parties to motivate the country’s voters to go to the polling stations during national election. “Over the last 10 to 15 years, our country’s voters have gradually become reluctant to go to the polling centres. You are the national leaders and political leaders. The people at the grassroots are directly influenced by you. I request you to motivate the voters to go to the centres,” he said while addressing a pre-election dialogue at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP) and several other political parties joined the discussion which began at 10:30am with the CEC in the chair. Pointing to the political parties, the Chief Election Commissioner said he expects them to play their due role in ensuring that their candidates fully comply with the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming national election. “You have a role to ensure that your candidates follow the code of conduct. We hope you to play this expected role,” he added. Read more: Bangladesh Election: CEC urges stakeholders to help ensure voter safety Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission with the help of the political parties and other stakeholders would deliver a good election for the nation. The Jamaat delegation led by its Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar participated in the talks while the NCP team led by its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary attended it. The other invited political parties for the morning session are Ganosamhati Andolan, Nationalist Democratic Movement-NDM, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party-BMJP and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh. The Commission is holding another discussion on Wednesday afternoon with BNP and five other parties. Read more: Home Adviser signals zero tolerance on unrest as election in February The five other invitees are Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (Andaleev), Gonaodhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basad Marxist. The Election Commission opened its pre-election dialogue with registered political parties on November 13 last and has already held talks with 34 parties. Currently, there are 55 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League whose registration remains suspended.  The ongoing dialogue is considered as the last major task before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. Read more: Working with a clear commitment to create fair election atmosphere: CEC

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam, National Citizen Party (NCP) and other political parties joined the Election Commission’s dialogue on Wednesday morning (November 19) as part of its ongoing dialogue ahead of the next general election to be held in February 2026. The discussion began at 10:40am in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the chair. The Jamaat delegation led by its Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar participated in the talks while the NCP team led by its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary attended it. The other invited political parties for the morning session are Ganosamhati Andolan, Nationalist Democratic Movement-NDM, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party-BMJP and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh. The Commission is holding two discussions on Wednesday – the morning session with seven parties and the afternoon session with six other political parties including BNP. Read more: Pre-election Dialogue: EC set to welcome Big Three parties on Wednesday The other invitees for the afternoon session include Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (Andaleev), Gonaodhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basad Marxist.

National Citizens Party (NCP) wants to form an alliance with those who independently support reforms and oppose Indian hegemony, said party’s chief coordinator for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday (11th November 2025). Speaking at the inauguration of the Narayanganj district office of the NCP at the Somobay Building in the city, Hasnat said, “We are ready to join hands with those who independently stand for reforms.” “We can form alliances with those who support reforms, stand for Bangladesh, oppose Indian dominance, and uphold communal harmony,” he added. Hasnat, however, made it clear that the NCP would not align with any group or party that has opposed reforms or obstructed the country’s reform process. “The NCP has always made sacrifices in the greater interest of the nation,” he said. Cocktail explosion near NCP office in Banglamotor, 5 detained Calling the Awami League “irrelevant” in today’s Bangladesh, Hasnat remarked, “The Awami League has become irrelevant now. We need to look ahead. But we’ve seen that some paid intellectuals and beneficiaries of the Awami League have tried to generate legitimacy for the party through talk shows.” He said recent events have made it clear who were behind the acts of arson both in the past and the present. “The fall of the Awami League did not come through ballots; it came through a mass uprising. When a party falls through a popular uprising, it loses its political relevance. Those who are now trying to restore the Awami League’s legitimacy through ballots are, in fact, legitimising arson terrorism. That’s why unity among all anti-fascist political forces is the only way forward,” the NCP leader added. Read more: NCP’s candidate list on Nov 15; likely to skip Khaleda’s constituencies