United News of Bangladesh

Though he has categorically ruled out the possibility of an electoral alliance with their party’s long-time ally Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin indicates that the door remains open for talks with the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) until the election schedule is announced. In an interview with UNB, Salahuddin expressed confidence that the interim government will hold the next national election by mid-February next year as he thinks various political parties are raising demands around the polls as part of their broader political strategies. He also urged the National Consensus Commission to conclude discussions on reform proposals within a reasonable timeframe, warning against unnecessary delays that could hinder the election process. “I don’t see any possibility of an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. We had an alliance with them in the past as part of our political strategy, but we don’t feel the need to partner with Jamaat this time,” Salahuddin said. He said the BNP is focused on forming an electoral alliance and a national government with those who joined their simultaneous movement and democratic struggle. “Right now, we’re not considering anything beyond that.” When asked about a possible alliance with NCP, Salahuddin replied, “Discussions on political alliances will continue until the election schedule is announced. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.” He said all democratic parties will adopt different strategies ahead of the election. “So, let’s wait and see what strategy BNP ultimately chooses for the election and alliances.” He voiced frustration over the lengthy discussions by the National Consensus Commission on reform issues. “I think the discussion is being unnecessarily prolonged. In my opinion, it should have been concluded within a reasonable timeframe.” The BNP leader said there seem to be some shortcomings in how the meetings are conducted by the Consensus Commission, which is causing the whole process to become a time-consuming one. “I hope that the discussion would not continue for much longer. We should move towards a summary and conclusion," he said. Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC Salahuddin said there is significant development that the caretaker government system has almost been restored—only the Supreme Court’s review is pending. “We hope the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court will give a positive verdict on the review petition.” He said the people of Bangladesh agree that national elections should be held under a neutral caretaker government. “But, there is still debate over its structure or whether the immediate past Chief Justice should remain the first option for the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government.” The BNP leader said discussions on alternatives are still ongoing. “Our party and others will give our proposals, as will the Reform Commission in this regard. If no better option is agreed upon, the current structure will remain.” Salahuddin strongly opposed the idea of introducing a Proportional Representation (PR) system in the upcoming election, saying Bangladesh’s current political, social and electoral culture is not suitable for such a system. He argued that the PR system could disconnect voters from their direct representatives, discourage voter participation, and create instability by resulting in fragmented parliaments with no clear majority. The BNP leader emphasised that Bangladesh needs a functioning political structure based on direct elections where constituents can choose their own representatives. Salahuddin said Bangladesh is not ready for the Proportional Representation (PR) voting system. “It has never been practised here, and people are not familiar with it.” He explained that voters in Bangladesh prefer to vote for a person they know from their own area, not just for a political party. “In PR, even if a party gets more votes in a region, someone from another area may be selected, which does not reflect the people’s choice. This could discourage voters and weaken democracy.” Democracy hardly practised in Bangladesh: Fakhrul He also said that in other countries where PR works, their local governments are strong, but this is not applicable in Bangladesh. “Here, MPs are directly involved in development projects, so this system may not work well.” Another problem, he mentioned that independent candidates will be left out in PR. “Even if someone is very popular, they can’t get elected unless they belong to a party. That’s unfair and undemocratic.” He believes that small parties want PR because it would help them get more seats even with fewer votes. “But this would lead to unstable coalition governments, and the country may not have strong leadership.” Salahuddin, who is representing the BNP in discussions with the Consensus Commission, said their party will not accept the PR system election under any circumstances. He said some political parties are making different demands — some want reforms, others say no election without justice or proportional representation (PR). “They are making these remarks with various purposes. But we are confident the election will be held by February next year as per the Constitution. Everyone has the right to speak, but their statements may have political motives.” “We respect new political parties and wish them well. But real political weight comes from public support. Some smaller parties speak louder than larger ones, though they represent very few people. In politics, public perception matters,” the BNP leader said. Even within alliance partners of BNP, he said different views may arise. “That could be part of their bargaining strategy, like seat sharing.” Fakhrul urges BNP leaders, activists to begin election preparations When asked about the future of the Awami League, Salahuddin said, “My view is that the Awami League is no longer a political party. They lost their political ideals and character long ago. They have transformed themselves into a mafia-like organisation — an undemocratic, fascist force. Throughout their history, from before 1975 until now, they have never practised democracy. Democracy is simply not in their DNA.”

National Citizens Party (NCP) seeks to build an equal, democratic Bangladesh for farmers, workers, students, and ordinary people, said Nahid Islam, convenor of the party. Speaking at a public gathering in Thakurgaon on Friday afternoon, Nahid said the NCP is committed to realising  the dream of a dignified Bangladesh that emerged from the July uprising. The event was held at the Thakurgaon bus stand area after Jummah prayers at the district’s Art Gallery Model Mosque as part of the party’s countrywide ‘July March’ programme. "Friends, we remember how students took to the streets in July and August to resist the fascist dictatorship. Many were injured and martyred in that movement. Today, we honour their sacrifices," said Nahid. He alleged that the old system rooted in fascism still exists in the country. "The NCP has emerged to dismantle that system and establish a new Bangladesh," he added. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Nahid stressed the party's fight for justice for genocide, basic reforms, and a new constitution. "We must present the July Declaration within July-August," he said. Issuing a stern warning over border killings and pushbacks by India’s BSF, the NCP leader declared, "This is not Hasina's Bangladesh, this is the Bangladesh of the people after the uprising." Nahid also criticised the Dhaka-centric development model, saying, "There will be no regional or economic disparity in Bangladesh. Development will reach neglected districts like Thakurgaon." Among others, NCP Central Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, Southern Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Northern Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara and Thakurgaon District Coordinator Golam Mortuza Selim were present at the event.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Thursday warned that those attempting to revive the old culture of terrorism will face consequences like those faced by autocrat Sheikh Hasina, as the spirit of the July warriors remains alive. “An attempt is being made to bring back the old culture…we are seeing that again. Those who carried out the July people's uprising are still awake, still on the streets. If anyone thinks that they can bring back the old occupation and the politics of old terrorism, then their fate will also be like that of the dictator Hasina,“ he said while addressing a street rally in Nilphamari district town on the third-day of their ‘July March’. Expressing frustration over the fulfillment of July expectations, he said many desires have not been yet fulfilled post the uprising, vowing to continue their fight. Recalling the contribution of all walks of life to oust the Sheikh Hasina government, he said the discrimination-free country is yet to be established despite sacrificing thousands of lives. Nahid said they did not need to form a political party if all demands were met post the uprising. Regarding the justice for the July victims, those who, including Sheikh Hasina and her collaborators carried out genocide must be tried, otherwise pains of the martyr families will not wipe out. No support for old appointment practices in constitutional bodies: Nahid "There must be fundamental reforms, and we must move towards elections through these reforms. Bangladesh needs a new constitution. The Awami League and the ‘Mujibbadi constitution’ must be discarded. There is no point in retaining a constitution that is not the constitution of people,” he said. Party’s chief organiser (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, senior joint convenor Samanta Sharmin, senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, and joint chief organiser (northern region) Abu Sayed Leon were, among others present. Chief organiser (northern zone) Sarjis Alam conducted the event.

National Citizens' Party (NCP) will launch a countrywide campaign titled ‘Desh Gort-e July Padajatra’ (March for Nation Building) from July 1 to July 30. NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced the programme on Sunday morning at a press conference held at the party’s makeshift office in the capital’s Banglamotor area. NCP calls for national consensus against enforced disappearances “Starting July 1, we will observe the anniversary of the ‘July Mass Uprising’. A year has already passed since that historic movement. While we’ve achieved many things, there are also disappointments. It is our moral duty to remember the historic 36 days of July and August,” said Nahid Islam. He said the Padajatra will begin with a visit to the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed and eventually march across the country before returning to Dhaka. The party will also observe ‘Anti-Discrimination Martyrs’ Day’ on July 16, Nahid added.

Fundamental reforms required for a fair election and justice for political killings will not be compromised, said Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the northern region, on Monday. “Systemic reforms of a country are not possible in two or four years. But the basic reforms needed for transparent elections before the upcoming election will not be compromised,” he said. Sarjis stressed that those who shed blood to establish a new Bangladesh must get justice. “We will not compromise on the trial of those murderers. There will be no concession regarding the July Charter either,” he added. He accused the Awami League of exploiting the youth. “We have seen Awami League using the young generation in drug syndicates, extortion, and attacking innocent people,” Sarjis said. NCP among 147 new parties seek EC registration as deadline expires He declared that apart from Awami League and its affiliated organisations, no one else is the NCP's rival. “We consider others as partners and want to compete for public service. But if anyone is involved in similar conspiracies as before, we will resist them,” Sarjis warned. He further said, “The people's expectations after the mass uprising are yet to be fulfilled. That’s why NCP had to emerge as a political party.” Sarjis made these remarks while addressing the coordination meeting of the district unit of Jatiya Juboshakti at the Panchagarh Chamber Convention Hall on Monday evening. Consensus Commission biased towards particular party, allege NCP, Nur NCP leaders, including Jatiya Juboshakti convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, joint convener Engineer Md Nesar Uddin, and NCP’s Tanvirul Bari Noyon, along with party leaders from five upazilas of the district, also spoke at the event. Later, Sarjis and Advocate Tarikul Islam held an open discussion and gave directions to the party leaders.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has said that a level playing field must be established before the upcoming national elections. Hasnat made the remarks during a visit to Cumilla's Debidwar, where he met with families of the July martyrs on Eid-ul-Azha.

Abdul Hannan Masud, the senior joint chief coordinator of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has admitted his mistake in connection with an incident involving the release of three individuals detained by Dhanmondi Police Station for alleged disorderly conduct. The party revealed this in a statement issued by its joint office secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat. According to the statement, the NCP served a show-cause notice to Hannan on May 21, asking him to explain his actions.  In response, Hannan submitted both a written and verbal explanation to the party’s Political Council within three working days. In his reply, Hannan acknowledged that his actions in Dhanmondi were wrong and affirmed his firm commitment not to repeat such mistakes in the future.  Show-cause notice issued to NCP’s Hannan for releasing 3 from police custody The NCP further said since there was no evidence of Hannan’s involvement in the activities of the detained individuals, the Political Council decided to withdraw the show-cause notice issued against him. Earlier, the show-cause notice issued to Hannan stated that on May 20, three individuals were detained by police for allegedly causing disorder in a residential area under Dhanmondi Police Station, identifying themselves as “coordinators.”  One of the three was Saiful Islam Rabbi, the Mohammadpur Thana convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who had already been relieved of his duties by the NCP central committee for ethical misconduct. Despite this, Hannan went to the police station and secured the release of the three by signing a bond on their behalf.  Hannan injured as NCP event in Hatiya comes under attack; finger points at BNP Following the incident, the party instructed Hannan to provide a written explanation within three days to the head of the NCP's disciplinary committee, clarifying why organisational action should not be taken against him.    

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has met National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders Nahid Islam and Tasnim Jara, and discussed political issues, reiterating its support for Bangladesh’s democratic and inclusive future. The British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday said the meeting was part of a series of discussions with political parties.  NCP delegation to meet Prof Yunus following BNP-Jamaat meetings The meeting centred around the UK’s continued support to Bangladesh and pathway towards a ‘democratic, inclusive and prosperous’ future, said the High Commission.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convenor Nahid Islam, is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna at 8:30pm on Saturday, according to NCP Joint Member Secretary Mushfiq-us-Saleheen. The meeting comes shortly after the Chief Adviser held separate talks with leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP delegation joins a meeting with Dr Yunus amid political tension Mushfiq-us-Saleheen said other members of their delegation include Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Senior Joint Convenor Ariful Islam Adib and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara. Meanwhile, a four-member BNP delegation started a meeting with Prof Yunus as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country. The meeting, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, began at 7:35pm at the Chief Advisers’ official residence Jamuna. The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday distanced itself from two student advisers currently serving in the government, asserting that the duo have no affiliation with the party. “The two advisers in government — Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam — are not associated with the NCP in any way. They have joined the government as representatives of the mass uprising,” NCP Convener Nahid Islam said while speaking at a press conference at its makeshift central office in the capital’s Banglamotor area. Nahid alleged that efforts are underway to tarnish the image of the advisers by falsely linking them with the NCP, terming it a deliberate smear campaign. “We strongly condemn and protest such misleading statements,” he added. He said the student advisers wish to pursue politics and participate in elections, which cannot be done from within the government. “It is up to them to decide when or whether they will step down. The NCP, however, hopes they, along with other advisers, will work collectively to fulfil the aspirations of the public uprising,” Nahid said. On the issue of an interim government, Nahid said the current administration should publish a combined roadmap outlining justice, reforms and the next elections. “This will bring reassurance to the public and remove prevailing doubts,” he said. Describing the existing administration as a product of the mass uprising, Nahid said it is not just an election-time government. “It must complete justice for the July massacre and carry out necessary structural reforms before moving towards national elections.” He called upon the government to prepare the ‘July Declaration’ within the stipulated timeframe. “There is no alternative to holding dialogues with all stakeholders to overcome the current impasse. Political parties and the people must act responsibly.” Govt must ensure justice for July killings, reforms alongside elections: NCP Regarding the role of the military, Nahid noted that a list has been published of those who took refuge in cantonments during the July uprising. “If this list had been released earlier, it would have dispelled doubts and prevented questions about such a vital institution,” he said. Nahid lauded the army’s role in maintaining the country’s sovereignty and said it played an important role in the aftermath of the July events. “Incidents like the 1/11 episode harmed both the country’s democracy and the institutional integrity of the army. Everyone must focus on their designated responsibilities.” Nahid said the public wants to see the military regain its position as a trusted institution. “During previous regimes, the army and police were politicised and used for actions against humanity. Many involved have yet to face justice. Bringing them under the law would further strengthen public confidence in the armed forces,” he said. On the issue of elections held under the Awami League government, the NCP leader said, “All polls held during their tenure are illegitimate. All anti-fascist forces have declared those elections void. Any new verdict by the court on these polls could trigger fresh instability.” He emphasised the need for holding local government elections to reduce public suffering instead of heading towards further unrest. Criticising the Election Commission, Nahid said it has lost its neutrality and credibility. “Without restoring public trust, this commission cannot hold fair elections. Either it must regain that trust or step aside,” he added. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Convenors Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib and Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah were present at the briefing.