United News of Bangladesh

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.  

First Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Dr Tasnim Jara has said that women’s ‘active and safe’ participation is essential in rebuilding Bangladesh, warning that progress will be stalled if women's participation is sidelined. “If women’s participation is not ensured in Bangladesh’s march forward, the country’s progress will ultimately be sidelined,” she said, while sharing her vision of a future Bangladesh. Despite women’s crucial role during the July Uprising, Dr Tasnim said many continue to face cyber-bullying and harassment. “However, we have not stopped,” she said. Dr Tasnim was speaking at an event titled ‘NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis’ which was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the event as chief guest. Prof Yunus urges NRBs to help reshape nation’s future Prominent political figures, including BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Jamaat US spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, and NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen also spoke at the event. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun delivered remarks. Dr Tasnim said they envision building a country where differences of opinion are respected, but without a return to the old politics of violence. Expressing satisfaction with the institutional efforts to engage non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), she said, “Today, I believe, marks a very key moment. Together, we hope to build a Bangladesh where everyone has a voice and dignity.” Dr Tasnim acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic. “The path is long and full of challenges. But when people rise, history changes. Together, we will change history.” Highlighting the role of the youth, she urged that their political interest be nurtured. “I visited almost every district in July this year and witnessed firsthand the youth’s determination to build a better Bangladesh. Steps must be taken to help them realide their dreams,” she said, warning that neglecting these aspirations could lead to another crisis which they do not want to see.

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.