United News of Bangladesh

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday welcomed the canal excavation initiative taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.In a Facebook post from his verified account, he said Bangladesh was once widely known as a riverine country where rivers played a vital role in transportation, trade and agriculture.He mentioned that rivers previously ensured smooth navigation, helped transport goods and supported farming activities. Besides, rich fish resources, preservation of soil fertility and proper water flow during the rainy season helped prevent frequent floods and related sufferings.However, he said that since independence, the combined impact of the Farakka Barrage and the filling of major rivers, canals and beels has severely affected the country’s water systems. Jamaat Ameer congratulates Tigers on historic ODI series win over Pakistan“As a result, rivers that once flowed strongly cannot hold enough water during the rainy season. This often leads to premature flooding, while in the dry season many rivers resemble deserts,” he said.He added that disruptions in natural water flow cause waterlogging in major cities and towns during the monsoon, while in the dry season there is not enough water for navigation and agriculture.Shafiqur Rahman stressed that restoring navigability through adequate dredging of major rivers should be a top national priority to protect the country.He also said that although funds had been allocated in the past for dredging, river management and reform, the expected benefits were not achieved due to widespread corruption.“There is no alternative to transparency in all sectors,” he said, adding that the government has a responsibility to ensure proper and transparent use of public funds.He further said that canal excavation alone will not produce the desired benefits unless rivers regain their vitality and navigability. “Only then will people receive the full benefit of canal excavation,” he added.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme by cutting soil with a spade at Sahapara canal in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur.The programme was launched at around 12:27pm at Balrampur village under Ramchandrapur union of Kaharol upazila.

Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer-e-Jamaat, on Monday congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket team for securing a historic 2-1 ODI series victory over the Pakistan national cricket team. In a congratulatory message, he said, “On behalf of myself, my party and the people of the country, I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Bangladesh national cricket team for winning the historic three-match ODI series 2-1 against Pakistan in a thrilling encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.” He said the brave and talented Bangladeshi cricketers demonstrated extraordinary skill, confidence and strong team unity in the thrilling match, calling the victory “a matter of great pride for the nation.” Shafiqur Rahman said that the eye-catching performance of the Tigers has brought immense joy and pride to people across the country. “This sporting success will inspire the country’s young generation and further strengthen Bangladesh’s status in the international arena,” he said. He also expressed hope that the Bangladesh team would continue its winning momentum in the future and bring more glory and recognition for the nation.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday had telephone conversations with BNP Chairman  Tarique Rahman, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party chief Nahid Islam, and called on everyone to work together to fulfill the expectations of the people of Bangladesh. He thanked them for playing a responsible role after the election and expressed optimism that the political parties would continue to play a similarly cooperative and positive role in the future to continue the democratic trend. President Sahabuddin to administer oath to new cabinet members: Cabinet Secretary He first spoke to Tarique Rahman and congratulated his party on its victory with a huge majority, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Chief Adviser congratulated and expressed his gratitude to Tarique Rahman, Shafiqur Rahman and Nahid Islam for their important contributions towards making the elections festive and peaceful by playing a responsible role. During the conversation, Prof Yunus said due to restraint and responsible behaviour of the political parties, it has been possible to maintain a festive and peaceful atmosphere throughout the country surrounding the elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. In a post shared on the social media platform Facebook on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025), the Jamaat Ameer prayed for Khaleda Zia. Khaleda Zia, former PM and Bangladesh's tallest leader, passes away In his message, the Jamaat Ameer said “May the Almighty Allah, gave mercy on BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, forgive her and accept her as a guest in His beloved Paradise. May Almighty Allah grant patience and steadfastness to her family, loved ones, Amen.” The BNP Chairperson breathed her last at 6am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, according to AKM Wahiduzzaman, the party’s ICT Affairs Secretary and head of its Online Activists Network. Read more: Khaleda Zia’s condition turns extremely critical, say physicians

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.