United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday called upon the government to hold local government polls before the national election to demonstrate the Election Commission’s sincerity and capacity. “There is now an Election Commission in place, which claims it will deliver the best election in the country’s history. We want to an acid test from them. Hold local elections first and let us see your sincerity and capability,” he said while addressing a party conference in Mymensingh. He said people are suffering due to the absence of elected representatives in local government bodies. “So, hold the local polls first. Show your commitment and ability. If people are satisfied with that, they’ll support you fully in the future. But if irregularities are found, people will show you a red card.” Referring to a recently submitted report on women's affairs reform commission, Dr Shafiqur criticised certain recommendations as being contrary to the Quran and Sunnah. “Those who made these recommendations do not represent the 95 million mothers of this country. We will not allow them to take society in the wrong direction.” He urged the Chief Adviser to reject the report upon his return to the country and called for the formation of an inclusive commission comprising people from all classes, professions, and ideologies. 'Janata Party Bangladesh' launched under Ilias Kanchan’s leadership Besides, he stressed that Jamaat would not tolerate any move to benefit a particular party or group but would support all efforts aimed at benefiting the public. The Jamaat chief questioned, “If the past practices continue, what was the point of all the bloodshed and sacrifices? What will we say to the nation?” He said they are prepared to fight once again, if necessary, to build a corruption-free, injustice-free, and tyranny-free Bangladesh. Calling for a new political culture, he urged the youth to lead the change, saying, “Youth have always brought about transformation, including the movements of July and August.” They took to the streets to protect your dreams and aspirations. Don’t rest until the rightful demands are met, he said, adding, “You are tomorrow’s leaders, and we’ll work as your workers. We want to give you the opportunity to serve the country and its people.” Dr Shafiqur also alleged that the deposed Awami League, along with its allies and some government officials, had looted Tk 28 trillion from the country—four to five times the national budget. He urged the European Union and other foreign representatives to help recover the stolen money and return it to the public fund. “We want a Bangladesh where there is no discrimination based on political belief or religion. Everyone must enjoy equal rights,” he added. He reiterated Jamaat’s vision of a humane, corruption-free, and just Bangladesh based on Islamic principles and the Holy Quran, where people of all faiths can practice their religions freely. “Islam respects all religions. We are united in establishing humane governance—there is no division among us. Together, we will build the Bangladesh we envision.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for the national election to be held by December this year. “People are ready to cast their votes, and they are not fools. The people of Bangladesh are aware of what’s happening. They’re eagerly waiting for the election to be held by December this year,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Bam Gonotantrik Oikya at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader said an election is the only way to restore democratic order by establishing a democratic government through ensuring people's voting rights. He said a political party must come to power through elections. “Those who believe in democracy think there will be an election, and through this, they will come to power. I don't see any reason why it's difficult to understand.” BNP committed to restoring democracy, voting rights at any cost: Tarique Responding to a recent comment by a political party that BNP is pushing for a quick election to return to power, Khosru said, "It is through elections that political parties come to power. This is the essence of democracy." He also alleged that an anti-democratic force is currently active in the country. "We are witnessing efforts to suppress democracy. But people are closely observing everything," he added. Replying to a question about the completion of reforms before the election, the BNP leader said reform is an ongoing process and will continue even after the election. He said there has been a consensus among political parties on several key reform proposals, which should be made public. Rizvi slams fallen fascist forces for exploiting crisis with illicit wealth "What is the problem in announcing the election schedule based on this consensus? Even the Chief Adviser has said reforms will be implemented through a consensus. Then why are the recommendations submitted to the Reform Commission not being disclosed?" he questioned. Bam Gonotantrik Oikya coordinator Abul Kalam Azad said democratic rights must not be stifled under the pretext of reform. "Since 2008, the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of their voting rights. Why should people be deprived of the right to vote even in a fascist-free Bangladesh?” He said it is feasible to hold a national election by December to restore democracy and the rights of the people. Fakhrul calls for unity to restore democracy Later, Khosru, along with BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, also held a meeting with a delegation of Jano Odhikar Party as part of a series of meetings with the party’s alliance partners to seek their opinion on the national election. The BNP began discussions with its alliance partners on April 17, also to work out its next course of action.

Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday posed a question saying how they will demonstrate accountability to people if they hold the national election without any trials for the killings committed during the July uprising. "If we hold elections without any trials, how will we show accountability to people and to ourselves?" he told reporters in front of state guest house Jamuna after a meeting between the BNP delegation and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The adviser said over a thousand youths sacrificed their lives and 50-60 thousand people got affected physically and holding trial of the killers is one of the key desires. There are demands for swift execution of trials for the killings committed during the July uprising. Responding to a question, Asif Nazrul said no delay is being made in terms of the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also talked about the government's initiative to set up another tribunal to expedite the process. BNP looks happy after talks; polls as quickly as possible: Law Adviser Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting lasted for two hours and four advisers – Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Dr Asif Nazrul – accompanied the Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the meeting with the BNP delegation. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present during the media briefing.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Wednesday said the Election Commission will publish a printed work plan by July next for the 13th parliamentary election. "Hopefully, you will get a printed work plan, which the EC will publish before the (national) election, in June-July,” he told reporters at his Nirbachan Bhaban office in the capital. He said the Election Commission is moving towards the national election considering the timeline announced by the interim government. In reply to a question, Anwarul Islam said they are taking preparations for the election considering the early timeframe of December. “We have been moving forward with our own work plan since taking charge,” he said, adding that the EC has collected information of possible voters, sorted out information of constituencies in terms of administrative unit distribution and started the registration of new political parties. “We hope we will get a complete voter list by June,” said the Election Commissioner. He said the EC has targeted to register more than 61.88 lakh new voters in the electoral rolls during this countrywide updating programme. NBR lifts suspension of Tax Tribunal member Shafiqul, cites no reason More than 43 lakh who applied to be voters have dropped out and some 19.66 lakh other applicants are youths. Besides, some 21.60 lakh dead voters are going to be dropped from the electoral rolls. Replying to a question, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission will try its best to incorporate the young people, who would be eligible as voters even till the election schedule declaration, in the electoral rolls so that they can vote in the next general election.   About the registration of new political parties, he said they have so far received three applications in this regard, but applications would be received till April 20 next. The Election Commissioner said they would be able to complete the delimitation of constituencies within three months after they get a relevant law amended.      He said the EC will In the meantime, the constitutional body wants to exchange views ahead of schedule after completing the overall work including updating the voter list, amending the RPO code of conduct, policies, demarcation of boundaries and registration of new parties. Talks with Parties before Election Schedule Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission will sit in talks with registered political parties and other stakeholders before the declaration of election schedule. “We will exchange views with registered political parties, which is in our work plan,” he said, adding that they will hold the dialogues before the declaration of the schedule. BNP looks happy after talks; polls as quickly as possible: Law Adviser In reply to a question, the Election Commissioner said the dialogue may be held in August-September or even before. He said they call the talks as ‘views-exchanges’ with different stakeholders, including political parties, law enforcement agencies and others.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said the interim government is committed to holding the national election “as early as possible” within the repeatedly mentioned time frame - December 2025 to June 2026. Briefing reporters in front of state guest house Jamuna after a meeting between the BNP delegation and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the adviser said December 2025 to June 2026 does not mean that they will deliberately delay the election or are intentionally trying to delay it to enjoy power. The law adviser said it is not the case at all that they unnecessarily want to stay in power for a month or two months longer. BNP’s meeting with Dr Yunus underway; election by Dec on top of agenda Referring to the Chief Adviser's commitment to the nation, the adviser said there is no way to go beyond June 2026. "We said it categorically, no matter who says what. The chief adviser repeatedly said this to the nation. That’s the position," he said, urging all not to get confused. The adviser said they explained things to the BNP delegation which is always a pro-reform political party. "It seems that BNP is very sincere regarding reforms," Asif Nazrul said. Asif Nazrul said BNP will sit with the National Consensus Commission soon and the July declaration will be issued very soon. “If the July declaration is issued, it might play a role in expediting the election,” he said, adding that they feel that BNP is very sincere about reforms. He said BNP has spoken openly and mentioned that some decisions of the interim government have gone against them. “We have given them examples that many decisions have gone in their favor,” the adviser said. “They (BNP leaders) said the BNP has been oppressed for the last 15 years. We have shown respect. They said that BNP is a reformist party, we have agreed to this,” said the Adviser. Talking to reporters, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they are not satisfied at all and conveyed to the interim government that if the election is not held by December the country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control. Asked about BNP’s reaction, Adviser Asif Nazrul said the BNP Secretary General obviously has the right to say this as different individuals perceive things differently from the discussion. “It seemed to us that they were happy and they got answers to the questions they had.” Asked about BNP’s fears due to possible election delay, the Adviser said there is no reason to be feared as the interim government remains cautious. He said the government took BNP’s opinions into their consideration very respectfully. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting lasted for two hours and four advisers – Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Dr Asif Nazrul – accompanied the Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the meeting with the BNP delegation. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present during the media briefing. Elections, democracy matter, says US  

As part of the preparation for the 13th national parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat plans to start the procurement of essentials papers and printing materials early to avoid last-minute delays. The EC officials on Tuesday sat in a meeting with officials from the Department of Printing and Publications at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital to assess demands for election materials, budget estimates and current stocks. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the preparation works are being planned so that the electoral preparation is not delayed. “The things are being organised to ensure election preparations are not delayed. They (officials at the meeting) said it usually takes three to four months to complete the tasks – from paper procurement to printing ones,” he said. According to EC officials, the parliamentary election requires the printing of 21 types of forms, 17 types of packets, five kinds of ID cards, the code of conduct, symbol posters, election operation manuals, training guides and other materials. The meeting stressed the need for completing and storing these printed items by September ahead of the next general election. To meet this timeline, EC needs to start the procurement by May next. New charter to fulfill public aspiration for reform: Prof Ali Riaz After the announcement of the election schedule, nomination papers and symbol allocations are finalised, and the ballot papers with candidates’ names and symbols need to be printed and distributed across the country. During the 12th parliamentary election, the EC procured approximately 161,000 reams of paper, costing over Tk 33 crore. This time, the requirement is expected to rise to at least 170,000 reams and the cost is likely to increase to around Tk 36 crore. Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said Tuesday’s meeting focused on estimating the paper requirements for the upcoming election and budgeting for it. The meeting also discussed the disposal of printed materials still stored at the BG Press in the case of quality decline. “If some of those materials have deteriorated, they will need to be disposed of properly,” he added. The representatives from BG Press were also present at the meeting.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused the interim government of creating confusion about the national election by making contradictory statements, similar to those of the ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. "We see attempts to create confusion about the election. December, June or March – they are making different statements at different times. This is similar to some of Sheikh Hasina's statements," he said. Rizvi made the comments while distributing Eid gifts among rickshaw-van pullers and auto-rickshaw drivers on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Tarique sends Eid card to Chief Adviser  He called upon the government to assure the nation about the election by announcing a clear and specific deadline for the polls, rather than making such contradictory statements. The BNP leader criticised those who claimed the movement was not for only to hold the national election. "The movement was carried out because Sheikh Hasina did not ensure free and fair elections. She turned the country into a battlefield to cling to power," he said. Rizvi said the current interim government was formed after a massive movement, with many sacrifices and much bloodshed. Although the interim government was not directly elected by people, Rizvi said it enjoys the support of the public and all the parties involved in the anti-fascist movement. Ishraque Hossain leaves mayor oath decision to party He urged the interim government to take steps to eliminate the confusion surrounding the election in order to maintain public confidence. Rizvi also lamented that workers from 122 garment factories have still not received their wages, and workers from 150 garment factories have not received their festival bonuses. He said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the payment of workers’ salaries and bonuses, demanding that these be arranged without delay. “The government should act as an intermediary between employers and workers. The responsibility for these matters lies with the government. If a worker goes hungry or does not receive their salary before Eid, their family will not be able to enjoy the festive spirit. This is a philanthropic duty the government should have addressed,” the BNP leader said. There’s nothing like ‘2nd independence’ in sovereign Bangladesh: Mirza Abbas Rizvi mentioned that 17 rickshaw-pullers lost their lives during the July-August movement, and their families are enduring extreme hardship. He said the families of those who died in the anti-fascism movement should not be left to suffer from hunger. "The government must take responsibility for these families, ensuring that their children receive proper education. Those family members who are eligible for employment should be provided with jobs."  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday assured a visiting US Senator that the upcoming election will be conducted in a free, fair and festive manner. "There will be big celebrations on the election day, like the ones we have seen in the past," the Chief Adviser said when US Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. During the hour-long meeting, the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to deepen relationships between the two friendly countries. Senator Peters enquired about the reform initiatives of the interim government, the reports of key commissions and the interim government's plan to hold free and fair elections. The Chief Adviser said the government would hold the election in December if the political parties agreed to fewer reforms. But the general election would be held a few months later if the parties wanted a bigger package of reforms from the interim government. Prof Yunus said the political parties would sign a July Charter once they agreed to the reforms proposed by the major commissions. "The July Charter will set the future course of the country," he said. Peters appreciated the reform agenda of the government, saying the US was looking forward to a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh. Senator Peters said many Bangladeshi-origin people reside in his constituency in Michigan, including the city of Detroit. Some of them have expressed concern over the attacks on the minorities in recent months, he added. Bangladesh, Australia want cooperation to enable mobility of skilled workforce He said there have also been massive amounts of misinformation over the minority attacks. Some of this misinformation has permeated into the US, raising concerns among minority groups, he said. Prof Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to upholding the human rights of every citizen of the country irrespective of their colour, creed, race, sex and gender. He said the attacks on the minorities, notably Hindus, following the changeover in August last year were politically, not religiously, motivated, but his government has taken prompt actions against the culprits. Dr Yunus has urged the US Senator to visit cities and towns across Bangladesh and invited other US political leaders, journalists and activists to tour the country to know the actual information on religious harmony. "We need your help. Please tell your friends to travel to Bangladesh. This way we can combat these misinformation campaigns," he said. The two leaders also discussed social businesses, a world without poverty and microcredit as a tool to fight poverty both in the US and the rest of the world.

The government will soon take decision whether it will hold local government elections before the national polls, said Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday.  “Although discussions are in progress no final decision has been made yet. Either election will be held or administrators will be appointed to run local government institutions," he told reporters at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the final day of the Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference.  The adviser said officials who are currently managing local government institutions alongside their primary responsibilities are facing challenges. "Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners are burdened with multiple works. I personally believe that electing public representatives is necessary to ensure proper governance," he said.  Adviser Rizwana directs DCs to protect rivers, hills and forests Responding to a question,  Asif Mahmud said that elected representatives would help maintain law and order and contribute to smoother election management. “However, the final decision rests with the government.”  Now a common complaint is the difficulty in obtaining birth, or death certificates due to the unavailability of dedicated officials, he said.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the interim government should proceed with the national election in a manner that leaves no room for doubts about its impartiality. “This interim government should move towards the next election impartially, and no question should arise in anyone's mind about its impartiality. If any question arises, it will be a betrayal of those who shed blood, gave their lives and made immense sacrifices during the 15-year movement,” he said at a discussion on Sunday. National People’s Party (NPP) organised the programme titled “The role of martyred President Ziaur Rahman in establishing a democracy and an independent and sovereign state” at the Jatiya Press Club on Sunday.  Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said they all supported the current government as there was a need for a neutral administration until an election is held following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime. “We didn’t take part in this government. BNP and other political parties have all decided together that no political party should play a role in this government, as its character is neutral,” he said. The BNP leader said political parties must come to power with a mandate from the people through a credible and neutral election. He said the interim government must restore people’s ownership of the country, their voting rights and bring back democratic order through a neutral election. Khosru said people's will would be reflected in the future of Bangladesh through the restoration of democratic order and an elected government accountable to people. “The democratic process is a way of correction and filtration. The mistakes of the past will be corrected and filtered through this process. There is no other way but this,” he said. The BNP leader warned that if any party or quarter attempts to choose a different path, excluding the people, the people of Bangladesh will not accept it, and BNP will not accept it either. “If anyone tries to do that, they will make a mistake. Those who attempted it in the past could not survive because the people rejected them,” he said. The BNP leader said their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia proposed reform proposals, including limiting the tenure of any individual as Prime Minister to two terms, introducing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, through placing Vision-2030 six years ago. He said BNP, in consultation with other parties that waged a simultaneous movement, also presented a 31-point proposal for reforms. Khosru said the 31-point proposal will be implemented by forming a national government if BNP wins the next national election. He said the reform proposals must be passed in parliament by winning the election with the mandate of the people. “If any party or quarter thinks they have any reform proposal, they need to go to the people to obtain their mandate.” The BNP leader said there is no scope for some wise people to decide what the future of Bangladesh will be, as only the people can do it. “There’s no scope for anyone to be wiser than the people, who are the owners of Bangladesh.” He, however, said it should not take more than one month to complete the reform proposals on which there is national consensus. “On issues where there is no consensus, we have to go to the people to get their mandate, no matter whether it is the proposal of the BNP or anyone else. No one has the right to reform without the mandate of the people,” the BNP leader said. Khosru, a former commerce minister, said the current government should formulate an interim budget. “It’s a wrong step to implement the budget placed by the fascist and corrupt regime. Rather, the government can cut much expenditure by suspending that budget as it’s more important to alleviate public suffering than that budget.” He said a democratic government is now crucial in Bangladesh, one that will be elected by the people and remain accountable to them, upholding the democratic process. “That’s why the government should move towards an election as early as possible to restore the people’s ownership of the country.” Those discovering 'Ziaism' have bad intentions: Amir Khosru Khosru said the 31-point proposal will be implemented by forming a national government if BNP wins the next national election. He said the reform proposals must be passed in parliament by winning the election with the mandate of the people. “If any party or quarter thinks they have any reform proposal, they need to go to the people to obtain their mandate.” The BNP leader said there is no scope for some wise people to decide what the future of Bangladesh will be, as only the people can do it. “There’s no scope for anyone to be wiser than the people, who are the owners of Bangladesh.” He, however, said it should not take more than one month to complete the reform proposals on which there is national consensus. “On issues where there is no consensus, we have to go to the people to get their mandate, no matter whether it is the proposal of the BNP or anyone else. No one has the right to reform without the mandate of the people,” the BNP leader said. Khosru, a former commerce minister, said the current government should formulate an interim budget. “It’s a wrong step to implement the budget placed by the fascist and corrupt regime. Rather, the government can cut much expenditure by suspending that budget as it’s more important to alleviate public suffering than that budget.” He said a democratic government is now crucial in Bangladesh, one that will be elected by the people and remain accountable to them, upholding the democratic process. “That’s why the government should move towards an election as early as possible to restore the people’s ownership of the country.” No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru