United News of Bangladesh

Supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied political parties have gathered at Paltan in the capital to press their previously announced five-point demand. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 pm. The decision to hold the rally was announced on November 3 at a press conference by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque. Leaders present at the press briefing included Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir), Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Prof Ashraf Ali Akon, Jamaat leaders Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Nizami Islam Party’s Mufti Harun Izhar, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) spokesperson Rashed Pradhan. Supporters of Jamaat, allies gather at Paltan to push for 5-point demand The five-point demand focuses on the implementation of the July Charter and related electoral reforms. The five demands are issuing an order to hold a referendum before the national election over the July National Charter, introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper or both houses, ensuring a level playing field for all parties during the election, ensuring visible justice for all acts of repression, killings, and corruption committed by the previous  government and banning the activities of  Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance. On November 6, Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied parties submitted a five-point memorandum to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, seeking the implementation of the July Charter and calling for a national referendum ahead of the next general election scheduled for February. Read more: Police intercept Jamaat, Islami Andolon procession near Matsya Bhaban

Police obstructed a Jamuna-bound procession brought out by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh and seven other like-minded parties at Matsya Bhaban intersection on Thursday (6th November 2025) noon. The procession was organised to press home their several demands, including holding a national referendum in November. Later, police allowed a delegation from the rally to go to Jamuna. The delegation is supposed to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser on the referendum and four other points.   Earlier, leaders and activists of the parities brought out a procession from the capital’s Paltan intersection to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser at his Jamuna residence. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad The march, led by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, began gathering at Paltan intersection around 10:30am, with leaders and activists from different thanas and wards of Dhaka South carrying banners and festoons. Activists from other Islamic parties also joined the assembly at Paltan. Their demands are holding the referendum within this month, stopping political harassment and arrests during the interim government period, ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties in the upcoming election, and guaranteeing freedom of religion and unhindered political activities. Following the rally, the procession started towards Jamuna around 12 noon to submit the memorandum to the Chief Adviser. Read more: Jamaat not to form any election alliance: Ameer Shafiqur Meanwhile, additional police were deployed in Paltan area to avert any untoward situation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said they would not form any alliance for the upcoming national election, as it will contest the polls independently. Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning. The party will ensure the elections are held in February 2026 with the participation of everyone. If elections are delayed, it may lead to various forms of unrest, he said. Read more: Jamaat asks EC to be ready for separate referendum, polls days Regarding the electoral alliances, he said, “We have not decided to form any alliance, and we will not form one,” he said, adding that there is no scope for the Awami League in the upcoming election. Speaking about his recent foreign visit, Rahman said he met with Bangladeshi expatriates abroad, who expressed immense warmth and love. “I am deeply moved by their affection. They have high expectations from the nation and want to contribute to its rebuilding. Yet, despite their significant contributions, we have not been able to show them proper respect,” he said. It was his first visit to Sylhet after being elected Ameer of the party for the third term. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday, in an oblique reference, accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of siding with a vested quarter trying to create political unrest and obstruct the next national election. “We are suspecting that this political party (Jamaat) is working in support of forces trying to make the political situation volatile, create instability and delay or even derail the next parliamentary election,” he said while speaking at a discussion. The BNP leader warned that if the election is delayed or foiled, fascism will rise again which will inevitably lead to the emergence of undemocratic forces. “Do we want that? Of course not,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said his party believes Jamaat is working in favour of those who want to destabilise the country and obstruct the election, as the Islamist party has taken to the streets with unjustified demands, including the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the next election. Salahuddin said even a political party that is now talking about the PR system took part in the one-sided election. “They’re now promoting the activities of the Awami League.” The National Democratic Party (NDP) arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking its 36th founding anniversary. Salahuddin reiterated BNP’s stance against the PR system, saying it would push the country into instability and political turmoil. He said if the election is held under the PR system, governments would change so often that people’s expectations would never be fulfilled, and no party would be able to carry out its political pledges. “We must not allow Bangladesh to fall into such an unstable and uncertain situation by adopting this arrangement.” The BNP leader said conflicting survey results about PR should not be used to mislead the public. “I urge those political parties who are putting their own interests above the nation’s welfare and sacrificing the interests of the country and its people for political gain to return to the right path for the sake of the people of Bangladesh and stop confusing the public,” he said. Under a PR system, the BNP leader said, independent candidates would lose their rights as they would not be able to contest elections because people would vote for parties and symbols, not individuals. “Voters would not even know who they are voting for. Do we want a system that does not protect the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh, or one that people cannot understand? Of course not. So, no party should try to mislead the nation by talking about the PR system,” he said. Salahuddin said Article 65(2) of the Constitution clearly states that Parliament shall consist of 300 members elected in accordance with the law from single territorial constituencies by direct election. Even then, he said, Jamaat leaders are claiming that the Constitution does not specifically mention anything about the election system. Salahuddin said BNP and other democratic parties have been struggling over the past 16 years to restore and exercise the democratic rights of the people. “We are eagerly waiting to exercise those rights. We must ensure they are implemented. By exercising the right to vote, Bangladesh’s democratic journey will move forward.’ Entire world supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition: Mirza Fakhrul He also said those elected to the next parliament must remain accountable and committed to implementing the reform programmes agreed upon through the National Consensus Commission. The BNP leader warned that their party would never give in to the ill motives of any political party. Salahuddin said no one has the right to change the Constitution without following a legal and constitutional process. “If we do so, it will create a bad precedent and lead to repeated demands for such changes in the future.” “The state is not a child’s game. We cannot play with the fate of 180 million people. The country must be run in a lawful and systematic way. We can never bow to the motives of any political party. The will of the people is final — they are the true owners of this republic,” he observed. Speaking about the proposed July Charter, Salahuddin said people could express their opinion through a referendum held on the same day as the national election. “If people say yes, then the newly elected parliament will have the mandate to implement that charter.” He criticised any move to impose constitutional changes immediately through unconstitutional means, saying, “The Constitution is not something that can be changed overnight just because someone wishes to.” Recalling the history of Bangladesh’s birth, Salahuddin said that when there was no constitution and the country was forced into war, the elected representatives at the time formed the Constituent Assembly and issued the Proclamation of Independence. “They declared before the people that they had formed the Constituent Assembly and authorised the formation of the offices of President, Vice-President, and Cabinet to run the state on behalf of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said the administration governed the country and issued all laws through presidential orders as part of a legitimate process. “Later, the Constitution was framed, and elections were held under it. Since then, the constitutional process has continued properly without irregularities. So far, the Constitution has been amended 17 times, and there may be an 18th amendment in the future,” he said. Salahuddin said they have always maintained that any changes made through national consensus must follow a lawful and constitutional path. “We hope the issues on which everyone has agreed, even with some differences, can be finalised through a valid and lawful process.” He expressed hope that discussions on the proposed national charter, set for 5 October, would result in a fair, lawful, and widely accepted process of constitutional reform.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has completed selecting candidates for contesting in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national elections, announced the party’s secretary general and former MP Mia Golam Parwar on Friday. “Every Jamaat worker must now go on the ground and work with full strength,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing a reunion of former members of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Khulna Metropolitan unit as a chief guest. The reunion was held at Al Faruk Society auditorium in Khulna. EC devises strategy to curb AI, social media misuse ahead of elections The Jamaat leader said it is high time to send the principles of deen into parliament. Those who were once involved in student politics must now become active again and play their role for the country. The reunion brought together ICS activists since 1977. Parwar recalled memories and contributions of late Shibir leaders, describing their sacrifices as ‘a shining chapter in political history.’ Shibir central secretary general Nurul Islam Saddam presented the keynote paper. The current president of ICS’s Khulna Metropolitan, Arafat Hossain Milon, presided over the event. Jamaat leaders Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Prof Mahfuzur Rahman also attended the reunion as special guests.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of ‘working with fallen fascist forces’ and criticised its opportunistic political role over the years. “Some parties are thinking of working with fascists or befriending them. Have they learnt nothing from history? In our country, I believe an Islamist political party has continuously worked to satisfy the Awami League,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He reminded that it was BNP founder Ziaur Rahman who allowed the previously banned Jamaat to participate in Bangladesh politics. “But there have never been any of their meetings or programmes where they did not criticise Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, in strong language instead of supporting him… We have seen them stand with the Awami League and act in line with its decisions in every instance,” the BNP leader said. Citing examples, he said Jamaat joined the 1986 polls alongside the Awami League and also took part in violent street movements with them during the agitation for a caretaker government. “They were also involved in killings at that time in different places. At Rajshahi University, they (Chhatra Shibir) killed Chhatra Dal leader Tito during the 1995–96 movement,” Rizvi said. He also claimed that Jamaat forced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to participate in the 2008 election against her will, threatening to leave the alliance and join the polls independently. “Now again they have shown their true face, seeking to rehabilitate the Awami League and improve ties with India. We must also remember that this party has pampered a bloodthirsty monster like Sheikh Hasina, who killed her own people,” he the BNP leader said. No compromise with Awami League, reaffirms Rizvi The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina established fascism in her style by destroying democracy and repressing and killing people to cling to power permanently. “There is no scope for a return or revival of that fascism in Bangladesh.” He said the people of Bangladesh are democratic, moderate and religious-minded, but they want to speak without fear. “Even if they eat less, they want their voices to be heard. If anyone thinks of forcing a new stream of fascism on the people of this country, the people will not allow it.” Referring to reported audio documents submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal, Rizvi said it is now clear that Sheikh Hasina directly gave orders for shootings and arson while protesters were falsely blamed. “The leaked phone conversations are shocking. Anyone who hears them will be shaken. We who fought for democracy and endured jail, remand and torture saw the brutality of Sheikh Hasina. Now we are seeing even deeper horrors — how she pushed movements towards disastrous consequences. Helicopter firing, arson attacks on government buildings, even the fire at the metro rail station — all these, we now see from those calls, happened under her direct orders,” he alleged. Smear campaigns being carried out to eliminate BNP: Rizvi The BNP leader warned that if fascist forces rise again, pro-democracy activists will face severe consequences. Rizvi also raised questions about the activities of some advisers of the interim government. “Today’s media reports say adviser Sajib Bhuiyan allocated the highest amount — nearly Tk 2,500 crore — for his own area. This is discriminatory and politically motivated. People fear he is using his position to prepare for becoming an MP in the future.” He also criticised reports that some top civil servants are showing loyalty to a particular political party and using their positions for political ambitions. “It is sad, against transparency, and immoral if senior officials or advisers use their posts for political gain,” he added.

Suhrawardy Udyan turned into a sea of people by midday on Saturday as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is holding its first-ever solo national rally at the historic venue, drawing tens of thousands of leaders, activists and supporters from across the country. The much-hyped gathering marks a significant political moment for the party since the country’s independence, as it seeks to reassert its presence ahead of the upcoming national election. The rally, scheduled to officially begin at 2:00pm, party Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman in the chair. Jamaat’s key demands at the rally include ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections with a level playing field, initiating fundamental political reforms, introducing the July charter and adopting a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections. Crowds began gathering at the venue from Thursday night, with early arrivals performing their Fajr prayers at the field. On Saturday morning, large processions of Jamaat members were spotted marching from various parts of Dhaka towards Suhrawardy Udyan, chanting slogans in support of the rally. Many activists were also seen crowding the city’s metro rail network. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami members distributed flyers following Jumma prayers on Friday in front of mosques across the country, including in the capital, to mobilise further public support. At a press conference on Thursday, party leaders announced that they had invited representatives from other political parties, including the BNP, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, to attend and speak at the rally. Jamaat’s 'National Rally': Activists march towards Suhrawardy Udyan The event comes at a politically tense time, following the recent attack on an NCP rally in Gopalganj, allegedly by ruling Awami League activists and its banned student wing, Chhatra League. The rally began at 9:40am on Saturday with a cultural programme hosted by Saifullah Mansur and conducted by the Saimum Cultural Group, featuring performers from various divisions. Even before the official commencement, the field was reportedly full, with some senior leaders taking refuge in the adjacent Ramna Park due to the overflow of attendees. UNB correspondents on the ground noted signs of discomfort among participants due to the heat, with several individuals reportedly falling ill. Groups of attendees were seen resting under trees in Ramna Park to escape the scorching sun. Jamaat claims this is the largest solo political gathering in its history. After nearly a month of preparation, the party estimated that over one million people would attend. While Jamaat had previously joined joint rallies at Suhrawardy Udyan alongside the BNP, this marks its first major solo political demonstration at the historic venue. Positioning the rally as a prelude to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, Jamaat leaders are calling for “national unity” and the establishment of a “welfare state.” Dr Shafiqur Rahman is expected to deliver a speech urging unity based on a seven-point demand. To accommodate the massive turnout and ensure basic services, organisers have set up over 500 temporary toilets, 1,000 water taps, 15 medical booths, 15 parking zones, and thousands of chairs at the venue. Around 6,000 volunteers have been deployed for logistics and security duties. 2 Jamaat leaders killed in road accident on way to Dhaka rally Besides, more than 400 loudspeakers and over 50 giant LED screens have been installed at major points of Dhaka to broadcast the event. Thousands of Jamaat supporters have travelled to the capital in buses, trains and launches. The party has issued a public apology for any traffic congestion or temporary inconveniences caused by the gathering.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is gearing up for its first-ever rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday expecting a turnout of over 10 lakh people, aimed at creating ‘a bid political stir’ through what it calls a ‘quiet but significant’ public gathering. "This rally will be a historic turning point. We expect more than 10 lakh people will participate -- not just party activists but also general people who are demanding a change amid the country’s current political deadlock," Jamaat's secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday. He outlined the party’s preparations, plans and demands for the upcoming rally aimed at ensuring a ‘memorable public presence’ at a time when political debate and divisions among parties are intensifying. Jamaat leaders, including party Ameer and other senior leaders, are directly supervising organisational activities to mobilise supporters from Dhaka and across the country, said Parwar. Golam Parwar also said an implementation committee was formed to complete all the preparations where eight sub-committees were also formed. He called upon the law enforcement agencies and the government to cooperate in facilitating the event. Jamaat favours PR for upper house, reserved seats, referendum for critical changes in Constitution Golam Parwar also reiterated the party’s demand for a neutral caretaker government during the election period to ensure the democratic rights of people. Rally Buildup To make the rally a success, street rallies, meetings, and public outreach programmes are being organised every day across the country, party leaders said. "Our activists are going door to door across the country to spread the message of this rally," Golam Parwar said. To facilitate transportation for the massive turnout, the party has rented around 10,000 buses alongside trains and launches. Special route plans have been made for vehicles coming to Dhaka from various districts. 6,000 Volunteers The party has also taken steps to ensure order and discipline at the event. Legal basis needed for reforms before polls: Jamaat leader Taher More than 6,000 volunteers will be deployed to help maintain internal security, manage the crowd, and coordinate logistics during the gathering. Meeting with DMP To address issues related to law and order, transportation and safety, a seven-member Jamaat delegation met senior officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on July 15 afternoon. The meeting, presided over by DMP Additional Commissioner (Operations) Nazrul Islamb, discussed topics such as traffic control, parking arrangements, sound system installation and public safety.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday said his party is in favour of the proportional representation (PR) system to be used in formation of the upper house of a bicameral parliament and the election of women for the reserved seats in parliament as well as introduction of a referendum for amendment of the fundamental provision of the constitutional amendment. “More than two-third political parties expressed support in favour of the PR system (of votes) for the formation of the upper house, while less than one-third parties including BNP don’t want it ... .Now the national consensus commission will take a decision. We hope the Commission will present it in a final decision on Sunday, considering the opinions of the political parties,” he told reporters. The Jamaat leader raised his party’s stance after the 14th day of the second-round of reform talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. He said except for one or two parties, most agreed on the formation of a bicameral legislature. “The Commission has proposed the PR system. A majority—more than two-thirds—support it, while less than one-third, including BNP, are against it,” he added. Jamaat leader calls for ensuring  massive turnout at July 19 rally Taher said two to three proposals came up regarding the functioning of the upper house. Some proposed that constitutional amendments be passed by a simple majority; others suggested a two-thirds majority. A few even proposed that money bills be placed before the upper house, though in such cases it would only be able to provide observations and suggestions. However, the upper house will have no authority to endorse or reject the bill. The lower house will have authority to accept or not accept the observation or suggestion of the upper house in this case. Constitutional Amendment: The Jamaat leader said his party fully supports the proposal that the two-thirds majority is required in the lower house for the constitutional amendment and a referendum is required for the amendment of some fundamental issues (the Preamble, Articles 8, 48, 56 and 142, and caretaker government related Articles 58K, 58G and 58Gh) of the Constitution. But his party think it require a simple majority in the upper house for constitutional amendment. He said they support the proposal as making the constitutional amendment harder. PR System for Women's Reserved Seats Regarding women’s reserved seats, Taher said Jamaat supports raising the number of woman seat to 100 from the existing 50 ones but it wants PR system (of voters) to elect women for the reserve seats.

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.”