United News of Bangladesh

Former Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday (December 28, 2025) said he will not join the National Citizen Party (NCP) because of its alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. In a post on his verified Facebook account at night, Mahfuj said his respect, affection and friendship for his 'July comrades' remain intact, but he has decided to stay away from the party. “Under the present reality, my respect, affection and friendship for my July comrades will not be erased. But I am not becoming part of the NCP,” he wrote. Mahfuj said he was offered the opportunity to contest the election as a candidate of the Jamaat–NCP alliance, but he was not interested. Read more: NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid “Maintaining my long-standing position is far more important to me than becoming a Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate in any constituency in Dhaka,” he said. Raising questions over how far the NCP upholds the ideals of July, Mahfuj wrote that he has long spoken about a new political and economic order, a cultural struggle against fascism, confronting social fascism, reconciliation and building a society based on responsibility and empathy. “These are ideas that my July comrades have repeatedly spoken about from within those two organisations. But did they truly internalise them?” he questioned. He said he made every effort to establish NCP as an independent, broad-based 'big July umbrella', but that attempt failed for various reasons. Describing the current phase of history as a 'cold war' for Bangladesh, Mahfuj said it is wiser at this moment to avoid taking sides and instead remain firm in one’s own principles and positions. “The possibility of an alternative July force has not yet ended. Rather, I will continue to uphold what I have said and the principles I have believed in over the last one and a half years — through political, cultural and intellectual means. If you care to join me, you are most welcome," he said.  Read more: NCP finally joins Jamaat-led alliance, Jamaat Ameer announces new coalition He also said a new political and economic order is both possible and realistic, adding that the rise of an alternative, moderate July force is very close. Speculation had been rife throughout the week about the NCP joining a Jamaat-led alliance. On Sunday afternoon, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman formally announced the new coalition with NCP. In a separate press briefing, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the decision to join hands with Jamaat and like-minded groups was taken in the interest of broader unity. Meanwhile, opposing the Jamaat alliance, two central NCP leaders — Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen — have resigned from the party. Another central committee member, Monira Sharmin, has announced her withdrawal from the election, though she has not formally resigned. Read more: ‘I won’t resign, though NCP deviated from founding goal’: Samantha

National Citizen Party (NCP) joined an alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other like-minded parties, citing the need for a broader unity to protect the generation that actively participated in the July uprising, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday (December 28, 2025). Nahid made the announcement at an urgent press conference held at NCP’s temporary office in the city's Banglamotor in the evening. “We initially intended to contest the election independently and had prepared to field candidates in all 300 constituencies. However, incidents such as the killing of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Moncho, prompted us to reconsider and take a new decision,” Nahid said. Referring to ongoing conspiracies to disrupt the February elections, he said the main aim of the defeated forces is to destroy the July generation. “To preserve the dreams of the July generation, NCP has joined hands with Jamaat”. Read more: Mahfuj Alam rules out joining NCP over Jamaat alliance Nahid emphasised that the alliance seeks broader unity to reform the country, ensure justice for the July mass killings, and curb hegemony and corruption. “From that perspective, we have joined this alliance to ensure a competitive election.” The decision to ally with Jamaat has sparked mixed reactions within NCP. Central leaders such as Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen resigned, while leaders including Samantha Sharmin and Monira Sharmin openly opposed the move. “We have taken the decision based on the majority opinion. The party will continue to operate according to its rules,” Nahid said. When asked how NCP’s ideology aligns with Jamaat, he replied, “For now, the alliance is purely for electoral purposes. Post-election, we will decide whether to move forward together. The primary focus of the current alliance is the 13th national election and referendum.” Regarding seat-sharing, Nahid said, “No final decision has been made yet. We will announce the details at a press conference on Monday.” Earlier in the day, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, at an urgent press briefing with like-minded parties, announced NCP’s formal entry into the alliance. Besides NCP, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has also joined the coalition. 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. Read more: ‘I won’t resign, though NCP deviated from founding goal’: Samantha 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.

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.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday told the Election Commission (EC) that providing VVIP facilities to someone while denying theses to others is the violation of a level playing field in the election. “If someone gets many facilities, even VVIP facilities, while others do not, that cannot be called a level playing field,” said Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair while briefing reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. A three-member Jamaat delegation met the CEC in the afternoon at Nirbachon Bhaban in the city. The Jamaat leader said their leaders who are playing roles in the election, including the Ameer-e-Jamaat, the Secretary General and other central and top leaders, will conduct extensive tours in different areas. “They will need to travel massively. We have drawn attention to their security issues.” Read more: Jamaat-e-Islami backs Inqilab Moncho’s 24-hour ultimatum for Hadi killers He said the Election Commission told them that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry and the EC would talk to it and take necessary initiatives from its side. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said a big party is violating the election code of conduct and they (Jamaat) sought immediate steps in this regard. “You may have seen various types of cards issued by a big party. We have seen those mainly through journalist friends. They are making different promises. They will distribute so many lakhs or crores of cards. They are promising that cardholders will receive thousands or lakhs of taka per card. These acts are clear violations of the election rules and the code of conduct,” he said. The Jamaat leader said they told the Commission to take action in this regard. “We have drawn their attention and urged them to take immediate measures.” Replying to a question, Ahsanul Mahboob said cards are being distributed by a big party. “They are saying 50 crore cards will be given. Each person will receive lakhs of taka.” He said they asked the EC to install CCTV cameras at polling stations as it is very important for ensuring a free and fair election. Read more: Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation  “If CCTV cameras are not installed, we believe terrorists and those with ill intentions will get a major opportunity to disrupt and sabotage the election. If CCTV cameras are there, we hope that opportunity will no longer exist,” he added. The Jamaat leader said they also discussed the overall law and order situation and recommended recovery of illegal arms and the arrest of listed criminals.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) said his party intends to form a national government if it comes to power, even if it secures 200 parliamentary seats independently, aiming to safeguard national interest and ensure political stability. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying a courtesy call on European Union Ambassador Michael Miller in Gulshan. Ambassadors and diplomats at the meeting also included Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Wicks; Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen; German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz; Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro; French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza; Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra; EU Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarina; and Sebastian Rieger Braun, First Secretary at the EU Delegation. Read more: 'No govt in 54 years has worked for people’s welfare': Jamaat's Mujibur Rahman During the meeting, EU representatives asked about issues including the Rohingya crisis, public security, the party’s election manifesto, and its 100-day plan after assuming office. In response, the Jamaat chief assured them that his party would work to build an ‘inclusive Bangladesh’, if elected. “We will not exclude any political party. A national government is essential for the next five years to restore the economy, ensure stability, establish the rule of law, and curb corruption,” he said. He also outlined two conditions for joining the national government: no member would be allowed to engage in or tolerate corruption, and equal justice must be ensured with no political interference in the judiciary. Read more: Now Jamaat replaces election candidate in Lalmonirhat-3 Speaking about holding the national election and referendum simultaneously, Shafiqur Rahman said voter awareness was still not adequate for two major ballots on the same day, warning that both processes could be hampered. He recommended keeping them separate. Responding to allegations of using religion in politics, he said religion is part of Jamaat’s ideology, not a tool. “We do not exploit religion. Those who suddenly appear with caps and prayer beads only during elections are the ones using religion,” he said. He reiterated that the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February must not be postponed. “We believe the election should be held on time, in February.” Read more: Jamaat leader Parwar pushes for referendum before national election The Jamaat chief also reaffirmed the party’s support for the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, saying it has been demanded in the interest of the people and that Jamaat would implement it, if elected.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday (December 08, 2025) said the people of the country have already unmasked those who have no political principles or development plan, but are still trying to deceive the nation by selling a ‘religion card’. Speaking at the inauguration of BNP’s second day of the “Plan to Build the Country” programme, he also said anyone attempting to obstruct the democratic transition or the restoration of voting rights through various tactics will be rejected by the people. “Those who want to enter Jannah (heaven) without any effort should first find out where its bus station is. People understand these things,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, also said their party is preparing plans for how it will govern the country if voted to power, because, in their view, planning is half the job. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters “If you don’t plan, you are planning to fail. If we do not prepare a proper plan before running the state, we are actually preparing for failure. I think this message is meant for our friends who are indulging in business using religion,” he said. In a veiled reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP leader said this party leaders claim that anyone voting for their symbol will easily reach paradise. “But what about survival in this worldly life? They have no guidance on that. Just a few days ago, they even recruited a (Hindu) friend in Khulna. I won’t say more about it,” he added. Salahuddin said a party that has no principles, no ideology, no plans--only trying to cheat the nation by selling a ‘religion tablet’--the people have already identified them. “Their real face has been exposed.” He said BNP is planning for a modern, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh and is involving professionals, experts, and citizens in shaping the country’s future roadmap. “BNP’s policies and plans are designed for the people’s welfare, not for emotional exploitation. We are not here to sell a religious tablet. We must present our plans for economic freedom and public welfare in a simple and clear way so that people understand,” the BNP leader said. Referring to various initiatives by the late President Ziaur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia – including literacy campaigns and the Food-for-Education programme – Salahuddin said BNP has a record of implementing transformative national programmes through careful planning. Read more: No compromise with terrorism, extortion, drugs: Mirza Abbas “First comes policy, then programming, project implementation and monitoring. This is how a state is run, not by making false promises about Heaven,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP’s 31-point outline a realistic vision for good governance, democracy, and development, which the party will implement if voted to power. Salahuddin urged party activists to communicate BNP’s policies to the public in simple, relatable terms, highlighting programmes such as the Family Card for women and the Farmer Card for peasants which aim to empower the people, provide social security, and improve economic welfare. He stressed that BNP’s vision focuses on people’s education, health, and economic strength, noting that informed and empowered citizens form the backbone of the nation. Salahuddin also highlighted BNP’s democratic legacy under Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that safeguarding democratic institutions and prioritising Bangladesh’s national interest remain central to the party’s agenda. “A strong democratic Bangladesh can only be built if state and constitutional institutions are strengthened on firm foundations,” the BNP leader said. He urged the party leaders and activists to raise awareness about the importance of exercising voting rights in the upcoming elections. Tarique slams Jamaat for ‘propaganda’ against BNP echoing Awami League “We achieved the right to vote through years of struggle and sacrifice. The success of that democratic movement now depends on how we use that right. Anyone who tries to create obstacles in this democratic journey will be rejected by the people,” Salahuddin said. Addressing the programme, BNP Senior joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said JCD leaders and workers will be trained on eight subjects so that they can reach out to people in their areas and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises ahead of the election. He said some parties are trying to mislead people using religion by talking about a ‘ticket to heaven’ and urged JCD leaders to counter this with suitable arguments. Rizvi said by talking about the ‘ticket to heaven’, Jamaat is following an old European practice in the Middle Ages, when priests sold indulgence letters from the Pope to exploit people. On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme titled “Plans to Build the Country”, involving its affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election. Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the concluding session in the afternoon. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the event. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday strongly criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for spreading propaganda against his party in the same tone as the fascist Awami League, saying the people of Bangladesh saw how Jamaat killed lakhs of people and dishonoured women in 1971 for political gains. Delivering his concluding remarks virtually at the inaugural ceremony of BNP’s six-day ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, he also accused Jamaat of misleading people with false promises, including claiming they could ‘guarantee heaven in return for votes’. “We hear some people or some groups nowadays—in different places or on social media— saying ‘We have seen this party and that party, so now give this party (Jamaat) a chance’. But the people of this country already saw this party in 1971,” Tarique said. He warned party leaders about people in a particular political party who are reportedly selling tickets for different things and making promises that only Allah can decide. “They are giving guarantees about matters that belong to Allah alone. The owner of Heaven, Hell, and everything in the world is Allah. Only He has the right to decide. If I claim something from my own perspective, I understand that it is shirk, associating partners with Allah,” Tarique said. Speaking to the leaders of his party’s student wing at the event, he said they should go door to door and tell people that those making such claims are committing shirk. “Anyone who listens to these claims will also fall into shirk,” he added. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said this party killed lakhs of innocent people in 1971 to protect its own political interests, just like the fallen dictator who killed thousands before fleeing to cling to power. “Those who are now asking people to support—the people of this country have already seen them in 1971. They not only killed lakhs of people, but their collaborators also violated countless mothers and sisters. We must never forget this,” Tarique said. When the BNP governed the country from 2001 to 2006, he said, it inherited a nation badly damaged by corruption under the rule of Awami League. Later, Tarique said BNP under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia worked step by step to reduce corruption and improve the situation. “The progress we made was reviewed by an international organisation, and that analysis has already been clearly shared with you in the leaflet. So, we can confidently say — if any party in Bangladesh can stop corruption, it is BNP. We have done it before and, Insha’Allah, we will do it again for the people,” he added. Indirectly referring to Jamaat leaders, Tarique said some people are repeating the same false propaganda about BNP that the fugitive autocrat once spread. “We recently noticed a few individuals or parties making those same baseless claims. But here is the question — two of their senior leaders were in our government at that time. Both have passed away. They were respected political figures, and we should not speak badly about those who are no longer alive,” he said. “What we can say is that they stayed in the BNP government until the very last day, showing their full confidence in Begum Khaleda Zia’s fight against corruption,” the BNP leader observed. He said the allegations of corruption during BNP’s rule were brought, but now, with a more independent judiciary--unlike during autocratic time--no charges against them have ever been proven. “All those were only propaganda. So, the conclusion remains—only BNP has been able to pull Bangladesh away from corruption in the past, and Insha’Allah, only BNP will be able to do it again.” Tarique reminded that he has been saying since 5 August last year that the days ahead would not be easy. “More difficult times are waiting for us. Different conspiracies are being planned from different directions. Only the people can stop these plots, and BNP, together with the people, can resist them,” he said. He said the only way to stop these conspiracies is to restore democracy. “If we can establish democracy and ensure the people’s mandate at any cost, we will be able to stop many conspiracies. Yet even then, tough days are still ahead.” Tarique said his party must prioritise addressing corruption and restoring law and order in the country. “We must rein in corruption at any cost, and ensure law and order,” he said, adding that these are essential for improving health, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and the economy. Tarique also spoke on BNP’s vision for the country. “Our goal is to build an independent Bangladesh, where people have jobs, live peacefully, and corruption is under control. We don’t want Bangladesh to become like Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, or the US—we want a self-reliant nation.” He urged student leaders to actively engage with communities across the country, meet people at their homes, and explain how the BNP plans to improve the lives of women, farmers, and young people. “If we work together, we can build the Bangladesh we dream of.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the programme in the morning with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from different parts of the country joined the event.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday (November 19) urged leaders of political parties to motivate the country’s voters to go to the polling stations during national election. “Over the last 10 to 15 years, our country’s voters have gradually become reluctant to go to the polling centres. You are the national leaders and political leaders. The people at the grassroots are directly influenced by you. I request you to motivate the voters to go to the centres,” he said while addressing a pre-election dialogue at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP) and several other political parties joined the discussion which began at 10:30am with the CEC in the chair. Pointing to the political parties, the Chief Election Commissioner said he expects them to play their due role in ensuring that their candidates fully comply with the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming national election. “You have a role to ensure that your candidates follow the code of conduct. We hope you to play this expected role,” he added. Read more: Bangladesh Election: CEC urges stakeholders to help ensure voter safety Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission with the help of the political parties and other stakeholders would deliver a good election for the nation. The Jamaat delegation led by its Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar participated in the talks while the NCP team led by its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary attended it. The other invited political parties for the morning session are Ganosamhati Andolan, Nationalist Democratic Movement-NDM, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party-BMJP and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh. The Commission is holding another discussion on Wednesday afternoon with BNP and five other parties. Read more: Home Adviser signals zero tolerance on unrest as election in February The five other invitees are Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (Andaleev), Gonaodhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basad Marxist. The Election Commission opened its pre-election dialogue with registered political parties on November 13 last and has already held talks with 34 parties. Currently, there are 55 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League whose registration remains suspended.  The ongoing dialogue is considered as the last major task before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. Read more: Working with a clear commitment to create fair election atmosphere: CEC

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam, National Citizen Party (NCP) and other political parties joined the Election Commission’s dialogue on Wednesday morning (November 19) as part of its ongoing dialogue ahead of the next general election to be held in February 2026. The discussion began at 10:40am in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the chair. The Jamaat delegation led by its Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar participated in the talks while the NCP team led by its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary attended it. The other invited political parties for the morning session are Ganosamhati Andolan, Nationalist Democratic Movement-NDM, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party-BMJP and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh. The Commission is holding two discussions on Wednesday – the morning session with seven parties and the afternoon session with six other political parties including BNP. Read more: Pre-election Dialogue: EC set to welcome Big Three parties on Wednesday The other invitees for the afternoon session include Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (Andaleev), Gonaodhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basad Marxist.

Supporters of BNP and others on Wednesday morning (12th November 2025) blocked the busy Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for around one and a half hours in Tongi College Gate area demanding restoration of the Gazipur-6 parliamentary seat. Hundreds of vehicles remained stuck on both sides of the busy route, causing suffering of commuters, transport workers and others. BNP men and locals put the barricade around 9:30am, disrupting commuters and public transport. Witnesses said that hundreds of BNP men and others gathered on the highway early morning, carrying banners and placards, and chanted slogans demanding, ‘Gazipur-6 seat must be restored.’ The blockade started around 9:30am and continued till 11am. Rejecting the court order, local BNP leaders said the court’s decision to cancel this seat deprives the people of their voting rights. During the blockade, protesters burned tires on the highway, further intensifying the traffic jam on the route. Road blockades cause severe traffic congestion in Dhaka Meanwhile, supporters of Jamaat and locals formed a human chain in front of Asia Pump on the same demand at the same time. Their banners read, “Restore Gazipur-6 seat, ensure citizens’ fair service.” Speakers warned that abolishing the seat would hamper public services and development in the area and urged authorities to reconsider the decision. Additional forces were deployed in Tongi College Gate, Station Road, and surrounding areas to maintain law and order. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Wahiduzzaman of Tongi Purbo Police Station said that the protestors left the road following a discussion with the authorities concerned, allowing the traffic to run. Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin