United News of Bangladesh

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

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 Mirza Abbas on Tuesday (4th November 2025) voiced deep concern that the interim government might resort to ‘unlawful means’ to secure victories for the two parties it now relies on — Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP). “The way this government is acting, it’s clear they have no strength of their own. This government survives by leaning towards two parties — one is a party they themselves created and the other is an old one,” he said while addressing a discussion and doa and milad mahfil. Abbas, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said the interim government does whatever these two parties tell it to do. “The latest proof is the (allocation of the NCP’s) election symbol. The government must do whatever they say. Who are these people? Where did they come from? What is their popular base? Do they have any support anywhere in Bangladesh?” he said. The BNP leader also said that if an election had been held, it would have become clear how many votes each side would receive. Fakhrul asks BNP leaders left out of candidate list to stay loyal “I am deeply worried that the government may resort to illegal means to ensure the victory of these parties. Just like the previous Awami League government that held midnight voting instead of daytime voting, this government may also indulge in any such acts,” he said. Dhaka South City unit BNP organised the programme at Nayapaltan Ananda Community Centre, marking the 6th death anniversary of former BNP Vice Chairman and the last mayor of undivided Dhaka city Sadeque Hossain Khoka. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, Abbas questioned whom the citizens of this country do not consider necessary, and are now making such long speeches. “Those who never wanted Bangladesh in the first place now want to rule it. I simply can’t understand that.” He said this party opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947, opposed Bangladesh in 1971, and in 1996 and several other times spoke against the interests of the people. “Yet, they are now talking big. The BNP leader also accused Jamaat of trying to divide the nation by using religion in politics. “We will not let the nation be divided. But there is a section of people who want to split the nation for their own gain.” He said those who want to divide the nation also want to bring back the Awami fascist force that ruined the country. “The people of Bangladesh will never allow that to happen.” “Look closely, and you’ll see they are so excited because they assume they will get the Awami League’s votes. But that is not true. The people loyal to the Awami League will not vote for anyone else. They will vote for a patriotic party,” Abbas said. He lamented that the country is now in a terrible state for lack of good governance. "Who owns the country? Who runs it? It feels as if the country has no owner — no one is looking after it. Everyone is just busy talking about reform, reform, and reform! But what exactly are you reforming? I don’t understand that,” the BNP leader said. Election uncertainty may endanger democratic transition: Tarique He said many people are now coming to Dhaka in search of work due to rising unemployment across the country, making it difficult for pedestrians to even walk on the footpaths because of the huge crowds. The BNP leader said many people have set up shops on the pavements, causing problems for ordinary citizens. “If you pay attention — when you drive or take a bus — you’ll see there are now lots of battery-run rickshaws everywhere. These people are unemployed and looking for work, so they have turned to this.” Abbas said the interim government has no initiative to solve the problems of unemployed people in the country. “Instead, they have turned everything upside down, creating opportunities for a section of people to plunder the country. A new class is now thinking only of looting and destroying the nation.” He said those who never dared to raise their heads before are now speaking arrogantly. “Where did they get this boldness and power from?” About BNP’s announcement of 237 candidates for the upcoming national election, Abbas said many capable aspirants could not be nominated because of the presence of several similar candidates. He said those who did not get nomination are naturally disappointed, but urged everyone to work together to ensure the victory of the party’s candidates. Read more: NCP among three parties set to get EC’s registration