United News of Bangladesh

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP on Monday demanded the cancellation of the nomination of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Moulana Habibur Rahman in the Sylhet-1 constituency, alleging concealment of information in his affidavit ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. BNP leaders submitted a written complaint to Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Sarwar Alam, seeking cancellation of the nomination and legal action against the candidate. The complaint was lodged by Sylhet Metropolitan BNP acting president Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi. According to the complaint, Moulana Habibur Rahman stated in his affidavit that he is neither a director nor a shareholder of any company and has no liabilities or outstanding loans. However, BNP alleged that records of the Joint Stock Companies and Firms show him as a director of Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited and a shareholder of Al Haramah Medical Services Limited. Sylhet Jamaat rally sees unprecedented participation of women The complaint further claimed that Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited has taken loans amounting to around Tk 24.01 crore from various banks and financial institutions, which remain outstanding. BNP alleged that the candidate concealed these crucial details in his affidavit. Lodi said providing false information in an affidavit is a punishable offence under criminal law and has misled voters and election authorities. He said the BNP has requested the returning officer to properly investigate the allegations and take necessary legal action, including cancellation of the nomination.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday alleged the Election Commission that a portion of the administration plays partial role and police raids its offices in different places on various excuses ahead of the referendum and 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next. “A section of the administration is seen in various places as leaning to one side. We’re receiving such allegations repeatedly,” said Jamaat assistant secretary general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. A five-member Jamaat delegation met the CEC at the latter’s office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban, seeking EC’s immediate actions to ensure neutral roles from the administration in the election.   Mahboob Zubair said such conduct by the administration would create confusion among the people. “This will be a major obstacle in holding a fair, nice and credible election,” he said. He said their offices are raided by police on various excuses and their women activists are harassed in many places but the local administration doesn’t address the issues despite repeated requests. Jamaat seeks victory for 18 crore people in upcoming election: Shafiqur Rahman “We see attacks and terrorist activities are being carried out in different places across the country and the police are raiding our election offices under various pretexts,” said the Jamaat leader, citing that their women activists face attacks and harassment in Dhaka-15 where Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman contests from. He said they informed the returning officers, assistant returning officers and administration, but they see no visible improvement in the electoral environment in those places. Noting that their offices and activists came under attacks in Patuakhali and Pabna, Mahboob Zubair said they asked the Election Commission to remove the Officer in-Charge of Bauphal Police Station as he is playing a completely biased role.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday expressed concerns over the environment surrounding the February-12 national election. “If the authorities remain indifferent, the chance for a free, fair and acceptable election will be lost,” he said while announcing his election manifesto at Khulna Press Club. He said the government still has seven days to recover illegal weapons, arrest terrorists and extortionists near polling centres, and stop the flow of black money, adding that this responsibility lies with the government, the Home Ministry and the Election Commission since the election schedule was announced.  Golam Parwar, a candidate from the Khulna-5 constituency (Dumuria–Phultala), said although the Election Commission and the head of the government have promised a free, fair and festive election, the actual situation is different. He alleged that candidates, party workers and voters are being attacked just a week before the election. “If this situation continues, people will not be able to go to polling stations without fear.” Jamaat Ameer vows to ensure security, rights of all, women safety Raising allegations of torture against women activists, he said women campaigning for the scales symbol are facing harassment, including having their burqas and face coverings pulled off. He also alleged physical assaults and attacks on pregnant women. He claimed that a video circulating on social media shows a political leader making derogatory remarks about women seeking votes. “This is not only political violence, it is a direct attack on women’s dignity,” he said, expressing fear about what such individuals might do if they come to power. Parwar also expressed serious concern over the safety of minority voters, and alleged that Hindu voters in different areas of the Khulna-5 constituency are being threatened with severe consequences if they vote for the scales symbol. In some areas, he claimed, former representatives of minority communities are being forcibly taken from their homes and compelled to work for a particular candidate. “This is not voting, but an attempt to impose a political position by force.” He said his campaign activities in Phultala and Dumuria were repeatedly obstructed. Scheduled meetings were disrupted, with chairs and tables broken in several places. In one area, he said, opposition supporters removed chairs before the meeting could begin, preventing it from taking place. AB Party candidate’s election office vandalised in Feni Although the incidents were reported to the police, he alleged that no arrests or legal action were taken. Parwar further claimed that a political party is distributing large amounts of illegal money in the Khulna-5 constituency. According to him, money is being delivered to households based on quotas set at upazila, union and ward levels. The Jamaat leader said the influence of black money is corrupting politics and warned that the election would become questionable if the administration fails to take effective action. Regarding law and order, he said that despite police stations having lists of known criminals, there has been no visible progress in recovering illegal weapons or arresting violent individuals. Parwar alleged a lack of coordination and sincerity between the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. He said that out of 150 polling stations in the constituency, his party has identified 52 as risky. Parwar warned of possible voter intimidation, occupation of centres, ballot snatching and removal of advance ballots. He said a written list of these centres has been submitted to the administration, the Election Commission and relevant monitoring bodies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday announced its election manifesto, declaring that it will prioritise 26 key areas in running the government over the next five years if given the opportunity to lead the country. Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman unveiled the manifesto at a hotel in Banani. The 26 priority areas include safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interest, building a humane country based on equality, justice and fairness, empowering youth and prioritising their leadership in state governance, ensuring a safe and participatory environment for women, improving law and order, establishing a corruption-free state, and promoting merit-based recruitment. The manifesto also pledges to bring perpetrators of extrajudicial killings to justice, uphold fundamental human rights, and create large-scale employment in sectors including agriculture and industry. The manifesto strongly opposes corruption, fascism, authoritarianism, unemployment, and extortion. Other priorities highlighted include carrying forward the spirit of the July Uprising in governance, creating a sustainable and transparent economy, ensuring a cohesive democracy, revolutionising agriculture, guaranteeing adulteration-free food, and implementing the “Three Zero Vision” — zero environmental degradation, zero waste, and zero flood risk. Want to see peace in hill areas, says Jamaat Ameer On journalists’ welfare, the manifesto states that the wage board will be revised and implemented to bring media salaries in line with government officials, ensuring fair compensation for media professionals. Regarding governance reform, Jamaat pledged to implement necessary changes to the administration and governance system to shape a “new Bangladesh.” “We are committed to establishing a discrimination-free state and ensuring equal rights for all citizens. Laws and policies containing discriminatory provisions will be promptly reformed or repealed,” the manifesto reads. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said its foreign policy will be guided by mutual respect, fairness, and equality. The party pledged to develop peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations with neighboring and regional countries — including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand — based on mutual respect and fairness. It also emphasised that strengthening ties with the Muslim world will be a top priority. The event was attended by diplomats from various countries, leaders of political parties, senior journalists, business leaders, and representatives from different professions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party wants to restore lasting peace in the country’s hill areas and does not want to see any further unrest there. “If we come to power, peace will return to the hill areas,” he said while speaking at the party’s election manifesto announcement ceremony held at a hotel in Banani. Referring to the long-standing conflict in the region, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that, according to his knowledge, more than 10,000 members of the armed forces have lost their lives while serving in the hill areas. Questioning why so many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives on their own soil, he said his party would work to identify the root causes of unrest and resolve the problems in a way that ensures peace and satisfaction for the local people. Diplomats from various countries, leaders of political parties, senior journalists, business leaders and representatives from different professions were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his X account was hacked four days ago to circulate false information and the perpetrator has finally been identified and arrested. “After my account was hacked, a group started launching attacks chanting ‘tai re nai re’. Shamefully, even some senior leaders endorsed it. However, our cyber team quickly identified the accused and police arrested him. Truth can never be hidden,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the 11-party alliance at Kurigram College ground. He said Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to establish a partisan government, even though it is the ‘largest party of the current era’.  “We do not want dynastic politics or group-based rule. We do not even seek victory for Jamaat. What we want is the victory of 18 crore people.” People no longer support family-centric politics: Jamaat Ameer Referring to the movement in Rangpur region in 2024, he recalled the role of Abu Sayed, saying his bravery had ignited the July movement. “He took three bullets to his chest, not his back. That is heroism. You are truly fortunate people,” he told the gathering. Dr Shafiqur said Abrar Fahad was the first to embrace martyrdom as an uncompromising fighter against authoritarianism, followed by Abu Sayed, Sharif, Osman Hadi and others. “Nearly 1,400 people have been martyred one after another. The bodies of these 1,400 heroes are now on the shoulders of this nation. Our rivers have turned red with their blood. We will never betray these martyrs,” he said. He also pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, development work would begin from Kurigram, which he described as one of the most backward districts in the country. Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Kurigram district Jamaat Ameer Azizur Rahman Swapan, candidates from the four parliamentary constituencies of Kurigram, and senior leaders of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman Badal, Jamaat-e-Islami’s MP candidate from Sherpur-3 constituency and the party's district secretary, passed away early Wednesday. He breathed his last at around 1:30am while undergoing treatment for kidney complications at Swadesh Hospital in Mymensingh, said Sherpur district Jamaat  Ameer Maulana Md Hafizur Rahman.  He said Nuruzzaman Badal had been suffering from kidney-related complications for a long time. According to him, Badal fell ill at around 10:00pm on Tuesday on the night of Shab-e-Barat and was first taken to Sreebardi Upazila Hospital.  As his condition worsened, he was moved to Mymensingh for advanced treatment, where he later died at Swadesh Hospital. Election violence leaves Jamaat leader dead in Sherpur Following his death, a pall of gloom  descended on his electoral area of Sreebardi–Jhenaigati upazilas. Meanwhile, his rival BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel, along with leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, NCP and other political parties, as well as representatives of various local professional groups, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Jamaat leader Nuruzzaman Badal.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday urged voters to cast their ballots for the scale symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami to build a corruption-, drug- and extortion-free Bangladesh. “The scale is the symbol of justice,” he said while addressing a public rally organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jamalpur district unit at the Singhajani Multipurpose High School ground. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party gets the opportunity to run the country, it will ensure respect for women. He alleged that women campaigners for the scale symbol are being insulted and even attacked in some places. “A nation that does not know how to respect women cannot move forward. We want to build a new Bangladesh where the dignity and justice of every human being will be ensured,” he said. Referring to the referendum, he said that if “Yes” wins, Bangladesh will win, but if not, the country will be defeated. “‘Yes’ means freedom and ‘No’ means slavery. So, please vote for ‘Yes’,” he added. The rally was presided over by Md Abdus Sattar, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jamalpur district unit and candidate for Jamalpur Sadar-5 constituency. Dr Chamiul Haque Farooqui, Central Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamalpur-3 (Islampur) constituency candidate, GS SM Farhad of Dhaka University Students’ Union, NCP Joint Member Secretary Lutfar Rahman, and other central, district and upazila leaders also spoke at the rally as special guests.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said that his party supports women leadership in politics and local government, along with economic empowerment of rural women, strong legal protection and social respect. In a Facebook post, he said false and misleading content has been circulating on social media aimed at misrepresenting their position. “I am sharing this to clarify our values and to refocus the conversation on our policies. Our manifesto has been clear from day one. We want women active and respected in education, healthcare, administration, entrepreneurship and public service,” he said. Jamaat, he said, is committed to uninterrupted education for girls, safe campuses, zero tolerance for harassment, women-centred healthcare in every district, equal pay, safe workplaces, childcare support and skills training for dignified employment. “These are not new positions. I publicly set out these principles months ago and reaffirmed them at my Policy Summit on 20 January 2026,” he said. The Jamaat chief said these positions are not reactions to rumours or online noise but reflect a long-standing and consistent vision. “Judge me by my record, my policies and my manifesto, not by false narratives,” he said, adding that he will formally launch his manifesto on February 3, where all these commitments will be detailed. “Our commitment is practical and measurable—safe education for girls, equal opportunity at work, women-centred healthcare, strong legal protection, economic dignity and real leadership for women,” he said. “A Bangladesh that respects women is a Bangladesh that moves forward, and that is the future we are building,” he added. Meanwhile, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on the Dhaka University campus, condemning the ‘offensive remarks’ about women made from the verified X account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest march was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.

BNP on Sunday questioned the credibility of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer’s claim that his social media account was hacked, saying the claim came nearly nine hours after a controversial anti-women post triggered widespread criticism. “After facing strong criticism over a misogynistic post, the hacking claim was made around 1:00am. How reasonable is it to make such a claim nine hours later?” said BNP Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Gulshan election office, he said if any important or verified social media account is hacked, the first responsibility is to inform the public immediately to prevent confusion. “But in this case, the hacking claim came only after public anger spread. Naturally, questions arise about how credible this claim is.” Mahdi also said that during the period in question, several posts were made from the Jamaat Ameer’s Facebook account, but there was no mention that his X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked. Chhatra Dal protests Jamaat Ameer’s anti-women remarks on X He said a General Diary (GD) was filed with Hatirjheel Police Station around 3:30am, where it was stated that the hacking was detected at 4:55pm. “If that is true, why was the GD filed nearly 12 hours later? Is there any reasonable explanation for this delay?” the BNP spokesperson asked. Mahdi, also an adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, questioned how the account could be recovered so quickly after the hacking claim. He said BNP clearly stands for women’s personal freedom, dignity and equal rights, but the language used by the Jamaat Ameer and the mindset reflected in the controversial post are unacceptable in any civilised society. “This is a clear expression of misogyny.” The BNP leader said the verified X account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman allegedly used filthy, offensive and degrading language against women, which, if true, reflects an attempt to push society back into medieval darkness. Mahdi said a portion of the post made at 4:37pm on January 31, when translated, stated that bringing women out of their homes in the name of modernity exposes them to exploitation, moral decline and insecurity, comparing it to prostitution. He said the Jamaat Ameer had previously made negative remarks about women’s empowerment in an interview with Al Jazeera. Calling it a pattern of behaviour, Mahdi said such views are not new for the party, referring to earlier incidents where a Jamaat leader made offensive remarks against female students of Dhaka University. He said the Jamaat chief had earlier made backward remarks publicly, including proposing shorter working hours for women. The BNP leader noted that the party which repeatedly speaks of establishing “justice” has not nominated a single woman as a parliamentary candidate in any constituency, which, he said, clearly reflects its degrading attitude towards women. He also cited an incident where a member of the same party compared women’s entry into parliament to a ‘trophy’ during a television talk show, describing it as an act of contempt. Mahdi said the nation has also seen the party repeatedly declare in public that no woman will ever be allowed to hold its top leadership position. “Yet, the women of that party are going door to door collecting people’s NID cards and bKash numbers. Is this their so-called justice?” he asked. The BNP spokesperson said they have observed that due to election alliances with Jamaat, many women leaders of an allied political party were forced to resign, while many openly expressed anger and frustration. He said even parties contesting elections as part of alliances have admitted that they are facing various obstacles because of this party. “There have also been allegations that questions were raised about the clothing of female candidates, which is an extreme display of indecency and misogyny,” Mahdi said. He said female members of BNP, its associate bodies and especially its student wing have been facing severe harassment both online and offline, allegedly by Jamaat supporters. Mahdi highlighted the contributions of women in every sector of Bangladesh, including industry, education, healthcare, law enforcement, administration, media, sports and social movements. He recalled the role of women in past movements, including the July 2024 mass uprising and the 1971 Liberation War, saying the nation can never deny their sacrifices. “But whenever a crisis arises, one party chooses the dirty path of attacking women,” the BNP leader said. Mahdi said the nation knows that during the 1971 Liberation War, the enemy followed the same path of oppression and violence against women, and that independence was achieved after passing through a dark chapter in which millions of mothers and sisters lost their honour. “We will not accept any injustice, oppression or abuse against them. BNP will not accept it, and Bangladesh will not accept it,” he said. Mahdi said Jamaat claims that people have already seen BNP and that now it is their turn. “But the people of the country have already begun to see how, in the form of medieval barbarity, half of the population—our mothers and sisters—is being insulted,” he said. Mahdi said BNP clearly declares that there will be no compromise, no fear and no retreat when it comes to protecting the dignity of women across the country and in online spaces. BNP Media Cell Convener Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Jubo Dal President Abdul Moneim Munna and Swechchhasebak Dal Senior Vice-President Yasin Ali were also present at the press conference.