United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has agreed to the proposals for the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system, a bicameral parliament and the provision to prevent any individual from becoming Prime Minister more than twice. “If the PR system is introduced, we think the irregularities, the use of muscle power and money in elections, as well as voter-less polls, would be stopped,” said Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher. Jamaat for bicameral parliament with 5-yr tenure  The Jamaat leader was briefing reporters on the outcomes of his party’s first-day talks with the National Consensus Commission. A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led by Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the discussion, which began at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz in the chair. Taher said his party had been in favour of the PR system from the beginning. The PR system means elections would be held simultaneously across the country on the basis of symbols or political parties. Then, the number of seats in parliament would be determined for a party proportionally to the number of votes that party receives nationwide, he explained. Noting that there is a PR system in more than 60 countries worldwide, the Jamaat leader said, “We think it is better.” He said they discussed only the Constitution-related reform recommendations during Saturday's talks, which continued until 5pm. Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Jamaat-e-Islami agreed on some issues and raised its own proposals on others, he added. Taher said they agreed with the proposal that no person would be Prime Minister more than twice. Regarding Article 70 of the Constitution, which bars an MP from voting in Parliament against his or her party, he said they proposed lifting the bar for MPs except in cases of constitutional amendment, passage of the finance bill or budget, and votes of confidence. He mentioned that they agreed, in principle, to the proposed National Constitutional Council (NCC), although they have differing opinions regarding its formation process. Taher said they had disagreed with the NCC earlier but finally agreed in principle during the talks. The Jamaat leader also said they agreed to a bicameral parliament with a five-year tenure. During the lunch break of the discussion, Taher said, "We've agreed on the bicameral parliament issue.” He said there were proposals to reduce Parliament and Presidential tenures to four years from five years. “But we told them that it wouldn’t be right. The tenures should be of five years.” Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion, moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. The Jamaat delegation members included its Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretaries General Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, Publicity and Media Affairs Secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul and Shishir Monir. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The Commission has already held talks with 16 political parties, including BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Commission aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Saturday said his party would extend full support to constructive and pragmatic reforms aimed at ensuring the welfare of the country and its people. “Jamaat fully agrees with any pragmatic changes or reforms that are beneficial for the country, the nation and people,” he said in his opening speech at the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Taher emphasised that Jamaat is committed to cooperating with initiatives that promote national interest, provided they are realistic and beneficial for the public. He also called for inclusive dialogue to make the reform process more effective and sustainable. Jamaat joins talks with Consensus Commission A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the discussion that began at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Taher said they never want to prioritise party or personal interests over what is beneficial for the country and the nation. “We agree that the nation wants to see a new Bangladesh,” he said, adding that people are frustrated with Bangladesh even after 54 years of independence and they feel deprived at least to some extent. Noting that Bangladeshis a brave nation, he said whenever people were deprived, they protested and resisted.  “We had become independent in 1947 but did not get freedom. We gained independence in 1971 through a long struggle but didn’t become independent. We’ve gained a second wave of freedom or a new Bangladesh through the July mass uprising. But whether we are truly free, only time will tell,” he said. He criticised past leaders for failing to value the people’s sacrifices and needs. “We hope the new opportunity before us will not be wasted like before. We must tread cautiously and, if necessary, act firmly. We must work to correct the fundamental issues.” Plot underway to foil election: Murad  Taher reaffirmed Jamaat’s strong commitment to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. “We do not fear the red-eyes (threats) of any foreign power. We will not allow interference in our independence.” Highlighting Jamaat’s internal democratic practices, he said, “Our party holds elections on time, without campaigns, candidates or panels, and through secret ballots.” “We want elections in the country that the people of Bangladesh and the world will recognise as real elections. In the last three terms, no proper election has taken place,” he added. Referring to the consequences of power without elections, he said the country has plunged into chaos, affecting the entire nation. “We do not want a repetition of this. We want transparent and fair elections, and we will fully cooperate to that end.” Taher said Jamaat envisions a corruption-free Bangladesh. “Corruption is the biggest reason behind the sorry state of today’s Bangladesh. Without corruption, chaos cannot thrive. Getting elected without votes is a major form of corruption. Earning money without labour is corruption. Pocketing funds in the name of development is corruption. A corruption-free Bangladesh is Jamaat’s commitment,” said Taher. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Jamaat delegation members included its Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, publicity and media affairs secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul and Shishir Monir. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. AL being rehabilitated under Yunus-led government: BNP's Ripon The commission has already held talks with 16 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). The commission formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.  

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said the scope for reform that has emerged must not be missed under any circumstances. “We are at a historic moment. We owe a debt to the brave martyrs who have created this opportunity for us. It must not be allowed to slip away,” he said. Prof Riaz made the remarks while delivering his introductory speech at the talks with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. He said this opportunity should be utilised to build a Bangladesh where no one will face oppression and no one has to deal with extrajudicial measures. Plot underway to foil election: Murad  Prof Riaz said they are keen to reach a national consensus quickly. “We will hold discussions and through dialogue, our goal is to move forward towards reaching a national charter,” he said. “We are all together in this process. We are making a collective effort. This is not an issue of any single political party. In fact, it is not just a matter of political parties—it concerns everyone. We are trying to reflect the aspirations of the nation,” he added. Mentioning that discussions will continue, if necessary, he said they all share the same goal. “We are trying together, and our collective success depends on our sincere joint efforts.” A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led by its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the session. The discussion began at 10:30am with Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Jamaat delegation members included its Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, and Jamaat Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul. Rizvi demands action against ex-officials for aiding fascism, praises CEC’s election stance On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogue with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 15 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). The commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami joined talks with the National Consensus Commission on Saturday morning. The discussion began at 10:30 am with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led by its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher participated in the discussion at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. Plot underway to foil election: Murad  The commission has already held talks with 16 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. In its initial phase, it compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback.  Rizvi demands action against ex-officials for aiding fascism, praises CEC’s election stance To date, 34 parties have responded. The Commission aims to complete its first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May, begin a second round in the second week of May, and reach a national consensus by mid-July.      

Jamaat-e-Islami will spare no effort in fulfilling the aspirations of the students who fought during the July uprising, said the party’s Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. "The parents of the martyrs hold their heads high, for not every parent is fortunate enough to raise a hero. We will remain forever indebted to their sacrifices," he said on Monday. Dr Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting the grave of Ishtiak Ahmed Srabon, a distinguished student of Feni Government College who was killed during the July uprising in Mohipal, Feni. People won’t vote for looters in next election: Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer At Srabon’s grave, the Jamaat Ameer offered Fatiha, paying tribute to his memory. "It is because of courageous souls like Srabon that we have achieved the new Bangladesh," he said. At Srabon’s grave in Ananda Pur Union, Phulgazi, Dr Shafiqur became emotional and broke down in tears. He expressed deep sympathy to Srabon’s family and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul. It was part of Dr Shafiqur’s trip to the Ballarmukha Dam in Parshuram upazila, near the Feni border. Every mass killing must be prosecuted: Jamaat Ameer

Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has said that people will not vote for corrupt leaders and extortionists in the upcoming election. He said that if honest and capable leaders were elected, the price of rice would drop from Tk 70 to Tk 30. The Jamaat leader made the remarks on Friday at a Tafsirul Quran Mahfil in Cumilla’s Chauddagram Upazila, during a ceremony where turbans were given to students of Chaumuhani Modern School and Madrasa in Sreepur Union. Blaming corruption and looting for the soaring prices of essentials, he said August 5 would not only mark the fall of the "autocratic government" but also signal the defeat of what he termed India's "hegemonic and Islamophobic politics." He said that the people of Bangladesh would no longer allow India to exert political dominance over the country, alleging that India is attempting to undermine Bangladesh’s independence—something that, he stressed, must be resisted. Every mass killing must be prosecuted: Jamaat Ameer Jamaat’s Central Assistant Secretary Maulana Abdul Halim was the main speaker at the event, while special guests included Comilla South District Ameer Mohammad Shahjahan, Chauddagram Upazila Jamaat Ameer Mahfuzur Rahman, and Maulana Yahia Taqi.

Speaking at a blanket distribution programme,Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said China cares about the health and living conditions of the Bangladeshi people, and hoped that the blankets could bring warmth to the people. Ambassador Wen said due to the sharply dropped temperature in many parts of Bangladesh this winter, the health and livelihoods of some residents have been affected. "As Bangladesh’s trusted friend and development partner, China is always ready to help Bangladesh with its development and the improvement of the livelihood of the Bangladeshi people with practical actions," he said. The envoy made the remarks at the blankets donation ceremony to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Gazipur. Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, local leaders and representatives of thousands of residents attended the ceremony. No discussion regarding CA’s China visit, says Foreign Adviser after his bilateral tour This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, and is also the “China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges”. China stands ready to seize this opportunity to maintain close cooperation with friendly Bangladesh political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, implement more projects that benefit the people, convey the warmth and friendship from China to more Bangladeshi people, and continuously deepen the bonds between the two peoples, said the Ambassador. Dr Shafiqur Rahman appreciated the Chinese Embassy for donating blankets to the needy people in Gazipur. He stated that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will deepen the party-to-party cooperation and people exchanges, furthering the Bangladesh-China relationship. Ambassador Yao and Dr Shafiqur Rahman jointly distributed blankets to the residents. They also visited local schools and interacted with teachers and students. Local residents waved the national flags of China and Bangladesh and presented flowers to Ambassador Yao in a warm and touching atmosphere.

Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunur Haque said the people of Bangladesh won't pardon BNP and Jamaat if the fallen Awami League makes a comeback due to disagreements between the parties. He said this while addressing a mass rally organised by the party at Central Shaheed Minar in Patuakhali on Thursday. Jamaat activist killed in Jamaat-BNP clash in Kushtia Mamunur urged all parties to remain united like the time of the anti-fascist movement that ousted the Awami League on August 5 last. Addressing the importance of Islamic principles to govern the country, he urged the Chief Adviser to hold a fair and neutral election excluding fascist Awami League. Is rift between BNP and Jamaat deepening amid looming election? Chaired by district unit president of the party Maulna Abbas Ali, central and local leaders spoke on the occasion.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan said on Friday said they were hurt by the comments of the Jamaat-e-Islami chief, who claimed that the army and his party are the only tested patriotic forces in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with a delegation of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, he, however, expressed the hope that Jamaat would join the movement for the restoration of democracy alongside other democratic parties in the future. “We have no such distance with Jamaat. They (Jamaat) also want democracy and elections, and they speak of human rights, as we do,” the BNP leader said. He said, "But if anyone claims that they alone are patriots, naturally, we will feel hurt. We will say, brother, that is not true. We all are patriots." Tarique thanks Qatar Emir for support in transporting Khaleda to London The BNP leader hoped that no politician would make such remarks in the future. Asked whether BNP would hold any meeting with Jamaat, he said their party was not formally engaged in a simultaneous movement with Jamaat. While Jamaat was also part of the movement against the Awami League government, like BNP and other parties, their programmes were not the same, he said. “We hope that in the coming days, we all will be three in the movement to restore democracy, and they (Jamaat) will also join the movement,” Nazrul said. In response to another question, he said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving proper care at the London Clinic. Khaleda admitted to The London Clinic for medical care “By the grace of Allah, her treatment is progressing well. We urge the people of the country to pray for her swift recovery so that she can return to us after the treatment,” the BNP leader said. Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote chief and National People's Party (NPP) Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad also spoke, urging the interim government to arrange elections after promptly completing the necessary reforms.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has termed Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statement on patriotism "ridiculous." “It will not be enough to judge only the July-August killings; all the crimes of the Hasina government should be judged,” he told a programme at Humayun Rashid Square in the district town on Thursday. He said that there are only two established patriotic forces in Bangladesh: the army and the BNP. BNP urges govt to disclose all contracts signed in power sector over 15 years Amra BNP Paribar' hosted the event to present gifts to the family of Iqbal Hossain Emon, the winner of the Youth Asia Cup. Rizvi said that besides the army and one political party, no other political party in Bangladesh can be considered truly patriotic. "Such a statement from Jamaat is laughable." Rizvi said that while recent reforms in textbooks were commendable, they should also include a chapter on the contribution of Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP National Standing Committee, was the chief guest at the event. He also dismissed Jamaat’s claims about patriotism, saying, "The true patriot is the one who declared independence in 1971, without fear. History has shown who passed the test of patriotism." Dr Zahid highlighted the role of Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, noting that he not only declared the country's independence but also led the battle for liberation. "Zia is synonymous with patriotism." Those who fear people’s verdict spreading confusion: Tarique The BNP leader said that the party has always stood by the people, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the statement during a roadshow in Rangpur on December 23, 2024. , "There are two tested patriotic forces in the country: the army and Jamaat-e-Islami," he said.