United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami skipped Tuesday’s session of the National Consensus Commission, leaving their designated seats between BNP and the Nationalist Citizens' Party (NCP) empty until the midday break. When asked by reporters, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The commission itself is in the best position to explain why Jamaat did not join today's discussion.” Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, said the absence was a symbolic gesture. “As far as we understand, Jamaat has symbolically boycotted today's meeting. There may be a number of issues on the commission’s agenda that Jamaat could not align with,” he said. Expressing dissatisfaction, Gazi Ataur Rahman, Joint Secretary General of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, remarked, “As a significant political force, Jamaat should have been present at today’s session. They haven’t provided a clear explanation regarding their absence. If they remain absent even after the midday break, the matter will become clearer.” Bangladesh economy falters; growth slows, factories shut, jobs lost On the commission’s agenda, Ataur Rahman added, “From an ideological standpoint, we have reached a consensus on most issues. However, we do not support the proposal to reserve 100 seats exclusively for women. We advocate for women’s empowerment, but not through any discriminatory measures.” Several political groups believe that Jamaat's absence stems from policy disagreements with the commission, particularly regarding the proposed reservation of seats for women and other sensitive topics. As such, they said, their absence from the initial phase of talks has been perceived as a calculated decision.

Maqbul Ahmed, former Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam has died of coronavirus at a Dhaka hospital on Tuesday afternoon. He breathed his last at the Intensive Care Unit of Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital. The party's current Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman confirmed the news through a statement at his official Facebook page. Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: 69 more die, 6,028 infected He expressed deep sorrow at the demise of the former  Ameer and sought pardon for his departed soul. Maqbul will be buried at his family graveyard following two namaz-e-janaza at the field of Jamaiatul Falahiya Kamil Madrasa and in front of his home respectively. Also read: Patuakhali Jamaat leader killed over land dispute Makbul was the acting Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam from 29 June 2010 to October 2016. Later he served as the elected Ameer of the organization from 2017 to 2019 before handing over the responsibility to Dr Shafqur.