United News of Bangladesh

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Monday said many problems can easily be resolved if the ruling party and the opposition reach a consensus on key issues in the greater interest of the country. "To institutionalise democracy, Parliament must be strengthened. When the opposition and the ruling parties reach a consensus in Parliament, many problems are solved. The formation of a special committee on energy has solved the country's energy problems," he said. The Chief Whip made the remarks when a delegation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on him at his office, according to a press release. He stressed the need for building mutual trust among all, saying without trust it will be difficult to take the country forward. “Democracy is essential for ensuring good governance,” he added. Focusing on the current challenges, Moni said Bangladesh faces various environmental and economic problems. “The government has been providing financial support to reduce poverty through initiatives like Family Card and Farmers’ Card. The current government has also undertaken programmes like tree plantation and canal excavation to protect the environment,” he added. During the meeting, different issues, including strengthening Parliament, e-governance, e-parliament, poverty alleviation, environmental development, freedom of speech, parliamentary sessions and rules of procedure, were discussed. UNDP representatives present at the meeting included Assistant Resident Representative Anowarul Haq, Assistant Programme Adviser (Governance) Dragan Popovic and Project Manager Mahmudul Hasan.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on Monday said the country’s democratic advancement was upheld through the February general election. “Through the parliamentary election held in February 2026, the country’s democratic progress was upheld. During the past 16 years under the Awami League government, people’s democratic rights were undermined,” he said. The Speaker made the remarks when Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Jafar H Bin Abiyah paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, according to a press release. Australian Speaker Milton Dick meets Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad

The newly elected women MPs will take oath on Sunday to represent their respective parties from the reserved seats. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, will administer the oath to the MPs-elect at 9pm on Sunday at the Oath Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said Director (Public Relations) of the Parliament Secretariat Md. Monir Hossain told UNB on Saturday. Earlier on April 30, the Election Commission published a gazette declaring 49 lawmakers elected unopposed to the reserved women’s seats in the 13th parliament. The 49 women lawmakers-elect include 36 MPs from the BNP-led alliance, 12 from the Jamaat-led alliance and one independent. The 36 BNP alliance MPs are Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arly, Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Shakila Farzana, Helen Jerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeeba Amina Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sunsila Jabrin, Sanjida Islam (Tulee), Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minz, Subarna Shikdar, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bithika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Jerin, Mansura Akter, Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alo, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan Papon, Shawkat Ara Akter, Madhabi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana. The 12 Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance newly elected lawmakers include Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Sabikun Nahar, Nazmun Nahar, Mahfuza Hannan, Sajeda Samad, Shamsunnahar Begum, Marzdia Momtaz, Rokeya Begum (mother of July martyr Jabir Ibrahim),  Mahmuda Alam Mitu (NCP), Tasmia Pradhan (Jagpa) and Mahbuba Hakim (Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish). The independent MP for the lone reserved seat is Sultana Jasmin. There are 50 reserved seats for women in the Parliament. For the last remaining seat, which is supposed to go to the National Citizen Party, the Election Commission has already rejected the nominations of two NCP aspirants - Monira Sharmin's candidacy was deemed ineligible, while Nusrat Tabassum submitted her paperwork late.  It remains to be seen how Parliament resolves the issue of the vacant NCP seat.    

The first session of 13th Parliament was prorogued on Thursday after 25 sittings beginning March 12. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad read out the prorogation order of the President at 9:23pm. Earlier, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered the valedictory speech. There were 133 ordinances placed in the Parliament. Some 91 bills were passed against those ordinances. In total 94 bills were passed. In addition to legislative activities, five standing committees were formed in this session and two special committees were formed. Some 16 notices were found under the 62 rules of the Rules of Procedure as two of them were discussed. Nine notices were found under the 68 of the rules of the procedure while only one of them was briefly discussed. The number of notices under the rules of procedure 71 was 38 while some 207 members were given scope to speak for two-minute for their notices under the 71A rules of the procedure. One notice was accepted out of 14 notices in 164 rules and sent to the Standing Committee on Privileges. Two special committees were formed in 266 rules. In this session, a total of 93 questions were presented at the Prime Minister’s question-answer session. Out of these, he has replied to 35 questions. A total of 2509 questions have been received for reply by the Ministers of various ministries. Out of these, the Ministers have replied to a total of 1778 questions in Parliament. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad before reading out the prorogation order of the President described the Parliament as a rare atmosphere of cooperation between the treasury and opposition benches following a “free, fair and participatory” election after 18 years. He said the session, which began on March 12, marked a significant step towards strengthening parliamentary democracy, ensuring the rule of law, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Speaker for the first time, he thanked all Members of Parliament for their cooperation and constructive participation, noting that 220 MPs are first-time members in the 13th Parliament. Despite their inexperience, he said their “tolerance, sincerity and constructive engagement” in legislative and parliamentary activities had been impressive. He extended special thanks to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leading the government and to Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman for playing a “positive and effective role” in parliamentary proceedings. The Speaker also acknowledged the contributions of cabinet members, chief whips, MPs from both treasury and opposition benches. Referring to the broader national agenda, the Speaker said the government has prioritised programmes such as family cards for households, farmer cards, and strengthening agriculture and the rural economy. He highlighted initiatives like canal excavation and re-excavation to address waterlogging and improve irrigation, which he said would boost agricultural production and rural livelihoods. He also stressed the importance of ensuring justice for crimes against humanity and extrajudicial killings committed during what he termed a “fascist era,” alongside efforts to guarantee judicial independence and uphold the rule of law. The Speaker reaffirmed the commitment to preserving the spirit of the Liberation War and building an inclusive, accountable and humane state. He expressed optimism that the 13th Parliament would play an effective role in achieving these goals, urging all members to work together despite political differences and place national interest above all.

Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday asked the government to curb extortion, improve law and order as well as take visible steps to implement the Teesta project soon. “Extortionists cannot belong to any party. These are ‘imposter’ in the name of a party. Let us take a vow in this parliament to identify them. We’ll eliminate the extortionists from Bangladesh at any cost,” he said. The opposition leader made the remarks, participating in the discussion on thanksgiving motion over the President’s speech delivered at the outset of the current session in the House. He called upon the Home Minister to give special attention to vulnerable areas where the law and order situation is more fragile. “Law and order conditions may appear similar across the country, but areas that are more vulnerable must receive priority attention. Educational institutions must also be kept completely free from all forms of violence—we do not want to witness such incidents anymore,” he said. About the Teesta project, Shafiqur Rahman said the people have long been hearing about the big stories and are now exhausted. They no longer want promises—they want action. “We would like to see a very credible and visible role being played soon in implementing the Teesta Master Plan here,” he said. The Ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami also said citizens would stand firmly beside the government if it takes bold and effective steps. “We don’t care about the red eyes of anyone…. If the government takes this bold step, every hand of the 200 million people of this country will stand by it. I will stand first in support,” he said. Over the 1972 Constitution, he said the denial of voting rights by the Pakistani authorities made the Liberation War inevitable. But later, the Awami League government violated the limits and strangled the voting rights to death. Pointing at the treasury bench members, the Jamaat chief said, “Our many friends wholeheartedly pay respect towards the 1972 Constitution, But I can’t. Because, the Late Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman changed the 1972 Constitution,” Refuting the claim that Jamaat doesn’t accept the existing Constitution, he said they are law-abiding citizens. “It is often said that we do not accept the Constitution. If we did not accept it, how could we be here (in Parliament)? ….As long as this Constitution exists, we may demand for its reforms through movements, but we will not engage in rebellion,” he said. Referring to election pledges, Shafiqur Rahman said both Jamaat and BNP made commitments for an independent foreign policy prioritising national interests. “We need friendship with all, but our priority must always be Bangladesh,” he said, adding that Bangladesh needs so many friends, but not even a single lord. He also alleged that before the election, some senior BNP leaders had assured members of Awami League that legal cases against them would be withdrawn and their safety ensured. “We do not know whether such understandings still exist. But our position is clear—every crime committed during the previous (Awami League) regime must be brought to justice,” he said. The opposition leader also condemned indecent behaviour on social media, targeting the family of Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and called for an end to such practices. This kind of dirty political culture must stop. The government has the authority to act, and we will fully cooperate, he said.

Secretary General of ruling BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said any attempt to undermine the spirit of 1971 is unacceptable, describing it as the fundamental identity of Bangladesh. Speaking in Parliament during the discussion on the President’s speech, Fakhrul—who also serves as Local Government Minister—indirectly criticised opposition voices, stressing that the legacy of the Liberation War must be upheld at all times. “If anyone ridicules 1971 or tries to belittle it, we cannot accept that. 1971 is our identity, and that is why we must continue to speak about it,” he said. He reiterated that the Liberation War remains central to the nation’s character and consciousness. “This is our identification, our identity—1971 defines who we are. That is why we must repeatedly speak about it,” he added. Fakhrul also praised BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying the country’s people are looking towards his leadership with high expectations. “People across the country are looking at our leader, who upon returning to Bangladesh told the nation, ‘I have a plan’. That plan is about building the country, eradicating poverty, improving education, and ensuring healthcare for all,” he said. He noted that the government has already begun implementing these initiatives and addressed concerns over funding. “Many have questioned where the money will come from. You can already see that work has begun, and he has explained how funds will be mobilised,” Fakhrul said. Highlighting the party’s electoral commitments, he referred to initiatives such as family cards and farmer cards, aimed at strengthening social protection and supporting rural communities. He further said that the party is moving forward under the leadership of a “symbol of potential”, expressing confidence that Tarique Rahman can bring meaningful change to Bangladesh. “We are advancing with our youth, with our leader at the forefront—someone we believe can transform Bangladesh,” he added.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday claimed his party made significant compromises to prevent any delay to the national election under the pretext of reforms. “We refrained from saying many things in the interest of elections. There was a concern that elections might be stalled in the name of reforms, so we compromised on many issues and even signed the July National Charter,” he said taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on President’s speech in Parliament. He added that political stakeholders reached an understanding through dialogue and unity, emphasising that the July Charter was a product of consensus. Referring to the July Implementation Order, the minister criticised what he described as an illegal and  unconstitutional directive issued by the President. He said his party, along with its allies in the simultaneous movement, had clearly stated in a press conference in Gulshan that they would not accept anything outside the July National Charter. “There is record, video and media coverage of our position,” he said. Salahuddin also spoke about the implications of a two-thirds parliamentary majority, warning that such dominance in the past had undermined multiparty democracy. “Had there not been a shift, the one-party system would not have been abolished and multiparty democracy would not have been restored,” he  added. Expressing concern over the current state of social media discourse, the Home Minister said freedom of expression was being misused. “If this continues unchecked, it will damage our culture, social harmony and religious coexistence,” he warned, alleging that abusive language and personal attacks even involving family members of the Prime Minister  have become widespread. Addressing young people, he urged them not to turn the spirit of past political movements into a ‘political commodity’. “July belongs to everyone. “We should uphold its spirit rather than claiming exclusive credit,” he said, adding that all participants in anti-authoritarian democratic movements share equal ownership of its achievements. Referring to the opposition’s formation of a shadow cabinet, he welcomed the move, saying it could enhance responsibility and political engagement. He expressed interest in maintaining communication and exchanging information with opposition counterparts. Responding to remarks by deputy Opposition Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher regarding the ownership of banks, Salahuddin Ahmed criticised contradictory statements. He said the issue of shareholding transparency should be clarified, alleging that bank takeovers had occurred both during previous governments and under the interim administration, albeit in different ways. Thanking the President, he said the head of state played a guardian-like role during the period from August 5 to 8, 2024, when the country was without a formal government. He further observed that the interim government had support from different political forces both ‘inside and outside,’ adding that some of those groups are now expressing dissatisfaction. “If things were good before, how did they suddenly become bad? This is contradictory,” he said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher on Thursday claimed that he is also a ‘child freedom fighter’ (Shishu Muktijoddha) as he had assisted the refugees on their way to India during the 1971 Liberation War. "Today, we are being called Razakars and Al-Badr (collaborators of Pakistani occupation forces) more and more. None of us sitting here were Razakars or Al-Badr. We are the current leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami. If you talk about heroic freedom fighters, then I am also a child freedom fighter," he said in Parliament. Taher made this claim, participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion over the President’s speech delivered at the outset of the current session in the House. Explaining his claim, he said his (ancestral) house is near the border and his family helped refugees heading to India by providing them shelter, food and guidance. “Those who went to India as refugees would take shelter in our house. We would feed them breakfast and watch to see if the army was patrolling. If the army was far away, we would show them the way so that they could cross the border safely into India,” he said, adding that so, no one has the right to make such remark that they are Razakars. The Deputy Opposition Leader alleged Razakar Moulana Nurul Islam was a member of Awami League government’s cabinet, while Shah Azizur Rahman was in the cabinet of Ziaur Rahman. Warning over two-thirds majority: Taher  warned the government about the risks of overwhelming parliamentary majorities, citing historical examples from the subcontinent. Despite having a two-thirds majority, Indira Gandhi was ousted from the power in India and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated, he said. Terrible consequences were seen during the time of Indira Gandhi in India, Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan, Sheikh Saheb in Bangladesh, then during the time of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, he said. “We saw terrible outcomes of it (two-third majority). We want to learn from that and ensure that such an incident never happens again in Bangladesh," he said. Ask for decent words in Parliament Expressing concern over the use of indecent language in Parliament, Taher said, “I heard that the health minister used the term ‘Razakar’ against someone. Such words are inappropriate and undesirable inside Parliament,” he said. He warned that political attacks through such language could undermine mutual respect. ‘Jamaat has no bank’ Responding to a claim made by the finance minister, Taher said Jamaat does not own any bank. “Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited is not Jamaat’s bank. None of our MPs are directors there and we have not taken any advantage such as loan rescheduling,” he said. However, he acknowledged that persons with their ideological affiliation may have contributed to the bank’s establishment. "The Islamic Bank was the fruit of the efforts of a group of honest and enterprising people... If you say we have a role in running the Islamic Bank, we admit it," said the Jamaat leader.

BNP Standing Committee member and MP from Dhaka-2, Goyeswar Chandra Roy on Thursday claimed that many ruling party lawmakers would feel uncomfortable when the issue of the ‘1/11’ political changeover is raised. Taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President's speech in Parliament, he said he was among the first to stand against the developments of the 2007–08 Bangladeshi political crisis. Roy alleged that reform initiatives promoted during that period by figures such as Major General Amin and Brigadier General Bari were part of a broader “depoliticisation conspiracy” under the then caretaker regime led by Fakhruddin Ahmed and Moeen U Ahmed. Referring to the role of BNP leaders at the time, he said some senior party figures had panicked and distanced themselves from then party chief Khaleda Zia, while grassroots leaders and the public stood by her. He noted that Khaleda Zia did not leave the country despite pressure, choosing instead to face imprisonment. Roy also criticised the stance of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami during the period, alleging that the party did not issue statements in support of Tarique Rahman or Khaleda Zia at the time. However, he said BNP had extended support when Jamaat leaders were arrested over war crimes charges, including calls for their release. He urged Jamaat to acknowledge its role during the 1971 Liberation War. Alluding to remarks by Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, Roy rejected insinuations about BNP’s relations with neighbouring India. “Your relations with neighbours date back to the British era, not ours. So you have little to be proud of regarding 1947,” he said. He emphasised that Bangladesh should maintain friendly relations with all countries for economic reasons, but without compromising sovereignty. “We will maintain friendship with neighbours, but not a relationship of subservience. It must be based on equality, preserving the country’s independence and the interests of the people,” he added.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam on Thursday called for national unity among all political parties to build a ‘fascism-free, sovereign, and humane Bangladesh,’ regardless of differing political ideologies. “Differences of opinion are natural in parliament, but we must reach a consensus for the sake of people and democracy. Collective efforts are required for the rule of law and logical solutions to national problems,” he said. The Chief Whip was delivering his thanksgiving speech on the President’s address on the closing day of the first session of the 13th Parliament. Stressing that the primary goal is to make the parliament ‘effective’ rather than just ‘vibrant’, Nurul Islam said politics must serve common people including farmers, labourers and rickshaw pullers. “We want to advance the vessel of democracy under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister,” he added, referring to the current leadership's vision for a self-reliant nation. “Many members here have survived cases, jail time, and brutal torture. Therefore, we should not engage in internal battles or verbal warfare against one another,” he said. Islam cautioned that democracy should not be treated like a game of badminton or tennis where one side simply wins. “We must decide where we want to take this democracy. If we fail to make the right decisions, someone else will come and occupy these chairs, putting us all in danger. We must decide if we will let the sun rise or sink back into darkness,” he warned. Drawing on the words of Martin Luther King Jr., he cautioned: “If we do not unite like brothers, we will have to perish like fools.” Highlighting the benefits of unity, the Chief Whip mentioned that the parliament has already taken significant steps in the national interest, such as the collective decision to forgo personal plots. He also noted that the government has accepted opposition proposals regarding oil and gas issues to reach a national consensus. “Whenever we unite for a good cause, the suffering of people outside these walls diminishes,” he added.