United News of Bangladesh

BNP on Tuesday announced that it will share four parliamentary seats with its alliance partner Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir disclosed the decision at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, saying the seats were given as part of seat-sharing arrangements with alliance partners. “Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh will contest the upcoming election with BNP on the basis of an understanding. BNP has left Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Brahmanbaria-2 and Sylhet-5 constituencies for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, where the party will contest the election with the ‘Date Palm Tree’ symbol,” Fakhrul said. On behalf of BNP, he congratulated and welcomed the four candidates of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. Fakhrul also said BNP will not field any candidate in the four agreed constituencies, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh will not contest in other seats across the country as part of the understanding. Calling upon BNP leaders and activists, Fakhrul urged them to fully cooperate with Jamiat candidates in the four constituencies. “I appeal to our leaders and workers, and to voters in those areas, to vote for the ‘Date Palm Tree’ symbol and thereby strengthen the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’,” he said. Fakhrul warned that if any BNP leader or activist contests the election as an independent candidate in seats already allocated to alliance partners, organisational action will be taken against them. The Jamiat candidates are Maulana Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Maulana Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Maulana Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. BNP has already announced party candidates for 272 seats in two phases ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Of the remaining 28 seats, four have now been allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh as part of the alliance arrangement. Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party has reached an understanding on seat sharing with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh as it is one of the country’s leading Islamic parties. “Under this understanding, BNP will not field any candidate in the agreed constituencies, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh will not contest in other constituencies across the country,” he said. The BNP leader said details of further seat-sharing arrangements with other parties would be announced later, and mentioned that their party would uphold faith and trust in Almighty Allah in the Constitution, as incorporated through the Fifth Amendment by late President Ziaur Rahman. He said BNP has already declared that no law contradictory to the Quran and Sunnah will be enacted and that graduates from Qawmi madrasas will receive due recognition. Salahuddin also said BNP plans to include in its election manifesto provisions for state allowances for imams, khatibs and muezzins, including festival allowances, and to strengthen the existing trust for their welfare. He said priority consideration will also be given to them in recruitment as religious teachers in schools, colleges and madrasas, following existing rules. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Maulana Md Ubaidullah Farroque said the country is currently not in a normal situation and has become polarised over the election issue. “We believe the BNP is more trustworthy than others when it comes to running the country in the interest of the nation and its people.” Farroque said Jamiat decided to contest the election with BNP after careful analysis, citing BNP’s past governance experience and stability. “As an Islamic values-based party, we consider BNP suitable for the welfare of the nation and the country. We have not seen any such past record or actions of the eight-party alliance so far. However, we have seen BNP govern the country for three terms, which is why we can place our trust in BNP,” he said. Farroque expressed the hope that if BNP forms the government, it will energise the Islamic sphere in the same way the country is governed and taken forward with its people.

Amjanatar Dal on Sunday received the registration certificate with election symbol of ‘butterfly’ from the Election Commission The registration certificate, signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, was handed over to the party’s General Secretary Tarique Rahman. Earlier, the Election Commission held a hearing on December 15 to review two objections submitted against the registration of Amjanatar Dal. Following the hearing, the EC said the party had fulfilled all the required conditions for registration under Chapter VI(A) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and expressed its satisfaction in registering the party as a political organisation. With the inclusion of Amjanatar Dal, the total number of registered political parties in the country has now risen to 57, while the registration of the Awami League remains suspended, according to the EC website.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Saturday alleged that a section within the interim government had patronised an attack on him earlier in the year and said the failure to ensure justice at that time emboldened criminals to kill Sharif Osman Hadi. “If there had been justice for what happened to us, Sharif Osman Hadi would not have been killed. Because this government failed, the killers dared to murder Hadi,”  Nur said, while addressing a pre-rally gathering at Bijoynagar in the capital. The party organised the programme demanding the arrest of the accused and justice for Hadi’s killing. Party Secretary General Rashed Khan and other leaders and activists were present. Nur said the nation has been left stunned by Hadi’s death. “Leftists once said they did not want to take the country from a boiling pan to a burning one. That is exactly what has happened now,” he said, accusing the government of fostering political hooliganism and patronising fascism. “It has pushed revolutionaries towards death.” The former DUCSU vice-president also blamed the government’s failure for mob attacks on media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and for the harassment of New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. Nur further warned of a “deep conspiracy” behind mob violence aimed at destabilising Bangladesh and spreading negative narratives globally.  “The conspirators want to eliminate those who are revolutionary today, just as intellectuals were killed before independence,” he said. Speaking at the programme, Rashed Khan questioned how Hadi’s killers managed to flee. “What are the country’s intelligence agencies doing?” he asked, adding that a culture of impunity had prevailed in the past and continues now because the government is “completely failed.”

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left for London on Saturday morning (December 20, 2025), aiming to return to Bangladesh Thursday with her husband and daughter. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida departed Dhaka at 8:30am on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “She has gone back to London. InshaAllah, she will return to the country on Thursday with Tarique Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman,” Rumon said. Zubaida came to Dhaka on December 5 from London to stay beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family As a member of Khaleda’s medical board, Zubaida remained at the hospital round the clock and supervised treatment activities. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to her deteriorating health. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit under a medical board made up of local and foreign specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became much more stable and expressed hope that she would gradually recover. Following the encouraging improvement in Khaleda’s condition, Zubaida has decided to return to London to prepare to come back to Bangladesh permanently with her family after 17 years abroad. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to monitor Khaleda’s condition On September 11, 2008, Zubaida travelled to London with her daughter Zaima to support Tarique Rahman’s advanced medical treatment abroad.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan and Mancha 24 Convener Fahim Faruqi on Saturday demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam, accusing him of inaction following the armed attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson and prospective independent parliamentary candidate from Dhaka-8, Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking at an emergency press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital, the two leaders alleged that the Home Adviser must take responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly after Hadi was shot at close range while riding a rickshaw. They said Hadi, known for his simple lifestyle, believed that adequate security measures would be in place. “If Hadi does not return to us alive, the government will have to bear full responsibility,” Rashed Khan said, adding that the Home Adviser cannot evade accountability for the incident. He further claimed that under the current leadership of the Home Ministry, law enforcement agencies are unable to function effectively. “If the government truly wants to hold a free, fair and credible election, the first step must be the removal of the Home Affairs Adviser,” he added. The two leaders alleged that the attack was politically motivated and carried out by activists linked to the Awami League, with the intention of sabotaging the upcoming election. Rashed Khan claimed that at least 50 candidates have been targeted nationwide as part of a broader plan to create fear and destabilise the electoral process. Describing the modus operandi of the attackers, he said the assailants approached Hadi in the guise of friends and had conducted surveillance on him multiple times, sometimes wearing masks and sometimes not. “These masked processions by Awami League goons, even if small in number, prove that the party will not be able to return to power. It was misbelief,” he said. He also alleged that he had earlier informed at least two advisers about the alleged plan to disrupt the election. “Awami League has failed to return as a ‘refined Awami League’ or by using the National Party. Now they want to contest as independents—not to participate, but to derail the election,” he said. Rashed Khan claimed that he repeatedly warned the Election Commission that allowing Awami League or its affiliates to participate would make it impossible for other candidates to stay in the race due to insecurity. Meanwhile, Fahim Faruqi said the attack on Osman Hadi was aimed at preventing the election from taking place. “Awami League has sent a clear message that if elections are held, their existence will be erased. That is why they want to stop the election at any cost,” he said. He described the police administration as “ineffective” and blamed the Home Adviser’s inaction for the situation. “We demand his resignation and the immediate arrest of the terrorists. If the attackers are not arrested within the next six hours, we will announce continuous protest programmes. We want justice, not excuses,” he said. Sharif Osman Hadi is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, where his family members are present. The family has expressed interest in taking him abroad for advanced medical treatment. Earlier on Friday night, Inquilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government to arrest those responsible for the attack. The ultimatum was announced by the organisation’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber at an emergency press conference held at around 10:45 pm in front of Evercare Hospital. Jaber said Osman Hadi has been one of the strongest critics of the interim government, yet also a key figure who stood by it during critical moments. “Now it is the government’s responsibility to ensure his best possible treatment. If necessary, he must be sent abroad by air ambulance,” he said. He added that the Chief Adviser has already contacted Hadi’s family and other advisers have visited the hospital to inquire about his condition. “Osman Hadi is not only a leader of Dhaka-8, but of the entire country. Those who fired bullets into his chest must be arrested within 24 hours. We will not accept any narrative that the attackers were ‘killed elsewhere’,” Jaber warned.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan on Friday demanded the arrest of those involved in the attack on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi within 24 hours, warning that failure to do so should prompt the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a roadside rally at Holidhani Bazar in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila. Rashed Khan said he was “deeply shocked” by the shooting, describing Hadi as a long-time comrade in what he called the anti-fascism movement. “Hadi is now fighting for his life after being shot by terrorists,” he said. He alleged that “a conspiracy” was underway to target leaders involved in the July mass uprising. “Awami League and India have started a killing mission against anti-fascist leaders. The attack on Osman Hadi is part of that,” he claimed. Criticising the government, Rashed Khan said the attack took place a day after the election schedule was announced. “Hadi is a candidate. This attempted killing raises serious questions about the election environment. The government has failed to ensure the security of July fighters,” he said. Hadi shifted to Evercare Hospital after surgery, no bullet found in head He further alleged that efforts were being made to derail the upcoming national election. “By targeting leaders who were at the forefront of the July uprising, they are trying to disrupt the election,” he said. Seeking prayers for Hadi’s recovery, Rashed Khan said, “Hadi played a strong role against what he called Awami fascism, which is why he was attacked.”He added that a fair election would only be possible when the safety of all candidates is ensured.  

The shooting of Osman Hadi in the capital’s busy Bijoynagar area is a “grave warning sign ahead of the national election,” Islami Andolan Bangladesh said on Friday, demanding the immediate arrest of the shooter as well as those who ordered the attack. In a statement issued today, the party’s Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said Islami Andolan Bangladesh strongly condemns and expresses deep anger over the incident in which Osman Hadi of Inqilab Mancha was shot. He said the party’s Amir expressed concern immediately after hearing the news and has been closely monitoring the injured leader’s treatment. “We have repeatedly urged the government to restore law and order and crack down firmly on criminal elements. Such groups will undoubtedly attempt to disrupt the upcoming election. The government’s weakness in confronting the remnants of a fallen fascist regime is clearly visible,” Maulana Ataur Rahman said. He added that the shooting of Osman Hadi has heightened their concern. “Top political leaders will soon be campaigning across the country. This incident further amplifies questions about their safety.” Calling for swift action, he said the government must immediately arrest everyone involved in the attack, including the mastermind. “This is not only about the upcoming election—this is about the country’s overall future. The authorities must treat the matter with utmost priority.” He also urged law-enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons.

Mobile phone traders who blocked the Sonargaon crossing in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area and Jamuna Future park area of Kuril Bishwa Road on Wednesday evening demanding reforms to the proposed National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy, have withdrawn their blockade after more than two and a half hours. The traders began their protest around 6pm, placing barricades at the busy Sonargaon crossing, which soon caused severe traffic congestion stretching to several parts of Dhaka. At the same time, another group of telecom traders obstructed traffic near Jamuna Future Park on Kuril Bishaw Road towards Natun Bazar, halting vehicular movement from Kuril towards Badda. The blockade led to heavy tailbacks in the surrounding areas. Tejgaon Traffic Police ADC Tania Sultana said the traders’ sudden demonstration at Sonargaon crossing brought traffic to a complete standstill, affecting major connecting roads. “The impact spilled over into multiple adjoining areas,” she said, adding that traffic movement gradually resumed around 8:45pm once the traders withdrew the barricades. Witnesses said the protesters gathered at the Karwan Bazar roundabout shortly after evening and ignited debris on the road as part of their demonstration. Traffic from Karwan Bazar towards Shahbagh, Rampura, Panthapath and Farmgate was severely disrupted, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak hours. The suspension of movement on several major routes caused significant hardship for office-goers returning home and others on the road. Gulshan Division Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Ziaur Rahman said the barricade in front of Jamuna Future Park was also placed around 6:00pm by another group of phone traders. “They withdrew their programme at around 8:45pm, after which vehicular movement slowly returned to normal,” he added.  

The much-sought schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum will be announced at 6pm on Thursday (December 11, 2025), Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Md Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday. “The schedule will be announced at 6pm on Thursday, with Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar airing the Chief Election Commissioner’s national address,” he said while talking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon. The CEC’s speech was already recorded by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on Wednesday afternoon, which will be aired at 6 pm on Thursday. Replying to a question, the secretary said the schedule would be declared for elections in all 300 constituencies. When asked about the Appellate Division’s directive to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat district, he said, “The schedule will be announced tomorrow. As of now, the decision is to announce the schedule for 300 seats because we have not received any court order yet. If corrections are needed later, that can be done accordingly.” The Appellate Division on Wednesday upheld a High Court verdict declaring the Election Commission's gazette—reducing the number of parliamentary seats in Bagerhat by one—as illegal. On September 4, the Election Commission finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, bringing changes to the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 districts. The changes reduced the number of seats in Bagerhat from four to three and increased Gazipur’s seats from five to six. Following the Appellate Division’s verdict, now the Election Commission would need to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat and five constituencies in Gazipur district. Earlier on Wednesday, the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban to brief overall preparations to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections and the referendum. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah as well as EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present in the meeting. The President expressed satisfaction over the overall preparations undertaken by the EC for the upcoming election and the referendum. “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting. The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls, the registration of new political parties and Out-of Country Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV). The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. The President assured them that he would extend all necessary cooperation and support for the arrangement of a free, fair and meaningful election. There are some 12.76 crore voters under 42,761 polling stations across the country’s 300 constituencies. White ballot papers will be used for the national election and pink ballot papers for the referendum. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practiced in the previous elections. Read more: Prof Yunus calls upcoming election a historic chance to shape ‘new Bangladesh’ This is the first time the Election Commission is introducing a hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. Till Wednesday (December 10), nearly 300,000 expatriate voters from some 120 countries across the world have already registered through ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app to vote in the national election and referendum. The registration process for expatriates will continue till December 25. The ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process for the government staff on duty outside their voting places, polling personnel, and the persons under the legal custody (jails) will start after the announcement of election schedule and continue for 15 days. According to EC’s projection, some 10 lakh people from inside the country may vote through the postal ballot papers in the election.

Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad said on Monday that “murderers, extortionists and drug dealers cannot be leaders of any political party. He alleged that the behaviour of a section of the BNP resembles that of certain political groups seen during the Awami League regime. He made the remarks at a press conference organised by the Party at the Barishal Reporters Unity in the afternoon. Fuaad said he was harassed despite his efforts to contribute to a development project. “We know exactly who was behind this,” he said, urging BNP to bring those involved under proper party discipline. He further alleged that although all members of the local administration were present during Sunday’s incident, they remained silent. “If no action is taken against the Babuganj administration, a fair election here will not be possible,” he warned. “I have exercised patience in the interest of the nation because we want to change Bangladesh. We want respectful and dignified politics. We do not want any form of gangster politics,” he added. Earlier on Sunday, following the inauguration of the Mirganj Bridge foundation stone in Barishal, Fuaad told reporters that locals had made various extortion demands to the bridge construction contractor. At that moment, local BNP leaders and activists surrounded him, demanding the names of those allegedly involved.  A scuffle broke out between supporters of Barrister Fuaad and BNP activists. As Fuaad attempted to leave the area, BNP leaders and activists followed him in a procession, chanting “bhua, bhua” slogans.