United News of Bangladesh

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday greeted the nation on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on Muslims to embrace the values of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. In a message on his Facebook page, he said the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived once again, offering an opportunity for spiritual purification and self-restrain. He urged the country’s Muslim community to learn, uphold and practise the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed during this sacred month and to work together to build a society based on justice and compassion. Refusal to take reform oath disrespects ‘July’: Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed the hope that Ramadan would cleanse people of wrongdoings and moral lapses and inspire them to refrain from all forms of transgression. He also called upon people to extend support and kindness to the poor and underprivileged during the month of fasting. Seeking divine mercy for the country, he prayed for peace and stability and expressed the hope that the nation would move forward in line with the aspirations of its people. He conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of Ramadan.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council is tantamount to dishonouring ‘July 2024’. “We believe that not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council amounts to insulting July. It is because of July that this election was held and Mr. Tarique Rahman became the Prime Minister, and I became the Opposition Leader. Without July, could we have reached this position” he said.

The MPs-elect of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam have taken oath as members of both the 13th Parliament and the Constitution Reform Council on Tuesday. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath at 12:22pm in line with the Constitution as the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament are currently vacant. Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moula conducted the oath-taking ceremony at the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad.  Jamaat MPs-elect first took oath as members of parliament and then separately did so as members of the Constitution Reform Council. They signed the two types of oath forms – the white forms for the members of Parliament and the light blue form for the CRC members. Now the newly elected MPs need to sign the oath book and provide fingerprints, images and digital signatures for preparation of their digital identity cards following the ceremony. Independent MP-elects also took oath as Members of Parliament. Earlier at 10:43am, BNP’s MP-elects took oath as only members of the 13th parliament not as members of the Constitution Reform Council. BNP newly elected MPs refrained from taking oath as CRC members arguing that the provision for such council must be incorporated in the Constitution first following endorsement of the Parliament. Speaking to media ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said none of them have been elected as members of any Constitution Reform Council (CRC) and that the Constitution does not currently contain such a council. “We were not elected as members of any Constitution Reform Council, nor has such a body yet been incorporated into the Constitution. If a Constitution Reform Council is formed following the verdict of the referendum, it must first be in the Constitution,” he said. On Friday last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders.  Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. But, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman left Bogura-6 seat for by-election, taking oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency. Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique 'an important moment' In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. So, the BNP-led electoral alliance sealed victory in a total of 212 constituencies, while the Jamaat-led electoral alliance won in 77 constituencies.

Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday said the new government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami will work together to build a 'new Bangladesh'. “We welcome the incoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman's courtesy visit to the residence of Ameer-e-Jamaat. It is a qualitative change in our political culture and a new beginning,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing following a meeting between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Taher said the two parties had long fought against the fascist government led by the Awami League. Following its removal, he said, BNP and Jamaat contested the election separately, but expressed hope that they would now work together for the welfare of the country. Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique 'an important moment' During the meeting, the Jamaat Ameer urged Tarique Rahman to maintain law and order across the country, Taher said, adding that they also discussed ways to resolve any potential misunderstandings or issues between the two parties. Earlier in the evening, Tarique Rahman visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Among others, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional accountability following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Dr Rahman congratulated Tarique Rahman in advance as he set to assume the office of Prime Minister, describing his visit to the Jamaat Ameer’s residential office as “an important moment in our national political journey.” “We welcome this engagement in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility, and we hope it signals a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect. We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice,” he wrote.  Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance. He also welcomed the BNP Chairman’s assurance that steps are being taken to address incidents of post-election violence, including actions concerning harm against opposition supporters and minority communities. Jamaat demands vote recount in 30 constituencies “We reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer added that his party would cooperate fully on matters of national interest while fulfilling its constitutional responsibility as a firm and principled opposition. “Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight,” he said, adding that the people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence. Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Keep guard until final count: Jamaat Ameer urges party leaders Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting. The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday called for a recount of votes in 30 constituencies following the 13th national parliamentary election, citing alleged irregularities in the counting process. “We will also apply to the Election Commission to postpone the oath-taking of the MPs from these seats,” said Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzem Hossain Helal at an emergency press conference in the evening. The constituencies listed include Panchagarh-1; Thakurgaon-2; Dinajpur-3 and 5; Lalmonirhat-1 and 2; Gaibandha-4; Bogura-3; Sirajganj-1; Jashore-3; Khulna-3 and 5; Barguna-1 and 2; Jhalakathi-1; Pirojpur-2; Mymensingh-1, 4 and 10; Kishoreganj-3; Dhaka-7, 8, 10, 13 and 17; Gopalganj-2; Brahmanbaria-5; Chandpur-4; Chattogram-14; and Cox’s Bazar-4. Helal claimed that, if the votes are recounted, these seats ‘would return to the 11-party alliance’. Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its central publicity department, said the party has already submitted applications for the 30 seats but added that “the number may increase.” Tarique Rahman to visit Jamaat Ameer, NCP chief Sunday Abdul Mannan, Jamaat’s candidate in Dhaka-6, alleged that he had been defeated due to ‘manipulation’ during vote counting. He said he hopes the Election Commission ‘will take proper action in this regard’.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday warned of launching a tough movement if people’s opinions and voting rights are manipulated through any conspiracy. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer came up with the warning while talking to reporters on The Election  Commission premises early in the morning. Jubayer said if there is any attempt to ‘manipulate’ the people’s mandate and voting rights through conspiracies, Jamaat will announce programmes and if necessary, go for a hard movement. Referring to past elections, the Jamaat leader said the nation still carries the trauma of the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections. “We have seen what happened in the elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024. Those who conducted those elections—where are they now?” he asked.  He said Jamaat would not expect the current Election Commission to face a similar fate. Responding to a question, Jubayer said Jamaat respects any opinion expressed by people in a dignified manner. “But if anyone conspires or plots using the people’s opinions, we will not accept it,” he said.  Various conspiracies surrounding elections had taken place in the past as well which the people of the country did not accept, he said. He stressed that Jamaat would continue to remain vigilant to ensure that the people’s mandate is respected and protected.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to remain at polling stations until the complete results are officially announced. The Jamaat Ameer made the call in a Facebook post in the evening. In another post, he wrote that if Allah grants victory to the oppressed, there will be no processions, no slogans, and no celebrations — instead, they will all fall in prostration (sehannnnne “We will thank Allah Almighty with all our hearts and seek the special help of the Great Lord in serving the nation,” he said. Voting in Bangladesh’s national election concluded on Thursday in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with high hopes of restoring genuine democracy and securing a strong mandate for national reforms. Govt must belong to 18 crore people, not to any individual or party: Jamaat Ameer The polling began at 7:30am and continued until 4:30pm without interruption at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies, amid the deployment of nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff. Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also participated in a referendum to express their views through ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes on proposals for several constitutional amendments.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday expressed the hope that the election would pave the way for forming a government that belongs to the country’s 18 crore people, not to any individual, family or party. “Through this election, may such a government be formed that will not belong to any individual, family or party, but to the 18 crore people of the country. We are hopeful of forming such a government,” he said, seeking cooperation from all in building the nation together. Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks after casting his vote at 8:15am at the Monipur High School (Boys’ Branch) polling centre in the capital’s Mirpur 60 Feet area. The Jamaat leader arrived at the polling station around 8am and cast his ballot amid a calm atmosphere. Voters were seen arriving at the centre and forming queues to cast their votes. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the nation had been deprived of voting rights for nearly one and a half decades. “For 15 years the people of this country could not vote, and neither could I. In 2014, 2018 and 2024, I was in jail and did not get the opportunity to vote. After missing those three elections, today, Alhamdulillah, Almighty Allah has given us the chance to vote. I express my gratitude to Him,” he said. Jamaat Ameer casts vote at Monipur centre The Jamaat chief said he believes not only he, but especially the youth who have never cast a vote in their lives, had been eagerly waiting for this election. He expressed hope that the vote would be peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said they would monitor the situation across the country, adding that minor incidents would be ignored but major irregularities would not be tolerated. “We do not want people to lose their voting rights in any way. Whatever result comes through a fair vote, we will accept it, and others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy,” he said. Responding to questions about reports of cash seizures from Jamaat leaders and activists in different places, he said media outlets are not presenting the same news in the same way. “If anyone commits a crime, even if it is me, I am against that crime. But turning something into a crime by force when it is not, that is an even bigger crime,” he added. After 17 years of waiting, the people of Bangladesh went to polls on Thursday for a historic national election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam on Wednesday lodged a series of complaints with the Election Commission, alleging attacks, intimidation of its leaders and activists and vandalism of party offices across the country in an attempt to undermine the election-friendly environment ahead of Thursday’s  elections. “We sadly say that the nice environment we expect for the elections is repeatedly disrupted. Various types of barricades are being created (to intimidate our leaders, activists and supporters),” said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair. Jamaat activist held with cash in Shariatpur; jailed for 2 years He made this remark after a delegation of Jamaat-led 11-party electoral alliance met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon, just hours before polling begins at 7:30am on Thursday. Zubair warned that if attacks continue on polling day, Jamaat activists would resist what he described as ‘terrorist activities’ with public support. “We will build resistance against terrorists with the people. InshaAllah, there will be resistance in every centre (polling station). There will be mass resistance,” he said replying to a question. Zubair cited several incidents, including an attack on Jamaat leaders in Moulvibazar on Tuesday night, where their local leaders including upazila election management committee chief Abdur Rahman were allegedly assaulted while returning home. He claimed that their vehicles were vandalised and some leaders sustained serious injuries and were shifted to Sylhet for advanced treatment. Jamaat Ameer alleges vandalisation of polling booths in Dhaka-15 Similar incidents were also reported in Moulvibazar Sadar-Rajnagar constituency, Sirajganj, Faridpur, Netrokona, Manikganj, Barishal and Patuakhali, where Jamaat’s prospective polling agents and local leaders were allegedly attacked or threatened, he said. Zubair also alleged that in Sirajganj, the law enforcers made announcements through loudspeakers on Tuesday asking locals to hand over certain Jamaat leaders to them, despite no cases being filed against them and they are dignified persons in the society. He questioned the legality of such actions claiming that the announcement is to create fear among voters. The Jamaat leader questioned who or what is inciting such forces to create a fearful atmosphere among the people by making announcements through loudspeakers in this way, which is a serious obstacle to a fair election. Referring to Dhaka-15 constituency, Zubair claimed that 12 election camps of Jamaat Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman were vandalised and set on fire overnight. “If such incidents can occur in the capital city and on major roads, questions naturally arise about the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies,” he said, urging the EC to immediately investigate and to take action. Zubair also raised concerns over an incident at Saidpur Airport, where a district-level Jamaat leader was allegedly harassed and mentally tortured by police after travelling from Dhaka with Tk 50 lakh. He said the elderly and ailing leader later fell sick and was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Jamaat demanded his immediate release and warned of legal action against those responsible. The Jamaat leader urged the EC to install CCTV cameras inside and outside polling centres to ensure a peaceful, free and credible election.