United News of Bangladesh

Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited Shishu Hospital in the capital's Shyamoli on Saturday to see children affected by measles. During the visit, he spoke with attending physicians and took updates on the condition of the patients, said Mujibul Alam, senior assistant publicity secretary of the party’s Central Publicity Department. Jamaat Ameer stressed the need for ensuring proper and necessary medical care for those affected by measles. Jamaat to back just causes, resist injustice: Ameer Rahman also visited a petrol pump near Asad Gate in the capital, where he reviewed the latest situation regarding fuel supply. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament for Dhaka-12 Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Committee Member Mobarak Hossain, and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Selim Uddin, among others.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said his party will support the government on all just causes while firmly opposing injustice and any actions that undermine people’s rights. Speaking at the District and Metropolitan Ameer Conference of the party at Al-Falah Auditorium in the capital, he said Jamaat’s stance is “clear” on issues of public interest. “We will support the government on all just causes, but will stand as a barrier in case of injustice and any actions that deprive people of their rights, wherever they occur.” The Jamaat chief said his party rejects what he called “deception and fraud” surrounding the referendum. He urged the government to accept the verdict of the referendum, saying his party will extend full cooperation in its implementation. Shafiqur Rahman criticised the handling of the post-July political transition, alleging that the interim government failed to ensure a credible and acceptable transfer of power through the election. He also questioned the credibility of the latest parliamentary election, claiming it was “engineered” and failed to reflect public expectations. The Jamaat ameer voiced concerns over governance, alleging politicisation in key sectors, rising prices of essentials, energy shortages and increasing public hardship. He reiterated that Jamaat will continue to work with the people and raise public concerns both inside and outside parliament. Senior party leaders, including nayeb-e-ameers, the secretary general, assistant secretaries general, central executive council members and district and metropolitan leaders, were present at the conference.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday said there is “no alternative” to implementing the verdict delivered through a referendum, accusing the government of delaying its execution. Speaking at a press conference of an 11-party alliance held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, Parwar alleged that the government had taken a “U-turn” and was offering various excuses instead of implementing the referendum outcome. He also claimed that opposition voices were being suppressed in the National Parliament and criticized recent government statements on multiple issues. Referring to the energy sector, Parwar questioned the Energy Minister’s claim that there was no crisis, saying the country was facing fuel shortages, long queues at petrol stations, and difficulties even for lawmakers in accessing fuel. He further said the fuel situation was contributing to a fertilizer shortage, warning that it could affect agricultural activities, including the upcoming Boro season. On the health sector, he expressed concern over what he described as a worsening measles situation, claiming that hospitals were under severe strain and many patients were in critical condition. Parwar also alleged a deterioration in law and order, citing incidents of extortion, murder, and land grabbing, and claimed that banking sector stability had been undermined by large-scale loan defaults. He further accused the government of politicising public administration through transfers and forced resignations, saying there had been no qualitative improvement in governance.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia on Wednesday alleged that the inclusion of Jamaat leaders and activists in the murder case of ‘Pir’ Abdur Rahman Shamim alias Jahangir in Daulatpur is part of a “well-planned conspiracy”. They also demanded an impartial, transparent and credible investigation to uncover the true circumstances of the incident. The claims were made at a press conference held in Kushtia city on Wednesday afternoon. Jamaat leader among 200 sued over Kushtia ‘Pir’ murder In a written statement, Daulatpur Upazila Jamaat Ameer Maulana Belal Hossain said that in the recent murder incident in Philipnagar, party-nominated union parishad chairman candidate and former district president Muhammad Khaja Ahmed has been named as the main accused, while attempts are being made to implicate other party leaders. He rejected the allegations, calling them “completely false, baseless and part of a well-planned conspiracy.” He further claimed that neither the party nor its leaders and activists were involved in the killing of Pir Shamim, nor in any related attack, vandalism or arson at his shrine. Jamaat leaders said the party has maintained a peaceful and lawful stance since the incident and supported dialogue and legal processes. They also raised the alleged presence of local BNP leaders also at the spot, calling for a fair investigation to uncover the real facts behind the incident. The leaders stressed that political or ideological differences should never be resolved through violence, and said they do not support any form of extrajudicial activity. They alleged that a vested-interest group is trying to implicate their leaders for political reasons, targeting individuals who advocate “anti-extortion and anti-occupation politics” in the area. The press conference urged authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, identify the real culprits, and bring them to justice, while also calling for an end to the harassment of innocent individuals. They also requested the media to report responsibly and avoid spreading rumours or one-sided information. The leaders called on locals to remain calm and not be provoked by any misinformation, and said the party would contest the matter through legal channels. Jamaat leaders and activists, including Kushtia city Jamaat Ameer Enamul Haque, Daulatpur Upazila Ameer Maulana Belal Hossain, Secretary Abdullah Al Noman, and former Shibir president Mostafizur Rahman Palash, attended the press conference. Earlier on Tuesday, a case was filed against four named individuals, including a local Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader, and 180-200 unnamed ones, over the murder of self-proclaimed ‘Pir’ Abdur Rahman, also known as Shamim Reza and Jahangir, who was killed in a mob attack at his shrine in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia. Victim’s brother Fazlur Rahman filed the case at Daulatpur Police Station. Shamim Reza, 65, was beaten and hacked to death on Saturday afternoon at his shrine known as “Shamim Baba’s Darbar Sharif” in Philipnagar union. According to locals, an old video from 2023 resurfaced, leading to allegations of blasphemy and triggering the attack. Three of his followers– Zubayer, Mohon Ali and Jamirun Nesa – were also injured in the incident.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said there will be no compromise in the struggle to realise the rights of the people of Bangladesh. He alleged that the government has failed to fulfil its commitments to the people and warned that protests would continue both inside and outside parliament to ensure their rights. Shafiqur Rahman, also the opposition leader in parliament, made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting those injured in election violence in the Sherpur-3 by-election constituency (Sreebardi–Jhenaigati) at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. BNP eliciting political crisis through stance on reforms: Jamaat Secretary General Questioning the persistence of political violence, he said, “Why is there so much violence in politics even after so much bloodshed in July?” He also criticised the tone of parliamentary discourse, saying such behaviour is not expected in the House. "If individuals involved in violence go to parliament, what can be expected from them." Referring to the situation in Sherpur-3, he said many of the injured remain in serious condition, indicating the severity of the violence. The Jamaat Ameer also criticised the state of healthcare services, saying overcrowding and mismanagement at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital reflect neglect in the health sector. Local leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami were present during his visit.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday accused the BNP of eliciting a political crisis in the country, by what he described as "refusing to accept the verdict of 70 percent of the people" in the referendum. Speaking at the inauguration of a nationwide mass communication programme in the capital’s Shahbagh, Parwar said BNP is breaking its promise to the people and deceiving them. He questioned why BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who supported a “yes” vote in the referendum, is now ignoring the verdict. “Out of the 84 reform proposals, the notes of dissent given by BNP were cancelled as soon as the referendum was won. That is why BNP is in a state of confusion. They want to return to fascism through deceit,” he alleged. Parwar urged the Prime Minister to publicly confirm his vote in the referendum, saying that canceling it would amount to denying his own vote. He warned that if the government does not implement the July Charter in parliament, the issue could be taken to the streets. The BNP has insisted they are not against the July Charter, but rather the July Charter Implementation Order, which they say the president had no authority to issue. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin said BNP is showing double standards by calling one election legitimate and another illegal. NCP Joint Member Secretary Joynal Abedin Shishir added that BNP, elected with 51 percent of votes, is not accepting the referendum verdict supported by 70 percent of the people. AB Party Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdullah Al Mamun Rana warned that those attempting to impose fascism by ignoring the referendum could face a worse fate than the Awami League. National Democratic Party (JAGPA) vice-president Engineer Rashed Prodhan said ignoring the 70 percent referendum verdict may force the public to prepare for another August 5-style movement. A mass mobilisation campaign will run nationwide from April 9 to 15 under the 11-party alliance, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict and convening of the Constitutional Reform Council to address the energy crisis.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep shock over the deaths in a fire at an unauthorised gas lighter factory in South Keraniganj. In a statement on Saturday night, he said the fire broke out at the Kadamtali factory around 1pm and five people, including three women, had died as of the time of the statement. Two others are seriously injured and undergoing treatment in hospital. He said the grief of the families of those killed in this tragic accident will never be filled. Dr Shafiqur Rahman prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the deceased and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the injured. He said such accidents continue to occur due to the operation of illegal and unsafe factories, which is very worrying. He added that these losses are the result of irresponsibility and lack of proper supervision by the authorities concerned. He urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible, and take strict legal action. He also called for the injured to receive the best possible treatment and for appropriate financial compensation to be provided to the families of both the deceased and the injured. The Jamaat Ameer stressed that effective measures must be taken against illegal factories and safety standards in industrial plants must be strengthened to prevent such accidents in the future.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday strongly condemned the government’s decision to increase the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and autogas in the private sector, expressing concern over its impact on public life and industrial production. In a statement, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said LPG is an essential daily commodity and any price hike would significantly impact people’s lives. “It is very difficult for lower- and middle-income groups to bear the additional cost. The government has increased gas prices without considering the purchasing power of the people, which goes against public interest,” he said. He warned that the decision would raise production costs in both small and large industries, which could lead to higher prices of essential commodities, directly affecting consumers. Golam Parwar urged the government to reverse the decision and take effective steps to increase imports or production to stabilise prices. He said the increase in private sector LPG prices by Tk 32.30 per kg at the consumer level is unprecedented. As a result, the price of a 12kg cylinder — the most widely used in the market — has risen to Tk 1,728, up from Tk 1,341 last month, marking an increase of Tk 387. He also said the price of autogas has increased significantly at the consumer level. For April, the price of autogas, including VAT, has been raised by Tk 17.94 per litre, up from Tk 61.83 in March. The Jamaat leader said the increase in autogas prices would have a major impact on the transport sector, putting additional financial pressure on people. He called on the government to consider the overall situation and take immediate steps to ease the burden on the public.

The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a rally and protest march in Dhaka this coming Saturday (April 4), demanding implementation of the referendum verdict through constitutional reform. The rally is scheduled to be held at 5:00pm at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad announced after a meeting of the alliance on Thursday. He said the opposition alliance would also seek to build public opinion through outreach and leaflet distribution to press home its demands. The outline of the movement and the next programme will be announced at a meeting of the alliance’s top leaders on April 7, he added. Dr. Azad alleged that the government is taking initiatives to amend the constitution while ignoring the popular mandate expressed in the referendum, which he said insults the people and contradicts the spirit of the July uprising. He said amending the constitution to meet the country's needs falls within parliament's jurisdiction and is a routine process. However, no part of the basic structure of the constitution can be changed through an amendment bill, he added. In special cases, he said, the legal way to change the basic structure is to hold a referendum and form a Constitutional Reform Council to secure direct public consent. He also alleged that constitutional amendments paved the way for authoritarian rule in the past, and claimed the current government is moving in the same direction. He said reforms based on the referendum verdict are needed, rather than amendments. Criticising the energy crisis, the deterioration in law and order, and the government’s decision to introduce online classes in educational institutions, he said the authorities deny the energy crisis despite its existence. He also described the decision to introduce partial online classes in schools as harmful to students’ intellectual development. The 11-party alliance strongly demanded implementation of the referendum results and the immediate formation of a Constitutional Reform Council. It warned that if the demands are not met, a movement will be launched on the streets.

Opposition Leader Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday appreciated Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal for expressing his views in his introductory speech to play impartial role in Parliament. “The sentiment you have expressed here today through your speech is exactly what the people of Bangladesh desire. They want Parliament to be turned into the center of all activities in the country,” he said. Earlier the first session of Parliament resumed on Sunday after a 14-day break as its third sitting began at 3:00pm with Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal in the chair. Jamaat Ameer mourns death of speaker’s wife Dilara Hafiz While presiding over the House for the first time, the Deputy Speaker made his introductory speech and expressed his views to remain neutral and would play impartial roles in the Parliament. He also cited that he already resigned from the post of his party (BNP) for the sake of being impartial. Following his speech, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, also the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, took the floor and hailed his views. “We congratulated you once when you were elected Deputy Speaker. Today, we are officially congratulating you again,” he said. “This chair is a very important chair of justice. The message you have given from this chair is that you will impartially consider everything and give everyone what is due to them. So, I congratulate you once again for this attitude,” he went on. The Opposition Leader assured the Deputy Speaker that they would extend all sorts of cooperation to all reasonable steps taken by him.