United News of Bangladesh

Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for the Comilla-4 constituency and chief organizer of the southern region for the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated on Friday night that politics must be freed from the clutches of rogue individuals. "Politicians do not take any action against drug dealers. When commodity prices increase in the market, politicians remain silent," he remarked while addressing a road march and rally at Raipur  upazila in Lakshmipur as the chief guest around 10:30 pm. Hasnat Abdullah claimed that prior to elections, politicians collect extortion money from business syndicates to fund their campaign activities. "Consequently, when those same business syndicates increase the prices of essential goods against the public interest after the election, politicians wear wooden spectacles and remain busy solely singing the praises of the Prime Minister in parliament," he said. The NCP leader also criticized the constraints faced within the legislature. "When we want to speak in parliament, the Speaker tells us that it is not Shahbagh Square, it is parliament. There is no need to think that we will only speak inside parliament. If you do not allow us to speak there, we will speak outside. We will speak near the people. You cannot keep us away from speaking."

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nahid Islam on Friday said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh only for the execution of a death sentence verdict against her. He made the remarks while addressing an event organised by the National SME Foundation marking International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026 at the Diploma Engineers Institute in the capital's Kakrail. The programme featured an award ceremony and discussion session honouring successful small entrepreneurs. Govt must implement referendum verdict to prove its commitment to July uprising: Nahid Islam Speaking as the chief guest, Nahid Islam said, "Today we watched an interview where someone said that they are planning to return to the country in December. Our demand is that the country has already suffered from 16 years of destruction. Now we also want her to return, to face the execution of the death sentence verdict." He said a verdict has already been delivered in Bangladesh and the government should bring back the "perpetrator of genocide" through proper diplomatic and legal processes and execute the verdict. Replying to journalists after the event, Nahid said it is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to decide how Sheikh Hasina will return, who she will come with, and whether she will surrender. "The Bangladesh government will discuss the matter with Delhi. There is no other party involved here. The government will decide when and how to bring her back and how the verdict will be executed. She must be brought back with all necessary preparations," he said. Nahid further said Sheikh Hasina's decisions are not solely personal decisions, claiming that she speaks according to what is permitted from Delhi. "Whether Sheikh Hasina will return or not, how she will return, and whether she will face trial, all these issues depend on the diplomatic and political understanding between Dhaka and Delhi. Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League is no longer a political party," he said. Saying that participants of the July uprising are prepared to face any situation, Nahid said, "Those who took part in the July mass uprising are politically prepared to deal with any situation. We are ready for any circumstances to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and economy." He warned that if there is any attempt to create political tension centring on Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League, and if the government supports such efforts, the government itself will suffer the most. "The people of Bangladesh, all forces involved in the July uprising, around 30,000 injured people and families of 1,400 martyrs — we are all prepared," he said. Regarding the trial of the Awami League, Nahid said the government is considering bringing the party as an organisation under judicial proceedings. "We believe this is the right path. The verdict against Sheikh Hasina has already been delivered. Now it has to be executed. If Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, she will return only for the execution of the death sentence verdict. Therefore, we also want the verdict to be implemented," he said. Entrepreneurs from across the country attended the event, where officials of different organisations and entrepreneurs also delivered speeches.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah on Thursday alleged that Bangladesh has not witnessed the desired political change, claiming that only the "faces of extortionists and corrupt individuals" have changed. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally following the party's "July March" programme in Sonagazi municipality of Feni, Hasnat said extortion, drug trafficking and case trading had merely shifted from one group to another. "We wanted an end to extortion, not just a change in extortionists. We wanted an end to corruption. Unfortunately, only the people involved have changed," he said. The rally was organised to press for the implementation of a referendum, employment generation and stronger border security. It was chaired by Feni district NCP Convener Zahidul Islam Soikat. Earlier, central party leaders joined a procession through Sonagazi Bazar as part of the programme. Criticising the BNP-led government, Hasnat alleged that despite promises of improved governance, people were instead facing power shortages. "The government promised electricity but has put hurricane lamps and candles in people's hands. Now electricity does not go out; it comes only occasionally," he said. He also claimed that while the government had promised employment, drug abuse and gambling had expanded instead. Rejecting allegations of corruption against his party, Hasnat challenged critics to produce evidence. "If anyone can prove even one taka of corruption against us, bring the evidence. No one will be able to prove it. We entered politics to make corrupt politics difficult," he said. Referring to the movement for public sector jobs that preceded last year's mass uprising, Hasnat said unemployment remained a major concern. "We have yet to ensure jobs for the unemployed youths whose movement sparked the mass uprising. New recruitment circulars are not being issued because jobs are allegedly being reserved on partisan considerations," he said. He also criticised the government for failing to fulfil its pledge of creating 10 million jobs. "The Prime Minister promised 10 million jobs after coming to power. But in the last six months, not only has the target of 10 million remained unmet, not even one million jobs have been created. In fact, not a single new job has been ensured," he alleged. Hasnat further criticised repeated assurances of action against drug trafficking after Eid festivals, saying the promised crackdown had yet to materialise. "If it is not made clear after which Eid the operation will begin, students and people will again take to the streets as they did in 2024 and build resistance across the country," he said. Addressing the rally, NCP Joint Convener Ali Ahsan Junaid said the party would continue its movement until the proposed referendum was implemented. He expressed hope that the government would respond to public demands through effective measures and said the party would mobilise public support to press its demands. During the programme, Hasnat introduced Sonagazi Upazila NCP Member Secretary Suza Uddoula as the party's candidate for chairman in the upcoming Sonagazi Upazila Parishad election. Earlier in the day, NCP leaders visited the graves of two people described by the party as martyrs of the July 2024 uprising in Fulgazi and Sonagazi upazilas and met their family members. The "July March-2026" programme marked the beginning of the party's campaign in southern Bangladesh under its "July Awakening to Build the Nation" initiative. Central and local NCP leaders and activists attended the events.

At least four people were injured in a crude bomb explosion during a rally of  National Citizen Party (NCP) in Savar on Monday night. The explosion occurred around 9:45 pm at the Eidgah ground near Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar municipality while an NCP rally was underway following the party's "July March" programme, said witnesses. They said panic spread among party leaders, activists and spectators after a loud explosion ripped through the rally venue. The injured were identified as Shahin Khandaker, 30, Jasim, 26, Shahadat Hossain, 40, and Imran, 35. The condition of Shahin and Jasim was reported to be critical. NCP central committee member Yasir Arafat said miscreants hurled the crude bomb while Dhaka district NCP Convener Engineer Nabila Tasnid was delivering her speech. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam were among the party leaders present on the stage during the incident. Following the blast, Nahid Islam led party leaders and activists to Savar Police Station, where they staged a demonstration. He later told reporters that several party leaders and activists have been injured in the attack. Nahid alleged that the attack was carried out by "terrorists linked to the government and the Awami League." He also claimed that members of an organisation which is facing ban on activities are carrying out flash processions without effective action from the authorities . Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Savar Police Station Nur Mohammad said law enforcement personnel rushed to the scene after the explosion, brought the situation under control and launched an investigation. He said the NCP has filed a complaint with the police station over the incident.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bangla Academy President Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq. In a statement issued on Sunday night, the party said Prof Huq made significant contributions to the educational and cultural sectors. The party also remembered his contributions to education, research and creative works with deep respect. Eminent writer, researcher and academic Prof Huq passed away around 2:30 pm on Sunday at the National Heart Foundation in Mirpur after falling ill at a family programme. He received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1981.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday announced that it will hold marches in 100 municipalities (pourashava) and upazilas across the country from July 6, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, employment generation and stronger border security. As part of the programme, the party will organise the "July March 2026" in 100 upazilas and municipalities across all 64 districts. NCP describes proposed budget as 'ambitious, fiscally unrealistic' The announcement was made at a press conference held at the party's central office in Banglamotor by NCP's Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam. Party leaders said the marches would begin simultaneously in the northern and southern regions on July 6. The northern campaign will be led by Sarjis Alam and NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, while the southern campaign will be led by Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah and party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. Sarjis alleged that those who supported the perpetrators of the July killings have become increasingly emboldened because they have not yet been brought to justice. He said the marches would also introduce the party's potential local election candidates and urged people from all walks of life to participate in the programme. According to the announced schedule, a march will be held in Kaliganj Upazila at 4 pm on July 6, followed by another in Savar Upazila later that evening. On July 7, the party will organise a march in Cox's Bazar. Sarjis also announced that a farmers' rally will be held in Kurigram on July 15, where the party's new platform, Jatiya Krishak Shakti (National Farmers' Power), will be formally launched. On July 16, NCP leaders and activists will visit the grave of July movement martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur. Addressing the press conference, Sarjis said the NCP wants to see the Home Minister's remarks regarding the banned Awami League reflected in concrete action. He alleged that because justice has yet to be ensured against those who assisted the perpetrators of the July killings, some of them have returned to the public sphere and are making provocative remarks about the July movement. Senior NCP leaders, including Ali Ahsan Junayed and Mahin Sarkar, were also present at the press conference.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday urged the government to implement the verdict of the referendum and implement promises of state reform, saying this would demonstrate its commitment to the aspirations of the July mass uprising. After paying tribute at the mass grave of martyrs of 2024 uprising at Rayerbazar, Nahid said merely observing the anniversary would not be enough unless the promises of justice and reform are fulfilled. "The government has to prove that it stands with the July Uprising by implementing the reforms demanded by people and executing the referendum verdict," he said. He said July 1 marked the beginning of the historic uprising and that the party has started its observance by visiting the martyrs' mass grave at Rayerbazar. Nahid said that although the uprising took place two years ago, the country has yet to achieve the discrimination-free and democratic Bangladesh envisioned by its participants. Referring to a recent verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal, he said the judgment has failed to satisfy the people or the families of the martyrs and injured. He criticised the sentence given to Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) President Hasanul Haq Inu, alleging that he had actively supported the July killings as an ally of the Awami League-led alliance. "We do not think the sentence of 10 years in each of the three cases is enough," Nahid said, urging the state to appeal against the verdict and seek the maximum punishment. He also expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of investigations and trials related to the July killings, saying only two verdicts have been delivered since the current government assumed office. Nahid called for the speedy completion of all pending trials and demanded that those accused of involvement in the July killings, including Sheikh Hasina and the killers of Osman Hadi be brought back to Bangladesh to face justice. He also demanded the implementation of the death sentence against Sheikh Hasina once all legal procedures are completed. Nahid urged the government to fulfil its commitments to the families of the martyrs and injured by ensuring financial assistance and rehabilitation for the July fighters.

More than 200 leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Dhaka North district youth wing convener Senjuti Hossain, joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a programme in Savar on Friday. Senjuti Hossain, who was introduced as a July movement activist and convener of the NCP's youth wing in Dhaka North, formally joined the BNP by presenting a bouquet to BNP central leader and lawmaker for the Dhaka-19 constituency, Dr Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin Babu. A reception ceremony marking the joining was held at the residence of the BNP leader in the Bank Colony area of Savar. Speaking at the event, Dr Salahuddin Babu welcomed Senjuti Hossain and the NCP leaders and activists into the BNP. "The BNP is a major political party. July movement activists who wish to join the party will be welcomed," he said. Senjuti Hossain said she joined the BNP to strengthen the party and contribute to the country's largest political platform. She also told reporters that she wants to work for social development through her political activities. At the programme, newly joined leaders Helen Jahan Rifa and Sujan Ahmed also addressed the gathering. Among others, former Savar Upazila Vice-Chairman and BNP leader Dewan Moin Uddin Biplob, Savar Municipality BNP General Secretary Badiuzzaman Badir, Municipal BNP Vice-President Ferdous Ahmed Pradip and Organising Secretary Abdur Rahman spoke at the event.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition in Parliament Nahid Islam on Tuesday described Awami League as a “fascist, killer and terrorist organisation” and an anti-independence and anti-sovereignty force, saying the opportunity for its politics in Bangladesh had ended on August 5, 2024. He made the remarks while speaking at a rally organised by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance at Bijoynagar in the capital, demanding justice for alleged enforced disappearances, killings and mass killings committed during the Awami League regime. Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest. Nahid further alleged that those taking shelter in Delhi do so because the Awami League has roots there, adding that the party has turned into an “Indian party” and was also previously such a party. Therefore, he said, the opportunity for Awami League to return to or conduct politics in Bangladesh ended on August 5, 2024, referring to the mass uprising that toppled the fascist regime. He also warned that those who are compromising with or dreaming of rehabilitating the Awami League in politics will face the same fate as the party itself. The NCP leader alleged that space is being given in the media to “civil society aligned with the Awami League.” He said the Awami League was brought to justice for alleged genocide, while the BNP is facing public scrutiny due to the failure in implementing reforms. “Both forces must now be opposed equally.” He called for continued struggle inside and outside Parliament under the leadership of the 11-party alliance for reforms, justice and protection of Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Thursday dismissed the government's proposed Tk 9.38 lakh crore budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as overly ambitious and detached from economic reality, warning that the actual deficit could be nearly double the official figure. Reacting to the budget placed before parliament by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, NCP's Shadow Budget Committee chief and joint convener Atik Mujahid said the stated deficit of around Tk 2.5 lakh crore masked a far graver fiscal picture. "The actual deficit could approach Tk 4.5 lakh crore," Mujahid said, adding that the revenue collection target of Tk 6.95 lakh crore, equivalent to 10.2 percent of GDP, was simply unattainable under present economic conditions. "I believe the revenue shortfall alone could exceed Tk 2 lakh crore." While acknowledging that the proposed outlay is the largest in Bangladesh's history, NCP argued it may equally go down as the country's biggest deficit budget in real terms. The budget, tabled Thursday in the Jatiya Sangsad, projects total expenditure at 13.7 percent of GDP, up by Tk 1.48 lakh crore from the previous fiscal year. Development spending stands at Tk 3.16 lakh crore, including Tk 3 lakh crore under the Annual Development Programme, while non-development and other expenditures are pegged at Tk 6.21 lakh crore. Revenue income is projected at Tk 6.95 lakh crore, of which Tk 6.04 lakh crore is to come through the National Board of Revenue and Tk 91,000 crore from other sources.