United News of Bangladesh

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin on Sunday alleged that a “planned mob” was created at Eden Mohila College on Saturday night targeting their leaders, claiming that the situation was instigated by “gupto” (covert) activists of Islami Chhatri Sangstha” as part of an attempt to shut down student politics. He made the remarks in a post published on his verified Facebook page around 1:15am. The JCD leader came up with remarks after a section of students at Eden Mohila College staged demonstrations on Saturday night, demanding a complete ban on student politics on the campus. The unrest began around 11:00pm when a group of students broke the locks of the college's main gate to gather and demonstrate. The protesters marched through the campus, chanting slogans to end all forms of political influence within the institution. In the post, Nasir Uddin said participation in student politics, conducting political activities on campus and expressing political opinions are fundamental rights of students. However, he alleged that a particular group has been deliberately creating mobs at different educational institutions to obstruct student politics. The JCD leader further claimed that similar incidents had occurred in other campuses in the past, where what he described as “covert” Bangladeshi Islami Chhatra Shibir used their activists to create an environment against student politics. According to him, several individuals who had led such mobs later emerged as top leaders of Shibir. Referring to an incident at Govt Titumir College, Nasir Uddin alleged that a mob had broken the college gate late at night a few days ago and harassed female JCD leaders. He claimed that one of the persons involved in that incident was later identified as the secretary of the college unit of Shibir. Describing the current situation at Eden Mohila College, the JCD General Secretary alleged that covert activists of Chhatri Sangstha similarly instigated a mob there to harass women leaders of JCD and activists of other political organisations. He also claimed that female students were being forced out of halls. Nasir Uddin warned that if such “mob terrorism” and harassment of JCD female leaders are not stopped immediately, they will put up strong resistance. He also urged the college administration to ensure the political rights and safety of all students and called on authorities not to surrender to what he termed “conspiracies or deception.”    

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has alleged that the government voted in favour of “Yes” to come to power but is now acting inconsistently regarding reforms and constitutional commitments. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists during a view-exchange meeting at the Thakurgaon Manab Kalyan Parishad hall. Porwar said the government supports 84 reform proposals and the July Charter in parliament, but takes a contradictory stance on the issue of a referendum. “They say they will implement the July Charter but will not accept the referendum. The government has separated the July Charter and the referendum for its own interest,” he claimed. He further said that the Prime Minister, the Law Minister, and ruling party leaders have stated in parliament that they will implement the July Charter “word for word.” “This means they will accept even the notes of dissent included in the charter. But they never say they will implement the referendum verdict in the same way. This shows they acted irresponsibly by voting ‘Yes’ to come to power,” he added. Commenting on local government elections and democracy, Porwar said Jamaat-e-Islami will participate in local government polls. He said the party had earlier demanded that local elections be held before national elections, but the government did not agree for “specific reasons.” He also criticised the government for appointing administrators to city corporations immediately after coming to power. “This is a clear violation of democracy and the constitution. How can an elected government appoint selected party people to important local bodies like city corporations? It proves the government is not moving on the path of democracy,” he said. The meeting was chaired by District Jamaat Ameer Professor Belal Uddin Prodhan. Among others, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, former Sadar Upazila Vice Chairman and District Secretary Mohammad Alamgir, and District Imam Samity President Fazle Rabbi were present. After attending a Jamaat workers’ conference in Thakurgaon, Porwar later left for Panchagarh.    

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said Japan considers Bangladesh an important development partner and is interested in expanding bilateral cooperation in the days ahead. Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from a week-long visit to Japan, he said discussions were held with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency and several other organisations. According to him, the talks focused on investment, infrastructure development, educational exchange, skill development, disaster management and broader cooperation in Bangladesh’s development sector. He said both sides also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing development projects. Cooperation in cancer treatment, rural development and climate change mitigation also came up during the discussions. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said he also inquired about those injured in the July movement who are currently receiving treatment in Thailand, urging the government to ensure proper treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support for them.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday accused the government of betraying the aspirations of the 2024 July Revolution, demanding immediate implementation of constitutional reforms endorsed by the people through a referendum. Speaking as chief guest at a dialogue titled 'Reform Deadlock: Way Forward,' organised by the NCP Reform Committee at a city hotel, Nahid said the revolution was a historic rejection of authoritarianism that called for structural transformation, not cosmetic change. “The 2024 revolution was a historic rejection of authoritarianism. The people of Bangladesh demanded not cosmetic reform, but structural transformation,” he said. Referring to the referendum on the July Charter and 48 reform proposals, he said the people overwhelmingly approved both the reforms and the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council mandated to implement them within 180 working days. Nahid, who also serves as Opposition Chief Whip in parliament, levelled sharp criticism at the BNP-led government, alleging it had reneged on pre-election commitments. “Before the election, BNP leaders, including the current Prime Minister, publicly supported the referendum framework. Yet after assuming office, the government refused to form the Constitutional Reform Council.” He further alleged that the government repealed key reform ordinances covering judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, police accountability and enforced disappearances, while simultaneously expanding executive authority through new legislation. Reaffirming NCP's stance, Nahid said the party remains committed to pursuing democratic and institutional reforms both inside parliament and beyond it. “The struggle for a democratic state based on justice, accountability, pluralism and institutional reforms continues.” Diplomats, representatives of international organisations, civil society members and human rights activists attended the dialogue. NCP Reform Implementation Committee Deputy Chief Sarwar Tushar, Joint Member Secretary Alauddin Mohammad and Nusrat Tabassum also addressed the session. Central leaders Javed Rasin, Mahmuda Mitu and Faridul Hoque were among those present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party’s new challenge is to rebuild the country from what he described as ‘ruins’. “You have finished a major struggle. That battle was to protect the country, protect the people and safeguard democracy. You have won that war,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district-level leaders of BNP and its three associate bodies. Fakhrul said BNP secured a parliamentary majority and formed the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “We now face a very big challenge. We have come to government from a state of destruction. Wherever you look, you will only hear ‘nothing, nothing, nothing’—that is the reality. Rising from this state of devastation and rebuilding it, lifting it up… not only the party, but also the government and the state—that is our new challenge ahead,” he said. The BNP leader said their main objective now is to overcome this challenge. “We are confident under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, who has led us even from exile, that we achieved a successful uprising and also won a successful election to form the government,” he said. Fakhrul urged party leaders and activists to strengthen the organisation, especially at the grassroots level. “We must remember the leadership and sacrifices of our leaders and workers and ensure better coordination and organisation at all levels,” he added. The closed-door meeting began around 10:45 am at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chaired the session. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the programme, which was attended by leaders from the party’s district units, as well as Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal. Party Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and AZM Zahid Hossain were also present. This was the first views-exchange meeting between Tarique Rahman and the party’s grassroots leaders since the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.  

Opposition parties should criticise the government, but such criticism must be constructive, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday. Speaking to reporters after inspecting preparations for a BNP dialogue meeting scheduled for Saturday (May 9) at the Krishibid Institution in the capital, Rizvi made the remarks. The meeting will be attended by presidents and general secretaries of BNP’s three associate bodies — Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechhasebak Dal — from district and metropolitan units. Tarique-led govt earning public confidence: Rizvi Rizvi said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the programme as chief guest. Senior party leaders, including the secretary general, are also expected to be present, while district-level leaders from across the country will present their views on organisational issues and various government activities. He added that ministers concerned will also present analyses of recent government initiatives over the past two to three months, including measures that have been implemented and those in progress. “Our Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and initiatives on canal excavation are among several good programmes,” he said. Referring to opposition politics and criticism of the government, Rizvi said BNP has struggled for democracy for 16 years, during which many lives were lost, including those of children, students, teachers and workers. “In a democracy, the government performs its duties and the opposition provides criticism. That is the basic principle, and that is how it should be,” he said. He added that opposition criticism is acceptable if it is constructive. “If there are mistakes in the government’s work, pointing them out strengthens democracy and makes the state more effective and efficient,” Rizvi said. “However, if we take programmes with the intention of putting the government in trouble or spread falsehoods, then that becomes conspiracy. Sheikh Hasina, both in power and outside power, has made many false claims. If politics follows that path, it falls under conspiracy,” he added. Rizvi further said constructive opposition would strengthen democracy. “If people consider the opposition’s stance positive, they will judge it accordingly. Ultimately, the people are the final judges. In the next election, they will decide whether the government has performed properly,” he said. BNP leaders Mahfuz Kabir Mukta, president of the Nationalist Publicity Party, and Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal, vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, among others, were present during the briefing.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Thursday said Zia Shishu-Kishore Sangathan has long been closely associated with Bangladesh’s literary, cultural and democratic movements, as well as the struggle for establishing democracy in the country. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at their graves in the Zia Udyan on the occasion of the organisation’s 38th founding anniversary. Dudu said the organisation was established with specific ideals and objectives, and over the years, it has played a role in producing hundreds of leaders and activists who later became involved with BNP at different levels. Referring to the current political context, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and BNP are now carrying forward those ideals and objectives. “I expect further progress and expansion of this organization.” The BNP leader also said the organisation played a role in the anti-Ershad movement and resisted what he described as authoritarian tendencies in later years. He alleged that the “arrogance” displayed through “three controversial elections” under the previous government had undermined the spirit of the Liberation War and mocked those who sacrificed their lives in democratic movements. Dudu claimed that such actions eventually forced those responsible to flee the country. Leaders and activists of Zia Shishu-Kishore Sangathan Dhaka South city unit, Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal and other BNP affiliated organisations were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday expressed deep shock at the death of Begum Jebunnesa, mother of Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. In a condolence message, he said Begum Jebunnesa made significant contributions to the nation as a teacher and was known for her virtuous and pious life. “With her demise, the nation has lost a noble woman,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Begum Jebunnesa breathed her last at a hospital in the capital early Wednesday. She was 83.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives(LGRD)  Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s political situation has improved compared to the past and expressed hope that sustained stability would pave the way for stronger economic growth, increased investment, and job creation.  “We believe that if we can ensure stability in the country, we will be able to move forward with our goals of economic development through  increasing investment and creating employment opportunities,” he said at a seminar titled “Cooperation on Markets, Policy, Alignment, Security, and Sovereignty.” Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research(ISTR) organised the seminar at a hotel in the capital in the morning. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general,  said government initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards and canal excavation programmes have created hope among  people. However, he identified slow bureaucratic processes as a major obstacle to investment, noting that delays by government agencies often discourage foreign investors. The pace at which our agencies handle investment issues creates a negative situation. “Foreign investors become frustrated. This has become a major problem,” he said. He said the government is working to reform the bureaucracy and improve the overall investment climate, acknowledging that the current business environment is not yet satisfactory. “Our Prime Minister is discussing it regularly and pushing all ministries to act quickly,” Fakhrul added. Highlighting challenges in the energy sector, he said Bangladesh is moving towards renewable energy, particularly solar alongside efforts for onshore and offshore exploration of oil and gas. He also underscored the importance of ensuring investment security, maintaining stability in the Bay of Bengal, and fostering balanced relations with ally and neighbouring countries. Mentioning Rohingya issued as a major challenge he said the government is working towards a solution. Fakhrul thanked ISTR for initiating the dialogue and expressed hope that it would lead to further discussions and constructive outcomes. The seminar aims to bridge the gap between national priorities and the interests of international partners, serving as a platform for aligning immediate policy needs with long-term sovereign goals. Organised in collaboration with Bangladesh Defence Journal and Change Initiative, the initiative seeks to function as a strategic forum to enhance coordination and clarity in policymaking.

The agriculture cell of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Agriculture urging the government to take immediate steps to address the devastating crop losses suffered by farmers in the haor region due to flashfloods and upstream water. The memorandum, signed by NCP Joint Chief Coordinator and Agriculture Secretary Golam Mortuja Selim, was received by ministry officials in the absence of Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid. NCP central members and agriculture cell members Touhid Ahmed Ashik and Md Omar Faruk were also present on the occasion. In the memorandum, the party said thousands of hectares of ripe Boro paddy have already gone under water across vast haor areas in Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrokona and Kishoreganj districts, while the remaining crops face acute risk. It noted that around 37 percent of the crop is still standing in the fields in an unripe state, with rapid deterioration feared due to sudden flooding. Even harvested paddy is rotting due to inadequate drying and storage facilities, the memorandum said, adding that fodder for livestock has also been destroyed, pushing farming families to the brink. The party identified labour shortages, lack of mechanised support and weak embankments as factors compounding the crisis, warning that many farmers have already lost everything and now face food insecurity. It called on the government to declare flood-affected districts as disaster zones and provide emergency cash assistance and free food aid for affected farmers. The NCP also demanded full waiver of agricultural loans for completely ruined farmers along with easy-term re-financing, and the immediate deployment of mobile drying units and temporary dryers on an emergency basis. It urged the government to launch special paddy-harvesting programmes with Army and administrative support, ensure adequate harvesters and mechanised assistance, and expedite repairs to embankments while constructing durable long-term flood barriers. The memorandum further called for implementation of an integrated master plan for haor management, modernisation of early flood forecasting and warning systems, introduction of crop insurance for farmers, and preparation of a full list of affected farmers to ensure rapid rehabilitation. "If the haor farmers survive, the nation's food security is secured," the memorandum said, calling on the government to act without delay.