United News of Bangladesh

Convenor of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has accused political parties of betraying both the July Uprising and people after the movement. Addressing a roadside NCP rally in Pabna’s Shaheed Chattar on Monday night, Nahid said, “The fascists and murderers must be brought to justice. We said fascist Hasina’s President (President Mohammed Shahabuddin) cannot be there as president. This generation removed her, but political parties were too afraid of acting more. They have deceived the movement and the people of the country.” He stressed the need for reforming the media, police, bureaucracy, military and the constitution, saying a new Bangladesh would be built through reforms. “Our student activists painted graffiti on school and college walls during the uprising — those graffiti already expressed the aspirations of post-August 5 Bangladesh. A new constitution has essentially been written with those,” he added. NCP fighting for an equal, democratic Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Nahid said a proposal for a new constitution and judicial reforms would be presented on August 3, urging public participation. NCP leaders Ariful Islam Adib, Nasiruddin Patwary, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Tasnim Jara and Pabna student leader Barkatullah Fahad also addressed the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday expressed support for the proposal made by the National Consensus Commission to decentralise the lower judiciary and extend its reach to the upazila level, aiming to bring justice closer to people. Talking to reporters during a break on the tenth day of the Commission's second round of meetings with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said their party agreed with the proposal. “Jamaat has agreed with the Commission’s proposal on decentralisation of the lower judiciary, bringing it from district to upazila level. We have supported their proposal because today’s National Consensus Commission, today’s interim government, and the overall situation in Bangladesh—all centre around the public aspiration for change on 5 August. In the interest of the people, we want to bring the courts to their doorsteps,” said Azad. Explaining the reasoning behind this support, Azad highlighted the hardships faced by rural citizens in accessing justice. Rizvi accuses Jamaat of displaying double standards  “If someone living in an upazila seeks justice, they have to overcome significant communication barriers to reach the district level. There is an economic aspect to this. Distance and time are also factors. Once at the district level, arranging a lawyer and undergoing the judicial process brings about psychological suffering, as well as costs for accommodation and food,” he said. He went on to say, “The situation becomes even more unbearable if the litigant is financially constrained. Therefore, to reduce public suffering and ensure justice, and to ease the legal burden on courts, we supported the idea of bringing courts to the upazila level.” Azad said Bangladesh has 495 upazilas and that some judicial benches are already in place under constitutional provisions. “We proposed that all upazilas gradually be brought under the court system and that existing benches be transformed into permanent courts,” he said. He also acknowledged concerns that decentralisation of the judiciary might lead to increased corruption, given the presence of broker syndicates that often collude with judiciary officials or deceive litigants with false promises. “This issue came up in discussions. But as the saying goes, we don’t cut off the head to cure a headache. If people develop moral values, awareness increases, and if we can educate them, such problems can be eliminated. And is corruption absent in district-level courts? Didn’t you yourselves report how a verdict was issued using a forged signature of a High Court judge?” Azad mentioned. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat leader said the discussion also touched on village courts. “There are some limitations within the village court system. We proposed making it more effective. For instance, it currently allows a maximum fine of Tk 75,000. That jurisdiction could be increased.” There is also a lack of qualified individuals to mediate disputes. If they are given proper training and empowered with more authority and skills, many issues can be resolved at the union level itself through village courts, Azad said, adding that could be a useful mechanism for quick dispute resolution.

Bangladesh will have to be rebuilt through  justice, reform and a new constitution, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said on Saturday. "Even after a year, we do not see any visible steps. That is why we are demanding justice, reform and a new constitution," he said these things as the chief guest in the "July March for Building the Nation" programme street meeting at Naojowan Ground in Naogaon city on Saturday night. Addressing the people, Nahid expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you and we are deeply grateful for your support despite the storm and rain. The National Citizens Party has launched the July March for Building the Nation to mark its one-year anniversary. We are touring all 64 districts, and our visit to Naogaon is part of that journey. We are not just talking; we are listening—listening to the families of martyrs and the common people." No one can stop election, warns BNP’s Gayeshwar Expressing disappointment over the condition of the roads, he said for the past 15 years, the fascist government talked of development, but they have only deceived the people. "Those days of deception are over. We do not want to see such false promises again. The National Citizens Party will not make any false promises," he added. Nahid emphasized, "Through the mass uprising, the common people and the youth of this country have emerged as an alternative leadership. We are offering that alternative leadership and spirit to you. It is up to you to decide which path Bangladesh will take and what its future will be. For the past 15 years, the people of Bangladesh have endured oppression and torture by the fascist government. Many brothers and sisters from Naogaon have been exiled, and numerous others have been injured or martyred." Govt must ensure trial before election: Nahid He continued, "We brought independence in 1971, but that independence was lost. We have not been able to enjoy its true benefits. We will not let the mass uprising of July 24 go in vain. That is why we fought for independence, and we will also bring reforms—reforms that will protect this independence. Only then can the July martyrs be given their rightful dignity. This is our promise." Munira Sharmin, party's joint convener and chief coordinator of Naogaon district unit, urged everyone to stand with the NCP. NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain said we saw our brother being killed right before our eyes. Despite many witnesses to the genocide, justice has not yet been served. "If we want to bring peace to the mind of people, those responsible—like the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina—must be tried on Bangladeshi soil," he added. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer The event was jointly hosted by NCP Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam and Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah. Senior Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, and various leaders and activists at the district and upazila levels, were also present.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam on Saturday demanded justice for the killings during the July-August uprising before any national election is held. Addressing a rally organised by the party’s Bogura district unit at Satmatha Zero Point, Nahid said over 15 people were killed and more than 700 injured during the uprising. "For the last 17 years, Bogura has been a victim of the fascist government's political discrimination. People from Bogura were denied jobs just for their identity. Hundreds of false and fabricated cases were filed against them," he said. Earlier in the day, NCP leaders exchanged views with the families of those killed in the July movement at Bogura Tourism Motel. Election without cleansing ‘stinking past’ amounts to killing democracy: Jamaat Ameer Following the meeting, Nahid Islam led a four-kilometre-long march from Koloni area to Satmatha, with a large number of students and locals participating in it. Among others, NCP Central Member-Secretary Akhter Hossain, Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, central leaders Nasir Uddin Patwary, and Dr Tasnim Jara addressed the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned that holding another national election without cleansing the country's ‘stinking past practices’ would amount to a ‘massacre of democracy’. "We have made it clear that before any proper election, some essential and fundamental reforms must be carried out. It cannot be the genuine political intention of any party to obstruct this reform,” he said while speaking at a programme titled ‘Sudhi Somabesh’ in Feni town. The first step towards ensuring people’s rights is to hold a fair election, said the Jamaat chief, calling upon all to cooperate with the reform commission. Recalling the martyrs of last year’s July movement, he said, "We will not betray our children, and no one else will be allowed to do so either. We are ready to establish the state our martyrs dreamt of, respecting the price of their sacred blood." Any form of fascism must be resisted, reiterates Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said they do not want to hear even a “whisper of administrative interference” in the upcoming national election. "If that’s the case, then why so many people sacrificed their lives?" he questioned. The Jamaat Ameer reiterated his party's stance against fascism, saying that no fascism can stay on Bangladesh’s soil and they [Jamaat] have fought for the rights which are yet to be established. He mentioned that their fight for justice and people's rights will continue until every trace of authoritarianism is wiped out. "With patriotism in our hearts and faith in Allah, we must take the country forward." Presided over by Feni district Jamaat Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan, the event was addressed, among others, by central and local Jamaat leaders, including central Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Earlier in the afternoon, the Jamaat Ameer addressed a gathering of the party Rukon at the same venue. Jamaat wants local polls before national election 'to reduce public suffering'  During his speech, Dr Shafiqur emphasised adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system to prevent the rise of fascism. He also stressed the need for holding local government elections before the next national one and insisted that all future elections must be held under a caretaker government.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged his party leaders and activists to forge strong resistance against what they said fascism whether it is old or new one. “We don’t care whether it’s a new or old force—any form of fascism must be resisted with determination,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paduar Bazar in Cumilla Sadar Dakkhin upazila in the morning. “The martyrs who shed their blood for Bangladesh left us a sacred trust. We will not allow anyone to betray their sacrifice. We want to uphold the value of their blood,” the Jamaat Ameer added. “We don’t want an election for the sake of it. Our leaders and activists must be prepared,” he said. No credible election possible without basic reforms: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat chief addressed four roadside rallies on his way to Feni to attend a party event. Dr Shafiq warned, “We are observing how some parties are looting and grabbing everything. We urge them to restrain themselves; otherwise, people will resist you.” The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Cumilla city Ameer Qazi Din Mohammad. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Maulana ATM Mohammad Masum, central Majlish-e-Shura member and Cumilla South district Ameer Advocate Mohammad Shahjahan, North district Ameer Prof Abdul Matin and city Nayeb-e-Ameer Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, among others, also spoke at the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said a free and fair election is not possible without fundamental reforms. "A number of fundamental reforms must be made for fair elections. We have talked about those reforms. We must realise the reforms and also a fair election, InshaAllah," he said while addressing a divisional rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground. Referring to recent incidents of violence at Patgram in Lalmonirhat, he claimed that a neutral election is not possible in the current situation.  “So, the electoral atmosphere must be created first and we are demanding fundamental reforms to create such an environment,” he said. The Jamaat chief urged leaders of all political parties to act responsibly and take control of their activists to prevent political violence. He said if anyone dreams of holding an Awami fascism-style election, they turn that dream into a nightmare.  Major parties agree on special committee for constituency delimitation: Jamaat leader “No administrative coup will be tolerated. No hooliganism in the polling stations and the use of black money will be tolerated,” he added. About mob violence, the Jamaat Ameer said, “Mob culture has continued in the country for a long time, but no Jamaat activist has ever been involved in such violence. Since 1972, Jamaat has stood firmly against mob politics.” In the rally, Jamaat’s 'aspirants for 33 parliamentary seats' of Rangpur Division were introduced ahead of the next national election. Jamaat Rangpur city and district units jointly arranged the rally to press home four-point demand, including the trial of all perpetrators of killings carried out the 2024 July-August mass uprising and necessary reform before election. From gallows to public stage: ATM Azharul Islam Addressing the rally, Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam said Allah has brought him from the gallows to the public stage. Had it not been the August 05 uprising, the people would have attended his namaz-e-janaza (funeral). “Abu Sayed's sacrifice paved the path to my release… I demand quick trial of his killers,” said Azhar, who had been sentenced to death in a war crimes case but was acquitted following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, 2024. ‘We’ve not got justice yet:” Abu Sayeed’s brother Ramzan Ali, elder brother of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, expressed frustration over the delay of justice. “Even after more than a year, we’ve only seen formal announcements. Four are in jail, and arrest warrants have been issued for 26 others. But this is not enough,” he said. Jamaat wants local polls before national election 'to reduce public suffering'  He demanded that all the accused be brought back from home and abroad, tried publicly under a platform like the July uprising tribunal, and sentenced accordingly. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman, Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar, assistant secretaries general Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin and Islami Chhatra Shibir President Jahidul Islam also spoke at the rally presided over by Rangpur city Jamaat Ameer ATM Azam Khan. Friday’s rally marked the first major Jamaat gathering in Rangpur in nearly 17 years.  Thousands of leaders and supporters from Rangpur and neighbouring districts joined the rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground, with the crowd spilling over onto adjacent streets. The rally echoed with slogans demanding the implementation of Islamic law and governance by honest leaders.  Jamaat supporters travelled to Rangpur by rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and trucks since morning to join the event.

Two groups of BNP’s student wing Chhatra Dal clashed over dominance in Sylhet’s Tilagor area on Thursday, leaving two people injured. The clash erupted around 4 pm near Sylhet Government College following an alleged attack on Chhatra Dal leader Minhaz Uddin by rival activists. Army and police personnel conducted a joint operation to bring the situation under control. Three held for raping mentally challenged girl in Sylhet During the raid, Shahadat Hossain, president of Green Hill State College Chhatra Dal, and activist Asfiya were detained with local weapons. Both were later admitted to Osmani Medical College Hospital with injuries. Shah Paran Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monir Hossain said the situation is now under control, with additional police deployed in the area. The detained individuals, who were injured, have been handed over to the police and admitted to the hospital. An investigation is underway, he added.

National Citizens Party (NCP) seeks to build an equal, democratic Bangladesh for farmers, workers, students, and ordinary people, said Nahid Islam, convenor of the party. Speaking at a public gathering in Thakurgaon on Friday afternoon, Nahid said the NCP is committed to realising  the dream of a dignified Bangladesh that emerged from the July uprising. The event was held at the Thakurgaon bus stand area after Jummah prayers at the district’s Art Gallery Model Mosque as part of the party’s countrywide ‘July March’ programme. "Friends, we remember how students took to the streets in July and August to resist the fascist dictatorship. Many were injured and martyred in that movement. Today, we honour their sacrifices," said Nahid. He alleged that the old system rooted in fascism still exists in the country. "The NCP has emerged to dismantle that system and establish a new Bangladesh," he added. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Nahid stressed the party's fight for justice for genocide, basic reforms, and a new constitution. "We must present the July Declaration within July-August," he said. Issuing a stern warning over border killings and pushbacks by India’s BSF, the NCP leader declared, "This is not Hasina's Bangladesh, this is the Bangladesh of the people after the uprising." Nahid also criticised the Dhaka-centric development model, saying, "There will be no regional or economic disparity in Bangladesh. Development will reach neglected districts like Thakurgaon." Among others, NCP Central Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, Southern Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Northern Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara and Thakurgaon District Coordinator Golam Mortuza Selim were present at the event.

A Barishal court has ordered police to register a case against leaders and activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad over the vandalism of Jatiya Party’s (JaPa) office in the city. Central President of Gono Odhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan have been named as prime accused in the case filed under the Speedy Trial Act. JaPa’s district General Secretary and lawyer for the case, MA Jalil, said the incident took place on the night of May 31, when Gono Odhikar Parishad activists attacked and vandalised JaPa’s office on Fakirbari Road in the city. “After the incident, our party members went to the police station to file a case, but police refused to accept it. Later, we submitted a written complaint to the court. On Thursday, the court ordered the officer-in-charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station to record the complaint as a case,” Jalil said. He added that the complaint, along with the court order, was sent to the police station around 11 am. Duty Officer SI Dolly received the documents. Jatiya Party postpones tomorrow’s rally Apart from Nur and Rashed, the case also accuses Gono Odhikar Parishad’s district President HM Shamim Reza, district General Secretary HM Hasan, city General Secretary Farhad Hossain, along with 25 named and 70 to 80 unidentified activists of the party. Reacting to the development, Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Barishal city General Secretary Farhad Hossain said, “We are not aware of any case being filed in court over the vandalism of JaPa’s office. However, if there is such a case, we will face it legally.” Kotwali Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said, “We have not yet received any documents from the court regarding the case. If the duty officer has received them, we will get those in due time.”