United News of Bangladesh

Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Opposition Leader in Parliament, will offer the holy Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at 8:00am on Saturday at the Monipur Girls’ High School ground, located beside the 60 Feet Road in Mirpur. Following the prayers, he will exchange Eid greetings with people from all walks of life, according to a media statement. Later in the day, he is scheduled to exchange Eid greetings with diplomats stationed in Dhaka from 11:00am to 12:30pm, and with political leaders and others from various segments of society from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at his government residence on Minto Road.  

Police have arrested a local leader of Awami League from his residence in Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj district in a sabotage case early Thursday. The arrestee is Md Nayeb Ali Khan, 60, vice-president of Maheshpur union unit Awami League and son of Syed Ali Khan alias Ranga Khan. Based on secret information, police conducted a drive at his house at Baspur and arrested Nayeb Ali at the dead of night, said Mahfuzur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kashiani Police Station. He was listed in a sabotage case filed over an incident on July 16, 2024, said the OC. On July 16, the supporters of Awami League and its associate bodies allegedly obstructed a programme of the National Citizen Party (NCP) by felling trees on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in the Majra area, creating panic and disrupting vehicular movement. The AL leader will be produced before the court.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday night said their party is likely to hold its seventh national council this year, although no date has yet been fixed for it. “The BNP council will be held within this year. We have not finalised the date yet, but I think it will be held soon,” Fakhrul, also the LGRD Minister, said. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. The last council of the BNP was held in 2016 - a gap of ten years already, although the party has been known for long gaps between councils Replying to a question about party activities after forming the government, Fakhrul said party activities are continuing, though at a limited scale. “Party activities are going on, though in a smaller way. Most of our party’s senior members are now in government, so it will take some time to reorganise the party…the government will do its work and the party will do its own,” he said. Fakhrul stressed that no one has been left out of the party, and everyone, along with government officials and the public, will be involved in activities. The LGRD minister took a number of questions on the current political situation, activities of parliament, local government elections, government performance, appointment of vice-chancellors in universities, and the overall economic situation. It was the first time since assuming his new office as a member of the cabinet.that the veteran politician, who was appointed as the BNP's secretary general at that last council in 2016 (after serving some years as acting secretary general), engaged in a lengthy question-and-answer session with journalists. He claimed that the BNP-led government has already started delivering on its election pledges within a month of taking office. Coming to the government’s achievements under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul said, “In just one month, we have started putting into action the promises we made before the election. We have launched the Family Card pilot project, waived interest on farmers’ Tk 10,000 loans, started canal digging projects across the country, and begun providing monthly allowances to religious leaders such as imams, muezzins, and khadims. Farmers’ Cards will be issued from Pohela Boishakh. These are real achievements. Taking these promises to action in just 30 days of a new government is a big success.” Fakhrul also said the government remains committed to implementing the issues it agreed to, i.e. those where it didn't register any dissenting note, under the July Charter. He also tried to say that BNP seems to face global challenges whenever it comes to power, as he reflected on the Israel-Iran war, seemingly surprised by how soon it emerged after the new government in Dhaka took office. He expressed his satisfaction though, at how his government had handled matters so far. “Despite the situation, there has been no disruption in fuel supply in the country, nor has the price increased, due to the government’s capacity,” he said. “Advance measures also prevented problems in garment factories over wages.” The minister also said work is progressing on holding local government elections and the government plans to complete the process "as soon as possible", again holding out the possibility that it would be within this year. On the economy, Fakhrul said the biggest challenge is to restore it to a healthy state. “Work has already started. The central bank governor has changed, and policies are being slightly adjusted. Small businesses are starting to get loans, and economic activity is picking up. Bangladesh’s biggest advantage is its population. If the government manages well, the economy will grow steadily.” On criticism over vice-chancellor appointments, he said, “There will always be critics. Appointments are made based on merit and political view. The best candidates are chosen, and some criticism is normal, but we are not worried.” The BNP, Fakhrul hinted, would prefer to be judged on the work their appointees do, rather than get bogged down in the politics behind the appointments. “Our goal is to rebuild institutions damaged under previous governments. Honest and capable people are being appointed in ministries and departments, such as the Secretary of the LGD Ministry, who is highly skilled both academically and administratively.” Regarding the University of Dhaka vice-chancellor, he said, “The new VC has an excellent academic record, including a PhD, and was previously VC of the Open University. Unlike the previous Awami League government, which appointed third-class candidates, this is a merit-based selection.” He described the cabinet as versatile, with a mix of experienced and new members. Fakhrul sounded nonplussed about the potential return of the Awami League, starting through limited activities  as seen this week. He said, “Let politics continue and democracy work. The opposition will raise issues, debate, walk out — that is the beauty of Parliament.” On media freedom, he said, “Journalists are free to write and criticise. There has been no interference. Our information minister says daily that everything is open, and no one is pressured. BNP enjoys the greatest media freedom since coming to power.” Fakhrul said the government had done its homework to handle economic challenges.  “This is not a populist move. We have a clear plan for funding, revenue, and spending. We are confident there will be no financial problems in carrying out our projects.” When his attention was drawn to the diabolical train derailment that occurred in the Santahar area of Bogura, Mirza Fakhrul said all steps have been taken to address the unexpected occurrence and the ensuing problems promptly, with train services that were interrupted set to resume normal service soon, with added safety.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said he has successfully been able to keep the promise he made earlier before the nation as even a single person didn’t complain that he couldn’t vote in the February 12 general election. “Till now I’ve not found any person who complained that he couldn’t vote on Election Day. I’ve asked many people – hundreds of people,” he said. The CEC made the remark while addressing a views-exchange discussion on strengthening women’s participation in the electoral process at the Nirbachan Bhaban auditorium on the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2026. He said he has not heard that even a single person couldn’t vote, faced problems and violence in the polling station or was driven out from the polling station. “I’ve been able to deliver what promise I made before the nation,” Nasir Uddin. Talking about the post-election complaints by the political parties or particular candidates, he said different complaints might be raised after the election as it was seen after the fair elections in the past. “There might be various objections regarding the vote. Such objections are raised usually when the election is fair. It is our history and culture. We also saw it in the past. We saw different allegations like subtle manipulation of elections in 1991 and 1996,” he said. Nasir Uddin said no objection is raised normally during the course of a nice election. No person raised any single complaint when he was talking to common voters including minority community and women voters during his visit to the polling station on Election Day, he said. In the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, BNP won 209 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. The election was held in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies, but the Election Commission published results of 297 constituencies. Besides, 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. Focusing on women’s contributions to the economy, the CEC said the value of women’s household work is not reflected in the country’s economic calculations and GDP. He praised the efficiency of female election officials who performed duties during the polls, saying no allegations of bias or irregularities have so far been raised against them. Citing the current EC’s significant success in registering women voters, Nasir Uddin said, “Previously, there was a gap of around three million between male and female voters. After the door-to-door voter list update, the gap has now reduced to about one million,” he said. Election Commissioners Anwarul Islam, Tahmida Ahmed and Abdur Rahmanel Masud, among others, spoke at the discussion.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday welcomed the canal excavation initiative taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.In a Facebook post from his verified account, he said Bangladesh was once widely known as a riverine country where rivers played a vital role in transportation, trade and agriculture.He mentioned that rivers previously ensured smooth navigation, helped transport goods and supported farming activities. Besides, rich fish resources, preservation of soil fertility and proper water flow during the rainy season helped prevent frequent floods and related sufferings.However, he said that since independence, the combined impact of the Farakka Barrage and the filling of major rivers, canals and beels has severely affected the country’s water systems. Jamaat Ameer congratulates Tigers on historic ODI series win over Pakistan“As a result, rivers that once flowed strongly cannot hold enough water during the rainy season. This often leads to premature flooding, while in the dry season many rivers resemble deserts,” he said.He added that disruptions in natural water flow cause waterlogging in major cities and towns during the monsoon, while in the dry season there is not enough water for navigation and agriculture.Shafiqur Rahman stressed that restoring navigability through adequate dredging of major rivers should be a top national priority to protect the country.He also said that although funds had been allocated in the past for dredging, river management and reform, the expected benefits were not achieved due to widespread corruption.“There is no alternative to transparency in all sectors,” he said, adding that the government has a responsibility to ensure proper and transparent use of public funds.He further said that canal excavation alone will not produce the desired benefits unless rivers regain their vitality and navigability. “Only then will people receive the full benefit of canal excavation,” he added.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme by cutting soil with a spade at Sahapara canal in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur.The programme was launched at around 12:27pm at Balrampur village under Ramchandrapur union of Kaharol upazila.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas was flown to Singapore by an air ambulance on Sunday for advanced treatment. The air ambulance left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 11:17am, said Mizanur Rahman Sohel, personal assistant to Mirza Abbas. “The air ambulance departed at 11:17am and is expected to reach Singapore after about four hours,” he said. Sohel said Mirza Abbas will be admitted to Singapore General Hospital. The air ambulance arrived in Dhaka from Singapore at around 9:10am. Constitutional Reform Council's fate may be decided by MPs in Parliament, hints Salahuddin Mirza Abbas was taken to the airport from Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara by an ambulance and then transferred to the air ambulance. His wife Afroza Abbas, son Yasir Abbas and Evercare Hospital doctor Zafar Iqbal accompanied him on the flight. Mirza Abbas underwent brain surgery on Friday. After nearly four hours of surgery, he was shifted to the ICU at night. The BNP leader was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Wednesday evening after he suddenly fell sick and lost consciousness during iftar. A medical board comprising leading neurologists was later formed to oversee his treatment.

Mirza Abbas, political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a member of the BNP Standing Committee, will be taken to Singapore on Sunday for advanced treatment. Mirza Abbas’s personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel said he will be flown to Singapore by an air ambulance at 11am on Sunday. Abbas’s wife and Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas and their elder son Mirza Yasir Abbas Bhashan will accompany him. Mirza Abbas's post-surgery scan report 'good' The BNP leader has been under close observation after undergoing brain surgery on Friday while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital Dhaka. A CT scan of Abbas’s brain was conducted on Saturday morning and the report came out good, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam said. Abbas suddenly lost consciousness while drinking water during iftar on Wednesday. As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka that night. A CT scan of his brain was later carried out. As the report indicated a deterioration in his condition, a medical board formed for his treatment reviewed the situation and decided to conduct surgery. The surgery was performed in two phases on Friday following the medical board’s decision. After the operation, the former minister has been kept under 72-hour intensive observation by the medical board. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been regularly inquiring about the health condition of the senior BNP leader. He visited Evercare Hospital on Friday afternoon.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas is under close medical observation following brain surgery, with doctors saying his CT scan report on Saturday morning came out good. “His CT scan was done in the morning and the report is good,” BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam shared the update on Saturday afternoon. He said the doctors of the medical board are monitoring Abbas’s condition round the clock. “He is under close monitoring.” Mirza Abbas undergoes brain surgery at Evercare Hospital Rafiqul said Abbas will remain under intensive observation by the medical board for 72 hours. Members of the medical board include Prof Ali Uzzaman Joarder, Prof Kazi Din Mohammad, Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, Prof Raziul Haque, Prof Syed Sayeed Ahmed, Prof Kader Sheikh and Prof Shafiqul Islam, along with other physicians of Evercare Hospital Dhaka. The medical board decided at a meeting on Friday to carry out urgent brain surgery on Abbas. The operation began at around 3:10pm and ended at 7pm, after which he was shifted to the Neuro ICU. Abbas was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Wednesday after he suddenly fell ill and lost consciousness during iftar. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Abbas at the hospital on Friday afternoon.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), on Friday demanded the swift impeachment and arrest of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, calling him a ‘collaborator of fascism.’ “He has violated his oath, there are allegations of corruption against him and he remained indifferent during the genocide,” he alleged. A new president must be elected without delay, he said at the NCP’s divisional Iftar in Mymensingh. He added that despite allegations of election engineering and manipulation, NCP representatives joined the parliament session to respect the institution and to work toward constitutional reforms. Nahid said they attended parliament with commitments to ensure the effective functioning of the legislature, establish the upper house and carry out constitutional reforms. “We said we do not want any associate of fascism in this parliament. We want a fascism-free national parliament,” he added. He alleged that although the parliamentary session began positively and his party participated sincerely, the President whom he described as an associate of fascisms was allowed to deliver a speech. “Allowing him to speak in parliament was a kind of betrayal with the aspirations of July,” he said. At the programme, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari expressed hope that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would be brought back from India and the death sentence against her carried out. Nasir also alleged that extortion is taking place in different sectors in Mymensingh including sand trading and bus terminals and called for steps to stop such activities. He further said some people are trying to profit from the drying up of the Brahmaputra River and urged resistance against such attempts.

BNP Standing Committee member and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Mirza Abbas underwent brain surgery at Evercare Hospital Dhaka on Friday. A team of specialist neurosurgeons carried out the surgery, said BNP Health Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam. “The brain operation has been completed. After nearly three hours and 45 minutes of surgery, he was shifted to the Neuro ICU around 7pm,” he said. Rafiqul said Abbas will now remain under close observation by doctors. He said the senior BNP leader was taken to the operating theatre at about 3:10pm following a decision by the medical board. Rafiqul said Abbas’s family has sought prayers from the people of the country for his recovery. Abbas fell ill and lost consciousness during iftar on Wednesday and was admitted to the hospital in the capital’s Bashundhara area. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Abbas at the hospital on Friday afternoon. Earlier on Thursday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and some other political leaders also visited the hospital to inquire about Abbas’ condition.