United News of Bangladesh

Allegations of nepotism have surfaced against Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Md Nurul Amin of Rangpur-6 (Pirganj) constituency for allegedly appointing close relatives, including his nephew and brothers-in-law, as presidents of several government-funded development projects. According to local sources, the MP received special government allocations for the current fiscal year, including Tk 30 lakh under the Test Relief (TR) programme, Tk 25 lakh under the Kabita programme and 40 metric tonnes of food grains under the Kabikha programme. The MP reportedly submitted a total of 30 projects for implementation in his constituency, including 14 projects under TR, 11 under Kabita and five under Kabikha. A visit to Tularampur village under Pirganj Sadar Union found that work was underway on two projects financed through the MP's special allocations. One of the projects involves the development of a prayer room and earth-filling work on adjacent land under the Kabikha programme with an allocation of 10 metric tonnes of food grains. The project's president was appointed as Yakub Ali, the husband of the MP's cousin. Another project includes road paving from Yakub Ali's house to Mushfiq's residence, construction of a guide wall beside Yakub's pond and earth-filling work. The president of this project is Salman Sharif Shawon, Yakub Ali's son and the MP's nephew. As a result, both the father and son have been appointed as heads of two separate projects, triggering criticism among local residents. Sources also alleged that several other projects were assigned to the MP's relatives and local leaders and activists of his party. Mukul Mia, a resident of Tularampur, said the MP had appointed his relatives as project heads for multiple schemes related to the prayer room, raising questions about the proper implementation of the projects. Another local resident, Manju Mia, expressed frustration, saying that a decades-old Jame Mosque in the area, where more than a hundred worshippers regularly offer prayers, had been denied funding despite an application for development assistance. "Instead, the MP favoured his relatives by giving them these projects," he alleged. Rejecting the allegations, project president Yakub Ali said he was unaware of the exact allocation or funding of the projects. "I was asked by the office to carry out the work and I am doing it. There is no nepotism here," he said. Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan said the identity of the project president was not the main issue, as there was no scope to withdraw funds without completing the work. "However, since the matter has generated discussion, it will be investigated," he said. Attempts to contact MP Md Nurul Amin over the phone for his comments were unsuccessful as he did not answer repeated calls.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker ATM Azharul Islam on Sunday urged the government to ensure corruption-free implementation of the proposed national budget. Taking part in the general discussion on the 2026-27 budget in Parliament, the Rangpur-2 MP said the proposed budget was prepared with the welfare of the people in mind but its success would ultimately depend on effective implementation. He questioned the feasibility of the government's revenue targets, noting that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has repeatedly fallen short of its collection goals in recent years. "The budget is highly ambitious. Without expanding the tax base, preventing tax evasion, curbing corruption and carrying out fundamental reforms in digital tax administration, these revenue targets will be difficult to achieve," he said. Azharul also expressed concern over the government's growing debt burden, particularly interest payments which he said account for a significant share of operating expenditure. Describing interest-based borrowing as incompatible with Islamic principles, he proposed that the government expand the use of Sukuk, or Islamic bonds, instead of relying heavily on conventional loans. He said Bangladesh introduced Sukuk in 2020 and bonds worth around Tk 24,000 crore were issued by December 2025. "If we can mobilise people's savings through Islamic financial instruments, the country can gradually reduce its dependence on interest-based borrowing," he said. Excessive borrowing from domestic banks could crowd out private sector investment and hamper economic growth, he said. He questioned the government's projection of achieving 6.5 percent GDP growth, saying the target appeared unrealistic given persistent inflation, energy constraints and global economic uncertainty. Beyond economic issues, Azharul alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami was subjected to political persecution under the previous Awami League government. He claimed that five senior Jamaat leaders were "executed through staged trials" and six other central leaders died in prison after being denied proper medical treatment. He also referred to late Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, describing him as an internationally renowned Islamic scholar and said Bangladesh has witnessed the elimination of 11 top Jamaat leaders. The lawmaker further criticised what he described as continuing political discrimination saying all parties should be treated equally. Turning to governance, Azharul said corruption remained Bangladesh's biggest obstacle to development."No matter how good a budget looks on paper, corruption has always been the greatest challenge," he said. He argued that corruption was largely committed by educated individuals in positions of authority and called for strengthening moral and religious education alongside conventional education. He urged the government to prioritise ethical values in schools and colleges, saying legal measures alone could not produce honest citizens. The Jamaat MP also defended his party against allegations that it "sells tickets to heaven", calling the claim misleading."We do not sell tickets to heaven. Prayers and fasting are the 'tickets' prescribed by Allah. We simply encourage people to follow religious teachings," he said. Azharul also called for the implementation of the Teesta Barrage project, development of rural roads in Rangpur, greater support for madrasa teachers and the nationalisation of eligible madrasashas.      

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh's media sector will undergo a qualitative transformation following the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with China on cooperation in the field of information and broadcasting. Sharing his reaction to the MoUs signed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the minister said the two countries have agreed to work together in sharing knowledge, experience and technology in the media sector. Zero tolerance against obstruction to mainstream media: Swapon "As the information minister, I officially signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Chinese government. Through these agreements, we have agreed to jointly exchange our knowledge and experience in the field of information management," he said. Swapon said he had also signed two additional MoUs unofficially, adding that details of those agreements will be disclosed later. On June 25, Bangladesh and China signed four MoUs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the media sector, promoting the use of modern technology and expanding information exchange. The MoUs will promote bilateral cooperation in news and information exchange, establish long-term partnerships in the media sector, facilitate joint research on issues relating to the Global South media, and expand cooperation and experience-sharing in broadcasting and technology use. They are also expected to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China and open new avenues of cooperation in the media and information sector. Swapon said Bangladesh will benefit from China's expertise in advanced media technology and research on artificial intelligence (AI). "We have agreed to cooperate on media technology and AI-based research with a technologically advanced country like China. Through this joint effort, we believe we will be able to bring a new qualitative change to Bangladesh's new media sector," he said. The minister said a total of 17 MoUs were signed during the Prime Minister's visit to Beijing. Of them, 13 were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang following their bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People, while six related to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry were signed on behalf of Bangladesh by him. He said the importance and honour extended to the Bangladesh delegation by China's top leadership reflected the strength of bilateral relations. "The respect, importance and discussions we received from the Chinese President, the Chinese Premier and the Speaker of China's Parliament have strengthened our confidence that Bangladesh-China relations will take our economy, technology and international standing to a new level," Swapon said. He described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's China visit as a milestone in bilateral ties. "This was the first overseas visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after assuming office. We are deeply impressed by China's sincerity and hospitality. The warmth shown to our delegation reflects China's goodwill towards the people of Bangladesh," the minister said. Referring to President Xi Jinping's remarks during his meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Swapon said the Chinese leader expressed hope that the visit will elevate Bangladesh-China relations to new heights. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26 on his maiden overseas tour after taking office. During the China visit, he attended the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in Dalian before travelling to Beijing. In Beijing, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping. He also met Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Swapon, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and the Prime Minister's advisers Humaiun Kobir, AKM Shamsul Islam, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Mahdi Amin.

Leaders of the 11-party opposition alliance on Saturday warned that a united street movement would continue if the referendum verdict is not implemented. Speaking at a divisional rally in Mymensingh, they also urged the government to implement the referendum verdict and take steps to ease public suffering. Addressing the BNP, several speakers claimed that people had voted for the party based on commitments made in the July Charter. They also alleged that the BNP was ignoring the referendum verdict, including the July Charter, and accused it of adopting "fascist" practices. Speaking as the chief guest, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Muhammad Mamunul Haque said they wanted the peaceful implementation of what he described as the will of "70 percent of the people". He warned that if the government failed to implement the referendum verdict and if the BNP deprived people of their voting rights "like Sheikh Hasina", the party would face the same political consequences. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that the BNP, with the support of the interim government, had manipulated the election. He said his party accepted the election results in the interest of political stability and building a "new Bangladesh" free from political conflict, corruption and inequality. Porwar warned that if the referendum verdict was not implemented, a united street movement would continue. He also alleged that if the BNP attempted to undermine the voting rights of what he described as "70 percent of the people", its leadership would face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina. NCP leader Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan alleged that the BNP had repeatedly failed to run the country effectively. He also claimed that the government had not taken effective action over ‘July Massacre’, the crackdown on protesters by the then Awami League government during the July Uprising of 2024.   He said the government had increased the prices of fuel, electricity and other essential commodities, and had failed to explain the outcomes of the Prime Minister's recent visits to China and Malaysia. Among others, acting Ameer of the Nizam-e-Islam Party Maulana Abdul Qayyum Sobhani, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and local leaders of the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

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.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed BNP leaders and activists not to organise any showdown or large gathering to welcome him on his return to the country Friday night following his official visits to Malaysia and China. The directive was conveyed to party leaders and activists through BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said. According to him, only senior party leaders, senior ministers and high-ranking government officials will be present at the airport to receive the Prime Minister. Party sources said leaders and activists have been requested to refrain from gathering at the airport or arranging any show of strength in line with the Prime Minister's instruction. "Following the Prime Minister's directive, there will be no showdown. Only the designated individuals will be present at the airport," Sayrul said. Tarique Rahman began his first official foreign tour as Prime Minister with a visit to Malaysia on June 21 before travelling to China. The Prime Minister and his entourage were scheduled to leave Beijing for Dhaka at 5:00 pm (local time) on Friday after concluding the visit.

Bangladesh and China signed a total of 17 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to China, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Friday. Briefing reporters at a press conference at the Diaoyutai Hotel in Beijing, he said the MoUs were signed following Thursday's bilateral talks between Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. "Based on the understanding reached between the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Chinese leadership, a total of 17 memorandums of understanding were signed," Mahdi Amin said. Of the total, 13 agreements were signed between ministries and government agencies of the two countries in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The PMO spokesperson said three other MoUs were signed between the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and various Chinese organisations and stakeholders aimed at promoting investment and economic cooperation. In addition, he said one MoU was signed between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC), the ruling parties of the two countries. "So, there are 13 ministry-to-ministry agreements, three between BIDA and Chinese institutions, and one between the political parties currently leading the two countries," Mahdi Amin said. He described the signing of the agreements as a significant outcome of the Prime Minister's visit and said they will help strengthen cooperation in a wide range of sectors. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in China on June 22 night at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During the first part of the visit, he attended the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian. After completing his engagements there, the Prime Minister travelled to Beijing by high-speed train on Wednesday night for bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two parties. The MoU was signed at 8:45am local time at the State Guest House Diaoyutai in Beijing. Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser and BNP Joint Secretary General (International Affairs) Humaiun Kobir signed the agreement on behalf BNP, while Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Liu Haixing signed the MoU on behalf of the Chinese party. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen were present. This is the first such formal agreement between BNP and CPC. It is also expected to open up new avenues of cooperation in areas such as media, think tanks, people-to-people exchanges and initiatives aimed at improving living standards.

A case has been filed in Cumilla against Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) Mufti Faizul Karim for allegedly spreading defamatory and hateful statements about Cumilla-6 lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury through social media platforms. Jalal Ahmed Khokon Talukder, son of Abdus Sattar of Ballavpur village in Sadar South upazila, filed the case at Sadar South Model Police Station on June 20. Video of MP’s emotional call to rail minister after Cumilla crash goes viral However, the matter came to light on Wednesday. Apart from Mufti Faizul Karim, the case named Kader Miahji, a resident of the Sadar South, and several unidentified individuals as accused. According to the First Information Report (FIR), derogatory, satirical and defamatory statements targeting Manirul Haque were circulated on various Facebook accounts and YouTube channels on June 19. One YouTube video allegedly contained mocking remarks about the MP's beard, cap and attire. In addition, a Facebook account reportedly used the MP’s photograph in a post labelling him a “covert Awami League leader” and “anti-Islamic.” The FIR further stated that false, misleading and provocative information was being spread in an attempt to damage the MP’s political, social and personal reputation. The plaintiff claimed to be the Senior Joint Convener of Ward No. 26 unit of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal under Cumilla City Corporation. However, leaders of the city unit said he is not a member of the organisation at any level. Cumilla City Jubo Dal Member Secretary Roman Hasan said Jalal is not affiliated with Jubo Dal and was previously involved in Jubo League politics. Officer-in-Charge of the police station Rakibul Islam said the case was accepted following instructions from higher authorities.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami themselves reflect a fascist mindset. “They are accusing others of creating a new fascism, but their own conduct demonstrates fascist tendencies,” Rizvi said while briefing reporters on contemporary political issues at the BNP’s central office in capital's Nayapaltan. No one to escape consequences if fascism returns: Rizvi Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said some groups have recently been spreading misinformation and making “bizarre statements” that damage the country’s image. “They are raising allegations of new fascism. Yet people know that they repeatedly compromised with the old fascist forces and even carried out movements alongside them. BNP has always been at the forefront of democratic struggles, whether during the Ershad era or later periods,” he said. Rizvi alleged that the opposition also nurtures fascist ideas and that their political behaviour reflects extreme partisanship. “Fascism is born out of such partisan domination. We have witnessed the consequences of that mentality through their political conduct. Even yesterday we saw attacks on journalists. Such scenes are nothing but another form of fascism,” he said, referring to the reported assault on media personnel. He said the public would not be misled by what he described as “absurd narratives.” Speaking about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ongoing visit to China, Rizvi expressed optimism that the trip would help reduce the trade imbalance between Bangladesh and China and open new avenues for investment, infrastructure development and economic cooperation. “This visit will contribute to narrowing the existing trade deficit. The Prime Minister will take timely and effective initiatives to increase investment and expand economic cooperation,” he said. He said the government believes the visit will strengthen economic ties and attract greater foreign investment. “Bangladesh will no longer remain dependent on others. The government’s goal is to build a self-reliant and capable state by strengthening democratic institutions,” he added. Rizvi also alleged that a particular group is trying to destabilise the country and warned that anti-state activities would not be tolerated under the current government. Addressing issues related to the rule of law and human rights, he said that incidents of enforced disappearance, crossfire killings and politically motivated cases no longer exist in the country. “The government is working to protect citizens’ rights and ensure justice. At the same time, judicial proceedings against those responsible for the July massacres are progressing in due course,” he said. Rizvi said BNP and its leadership have historically played a leading role whenever democracy came under threat. He said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia dedicated her life to the cause of democracy and alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had continuously spread propaganda against Tarique Rahman. “Neither Sheikh Hasina nor those who spread such allegations were able to prove the accusations they made against Tarique Rahman. This shows that they repeatedly resorted to falsehoods and propaganda,” he said. Rizvi argued that spreading misinformation to influence public opinion is a characteristic of fascism, adding that Sheikh Hasina ultimately failed in that effort. Among others present at the briefing were Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr Zahidul Kabir, former Jubo Dal Assistant Organising Secretary Sohel Rana, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal and Joint Secretary Raju Ahmed.