United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday described Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as a ‘secret organisation’ and warned that it has reemerged as a fresh source of political oppression in the country. “There is a political party that has another identity, an identity by which the people know them. By what identity do the people know them? They know them as a secret identity. Do you know who those ‘secret’ ones are in Bangladesh politics? Do you know?” he said while addressing an election rally at Bell’s Park in Barishal city. At this point, the people present at the rally responded in unison, saying, ‘Jamaat oppressor’. In reply, Tarique said, “Alhamdulillah. At present, a new oppressor has emerged in Bangladesh. The individuals of this secret organisation have appeared before the people of Bangladesh as a new oppressor.” Turning to the country’s female population, the BNP leader said women in Bangladesh have historically worked alongside men in fields, factories and industries, and credited them for sustaining the country’s garment sector, which has brought global recognition. Tarique expressed strong resentment over recent remarks made by a Jamaat leader about women, calling them offensive and disrespectful. “A political leader or party that shows no respect for the country’s mothers and sisters cannot bring progress to Bangladesh, nor can it ensure dignity and self-respect for the people.” Referring to Islamic history, Tarique Rahman highlighted women’s contributions to society, citing Hazrat Khadija (RA) as a successful businesswoman and Hazrat Ayesha (RA) for her role in the Battle of Badr. “Those who claim to practise Islamic politics must explain how they can demean women when the history of Islam clearly honours their role.” The BNP chief said Bangladesh cannot move forward by confining women to their homes, and recalled that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia made education free for girls up to the intermediate level during her tenure. Tarique said BNP plans to introduce a “family card” to economically empower women, especially working women and homemakers, enabling them to play a stronger role in families and society. “If we want to build the country, men and women must work shoulder to shoulder.” The BNP chairman said women would be made self-reliant if his party is voted to power in the national election. He said mothers and daughters would receive primary healthcare services at home without visiting hospitals for basic treatment. In an oblique reference to Jamaat leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Tarique said a leader of a secret organisation have recently told party workers at a rally that they should bow to the people until the 12th February, after which the people would bow to them for the next five years, calling it proof of an anti-people mindset. He said Taher’s comments exposed their contempt for the public and showed how disastrous the fate of the people and the country would be if such individuals come to power. Tarique Rahman urged people to remain alert against such secret organisations, saying those who do not respect the people and plan to control them after the election must be taught a lesson, as history shows they have always shifted sides and the nation cannot expect anything good from them. He alleged that members of the ‘secret organisation’ were involved in printing fake ballot papers and collecting NID and mobile banking details from women to influence the election. “Those who start their journey with unethical practices cannot establish honest governance,” the BNP chief said, urging voters to remain alert to prevent vote rigging. Tarique also pledged a series of measures to support farmers, including the construction of cold storage facilities, to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said women would be made self-reliant if his party is voted to power in the national election. He said mothers and daughters would receive primary healthcare services at home without visiting hospitals for basic treatment, he said addressing a rally at Bell’s Park in Barishal city. Tarique Rahman also pledged a series of measures to support farmers, including the construction of cold storage facilities, to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce. He said BNP would introduce an agriculture card to provide farmers with seeds and fertilisers according to their needs. Loans amounting to Tk 10,000 taken by farmers would be waived, he promised. Tarique said industries would be set up using gas from Bhola, creating jobs for local people and alongside contributing to regional economic development.

People are flocking to Bell’s Park in Barishal on Wednesday to join BNP’s rally, where party chairman Tarique Rahman will deliver a speech during his first visit to the city in nearly 20 years. BNP leaders and activists are arriving at the venue in processions from all 30 wards of Barishal city. Supporters are also coming from six districts and 44 upazilas. Ziauddin Sikder, member secretary of Barishal Metropolitan BNP, said they are expecting record-breaking attendance at the rally. “Everyone is coming to hear Tarique Rahman’s direction in the struggle for democracy,” he said. Supporters from outside the city are reaching Bell’s Park by buses and launches, while many are also travelling by engine-powered trawlers through river routes. BNP alleges 29 false claims targeting Tarique in one week Akon Quddusur Rahman, BNP central joint organising secretary, said Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Barishal by helicopter around noon and will address the rally shortly after. After the Barishal programme, Tarique Rahman is expected to attend another BNP-organised rally in Faridpur. Local BNP units said all preparations for the events have been completed.

Barishal district returning officer on Wednesday allocated electoral symbols among 36 candidates of six parliamentary constituencies. The symbols were distributed among them at around 11:30am at the conference room of the Barishal Deputy Commissioner’s office. Returning Officer Khairul Alam Sumon said the candidates have already received their symbols and can now formally start their election campaigns. In Barishal-1 (Gournadi-Agailjhara), Zahir Uddin Swapan was allotted the Sheaf of Paddy symbol (BNP), Kamrul Islam Khan the Scales(Jamaat), Russell Sardar Mehdi Hand Fan (Islami Andolon ) and BNP rebel Engineer Sobhan (Football). In Barishal-2 (Banaripara-Uzirpur), S Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu received  Sheaf of Paddy (BNP), Master Abdul Mannan  Scales (Jamaat) and Mohammad Nesar Uddin  Hand Fan  (Islami Andolon). In Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi), Zainul Abedin was allotted Sheaf of Paddy (BNP), Golam Kibria Tipu  Plough (Jatiya Party), Muhammad Sirajul Islam the Hand Fan for Islami Andolon and Asaduzzaman Fuad the Eagle (AB Party). In Barishal-4 (Hizla-Mehendiganj), Rajib Ahsan received the Sheaf of Paddy (BNP), Abdul Jabbar the Scales (Jamaat) and Syed Eshak Muhammad Abul Khair Hand Fan (Islami Andolon). In Barishal-5 (Sadar), Mojibur Rahman Sarwar was allotted Sheaf of Paddy (BNP), Mufti Syed Md Faizul Karim  Hand Fan (Islami Andolon) and Dr Manisha Chakraborty Ladder ( Basad). In Barishal-6 (Bakerganj), Abul Hossain Khan received  Sheaf of Paddy (BNP), Mufti Syed Md Faizul Karim Hand Fan ( Islami Andolon) and Mahamudunnabi Talukdar Scales ( Jamaat). Khairul Alam Sumon said the election atmosphere in all Barishal constituencies remains favourable and candidates maintain cordial relations with one another. He said they are expected to contest the polls maintaining mutual respect and following the code of conduct. He warned that action will be taken against anyone found violating the rules. Read More: Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 After scrutiny and withdrawal, a total of 36 candidates will contest the national election from six constituencies in Barishal.  

Bus services from Nathullabad Bus Terminal in Barishal remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Monday (November 17), leaving thousands of commuters grappling with the crisis. The bus operations on 23 intra-district routes have been halted since Saturday night (November 15) after students of BM College allegedly vandalised over 150 buses following a clash with the transport works over half fare. According to bus owners, not a single vehicle was left in operable condition, making it impossible to resume operations. “Almost all our buses were damaged. We have asked the college authorities for compensation. Only after receiving it, we can repair the vehicles and return them to the road,” said Mosharraf Hossain, president of Barishal District Bus Owners’ Group. The deadlock began on Saturday night when a dispute broke out over a bus refusing to offer a student half fare. Several hundred BM College students allegedly stormed the terminal and smashed buses, the terminal building and ticket counters. Bus services cut off in Barishal after clash, 150 vehicles vandalised Since the suspension began on Sunday morning, passengers have suffered severe disruption. During a visit to the terminal on Monday, many were seen returning home in frustration, while others attempted to reach their destinations using three-wheelers or motorbikes. However, long-distance routes, including Barishal–Dhaka services, continue to operate normally.

Bus services between Barishal and the rest of the country have remained suspended since Sunday morning (November 16) following a violent clash between transport workers and students over bus fare at Nathullabad Central Bus Terminal on Saturday (November 15). Students allegedly vandalised more than a hundred buses during the incident. Although no formal strike or work stoppage has been announced, transport owners and workers in Barishal have halted operations on all routes. Operators in Dhaka and other districts have also suspended services on Barishal-bound and other southern routes, effectively severing bus connections across the region. Witnesses said an argument erupted between transport workers and a BM College student over paying a half fare on a bus travelling from Muladi to Barishal on Saturday evening. Read more: Dhaka-bound bus services from Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Natore halt Several hundred students rushed to the terminal after being informed and clashed with transport workers, they said. The students allegedly vandalised over 100 buses, damaged the terminal building and looted money from ticket counters. One bus was set on fire, but Fire Service personnel managed to douse the flames before they spread. Transport workers claimed that 20–25 workers were injured in the attack and that ticket counters were completely destroyed. Students, however, denied the allegations, accusing transport workers of damaging buses and setting fire to one of them to shift blame onto students. A visit to the terminal on Sunday morning showed rows of shattered buses, with not a single one left intact. Leaders of the Bus Owners’ Group said the association operates 190 buses, of which about 40 were outside the terminal during the attack. The remaining 150 were vandalised. “Not a single piece of glass is untouched,” said one owner, adding that none of the damaged buses can return to service without major repairs. The suspension of bus services has caused severe suffering for passengers. Sylhet-Sunamagnj bus services suspended Ahsan Mohammad, a government employee who came to the terminal to travel to Kushtia after learning of his mother’s illness, said that for such a long journey no alternative mode of transport was viable. Mosharraf Hossain, president of the Barishal District Bus Owners’ Group, said, “We didn’t call any strike. There isn’t a single bus left intact; what will we operate?” He said the owners of long-distance buses may also have stopped operations due to safety concerns. The estimated losses amount to Tk several crore.

A case was filed against 23 individuals, including Barishal District Chhatra Dal's Organising Secretary Sohel, over the assault on two journalists and the burning of a motorcycle in front of the Barishal court gate. Among the accused, 13 have been named, while 10 remain unidentified, according to Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman of Kotwali Model Police Station. The case was filed on Friday by Khalid Saifullah, General Secretary of Barishal Reporters Unity. OC Mizanur Rahman said, “The accused have been charged with unlawful entry into the court premises, assault, vandalism, and issuing death threats.” CID files sedition case against Hasina, 72 others over conspiratorial online meeting According to local sources, on Thursday afternoon, two journalists—N Amin Russell and Moniruzzaman—were attacked while performing their professional duties at the court premises. The attack was allegedly led by Sohel, accompanied by 12-15 others. The assailants physically assaulted the journalists, damaged their cameras and mobile phones, and took cash from them. Additionally, a motorcycle belonging to one of the journalists was set on fire at the court’s main gate. The injured journalists are currently receiving treatment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.

A Jubo Dal leader was hacked to death allegedly by a Swechchhasebak Dal leader in Barishal’s Kaunia housing area on Sunday night. The deceased was Suruj Gazi ,35, son of Kanchan Gazi from the same area. Nayan Gazi, son of Taslim Gazi, was also injured in the attack. Trader killed over money dispute in Khulna Nazmul Nishat, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kaunia police station, said one group attacked the other with sharp weapons over a trifling matter, leaving Suruj Gazi dead. He asked the victim’s family to file a complaint. Local people said  there was long standing enmity between Swechchhasebak Dal leader Shahin Howlader, also known as Sona Shahin and Jubo Dal leader Suruj over land and establishing dominance in the area. During an altercation at night,  Shahin, along with his wife Shabana and sons Imran and Liyan, attacked Suruj with sharp weapons, leaving Suruj and Nayan injured, they said. Suruj succumbed to his injuries on the way to a hospital. Two suspected robbers killed in Shariatpur lynch-mob attack Nayan is currently undergoing treatment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in a critical condition. Following Suruj’s death, an enraged mob set fire to the house of the accused Shahin. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control. Police said they are investigating the incident and will take legal action against those responsible.

A ward level leader of Jubo League was hospitalised in critical condition after unknown attackers hacked him and cut the veins of his legs in Barishal city, said police on Friday. The attack on Shahriar Sachib Rajib, general secretary of the ward No-21 unit of the city, occurred on Thursday night. Rajib was shifted to a Dhaka hospital from Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital on Friday morning for advanced treatment, she said. Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, said a video footage shows two men equipped with sharp weapons chasing him around 9:30pm. Read: Jubo Dal activist hacked to death in Barguna After catching him, the miscreants hacked him indiscriminately with the weapons and fled away, he said. There were marks of injuries in legs, hands and chest of Rajib, the OC said, fearing his condition was critical. Efforts were underway to nab those involved and uncover the reason behind the attack, the police official added.

The death toll from the speedboat capsize in the Kirtankhola River in Barishal rose to four with recovery of three more bodies from the river on Sunday . The deceased were identified as Al Amin, 23, the speedboat driver and passengers Md Imran Hossain alias Emon, 29 and Md Russell Amin, 24. Barishal sadar Naval Police in-charge Sanatan Chandra Sarker said the bodies were recovered between 8:30 am and 9:30 am near Jantar Hat, located at the entrance of the Laharhat canal on the Kirtankhola River. Police sent the bodies to the morgue of Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for autopsy. After the post-mortem, the bodies will be handed over to the families. Earlier on Thursday, the body of a passenger, Jalish Mahmud, 50, was also recovered. 1 dead, 3 missing after speedboat-barge collision in Barishal Another passenger, Sajal Das, 30, could not be traced yet. Sajal, son of Dulal Das of  Rahmatpur area of Barishal city, used to work in the tuberculosis control program of BRAC in Bhola.