United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12. Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion. “We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said. Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country. Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.” Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.” Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls. “The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the eligibility of BNP candidate of Dhaka-11 MA Quayum over allegations of dual citizenship and concealment of wealth information. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam filed the writ petition with the HC bench concerned. It also sought a stay order on the candidacy of  Quayum. Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa who stood for the petitioner said the petition is expected to be heard this week. Earlier, the Election Commission declared the candidacy of Nahid and Quayum valid for Dhaka-11 constituency. Why Vanuatu’s ‘Golden Passport’ Programme Draws Global Interest Allegations have circulated on social media claiming that Qayum obtained citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu and owns property there. However, Dr Qaiyum has rejected the allegations, describing them as completely false, fabricated and politically motivated. 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday warned the Election Commission (EC) and demanded punishment over the harassment of Nasiruddin Patwary, Jamaat-backed alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 and NCP’s chief coordinator, during electioneering in the city. The incident took place at Habibullah Bahar College in Circuit House Road while Nasiruddin was campaigning.  He was allegedly obstructed at the college gate, faced scuffles and was later humiliated as eggs were thrown at him. Addressing an emergency press conference at Fakirapool after the incident, Nahid Islam alleged that identified activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal carried out the attack “on the instructions of Mirza Abbas and with the consent of Tarique Rahman.” “We want to warn the Election Commission and ask how it will act against this attack, what steps the college administration will take and what position the BNP will take as a party,” Nahid said. BNP 'practiced' polling booth capture in attacking NCP's Dhaka-18 candidate: Hasnat  Referring to BNP leader Mirza Abbas, Nahid said if such conduct continues, it will not end well in the election. “An election is a battle of words. You speak, we speak and the people decide. Why are you not allowing people to decide? On February 12, people will determine who is arrogant, who is a gangster, who is a terrorist and who speaks for the people.” Nahid also criticised BNP for repeatedly raising Jamaat’s past, saying people have not forgotten BNP’s own record, particularly the period from 2001 to 2006. “If politics is discussed based on the past, we too will speak about everyone’s past.” Speaking at the press conference, Nasiruddin Patwary said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman must decide whether he will continue to patronise 'terrorists' within the party or take disciplinary action against them. Nasiruddin demanded the expulsion of Mirza Abbas from BNP on charges of violating party discipline. “Win or lose, I will not allow a reign of terror in Dhaka-8. This is my commitment. On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against terrorism and corruption through their votes.” ‘BNP activists shouldn’t be afraid, we’ll give you shelter’: Nasiruddin Patwari According to NCP, Nasiruddin was present at Habibullah Bahar College as an invited guest at a programme when he was initially obstructed at the gate, followed by scuffles that culminated in the egg-throwing incident. NCP strongly condemned the incident and issued an immediate statement demanding accountability.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially kicked off its election campaign on Thursday afternoon by paying respect at the graves of the Three National Leaders, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, located near Doel Chattar of Dhaka University. Following this, party leaders visited the graves of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Osman Hadi, situated adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The event was attended by the NCP Convener Nahid Islam, as well as Nasir Uddin Patwari, a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Speaking at the venue, Nahid Islam noted that Dhaka University was the starting point for the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the mass uprising of 2024. Consequently, the NCP chose this historic site to begin its electoral journey. Ameer-e-Jamaat launches campaign for Dhaka-15 in Mirpur "We want the election to be held on February 12 at any cost," Nahid Islam stated. "Our sole agenda now is to win that election and represent the people in Parliament." He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is failing to maintain neutrality under the current government’s influence. "We have repeatedly pointed out that the Commission is not acting impartially. They are granting special privileges to a particular party. While that party has been campaigning for several days despite it being against the rules, the EC served us a show-cause notice for campaigning in favor of a referendum. We demand true neutrality, yet we are determined to move forward regardless of these obstacles." Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP remains as steadfast regarding elections and referendums as it has been regarding reforms and justice. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure a fair election on February 12. We expect the 10-party electoral alliance to win by a landslide and form the government," he added. He asserted that the general public is with them and that there is no alternative to a victory for the 10-party alliance to carry forward the spirit of the July uprising and the momentum of national reform. Urging the nation to support the alliance, he said, "We have 30 candidates across the country. I call upon the people to elect them under the 'Shaplakoli' symbol. In Parliament, the NCP and the 10-party alliance will be the voice of the common people, the mass uprising, national reform, and our country's sovereignty."

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday said Awami League (AL) should face trial as a political party for crimes committed against people. Talking to reporters completing his testimony and cross-examination in a crimes-against-humanity case, Nahid, also a key leader of the July Uprising, said there was scope for bringing AL under trial and that an appeal would be lodged with the tribunal as sufficient evidence had now been presented. He alleged that Sheikh Hasina, as the party chief, chose to stay in power by unleashing violence against citizens, describing it as a political decision aimed at retaining absolute authority, which led to civilian deaths. “Hasina must face trial as these crimes were committed under her leadership,” he said. Nahid appeared as the 47th prosecution witness before International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumder. His testimony was recorded on September16–17 followed by two rounds of cross-examination concluded on Sunday. Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi SH Tamim, were present during the proceedings. BNP’s Rizvi accuses Jamaat of trying to build ‘state within the state’ State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain represented absconding accused Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad appeared for former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was arrested but later turned state witness. The tribunal had earlier accepted Mamun’s application to become an approver; he testified as the 36th prosecution witness, admitting his role and providing evidence against other accused. On July 10, the tribunal framed charges against Hasina, Kamal and Mamun over crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Hasina is also facing two other trials – one concerning enforced disappearances and killings during her 15-and-a-half-year rule, and another over the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre of Hefazat-e-Islam activists. According to the complaints, AL leaders, party cadres, and sections of the administration and law-enforcement agencies were involved in mass killings and other crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that a draft of the much-anticipated ‘July Charter’ has been prepared and is expected to be announced by August 5. “After the 1990 mass uprising, political parties betrayed the people and the student community. This time, the July Charter must have the consensus of all political parties and elections must be held on its basis with full legal backing,” he said. Nahid was speaking at a street rally organised by the Gazipur Metropolitan and District units of the NCP on Rajbari Road in the city. “The draft of the July Charter has been prepared, " he said. "We have said that there must be consensus among the political parties on this and elections must be held based on the July document and it must have a legal basis. Whichever government comes to power, it will be obliged to implement these reforms. We hope that by August 5, the interim government and political parties will present the July Charter,” he said. Sylhet will be a key base for NCP in future Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Earlier in the day, the party also held a rally in Mawna of Sreepur upazila, as part of their ongoing campaign across the country. Nahid Islam reiterated his party’s stance on what he termed the fight for a "new Bangladesh." He alleged that despite intimidation efforts by "terror elements" in Gazipur, NCP would not be deterred. “They couldn’t stop us in Gopalganj and they won’t stop us in Gazipur either. We’ve reached 64 districts and will continue our movement. We’ve declared that every inch of Bangladesh’s land will be freed from Mujibism, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” said Nahid. He also urged the people to stand by the families of the martyred and  injured in the mass uprising. Speaking at the rally, Hasnat Abdullah, an organiser of the party, said “Sheikh Hasina turned the army into construction workers and used the police as political tools.” He added that reforms are underway to prevent the political misuse of law enforcement and if given the chance, NCP would modernise and strengthen the army, he said. Moderated by NCP organiser Sarjis Alam the rally was addressed by several other leaders of the party.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday said Sylhet will become one of the strongest bases of the NCP in building a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks while addressing a street rally at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar after leading a procession in the city as part of the party’s ongoing “July Campaign.” “Sylhet has always stood at the forefront of history — from the 1947 referendum to the Liberation War and the July uprising. But the people of Sylhet have long been deprived first by the British, then by Pakistan, and even during the Awami League era,” Nahid said. Paying tribute to the 17 Sylhet residents who were killed during the July uprising, including journalist ATM Turab, he said the NCP is committed to fulfilling the dreams of those martyrs through the creation of a just and inclusive Bangladesh. No progress on justice for killings, disappearances since uprising: NCP’s Akhter Nahid also highlighted the contribution of expatriates, especially the Sylheti community in London, to the national economy. “Our economy moves forward with the sweat of our brothers abroad. We are fighting for their voting rights and believe they should have a role in national policymaking,” he added. Calling for mass participation at the party’s upcoming rally in Dhaka on August 3, he said the “July Charter” and “July Declaration” would be formally announced from that platform. NCP's southern region coordinator Hasnat Abdullah said, “Our country has always been run by administrators, businessmen, or the military- never by the people. We want to build a people’s Bangladesh.” Attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj carried out with intent to murder: Nahid Islam He claimed NCP has emerged as a clean political alternative, free from corruption and extortion. Earlier, the NCP brought out a procession from Chowhatta, which ended at the Shaheed Minar with a rally moderated by northern coordinator Sarjis Alam. Senior party leaders including Anik Roy, Ehteshamul Haque, Tasnim Jara, Nasir Uddin Patwari, Sadia Farzana Dina, Samanta Sharmin, and Golam Mortuza Selim were also present.

Vowing to continue resistance against ‘Fascism and Mujibism’, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday urged all to remain vigilant as there is another fight ahead. “There is another battle ahead. I urge our supporters to stay alert. We need the support of the people of Munshiganj in this fight to build a new Bangladesh," he said.  Nahid made the call while addressing a street rally organised by the party at Super Market intersection in Munshiganj Sadar upazila. “The fight against fascism and Mujibism will go on. We must build resistance in every neighborhood,” he said. Referring to a recent attack in Gopalganj, he warned that even if similar attacks take place in ten more places, their movement will not be stopped. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Seeking support from people of Munshiganj, he also pledged action against river erosion and illegal sand extraction in the district. NCP leader Sarjis Alam said the country will not be truly free until fascism is eliminated.  Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organiser  for the southern region, said all political forces must unite to resist both domestic and foreign conspiracies. “We need a policy-based state, not a leader-based one,” he said. Earlier, a procession from Shaheed Minar premises in Munshiganj town joined the rally at Super Market’s Shaheed Square.  A large number of NCP leaders, activists and residents attended the event, where speakers urged people to prepare for a mass movement. 

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.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Thursday warned that those attempting to revive the old culture of terrorism will face consequences like those faced by autocrat Sheikh Hasina, as the spirit of the July warriors remains alive. “An attempt is being made to bring back the old culture…we are seeing that again. Those who carried out the July people's uprising are still awake, still on the streets. If anyone thinks that they can bring back the old occupation and the politics of old terrorism, then their fate will also be like that of the dictator Hasina,“ he said while addressing a street rally in Nilphamari district town on the third-day of their ‘July March’. Expressing frustration over the fulfillment of July expectations, he said many desires have not been yet fulfilled post the uprising, vowing to continue their fight. Recalling the contribution of all walks of life to oust the Sheikh Hasina government, he said the discrimination-free country is yet to be established despite sacrificing thousands of lives. Nahid said they did not need to form a political party if all demands were met post the uprising. Regarding the justice for the July victims, those who, including Sheikh Hasina and her collaborators carried out genocide must be tried, otherwise pains of the martyr families will not wipe out. No support for old appointment practices in constitutional bodies: Nahid "There must be fundamental reforms, and we must move towards elections through these reforms. Bangladesh needs a new constitution. The Awami League and the ‘Mujibbadi constitution’ must be discarded. There is no point in retaining a constitution that is not the constitution of people,” he said. Party’s chief organiser (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, senior joint convenor Samanta Sharmin, senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, and joint chief organiser (northern region) Abu Sayed Leon were, among others present. Chief organiser (northern zone) Sarjis Alam conducted the event.