United News of Bangladesh

Police have filed a case against two people including a Jamaat-e-Islami leader after seizing six illegally made ballot seals in Lakshmipur. The accused are Sourav Hossain Sharif, secretary of Jamaat’s Ward No. 4 unit of Lakshmipur municipality and the son of Mohammad Shajahan of South Banchanagar area and businessman Sohel Rana, son of Khorshed Alam of Tumchar village in Sadar upazila. Sohel was shown arrested on Wednesday afternoon and sent to court, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Hosain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi . Earlier, on Tuesday night, Sub-Inspector Humayun Kabir of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station, filed the case naming the two as accused. Police said Sohel Rana is the owner of Mariam Printers on Old Court Road in the district town. Acting on a tip-off, police raided his shop on Tuesday afternoon and seized six ballot seals with 16 boxes each  along with a computer and a mobile phone. He was later detained and taken to the police station. Based on his statements and evidence including WhatsApp conversations and voice messages, Jamaat leader Sourav Hossain Sharif was also named in the case. Police said the seals were prepared by Sohel on Sharif’s order. Following the seizure, BNP and Jamaat held separate press conferences on Tuesday night, blaming each other over the incident. At a press conference, BNP Joint Secretary General and BNP candidate for Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) constituency Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie claimed Jamaat’s involvement in the seal incident and alleged that the arrested Sohel was a Jamaat activist. Jamaat should never be allowed to come to power: Abdul Awal Mintu In a counter press conference, Jamaat’s candidate for the same constituency and  also secretary of Jamaat’s Dhaka North city unit  Rezaul Karim said Sohel was not associated with Jamaat. Lakshmipur district Jamaat Ameer Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan said Sharif had been expelled from the party immediately after the incident and a press release on the expulsion would be issued.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 candidate Abdul Awal Mintu on Tuesday said that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami should never be allowed to come to power, describing the party as a group of hypocrites. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at an election rally at Sonagazi Municipality in Feni. Mintu accused Jamaat-e-Islami of obstructing development and creating unrest in the country. “They do not want the people’s progress; instead, they want to turn this country into a place like Syria or Lebanon,” he said. He alleged that the party spreads lies, creates conflicts and acts opportunistically, urging people not to join Jamaat-e-Islami. Calling on voters to support the BNP’s electoral symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the election, Mintu said Bangladesh would move forward with Allah’s blessings if BNP leader Tarique Rahman became the prime minister. He also promised development work in his constituency, including riverbank protection, improvements to schools and better healthcare facilities in Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan. Many central and district BNP leaders were present at the rally, including Joint Secretary Shaheena Akhtar Shanu, district Joint Convener Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and leaders of Sonagazi Upazila BNP.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women wing on Sunday said there is no scope for a woman to hold the party’s topmost leadership position, citing Islamic principles. “Jamaat-e-Islami is an Islamic party and it is normal that an Islamic party must follow Islam. The Holy Quran states that men are the guardians of women. It is a Quranic directive and an obligation. Based on this, women cannot assume the top leadership position in any Islamic party,” said Jamaat’s Women Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddiqa replying to a question from reporters in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Earlier, a delegation from the Jamaat-e-Islami Women Wing met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin in the afternoon. Nurunnisa said holding a top position is not the core issue, rather ensuring women’s rights is what truly matters. Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman “Over the last 54 years, Bangladesh had two women prime ministers who remained in office for a long time. But have women’s problems been solved? Has violence against women declined? Have women’s rights been ensured? So, only having women in the top position does not automatically bring meaningful change,” she said. “That is why we do not consider attaining top leadership positions to be essential,” she added. Nurunnisa also claimed that women have significant representation within Jamaat’s organisational structure, noting that some 43 percent of members in the party’s Majlis-e-Shura advisory committee are women. During the meeting, the Women Wing submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, alleging attacks on Jamaat’s women activists during election campaigns and accusing certain quarters of being involved in what they described as a ‘deep conspiracy’ to obstruct women’s political participation. The delegation included Women Wing Assistant Secretary Saida Rahman and Habiba Chowdhury, who is in charge of political affairs. Dr Habiba Akhter Chowdhury said women constitute nearly 50 percent of the country’s total voters. “So, we (women) want a free, fair and peaceful voting environment as our mothers and sisters could not get scope to exercise their voting rights for the last 15 to 16 years. “Now, a vested group is conspiring deeply to deprive women of this opportunity again,” she alleged. Habiba claimed that they submitted documents with photographs of attacks on Jamaat women to the Election Commission. Irregularities, injustice will no longer be accepted in politics: Jamaat Ameer “Intimidation will not work. Women are not weak—we are courageous. Wherever obstacles arise, resistance will be built, Insha’Allah,” she said. Habiba added that the Election Commissioners listened attentively to their complaints and assured them of taking necessary measures.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on Dhaka University campus, condemning  the offensive remarks about women made from the verified X account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would invite rival political parties to take part in running the country if Jamaat comes to power with a parliamentary majority. Speaking at a rally at Chouddagram High School ground in Cumilla , he said, “If we achieve a majority, we will offer those who are now competing with us to play a role in governing the country. However, the condition is that they must not engage in corruption and must implement July charter.” He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami would form a unity government if it secures a majority in the next national election. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh has historically stood by the oppressed and would continue to do so. “We do not want victory for Jamaat-e-Islami alone, we want a collective victory for 18 crore people,” he said. Condemning violence against women, the Jamaat ameer said the country’s nine crore mothers and sisters would never be safe under those who assault women, describing protest against such oppression as a moral responsibility. He warned that Jamaat would not allow anyone who assaults women to go unpunished. Jamaat Ameer warns fascism-free Bangladesh impossible without reforms The Jamaat leader also called for unity among candidates of the 11-party alliance to ensure victory in all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He expressed hope that a new chapter would begin after February 12, with young people as well as the country’s mothers and sisters playing a central role. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the party no longer wanted fascism or corruption in government. “If you vote for us and we come to power, you will see Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as a senior member of the cabinet,” he said. Referring to past repression, he said Jamaat leaders and activists had remained in the country despite difficulties. “We were there, we are here, and we will remain, InshaAllah.”

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Thursday called the clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Sherpur, which left one person dead, ‘unwarranted’ and called for a quick and impartial investigation. “Why did one party occupy all the chairs before the scheduled time? Why were sticks and batons brought there? And why did that party’s candidate choose confrontation despite repeated requests?” he asked, stressing that these issues must be properly investigated. Replying to journalists’ questions at a press conference at the BNP Election Office in Gulshan, Mahdi also said it should be examined whether the clash could have been avoided. He said the Sherpur programme was organised by the local administration with the participation of all candidates, and seats were allocated for each party. Mahdi, however, alleged that leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami occupied all the chairs and did not allow BNP leaders and activists to sit in their designated seats, despite repeated requests from the administration. “Violence over such a minor issue like seating is in no way acceptable,” he said, adding that after the mass uprising, people expected an election atmosphere that would be festive, not violent. Describing BNP as the country’s largest political party, Mahdi Amin said there is a widespread belief that if the election is free, fair and credible, BNP will come to power. “Our main goal is to ensure a peaceful and controversy-free election so that no one can create instability around the polls. This is important not only for BNP, but for the country as a whole,” he said. Tarique reaches Rajshahi to launch fourth phase of BNP campaign The BNP spokesperson said many questions have naturally arisen about how the Sherpur incident began, who was behind it, and why the administration and law enforcement agencies failed to keep the situation under control. Referring to videos circulating on social media, he said they show repeated requests by police, administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the army and even BNP leaders asking the Jamaat candidate not to take a particular route. “Despite that, he decided to go that way and was repeatedly heard saying, ‘Let life be lost if it must be,’” he said. Mahdi Amin said the death of a person in the clash, regardless of political identity, is deeply regrettable. He also said more than 40 BNP leaders and activists were injured, several of them critically. Calling for stronger action from the administration and law enforcement agencies, the BNP spokesperson urged them to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. He also appealed to all parties not to provoke others or fall into provocation and to ensure a peaceful and respectful campaign environment. Mahdi said BNP has urged the interim government to ensure that such incidents are not repeated anywhere else in the country, adding that people expect all political parties to behave responsibly and democratically. Responding to another question, he said the role of law enforcement agencies during the election must be strengthened and all political parties must fully cooperate with the administration. Election violence leaves Jamaat leader dead in Sherpur About a recent procession in the Dhaka University area and what he described as propaganda involving BNP, Mahdi said creating baseless narratives over a minor and isolated incident to gain political advantage is unacceptable. “We want positive politics, not politics based on blame,” he said. Mahdi said BNP’s top priority is to ensure a peaceful, credible and widely accepted election. “If democratic norms are upheld, Insha’Allah, we will all be able to strengthen democracy together,” he added.

BNP on Wednesday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of exploiting religious sentiments and trying to buy votes during the ongoing election campaign, calling it a clear case of political double standards. “A party (Jamaat) was itself part of the government from 2001 to 2005, with two ministers and several members of parliament. While in government, no comments were heard from them on corruption,” said Mahdi Amin, the spokesperson of the BNP’s Central Election Steering Committee. Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Gulshan election office, he alleged that the party is now continuing what he described as fascist-style propaganda during the election campaign. “We see this role as political double standards,” he said. “Besides, it is now clear that while seeking votes, the party is abusing religious sentiments, offering temptations of heaven, forcing people to swear on the Holy Quran and even going around with various offers to give money through bKash numbers. As a result, those who are themselves trying to buy voters’ votes with money are now talking about corruption, which raises serious questions about the party’s so-called honesty,” Mahdi said. He also urged all political parties to strictly follow the election code of conduct. In an indirect reference to Jamaat, Mahdi also accused the party of making misleading promises to voters, saying its Ameer recently announced at an election rally in Bogura that a public university would be established there and that Bogura municipality would be upgraded to a city corporation. “The reality is that both issues have already been approved at the state level, and administrative work is under way. A vice-chancellor has already been appointed to that university,” he said. The BNP spokesperson questioned why an existing government decision was being presented as a new party promise, calling it an attempt to mislead the people of Bogura. He condemned the dismissal of a mosque muezzin in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon. Mahdi said they learned that the muezzin, Al Amin Chowdhury, was dismissed from his job under pressure from leaders and activists of a particular party for taking part in campaigning in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “This is a bad example of the violation of a citizen’s democratic rights. We strongly condemn this and demand his immediate reinstatement, ensuring that everyone’s profession, religion and freedom remain fully protected,” he added. Mahdi also referred to a video circulated in the media in which a candidate in Sylhet is heard saying that if elected, the police would not be able to enter anyone’s house without his permission. BNP 'practiced' polling booth capture in attacking NCP's Dhaka-18 candidate: Hasnat  The BNP spokesperson described the statement as clearly unconstitutional and against administrative discipline. “If a parliamentary candidate is allowed to make such statements, it raises serious questions. We believe that, in the interest of justice, arresting anyone without an offence is in no way acceptable. But saying that police will need permission from a parliamentary candidate or an MP to make an arrest reflects a fascist mindset. We urge the concerned authorities to take appropriate action in this matter,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday called on voters to support the party in the upcoming parliamentary elections and the national referendum, promising to establish a corruption-free, terrorism-free, extortion-free, and just Bangladesh if given the opportunity. Speaking at a election rally at Altafunnesha Playground in Bogura city, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat does not work alone but aims to unite all stakeholders to build a secure nation. He emphasized that if the party is entrusted with power, it will prioritize governance based on justice, transparency, and public welfare. “We aim to eliminate corruption, extortion, and terrorism, ensuring a fair and safe Bangladesh,” he said. Read More: Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council prays for Khaleda Zia’s swift recovery The Jamaat leader also highlighted development plans for Bogura, including establishing a university, organizing international-level events at Chandu Stadium, and improving civic infrastructure. He stressed that the party does not impose bribes or unlawful fees and assured that no Jamaat member would engage in extortion, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable. Dr. Shafiqur also spoke on women’s empowerment, emphasizing that the country will be built with the participation of women, who will be provided employment opportunities based on talent and merit. He promised that unemployment allowances would be replaced with real job creation programs, converting the hands of the unemployed into productive labor. The rally, presided over by Bogura district Ameer Maulana Abdul Haq Sarkar, was attended by numerous party and allied leaders, including city secretary Professor A.S.M. Abdul Malek, district secretary Maulana Mansurur Rahman, central leaders Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin and Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, and candidates from seven constituencies. Central and local leaders, including members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, NCP, LDP, and BDP, also addressed the gathering. Read More: Shafiqur re-elected as Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Shafiqur handed over party election symbols to candidates from seven constituencies and urged voters to cast their ballots for them. He later attended additional rallies in Sherpur and Shibganj upazilas, calling for support for Bogura-5 and Bogura-2 constituency candidates. The rallies drew large crowds, reflecting strong public participation in Jamaat’s election campaign.          

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party will continue its efforts to realise the dreams of the July martyrs, pledging to build a corruption-free, discrimination-free and justice-based Bangladesh. “They envisioned building an independent Bangladesh free from corruption and discrimination based on justice. We have no dreams of our own, their dreams are our dreams. We have forged unity to turn those dreams into reality. If we are able to form the government, we will fulfill all of Abu Sayed’s dreams,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks after visiting the grave of Abu Sayed,  the first martyr of July movement, in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur in the morning. He said Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to make sacrifices in the same way the martyrs laid down their lives and the party would never bow down to injustice even at the cost of life. After the grave visit, the Jamaat Ameer met Abu Sayed’s parents and family members and expressed condolences. He demanded exemplary punishment of those responsible for the killing. Briefing the media later, Shafiqur said Jamaat-e-Islami has never abandoned the people in difficult times or crises and will not do so in the future either. He said the party stood by the people even in the toughest situations and would continue to do so regardless of circumstances. He later joined an election rally at Palashbari upazila in Gaibandha at 10am. According to the schedule, he is also set to address public rallies in Bogura town at 12pm and in Sherpur upazila of Bogura at 2:30pm. He will then attend rallies in Sirajganj town at 3:30pm and in Ullapara upazila at 4pm. The second day of his election campaign is scheduled to conclude with a rally in Pabna district at 6:30pm where he will campaign in support of Jamaat-e-Islami and alliance-backed candidates.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a political party of trying to mislead people, especially women, by selling ‘tickets-to-heaven’ in exchange for votes. “There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. They are now going to the homes of innocent mothers and sisters and selling ‘tickets to Jannah’. This is not hypocrisy alone as it is outright shirk,” he said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He made the remarks while addressing his party’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon. The BNP chairman recalled that the Jamaat leaders killed many people in 1971 during the country’s Liberation War. “Now they are misleading many people again and dragging them towards shirk (in the name of a ticket to Jannah).” “Those who are deceiving people by hurting religious sentiments before the election—just think how they will deceive the people if they come to power,” he warned the voters. Stating that people are the main strength of his party, Tarique called upon the voters to vote for the party’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy to restore democracy and bring change to people’s lives. “If we want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s destiny through the election scheduled for the 12th of next month, then where should we cast our vote? We must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said. Referring to past sacrifices, the BNP leader said many people shed their blood and many others became victims of enforced disappearances for the right to vote and democracy. Tarique urges voters to back BNP, warns against vote fraud Calling on all citizens to work together for rebuilding the country, Tarique said BNP is committed to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must reintroduce a democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak freely. Which party can guarantee this? Only the Sheaf of Paddy can,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that elections at different levels were held in a largely fair manner when BNP was in power. “People could speak freely, criticise the government and no one was subjected to enforced disappearance or killing,” he added. Tarique alleged that one political party handed over the country’s sovereignty in 1971, while another did the same over the last 16 years. “That is why voting for the Sheaf of Paddy is essential to save the country and change people’s fate.” He also briefly outlined his plans for the country’s future development during the speech. The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman. BNP candidates from different constituencies in the district also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Tarique formally began his election campaign by addressing a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After Moulvibazar, he is scheduled to address rallies in Habiganj’s Shayestaganj, Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, Kishoreganj’s Bhairab, Narsingdi and Narayanganj’s Araihazar and Rupganj areas.