United News of Bangladesh

A large number of people gathered for the second consecutive day at Shahbagh on Saturday afternoon, demanding a ban on Awami League politics. The demonstration, which began on Friday afternoon at Shahbagh, gained further momentum as people from different walks of life were seen to join the protest. People began gathering at the Shahbagh intersection and around the National Museum, causing severe traffic disruptions on Shahbagh and nearby roads, including Banglamotor, Aziz Super Market and the Matsya Bhaban intersection. Protesters were seen chanting anti-Awami League slogans and holding placards. Manik Hossain, one of the demonstrators, said, "I came here to support this movement. Those responsible for killing so many people in July should be banned." Another protester named Rifat, who came from Paltan, said, "This is no longer just a student movement. This is everyone’s movement now." DMP bans rallies near CA’s residence, adjacent areas Addressing the disruption caused by the protest, he added, "To gain something good, some sacrifices must be made." Earlier, National Citizen Party (NCP)’s Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah announced the mass rally to press home their 3-point demand. In a Facebook post on Friday night, he wrote that a mass gathering will be held at Shahbagh from 3pm. The demands are declaring Awami League as a terrorist organisation and banning it, including a provision for the group trial of Awami League under the International Crimes Tribunal Act and issuing the July declaration. On Friday, protesters blocked the Shahbagh intersection around 4:40 pm, demanding a ban on the Awami League and vowing to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.

National Citizen Party-NCP on Tuesday proposed that the Election Commission be made accountable to the Supreme Judicial Council for any allegations raised against it, both during and after its tenure. “The Election Commission must be brought under accountability. …For any type of allegation against the Commission—whether it's irregularities, corruption, violation of the electoral code of conduct, or breach of constitutional responsibilities by the commission—the Supreme Judicial Council can settle it,” said NCP joint convener Sarwar Tushar. The NCP leader said this during a break of its second day talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad Complex. Since there are objections to bringing EC’s accountability under a proposed parliamentary committee, NCP proposed that the Supreme Judicial Council can investigate any complaints against the EC, he said. NCP leader among 3 sent to jail in Cox’s Bazar youth murder An NCP delegation, led by its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, joined the dialogue started in the morning with Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. At the outset of the discussion, the NCP submitted an outline for fundamental reforms to the Consensus Commission. In the outline, the NCP said although the Election Commission functions as an independent constitutional institution, it cannot remain above accountability in any way. “An impartial and institutional mechanism is needed to effectively hold the Commission accountable, free from political interference,” it said. If there is any allegation of serious irregularities, biasness, corruption, abuse of power or violation of the Constitution against any current or former member of the Commission, it shall be subject to investigation by the “Supreme Judicial Council,” said the NCP. “The Supreme Judicial Council will be able to investigate and prosecute commissioners not only during their tenure but also after their retirement if there is credible evidence of irregularities or partiality in their activities. It will ensure that no person can escape responsibility for any crime committed during their tenure,” said the newly formed party. Earlier, the Electoral Reform Commission had suggested that a parliamentary standing committee shall investigate post-tenure complaints against the Election Commission in case of any irregularities. But several political parties including BNP opposed fearing that the commissioner might be victims of political vendetta. In this context, NCP has come forward with a fresh proposal. Turning to his party’s another proposal, Sarwar Tushar said the NCP supports making opposition members as chairpersons of key parliamentary committees—such as Public Accounts, Public Administration, Planning and Home Ministries related committees. Raising NCP’s proposal regarding the constitutional amendments, the NCP leader said there must be a provision for a referendum to bring changes to the Constitution over fundamental issues such as power structure or state principles. But routine amendments can be done with a two-thirds majority in parliament, he said. On the appointment of the Chief Justice, Tushar said political parties have recommended selecting the most senior among the top three justices, but the NCP is for picking the senior most justice as the chief justice. Regarding asset declarations by government employees, he said the Commission proposed submitting statements every three fiscal years. “We say it should be done every fiscal year—government officials must submit their statements (of their assets) annually,” he said. About women's representation, he said the NCP supports direct elections in 100 seats for women in the lower house and proposed 25 percent of members in the upper house to be women. He said they voiced concerns over the idea of a provincial government, saying, “We believe it’s risky for Bangladesh at this moment. Instead, we can strengthen local government institutions.” Sarwar Tushar said NCP also agreed with the proposals to create two new divisions—Faridpur and Cumilla. He said their party opposed the Commission’s recommendation to empower district magistrates to accept legal cases, as well as proposal to abolish district councils and upazila vice-chairman posts. He said a Union Parishad chairman must be directly elected by the people, not by votes of the UP members. The NCP leader said the symbols of political parties should not be used in the local body elections.

National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Tuesday said the second phase of dialogue aimed at preparing a National Charter will begin soon after May 15. “The first phase of discussions will conclude by May 15. After that, we will be able to enter the second phase, which will begin soon,” he said while presiding over a discussion with the National Citizen Party (NCP) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. A four-member NCP delegation, led by its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, joined the talks with the National Consensus Commission for the second day. At the outset of the discussion, the NCP submitted the outlines for fundamental reforms to the National Consensus Commission. Akhtar Hossain handed over the outlines to Prof Ali Riaz. “We are advancing discussions with political parties both formally and informally. Through this process, we are trying to formulate a National Charter that aims to outline the path to establishing a democratic state in the future,” Prof Riaz said. Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway blocked over RMG worker's death in Gazipur He noted that the reform outlines submitted by the NCP would certainly assist in drafting the National Charter. The NCP delegation also included its chief organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam and joint conveners Sarwar Tushar and Jabed Rasin. Members of the Consensus Commission—Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah—were present at the discussion, which was moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. The meeting is part of a series of dialogues with political parties to build a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. Earlier on April 18, the NCP participated in discussions with the Commission. The party had also submitted its written opinions on the reform recommendations on March 24. The National Consensus Commission launched its dialogue series with political parties on March 20, aiming to develop a united stance on the interim government's reform efforts. So far, the Commission has held discussions with 25 political parties. Political parties to compromise for state reforms, hopes Ali Riaz The Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has been working since February 15, 2025, to finalise its recommendations for crucial state reforms.    

The National Citizen Party-NCP on Tuesday submitted its outlines to the National Consensus Commission for fundamental reforms. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain handed the outlines to National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz at the outset of a dialogue at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. A four-member NCP delegation, led by Akhtar Hossain, joined its talks with the National Consensus Commission for the second day. The discussion started at 10:40am with Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Speaking at the function, Akhtar Hossain said the fundamental reforms must be made reflecting three basic issues– balance of power, accountability and decentralisation. “Fundamental reforms do not mean reforming the electoral system or constitutional reform based on a two-thirds majority based on seats. Rather, achieving these three things - balance of power, accountability and decentralisation - these are the main foundations of fundamental reforms,” he said. About the fundamental reforms, Akhtar Hossain said, "To achieve that, we need to find out how we can free ourselves from the authoritarian and fascist elements in the constitutional and state structures, how we can reflect the national interest by going beyond politician in the appointment of constitutional posts, how we can free the judiciary from politics and present it as a symbol of justice in the true sense, we consider each of these issues to be included in fundamental reforms.”  He said the people of Bangladesh have been oppressed and persecuted due to the governance structure through which Bangladesh has been governed in the last 53 years and the authoritarian and fascist elements that have remained in the state structure. Khaleda returning to Gulshan home, Zubaida ends 17-year exile by her side The NCP member secretary said the students and people of Bangladesh sacrificed their lives in the July Mass Uprising in an effort to find out how to free the constitution and state structure from the authoritarian and fascist elements in a bid to lead Bangladesh towards a democratic state. Akhtar Hossain said NCP placed the proposals for fundamental reforms so that Bangladesh can integrate itself into the path of democratic elevation instead of being in the fascist and authoritarian structure like in the past. The NCP delegation members included its chief organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam, joint conveners Sarwar Tushar and Jabed Rasin. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman and Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah were present at the discussion, moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. The discussion is part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. Earlier on April 18, the NCP participated in the talks with the Consensus Commission.  The NCP submitted its written opinions over the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission on March 24 last. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 25 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals.    

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Tuesday attended talks with the National Consensus Commission for the second day. A four-member NCP delegation, led by its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, attended the dialogue that began at 10:40am with Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair at the LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad. The discussion is part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. Earlier on April 18, the NCP participated in the talks with the Consensus Commission.  The NCP submitted its written opinions over the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission on March 24 last. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. Khaleda’s return to help restore democracy: Fakhrul The commission has already held talks with 25 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals.      

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator (South) of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), came under attack in Chandana area of Gazipur on Sunday evening. The information was first shared in a Facebook post by Abdul Hannan Masud, another leader of the NCP. In his post, he wrote, “Hasnat Abdullah’s car has come under attack in Chandana, Gazipur. Anyone nearby, please come forward immediately.” Hasnat slams calling NCP’s position on AL as 'indecorous' Similar information was also posted on Facebook by Sarjis Alam, the NCP’s Chief Coordinator (North), who claimed that 10–12 assailants launched the attack.  “The car windows were smashed, and Hasnat’s hand is bleeding. Those nearby, please protect him,” his post reads. When contacted around 7:30pm, Shahin Khan, Officer-in-Charge of Bason Police Statio said, “We are yet to confirm the details or exact location of the incident.  We are verifying the information.” Meanwhile, local sources said Hasnat Abdullah was seen near the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) under the jurisdiction of Gazipur’s Gacha Police Station. Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Nasir Uddin also said that he was on his way to the spot after receiving reports of the incident.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday demanded the eradication of Awami League’s ‘boat’ election symbol from Bangladesh, accusing the party of turning into a fascist and terrorist organisation. “We want to make it clear from today’s demonstration rally – Awami League’s registration must be cancelled immediately, and the ‘boat’ symbol must be erased from Bangladesh. Until the trial proceedings are completed, all political and organisational activities of the Awami League must be banned by law,” he said. Nahid Islam was addressing a rally held at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital, demanding a ban on Awami League for carrying out mass killings. NCP leaders and activists from various police stations in Dhaka city joined the rally. “Awami League is no longer a political party. It has transformed into a fascist and terrorist organization. There is no room for discussion regarding allowing it to do politics,” he said. Tarique slams interim govt for delaying reforms He said it is unfortunate that even after nine months of the July mass uprising, there has been no visible progress in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The NCP chief said that Awami League men who were detained are released on bail and a culture of business centering the cases filed with police stations continues in different areas of the country. “Awami League is planning to rehabilitate its grassroots activists under the shelter of different political parties,” he claimed. Criticizing the current Election Commission, Nahid Islam said this EC was formed during the interim government after the July mass uprising, but it has not agreed yet to disqualify candidates from the “fascist Awami League” in the upcoming election. “They (the EC) are saying it's a political decision,” he added.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday called for a radical overhaul of the state structure through comprehensive reforms, aiming to fulfil the aspirations of the July mass uprising and prevent the re-emergence of fascism or autocratic tendencies in future governments. “By reform, we mean fundamental reform and the reforms which will bring a radical change and a qualitative change in the structure of the state,” said NCP Convener Nahid Islam. He made the remarks at his opening speech at the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. An eight-member NCP delegation led by Nahid Islam attended the dialogue at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. The National Consensus Commission arranged the talks as part of a series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. Nahid Islam said different state institutions, including the Constitution, were politicised in the past. The seed of one person-centric structure was sown in the Constitution, he said. “As a result, no matter who comes to power, no matter who is given the responsibility of running the state, if the state structure is kept unchanged, there will be a tendency among them to become fascist and autocratic,” he said. The NCP Convener said the July mass uprising did not happen not just for the change of an individual.  “There was no plan to remove one party from power and install another. Rather, there was an aspiration in  the July Mass Uprising to establish a democratic state system that would protect the rights of people through fundamental and qualitative reforms of the state structure by bringing qualitative changes to the state,” he said. NCP delegation led by Nahid joins talks with Consensus Commission He said the aspirations that led people to take to the streets in the past, including the 1990 mass uprising, have failed. “That failure led to the creation of a fascist regime that lasted for 16 years,” he added. Noting that the aspirations of the July Mass Uprising should no way be failed, Nahid said, “We must fulfill the desire that has been created among the people - this is commitment of all of us to the nation,” he said. In the case of fundamental reforms of the State, the National Citizen Party, are giving special importance to the issues like the constitution, the Prime Minister, the judicial system and the electoral system, he added. “We all have to make that commitment before the nation to ensure another autocratic system, fascism will not come to Bangladesh and we will move forward by closing all its paths. And we will work from our respective places to create a democratic constitution, a democratic state structure,” said the NCP chief. Peace won't return to Myanmar keeping Rohingya issue unresolved: Dhaka tells Washington Earlier, on March 24, NCP submitted its written opinions over the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission. Out of the 166 reform recommendations made by the Consensus Commission, the NCP agreed to 113 recommendations and agreed partially to 29 others. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 12 political parties. The commission formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals. In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) joined talks with the National Consensus Commission on Saturday morning. An eight-member NCP delegation led by its Convener Nahid Islam attended the dialogue started at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair at the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. The National Consensus Commission arranged the talks as part of a series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. Earlier on March 24, NCP submitted its written opinions over the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission. NCP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Saturday Out of the 166 reform recommendations made by the Consensus Commission, the NCP agreed to 113 recommendations and agreed partially to 29 others. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 12 political parties. The commission formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals.In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.  

The National Consensus Commission is set to hold talks with the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday morning as part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government. The discussion will start at 10:30am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital, said Public Relation Officer of the Consensus Commission Paban Chowdhury on Friday. Earlier on March 24, NCP submitted its written opinions over the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission. Out of the 166 reform recommendations made by the Consensus Commission, the NCP agreed to 113 recommendations and agreed partially to 29 others. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 12 political parties. The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals. Rizvi questions reforms over elections, suspects ‘hidden agenda’ In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded. The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.