United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party wants to restore lasting peace in the country’s hill areas and does not want to see any further unrest there. “If we come to power, peace will return to the hill areas,” he said while speaking at the party’s election manifesto announcement ceremony held at a hotel in Banani. Referring to the long-standing conflict in the region, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that, according to his knowledge, more than 10,000 members of the armed forces have lost their lives while serving in the hill areas. Questioning why so many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives on their own soil, he said his party would work to identify the root causes of unrest and resolve the problems in a way that ensures peace and satisfaction for the local people. Diplomats from various countries, leaders of political parties, senior journalists, business leaders and representatives from different professions were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his X account was hacked four days ago to circulate false information and the perpetrator has finally been identified and arrested. “After my account was hacked, a group started launching attacks chanting ‘tai re nai re’. Shamefully, even some senior leaders endorsed it. However, our cyber team quickly identified the accused and police arrested him. Truth can never be hidden,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the 11-party alliance at Kurigram College ground. He said Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to establish a partisan government, even though it is the ‘largest party of the current era’.  “We do not want dynastic politics or group-based rule. We do not even seek victory for Jamaat. What we want is the victory of 18 crore people.” People no longer support family-centric politics: Jamaat Ameer Referring to the movement in Rangpur region in 2024, he recalled the role of Abu Sayed, saying his bravery had ignited the July movement. “He took three bullets to his chest, not his back. That is heroism. You are truly fortunate people,” he told the gathering. Dr Shafiqur said Abrar Fahad was the first to embrace martyrdom as an uncompromising fighter against authoritarianism, followed by Abu Sayed, Sharif, Osman Hadi and others. “Nearly 1,400 people have been martyred one after another. The bodies of these 1,400 heroes are now on the shoulders of this nation. Our rivers have turned red with their blood. We will never betray these martyrs,” he said. He also pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, development work would begin from Kurigram, which he described as one of the most backward districts in the country. Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Kurigram district Jamaat Ameer Azizur Rahman Swapan, candidates from the four parliamentary constituencies of Kurigram, and senior leaders of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman Badal, Jamaat-e-Islami’s MP candidate from Sherpur-3 constituency and the party's district secretary, passed away early Wednesday. He breathed his last at around 1:30am while undergoing treatment for kidney complications at Swadesh Hospital in Mymensingh, said Sherpur district Jamaat  Ameer Maulana Md Hafizur Rahman.  He said Nuruzzaman Badal had been suffering from kidney-related complications for a long time. According to him, Badal fell ill at around 10:00pm on Tuesday on the night of Shab-e-Barat and was first taken to Sreebardi Upazila Hospital.  As his condition worsened, he was moved to Mymensingh for advanced treatment, where he later died at Swadesh Hospital. Election violence leaves Jamaat leader dead in Sherpur Following his death, a pall of gloom  descended on his electoral area of Sreebardi–Jhenaigati upazilas. Meanwhile, his rival BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel, along with leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, NCP and other political parties, as well as representatives of various local professional groups, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Jamaat leader Nuruzzaman Badal.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday urged voters to cast their ballots for the scale symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami to build a corruption-, drug- and extortion-free Bangladesh. “The scale is the symbol of justice,” he said while addressing a public rally organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jamalpur district unit at the Singhajani Multipurpose High School ground. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party gets the opportunity to run the country, it will ensure respect for women. He alleged that women campaigners for the scale symbol are being insulted and even attacked in some places. “A nation that does not know how to respect women cannot move forward. We want to build a new Bangladesh where the dignity and justice of every human being will be ensured,” he said. Referring to the referendum, he said that if “Yes” wins, Bangladesh will win, but if not, the country will be defeated. “‘Yes’ means freedom and ‘No’ means slavery. So, please vote for ‘Yes’,” he added. The rally was presided over by Md Abdus Sattar, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jamalpur district unit and candidate for Jamalpur Sadar-5 constituency. Dr Chamiul Haque Farooqui, Central Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamalpur-3 (Islampur) constituency candidate, GS SM Farhad of Dhaka University Students’ Union, NCP Joint Member Secretary Lutfar Rahman, and other central, district and upazila leaders also spoke at the rally as special guests.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said that his party supports women leadership in politics and local government, along with economic empowerment of rural women, strong legal protection and social respect. In a Facebook post, he said false and misleading content has been circulating on social media aimed at misrepresenting their position. “I am sharing this to clarify our values and to refocus the conversation on our policies. Our manifesto has been clear from day one. We want women active and respected in education, healthcare, administration, entrepreneurship and public service,” he said. Jamaat, he said, is committed to uninterrupted education for girls, safe campuses, zero tolerance for harassment, women-centred healthcare in every district, equal pay, safe workplaces, childcare support and skills training for dignified employment. “These are not new positions. I publicly set out these principles months ago and reaffirmed them at my Policy Summit on 20 January 2026,” he said. The Jamaat chief said these positions are not reactions to rumours or online noise but reflect a long-standing and consistent vision. “Judge me by my record, my policies and my manifesto, not by false narratives,” he said, adding that he will formally launch his manifesto on February 3, where all these commitments will be detailed. “Our commitment is practical and measurable—safe education for girls, equal opportunity at work, women-centred healthcare, strong legal protection, economic dignity and real leadership for women,” he said. “A Bangladesh that respects women is a Bangladesh that moves forward, and that is the future we are building,” he added. Meanwhile, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on the Dhaka University campus, condemning the ‘offensive remarks’ about women made from the verified X account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest march was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.

BNP on Sunday questioned the credibility of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer’s claim that his social media account was hacked, saying the claim came nearly nine hours after a controversial anti-women post triggered widespread criticism. “After facing strong criticism over a misogynistic post, the hacking claim was made around 1:00am. How reasonable is it to make such a claim nine hours later?” said BNP Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Gulshan election office, he said if any important or verified social media account is hacked, the first responsibility is to inform the public immediately to prevent confusion. “But in this case, the hacking claim came only after public anger spread. Naturally, questions arise about how credible this claim is.” Mahdi also said that during the period in question, several posts were made from the Jamaat Ameer’s Facebook account, but there was no mention that his X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked. Chhatra Dal protests Jamaat Ameer’s anti-women remarks on X He said a General Diary (GD) was filed with Hatirjheel Police Station around 3:30am, where it was stated that the hacking was detected at 4:55pm. “If that is true, why was the GD filed nearly 12 hours later? Is there any reasonable explanation for this delay?” the BNP spokesperson asked. Mahdi, also an adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, questioned how the account could be recovered so quickly after the hacking claim. He said BNP clearly stands for women’s personal freedom, dignity and equal rights, but the language used by the Jamaat Ameer and the mindset reflected in the controversial post are unacceptable in any civilised society. “This is a clear expression of misogyny.” The BNP leader said the verified X account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman allegedly used filthy, offensive and degrading language against women, which, if true, reflects an attempt to push society back into medieval darkness. Mahdi said a portion of the post made at 4:37pm on January 31, when translated, stated that bringing women out of their homes in the name of modernity exposes them to exploitation, moral decline and insecurity, comparing it to prostitution. He said the Jamaat Ameer had previously made negative remarks about women’s empowerment in an interview with Al Jazeera. Calling it a pattern of behaviour, Mahdi said such views are not new for the party, referring to earlier incidents where a Jamaat leader made offensive remarks against female students of Dhaka University. He said the Jamaat chief had earlier made backward remarks publicly, including proposing shorter working hours for women. The BNP leader noted that the party which repeatedly speaks of establishing “justice” has not nominated a single woman as a parliamentary candidate in any constituency, which, he said, clearly reflects its degrading attitude towards women. He also cited an incident where a member of the same party compared women’s entry into parliament to a ‘trophy’ during a television talk show, describing it as an act of contempt. Mahdi said the nation has also seen the party repeatedly declare in public that no woman will ever be allowed to hold its top leadership position. “Yet, the women of that party are going door to door collecting people’s NID cards and bKash numbers. Is this their so-called justice?” he asked. The BNP spokesperson said they have observed that due to election alliances with Jamaat, many women leaders of an allied political party were forced to resign, while many openly expressed anger and frustration. He said even parties contesting elections as part of alliances have admitted that they are facing various obstacles because of this party. “There have also been allegations that questions were raised about the clothing of female candidates, which is an extreme display of indecency and misogyny,” Mahdi said. He said female members of BNP, its associate bodies and especially its student wing have been facing severe harassment both online and offline, allegedly by Jamaat supporters. Mahdi highlighted the contributions of women in every sector of Bangladesh, including industry, education, healthcare, law enforcement, administration, media, sports and social movements. He recalled the role of women in past movements, including the July 2024 mass uprising and the 1971 Liberation War, saying the nation can never deny their sacrifices. “But whenever a crisis arises, one party chooses the dirty path of attacking women,” the BNP leader said. Mahdi said the nation knows that during the 1971 Liberation War, the enemy followed the same path of oppression and violence against women, and that independence was achieved after passing through a dark chapter in which millions of mothers and sisters lost their honour. “We will not accept any injustice, oppression or abuse against them. BNP will not accept it, and Bangladesh will not accept it,” he said. Mahdi said Jamaat claims that people have already seen BNP and that now it is their turn. “But the people of the country have already begun to see how, in the form of medieval barbarity, half of the population—our mothers and sisters—is being insulted,” he said. Mahdi said BNP clearly declares that there will be no compromise, no fear and no retreat when it comes to protecting the dignity of women across the country and in online spaces. BNP Media Cell Convener Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Jubo Dal President Abdul Moneim Munna and Swechchhasebak Dal Senior Vice-President Yasin Ali were also present at the press conference.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has vowed that stealing the country’s money will be permanently stopped if his party assumes power. “Those who have stolen the country’s money will be held strictly accountable, and the money will be recovered from them,” he said at an election rally at Wazir Ali High School ground in Jhenaidah on Monday evening. The programme was presided over by Ali Azam Mohammad Abu Bakar, Jamaat’s candidate for the Jhenaidah-2 constituency. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party seeks unity, not division, and called for a political revolution through the upcoming 26th general election, similar to the people’s uprising against fascism in 2024. “If anyone interferes with people’s voting rights under political disguise, their fingers will be broken. Fascism will not be allowed to return to this country,” he warned. The Jamaat Ameer also claimed that extortion has increased in Jhenaidah since August 5. “Those who extort should feel ashamed. People earn money through hard work, and you take a share of it. Extortion is haram, but begging is not,” he said. He criticized syndicates that raised prices during the fascist government and said, “We have driven fascism away with the fresh blood of our hearts. If anyone tries to return, we will stop it, because so many families have already suffered losses.” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman outlined Jamaat’s development plans, including providing skill-based training for educated youths, establishing a medical college in Jhenaidah, improving healthcare, and digging railways and rivers for better communication. “If Jamaat comes to power, development will be non-discriminatory, and justice will always side with the people,” he said. Referring to Jhenaidah as a district of martyrs, he said, “Many young lives, like that of Sohan, were brutally taken by tyrants, with unimaginable cruelty. I stand with the families of the victims.” During the rally, district Jamaat leaders and constituency candidates – Ali Azam Mohammad Abu Bakar (Jhenaidah-2), Abu Saleh Md. Matiur Rahman (Jhenaidah-1), Matiar Rahman (Jhenaidah-3), and Abu Talib (Jhenaidah-4) – were presented with the party symbol, the scale, and urged voters to support them.  

BNP has nominated the highest number of female candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, party election steering committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Monday, criticising Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and several other parties for ‘unfortunately’ not nominating a single woman. “BNP has nominated the highest number of 10 women candidates in the upcoming election, which reflects our party’s commitment to women’s empowerment,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Gulshan Election Office. Mahdi said BNP is firmly committed to increasing this number further in the days ahead. “You are aware that despite women making up half of the country’s population, there are political parties that have not nominated even a single woman, which is both disappointing and unfortunate,” the BNP spokesperson said. In the forthcoming national parliamentary election, he said BNP candidates are contesting in 292 constituencies with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. Tarique wraps up second phase of campaign with six rallies in 14 hours Among these candidates, the BNP leader said. 85 are former members of parliament who have direct experience of working for the people. “They have served the people and stood by them.” Besides, Mahdi said 19 former ministers are also contesting the polls this time with the BNP symbol. “Their past experience in state administration and public engagement gives BNP a distinct advantage.” According to him, 237 BNP candidates hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Mahdi said BNP candidates include individuals who were victims of enforced disappearance during what he described as the ‘fascist period’. He named three candidates—Salahuddin Ahmed, Anisul Rahman Talukder Khokon, and Hummam Quader Chowdhury—who were themselves victims of enforced disappearance. Besides, the BNP spokesperson said the wives, siblings, or relatives of victims of enforced disappearance have also been nominated, including former MP Ilias Ali’s wife Tahsina Rushdir Luna and Sanjida Islam Tuli, sister of Sajeedul Islam Suman and coordinator of Mayer Daak. Mahdi said almost all BNP candidates are facing multiple cases, with many having more than a hundred cases filed against them. Exploiting Religious Sentiments He also criticised Jamaat for using religious sentiment to influence voters during its election campaign. “The candidates of a particular political party, along with their leaders, activists and supporters at various levels, are conducting election campaigns by abusing religious sentiments. Some such posts and videos circulating on social media have come to our attention. In those, it is being claimed that ensuring the victory of their election symbol means ensuring the victory of one’s faith, and that sacrificing life and property to make that symbol win is a religious obligation,” Mahdi said. The BNP spokesperson said it is unfortunate that claims are being made suggesting that one would even be able to say in the grave that they voted for a particular symbol to establish religion. “Such attempts to seek votes by misinterpreting religion are undesirable.” He also said efforts to influence voters by exploiting religious beliefs and emotions are seriously damaging the transparency, neutrality, and free and fair environment of the election. “Such activities clearly violate Article 77(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and amount to a punishable offence of exerting undue influence under the law. So, we demand swift action,” the BNP leader said. NID, Mobile Number Collection In an indirect reference to Jamaat, Mahdi alleged that activists of a political party are collecting photocopies of women voters’ NID cards, mobile numbers and bKash account details from households. “We have informed the Election Commission, and we thank them for taking note of the matter,” he said. However, the BNP spokesperson warned that such data could be misused for fake or fraudulent voting, voting in the names of deceased persons, or offering financial inducements through mobile financial services. “As you know, these are punishable offences under Section 14 of the Voter List Act 2009, Sections 416 and 420 of the Penal Code 1860, and Section 2 of the Digital Security Act 2018. So, we urge the Election Commission to immediately stop these illegal activities and take prompt measures to prevent the misuse of NID information,” he said. Ansar-VDP Deployment Mahdi also questioned the plan to deploy 13 to 15 Ansar and VDP members at every polling centre, many of whom are local residents. “We have learned that 13 to 15 Ansar and VDP members will be appointed in each polling centre under the volunteer categorisation, a large portion of them are local residents. We believe that appointing locally based individuals to perform election duties raises questions about neutrality,” he said. Mahdi urged the Election Commission to ensure the impartial role of Ansar and VDP members by assigning them election duties outside their own police station areas. Responding to a question, he said BNP believes the country’s internal affairs are closely linked to sovereignty. “We believe the democratic world will respect that sovereignty and encourage Bangladesh to conduct its electoral process freely and independently,” Mahdi said.  

Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for the upcoming national election. Speaking during electioneering at different spots in Badda-Satarkul area in the morning, Nahid claimed that the Jamaat alliance activists are being subjected to intimidation ahead of the polls. “Although there is no direct obstruction to campaigning, a climate of fear is being deliberately created so that people refrain from going to polling centres. But these attempts will not succeed,” he said. NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid Nahid also accused the Election Commission of not maintaining neutrality towards the Jamaat alliance, alleging that he was served with a show-cause notice for campaigning in favour of a referendum, while no action was taken against others for promoting their respective parties. Nahid said the election would mark the end of extortionists, terrorists and land grabbers. “People expected extortion and land grabbing to stop after August 5, but that has not happened in some cases. February 12, the election day, will be the final day for extortionists.” Highlighting various local problems, Nahid assured voters that he would work to address the area’s crises if elected. “This election is not just about a change of power; it is about building a new Bangladesh. It is going to be a historic election where new dynamics will be seen in the electoral field.” Khaleda’s struggle for restoring democracy to be remembered forever: Nahid Calling on voters to cast their ballots freely, the NCP convener said, “Vote for whoever you choose, but do so after careful consideration, because this election will determine the fate of Bangladesh.” Addressing local residents, he urged them not to be influenced by money, benefits or false promises. “Think carefully and vote for a deserving candidate who is truly capable of bringing change to your area and the country.” During the campaign, Nahid called on voters to vote for the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol and to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.  

BNP on Saturday dismissed an allegation by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher regarding an alleged agreements with India, calling it a 'political smear' with no factual basis. “A very influential leader of a political party has made a claim about BNP’s deal with India, referring to the media. But he could not present any evidence in support of his claim, nor will he be able to do so,” said BNP’s Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office, he also said Taher’s remarks amounted to 'political smear tactics and misinformation' aimed at creating confusion during the election period. “The information, he claims, came from the media, and it has no basis whatsoever. There is not the slightest reality, not the slightest truth. So, this appears to be a political tactic to create controversies, a smear campaign,” Mahdi said. He said if the Jamaat leader was fed incorrect information or used to spread confusion, it would point to ignorance on his part. “We believe it is either a tactic or ignorance. We want to state clearly that the claims about BNP having any agreement with India are entirely false and amount to propaganda.” Taher, while implicitly referring to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, had claimed that the BNP entered into 'three agreements' with India. Mahdi said BNP rejects 'negative propaganda, smear tactics and opportunistic politics' ahead of the polls. “BNP’s politics is Bangladesh-first politics. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, national interest, sovereignty and the empowerment of citizens come first,” he said. Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s past mobilisation on issues involving water sharing and border tensions. “We demonstrated for fair water rights on the Teesta and Padma rivers and protested the killing of Felani on the border. Under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, BNP rejected subservient foreign policy and defended national sovereignty,” he said. Jamaat commits to implementing Teesta Mega Plan if elected: Dr Shafiqur Rahman Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s recently launched election hotlines aimed at providing election-related guidance and receiving complaints. “BNP has launched hotline 16543 and a WhatsApp hotline 01806977577 to enhance direct communication with the people, provide legal information, and receive complaints and constructive feedback related to the polls,” he said. Mahdi said a large number of people have already contacted the hotlines and received assistance. He drew attention to reports that an unauthorised group has been demanding money from people in the name of distributing ‘Family Cards’ and ‘Farmer Cards’. Mahdi said these cards—part of BNP’s proposed social welfare and empowerment programmes—would only be implemented by the state and 'fully free of cost' if the party comes to power. “If anyone fraudulently demands money in the name of these cards, we urge people to inform us and contact law enforcement,” the BNP spokesperson said. Responding to a query, Mahdi reiterated that any attempt to collect money using these cards is 'unwanted and intended to create controversy'.